She will care nothing for the squabble over the acres
of Lagunitas, if well paid. As for the priest, he may swear as
strongly as he likes. The girl will surely be declared illegitimate.
He has destroyed all the papers. Valois' will is never to see the
light. If deception has been practiced he cares not. Senatorial
privilege raises him too high for the voice of slander.
He has the golden heart of these hills now to himself.
Yes, he will fool the priest and divide his enemies. The money
for Natalie will be deposited in Paris banks. The principal to be
paid her in one year, on condition of never again coming to the
United States. Long before that time he will be legally free and
remarried. Hardin rubs his hands in glee. Neither reporter nor
the public will ever see the divorce proceedings. That is easily
handled in Mariposa.
In his local legal experience, he has many times seen wilder schemes
succeed. Spanish grants have been shifted leagues to suit the occasion.
Boundaries are removed bodily. Witnesses are manufactured under
golden pressure. The eyes of Justice are blinded with opaque weights
of the yellow treasure.
But he must work rapidly. It is now only a short week to the trial.
The court-house and records are regularly watched.
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