The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1901-05-17

trusion there seems to be no help for
it," she had regained her calmness by
a desperate effort.
ITO 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 shall appear abrupt"
he said, "but there is subject, and
there Is no time TO waste. Night be-
fore last a man sat In this chair, you
kneeled in front OF him, and some one
fred through the window, wounding
him in the head. The ball glanced into
the plastering back there, and the man
was carried away by DIR. 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
but girl, and could not keep the tell
tale blood from her faos.
DO not attempt TO deceive me. Give
me the name and yOlr reasons"
by what right do you demand this,
sir?" Her voice stendied as she looked
him fearleEsly in the eyes.
"By the right which your fathers
will eonfers. For II 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,
81 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, Prancesl"
"AIiss Brookin!"
"Come, this is follyl l am, whether
willing or unwilling, the present head
of this family, or at least this house
hold. All Richmond will hold me re-
sponsib,R for everything that happens
here contrary to propriety, and must
insist that you explain this most re-
markable occurrence. DO not force
me to ask assistance OF the police, and
thus make the matter public" The
girl did not finch.
an AAOl AAAAAh NAlat gON N4LA w
that, Mr.. Holbin; you have too much at
stake. DR., Brodnar, besides, has told
you that he was In this room, and
Richmond will want TO know why, If
there is anything wrong afoot, you do
not hold him responsible. No one has
been in this room-until now-eXoept
by my consent, and II any crime has
been committed. the criminals are
probably better known 10 you than
anyone else. l am totally in the dark;
l have no idea why anyone, especially
a woman, should attempt to shoot a
friend OF mine here"
"a womani Who told you woman
did it2"
my own eyes. saw her tracks; and
now, sir, who told your Was it the
woman"
Holbin laughed silently.
you play that as though IL were
trump" he said. perhaps no woman's
tracks have ever been there but yours.
1t is your garden"
"Only, saw them before made any
tracks there" she said, quietly.
Il don't question your honesty, Miss
Brooltin, but others might; and IL peo-
pie were disposed to judge you kindly
they would simply suggest that you
had powerful motive To this she
disdadned reply. She had picked up
Brodnar's letter from the table and
moved away, seeing which he said per-
sistently; "You will please answer my
question. 1 dislike greatly TO annoy
you, but my duty is imperative. Your
secret will be safe with me; and l
must protect the name of my future
wife-that you will admit"
Your wifeP Have you supposed for
moment, sir, that shall ever become