The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-04-18

successor to the gentle little. lady who
once presided over the Brookin man
sion. Intimates 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 had 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
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 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
straightforward, honest man. than
one who is himself dishonest and
tricky. :Holbin estimated Brodnar as
clear-headed, blunt, impolitic fell
low, beyond the comprehension of
plots and counterplots-a man to be
used if his confidence could be gained
He was, most likely, in a position to
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 if the victim were not actually
Brodnar's patient, Brodnar might cas-
lily identify him. It was tribute to
Richmond's popular physician that
Holbin decided at once that the best
chance for success lay in seeming
~ frank and open statement of the
main facts. The doubtful point was
Louise. Brodnar had been present
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, to play the
| stake, supposing that if he did not
VIII ulS lOSS WOulO De 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 a sim
gular expression in the physicians
! face. Afterwards he recalled that
l loo
! door behind him.
! Doctor" he began, disregarding the
others stiffness and formality,''I have
called to consult you ON a certain mat
ter of 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 darkened percepti-
bly, and was turned aside for moment.
Il 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-I suppose you refer
to the Brookins-in which we could
haze common interest. Good evening,
sir" He turned as if to reenter the
room behind him. Holbin stood with
an angry flush upon his face. He rec
ognized instantly that friendly serv-
ice from the doctor was low 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 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 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 shall rely
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 l 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." HoIDin 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.
II 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 ma tiers"
"Are you aware, then, that you be-
come responsible should you repeat
them? %
. Il am aware of no such rule," said
Holbin, sat least none that applies to