It was reported that the horsemen had been a detachment of State militia, that one of them had taken the trouble to explain to a wounded man that they had received orders from Governor Boggs to exterminate the Mormons.

Immediately by other frightened tongues it was stated that the armed company were halting round the turn of the road, intending to return and shoot again when the people had come out from shelter.

At this the greater number made a stampede for a thicket of poplar and willow saplings that was near the creek.

The Danite still held by Susannah's sleeve.
"Where is my husband ?" she again asked.

She had not moved since he last spoke to her.
Some men were busy laying the dead, of whom there were eighteen, on the floor of a shed which was not far off.