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Show THE MORMON LION behind the bags. If we are seen, we shall be taken for countryfolks returning to the farm." "You will come, dear aunt!" begged Lucy. We had no need to urge. She asked me to leave the room. Very soon she came out in an old riding dress. Her head, like Lucy's, was concealed in an ugly sunbonnet. As we went out, she instructed Ann Jane to tell anyone who might call that Sister Neville was suffering from a slight fever and that we had taken her to a physician. Half an hour later we reached the emigrant camp, having passed out of the city unnoticed. Most of the Arkansans had gone to bed soon after dark. But when the dogs gave warning of our approach, Captain Fancher carne out and took us to his tent. There, in the light of a tallow dip, his wife and two fine daughters were waiting to welcome Lucy. He had explained to them about her, and they received her with open arms. They were ladies bred. Their kind hearts overflowed with sympathy while Mrs. Senby told them the details of the situation. I left all five weeping together, and went with Captain Fancher to request the services of the minister. On the way I obtained Fancher's promise to keep Lucy hidden for a day or two and to warn his company not to speak of her even among themselves. The minister was soon roused. He returned with us to the captain's tent. A few minutes later my ring was on Lucy's finger -she was my wife. We could not linger. Every minute that Mrs. Sen by and I remained in the camp increased the chances of discovery. Lucy carne out into the darkness with us for the parting. She was very brave, but she could not restrain her tears. She felt certain that she would never again see her aunt on earth, and she knew that I might not be able to come to her for months. It would be unsafe for me to visit the camp in the morning, and I could not venture to THE MORMON LION 237 follow the train until it was safe beyond the Southern Settlements. At my call, the Fancher girls came out to us and led my weeping darling into their own tent. I mounted my horse, and the captain lifted Mrs. Senby up behind me. The return to the city was very lonely. But we comforted each other wt th the assurance that Lucy would now be safe if only we played our part well. |
