o comprehend this spiritual relationship; and the
moralist was puzzled to understand its sanctity. During that period,
while the Saints dwelt within the pale of the Gentiles' country this
cloak was kept on; but after their "exodus" to the Salt Lake
settlements, the flimsy garment was thrown off--being found too
inconvenient to be worn any longer. There the motive for concealment
was removed, and the apology of a _spiritual-wifedom_ ceased to exist.
It came out in its carnal and sensual shape. Polygamy was boldly
preached and proclaimed, as it had ever been practised, in its most
hideous shape; and the defenders of Mormon purity, thus betrayed by
their pet proteges, dropped their broken lances to the ground. The
"institution" is even more odious under Mormon than Mohammed. There is
no redeeming point--not even the "romance of the harem"--for the
_zenana_ of a Latter-day Saint is a type of the most vulgar materialism,
where even the favourite sultana is not exempted from the hard
work-a-day duties of a slave.

Polygamy? No! the word has too limited a signification. To
characterise the condition of a Mormon wife, we must resort to the
phraseology of the _bagnio_.

_In company of a Mormon had Lilian gone away_! No wonder that my heart
was on fire--wildly, madly on fire. I rose from my seat, and rushed
forth for my horse. The storm still raged apace. Clouds and rolling
thunder, lightning and rain--rain such as that which ushered in the
Deluge! The storm! What cared I for its fury? Rain antediluvian would
not have stayed me in doors--not if it had threatened the drowning of
the world!

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.

ANOTHER DUEL DETERMINED ON.

Into my saddle--off out of the clearing--away through the dripping
forest--on through the sweltering swamp, I hurried. Up the creek was my
route--my destination, the dwelling of the hunter, Wingrove. Surely, in
such weather, I should find him at home?

It was natural I should seek the young backwoodsman. In such an
emergency, I might count with certainty on having his advice and
assistance. True, I anticipated no great benefit from either: for what
could either avail me? The young man was helpless as myself; and had
similarly suffered. This would secure me his sympathy; but what more
could he give?

After all, I did not reckon it as nothing. The condolence of a friend
or fellow-sufferer may soothe, though it cannot cure; and for such a
solace the heart intuit