The Work and the Glory (417 page)

“He’s been sick, you know,” Benjamin whispered to Joshua.

“Oh?”

“Yes, quite ill. It takes a strong pair of lungs to speak to a group this size.”

He nodded without comment, then turned back to watch Joseph. Joshua was not familiar with how a conference worked, and so he wasn’t sure when Foster’s group would make their move.

“Brothers and sisters,” Joseph said, “how good it is to see you this morning. Before we have prayer, I would just like to say a word or two. Perhaps you have heard that it has been expected by some that the little petty difficulties which have existed in our city of late would be brought up and investigated before this conference. But this will not be the case,” he said firmly. “These things are of too trivial a nature to occupy the attention of so large a body. I intend to give you some instruction on the principles of eternal truth, but in consequence of the weakness of my lungs due to my recent illness I shall wait until later in the conference. The elders will give you instruction, and then, if necessary, I will offer such corrections as may be proper.”

Now his eyes swept across the congregation and his voice rose in volume, but he still spoke calmly. “Those who feel desirous of sowing the seeds of discord will be disappointed on this occasion. It is our purpose to build up and establish the principles of righteousness and not to break down and destroy.”

Joshua was watching intently now.
He knows! Joseph knows what they’re up to and he’s uncocking their pistol before they can even take it out of the holster.
Say what you would about Joseph, he wasn’t stupid. This was a wiser strategy than going for an open confrontation. Simply get up and state that this was not a crisis, it was a petty thing. Trivial. Those were good words. Who could get up a revolution over something trivial?

“The great Jehovah has ever been with me, and the wisdom of God will direct me in the seventh hour. I feel in closer communion and better standing with God than ever I felt before in my life, and I am glad of this opportunity to appear in your midst. I thank God for the glorious day that he has given us. We shall now have Brother William W. Phelps give us an invocation, after which the choir will sing another hymn for us, and then we shall hear from President Sidney Rigdon.”

He sat down and there was a collective, inaudible sigh of
relief. The crowd had felt it too. They had come expecting trouble. Joseph had neatly sidestepped it by simply assuming there would be none.

When it became obvious that Sidney Rigdon was going to go on for as long as his lungs were capable, which seemed to be forever, and that nothing other than that was going to happen, Joshua whispered something to Caroline, then stood and slipped away. Nathan, sitting directly behind them, leaned forward. “He doesn’t like Sidney’s sermon?” he asked with a straight face.

There was a quick smile from Caroline as she shook her head. “I guess not.”

During the midday intermission, Joshua heard voices coming up the street and hurriedly went to the window. Now that the freight yard was east of town, he wasn’t too far from the temple site and he wondered if his family were coming to get him. He stood and walked to the window, then frowned deeply. Robert Foster and a man Joshua didn’t know were coming down the street. He looked around, considering locking the door and simply ignoring their knock, but then decided it was time to make a few things clear. He stepped out on the porch just as the two men arrived.

“Afternoon, Steed,” Foster said in surprise as Joshua came out on the step.

Joshua nodded.

“Joshua, this is Joseph H. Jackson. Jackson, meet Joshua Steed.”

They exchanged curt nods. Joshua gave him a quick appraisal. He was the kind of man Joshua had met on many a trail or in the saloons of America, or slinking around the back alleys of America’s big cities. A big man, he wore a brace of pistols, had a bowie knife on one hip, and swaggered as if he were daring someone to invite him to use them. If this group had murder on their minds, this looked like the kind of man who would do it for them.

Joshua looked at Foster. “Sure glad I came up from Warsaw for conference.”

“The conference isn’t over yet. We’ll get him.” He took a breath. “Look, we wanted to talk with you about something.”

“Foster,” Joshua cut in flatly, “I never was much for working with men who are all talk and no action.”

Foster flushed and Jackson’s face instantly darkened. The big man took a step forward, one hand moving toward his pistol. “Hey, mister, you better watch your mouth.”

“Foster, call your dog off or be prepared for the consequences.”

