UNWRITTEN LAW.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9445, 15 May 1909, Page 2

UNWRITTEN LAW.

A tragedy which illustrates the extent to which the “unwritten law’’ prevails in the West has occurred at Montana, where Mr Thomas Mentzel, the owner largest ranch in the State and the head of an old family, was shot and killed by his beautiful wife, who is well known as a sportswoman. Their home is a veritable museum of hunting trophies, to which Mrs Mentzalhas contributed a notable share. She returned with her sister, Miss Ida Kafferty, from a fishing expedition three days ago. According to the version furnished by Miss Kafferty, one of the most popular beauties in the State, Mr Mentzel immediately began quarrelling with his wife. The quarrel lasted the entire evening and was resumed in the library on the following morning. Finally, alarmed at her, husband’s violence, Mrs Mentzel ran upstairs and took from the wall, which was covered with the spoils of her hunting expeditions, a rifle. This she aimed at her husband, shooting him through the back. Mr Mentzel fell mortally wounded. Hia wife lifted his head, and, placing it in her lap, said, “Tommy, you drove me to this.’’ “Yes, I know I did, dear,” replied Mr Mentzel, and then died. Mrs Mentzel brought the body to the family burial ground in Old Nevada Oity. The funeral was attended by hundreds of friends of the famous rancher. Universal sympathy is expressed with Mrs Mentzel, and no attempt has been made to arrest her.