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Show 300 THE MORMON LION over the trail to California. There are men on the trail waiting to shoot down all fugttlves. We must pass as Saints on a mtsston to San Bernardmo. Our rolls may be searched. Should your dress be found- You see dear you must be a man, even though you are so y'oung 'and beardless." " , . " She smiled and bravely responded: I II try, Davtd. " It will be hard, very hard," I forewarned her. "We will have to out-ride the messengers they may send. Chilcott will be going on to San Bernardmo. C0 I" re~t Waller's hat again on her bright head and led her ~own to the horses. Though Waller was so small a man his heavy cowhide boots wobbled on her httle feet a;,d the sleeves of his coat came down to her knuckles. I turned up the cuffs and tucked the trousers into the boot tops. A belt would have betrayed the slimness of her waist. I slipped Waller's holster and knife sheath on my own belt and put his belt into one of my saddlebags. His rifle I replaced tn tts sheath. Looking hastily into his saddlebags, I found a few handfuls of parched corn and a bottle of whtskey. I drew out the bottle to fling it away, but on second thoull'ht, placed it in my own saddlebags. There rematned only to fill my own and Waller's canteens and to give the horses each a moderate drink. To leave the appointed meeting place before the arrival of Ankotash gave me great concern. Yet I feared to remain. I could not tell how soon the deceived " Angels " might notice that Waller and I were not following them or dtscover that I had sent them on a wild-goose chase. In etther event I could expect them to come galloping back. My hope was that Ankotash would reach the water hole before them and follow the trail of my horse. . "Now, Brother Lucien," I rallied. "Allts ready. Let's see if you're a big enough boy to mount alone. You'll first try the pony." THE MORMON LION 301 She smiled and bravely went up to the pony. Fortunately, he was fairly well broken and she was a good horsewoman. When she drew the reins over his head he backed around, away from her. But she stroked his neck, and after two or three attempts, succeeded in getting her boot into the stirrup and swinging up into the saddle. " Oh! " she exclaimed, blushin?, at her manly seat yet proud of her exploit. ' See, David I I did it!" "Good," I replied. "You're quite a man, Brother Lucien. There's only one thing. These stirrups must come up a hole." I shortened the stirrup-leathers and sprang up on my horse. "Now, dearest," I said, "I know you speak German and French. Remember-you're from Salt Lake City, a young German brother, one of the very latest emigrants from Alsace-Lorraine. If we meet anyone, say nothing unless you must, and then make your speech as Dutchy as you can." " Will we meet any one of those who-those fearful--" " I trust not, dear. Yet it is best to be prepared. You will be brave, and remember? " "Yes, David." "You mean, Yah, Brudder Vord." " Yah, Brudder Vord. Ich werde brav sein," she said, the guttural German lending a boyish depth and firmness to her voice. "Understand-- We ride on a mission to San Bernardino. I believe we can ll'et past those who lie in wait on the road, unless Chtlcott comes back for Waller and surmises the truth. I know the substance of Brigham's message to the Stake at San Bernardino. It will be a fearful ride, dearest. We must keep ahead of Chilcott at all cost." "You know how much I can endure, David. Do not spare me. Far better for me to die from hunger |
