"Stop your nonsense," says the happy Joe, ringing for the waiter to clear away the wreck of his cyclonic fist. "The clothes are O.K."
"Where did she come from to take that boat?" demands Woods.
"From Hardin's house," says Lee.
A light breaks in on Colonel Joe's brain.
"And that woman with her?"
"Was her maid, who stayed with her from the time she left the El Dorado, and ran the little nest on the hill. The mistress never showed up in public."
"And the child who went with the maid?" Joe's voice trembles.
"Was Hardin's child. Its mother was the 'Queen of the El Dorado.'"
Woods looks at Lee.
"Can you give me a report, from the time of the killing of 'French Charlie' down to the sailing?"