Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1901-06-06
CHAPTER VIII.

Leaving the physicians Office, Holbin
made his way through the streets,
where excited crowds were discussing
the approaching conflict. He went to
mis- room. 1t is true he had gained no
profitable information concerning the
unknown, yet-and the thought con-
Soled him to some extent-he had made
two important discoveries: Brodnar
was his enemy, and the shooting had
really occurred. But who was the man,
and why should Brodnar seek to shield
him? For the first time then it dawned
upon Holbin that Brodnar was the
friend who came to the rescue of the
wounded man and bore him away.
Everything corroborated Louise, and
3f Louise spoke from a clear memory,
then Frances had been observed ten
derly parting from the man she loved.
This mental conclusion filled him with
rage, despite the fact that he did not
aud could not believe the girl guilty of
serious error. Common sense told him
also that Brodnar would not have been
party to scandal and the protector
of a guilty participant. 1t was bad
hour that Holbin gave to his dilemma
In the privacy of his own room. In
his doubt and distress he thought often
of his mother, who had Richmond So
,ciety at her finger ends, and whose
clear, incisive mind could pierce the
mystery if it could be pierced. But he
hesitated at this stage. There were
other secrets besides that which
baffied him, and he was not prepared
to admit the presence of Louise in
Richmond.
But why not Frances? No explana-
tions were necessary there; and she
was young and, of course, easily
frightened He went at once to her
room, and upon the plea of urgent
necessity forced his way in. He found
her with her cheeks wet with tears and
INSTANTLY full of resentment She re-
mained standing while he was in the
goom.
al have a matter of great Importance,
Frances, to discuss with you in private,
and much as l dislike to be guilty of in
trusion there seems to be no help for
ft-" She had regained her calmness by
. desperate effort.
''To you, Mr. Holbin, am always Miss
Brookin, and there cannot possibly be
any subject in which we are jointly in
terested SO important as to necessitate
immediate discussion"
81 am sorry if l shall appear abrupt"
he said, but there is a subject, and
there is no time to waste. Night be-
fore last a man sat in this chair, you
L1neeIed in front of him, and some one
fired through the window, wounding
him in the head. The ball glanced into
the piastering back there, and the man
was carried away by DR.. Brodnar, who
is now treating him in his rooms. de-
mand the name of that man and your
reasons for admitting him into this
house"
"Mr. Holbin!"
Frances, although forewarned, was
hut girl, and could not keep the tell
tale blood from her face.
"Do not attempt to deceive me. Give
me the name and your reasons"
"By what right do you demand this
sir?" Her voice steadied as she looked
him fearlessly in the eyes.
by the right which your fathers
will confers. For if you take one course
under that will, this property is his
widows, my mothers; and if you take
the other"
"In the meantime" she said, coldly
az have several years in which to de.
eide, and during those years neither
you nor your mother can drive me
from this house."
"Drive you, Frances!"
"Miss Brookin!"
"Come, this is folly! I am, whether
willing or unwilling, the present heaG
of this family, or at least this house
hold. All Richmond will hold me re
spousible for everything that happens
here contrary to propriety, and l must
insist that you explain this most re-
markable occurrence. Do not force
me to ask assistance of the police, anG
thus make the matter public" The
girl did not finch.
''I am not afraid that you will dc
that, Mr.. Holbin; you have too much al
stake. DIR. Brodnar, besides, has tole
you that he was in this room, anc
Richmond will want to know why, i
there is anything wrong afoot, you dc
not hold him responsible. No one ha!
been in this room-until now-excep
by my consent, and if any crime ha
been committed, the criminals ar,
probably better known TO you than
anyone else. l am totally in the dark
have no idea why anyone, especially
woman, should attempt to shoot ;
friend of mine here"
"A woman! Who told you woman
did it?''
my own eyes. saw her tracks; ant
now. sir, who told you? Was it th
woman"