In five days a despatch from Tallulah gladdens the miner, who longs
for Paris:
"Found and examined baggage. Original letter in my hands. Coming
with all. Many other papers.
"PEYTON."
On the Virginian's arrival Judge Davis instructs the friends. Woods
insists on Peyton taking joint charge of the quest for the orphan's
fortune.
"Hardin is responsible under his trusteeship. You can't force
Peyton on him as co-executor. He has concealed the will. A suit
now would warn the villain and endanger the child's life. Take the
certified copy of the transfer to Paris. Get the priest's deposition
that the document is forged; then guard the girl as if she were
your life. In a few years the heiress will be entitled to claim her
estate. Keep the child near Paris, but change her residence often.
Watch the maid and Madame de Santos. Follow them to California.
Produce the girl you claim to be the heiress. I will give you a
letter to an advocate in Paris, who will close up the proof. Beware
of Hardin! If he suspects, the child's life may be in danger!"
"I'll kill him myself if there is any foul play!" roars Joe Woods.
"My dear Colonel, that would not bring the child back," remarks
Judge Davis, smiling at his handsome counsel fee.
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