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In the gay season of 1866, Hardin, still bent on the golden quest in the hills, reads with some astonishment, the careful "precis" of his social spy. He writes: "I have searched Paris all over. The old Confederate circles are scattered now. They are out of favor at the imperial court. Even Duke Gwin, the leader of our people, has departed. His Dukedom of Sonora has gone up with our Confederacy.
"I want to consult you, Judge," is his excuse. Hardin, now counsel for warring giants of finance, listens over the terrapin and birds, to several legal posers regarding Joe's affairs. Woods has wide influence. He is a powerful friend to placate. Hardin, easy now in money matters, looks forward to the United States Senate. Woods can help. He is a tower of strength.
"Nathan Dresser is here," he wrote to his friend Bennett, on January 15, 1846, "and speaks as though the contest between Hardin and me is to be doubtful in Menard County. I know he is candid, and this alarms me some. I asked him to tell me the names of the men that were going strong for Hardin; he said Morris was about as strong as any. Now tell me, is Morris going it openly?
Douglas, many years later, declared that he was drawn to Lincoln by a strong sympathy, for they were both young men making an uphill struggle in life. Lincoln, at his first sight of Douglas, during the contest with Hardin for the attorneyship, pronounced him "the least man he ever saw." Douglas was the youngest member of an unusual house, but he at once took his place among the leaders.
"You know well enough that I meant the horse " Fred Linden stopped short, and turned his white, scared face upon his friend. He had just awakened to an astounding fact. "What's the matter, Fred? Are ye ill?" "My gracious! why didn't I think of that before? Those three horses belong to father, Mr. Hardin and Mr. Bowlby." "Are ye sure of the same?"
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.
Month by month, he is knitting up the web of his dark intrigues. He would unite the daring sons of the South in one great secret organization, ready to strike when the hour of destiny is at hand. It comes nearer, day by day. Here, in this secret cause of the South, Valois' heart and soul go out to Hardin. He feels the South was juggled out of California.
"We will be forgotten, and so lose California." "The worst is that the coast will stand neutral," says Hardin. "Now, Judge," Valois firmly answers, "I have heard to-night talk of running up the 'bear flag, 'the lone star, 'the palmetto banner, or 'the flag of the California Republic, on the news of war. I hope they will not do so rashly." "Why?" says Hardin.
There is all a mother's love in her appeal. "Both of you. I swear it. You shall not want for money or protection," Joe solemnly says. "Then, I will!" Natalie firmly answers. He springs to her side. "Does Hardin know which girl is his daughter?" "He does not!" Natalie says slowly. There is a silence; Joe can hear his own heart beat. Victory at last.
To place the child he would ignore, where millions will surround her, is her ambition. With Marie Berard as friend, confidante, agent, and spy, she can keep these two children apart. Hortense Duval and Natalie Santos can defy the world. Distrust of Hardin always burns in her breast. Will he dare to attempt her life; to cut off her income; to betray her?
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