What force impels her?
Hardin has enjoined Harris to have Woods repeat his pledge of
"non-opposition."
"Did you see the Jedge sign this here paper?" says Woods dryly, as
he inspects the signature. His face is solemn.
"I did," Harris answers.
"Then just write your name here as witness," Joseph briskly says,
handing him a pen, and covering the few lines of the document,
leaving only Philip Hardin's well-known signature visible.
Harris hesitates. Joe's eyes are blazing; no foolery now! Harris
quietly signs. The name of Joseph Woods is added, at once, with
the date.
"Harris," says Joseph, "you're a man of honor. I pledge you now I
will not make public the nature of this document. Hardin can grab
for the Senate now, if you boys can elect him. I'll not fight him."
Harris retires in silence. The day is saved. Though the election is
within three days, Joseph Woods finds private business so pressing
that his seat is vacant, when Philip Hardin is declared Senator-elect.
The pledge has been kept. Not a rumor of the secret incident reaches
the public. The cautious Joseph is grateful for not being obliged
to shorten Hardin's life.
Fly as fast as Hardin may to Mariposa, Joe Woods is there before
him.
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