The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-06-01

THIS. SIR" SAID HoLBIN, IN A RAGE.
rs INFAMOUS
Brodnar reached back and closed the
door behind him.
Doctor" he began, disregarding the
others stiffness and formality. 81 have
called 10 consult you on acertain mat
ter OF a private nature directly affect
ing the family with which we both.
10 some extent, are connected Have
YOU few moments 10 spare meY The
Doctors face had darkened percepti-
bly, and was turned aside for a moment.
~ am afraid, sir" he said, at length.
"that You have made a mistake. am
not qualified TO advise you in any re-
spect. | know Of nothing affecting the
Brookin family suppose you refer
to the Brookins-in which we could
haze a common interest. Good evening,
sir" He turned as II % Renter the
room behind him. Holbin stood with
an angry flush upon his face. He rec
ognized instantly that a friendly serv-
ice from the doctor was now out Of the
question; but service under moral
compulsion might yet be had.
perhaps you are right" he said,
seeking to adopt the Others freezing
dignity "And yet you may be mistak
en-that is, over-hasty. And perhaps
doctor, you DO not realize that am not
asking personal favor at your hands
"You will have to excuse me-" Again
the doctor placed his hand upon the
door-knob and prepared to depart.
81 am then 10 understand" said Hol-
bin. distinct sheer in his voice, that
you Brooldn people prefer that affairs
touching the family honor shall be
passed upon by strangers. Ihave come
70 YOU. sir, with serious matter, as in
duty bound The reception met with
is such that for the future / shall rely
upon my own judgment" With a fine
show of heat he took up his hat and
cane, and with no pretense of bow
was turning away when he felt the
doctors hand laid not lightly upon his
shoulder. and his stern voice:
Explain yourself, sir"
"Unless I am much mistaken" he
said, showing his white teeth slightly
"that has been the very thing you re-
fused me permission TO do"
"Sit down." Holbin was not a man
easily intimidated when conscious that
he held winning cards. He read the
bluff doctor easily. and knew that he
was disturbed
! IL must preface my remarks" he be-
gan. "by the statement that am not
at liberty TO give you the name Of my
/ informant In these matters"
Are YOU aware. then, that you be-
come responsible should you repeat
them2p
~ am aware OF no such rule" said
/ Holbin, "at least none that applies 10
me IN this instancei I am most directly
/ affected since the circumstances in
volye the good name Of Frances Brook
/ in Of whom by her fathers will ] was
made lifelong protector shall de-
4 fend her TO the best OF my ability, but
I | think some Of her people ought to be
willing 10 share the responsibility. IL
/ must not be forgotten that II is by no
means settled that shall accept the
propositions Of Mr. BroolSins remark
able Will"
Cured TO me-" said Or. Brodnar.
Really II has not occurred 10 you
that a gentleman may not be pur-
chased like so much merchandise"
"Do you mean 20 insinuate. sir, that
you did not seek to marry Frances
/ Brookin?" DR.. Brodnar arose, and the
question burst from him Indignantly
but, restraining himself. he looked TO.
wards the inner door and lowered his
voice, an action that did not escape bis
visitors notice.
81 insinuate nothing. My mother
perhaps made a request In my name
but without my knowledge or consent
have had no chauceNto decline the
alliance. were | so disposed. The ar.
rangemcnt. however. seems 90 me
an excellent one. and sincerely
trust that nothing has happened or
will happen 10 defeat IT,"
"In The name Of God, man. what
arc you driving at2"
"a man was shot night before last
upon our premises and spirited away
whether living or dead II is not known
My informant thinks he Is living"
"Who told you such a thing2" The
words came almost as n whisper from
the astonished doctor
"Hc was shot from o window while
In the wiug-room which opens into
the garden. He was struck on the
right side Of his head"
go ont" said the physician, after
pause, and making desperate. efforts