mrs. lathrop. - how do you do, mr. paladin? - mrs. lathrop. - would you excuse me, please? little pablo is very ill, and i must hurry. - the eternal nurse. my wife's always ministering to the sick, or the lame, or the lazy. - colonel, what is it you wish of me? - i noticed that you were admiring that portrait, sir. - oh, was i? - that's jonathan lathrop. general george washington's. - well, the military seems to run in your family. - yes. all the mares of my family have been in the military, or lawmakers, then i plead guilty, sir. i am proud of my ancestors. - well, i'm certain you have every reason to be proud, colonel. now, as to your business with me? - well, why don't we let that wait until after you've refreshed yourself? your bag's in your room. there's a hot bath waiting. and we dine at 8:00. tuolumne, will you s sw mister paladin to his room? - thank you. - as my wife mentioned, mr. paladin, i've spoken of you often, but i'm not sure that she'll approve my reasons for asking you here. - colonel, why am i here? - i want you to locate a woman for me, mr. paladin. than