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

At his feet. silent as the dead, lay the
guardian Of the Mermaid's Cave.
Primrose Pete turned and was on the
point of descending to the water, when he
caught the glitter of pair of maIeyolent
orbs not ten feet from the spot he eeeu-
pied.
Some one was awake aud Watching him.
Quickly the Montana sport raised his re-
volyer. As he did so dark form darted
through the air, bright blade cleaned IN
the eyes of the escaping prisoner.
Take that, YOU sneaking coyote!
Thanks, but | must decline, answered
Primrose Pete, warding the mad blow from
his breast with his revolver. The next IN
slant he clutched the would be assassin by
the throat and hurled him against the
rocky side of the cavern.
With a savage oath the villain dashed
once more at the escaping prisoner with
uplifted knife.
IF YOU must take it. l can't help it,
fool" grated Primrose Pete.
The next instant sharp report rang ont,
and Zine Benson, the murderous lieutenant
of the Mermaid League, sank to the stone
floor with bullet in his brain.
The report of the sports revolver reused
the cavern sleepers. and yells and cries OF
alarm sled the room.
I'm in for it now," muttered the sport
as he heard the racket.
Quickly he darted down the steps and
stood at the waters edge. To plunge IN
there seemed like going to doom, yet this
must be done if he would not perish. 1t
was not reasonable to suppose that any
mercy would be shown him now should he
fall into the hands of the inmates of the
cave.
Thrustine his revolver in breast pocket
Primrose Pete bent his form, closed his
lips, and made the plunge. He went down
to great depth and then swan outward
thus until his breath was nearly exhausted,
and then he permitted himself to rise.
cry of Joy escaped his lips when he
came to the surface of the lake in the
shadow of the cliff. Far out the moon
rays still fingered, rendering the scene one
of exquisite beauty.
Still another cause for JOY was found In
the skif which still lay at anchor in front
of the entrance to the Mermaid's Cave.
Quickly Primrose Pete drew himself
into this, drew III the anchor, and grasping
the oars rowed rapidly and silently from
the spot.
Primrose Pete was elated at the success
of his venture, and he chuckled many times
during his voyage across the bosom of
Lizard Lake.
In the cave great excitement reigned.
The dead body of Zine Benson had been
discovered, and the insensible guard, and
then an inkling of the truth dawned upon
the minds of the cave-dwellers.
Mad Myrtle regarded the face of her dead
lieutenant with deep emotion.
who could have done this cruel deed?
Have we a traitor among u.s." demanded
the princess in low tone, half smothered
with emotion.
mo traitor" said one of the painted
mermen, "but it's that internal yellow
haired devil we brought in here last
evening""
Primrose Peter"
GAY! Primrose Pete" answered the
man, with bitter emphasis.
Bring him to mel | will question the
young sport. If he hath done this evil
work, after all the promises he made, he
shall be instantly put to DEATH"
The man addressed made no move to
obey the order of his mistress.
why don't you bring the Montana sport
to me at once, good Carl?" demanded Myr-
tie, in sharp tone.
Good reason, Princess; the dandy sport
has escaped"
Escaped"
Even SO, Princess"
For some moments Mad Myrtle stood
staring at the man as if petrified.
what are YOU standing here for, them"
the mad maid finally demanded. Pursue
the villain at once. A hundred nuggets to
the man who brings me his scalp, Do you
hear?"
Yes, every member of the band heard the
words and the offer, and almost while she
spoke several dark forms plunged into the
water and disappeared from view.
In the course of ten minutes, however,
these men returned and reported the boat
gone.
Then the scoundrel has made good his
escapel" cried Mad Myrtle, her face white
with angry disappointment.
True, Princess, said one of the dusky
denizens of the cavern. 1.-THE lakes only
half mile wide, and by this time the dan
dy sports feet are treading terra tirma. He
was bad one, you bet"
But he must be captured" asserted the
maid, with compressed lips and corrugated
brow. 81 just now called for his scalp. /
rescind that order. Bring Primrose Pete to
me alive. l wish to punish him for his in
iquity with my own hand. Do you hear.
brothers? The Montana sport must be
taken alive. If any harm comes to him l
shall hold you responsible"
What freaks Their princess do take"
growled voice. Next thing she'll order
us ter bid MONUMENT ter ther vartues of
the yaller- haired sport. Sich is wimmen;
Their queerest critters on Their face Of ther
yeartn."
mo grumbling. Remember my orders"
We are ready to obey"
At this moment the sentinel reused from
his nsensible condition, and gave his YER
sion of the affair that had resulted in the
death of the villainous lieutenant.
The curse let fly a club at my head Jest
the moment l said halt. never was so took
down in my life, never"
No, | reckon not" sneered one of the
painted whites. Jest holler halt and most
any man nd cave"
The mans irony was lost on the sentinel.
who ignored the speaker altogether.
Lieutenant Benson must be given burr
al, said Mad Myrtle. "You will remove the
body to the center of Lizard Lake and
weight it to the bottom"
TO -night?"
AT once. Daylight may find our enemies
lining the shore"
But we've no bGat"
"Iou must find the one taken by Prim-
rose Pete. He will leave it at the most con-
venient landing without doubt said Mad
MYRTLE