These elders have come here that the prophet may send back some revelation at their hand, and that we may all gather together what we can spare from our abundance for the relief of our fugitive brethren." His eyes were shining with triumphant faith, even though the close of his narrative seemed to admit of so little hope.
"And will Mr.Smith still teach them that they must not strike a blow for their rights ?" she asked.
This was fast becoming the critical question of the hour.
In February the snow lay deep on the land.

Susannah, like all her neighbours, spent some days isolated by the drifts, the men only going abroad.

On one of these afternoons the prophet tapped at her door.

His visit in Halsey's absence was unprecedented.
Without preface he began to make a statement as to the affairs of the Church in Missouri.
"The greater part of our fugitive brethren have at my desire gathered together upon a large tract of uncleared land that lies just across the river from Zion.

It is the desire of the Lord that they should there await until it is his will to open the gates of Zion once more." "It is _your_ desire that they should gather and wait there." She spoke with no rude emphasis, but he understood.