The creature was too unwieldy to lift, so the hunter contented himself with cutting away one haunch and part flank trophy over his shoulder, he hastened to retrace his steps, evening was already drawing in He had hardly started, however, before he realized the difficulty which faced him eagerness he had wandered far past the ravines which were known to him, and no easy matter to pick out the path which he had taken The valley himself divided and sub-divided into many gorges, which were so like impossible to distinguish one other He followed one for mile or more until to mountain torrent which sure that he had never seen before Convinced that he had taken the wrong turn, he tried another, but same result Night was coming on rapidly, and almost dark before he at last found himself in defile familiar to him Even then no easy matter right track, moon yet risen, high cliffs on either side made the obscurity more profound Weighed down burden, and weary exertions, he stumbled along, keeping up his heart reflection that every step brought him nearer to Lucy, he carried enough to ensure them food remainder journey

He had now come mouth very defile he had left them Even darkness recognize the outline cliffs which bounded it , he reflected, be awaiting him anxiously, for he absent nearly five hours gladness heart he put his hands mouth and made the glen re-echo to loud halloo as signal that coming He paused and listened for an answer None came save his own cry, which clattered up the dreary silent ravines, and was borne back ears in countless repetitions Again he shouted, even louder than before, and again no whisper came back friends whom he had left such short time ago vague, nameless dread came over him, and he hurried onwards frantically, dropping the precious food agitation

When he turned the corner, full in sight spot where the fire lit still glowing pile of wood ashes there, but it had evidently not been tended since his departure The same dead silence still reigned all round fears all changed to convictions, he hurried on no living creature near the remains fire: animals, man, maiden, all were gone only too clear that some sudden and terrible disaster had occurred during his absence -- disaster which had embraced them all, and yet had left no traces behind it

Bewildered and stunned blow, Jefferson Hope felt his head spin round, and had to lean upon his rifle to save himself from falling essentially man of action, however, and speedily recovered temporary impotence Seizing half-consumed piece of wood smouldering fire, he blew it into flame, and proceeded with its help to examine the little camp The ground was all stamped down feet of horses, showing that large party of mounted men had overtaken the fugitives, direction tracks proved had afterwards turned back to Salt Lake City Had they carried back both companions ? Jefferson Hope had almost persuaded himself that done so, when his eye fell upon an object which made every nerve body tingle within him little way on one side camp was low-lying heap of reddish soil, which had assuredly not been there before no mistaking it for anything but newly-dug grave young hunter approached it, he perceived that stick planted , with sheet of paper stuck cleft fork of it The inscription paper was brief, but point:

JOHN FERRIER, FORMERLY OF SALT LAKE CITY, {22} Died August 4th, 1860

The sturdy old man, whom he had left so short time before, was gone, then, and all his epitaph Jefferson Hope looked wildly round if second grave, but no sign of one Lucy carried back by their terrible pursuers to fulfil her original destiny, by becoming harem Elder's son young fellow realized the certainty of her fate, own powerlessness it, that he, too, was lying old farmer last silent resting-place

Again, however, his active spirit shook off the lethargy which springs from despair If nothing else left to him, devote his life to revenge With indomitable patience and perseverance, Jefferson Hope possessed also power of sustained vindictiveness, which learned Indians amongst whom he had lived As he stood desolate fire, only which could assuage his grief thorough and complete retribution, brought by his own hand upon his enemies His strong will and untiring energy should, he determined, be devoted one end With grim, white face, he retraced his steps to where he had dropped the food, and having stirred up the smouldering fire, he cooked enough to last him This up into bundle, and, tired as , he set himself to walk back mountains track avenging angels

For five days he toiled footsore and weary defiles which he had already traversed on horseback At night he flung himself down rocks, and snatched few hours of sleep; but before daybreak always well way sixth day, he reached the Eagle Canon, they had commenced their ill-fated flight Thence look down home saints Worn and exhausted, he leaned upon his rifle and shook his gaunt hand fiercely silent widespread city beneath him As he looked at it, he observed that there were flags in principal streets, and other signs of festivity still speculating what this might mean when he heard the clatter of horse's hoofs, and saw mounted man riding towards him As he approached, he recognized him as Mormon named Cowper, he had rendered services at different times He therefore accosted him when he got him, object of finding out what Lucy Ferrier's fate

" Jefferson Hope," "You remember me "

The Mormon looked at him with undisguised astonishment -- indeed, difficult to recognize tattered, unkempt wanderer, with ghastly white face and fierce, wild eyes, the spruce young hunter of former days Having, however, at last, satisfied himself as identity, the man's surprise changed to consternation

" mad here," he cried " as my own life is worth seen talking warrant against you Holy Four for assisting the Ferriers away "

"I don't fear them, or their warrant," Hope said, earnestly " know something of , Cowper I conjure you by everything you hold dear to answer few questions always been friends For God's sake, don't refuse to answer me "

" it ? " the Mormon asked uneasily "Be quick The very rocks have ears trees eyes "

"What has become of Lucy Ferrier ? "

"She was married yesterday to young Drebber Hold up, man, hold up, no life left in you "

"Don't mind me," said Hope faintly white very lips, and had sunk down stone against which he leaning "Married, you say ? "

"Married yesterday -- that's what those flags are for Endowment House some words between young Drebber and young Stangerson her They'd both been party that followed them, and Stangerson had shot her father, which seemed him the best claim; but argued it out in council, Drebber's party stronger, so the Prophet gave her over to him No one won't have her very long though, for death in her face yesterday more like ghost than woman off, then ? "

"Yes, off," said Jefferson Hope, who had risen seat His face chiselled out of marble, so hard and set was its expression, while its eyes glowed with baleful light

"Where going ? "

"Never mind," he answered; and, slinging his weapon over his shoulder, strode off down the gorge and so away heart mountains haunts wild beasts Amongst them all none so fierce and so dangerous as himself