The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1907-04-16

he HAD WHIPPED OUT A REVOLVER AND
HAD THE OTHER COVERED.
something this morning about wanting
to see to some things about the house"
"T'll wait around for awhile he said,
with smile. 81 have plenty of time,
and with pleasant company He
bowed courteously to Bertha
Il can't put you out" she said, with
a toss of her head.
''IfI intrude," he suggested, 81 can
put myself out"
This was just what Bertha did not
want. If he was planning to rob the
vaults and was waiting until his con-
federates came up, there was a chance
that some one might come in before
then who could help her secure him.
He answered to the description of
Butte Bill, who led a gang Of cut
threats and whose picture adorned a
handbill posted on the inner side of
the wire screen. She fastened to make
pleasant reply, and presently she had
forgotten the character of her visitor
in the charm of his conversation.
Robber he might be, but he was GER
tainly most charming fellow and had
travelled far. He soon had her so In
terested in his tales of "back east,
that promised land of which she had
heard so much and seen nothing at all
that she was sorry when at last the
clock chimed and she was forced to
rouse herself and announce that it was
time to close the doors.
1--WE enjoyed our little visit i'm
mensely," he said, with smile Il am
sorry that it must be interrupted.
hope to see you again. May l suggest
that you be careful to see that the
vaults are securely locked? You see,
hear that there is gang Of despera-
does in these parts, and 1t would be
well not to put temptation in their
way"
Bertha glanced at the $4,000 Re
ward" on the circular and made up her
mind. Butte must not be permitted
to escape. She caught up the gun
from its position on the shelf and slip
ped out of the cage. There was an
opening in the counter near the front
door, and just as she reached it she
whipped out her gun.
"Put up your hands," she command
ed "You didn't know it, but l had
your picture there on handbill."
His hands had gone above his head at
the first command, and now he tower
ed above her, still smiling.
There is some mistake" he said. IF
you will kindly turn aside my coat you
will find a detectives star there that
should vouch for me-"
he approached as though to permit
her to carry out his request, but she
retreated before him.
Not much she declared. That
would give you a splendid chance to
everpower me- You keep your dis
lance"
But l can't hold my hands over my
head all night" he pleaded. What are
you going to do with me?"
Some one will come for me if do
not go home" she explained. you
won't have to wait for more than an
hour"
The intruder groaned. You don't
suppose that l can keep my arms in
the air that long, do you?" he demand
ed. I'D rather haze you shoot"
81 will If you come any Closer" she
warned He stepped back, and for ten
minutes he looked eagerly out Of the
door. Then he gave a cry, and with a
sigh Of relief Bertha turned her head
to greet the newcomer
For an instant she gasped, for the
newcomers arms went above his head
promptly, and his revolver went clat
tering to the ground. In general ap
pearance he was the double of her first
visitor, though he lacked the frank
ness, expression and genial lines about
| the eyes.
His action reminded her of her cap
tive, and she turned. To her surprise
he had whipped out revolver and had
the other covered.
will you oblige me by feeling In my
coat and taking out pair of handouts
you will find thereT' he asked.
Bertha. drew 9ut the. aIjRtening brace