f the Mormon. This had been heightened by some
information incidentally imparted by the deserters--chiefly by
Sure-shot. It related to the destination of a number of the emigrants,
who accompanied the caravan; and with whom the rifleman had held
intercourse, previous to their departure from Van Buren. These were not
prospective gold-diggers, but persons migrating westward from motives
more spiritual: they were _Saints_ bound for the Salt Lake--there
intending to stay and settle.

There was a large party of these "Latter-day" converts under the conduct
of an apostolic agent. This much had Sure-shot ascertained. He had not
seen their leader, nor heard his name. Joshua Stebbins might be the
very man? Even as a conjecture, this was bitter enough. Up to the time
of joining with the deserters, I had consoled myself with the belief,
that California was the destination of this saint and his squatter
protege; though at times I was troubled with the remembrance of
Su-wa-nee's words. Their truth was almost confirmed by the report of
the ex-rifleman. I could not now think otherwise, than that Stebbins
was bound for the Mormon city; and that he was the fox in charge of the
flock of geese that accompanied the emigrant train. It was more than
probable. While waiting in Swampville for the letter of Lilian, I had
learnt something of the history of the _ci-devant_ schoolmaster--not
much of the period subsequent to his departure from that place--little
more than the fact that he had joined the Mormons, and had risen to high
office in their church--in short, that he was one of their "apostles."
This fact, however, was one of primary significance.

Had the squatter also submitted to the hideous delusion? Was he also on
his way to the shrine of the faith? The answer to the former question
was of slight importance, so long as that to the latter might be
conceived in the affirmative. If Holt was bound to the Salt Lake, then
was the fate of his daughter to be dreaded. Not long there may a virgin
dwell. The baptism of the New Jordan soon initiates its female
neophytes into the mysteries of womanhood--absolutely compelling them to
the marriage-tie--forcing them to a wedlock loveless and unholy.

Suffering under such apprehensions, I scarcely needed the additional
stimulus of jealousy to urge me onward; and yet, strange as it may
appear, the finding of the bouquet had produced this effect. I would
have ridden on, without halt,