ode direct for Robideau's Pass. The night still continued dark, but
we had no difficulty in finding our way. Even in the obscurity, the
deep trace of the heavy emigrant train was sufficiently conspicuous; and
we were enabled to follow the back-track with precision. Our
experienced guide could have conducted us over it blindfold. That we
were pursued, and hotly pursued, there could be little doubt. For my
part, I felt certain of it. The stake which Stebbins had hitherto held,
was too precious to be parted with on slight conditions. The jealous
vigilance with which Lilian had been guarded along the route--amounting,
as I had incidentally ascertained, to a positive espionage--her yellow
duenna at once acting as spy and protectress--all were significant of
the intent already suspected by us, but of which the young girl herself
was perhaps happily ignorant. The failure of his design--and now for
the second time--would be a rude _contre-temps_ for the pseudo-apostle;
and would no doubt endanger his expected promotion. Besides, he must
have believed or suspected, that Marian Holt still lived; that she had
survived the exposure consequent on her escape from the first caravan;
and this belief or suspicion would now be confirmed by the reappearance
of the dog. Nay, it was almost certain, that on recognising the animal,
the truth had suddenly flashed upon him, that Marian was herself upon
the ground; and that the spotted countenance that had for the moment
deceived him, was that of his Tennessean bride. The abduction following
upon the instant would not only confirm this belief, but would redouble
his eagerness in a pursuit that promised a recapture of both the
victims, who had thus unexpectedly escaped from his control.

Though with different motives, it was natural that Holt himself should
be equally eager to pursue. He might still know nothing about the
presence of Marian or her disguise. To him it would simply appear that
his other child had been stolen from the camp--carried off by Indians--
and that _should_ be sufficient to rouse him to the most strenuous
efforts for her recovery. For these reasons we had no doubt about our
being pursued; and with all the zeal and energy of which our apostolic
enemy and his myrmidons were capable of putting forth.

Twenty miles separated the Mormon camp from the entrance to Robideau's
Pass. Nearly the whole of that distance we traversed at a gallop. So
far we had experienced