There was a moment’s hesitation while Foster considered what those consequences might be; then he grabbed at Jackson’s arm. “It’s all right, Joe,” he said. “Evidently Steed has lost his nerve and doesn’t want in on the game.”

“I never did want in on your game, Foster, and if I hear that you’re telling people I am in it with you, I’ll be coming to work it out between us. You understand me?”

Jackson’s eyes were like pig eyes now—tiny, hard, glittering with hatred. One hand was hovering just above his pistol butt. “Get outta the way, Foster. This dandy needs a lesson or two in manners.”

Joshua didn’t even glance at him but kept his eyes fixed hard on Foster. He lifted his right hand slowly up to his waist and hooked his thumb in his belt, pushing the coat back just a little. He wore no weapon, but he knew they couldn’t be sure about that, because his coat was long enough to conceal a pistol.

Foster blanched a little. “You’re making a big mistake, Steed,” he yelped.

“Maybe so,” he agreed, “but it’s my mistake, isn’t it? Now, I’d suggest you get, Foster. And I don’t want to be seeing you at my door again, understood?”

“Come on, Jackson,” Foster blurted, yanking around. “He’s no good to us anymore.”

Jackson’s hand fell away from his pistol, but his mouth was twisted and hard. “This ain’t between you and Foster anymore, Steed,” he warned. “You and me have a score to settle.”

When the conference reconvened Saturday afternoon, Joseph again did not speak, and the time was turned over to President Rigdon to continue what he had started earlier that day. Joshua, who had returned to the grove, rolled his eyes and left immediately. Then about five o’clock, Brigham dismissed the assembly because rain was threatening. The Steeds barely reached home before the heavens opened and it began to pour. Had it not been for his promise to Caroline, Joshua would have packed them all in the wagon and headed back to Warsaw that very night. But he said nothing, and quietly determined he would push the sale of his business as quickly as he could so that he could leave Illinois once and for all.

It was about an hour after their return home that afternoon that Emily burst into the kitchen. “Mama! Papa! Come see.”

She didn’t wait to tell them what they were supposed to come see. She darted out again. Lydia smiled at Nathan and set aside the pan of potatoes she was peeling. Nathan was setting the table for her. He stopped and they both went out after her.

When they stepped out on their front porch they saw instantly what it was that had got her so excited. The rain over Nauvoo had mostly stopped now, but to the east the sky was still black and dark. Out over the west the sky had cleared and rays of sunshine slanted in at a shallow angle, catching the last of the rain squall. The result was that there was a brilliant double rainbow directly over the temple, as though it had been placed there by some divine artistic hand.

“See, Mama?” Emily cried. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Oh, yes,” Lydia breathed.

Up and down Steed Row others were coming out now as the word spread. Those on the west side of the street stood on their porches. Those on the east came out in the street so as to see it better. Mary Ann and Benjamin came over to join Lydia and Nathan.

“That’s breathtaking,” Mary Ann said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen one that bright before,” Nathan said.

“Me neither,” said Benjamin. Then he nodded in satisfaction. “Well, there’s another year we don’t have to worry.”

Nathan turned, puzzled. Both Lydia and Mary Ann gave him a quizzical look as well. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Mary Ann asked him.

“That’s right,” he said, “I forgot to tell you.”

“Tell us what?” Nathan asked.

“It was just about a month ago now. Joseph was talking about the second coming of the Savior. And then he made a most unusual prophecy. He told us that one day he had been inquiring of the Lord concerning His second coming. Joseph said it was made known to him by the Spirit that the rainbow was a sign given to Noah as a promise that in any year in which the bow is seen, there will be prosperity, seedtime and harvest.”

Mary Ann peered at him to see if he was teasing them, a habit not unknown to Benjamin. But he was not. He was quite serious.

“Really?” Lydia said, totally fascinated by that concept.

“Yes. He said that in any year the rainbow would be seen the Savior would not come. But in the year when the bow is withdrawn, or not seen, then will commence desolation, calamity, and distress among the nations, and there shall be no seedtime or harvest, but we can look for famine.”

Nathan was listening as intently as his wife and mother now. “That’s amazing,” he said. “A simple thing like a rainbow can signify all of that?”

