Passing into the hall, Pere Francois stands amazed as if he sees
a ghost.
"What's the matter, padre?" queries Colonel Joe as they enter their
carriage.
"Did you see that maid who passed us as we left the salon?" remarks
the padre.
"Yes, and a good-looking woman too," says the Californian.
"That woman is the guardian of Louise Moreau," the padre hastily
replies.
"Look here! What are you telling me?" cries the Colonel.
"There's some deviltry up! I'm sorry I must leave. But how do you
know?" he continues.
The priest tells him about artful Josephine, whose womanly curiosity
has been piqued. He has seen this person on her visits. Useless to
trace her. Entering an arcade or some great shop, she has baffled
pursuit. Through the Bois, the friends commune over this mystery.
"I'll fix you out," says Woods, with a shout. "I've got a fellow
here who watched some people for me on a mining deal. I'll rip that
household skeleton all to pieces. We'll dissect it!"
He cries: "Now, padre, I'm a-going to back you through this affair,"
as they sit in his rooms over a good dinner. Colonel Joe has sent
all his people away. He wants no listeners. As he pours the Cliquot,
he says, "You give me a week and I'll post you.
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