A preliminary conference of the southern element in the
convention is arranged. They must give the embryo State a pro-slavery
constitution. He busies himself with gaining a thorough knowledge
of the already forming cabals. Power is to be parcelled out, places
are to be filled. The haughty Mississippian cares more for this
excitement than digging for mere inert treasure. His quick eye catches
California's splendid golden star in the national constellation.
Valois finds he must wait the expected letters. He decides to take
no steps as to investment until the civil power is stable.
With a good mustang he rides the peninsula thoroughly. He visits
the old Presidio on the outskirts of the growing city. He rides
far over the pass of Lake Merced, to where the broken gap in the
coast hills leaves a natural causeway for the railway of the future.
Philip Hardin, fisher of men, is keeping open house near the plaza.
Already his rooms are the headquarters of the fiery chivalry of
the South. Day by day Valois admires the self-assertion of the
imperious lawyer. The Mississippian has already plotted out the
situation. He is concert with leaders like himself, who are looking
up and drawing in their forces for the struggle at the convention.
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