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Show 214 THE MORMON~LION He ordered Waller to wait over until evening or the next morning. His horse was still in such condition that he had to leave the animal for Waller to lead into the city. But my splendid mount was little the worse for the strain of our swift pursuit. He borrowed a horse from the Bishop, and we rode back at a pace that brought us into Salt Lake City at midafternoon. To my astonishment, Chilcott rode direct to the Sen by house. As we dismounted, he gave me evidence that he felt a degree of real friendship for me. No donbt he had been considering the position in which our mission had placed me with regard to the family of the victim. "Hold on a bit, Dave, before we go in " he said " Of course you understand we're all in ~ahoots o~ this thing- you and me and Waller. Even if you hadn't shown yourself zealous- which I won't forget to report- I needn't tell as good a laywer as you the meaning of accessory before the fact. Just the same the loaf women will likely bike it pretty hard, th~ way he was saved. Not that 1t matters a hill of beans about them. But they're apt to pester you with their whining. I'll state the facts, and you can stay to smooth 'em down as to your share in the deal while I go on to report." ' " How do you mean ? " I asked. "Tell 'em any lie you want to. Might say you stayed at Kaysville. It's no matter what you tell them, long as you get the credit for obeying counsel that's due to you. About these things- the watch and money-you can give them to his widows. I'll fix it at head-quarters." "Thanks," I said. " It's kind of you to think of it." He nodded and led the way across the pleasant front yard to the vine-clad porch. Through the open door I caught sight of Mrs. Sen by and the girls seated m the parlour, peacefully sewing and kmtting. At the sound of our steps they looked up. Ann Jane THE MORMON LION 215 uttered a shriek and sp~ang to her feet as if to run and hide. I stepped m after Ch1lcott, and my presence quieted the general alarm. . Chilcott looked hard at Mrs. Senby and sru.d : "You husband has left the city." " Yes Brother Chilcott he has," she readily admitted, ~ising and curtseyi~g to him in a vain attempt to conceal her agitation. " He drove out to Kaysville on business. It was not agamst- that IS, he had permission to go- a pass." . , . . "Sister, it's no use for you to he, sa1d Ch1lcott. " There is absolute proof that Brother Senby schemed to escape from the Basin to betray all our plans to the Gentiles." " No no I " she protested. " He only wishes to-" "Th~re were other sins," went on Chilcott .. " He had sinned beyond water. Only the sheddin& of blood could save him from eternal damnatiOn. Beyond Kaysville, while trying to get away, he got a bullet through his heart. I and Dave and another man buried him. He was g1ven the funeral serv1ce and a proper grave. You are all counselled to say he has gone to California to buy a stock of goods. That s all." . He turned about and went out, shutbng the door behind him. He may have thought that thestncke.n women would disturb the neighbourhood w1th the1r shrieks. But when he left, all was as still in the cottage as when he had entered. Mrs. Senby was too stunned with horror to utter a sound. Helga had been cowed by the sudden appearance of her former husband and sat silent and gaping, only half comprehending the terrible misfortune that had befallen the family. Lucy and Ann Jane were qmck to realize the full meaning of Chilcott's abrupt announcement ; but they did not cry out. They ran to Mrs. Sen by to put the1r arms about her and caress her. She paid no heed to them, but looked at me. .. . " David " she asked w1th unnatural calmness, If you know ~ore, tell me- all." |
