Passepartout approached and read one of these
notices, which stated that Elder William Hitch, Mor-
mon missionary, taking advantage of his presence on
train No. 48, would deliver a lecture on Mormonism,
in car No. 117, from eleven to twelve o'clock; and that
he invited all who were desirous of being instructed
concerning the mysteries of the religion of the "Latter
Day Saints" to attend.

"I'll go," said Passepartout to himself. He knew
nothing of Mormonism except the custom of polyg-
amy, which is its foundation.

The news quickly spread through the train, which
contained about one hundred passengers, thirty of
whom, at most, attracted by the notice, ensconced
themselves in car No. 117. Passepartout took one of
the seats. Neither Mr. Fogg nor Fix cared to attend.

At the appointed hour Elder William Hitch rose,
and, in an irritated voice, as if he had already been con-
tradicted, said, "I tell you that Joe Smith is a martyr,
that his brother Hiram is a martyr, and that the per-
secutions of the United States Government against the
prophets will also make a martyr of Brigham Young.
Who dares to say the contrary?"

No one ventured to gainsay the missionary, whose
excited tone contrasted curiously with his naturally
calm visage. No doubt his anger arose from the hard-
ships to which the Mormons were actually subjected.
The government had just succeeded, with some diffi-

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