Not a move
indicates any prying into the matter beyond the mere identity of
the heiress. But who has set up the other claimant?
It would be madness for Natalie to raise this quarrel! Some schemers
have imposed a strange girl on the other party. Hardin recalls
Natalie's wild astonishment at the apparition of another "Isabel
Valois."
And the second girl did not even know who Natalie was. What devil's
work is this?
Hardin decides to "burn his ships." Alone in the home of the
Peraltas, he prepares for a campaign "a l'outrance." That crafty
priest might know too much. The evening before his departure he
burns up every paper at the ranch which would cause any remark, even
in case of his death. Next morning, as he rides out of Lagunitas,
he gazes on the fair domain. The last thing he sees is the chapel
cross. A chill suddenly strikes him. He gallops on. Rapidly
journeying to Mariposa, he installs himself in the headquarters
of his friends. His ablest counsel has provided the bought Judge,
with full secret instructions to meet every contingency.
Sober and serious in final judgment, Philip Hardin quickly summons
a discreet friend. He requests a last personal interview with
Natalie de Santos.
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