The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1886-05-29

are called Mad Myrtle, for madden female
I never met Nevertheless am ready to
take the oath. When will you administer
it, most noble princess?'
The irony in his voice did not escape the
notice of Mad Myrtle. However mad she
might be, she understood some things far
better than many sane people.
Not now, you are not in the mood for
serious talk uttered the princess in a
gieved tone. Remember you are pris-
oner still, and amy attempt on your part to
leave this cave will result in instant destruc-
ton to yourself.
With these words Mad Myrtle turned and
walked away, disappearing behind a hang
ing curtain that seemed TO conceal dais.
$50, no! the brave princess has her back
up it seems, muttered Primrose Pete, bit
ing his mustache. Il said more than |
ought, | suppose. Myrtle has a temper, it
seems, quite in keeping with her sex. She
may be mad, but there seems to be method
In her madness, at any rate. Preston Forge
is my hereditary enemy, and this girl seems
TO be ON the trail OF the same monster
What is it for? Again i must conclude
that Mad Myrtle has much method in her
insanity. | mean to see this adventure to
the end.
Il ought, however, to get back to Rocket
Bar as soon as possible, since the minions
of Revolver Guy will turn their attention to
the poor widow and her daughter 1t was
Revolver Guys toughs who murdered old
Jonas Haryer, / feel sure. That murder
must be punished, and the toughs and
thieves who make Rocket Bar their head
quarters must meet with condign punish
ment."
Thus musing, Primrose Pete paced the
floor of the Mermaid's Cave with folded
arms, compressed lips and lowering brow.
He did not see the pair of cleaning eyes
that watched him closely from Swallowed
corner of the cavern. There was malevo-
lence in the glow of those eyes that BODIED
i'll to the fair haired sport of Montana.
so it's this pilgrim saint the princess
has taken into council" growled a voice
that ragged from pair of bearded lips be-
low the maleyolent eyes. Il take ii that
the girl is in love with the yellow curls and
pretty figure of Primrose Pete. Be it SO.
Report saith that the dainty sport is a
tough one. Such reports may be true, but
knife thrust would penetrate his ribs as
easily as those Of q Rocket Bar tough No
mar shell step atween Zine Benson and
Their princess. I'll see tibet this pilgrim
with the yelIer curls gets his ticket of leave
to night. Egad! but Lizard Lake has many
secrets. I'll bet a score of skeletons is
bleachin at this minnie on the rocky bot
tom"
The eyes disappeared suddenly, and for
time Primrose Pete was no longer
watched.
A man, short of stature. with bull neck
and great breadth of chest, rose and walked
down the cavern, passing the golden haired
sport, pausing only when he reached the
damp steps at the mouth Of the Mermaid's
cavern.
This man was clad in Indian garb, with
painted face and feathers, yet his face was
covered with a heavy, close cropped beard
gazing at the water but a moment, then
turned and passed from sight behind the
curtain that hid Mad Myrtle.
Zinc Benson paused, facing the princess,
who was seated on low bench covered
with fur.
"Ah. Zinc, what is wanted?"
Il wish to know what you propose doing
with that white livered pilgrim out yender?'
Primrose Peter"
The same, princess"
He remains with us until the morrow"
And them"
will be liberated"
ITO betray us into the hands of our
enemies, Myrtle"
NO. On the contrary, Primrose Pete is
my friend, and most bitter foe to the man
| seek, Preston Forge. The sport is one
of the honest men in Montana, and he will
prove most welcome addition to our
band" answered the princess, confidently.
A dark look mantled the brows of Zine
Benson. He said no more, but turned
away with low mHtterings.
Benson rs cross to- night, unused Myrtle,
of ha of har
cannot conceive why he should be dis
satisfied. do not propose to permit even
SO brave friend as Zinc Benson to swerve
me from my plans, however. He knows
better than to dispute my authority. Prim-
rose Pete will prove most acceptable ac-
cession to the Mermaid League. He has
keen eye, a sure hand, and cool intYepidity.
Besides all this he hates Preston Forge,
and will certainly help me to find and ex-
terminate the monster"
Thus reasoned the mad princess, and she
was not ont in her Judgment. 4 tragedy
was to occur this night, however, that was
to startle the inmates of the Mermaid Cave
not little.
1t was past the hour of midnight
Guards were placed at the entrance to
the cave, although this would seem I'M
necessary, since the lake was seemingly
an eHectuA guard against intrusion nom
without
Mad Myrtle was sweetly dreaming on
couch of skins near the door when loud
cry startled her from slumber. Oaths and
cries filed the cave, and the sharp report
of a revolver helped to render the chaos
more dreadful.
Good mercy! What has happened"
cried the princess as she came TO her feet
in wild alarm.
CHAPTER V
PRIMROSE ESCAPES.
Primrose Pete was not disposed to sleep
much on this night He usually laughed
at danger, but on the present occasion he
was surrounded by an element that was ut