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Excitement mounted as the tiny room was carefully examined. Childish imaginations conjured up many possibilities. Was it a robber's hide-out? Had they used it as a place to conceal their loot? Or had it been a place where the pioneer owners of the home hid from the Indians? Haybe they kept their food supplies there so the Indians uouldn'1 see and demand them. It was Kith a great deal of impatience that the children awaited the return of their father fron his work. "Veil, what do you know about that?" was his comment after being practically carried to the new "find." He examined the room thoroughly. "I'm sure this was built in when the house was put up," he concluded. "Probably it was used by the owner, when needed as a hide-out, during polygamy times. " "Then it wasn't a robber's hide-out?" There was a tiny note of disappointment In Delray's voice. "So, son, I'm afraid it wasn't," his father answered, understanding the boy's feelings. "I don't think the robbers were that troublesome around here. But this little room served a Bore important purpose. It provided a place for good, honest men to slip into and escape imprisonment when they were being hunted down." Tor what?" the boys wanted to know. "For just living their religion." "Then it was exciting, after all." Now that he understood, DaLray was willing to accept the change in purpose. "Oh yes, I'm sure it was exciting enough for anyone in those times." "I'm glad," declared Lynette, who didn't fully understand. "1 wouldn't want to live in a robber's home." As for the boys, they agreed that secret rooms were fun, whatever their reason for being. Sources! Personal knowledge of Mrs. Clarence Miller and Mrs. Calvin Jilckelsen Title flecords, Sanpete County Recorder's Office "Song of a Century" Manti Tenple Golden Jubilee booklet -111- |
