Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1901-05-08
CHATTER Will


Leaving the physicians Office. Holbin
made his way through the streets.
where excited crowds were discussing
the approaching conflict. He went TO
his room. 1t is true he had gained no
profitable information concerning the
unknown, yet-and the thought con-
soleC him to some eNtent-he had made
t"o important discoveries; Brodnar
was his enemy. and the shooting had
really occurred. But who was the man.
auo why should Brodnar seek to shield
him For the first time then il dawned
upon Holbin that Brodnar was the
friend who came 10 the rescue of the
wounded man and bore him away.
Everything corroborated Louise, and
Louise spoke from a clear memory,
then Frances had been observed ten
derry parting from the man she loved.
This mental conclusion filed him with
rage, despite the fact that he did not
and could not believe the girl guilty OF
serious error. Common sense told him
also that Brodnsr would not have been
party to a scandal and the protector
of guilty participant 1t was a 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 il could be pierced But he
hesltated at this stage. There were
other secrets besides that which
batiletl him, and he was not prepared
TO admit the presence of Louise in
Rich mond.
But why not Frances? No explana-
tons were necessary there; and she
"as young and, of course. easily
frIe htencd. He wcTst az once to her
Toom, and upon the plea of urgent
necessity forced his way in. He found
her with her checks wet with tears and
instantly full Of resentment. She re-
mained standing while he was in the
room.
81 have a matter Of great Importance.
Frances, to discuss with YOU i'm private.
and much as dislike TO be guilty of in
truSion there seems to be no help for
It, She had rcgained her calmness BY
desperate effort.
TO you, Mr.. Holbin, am always Miss
Brookin. and there cannot possibly he
any subject in which we are Jointly in
terested so important "a to necessitate
immediate discussion
Il am sorry if shall appear abrupt"
he said, but there il subject. and
there is no time to waste. Night be-
fore last man sat in this chair. YOU
kneeled in front Of him. and some one
fired through the window. woundinp
him in the head. The ball glanced into
the p.astering back there. and the man
was carried away by DR.. Brodnar. who
u row treating him in his rooms de-
mand the name Of that man ard your
reasons for admitting him into this
house"
Mr.. Holbin!"
Frances, although forewarned. was
but 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.
sirF' Her voice stcadied as she looked
him fearlessly in the eyes.
BY the right which your fathers
will confers. For IL 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. colby.
81 have several years in which 10 de-
eide, and during those years neither
you nor your mother can drive ne
from this house"
Drive you. Franccs!"
Miss Brookin!"
Come. this is folly. I am. whether
wiling or unwilling. the present head
OF this family. or at least this house
hold. All Richmond will hold me re-
sponsibie for everything that happens
here contrary to propricty, and 1 must
insist that you explain this most re-
markabie occurrence. Do not force
me to ask assistance Of the police, and
thus make the matter public" The
CIR did not finch.
81 am not afraid that Won will do
that, Mr.. Hoibin; YOU have too much az
stake. DR.. BrOdnar. besides, has told
YOU that be was in this room. and
Richmond will want TO know why. II
there is anything wrong afoot. YOU do
not hold him responsible. No one has
been in this room until now cvcept
by my consent, and if any crime has
been committed. the criminals arc
probably better known TO you than
anyone else. / am totGlly in the dark;
] have no idea why anyone. especially
woman, should attempt to shoot 20
fgicad Of mine here"
"a woman. Who told you a " oman
did t?"
MY own eyes. saw her tracks: and
now. sir. who told you? Was il the
woman?"
Helbin lauahcd sileptlv.