n by the aid of the magnifying
lens. Lilliputians they looked--both men and women--while the horses
and cattle might have been mistaken for a pack of curs. It mattered not
to us to know their occupation; nor even what they might be doing when
we should arrive upon the ground. We had no intention of stealing upon
them. Confident in our complete _deguisement_, we intended to ride
boldly forward--if need be, into the very middle of their camp. It was
now the hour of noon; and we halted to bivouac. Although the distance
that separated us from the Mormon camp was still considerable, we were
in no hurry, about advancing. We had formed the resolution not to join
company with the Saints, until near sunset. We knew that there would be
curious eyes upon us; and in the hour of twilight we should be less
exposed to their scrutiny. True, we might have joined them in the
night, and passed off our counterfeit semblance with still greater
security. But the morning would bring fresh light, with curiosity
unsatisfied, and that would be more disadvantageous. Half an hour of
observation, and the novelty of our arrival would wear off. For this
the half hour of twilight would be the best time. No doubt, they had
met many parties of friendly Indians while crossing the great plains.
There had been some among their travelling companions. They would
scarce consider us a curiosity. We had a reason for reaching their
encampment a little before nightfall: we wanted a few minutes of light
to take the bearings of the _corral_, and get acquainted with the
_topography_ of the surrounding plain. Who could tell what chances
might turn up in our favour? An opportunity might occur that very
night--as likely as afterwards, and perhaps under more favourable
circumstances? We had no desire to enter upon our engagement as guide
and hunters. We should be too willing to abandon the _role_, even
before beginning it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The last rays of the setting sun were sparkling on the selenite of the
Silver Mountains, as we approached the encampment of the Saints. We had
got near enough to make out the dimensions of the caravan. We saw that
there were about a score of the large tilted waggons (Troy and
Conestoga), with several smaller vehicles (Dearborns and Jerseys). The
latter, with springs, were no doubt the more luxurious travelling
carriages of such Saints as may have been in