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Show 28 THE MORMON LION " There are relatives she can go to- an aunt, the wife of a merchant, Norton Senby. You may know him." " Yes, I know him, the dirty cuss-though he's not in my ward." " Why! Isn't he all right ? What's the matter with him?" "Matter? He'd Jearn soon enough if he was in my ward." " Cousin Amanda wrote that you were Bishop of a ward. But this man Sen by? " " There's reason to believe he's an apostate. He has twice refused to obey counsel." The vindictive note in Chilcott's deep voice harshened almost to a snarl. He caught my stare, and changed to a tone of caressing softness as he bent over me- "Never you mind, Dave. Don't let that worry you. I'm going to pull you and the girl through alive. You're Amanda's blood-kin, for one thing, and ewe Jambs are in demand in the Kingdom, for another. We'll sign your papers and pull out, with this broth and coffee to keep you dosed up, on the trail. You two are going through alive, no matter how many of those miserable cattle starve." " You are speaking of our brethren, Bishop Chilcott," I reproved him. He laughed unfeelingly. "You've got something yet to learn, Brother Ford. For one thing, don't call me Bishop. Come on, now." He caught me up and carried me over to the wagon. As I crawled in beside Lucy I saw that the hot broth and coffee had roused her father from his stupor. He met me with an alert look and whispered his delight that Lucy and I were now certain to reach Zion. " You too! " I sought to persuade him. He shook his head, smiled, and pointed upwards. " She is waiting for me, Dave. I am soon to follow after her ... My will? " THE MORMON LION The document was in my pocket. There was no ink in the wagon. But Waller had a quill toothpick, which I split to use as a pen. For ink Chilcott put the point of his bowie knife to his big arm. He was a hearty full-blooded man. The will was soon duly signed and witnessed. |
