The Detroit times., 1913-05-13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
Continued

"MeanfpB no OHeuse 10 you, ne was
$ a pretty considerable fool to do that
said Rogers. who had been listening
to the conversation, and who now
joined In II.
mo. you cant quite say that. for he
decided II to mother; he know'd he'd
be pretty bad or II the world didnt
bust according to prophecy, and he
wanted TO keep the property In the
family: though I've heard him say he
was that sincere ned made up his
mind that just him and few
of his friends was to be saved: he
looked for all the rest to get scorched
up bad: but he was uncertain about
having the date of the bust up just
right, and II II went over another sea
son he thought he'd like to skin the
farm for one more corn crop. He's
always been powerful forehanded in
them ways. What was this millen-
mum anyhow, that old Bill Miller had
him so stirred up over?"
Il don't know quite the sort OF a
millennium that your father was ex-
pecting," said Stephen. but believe
the millennium Is supposed TO mean
period which il to last a thousand
years. when the world will be free
OF sin and DEATH"
mo deserting--no horse-stealing,"
said Bushrod.
You got me there said Raymond
pleasantly. so that's the millen-
mum; it's right pretty idea. amt
1t? But tedious | should reckon"
rs your father satisfied with Nor.
monism?" asked Stephen.
Yes. sir. and it's pretty fair sort
OF religion
How about Brigham Young?" said
Stephen.
"Oh, they're thick as thieves.
Brigham's right smart OF schemer,
too." with gentle approval. There's
70 foolishness about him-none what
ever"
II suppose you are acquainted with
Young. too?' said Stephen.
Me? oh, yes, tell you, Mr..
Landray, the valleys no healthy place
unless you keep on the right side OF
him. I've heard father say that even
after he'd been made elder, he kicked
over the traces, and they had to bap-
tise him all over few times. to give
him a fresh start. | reckon they didn't
keep him In long enough airy time,
II I'd been doing the job I'd left him
in over night"
continually straying In the direction
Of the fur trader The latter's appar-
emily earnest conversation with his
companions had come to an end, and
the two half-breeds had stretched
themselves on the ground. but Basil
still sat beside the campfire, his pipe
between his teeth. moody and solitary
The deserter hitched little nearer
Stephen, and dropped his voice to a
low whisper.
I'D like mighty we'll to tie up with
you gentlemen. and give Basil yonder
the slip. II was downright underhand
OF him to run me and the breeds In
on you the way he done; was real
distressed, honest was. It'd about
serve him right II you helped me cut
loose: we could wait until We got to
the valley, and then IL you'd just
furnish me with a gun" He looked
wIstfully at the row OF rifles that
leaned against the wagon-bed, each
within easy reach OF Its owners hand
and II there was any shooting to be
done--him, mean--I'd do 1t. or
course. his being kin to you. you
wouldn't just want to do that your
selves. I'd want to feel, though. that
you'd take care OF the half-breeds UNI
I'LL j uO0e LOT bhell. IOu ucNcI Cou
trust a half-breed anyhow"
You're not in earnest, Raymond:
you're surely not serious?" cried
Stephen. drawing away from him in
disgust and horror. The deserter gave
him swift. searching glance. then
he laughed easily
We'll, no, amt. was joking
Jest Joking"
IT was a poor joke" said Stephen
sternly.
Raymond came slowly to his feet
well, said he, "Pll turn in. You
couldn't oblige me with the loan OF
rife, II l made up my mind to strike
OF for Fort Bridger?"
mo. we have no guns to spare"
said Stephen shortly.
A look OF keen disappointment ap.
peared on the deserter's face, but 1t
swiftly passed and left him smiling
and ingenious.
Goodnight" he said.
The campfire died down until moth
Ing remained OF 1t but mass OF
glowing embers The teamsters and
Walsh had put away their cards and
wrapped themselves in their blankets:
Bushrod and Rogers had followed
their example; their heavy breathing
tOId tnat tney ALREADY Slept. Inc
night wind that threshed the wagon
canvases blew raw and cold. Stephen
took up his rife and made the circuit
OF the wagons, looking closely to the
mules and horses. for the first watch
was his.
His mind reverted more than once
to the questionable wit Of Raymond's
Joke. and II occurred to him as a
thing to be steadily borne in mind
that the Benson and California Min
ing and Trading company had chosen
lily who should be its friends. 1t
would be a matter for deep thankful
ness when they should reach Salt
Lake, and could forever dispense with
Basil. the half-breeds. and the too
smiling Raymond. whose perverted
sense Of humor permitted him to jest
iEgly propose murder.
The camp was astir at the first
break Of day. The night wind had
blown itself out. and the sombre
plains were heavy with silence. One
by one the gold-seekers shook them
selves out of their blankets, and with
cut waste Of words began their rep
aration for the days journey
Rogers drove the mules to water
at a muddy ho1a n mia rtor NJ mile