The friends are alone.
Pere Francois is silent. His face is pale. Joe is alarmed at his
feeling. Forcing a draught of Bourbon on the padre, Joe cries,
"What is the matter?"
"I see it now," murmurs the priest. "The children have been changed.
For what object?"
He tells Woods of the proofs gained in days of Louise's illness.
"Your little friend is the heiress of Lagunitas?" Woods asks.
"I am sure of it. We must prove it."
"Leave that to me," bursts out Joe, striding the room, puffing at
his cigar.
"How will you do it?" falters the priest.
"I will find the father of the other child," Joe yells. "I am
going to California. I will root up this business. I have a copy
of Vimont's notes. You write me all you remember of this history.
Meanwhile, not a word. No change in your game. You make foothold
in that house on the Elysees.
"There was no railroad when these people came here. I will get
the lists of passengers and steamer reports, I have friends in the
Pacific Mail."
Joe warms up. "Yes, sir. I'll find who is responsible for that
extra child. The man who is, is the party putting up for all this
splendor here. I think if I can stop the money supplies, we can
break their lines.
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