The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1878-07-04
CREGOLS CAVE.

3
of the South and West was but wilder
ness. Even in those States that were
more or less populated, there were sect
I ions of the country where there could
not be seen any signs Of habitation.
Away down in Mississippi there was a
scope of country, about one hundred
wild and desolate country, then known
as the Tuckapaw country, in which there
was no settlement, and across which was
a regular road to travel. Now, in these
old times, there was great amount Of
| traffic and trade between New Orleans
and the lower Mississippi, ana all the
upper country mule traders from Ken
lucky and Illinois would drive mules and
return by land
Flatboats by the hundred, from the
upper country from Ohio to the Rocky
| Mountains, could be seen decending the
Mississippi, laden with the most valuable
produce the country could afford. The
merry boatman made the forest resound
with his song and reyelry. When they
landed at New Orleans, and disposed Of
their valuable cargo, they would buy
plug, OF mule, or ''mustag, on which
they would take their homeward course,
sometimes in squads Of two to six.
About half way across the wilderness
road, a man by the name Of Cregoi had
located, and built house for the pur.
pose Of a stopping place for travellers.
This place was known to every Southern
trader, and with Cregol they had to stop,
and 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
he was hale and stout, Not far from the
house was a cave in the hillside, which
had never been explored. In fact, no
one had ever entered its mouth, as far as
was known.
Now this cave became an item of inter-
est. The dogs for miles around would
collect at its entrance and create the most
hideous sound by their unearthly howl
ing. Night and day would these poor
creatures keep up this mournful song.
Every man, woman and child for miles
around would come to see this sad, sad
sight But it was noticed that old Cregol
did not go to see the thing.
And why did not Cregol go? Hisneigh-
bors insisted that he should go. No
sooner did he come in sight than the
| dogs, at one accord, which had hitherto
been perfectly submissive, molesting no
one, and any one could go among them,
and they would only howl with teeth
grinning and bristles up, rushed a him
as though they were about to tear him
! to shreds, and would not let him come
near. At length it was resolved to ex-
plore the cave, and upon Il set day the
neighbors met for that purpose. With
torches in hand, they CROPPED their way
| short distance on their hands and knees,
| until they entered what appeared to be
large chamber. They rose to their feet,
and, with torches lifted high, began to
peer through the darkness.
The first object they saw was long
| blue coat hanging against the wall of the
cave. This coat was Of the old French
style, made of blue cloth, with brass but
! tons. Upon passing further on, scores
tered in every direction. Human skele-
tons, with clothing of every description
| hanging to them, which the wolves had
torn to pieces. Among the party of ex-
plorers was young doctor, who lived
| in the neighborhood. As soon as the
! party emerged FROM the cave, the dogs,
apparently satisfied. ceased their bowling
and dispersed. That night a negro came
for the young doctor. The dogs had
collected at old Cregols and commenced
their bowls. Cregol was seized with
spasms. and the negro rushed for the
doctor.
The next morning, while the doctor
was sitting 10y Cregols bed, who was in
a deep stupor, the door suddenly flew
open, and a tall man, with dark complex
ion, wearing the identical coat which the
doctor had seen in the cave the day be-
fore, entered and passed noiseleesly
through the room. Poor Cregol, when
the man entered, rose up quickly in bed
and gazed with a wild and maniacal stare
at him until lie passed ont of sight, and
then fell back-dead. He had murdered
these men for their money-and that is
how he got his wealth.