Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-10-08
espyright ma. BY ). b. Il
CHAPTER VII

Inc influences OF established prfn-
0ples and correct associations NAV
carry an ordinary man to success in
proper channels. but the successful
villain is necessarily an intellectual
being. In his room Holbin gradually
evolved from his discoveries the con-
clusion that he had an active enemv
near at hand, and that plot was
thickening about him. Yet who was
there in Richmond that knew enough
OF his history to place finger upon
the blacklist spot in his life? And
why the enmity? Two theories pre-
sented themselves, and only two
love for Frances Brookin and love for
the BroolIn wealth Since il wan
clear that the girl had been too long
secluded, and too receHtly grown to
Aave formed many friendships in Rich
mond, evidently the money was the
potent influence in the secret OPERA
tions about him. But who had been
ahot, and why?
Holbin labored under the immense
disadvantage of a man without init:
mate friends. He had gravitated ran
Idly during his short stay in the city
towaSds the fast set; men classed
him quickly as sporty" and women
looked on him with doubt. People
who had at heart the interests of the
latter looked even more coldly upon
the debonair man of the world. Tbe
fact that he was the son of Mrs. John
Brookin was disadvantage, for So 7
Sisty had never been enamoured az the
successor 70 the gentle little lady who
Re1I nI H. ~
sion Intimates he had, but friends.
none. In his perplexity over the mys-
tsry 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
faverably regarded by Mrs. Brookin;
but the basis of this lady's dislike.
was, as he knew. not legitimate. DIR.
hrodnar, in succeeding to his fathers
practice some years before. had in a
way inherited old Mr. Brookin, and
chat 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 a
straightforward. honest man than
one ~is Il a. n,--f SSshanest ao..
tricky. Holbiu -eSp..,, :,
= clear-beaded, oiunG, .nlpolitic fti-
low, beyond the comprehension of
pits and counterplots-a man to be
useo IL his confidence could be gained.
He was, most likely, In n position to
serve him; for it was Raymond's con-
clusion that the shortest way to ar
rive at the truth of the shooting Law
In the discovery of the wounded man.
And IL the victim were not actually
Brodnar's patient, Brodnar might cas-
lily identify him. It was a tribute to
Rchmond's popular physician that
Holbin decided at once that the best
chance for success lay in a 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. lie determined, with a
gamblers quick decision, to play the
stake, supposing that If 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 a sim
gular expression in the physicians
face. Afterwards he recalled that
Brodnar reached back and closed the
door behind him.
Doctor" he began, disregarding the
others stiffness and formality. az have
called to consult you on certain mat
ter of private nature directly a feet
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.
am afraid, sir" he said, at length,
that you have made a mistake. L am
not qualified to advise you in any re-
spect. know of nothing affecting the
Brookin family--I suppose you refer
10 the Brookins-in which we could
nae a common interest. Good evening,
sir" He turned as if to Renter the
room behind him. Holbin stood with
an angry dush upon his face. He rec
ognized instantly that a friendly serv-
ice from the doctor was now out of the
question; but service under moral
compulsion might yet be had.
ferhaps 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 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.
am then to understand" said Hol-
DIN, 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
rs such that for Ia