“Maybe it would,” replied Shefford, quietly.
But his hint was not taken by the trader. Withers suddenly showed a semblance of the aloofness Shefford had observed in Whisner.
“Withers, pardon an impertinence—I am deeply serious.... Are you a Mormon?”
“Indeed I'm not,” replied the trader, instantly.
“Are you for the Mormons or against them?”
“Neither. I get along with them. I know them. I believe they are a misunderstood people.”
“That's for them.”
“No. I'm only fair-minded.”
Shefford paused, trying to curb his thrilling impulse, but it was too strong.
“You said there used to be another village.... Was the name of it—Cottonwoods?”