"
Harris, with a very grave face, enters the private rooms of Judge
Hardin at the Orleans Hotel.
Hardin listens, with scowling brow as black as night. He tears open
the envelop! His faithful henchman wonders what can bring night's
blackness to Judge Hardin's face.
The lines are a careful acknowledgment of the paternity of the girl
child of "Natalie de Santos," born at San Francisco and now about
eighteen years of age. It closes with a statement of her right to
inherit as a lawful heiress from him.
"I will shoot that dog on sight, if he carries out this threat,"
deliberately says Hardin.
"Judge," coldly replies his lieutenant, "does this note refer to
public affairs, or to party interests?"
"Private matters!" replies Hardin, his eyes flashing.
"Then, let me say, I will keep silent in this matter. I shall
ask you to name some other man to handle your candidacy before the
Legislature. Joe Woods is honest, and absolutely of iron nerve.
You can send for any of your other friends, and choose a man to
take my place. I won't fight Joe. Woods never lied in his life.
"If you will state that you have adjusted this difference with him,
I am at your service. Let me know your decision soon.
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