“Ride back with us and I’ll soon show you,” said Smith.
We had no idea of the surprise which awaited us. As we came upon the top of the ridge from which we could view our camp, we were astonished to see the remainder of the trainmen disarmed and stationed in a group, and surrounded by another squad of Danites, while other Mormons were searching our wagons for such articles as they wanted.
“How is this?” inquired Simpson. “How did you surprise my camp without a struggle? I can’t understand it?”
“Easily enough,” said Smith. “Your men were all asleep under the wagons, except the cooks, who saw us coming, and took us for returning Californians or emigrants, and paid no attention to us until we rode up and surrounded your train. With our arms covering the men, we woke them up, and told them all they had to do was to walk out and drop their pistols, which they saw was the best thing they could do under circumstances over which they had no control, and you can just bet they did it.”
“And what do you propose to do with us now?” asked Simpson.
“I intend to burn your train,” said he. “You are loaded with supplies and ammunition for Sidney Johnston, and as I have no way to convey the stuff to my own people, I’ll see that it does not reach the United States troops.”
“Are you going to turn us adrift here?” asked Simpson, who was anxious to learn what was to become of himself and his men.
“No; I am hardly as bad as that. I’ll give you enough provisions to last you until you can reach Fort Bridger,” replied Smith. “And as soon as your cooks can get the stuff out of the wagons you can start.”
“On foot?” was the laconic inquiry of Simpson.
“Yes, sir,” was the equally short reply.