Not only with difficulties then, but with dangers was my purpose beset; though the difficulties caused me far more concern than the actual dangers. Had Holt been upon my side--had I been certain of his consent--I should have cared little for the dangers of an _abduction_: for this was the plan to which my thoughts now pointed. Even had I been sure that Lilian herself would agree to such a thing, I should have deemed all danger light, and still have entertained a hope of its accomplishment. The contingencies appeared fearfully unfavourable: the father _would not_ consent--the daughter _might not_? It was this last doubt that gave the darkest hue to my reflections. I continued them-- turning the subject over and over--viewing it from every point. Surely Holt would not contribute to the ruin of his daughter--for in no other light did I regard her introduction to the society of the Mormon city? There was manhood in the man--somewhere down near the bottom of his heart--perhaps some remnants of rough virtue. This I had myself proved; and, if filial testimony were to be trusted, he was not so abandoned a character as he appeared. Was it possible he could be aware of the real intentions of the churl who was leading him and his to ruin? After all, he _might_ not. It is true he was aware that Stebbins was a Mormon; but as Marian had suggested--in her efforts to justify him, poor girl--he might be ignorant of the true character of these sanctified _forbans_. The story that Marian had died on her way out, showed that Holt was being grossly deceived in relation to that matter. It also gave colour to the idea, that he might be equally the victim of deception about the other. It was in the hope of being able to hold him guiltless I had so closely questioned Marian: for instinct had already whispered me that in his hands, more than in aught else, rested my hope or my ruin. For that reason had I been so eager to ascertain his inclinings.