The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1914-05-12
A Thrilling Spectacle Met His View.

twilight end of rare Idaho day In
side the pocket of his outing shirt was
the money upon which he relied to
win fortune and Ina.
1t was upon the letter to the old
friend of his uncle, Doctor Wilman,
that Ned relied for an introduction
to the business world of the hills A
great disappointment faced him,
however, right at the outset He
found that the old residence of Doctor
Wilman had been burned down, and
when he inquired of a neighbor re-
garding him he was told that the doc
tor had left Hopeton three years ago
and was believed dead.
There is a half-breed Indian, Ze-
rata we call him, who used to be a
servant of the DOCTOR" Ned was ad-
vised. He returned to the old place
about year after it burned down
He does odd jobs about the town now
and sleeps In the stable on the old
Wilman place. You'll find him there
most any time. Maybe he can tell
you II the doctor is dead or alive"
Ned went over 10 the stable indi-
Gated. Its door was open. Seated on
stool mending an old garment was
a dusky-hued, solemn-faced half-breed
There was character in his statuesque
face, and as he lifted his eyes they
penetrated like electric sparks.
Il was looking for Doctor Wilman,"
said Ned. Il have letter for him"
The half-breed dropped his head
slightly. He pointed across the great
frowning mountain range to the north
Dead" he said simply-"many
moons since"
Il am sorry" observed Ned. ut
was from an old friend of his that
came-Mr. Harold Wade"
He was fairly startled at the effect
Of these words upon Zerata. The lat
ter gave quick start. A singular
CLEAN came into his eyes.
Il knew him." he spoke, and his
coarse cultural voice trembled. He
was my friend, you are of his family"
Il am his nephew" explained Ned
CAME Out mere Will sumo SIIldll
capital to seek a business invest
ment. My uncle knew that Doctor
Wilman would assist me-"
'Zerata would help you, too, spoke
the half-breed eagerly. HE will seek.
he will find for you. He will tell you,
then"
Ned comprehended that the speaker
held some pleasant memory of his
uncle and was anxious to be helpful
to him. Cast on his own resources
and researches, he devoted the en-
suing week to seeking some mining
investment. 1t began to strike him an
strange, but at every turn he seemed
to come across the Indian. Zeratk
was unobtrusive, but he had become
positive shadow on all the move
ments of Ned.
One day Ned met in Hopeton .
clustering typical mining prospectcE
named Burke In some way the Isl
ter had learned Of the fact that Ne<
had some capital to invest He had .
mine to sell and he invited Ned e
visit it.
Ned did not like the appearance Of
Burke, but 1t was a country of rough
men and the man talked in very
plausible way of his holdings. They
set out upon their journey, about four
days travel from Hopeton.
1t was the second night of their
camping out when Ned awoke With a
start at the sound of a pistol shot.
He aroused to see Burke on his feet
and swift savage form disappearing.
Quick follow!" shouted Burke.
You have been robbed"
Ned placed his hand at his bosom.
The package of money was gone and
Zerata had taken it, for Zerata, it was
plain to discern, was the fleeing in
truder.
The amazed Ned put after his COM
panion Occasionally he heard shots
ahead. There was bright moonlight.
and after losing track Of fugitive and