, for I was innocent, and the young woman was a
virtuous woman. As God is soon to judge me, I declare that I
never knew of her committing any sin.

When we reached Parowan there was a meeting called by the
Priesthood to try me. This Council was composed of the President
of that Stake of Zion and his two Counselors, the High Council,
and the leading men of Parowan. It was a general meeting of the
authorities, Church and civil.

The meeting was held in a chamber that was used for a prayer
circle. It was called a circle room, because the people met there
to hold prayer in a circle, which was done in this way: All the
brethren would kneel in a circle around the room, near enough to
each other for their arms to touch, so that the influence would
be more powerful.

When the meeting was called to order, all the lights were put
out; and I was taken into the darkened room and placed on trial.
I could not see my hand before my face. The charge was stated to
me and I was ordered to confess my guilt. I told them I was
innocent; that I had committed no crime - in fact, had not
thought of wrong. I told the truth, just as it was. I was then
ordered to stand one side.

The young woman was then brought into the room, and as she came
in a pistol was placed to my head and I was told to keep silent.
She was questioned and threatened at length, but not all the
threats they could use would induce her to tell a falsehood. She
insisted that I was entirely innocent.

Next her father, an old man, was introduced and questioned. He
told the Council that he had diligently inquired into the matter,
and believed I was innocent. Neither the young woman nor her
father knew who was in the room. All they knew was that they were
being examined before the secret tribunal of Utah, and that a
false oath in that place would insure their death.

When the evidence had been received, and the witnesses retired,
the candles were again lighted. Then speeches were made by most
of the men present, and every one but two spoke in favor of my
conviction. Without taking a vote, the meeting adjourned, or
rather left that place and went somewhere else to consult. I was
left in the dark, the house locked and guards placed around the
building. I was told that my fate would soon be decided, and I
would then be informed. I knew so well the manner of dealing in
such cases that I expected to be killed in the dark, but for some
reason it was not done.

Next morning so