The huge mountain ranges on the
Oregon border are their last fastnesses.
In every community of the growing State, the law is aided by quickly
executed decrees of vigilance committees. Self-appointed popular
leaders, crafty politicians, scheming preachers, aspiring editors,
and ambitious demagogues crop up. They are the mushroom growth of
the muck-heap of the new civilization.
Hardin gathers up with friendships the rising men of all the counties.
At the newly formed clubs of the city his regular entertainments
are a nucleus of a socio-political organization to advance the
ambitious lawyer and the cause of the South.
Men say he looks to the Senate, or the Supreme Bench. Maxime Valois,
rising in power at Stockton, retains the warmest confidence of
Hardin. He knows the crafty advocate is the arch-priest of Secession.
Month by month, he is knitting up the web of his dark intrigues.
He would unite the daring sons of the South in one great secret
organization, ready to strike when the hour of destiny is at
hand. It comes nearer, day by day. Here, in this secret cause of
the South, Valois' heart and soul go out to Hardin. He feels the
South was juggled out of California. Both he and his Mephisto are
gazing greedily on the wonderful development of the coast.
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