band and its sympathizers. They resolved to slay him, as they had before slain the younger Pahoran, and place Gadianton on the judgment seat in his stead. To accomplish this, the same vile instrument was chosen — Kishkumen. But the protecting hand of the great Jehovah was over and round about Helaman, and He preserved him from the assassin's knife. A servant of Helaman (possibly a detective commissioned in such times of peril to watch the movements of the dangerous classes,) by disguise became acquainted with the doings of the robber band, and of their intentions towards his master. As Kishkumen was on his way to fulfil his bloody work, this servant, whose name is not recorded, met him, and gave him one of their secret signs. This admitted him into the confidence of the assassin, who explained his errand, and asked to be conducted privately into the judgment hall where Helaman was then sitting in the performance of his duties. This was agreed upon; the two proceeded to where the murderer expected to find his victim. The strategy of the servant had disarmed suspicion — Kishkumen was off his guard. At the opportune moment the servant stabbed him, and so adroitly did he perform his work, that the robber fell dead without a groan. The servant immediately ran to the judgment hall, and informed Helaman all that he had heard, seen and done. Without delay orders were issued for the arrest of the band, but its members, finding that Kishkumen did not return, and fearing that he had miscarried in his unholy work, under the guidance of their leader, fled precipitately into the wilderness by a secret way, and, in the depths of its luxuriant vegetation, hid in a place where they could not be found.
The succeeding years were of peculiar prosperity, though not of great righteousness, among the Nephite people. They spread out and colonized in every direction. Many thousands emi-
