Is it so, is it the law that these men can take possession of nothing here until after Eloise has been found and their papers served upon her ?" "Yes, I believe it is," I said.

"She is the legal heiress of Judge Beaucaire; the estate is hers by inheritance, as, I am told, there was no will.

All this property, including the slaves, would legally remain in her possession until proper steps had been taken by others.

Serving of the papers would be necessary.

There is no doubt as to that--although, probably, after a certain length of time, the court might presume her dead and take other action to settle the estate." "But not for several years ?" "No; I think I have heard how many, but have forgotten." She drew a deep breath and stepped toward me, gazing straight into my face.
"I believe in you," she said firmly.