trangest is yet to come. For what purpose,
do you suppose, was this deception practised upon the poor girl?"

"I cannot guess--go on!"

"_Carrai_! it was a hellish purpose; but you shall hear it. These
Mormons have at their head a great chief priest--_una propheta_, as they
call him. He is a polygamist--a perfect Turco--and keeps a harem of
beautiful _ninas_, who pass under the name of `spiritual wives.' It was
only after the young Americana had got far out upon the plains--indeed,
to the Big Timbers, where she escaped from him--that she found out the
terrible fate for which her false husband had designed her. She learnt
it from the other women who accompanied the caravan; and who, base
wretches that they were! rather envied her the _honour_ by which she was
to be distinguished! _Por Dios_! a terrible fate for a young creature
innocent and virtuous like her!"

"Her fate? Quick--tell me! for what had the villain destined her?"

"_Virgen Santa_! for the harem of the Mormon prophet!"

"_Mira_!" exclaimed the Mexican, almost in the same breath--"_Mira_! the
signal-smoke of Wa-ka-ra! To horse! to horse! _mueran los Arapahoes_!"

It was not the signal that called from my lips a convulsive exclamation.
It was wrung from my agony, ere the smoke had been descried. It was
drowned amidst the shouts of the savage warriors, as they crowded
forward out of the chasm. Leaping down from the ledge, and flinging
myself on the back of my horse, I mingled in the melee.

As we swept from the gorge, I cast a glance behind. The sound of female
voices caused me to look back. The Utah women, mounted on mules and
horses, were coming down the canon, with the white huntress at their
head! I wished a word with _her_; but it was too late. I dared neither
pause nor go back. My Utah allies would have branded me as a coward--a
traitor to my own cause! I did not hesitate a moment; but, joining in
the "Ugh-aloo," I dashed into the midst of the dusky host, and galloped
onward to the charge.

CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN.

THE SURPRISE.

The white cloud--a puff of powder-smoke--had scarcely scattered in the
air, when a dark mass appeared upon the plain, emerging from the
sulphureous vapour. It was a troop of horsemen--the warriors of
Wa-ka-ra. On giving the signal they had issued forth from the lower
canon, and were coming up the valley at a gallop. They were too distant
for us to heat their charging cheer; but from right and left