Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1876-08-26
For the Intclllgencer
THE DISMAL OAVE-A FACT.
..,,, tel, tb, tale as twas told me.'

ssI'l tell the tale as twas told me-"
About fifty years ago a greater per-
ton of the south and west was but will
derncss. Even in those states that were
more or less populated, there were great
sections of country where there could
not be seen any sign of habitation.
Away down in Mississippi there was a
scope of country about a hundred miles
across, consisting of a swampy, wild
and desolate country, then known as
the Tuckapaw Country. in which was
no settlement, and across which was a
regular road of travel. Now, in those
old tim. s there was y great amount Of
traffic and trade between New Orleans
and tho lower Mississippi. and all the
upper country mule traders from Ken
lucky andlllinois would drive mules and
horses and sell them to southern planters
and return by land. Flat boats by the
hundred, from all the upper country,
from Ohio to the Rocky mountains, could
be seer descending the Mississippi. Ia
den with the most valuable produce the
county could afford. The merry boat
man made the forest resound with his
song and revelry. When they landed
at New Orleans, and disposed of their
valuable cargo, they would buy a plug
of a mule or mustang on which they
would take their homeward course, some
times alone, sometimes in squads of from
two to six.
About half way across this wilderness
road, a man by the name OF Cregol had
located, and built a house for the pur-
pose Of a stopping place for travellers.
This place was known by every southern
trader, and with Cregol they all had to
stop, and they were glad to share his
hospitality.
In the course of time this country be-
came settled. Old Cregol had become
immensely rich; he was growing old.
but was hale and stout. Not far from
his house was a cave in the hillside
which had never been explored. In fact,
no one had ever entered It's mouth, as
Was known. Now, this cave became an
object of interest. The dogs, for miles
around, would collect at It's e~ntranceI
and create the most hideous sounds h
their unearthly bowling. Night ad
day would these poor creatures keeplp
their mournful song.
Every person, men, women and nil
dren, for miles. would come to see this
sad, sad sight. But it was noticed that
old Cregol did not 60 to see finishing.
Why did not Cregol go? His nghbors
insisted that he should go. N, sooner
did he come in sight than the egs, with
one accord, which had, therefore,, been
perfectly submissive, molesng no one,
and any one could walk among them,
and they would only howl With teeth
grinning, and bristles up, rushed at
him as though they would tar him to
shreds, and would not let him m near.
At length it was resolved t. explore
the cave, and upon a set day he neigh
bors me- for that purpose, md with
torches in hand CROPPED thes way a
short distance on their hands aid knees,
until they entered what appeaed to be
a large chamber. They rose to their
feet, and with torches lifted hish, began
to peer through the darkness. The first
object they saw was a long Nue coat
hanging against the wall of he cave
This coat was of the old Fremh style;
made of blue cloth with brass buttons.
Upon passing further on. scores and
scores of skeletons were seen, scattered
in every direction. Human skeletons,
with clothing of every description hang
ing to them, which the wolves had torn
to pieces Among the party of explorers
was q young doctor who lived in the
neighhorhood. AS 500 as the party
emerged from the cave, the dogs, appa-
rently satisfied, ceased their howlings
and dispersed. That night a negro
came for the young doctor. The dogs
udu COlleClCu d. OIu SICSOl ., Siuo COul-
menced their bowls. Cregol was seized
with spasms, and the negro rushed fol
the doctor.
The next morning. while the doctor
was sitting by Cregol's bed, who was il
q deep stupor, the door suddenly flew
open. and a tall man with dark complex.
ion, wearing the identical coat, which
the doctor had seer in the cave the day
before. entered and passed quickly ant
noiselessly through the room. Pool
Cregol. when the man entered. rost
+ quickly in bed, and gazed with a will
and maniacal stare at him until he pass
ed out of sight. and then fell back dead
He had murdered those men for thei
money. apdthat's how he got his wealth
Il e. l..
:, FAYETTEVILLE, Mo-, Aug. 20, '76,