Up to this time the conversation had been carried on in a somewhat stiff and irrelevant manner; this more especially on the side of the squatter, who--notwithstanding his endeavours to assume an air of easy nonchalance--was evidently labouring under suspicion and constraint. From the fact of Stebbins having sent a message to forewarn him, of this visit, he knew that the schoolmaster had some business with him of more than usual importance; and it was a view to ascertain the nature of this business, and relieve himself from suspense, that the interrogatory was put. He would have been right glad to have received an answer in the affirmative--since it would have cost him little concern to turn Mormon, or profess to do so, notwithstanding his pretended opposition to the faith. He was half indulging himself in the hope that this might be the errand on which Stebbins had come: as was evinced by a more cheerful expression, on his countenance; but, as the Saint lingered long before making a reply, the shadows of suspicion again darkened over the brow of the squatter; and with a nervous uneasiness, he awaited the answer. "It'll be a tough job, Josh," said he, with an effort to appear unconcerned--"a tough job, mind ye." "Well, so I should expect," answered the apostle drily; "and, just for that reason, I don't intend to undertake it: though I should like, Brother Holt, to see you gathered into the fold. I know our great High Priest would make much of a man like _you_. The Saints have many enemies; and need strong arms and stout hearts such as yours, Hickman Holt. The Lord has given to his Prophet the right to defend the true faith--even with carnal weapons, if others fail; and woe be to them who make war on us! Let them dread the _Destroying Angels_!" "The Destroying Angels! What sort o' critters be they?" "They are the _Danites_." "Wal I'm jest as wise as ever, Josh. Dod rot it, man! don't be mystiferous. Who air the Danites, I shed like to know?" "You can only know them by initiation; and you _should_ know them. You're just the man to be one of them; and I have no doubt you'd be made one, as soon as you joined us." The apostle paused, as if to note the effect of his words; but the colossal hunter appeared as if he had not heard them. It was not that he did not comprehend their meaning, but rather because he was not heeding what had been said--his mind being occupied with a presentiment of some more unpleasant proposal held in reserve by his visitor. He remained silent, however; leaving it to the latter to proceed to the declaration of his design. The suspicions of the squatter--if directed to anything connected with his family affairs--were well grounded, and soon received confirmation. After a pause, the Mormon continued: "No, Hickman Holt, it aint with _you_ my business lies to-day--that is, not exactly with you." "Who, then?" "_Your daughter_!" CHAPTER SEVEN. THE MORMON'S DEMAND.