Zane Grey

The Heritage of the Desert Zane Grey

The stately answer might have come from a Scottish Covenanter or a follower of Cromwell."Martin Cole, I will not go a hair's-breadth out of my way for Dene or any other man. You forgetyour religion. I see my duty to God.""Yes, August Naab, I know," replied the little man, bitterly. "You would cast the Scriptures in myteeth, and liken this man to one who went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves. But I've suffered enough at the hands of Dene."The formal speech, the Biblical references, recalled to the reviving Hare that he was still in theland of the Mormons. As he lay there the strange words of the Mormons linked the hard experienceof the last few days with the stern reality of the present."Martin Cole, I hold to the spirit of our fathers," replied Naab, like one reading from the OldTestament. "They came into this desert land to worship and multiply in peace. They conquered thedesert; they prospered with the years that brought settlers, cattle-men, sheep-herders, all hostile totheir religion and their livelihood. Nor did they ever fail to succor the sick and unfortunate. What areour toils and perils compared to theirs? Why should we forsake the path of duty, and turn frommercy because of a cut-throat outlaw? I like not the sign of the times, but I am a Mormon; I trust inGod."