Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/204

Kishkumen, City of. brother, was next elefted chief judge, but he was slain in war with the Lamanites the following year. In B. C. 50, Helaman, the son of Helaman, was chosen to fill the judgment seat. Being a righteous man, his election was very distasteful to the Gadianton robbers. They determined to slay him, as they had slain Pahoran, and the same vile instrument was chosen to do the murderous work.

As Kishkumen was on his way to fulfil his bloody errand, a servant of Helaman, whose name is not recorded, met him and gave him one of the secret signs of the Gadiantons. This admitted him into the confidence of the assassin, who explained his purpose, and asked to be conducted 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 attendant disarmed Kishkumen's suspicions. At an 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 of 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, fled precipitately into the wilderness, beyond the reach of the officers.  KISHKUMEN, CITY OF. One of the iniquitous cities which the Lord, at the time of His crucifixion, caused to be burned with fire from heaven, with its inhabitants, because of their wickedness in casting out the prophets and stoning those whom He sent to proclaim their sinfulness and abominations. So depraved were its people that the Lord declares that there were none righteous among them, and that He destroyed them that the blood of the prophets and saints whom He had sent, and they had slain, 