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

Primrose Pete's captors obeyed the order
and led their prisoner up the natural steps
to the floor above. Following the torch
bearer they soon reached a large subterra-
mean chamber, whose ceiling was many
feet above, and glowed like molten silver
under the glare of dozen lamps that were
fastened to the sides of the room.
The apartment was a large one, most
pleasant room indeed, and the air was
warm and genial to the dripping prisoner.
Primrose Pete stood gazing at the central
figure of the apartment IN wonder. Myrtle,
the mad maid of the mines, confronted
him. not wet like himself, but in a robe of
pure white studded with glittering gems
A crown rested upon her head, from which
great stars glittered and cleaned like points
of living flame.
Remove the sport to the clothing-ro .
commanded the princess; Il viii interview
him later, when he is CARRIED in dry gar
ments, and his arms are free"
Primrose Pete was led away, past the
princess of the Mermaids cave, into an
apartment formed by drawing a curtain
across a recess IN the rock. Here he was
released from bonds and permittedto chose
from dozen suits of clothes that hung
from the wall. In little while the yellow
haired sport garbed himself in a natty
hunting costume of velvet, and then signi-
fed his readiness to meet the leading spirit
of the cave.
Once more Primrose Pete passed into
the main cave and confronted Mad Myrtle
His hands were now frea, and he stood in
an easy attitude before the girl mistress of
the cavern.
Are you satisfied with your treatment
thus far?" questioned Mad Myrtle in low
tone.
Il cannot complain. since you have not
murdered me. but of course / must look
upon You as an enemy, although You swore
to be my friend and pard in your great hunt
for a name and for Preston Forge, whom
we both do not love-"
"Ha! Then you know Preston Forge,
and do not love him?"
Il did know the villain-I have not met
him in long years; he may be dead for
aught l known. My main object in visiting
the mines of Montana was to find, if pos
sible, this man. and with my own hand
send him across the range-otherwise, TO
the land of DEATH"
And you hate Preston Forge?" mus
ingly,
Myrtle held out her hand, but the yellow
haired sport did not take it. He drew him
self to his full height and folded his arms
across his breast.
Il cannot shake with one who has betray-
cd me. y he said in gloomy accents.
" hat nonsense. You are 10 be my pard
on the trail that leads 10 the open grave of
Preston Forge. Why not act the Wan and
stand 10y your promise? If there has been
betrayal. you are the traitor, Primrose Pete.
and not the Montana princess
Il stand by my word. you have broken
yours. asserted Primrose Pete shortly.
Il have not"
You have made me prisoner
Only 70 save your life, interrupted the
maid. Had | not signaled my band YOU
would have fallen a victim to the toughs Of
Rocket Bar"
smile of incredulity raised the delicate
blonde mustache of the mild-faced sport.
\ slender excuse for making me a pms
oner, be said ironically Il could have
cleaned ont those six toughs single handed
easy enough, but even admitting that the
help or your men was needed. was it neces-
sary to make me a prisoner? Surely YOU
might have permitted me to have gone NV
way IN peace
And had you for an enemy. perhaps. 3"
answered the princess. i was not such a
slmpleton, Primrose Pete. / did not want
you for an enemy. / made You a prisoner
Tor good purpose. II you are ready TO
stand by your promise. and viii solemnlv
swear TO stand my pard through thick and
thn You are at liberty now: only Won mrst
remain IN this cave until morning. whom
you will be conducted to the upper air
thlnk yon quite comprehend me now"