“We have had,” said he, “some warm discussions about our religion, and you gentlemen, as our boys think, have been rather hard on us. But the journey is now about over, and we’ll not mind it. I sought this opportunity, however, to give you a word of caution, for I feel friendly to you. While you are at Salt Lake City you mustn’t talk as you have to us.” “Why?” I inquired. “Because they don’t allow it. Were you ever at Salt Lake City?” “No.” “Well, you’ll find out when you get there how it is. They are very severe upon people who talk as you have talked to us. Should you do it, you may be assured you’ll never leave the city alive. I thought I’d put you on your guard.” As he left me, he added, “Don’t say a word to the boys about what I’ve told you, but keep an eye to your conduct. If the bishop knew I had told you this, it would go hard with me.” Thanking him for the advice, we soon after separated; and on our arrival at Salt Lake City, a day or two afterwards, in conversation with a leading Mormon with whom we had business, we told him of the advice we had received, without committing our friend by name. “That was good advice,” he replied, with a significant nod, “and if adhered to will keep you out of trouble.” CHAPTER XXVII COLONEL SANDERS AND GALLAGHER On the day of the departure of Hauser and myself for Salt Lake City, as described in the preceding chapter, an episode occurred affecting Colonel Sanders, which illustrates in some degree the condition of society at that time. During the day a number of young men of Bannack City, all known in the town, and some living there, saddled their horses and rode from saloon to saloon, indulging in drink, and otherwise busying themselves until about three o’clock P.M. Among these was Plummer. Vague rumors had been extant for some time, that there were in this portion of Idaho (now Montana), quartz lodes of silver; but none up to this time had been discovered, or, if discovered, the fact had not been made known publicly. A number of quartz lodes of gold of very considerable value had been recorded, but they were considered in the popular mind as of secondary value. The “Comstock Lode” was at this time pouring forth its treasures; silver had not fallen under the ban which subsequently environed it, and there was a great eagerness on the part of miners and other citizens to acquire interests in silver mines. It was apparent that the horsemen on the streets were making ready for some journey into the country, and it took but a moment to arouse suspicion that they knew where these reported silver mines were, and were going out to organize a mining district, and record the claims.