be. Marian left us, and proceeded on her errand to the chief.
We saw him withdraw from the ceremonies, and, going apart, engage with
the girl in what appeared an earnest and animated conversation. With
hopeful hearts we looked on. Wingrove was no longer jealous. I had
cured him with a hint; and the bandaged arm of his betrothed had
explained the delicate attentions, which the Indian had been seen to
bestow upon her. The dialogue lasted for ten minutes, the speakers at
intervals glancing towards us; but we knew the theme, and patiently
awaited the issue. It was soon to be declared to us. We saw the chief
wave his hand--as a signal that the conversation was ended; and the
speakers parted. Wa-ka-ra walked back among his warriors, while Marian
was seen returning to our council. We scrutinised her countenance as
she approached, endeavouring to read in it what our wishes dictated--an
affirmative to our appeal. Her step was buoyant; and her glance, if not
gay, at least not one that betokened disappointment. We were unable to
determine, however, until her words declared the answer of the chief.
As Marian had anticipated, he could not consent to act openly against
the Mormons. But the tale had enlisted his sympathy; and he had even
suggested a plan by which we might carry out our design, without the
necessity of his interference.

It was this: the horseman that had just arrived, chanced to be a
messenger from the Mormons. Unable to find the Coochetopa Pass, they
were still encamped in the great valley of San Luis, on the banks of the
Rio del Norte. The only one of them who had been across the plains
before was their leader--Stebbins, of course--and he, having gone by the
Cherokee trail and Bridger's Pass, was entirely unacquainted with the
route they were now following. They were in need of a guide; and having
encountered the Indian at this crisis, and learnt that he belonged to
the band of Wa-ka-ra--not far off, as the man informed them--they had
despatched him to the Utah chief, with a request that the latter would
furnish them with a guide, and two or three of his best hunters. Before
Marian had ended her explanation, I had divined the scheme. We were _to
personate the guide and hunters_. That was the suggestion of the Utah
chief!

It was perfectly feasible. Nothing can be easier than to counterfeit
the semblance of the American Indian. The colour of the skin is of no
consequence. Ochre, charcoal, and v