The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1894-08-31
CHAPTER ".
A Flirht for Life.

n F1n8nt 10Y AlHCs
In the morning which followed his
Interview with the Mormon prophet,
John Fcrrier went In to Salt Lake City;
and having found his acquaintance,
who was bound for the Nevada noun
tains, he intrusted him with his mes
sage to Jefferson Hope. In 1t he told
the young man Of the imminent danger
which threatened them, and how neces-
sary it was that he should return. Hav-
ing done this he felt easier in his mind,
and returned home with q lighter
heart.
AS he approached his farm. he was
surprised to see a horse hftched to
each Of the posts Of the gate. Still
more surprised was he, on entering, to
find two young men in possession Of
his sitting-rOon. One, with long, pale
chair, with his feet cooked up upon the
stove. The other, bull-necked youth,
was standing In front of the window
with his hands in his pockets, whistling
a popular hymn. Both Of them nodded
to Feirier as lie entered, and the one
In the rOcking-chair commenced the
conversation.
Maybe you don't know u.s." he said.
This here is the son of Elder Dreb-
her, and I'm Joseph Stangerson. who
Travelled with you In the desert when
the Lord stretched out his hand and
gathered You into the true fold"
"As he will MI the nations In his
own good time" said the other, In his
nasal voice. "Hc griadeth slowly, but
exceedingly small"
John Ferrisr bowed cOldly. He had
guessed who his visitors were.
I'VE have COME" continued Stapger-
son, 'tat the advice of our fathers, to
solicit the hand Of your daughter for
whichever Of us may seem good to you
and to her. As have but four wives,
and Brother Drebber here has seven, 1t
appears to me that my claim is tho
stronger one"
May may, Brother Staugerson," cried
the other. 1.-The question IL not how
many wives we have. but how many
we can keep. My father has now given
over his mills to me, and ! am the
richer man."
But my prospects are better" said
the other, warmly. when tho Lord
removes my father. I shall have his tan
ming yard and his leather factory.
Then am your elder, and am higher
in the church"
ut will be for the maiden to Decide"
rcjoined young Drebber, smirking at
his own reflection in the glass. I'VE
will leave 1t all to her decision"
During this dialogue, John Ferrier
had stood tuning In the doorway, hard
ly able to keep his riding whip from
the backs Of his two visitors.
Look here" he said, ut last, striding
up to tl.enb when my daughter. sum-
mons you, YOU can come; but until then,
I don't want to sec your FACES again."
The two young MOrmons stirred at
him in amazelnent. In their eyes, this
competition between them for the maid.
ems hand was the highest Of honors,
both to her and her father.
"Tllere are two ways out Of the
rooi4,1 cried Ferricr. '"rhere IL the
door, and therc is the window. Which
do you care to lse?"
His brown face looked so savage,
and his gallpt hands 20 threatening,
that Ills visitors sprapg TO their feet
and beat = hurried retreat: Yhs old
farmer followed them to the doSr.
let me know when you have set
tied which 1t is to be-" he said, saldon,
ically.
"You shall smart for this! stanger-
son cried, white with rage. you have
dcfiel the prophet and the council Of
four. You shall rue 1t to the end Of.
your days"
"The hand Of the Lord shall be heavy
npQn you!" cried young Drebber. HE
will arise and smite you!"
..Ehen ~ start the smitlng! ex-
claimed FeFfer, furiously, and would
have rushed Mp stairs foF big gun, had
restrained him. Before he could escape
from her, the clatter Of horses ho0fs
told him that they were beyond his
reach.
"The young saatpg rascals!" he ex-
claimed, wiping the pefspiratiQ4 from
his forehead. II would sooner rec you
in your grave. my girl. than the wife
It either Of them"
"And 60 should I, father" she an.
swered. with spirit But Jefferson viii
soon 10 bsre."