Apostrophe to Water

The Nephite Shepherd. A Book of Mormon Story, in Two Parts. BY ARTHUR V. WATKINS. Part Two. III. — Plans of the Secret Band Revealed. The next day the city was more in an uproar than ever. The streets were thronged with people. hastening to the temple grounds. The flat-topped roofs were covered with spectators, viewing the strange sight; and from every door and window, insulting taunts and coarse jokes were hurled at those in the street. The plans of the secret band were partially revealed. Lamoni, by chance, had overheard a remark of one of the captains, to the effect that a slaughter was planned for those who believed in the tradition that Christ should be born. From other things he had seen and heard, and from the admission of officers themselves, when confronted with the information, he knew that his worst fears would, perhaps, be realized. Discovering the fact early in the morning, he had, with the assistance of other officers of the church, warned the people of God of the impending danger, appointed the temple as a gather- ing place, and hence the strange sights. Families were torn asunder — the sons and daughters of some parents turning against those who gave them birth. No pity was to be shown the aged and infirm, the sick and the helpless, nor even the infant children of the condemned — all alike were to suffer. The believers in the tradition must be wiped out, root and branch. The grounds surrounding the temple presented a pitiful sight.