THE 'GHOST' OF CAMERON PASS. A Strange Robber that Turned Out to be a Woman.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 413, 23 October 1889, Page 6

THE 'GHOST' OF CAMERON PASS. A Strange Robber that Turned Out to be a Woman.

In the summer of 1882 W. C. Hart, the geologist, and two other enthusiastic collectors of specimens were emcamped near the lava beds between the headwaters of the Cache de la Poudre river and North Park. It was a rough, broken region, and the desolation was heightened by fche proximity of the crater of an extinct volcano, while bare rocks and dead timber were everywhere. The hope of securing rare formations for their cabinets attracted the gentlemen to the uncanny spot, for everyone averred that Cameron Pass was haunted by the spirit of an emigrant's daughter. Joe Shepler, a well - known mountaineer, who was piloting the party through the hills, had often seen the ghost, and promised hia companions that they should view the strange apparition before returning to their homes. He said the ppirit was a thief, and frequently stole food and furnitux'e from the camps ot hunters who ventured within her uninviting domain. At dinner, August 12th, 1882, Shepler calmly announced that the spirit of Cameron Pass was approaching, and pointed to a strange being which was swiftly moving towards the camp. The marauder came to within 500 yards of the men. and seizing a haunch of venison which had been placed on a stone ran off with it. Hart picked up his rifle and, calling on his comrades to follow, started in pursuit of the thief. She - - they were sure it was a woman — led them a lively race directly toward the lava beds. Being cloeely pressed, the hunted creature dropped the meat and sped onward to the opening of the cave. The pursuers entered the cavern on the heels of the strange robber and found the warm body of a dead woman. The corpse was that of a woman about twenty-live years old. Her only clothing was a rude gown, fashioned of skins. Her hair was very long and she was sunburned and barefooted, Tne remains were buried deoently. An exploration of the cave disclosed the face that it had for some time been used as a habitation by the alleged spirit. The ground was covered with bones, and, although there were cooking utensils about it was evident that they had never been used. The unfortunate girl had subsisted on stolen meats, roots and leaves. She had dried meat for winter use. For several years she was thought to be a spirit.