The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1886-06-05
PRIMROSE PETE
Myrtle, the Mad Maid
of the Mines.
BY LIEUT.. VICTOR o. ENDAL.
CHAPTER VI.
JONATHAN SKINNER.

Rocket Bar was the name given to a collec-
ton of cabins, tents, and rude shanties oc-
cupying a space under the shadow of a
huge mountain. 1t was a level spot and
from the south end of the narrow plateau a
wagon broad wound through the hills to the
broad undulating plains ten miles distant
where was the best cattle range in the
Northwest.
Cattlemen sometimes visited Rocket Ban
for refreshments of a liquid nature. The
Bar had been started as a mining village.
but bright nuggets We're somewhat scarce
IN this part of Montana, and mining was
destined soon to become one of the indus
tries of the past.
At the time of writing, however, Rocket
Bar was in the height of its prosperity
One of the founders of the settlement
was Jonas Haryer, small cattle-ownel
and mine Spectator. He made some mon
ey the first year, but mostly in cattle. He
was the owner of large herd when he
came to an untimely death, leaving wife
and daughter almost homeless in the wilds
of Montana.
Cattle thieves had become troublesome.
and Jonas Harver succeeded in arresting
several, and sent them to the penitentiary
which reused many of the convicted mems
friends to bitter enmity toward Harver.
Bold as a lion, the old plainsman rode
the mountain trails, carrying his life in his
hand. Several times he had been assaulted
but always came off the victor, until one
fatal day in early summer when a bullet
from an unseen foe laid the brave old cat
Ue-owner low and some miners brought
the body to Rocket Bar from the spot where
they had found it across the mountain trail
That was two months before the opening
of our story, and the widow and daughter
of Jonas Harver We're still residents of the
Montana camp.
The widow and her child had many
friends among the rough bordermen; anC
besides every cowboy ON the range was the
friend of the dead ranch owners widow anG
child, SO that even eyil-minded men hest
tated about bringing wrath upon themselves
by molesting the females.
Primrose Pete was member of the cat
tie league, and the cowboys swore by the
golded-haired sport on all occasions. As
the youth had been an overseer for Mr.. Har-
yer on his cattle-ranch, 1t was but natura
that he should hold a friendly feeling fol
Mrs. Harver and her daughter Nettie
Primrose Pete had never met the woman
until after the death of his employer The
mission of the cowboy champion to Rookie
Bar was a double one-to find man once
known as Preston Forge, and to find and
execute vengeance upon the assassins OF
Jonas HaTyer.
He had been but few DAYS in Rocket
Bar at the time we introduce him to the
reader.
1t was early morning after the events
thus far narrated. The widow and hel
daughter were seated in front of the rather
commodious log cabin that stood in the out
skirts of Rocket Bar, not far from the wagon
trail leading south.
Nettie, a pretty, brown haired lass Oh
seventeen, was engaged in some delicate
needle work her thin hands crossed in heI
lap.
"Nettie, who Is that coming up the Wagon
trail2n
The girl looked up suddenly, and shaded
her eyes with one plump brown hand.
A man was riding leisurely forward
mounted on a solemn looking mustang H,
was tall and thin, with long hair reaching t.
his shoulders, white choker and blacl
crayat binding up his throat, giving him al
appearance Of continual stranmlation
Goodness, motherl don't You know tina
man? It's Jonathan Skinner, the Yanke,
diamond seeker"
4 smile touched the widows sad face.
Il do remember him now. He pretended
great friendliness once upon a time. He i
coming this way; | wonder what he car
want with us.
Soon the diamond seeker drew rein IL
front of the widows cabin, and raising ;
seedy plug he said:
Fine morning, ladies. hope l see vor
we'll"
Quite well, thank you" answered Net
tie, with a mischievous CLEAN from unde
her long lashes
Mr.. Skinner slipped to the ground-ht
had not far to go, since his feet almos
touched the earth-and leavingthe MUSTANG
standing, unhitehed. advanced, hat in hand
10 the side of Nettie.
ITO what do We owe the honor of thi.
visit. Mr.. skinner questioned Nettie
Il am here on an errand of love. IN,
charming girl, answered Jonathan Skin.
ner. pressing one huge, thin hand over hi.
heart.
Indeed"
Il am here expressly to see you, Miss
Harver.'
MOP"
L assure you it's fact / have Ions
needed a companion, helpmeet to save
me from myself. l amt a bad man. Miss
Haryer, but | do need encouragement
You see, miss, I'm from old Yarmouth in
search of diamonds. Maybe Won wonder
how l know Montana's hills contain sucl
precious gems. II was revealed to me in
dream one night. when l was sleepin' com.
AptNAblA lutSI TUE ItllCES OF the ola farm
house IN Yarmouth. Come WeSt-to Mon.
tana-and You will find diamonds thatI
make You rioher'n old Squire Hodge, that.
what voice whispered. and when l tolt
Aunt Jerusha of It the next morning. she
babe me 60 with tears IN her eyes. and 81
Tn here"
Have You found the diamonds2n
No, but with you to help me"
But Nettie sprang to her feet and retreat
ed into the house. Before she could clost
the door Jonathan Skinner pushed into TIKI
room
He caught her hand and held her fast il
the middle Of the floor
Il love you. Nettie.
You old fool,7 exclaimed the girl II
anger, release me at once"
Il can't do that. I've had another dream
voice tells me Marry Nettie Harver. anj
You'll ind the diamonds. I'll make YOU
milionalres Wife"
"Hypocritical snake exclaimed the qul
IL scratch Your eyes ont if you do not re.
lease me-.
What temper" whined the pretende,
dlamond-seekeT. IN break vour will il
good time: now you must 60 with me
At this moment, however, Mr.. skinner
darted from the side of Nettie with how
OF pam. The girl had managed to iDser
the point of needle into his hand
lou miserable WITCH greaned the VII.
lam, nursing his hand with a grimace.
At this moment Mrs. Harver entered apf
demonstrated with the diamond hunter.
Madam, would YOU fly IN the face OF
fate? With Nettle as my wife shall Rp5
immense treasure. Dare YOU thwart me il
this: Il is for your daughters interest Il
marry me.