"That's my business," sturdy Joe mutters, with an unearthly wink. "You give me back my check, old man, and I'll tell you what I know."
Lee laughs. "I'm not so curious, Colonel."
They shake hands, and the gray old wolf goes to his den to muse over what has sent Joe Woods on a quest for this "fallen star."
Lee wastes no time in mooning. The check is a "pleasing reality." The memories of Hortense Duval are dearer to Joe than to him. His pen indites the results of that watchful espionage which covers so many unread leaves of private life in San Francisco.
There is an innocent smile on Woods' face when he strolls into his own office and asks Peyton to give him the evening in quiet. Strongly attracted by the Virginian, Woods has now a double interest in his new friend.
In the sanctum, Woods says, "Peyton, I am going to tell you a story, but you must first show me the papers you have kept so long of poor Valois."
Peyton rises without a word. He returns with a packet.
"Here you are, Woods. I have not examined them yet. Now, what is it?"
"You told me Valois made a will before he died, Peyton," begins Woods.
"He did, and wrote to Hardin. He wrote to the French priest at his ranch."