The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1894-06-08

terrible reparation- Hence. every man
feared his neighbor, and none spoke
of the things which were nearest his
heart
One fine morning, John Ferrier was
about to set out to his wheat-fields,
when he heard the click of the latch,
and, looking through the window. saw
stout, sandy-haired, middle-aged
man coming up the pathway. His
heart leaped to his mouth. for this was
none other than the great Brigham
Young himself. Full of trepidation-
for he knew that such visit boded
him little good-Ferrier ran to the
door to greet the Mormon chief The
latter, however, received his salutation
coldly, and followed him with stern
face into the sittingroom.
Brother Ferrier,'' he said. taking a
seat, and cycling the farmer keenly
from under his light-colored eyelashes,
1.-The true believers have been good
friends to you We picked you up
when you were starving in the desert,
we shared our food with you. led you
safe to the chosen valley. gave you a
goodly share of land. and allowed you
to wax rich under our protection Is
not this SOP
ut is So" answered John Ferrier.
I'm return for all this we asked but
one conditions: that was that you
should embrace the true faith, and
conform in every way to its usages-
This you promised to do: and this. If
common report says truly, you have
neglected"
And how have I neglected it?"
asked Ferrier, throwing out his hands
in expostulation. Have l not given
to the common fund? Have / not at
tended at the temple? Have 1 not"
where are your wives?" asked
Young. looking round him. Gall
them in. that may greet them"
1T is true that have not married"
Ferricr answered. But women were
few, and there were many who had
better claims than |. | was not a lone
ly man; | had my daughter to attend
to my wants"
1T is of that daughter that would
speak to you" said the leader of the
Mormons. ''She has grown to be the
flower of Utah and has found favor in
the eyes of many who are high in the
land"
John Terrier groaned internally.
There are stories of her which
would fain observation-disclosures that she
is sealed to some Gentle. This must be
the gossip of idle tongues What is
the thirteenth rule in the code of the
sainted Joseph Smith? Let every maid
en- of the true faith marry one of the
elect; for if she wed Il Gentle she COM
mits grievous sin This being SO it is
impossible that you. who profess the
holy creed. should suffer your daughter
to violate it"
John Ferrier made no answer, but
he played nervously with his riding
whip.
Upon this one point your whole
faith shall be tested-so it has been
decided in the sacred council of four.
The girl is young. and we would not
have her we'd gray hairs: neither would
we deprive her of all choice. We elders
have many heifers IIeber c. kimball,
in one of his sermons. alludes to his
hundred wives under this endearing
epithetl. but our children must also be
provided. Stangerson has son. and
Drebber has a son. and either of them
would gladly welcome your daughter
to their house. Let her choose be-
tween them. They are young and rich.
and of the true faith. What say you
to that?''
Terrier remained silent for some
little time. with his brows knitted.
''You will give US time he said, at
last. My daughter is very young
she is scarce of an age to marry"
''She shall have a month to choose, :"
said Young, rising from his seat. AT
the end of that time she shall give her
answer"
He was passing through the door.
when he turned. with flushed face and
flashing eyes. 1T were better for you,
John Eerrier." he Numbered. that you
and she were now lying blanched skel-
etons upon the Sierra Blanco, than
that you should put your weak wills
against the orders of the Holy Four"
With threatening gesture of his
hand he turrcd from the door, and
Ferrier heard his heavy step scrunch-
ing along the shingly path.
He was still sitting with his elbows
upon his knees, considering how he
should breach the matter to his daugh-
ter, when n soft hand was laid upon
his, and looking up he saw her stand
ing beside him. One glance at her pale,
frightened face showed him that she
had heard what had passed
Il could not help it, she said, in an
swer to his look. His voice rang
through the house o father, father,
what shall we doc"
Don't you scare yourself" he an
swered. drawing her to him, and pass
ing his broad, rough hand caressingly
over her chestnut hair. Wen fix it
up somehow or another. You don't find
your fancy kind O. lessening for this
chap, do you?"
A sob and a squeeze of his hand were
her only answer.
No: of course not shouldn't care
to hear you say you did He's likely
lad, and he's a Christian, which ismore
than these folk here, in spite o. all
their praying and preaching. There's
party starting for Nevada tomorrow,
and I'll manage to send him message
letting hi2 know the hole we are in.
II know anything o that young man,
he'll be back here with speed that
would whip acknowledgements"
Lucy laughed through her tears at
her fathers description
When he comes. he will advise US
for the best But it is for you that
an frightened, dear. One hears-one
baarS Sr1ch dreadful stories aboT1t those