The Nephite Shepherd: Part One, I. The Awakening of Zemnarihah

The Nephite Shepherd. A Book of Mormon Story, in Two Parts. BY ARTHUK V. W ATKINS. Part One. I. — The Awakening of Zemnarihah. The gray streaks of light in the east showed that another day was about to dawn. Smoke was curling upward from at least a dozen chimneys, light and foggy at first, showing that the fires had just been kindled. Occasionally a merchant's cart could be heard rumbling over the pavement in some distant street. The gates in the walls creaked as they swung open to admit the farmer with his load of fruit and vegetables. The night watchman on the walls was climbing down as the light of day came to take his place. All was beginning to awake but the youth — until now unno- ticed— leaning against the wall of yonder mansion. In a half recumbent position, he appeared to hive been sleeping most of the night. His head was thrown back enough to reveal his face, one of Hebrew cast, proud and haughty. Seemingly few of the cares of this world had ever rested on his shoulders. He was large of stature, his chest full and shoulders broad. A dark red robe covered his frame from neck to knees; his feet were enclasped in gold-trimmed sandals. His rest might have remained unbroken, but for the appear- ance of a servant at this moment, who tapped him lightly on the arm, at the same time saying.

THE NEPHITE SHEPHERD. 65 "Come, Zemnarihah, thy father awaits thee." With a start the youth awoke, seized the closely shaven servant by the neck, and commenced shaking him soundly. The next moment his hands dropped to his side. ''Forgive me, Zoram, I am rash; but that dream! Oh, but just now he struck with his hand ! I leaped and seized him by the throat, to strangle the dog, and— it was only a dream— I had you instead. Once more, I implore your forgiveness ! What brings you here? Any news from father? The whole night long have I watched and waited, until sleep overpowered me." "Thy father awaits thee. Hasten to him at once in the lower chamber. ' ' In the lower chamber of the same dwelling lay the elder Zemnarihah. One look into his face told the tale; disease, pain and suffering were stamped on every lineament in his face and vein in his arms. Frightful to behold was this human being; to a naturally fierce and morbid countenance, disease had added the withering look of hate. He lay upon his couch against a mass of pillows. A taper burned low in one corner, giving a ghostly look to the room; two windows in the east wall were partly curtained, and, as the sun had not yet risen, little light came in through them. The fur- nishings of the room were few, but richly decorated with gold and silver trimmings. A glittering sword hung over a painting on the wall nearest the foot of the bed. The painting itself was enough to inspire terror in any bosom, without the sword hanging over it. It represented a group of men in red robes and with heads closely shaven. In the hands of all were knives sprinkled with blood, and jeweled swords hung by their sides. One was in the act of admin- istering an oath, and another in the act of swearing. The dull glow cf the taper gave an unearthly expression to the faces. Such was the room into which the servant led the youth. Judging from the expression that came over his face, it was his first time there. The father motioned the son to his side, and then, taking him by the hand, bade him sit on the stool by the bedside. "My son, you doubtless wonder why I am brought home in this condition— almost a corpse. But it will be of no use for you

66 IMPROVEMENT ERA. to know why my illness, so take your mind from thinking of it. I have something of great importance that you must know, — Zoram, begone, until you are called— something, my son, that concerns your future and the destiny of our family. Before I tell you, you must swear never to reveal it to any one except to those whom I shall name." Here the father turned his glaring eyes upon the youth. "I do, father," the boy answered quiveringly. "It is well, my son. Now listen, that you may never forget — never ! You are heir to the greatest wealth in all this land. Do you hear? You will be the richest man in all this land of Zara- herala." "Yes, father, it is commonly reportel that you are rich." "All of it will be yours when I am gone, unless — " His voice fell to a whisper. "Unless what, father?" "Unless his words come true— oh, it can't be ! He lies — the dog — he lies — I say he lies !" During this speech the sick man's face was terrible. All the dark and sinister things of a lifetime seemed to be crowded into that one expression. His voice grew hoarse, then sunk into a whisper. He fell back on the pillows exhausted. Stillness ensued for a few moments, and then he resumed: "My son, you have heard of Kishkumen, who slew the chief jud^e. You have also heard of Gadianton, and — " 'Yes, father, but they were — " "Never mind what they were. You also know that they organized a society to protect their lives, to regain their rights as chief judges and governors over this land." "But, father, what have they to do with you or me?" inter- rupted the youth. "This: I am a member of that secret band. I owe my all to it." "Father!" The youth sprang from the bedside horror stricken, and with dilated eyes gazed into those of his father. The look was short-lived; the palsied hand quietly motioned the boy back to his seat.

