Все приключения Шерлока Холмса. Сборник. Уровень 2

Jefferson Hope was bewildered and stunned. However, he was a man of action, and speedily recovered from his temporary impotence. He seized a piece of wood from the fire, and examined the little camp. He saw the feet of horses. Near the camp was a heap of reddish soil. As the young hunter approached it, he perceived a stick with a sheet of paper. The inscription upon the paper was brief:

John Ferrier,

From Salt Lake City,

Died August 4th, 1860.

The sturdy old man was killed, then, and this was his epitaph.

And he decided at least to devote his life to revenge. He will devote his strong will and energy to that. With a grim, white face, he cooked some food. Then he took it and walked back through the mountains upon the track of the avenging angels.

On the sixth day, he reached the Eagle Ravine. He looked down upon the home of the Mormones. He was very exhausted. He observed that there were flags in some of the principal streets, and other signs of festivity. Then he heard the clatter of horse’s hoofs, and saw a horseman. He recognized a Mormon named Cowper, whom he knew before.

“I am Jefferson Hope,” he said. “You remember me.”

The Mormon looked at him with astonishment. Then the man’s surprise changed to consternation.

“You are mad to come here!” he cried. “I must not talk to you. There is a warrant against you from the Holy Four. You assisted the Ferriers.”

“I don’t fear them, or their warrant,” Hope said, earnestly. “You must know something, Cowper. We were friends. Please, don’t refuse to answer me.”

“What is it?” the Mormon asked uneasily. “Be quick. The rocks have ears and the trees have eyes.”

“How is Lucy Ferrier?”

“She was married yesterday to young Drebber.

“Married, you say?” said Hope faintly. He was white.

“Married yesterday. There was a quarrel between young Drebber and young Stangerson. Stangerson shot her father; but when they argued, the Prophet gave her over to him. You know, I saw death in her face yesterday. She is more like a ghost than a woman. Are you going away, then?”

“Yes, I am going away,” said Jefferson Hope.