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Show 17a with her for months. It's not the fashion here to take ~Prls' promises. We seal them to us. Now, let me give you a bit of counsel, young man. I'm a High Priest, and I'm gain·' to expound the law of celestial marriage to Sister Lucy. It'll be healthy for you to clear out." His hand went to his hip. I reached about and gripped my own revolver butt, keeping my gaze fixed on his keen hard eyes. I felt certain that he would not give way, and I knew that I would not. The only question was how many seconds I could hold him. There was no doubt in my mind as to the outcome. I had seen him snip the heads of[ of too many rattlesnakes and bring down too many jumping jackrabbits to doubt either his greater qmckness in drawing or his vastly superior accuracy of aim. Mrs. Sen by flung herself between us, too terrified to speak, but imploring him for mercy with her outstretched hands and frantic eyes. He thrust her roughly aside, for an instant shifting his glance from mine. That should have been my opportunity. But I was not a killer. It was well I made no movement. The Lion of the Lord stepped blandly in over the threshold, perceived the situation, and slipped out again with astonishing agility. As I dropped my hand from my hip, he peered around the door-jam b. "Tut, tut ! boys," he called in quavering reproof. " Cool down ! cool down ! " At the voice of his master, Chilcott also dropped his hand. As he faced about, I saw Mrs. Senby totter, and sprang to support her to a chair. She did not faint. Brigham entered, stern and pompous in the reaction from his fright. " What does this mean, Bill ? " he demanded. " And you, Dave ? You were both of you about to draw. There might have been innocent blood shed." "Well, things did look a bit squally," admitted Chilcott. " The boy has a notion he can shut me out THE MORMON LION 173 from seeing the ewe lamb I've picked for my next spiritual." " The lady is betrothed to me, as both you and Brother Brigham are aware," I challenged. "You're right, Dave," said Brigham. He came to Chilcott and blandly patted him on the shoulder. . "I'm sorry for you, William. But I took this matter right to the Lord, and I know His Will. I learned she ain't for you. We all have our crosses to bear, William. We must all pracl!se self-abnegatiOn. You'll have full requital for this loss. I promtse you an aclclecl crown of glory,-ancl there ar~,other ewe lambs. Try not to take it hard, Wilham. Chilcott scowled at me. . . . "No, William ; don't you hold it agm htm, nmther. This is from the Lord. Dave IS noways to blame. You're to continue to regard lum as a brother m the Kingdom. That's counsel." . . Chilcott held out his hand to me, and sa1cl, w1th apparent sincerity: " If it's from. the Lord, tha,~ settles it, Dave. I'm no apostate, to disobey counsel. I shook his hand, with a show of heartiness. He nodded to Mrs. Sen by and muttered a surly apology : " Sorry to've upset you." Brigham looked towards the door. The other saw the glance and obeyed. |
