- After some controversy, Helaman, the son of Helaman, is chosen as chief judge of Zarahemla.
- Kishkumen, along with a man named Gadianton, promise their followers prominent government positions if they would support Gadianton’s ascent to the judgment seat; Kishkumen plans to kill Helaman.
- Meanwhile, one of Helaman’s servants had gone undercover into the Gadianton band, and had learned about the plot against Helaman.
- Helaman’s servant goes out at night and meets Kishkumen, who asks the servant to lead him to Helaman.
- Helaman’s servant maintains his cover, and agrees to lead Kishkumen to Helaman.
- As they go towards the judgment seat, where Helaman is, Helaman’s servant stabs Kishkumen, who dies; he then runs back to Helaman and tells him everything that happened.
- Helaman dispatches officers to apprehend Gadianton’s group, but, noting that Kishkumen never returned, Gadianton’s group escapes into the wilderness, and remain unfindable.
- Gadianton and his ideology prove to be the downfall of the Nephite people.