Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-08-08

towards the fast set; men classed
him quickly as SPORTY" and women
looked on him with doubt. Pcople
who had at heart the interests of the
latter looked even more coldly upon
the debonair man Of the world. The
fact that he was the son Of Mrs. John
Brookin was a disadvantage, for So
eety had never been enamoured of the
successor 70 the gentle little lady who
once presided over the Brookin man
sion. Intimatcs he had. but friends,
none. In his perplexity over the mys-
terry into which he had been plunged
Holbin turned at length to DR.. Brod-
mar. He had seen the doctor upon
rare occasions only, and in some way
he bad understood that he was not
favorably regarded by Mrs. Brookin;
but the basis OF this lady's dislikes
was. as he knew, not Legitimate. DR..
Brodnar, in succeeding TO his fathers
practice some years before. had in a
way inherited old Mr.. Brookin, and
that individual had firmly resisted his
new wife's efforts to substitute her
own physician for him. The doctor
was q distant relative Of the dead
wife. one Of the few links which
bound the old man to a happy past;
and as people grow old they dislike
new family physicians.
No one is quicker TO recognize a
straigh forward, honest man than
one who is himself dishonest and
tricky. Holbin estimar Brodnar as
clear-headed. blunt. iI<1olitic fell
low, beyond the comprehension OF
plots and counterplots man to be
used il his confidence could be gained.
He was, most likely, in a position 10
serve him; for it was Raymond's con-
clusion that the shortest way to ar
rive at the truth of the shooting lay
in the discovery Of the wounded man.
And il the victim were not actually
Brodnar's patient, Brodnar might cas-
lily identify him. 1t was a tribute to
Richmond's popular physician that
Holbin decided at once that the best
chance for success lay in a seeming
ly frank and open statement of the
main facts. The doubtful point was
at the reading of the will when the
question concerning her was asked;
but, he concluded, over hastily,
Brodnar could hardly know anything
about her beyond the name that had
been uttered. He determined. with a
gamblers quick decision, 10 play the
stake, supposing that il he did not
,yir y lace ,ro,lJ l,a c,,,
He entered the doctors office upon
the afternoon of the funeral and
presently the door between the inner
and outer offices opened. Brodnar
stood upon the threshold looking at
, him. At once Holbin remarked a sim
guar expression in the physicians
face. Afterwards he recalled that
Brodnar reached back and closed the
door behind him.
Doctor" he began. egarding the
others stiffness and formality. 81 have
called to consult you on certain mat
ter of private nature directly affect
ing the family with which we both,
to some extent, are connected. Have
you a few moments to spare me?" The
]
bly, and was turned aside for a moment.
81 am afraid. sir" he said, az length.
that you have made a mistake. | am
not qualified to advise you in any re-
! spect. know of not hing affecting the
Brookin family suppose you refer
TO the Brookins-in which we could
hae a common interest. Good evening,
;,.' :
room behind him. Holbin stood with
an angry flush upon his face. He rec
/ ogni2ed instantly that a friendly serv-
ice from the doctor was snow out OF the
question; but service under moral
/ compulsion might yet be had.
"Perhaps you are right" hc said
seeking to adopt the ot1oc'S freezing
dignity. And yet you may be mistal-
en-that is. overhasty. And perhaps
doctor, you do not realize that am no,
asking a 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
Il am then to understand" said Hol-
bin, distinct sneer in his voice. that
you Brookin people prefer that affairs
: touching the family honor shall he
passed upon by strangers. lhaye come
10 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 fin,
show of heat he took up his hat and
cane, and with no pretense Of a bow
was turning away when he felt the
doctors hand laid not lightly upon HI 5
shou der. and his stern voice:
explain yourself, sir"
UNLESS | am much mistaken" he
said, showing his white teeth slightly
"that has been the very thing you re-
fused me permission 10 do"
"Sit down" Holbiu was not man
easily intimidated when conscious tina,
he held winning cards. He read the
bluff doctor easily, and knew that he
was disturbed.
81 must preface my remarks he be
gan. "bv 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
them?"
Il am aware OF no such rule" SAID
Holbin, Fat least none that applies &c
me in this instance; | am most directly
affected. since the circumstances in.
volve the good name of Frances Brook
In. Of whom 10y her fathers will was