was more than probable that to the migrating Mormons I
should be a most unwelcome apparition--to Stebbins I certainly should,
and perhaps to Holt himself. I might expect no very courteous treatment
at their hands. With Stebbins for their leader--and that fact was now
ascertained--I might find myself in danger from his _Danites_--of whom
no doubt there would be a party "policing" the train.

Such considerations were not to be disregarded. I knew the hostility
which, even under ordinary circumstances, these fanatics are accustomed
to feel towards outsiders to their faith; but I had also heard of their
_display_ of it, when in possession of the power. The "Sectary" who
sets foot in the city of Latter-day Saints, or travels with a Mormon
train, will be prudent to keep his dissent to himself. Woe to him if he
proclaim it too boastingly!

Not only with difficulties then, but with dangers was my purpose beset;
though the difficulties caused me far more concern than the actual
dangers. Had Holt been upon my side--had I been certain of his
consent--I should have cared little for the dangers of an _abduction_:
for this was the plan to which my thoughts now pointed. Even had I been
sure that Lilian herself would agree to such a thing, I should have
deemed all danger light, and still have entertained a hope of its
accomplishment. The contingencies appeared fearfully unfavourable: the
father _would not_ consent--the daughter _might not_? It was this last
doubt that gave the darkest hue to my reflections. I continued them--
turning the subject over and over--viewing it from every point. Surely
Holt would not contribute to the ruin of his daughter--for in no other
light did I regard her introduction to the society of the Mormon city?
There was manhood in the man--somewhere down near the bottom of his
heart--perhaps some remnants of rough virtue. This I had myself proved;
and, if filial testimony were to be trusted, he was not so abandoned a
character as he appeared. Was it possible he could be aware of the real
intentions of the churl who was leading him and his to ruin? After all,
he _might_ not. It is true he was aware that Stebbins was a Mormon; but
as Marian had suggested--in her efforts to justify him, poor girl--he
might be ignorant of the true character of these sanctified _forbans_.

The story that Marian had died on her way out, showed that Holt was
being grossly deceived in relation to that matter. It also g