It is left to the priest and his ally from the ranks of "Mammon" to
follow these tangled threads. The younger men know nothing, save
the injunctions to Josephine.
Ten days after this visit, Colonel Joe, who has run over to London,
where he closed some financial matters of note, sends post-haste
to Pere Francois this note:
"Come up, padre. I've got a whole history for you. It will make
your eyes open. I want you to talk to the detective."
Even the Californian's horses are not quick enough to-day for the
priest.
Ushered in, he finds Colonel Joe on the broad grin.
Accepting a cigar, his host cries, "We've struck it rich. A mare's
nest. Now, Vimont, give my friend your report."
Joe Woods smokes steadily, as Jules Vimont reads from his note-book:
"Madame Natalie de Santos arrived in Paris with two young girls,
one of whom is at the Sacre-Coeur under the name of Isabel Valois;
the other is the child who is visited by Marie Berard, her maid.
She is called Louise Moreau."
Pere Francois listens to this recital. The detective gives a
description of the beautiful stranger, and at length.
Joe interrogates. The priest gravely nods until the recital is
finished. Vimont shuts his book with a snap and disappears, at a
nod from the miner.
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