“For this reason, among others, they desire to have many wives, and will have them, willing or unwilling.

“They send their missionaries abroad to recruit the Mormon ranks and supply wives for those who want them.

“The missionaries procure photographs of the single women whom they have persuaded to embrace Mormonism, and these are sent on in advance of the parties of emigrants.  The Mormon men who want wives are then invited to look at the photographs and select for themselves.

“They do so, and when the train comes in, bringing the originals of the pictures, they are there to meet it; each man seizes the girl he has chosen by photograph, and drags her away, often shrieking for help, which no one gives.  I have this on the testimony of an eyewitness, a minister of the Presbyterian Church, who has lived for years in Utah.”

Alma grasped her sister’s arm, her cheek paling, her eyes wild with affright.

“Oh, Christine! you know he has our likenesses; you know we gave them to him, suspecting no harm.  Oh, what shall we do?”

“Be calm, sister; God has preserved us from that dreadful fate,” said Christine, with quivering lips.  “I know not what is to become of us, penniless in a strange land, but we will never go there; no not if we starve to death.”

“You need not do that,” exclaimed Zoe; “no one who is willing to work need starve in this good land; and my husband and I will befriend you, and find you employment.”

“Oh, thanks, dear lady!” cried the sisters in a breath; “it is all we ask; we are able and willing to work.”

“What can you do?” asked Edward; “what were you expecting to do in Utah?”

“We were to have some land,” said Christine; that was the promise, and we thought to raise vegetables and fruits; fowls, too, and perhaps bees; but we can cook, wash the clothes, keep the house clean, spin, and weave, and sew.”

“Oh,” said Zoe, “if you know how to do all those things well, there will be no trouble in finding employment for you.”

“But where, dear lady?” Christine asked with hesitation.  “We have no money to pay our way to travel far; we must find the work near at hand, or not at all.”

Zoe gave her husband a look, half inquiring half entreating; but he seemed lost in thought, and did not see it.

He was anxious to help these poor strangers, yet without wounding the pride of independence, which he perceived and respected.  Presently he spoke.

“My wife and I live at some distance from here; we are not acquainted in this vicinity, but know there is plenty of such work as you want in our own.  If you like, I will advance your travelling expenses, and engage to find employment for you; and you can repay the advance when it suits you.”

The generous offer was accepted with deep gratitude.

The detention of their train lasted some time longer, and presently the talk about Mormonism was renewed.