"The missionary spirit, Brother Strong—the spirit of the Lord."
"Yes, yes," mused the man—"strange—and he but a hard-working farmer—I wouldn't be surprised if Brother Gilbert came to America and out west here. He intimated as much in his letter. Poor brother, he also has suffered."
"If he comes, give him our invitation to visit with us."
"Thank you, that I shall."
"Perhaps he will accompany Elder Malby when he is released."
"Invite them both," said the other. "We shall all like to see them very much."
There was a brief silence, as the horses trotted along. Thomas Strong's gaze roved across the Flat to the mountains, then rested again on his companion. Presently, he said:
"Brother Elston, the other day you were speaking of vicarious work for the dead, 'temple work' you called it. I understand the doctrine of baptism for the dead, but some other things are not quite plain—for instance, having the dead married, made husband and wife, which they would have been had they lived and had the chance—well, you understand."
Yes; Hugh Elston understood, and made his explanations to his companion, who listened attentively and exclaimed at its close: