Had the wanderer remained awake for another half hour strange sight met his eyes Far away extreme verge alkali plain there rose up little spray of dust, very slight at first, and hardly distinguished mists distance, but gradually growing higher and broader until it formed solid, well-defined cloud This cloud continued to increase in size until it became evident could only be raised by great multitude of moving creatures In more fertile spots the observer come conclusion that one great herds of bisons which graze prairie land was approaching him obviously impossible arid wilds whirl of dust drew nearer solitary bluff the two castaways were reposing, the canvas-covered tilts of waggons figures of armed horsemen began to show up haze, apparition revealed itself as being great caravan upon its journey West But what caravan ! head of it had reached the base mountains, the rear was not yet visible horizon Right across the enormous plain stretched the straggling array, waggons and carts, men on horseback, and men on foot Innumerable women who staggered along under burdens, and children who toddled beside the waggons or peeped out from under the white coverings evidently no ordinary party of immigrants, but rather some nomad people who compelled from stress of circumstances to seek themselves new country There rose clear air confused clattering and rumbling great mass of humanity, creaking of wheels neighing of horses Loud as , not sufficient to rouse the two tired wayfarers above them

head column there rode score or more of grave ironfaced men, clad in sombre homespun garments and armed with rifles On reaching the base bluff they halted, and held short council among themselves

"The wells are right, my brothers," said one, hard-lipped, clean-shaven man with grizzly hair

" right Sierra Blanco -- so reach the Rio Grande," said another

"Fear not for water," cried third "He draw it rocks will not now abandon His own chosen people "

"Amen ! Amen ! " responded the whole party

They were about to resume their journey when youngest and keenest-eyed uttered an exclamation and pointed up rugged crag above them From its summit there fluttered little wisp of pink, showing up hard and bright against the grey rocks behind sight general reining up of horses and unslinging of guns, while fresh horsemen came galloping reinforce the vanguard The word `Redskins' was on every lip

"There can't be any number of Injuns here," said the elderly man who appeared in command " passed the Pawnees, and no other tribes until we cross the great mountains "

"Shall I go forward , Brother Stangerson," asked band

"And I," "and I," cried dozen voices

"Leave your horses below and await you here," the Elder answered In moment the young fellows had dismounted, fastened their horses, and were ascending the precipitous slope which led object which had excited their curiosity They advanced rapidly and noiselessly, confidence and dexterity of practised scouts The watchers plain below them flit from rock to rock until their figures stood out against the skyline The young man who had first given the alarm was leading them Suddenly his followers saw him throw up his hands, overcome with astonishment, and on joining him they were affected same way sight which met their eyes

little plateau which crowned the barren hill there stood single giant boulder, and against this boulder there lay tall man, long-bearded and hard-featured, but of an excessive thinness His placid face and regular breathing showed that fast asleep Beside him lay little child, with her round white arms encircling his brown sinewy neck, and her golden haired head resting breast velveteen tunic Her rosy lips were parted, showing the regular line of snow-white teeth within, and playful smile played over her infantile features Her plump little white legs terminating in white socks and neat shoes with shining buckles, offered strange contrast long shrivelled members of her companion ledge of rock above this strange couple there stood three solemn buzzards, who, sight new comers uttered raucous screams of disappointment and flapped sullenly away

The cries foul birds awoke the two sleepers who stared about {20} them in bewilderment The man staggered feet and looked down plain which so desolate when sleep had overtaken him, and now traversed enormous body of men and of beasts His face assumed an expression of incredulity as he gazed, and he passed his boney hand over his eyes " what they call delirium, I guess," he muttered The child stood beside him, holding on skirt coat, and said nothing but looked all round her wondering questioning gaze of childhood

The rescuing party were speedily able the two castaways that their appearance was no delusion seized the little girl, and hoisted her upon his shoulder, while two others supported her gaunt companion, and assisted him towards the waggons

"My name is John Ferrier," the wanderer explained; "me little un are all that's left o' twenty-one people The rest is all dead o' thirst and hunger away down south "

"Is she your child ? " asked someone

"I guess now," the other cried, defiantly; "she's mine 'cause I saved her No man will take her from me She's Lucy Ferrier day on Who , though ? " he continued, glancing with curiosity at his stalwart, sunburned rescuers; "there powerful lot of ye "

"Nigh upon ten thousand," said young men; " the persecuted children of God -- the chosen Angel Merona "

"I never heard tell on him," said the wanderer "He appears chosen fair crowd of ye "

" jest sacred," said the other sternly " who believe in those sacred writings, drawn in Egyptian letters on plates of beaten gold, which were handed unto the holy Joseph Smith at Palmyra come from Nauvoo, State of Illinois, where we had founded our temple come to seek refuge violent man and godless, even though it be the heart desert "

The name of Nauvoo evidently recalled recollections to John Ferrier " ," , " the Mormons "

" the Mormons," answered his companions with one voice

"And where going ? "

" know The hand of God is leading us under the person Prophet come before him He shall say "

They had reached the base hill , and were surrounded by crowds pilgrims -- pale-faced meek-looking women, strong laughing children, and anxious earnest-eyed men Many were the cries of astonishment and of commiseration which arose perceived the youth of strangers destitution other Their escort halt, however, but pushed on, followed by great crowd of Mormons, until they reached waggon, conspicuous for its great size and gaudiness and smartness appearance Six horses were yoked , whereas the others were furnished with two, or, at most, four a-piece Beside the driver there sat man more than thirty , but whose massive head and resolute expression marked him as leader reading brown-backed volume, but crowd approached he laid it aside, and listened attentively to an account episode Then he turned two castaways

" take you ," , in solemn words, "it can only be as believers own creed no wolves fold Better far that your bones should bleach wilderness than that prove that little speck of decay which corrupts the whole fruit come terms ? "

"Guess I'll come on any terms," said Ferrier, emphasis grave Elders restrain smile The leader alone retained his stern, impressive expression

"Take him, Brother Stangerson," , "give him food and drink, child likewise Let it be your task also to teach him our holy creed delayed long enough Forward ! On, on to Zion ! "

"On, on to Zion ! " cried the crowd of Mormons, words rippled down the long caravan, passing from mouth to mouth until they died away in dull murmur far distance With cracking of whips and creaking of wheels the great waggons got into motion, and soon the whole caravan was winding along once more The Elder to whose care the two waifs committed, led them waggon, where meal was already awaiting them