Omaha daily bee., 1891-05-17

accompanied by his two sisters upon whom
he studiously bestowed his attentions during
the continuance of the nights pleasures
McDermott watched him closely, with the
demon OF jealousy still ranking his nature.
Just as the quadrille had beer
formed for the parting dance Mary
Martin quickly left her lovers side and
ran over TO where Morne was seated at one
side of the cabin with his sisters. She en-
gagged him in pleasant chat, and much inno-
cent merriment ensued among them. Sud-
denly McDermott came to Mary's side, his
blue eyes fairly glitterng with the fury of
his passion. Morine quickly arose to greet
him, and moment later lay gasplng in the
death agony In the arms of his sisters, five
bullets from McDermotts revolver having
pierced his body.
The cowardly manner in which the young
iowan met his death caused great
inuiSnatlon, ana McDerm0tt was
promptly arrested. After en- examination
he was found guilty Of murder and after the
lax methods Of justice in such communities
ne was admitted to bail in small sum. TAX
ing advantage of 1T he fled from the scene of
his crime and Mary Martin proved her love
and loyalty by accompanying him in his
flight
After wandering here and there through
various unsettled regions in Wyoming, Nc
Dermott finally took a homestead claim on
the banks of the Nowood river, short dis
tance from the newly LAID out town
OF Bonanza McDermott was one of
the most thrifty as well as
industrious settlers in the basin, and fortune
began to smile upon. HIS herds of cattle
and horses on the range along the river for
many miles increased yearly, and he ap-
peared to be one Of the happiest and most
conteuted of men, des pte the dark stain that
rested upon his life. Two years ago a son
was born to HIM who was an exceptionally
beautiful child. Little Phil, as he was
called fairly hy hpth fotb bac md
mother. Shortly after McDermott had
settled upon his ranch young man named
Tom Madden, from some part of Iowa, took
up the homestead claim adjoining. The two
men at once became the warmest friends
They visited each other frequently, ex-
changed work on their ranches, because part
ners in stock raising, and were so familiar in
every way that the impression got abroad
that something more than mere friendship
existed between them. Madden indeed, openly
claimed that such was the case, and many
believed him. Last winter Helen Martin
joined ner sister on the ranch.
She was a tall, graceful young
woman Of eighteen years of age, and at once
became an object Of interest to all of the
young bachelor settlers in the BASIN of whom
there are many. She seemed Indifferent to
tie advances made by all of them with the
exception of Tom Madden. He seemed to
find favor in her eyes and the conclusion was
formed that matrimony would surely result
Suddenly, without any apparent cause, Mad
den broke off all relations with her and
the two became enemies. People wondered
at the rupture and predicted that it would
end like all loves quarrels in reunion. But
time rolled on and the two remained at dag
gers points, their hatred of each other grow
ing more and more Gradually serious stories
began to be circulated that all was not as
pleasant in the McDermott family as ap-
peared on the surface IL was quietly whis-
pered that Helen Martin had usurped her
sisters place in her husbands affections, and
that she was guilty OF actions that were,
say the least, of very improper character.
Matters continued this way for some
time and then the inhabitants OF the basin
were startled on March 81 by the report that
James McDermatt and Tom Madden
which he shot and killed little Phil
and severely wounded his father. Great
excitement ensued. Madden came to Bo-
nanza at once to give himself up and the
story he told created strong feeling of SYM
pathy for him, An inquest was held in the
town hall on the murdered boy. McDermott
remained at his ranch, being unable TO ap-
pear on account of his wound, which had
pierced his lett cheek below the eye and then
passed around his skull and lodged in the
back of his head.
81 was working in my yard and saw Mrs.
McDermott running toward my ranch wi th a
baby in her arms,n said Madden TO the coro-
ners' jury. ~ met her short distance from
Where was WORKING. Sue was greatly eX-
cited and acted as II danger was right at her
heels. She exclaimed: Tom for Gods sake
try and save me, the old man is going to
murder me-, | looked for the old man as
she had a habit of calling Mae but saw
nothing of him For Gods sake
she repeated, Go up and try to do some
thing with him moment later saw Nc.
Dermott coming with his little boy in his
arms. As he drew near / saw him fumblng
under the child's clothes with his right
hand, and felt sure that he mad six-shooter