, 1890-10-04
A PRAIRIE ROMANCE.
The Dramatic Story of the Suicide
of lanes Mckee.
He Loved In Vain a Pretty Little
Girl From Kansas.
She IiItsd Him and He Hanged
Himself to a Tree.

day. At least that was the conclusion OF
s. NJ. Smith and others who frightened
away the hocking blackbirds that were
eying askance the strange fruit OF the tree
and chattering saucily at the ~lifeless frame
with purple hands clutched into clothing
and black, distorted face with a set ex-
preston of sore agony. The discolored
tongue lolled from swollen, blue lips and
dull. lifeless eyes had started at the sight
of ugly death. To yield the ghost
had been a frightfnl strife,
but the soul had been smothered
within the now misshappen bulk of what
had once been every inch a man in
physique. He was one whom poets
write as noble, brave, handsome. fit in
tuedal times to have worn a knightly
badge and defend it right well.
Justice Hart OF Fort Laramie took the
case in charge. No one about the pre-
cinct knew of the dead man beyond his
name and occupation, and aver yet his
personal history is only to be copjectured.
Hart asked Coroner Ohafhn by wire if an
Inquest was necessary and the latter re-
piled not unless there were suspicious of
foul play. No investigation was had.
A lady from Fort Laramie tells the
story of McKec's suicide fally and makes
Of what apDerred an ordinary case of self
destruction by a daft range worker
a romance with lust enough of the
sentimental and just enough of the dra-
matte to make it a strong story of West
ern life, an uncanny tale, vet true and
strange.
Mckee was a line rider for a Nebraska
outfit. one Of the %jolliest members of the
crew. He was abed betimes, out when
the suns rays swept across the praIrIes,
and singing as be rode. No broncho SO
fractions that he could not conquer. no
watch too long, no task even great. Nc
Kee was happy IN his health and strength,
with never a care.
One day some movers camped near the
rendezvous of the line riders. 1t was a
party Of three. a young man and wife and
the latteris sister. a miss not more than
IA. They had been Is-per
cented out of Kansas. The
young matron was pretty. The
girl was stunning. She was endowed
with that wild beauty of wealth OF black
hair in ringlets and tangles, laughing
eyes, full red cheeks and white, even
teeth, a figure as if moulded with an
artists ideal for a model. Physically be
yond her years, she had acquired the de-
meanor of an admired beauty and was
coquettish.
All the cowboys were enamored of the
little queen Of the emigrant camp. Mo
Kee was impetuous and was encouraged ,
but played with as has been many a pool
fool who knew more of love than the un-
couth range hand.
When the little train of homeseekers
left the vicinity of the cattle outfit Mckee
departed also. He was with them till a
few hours before his death.
On Thursday Of last week there was a
scene In the camr of the movers. Mckee
had talked Of marriage with the girl in
the hating fashion of a timid
lover, but now, made bold by his
hearts idol ard the friendEpsss of her
relatives he proposed outright and insist
ed On proceeding at once to Fort Laramie
and there celebrating the nuptials. The
miss rejected him fatty, made game o
him. declared that she had been but anus.
ing herself. Mckee smarted under hi.
Illumination, but almost fiercely pressed
his suit. He was eloquent in persuasion;
honied words came to him. The sweet
pleadings but made the girl devlishly per.
verse. She first laughed at him, then bis
manhood asserted itself and a sting upon
his honor brought a esponse IN like.
Here tho male protector Of the little
tirt i~nterposed and ordered Mckee to
to leave, and with sickened heart he
turned away without a word, tears yelling
to his big. honest eyes.
Mckee left a note at the Pratt & Fer
ris ranch for the girl and rode to a big
bSS hNoo .ehau a hlio AWAY. LIZ lieu ME
horse, took the lariat from his saddle and
climbed among the leaves. Sitting astride
a strong limb he fastened one end of the
rope to it, placed a slip moose around hi:
neck and doubtless .hurrying to escape fal.
terisg decision, jumped. The neck was
not broken. He was strangled to death.
The girl didn't pale when she read Nc
KEGS note-his death warrant. 1t was 6
rude scrawl saying he cared not to hive
without her. The movers lost no time
on account OF the courtship and its tragic
sequence. The married sister said with
every show Of pride that in her teens Q
man had killed himself for her. The
man alone expressed regret, None re
morse.
Friends OF Mckee, who have learned
of the manner in which his funeral was
conducted, are indignant, as be was nc
pauper, 1t seems that pending the cor
oner's instructions the body was packed
in ice without removing boots or clothing,
and 50 it was buried, even with the broad
brimmed white hat forced over the
blonde, curly hair. Iu the coffin lowered
to the graves bottom was the body il
wet clothes, as ii taken from the river.
TO CLOSE TIE HEX.