Rainbow Trail, The The. Zane Grey

      “Well, I don’t know how durn serious it is, but I’m scared to death,” replied Lake. “He and his gang will hold us up somewhere on the way home.”

      Shefford regarded Joe with both concern and doubt. Joe’s words were at variance with his looks.

      “Say, pard, can you shoot a rifle?” queried Joe.

      “Yes. I’m a fair shot at targets.”

      The Mormon nodded his head as if pleased. “That’s good. These outlaws are all poor shots with a rifle. So ‘m I. But I can handle a six-shooter. I reckon we’ll make Shadd sweat if he pushes us.”

      Withers returned, driving the burros, all of which had been unpacked down to the saddles. Two gray-bearded men accompanied him. One of them appeared to be very old and venerable, and walked with a stick. The other had a sad-lined face and kind, mild blue eyes. Shefford observed that Lake seemed unusually respectful. Withers introduced these Mormons merely as Smith and Henninger. They were very cordial and pleasant in their greetings to Shefford. Presently another, somewhat younger, man joined the group, a stalwart, jovial fellow with ruddy face. There was certainly no mistaking his kindly welcome as he shook Shefford’s hand. His name was Beal. The three stood round the camp-fire for a while, evidently glad of the presence of fellow-men and to hear news from the outside. Finally they went away, taking Joe with them. Withers took up the task of getting supper where Joe had been made to leave it.

      “Shefford, listen,” he said, presently, as he knelt before the fire. “I told them right out that you’d been a Gentile clergyman—that you’d gone back on your religion. It impressed them and you’ve been well received. I’ll tell the same thing over at Stonebridge. You’ll get in right. Of course I don’t expect they’ll make a Mormon of you. But they’ll try to. Meanwhile you can be square and friendly all the time you’re trying to find your Fay Larkin. To-morrow you’ll meet some of the women. They’re good souls, but, like any women, crazy for news. Think what it is to be shut up in here between these walls!”

      “Withers, I’m intensely interested,” replied Shefford, “and excited, too. Shall we stay here long?”