The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1901-09-19

tricky. Holbin estimated Brodnsr a.
clesr-beaded. blunt. impolitic fcI-
low. beyond the comprehension of
plots and counterplots-a man to he
used II his confidence could be gained.
He was. most likely. in n position 10
serve him; for II was Ray ymond's con-
clusiop that the shortest way TO ar
rive at the truth OF the shooting law
in the discovery of the wounded man.
And N the victim were not actually
Brodnar's patient. Brodnar might cas-
ily identify him. II was tribute to
kichmond's popular physician that
hoibin decided at once that the best
chance for success lay in n seeming
ly frank and open statement of the
main facts. The doubtful point was
Louise. Brodnar had been present
at the rsnding 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, TO play the
stake. supposine that II he did not
win his loss would be small.
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 n sin
gular expression in the physicians
face. Afterwards he recalled that
Brodnnr reached back and closed the
door behind him.
Doctor" he began. disregarding the
others stiffness and formality. 81 have
called 10 consult you on a certain mat
ter Of a private nature directly Affect
ing the family with which we both.
To some extent. are connected. Have
you few moments to spare me?" The
doctors face had darkencd perccpti-
bly, and was turned aside for moment.
II am afraid. sir" he said. at length.
that you have made mistake. ] am
not qualified 10 advise you in any re-
spect. know OF nothing affecting the
Brookin family suppose you refer
10 the Brookins--in which we could
hae common interest. Good evening.
sir" He turned as IL to reenter the
room behind him. Holbin stood with
an angry flush upon his face. He rec
ognized instantly that n friendly serv-
ice from the doctor was now out OF the
question:; but service under moral
compplsion might yet he had.
Perhaps you are right" he said.
seeking to adopt the Others freezing
dignity. And yet you may he mistak-
en--that Is, over-basty. And perhaps,
doctor. you do not realize that am not
asking a personal favor at your hands"
"iou will have 10 excuse me-" Again
the doctor placed his hand upon the
door-knob and prepared to depart.
Il am then 10 understand" said Hol-
bin. a distinct sheer in his voice. "ihat
you Brookin people prefer that affairs
touching the family honor shall be
passed upon by strangers. Ihave come
to YOU. sir. with serious matter. as in
duty bound. The reception met with
Is such that for the future I shall rely
upon my own Judgment" With a fine
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 his
shoulder. 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 to do"
'Sit down." Holbin was not n man
easily intimidated when conscious that