THE NEPHITE SHEPHERD. 67 "You must learn to control yourself better, my boy. Think of it, all 1 have came through that organization. Your grand- father was one of the first members. The judgment seat belongs to us— it was stolen away from our family. It should be yours by rightful succession. My boy, I look to you to restore our rights. Lachoneus is a thief and a robber; he is one of those abominable priests who lord over us. But for them, and I would this day be king over this people, and you a prince. Yes, but for them and that cursed Lamanite ! He upholds the judge, calls him a man of God, and calls on the people to support him. Even yesterday, at Moroni, I heard this dog of a priest calling the people to repent- ance, pronouncing the vengeance of God upon us if we did not. Fah ! I could have killed him on the spot, and would have done so, had I not been so unfortunate as to have this attack of an old trouble come upon me. But here I am speaking to you perhaps my last words, calling upon you to avenge our wrongs, You must join the organization. Join, and all the wealth I have is yours; and, if our plan succeeds, you will be a king. My boy, what is your answer? I must know at once. I am getting weaker, and soon will not be able to hear you." The wrongs the father had recited, and the great wealth promised, overcame, to a certain extent, the youth's repulsion to the secret society; yet he still had a conscience that prompted him to do right. He had been taught — as was customary among the Nephites — to honor father and mother, so this request came upon him in the form of a duty. What could he do ? A dying father, one whom he had feared and obeyed all his life, was making a last request. True, he was shocked when the revelation came that his father was a leader in the Gadianton society, and that his wealth was due to his being a member of it. To turn traitor to his father and reveal the secret, was farthest from his thoughts. His word of honor, once given, was sacred. And yet, to join the society meant the fighting of the chief judge, and to do that meant the losing of any chances he might have in gaining the love of the judge's daughter. This last thought came to him like a flash. "No, no, father! Don't ask me to do that!" he exclaimed indignantly, as soon as he could find speech.

68 IMPROVEMENT ERA. "Zemnarihah, you must! You will!" The words hissed between his teeth, his black eyes flashed fire, as he sat upright with hands clenched. Then, slowly stretch- ing out one pain-racked hand, he whispered, "Look!" The eyes of the boy followed the direction of the hand until they rested upon the painting on the wall. No exclamation passed his lips, not a tremor moved his frame. The father saw his advantage and was quick to follow it. "You have gone too far to retreat now. You have the knowl- edge that the secret organization exists. No one can know that and live, unless he joins. The wealthiest men in the city belong. Come, my son, promise!" He paused a moment, "What, no answer? My boy, it cannot be that — oh, it cannot! Art thou in love with the daughter of Lachoneus?" Still there was no answer, "I might have known it!" — more to himself than to the boy before him, "Yes, I have long suspected it! There is only one way now — join, win your rights to the kingdom, and with the girl do as you please," The father slowly dropped back against the pillows, overcome by the exertion. His argument struck home, Zemnarihah turned impulsively around, "I will," he answered, after a pause. "But, father, you are ill. Let me summon Seezoram, that he may attend you." "Nay, nay, my time has come. I have felt it all along. Sum- mon Zoram, he will conduct you to Giddianhi, who will administer the oath and give you the signs and pass words," Zoram soon appeared, and in response to a sign from the sick man, conducted the youth out of the chamber. As they entered the middle court they met Giddianhi. A sign from Zoram was sufficient, Zemnarihah was taken by Giddianhi out of the house, and by a secret passage out of the city, to the regular meeting place of the Gadianton society, [TO BE CONTINUED,]

E.MMELINE B. WELLS. President of the Relief Societies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints in all the world. Chosen Monday, October 3, by the First Presidency, and sustained Sunday, October 9, 1910, by the General Conference of the Church, with Clarissa S. Williams and Julina L. Smith, Counselors.