“Yes,” Benjamin said. Then a slow grin stole across his face. “Since hearing that, as a matter of fact, I have become an avid rainbow watcher.”

Sunday morning dawned bright and beautiful. The rain had cleared the sky and deepened the colors of spring. Joshua almost didn’t go to conference, volunteering to stay home and watch the children. But by unspoken agreement the family wouldn’t let him use that as an excuse. Still wondering if Foster was going to pull something off, he finally went up to the morning session.

The crowds were huge, at least half again what there had been on Saturday. Joshua was amazed. Was it the weather? Was it the fact that it was the Sabbath and everyone had the day free? Was word about this silent contest going on between Joseph and his enemies bringing in the flock to see what was going to happen?

But Joseph didn’t give a sermon at this session either. The only thing of interest at all was a brief announcement Joseph made right at the beginning. “Brethren and sisters”—he was almost shouting to make his voice carry across the vast throng—“I would remind you that we have a very large group here this morning. As mayor of the city, I ask you all to keep good order. You have probably noticed that we have policemen all around the outskirts of the congregation to help keep order and to assist you if you need help.”

Joshua’s head came up.
To keep order?

Joseph’s voice rang out across the congregation with authority now. “And you brethren who are our policemen, I want you to exercise your authority. I know this is a Church meeting but it is also a meeting of our citizens. Don’t say that you can’t do anything for us, for the constitutional power calls on you to maintain good order. God Almighty calls upon you to maintain good order. And we command you to do it!”

Joshua was shaking his head slowly, feeling a grudging admiration for the man. If Foster and his bunch were planning anything today, Joseph had just put them on notice that it would not go uncontested. There were forty policemen. That was sufficient to discourage about anyone.

He didn’t even wait for the announcement that Sidney Rigdon would continue his speech outlining the history of the Church for yet a third conference session. He murmured something to Caroline and left again.

As he slipped through the crowd, Nathan leaned over to Lydia. “How come he always gets to leave just when Sidney starts talking?”

“Nathan Steed!” she whispered sternly, but he could see the twinkle in her eye.

Joshua surprised them all by returning for the afternoon session. They all knew why he had come. Though the likelihood was getting ever more remote, there was still a chance there would be some action. But despite his motives, they were still glad to have him there. Joseph had promised to speak, and maybe he would do so this session.

Joshua settled in beside Caroline as he looked around. He noticed with some disappointment that Joseph was not up in the row of chairs on the stand. After the hymn and prayer, Hyrum stood and talked to the congregation about the women’s “penny fund,” encouraging them to continue to contribute so that they could purchase the glass and nails they would need for the house of the Lord.

Just after three, a stir went through the crowd as Joseph and Emma finally arrived and Joseph took his seat up front. Hyrum ended immediately and had the choir sing another hymn. Then he turned the time over to Joseph.

The Prophet stood and moved forward with a firm step and his chin up. He looked stronger and quite composed. If he was worried about someone challenging his position as prophet and leader of the Church, you could not tell it by looking at him.

“My glorious brethren and sisters, what a wonderful sight it is to see so many of you here this afternoon. I feel to call the attention of this congregation while I address you on the subject of the dead. As you know, some weeks ago, a dear brother, a faithful elder in the Church, Brother King Follett, was crushed in a well by the falling of a tub of rock as he sought to repair it. I had planned to preach the funeral sermon of Brother Follett last Friday, but ill health would not allow it. I should like to do so now, if I may.”

Six or seven rows forward of where the Steeds were and off to the left, Joshua saw movement. It was Robert Foster. He had turned his head and was looking right at Joshua. There was a quick, triumphant nod. “This is it,” Foster seemed to be saying. “He shall preach and then we shall have him.”

His interest piqued again with that, Joshua leaned forward to listen more closely.

“I have been requested to speak by Brother Follett’s friends and relatives, but inasmuch as there are a great many in this congregation who live in this city as well as elsewhere who have lost friends, I feel disposed to speak on the subject in general and to offer you my ideas, so far as I have ability, and so far as I shall be inspired by the Holy Spirit to dwell on this subject.