Obadiah's madness, the mysterious trembling of the earth beneath his feet, the volcano of fire, the clanging of the bell and the councilor's insane rejoicing had all come so suddenly that he was dazed.

What great calamity, what fearful vengeance, was about to come upon the Mormon kingdom?
Was it possible that the fishermen and settlers of the mainland had risen, as Obadiah had said, and were already at hand to destroy Strang and his people?
The thought spurred him to the door.

The blood rushed like fire through his veins.

What would it mean to Marion--to Neil?
In his excitement he started down the path that led to the lilac hidden home beyond the forest.

Then he thought again of Obadiah and his last choking utterance of Marion's name.