The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-06-01
THE SECRET OF THE CAVE.

A 7 THE time my story begins, the
n hunters and the Indians, making
the vicinity of Wind River Mountains
their home, had strange superstition,
founded on tradition that had been
handed down from father to son for
many preceding generations. 1t ran
very nearly as follows: That amid the
loftiest peaks of the snow-covered range
referred to, was situated cavern, which
--as the story is--was supposed to be In
habited by u supernatural being, who
possessed the power of taking away the
life of any adventurer, who was suffi-
GENTLY audacious to intrude on her, or
his, or its domain-for it was not clear
~ established what form it was usual
for them to assume, for the reason that
no one as yet, had ever gazed into the
cavern's mysterious depths; at least, If
any had, they never came back to reveal
its secret. No one, however, of the
present generation had been able to re-
cord the death of any person caused by
visiting this spot. Yet it was consider
ed a fact, impossible of denial, that,
many long years before, persons had
been found lying murdered in its vicini-
ty, but having no visible wound. These
circumstances combined to make it
place talked of by few, visited by none,
and hardy would that person be who
dared to dispute its existence, for the
ridieule and taunts of the sturdy noun
taineers would either compel him to Wis.,
it the spot, or stand before his associates
. confused braggart and coward. Thus
weeks rolled on, when, one bright beau
tiful day, soon after the genial sun of
spring had released all nature from the
icy grasp of winter, and brought the
mountain streams, leaping joyfully in
their freedom, from the snow-capped
summits of the rocky range to the little
community, situated at its base, was
thrown into state of gossiping excite
lnent by the advent of stranger among
them. The new-commer was a man of
slight stature, but with q frame that
showed him to be athletic, as his flash
ing grey eyes denoted him to be fearless.
On the instant of his arrival he was, of
course, the centre of attraction, the OBJ
served of all observers, and was soon
ensconsed in the best house of the vii
lage, with general invitation from the
hospitable mountaineers to stay as long
as he could make himself comfortable
and happy. After stay of about two
weeks, he had made up his mind to pro-
ceed on his journey; and, in order to
beguile the hour till starting, the guide,
who had volunteered to accompany him
related some of the many legends of his
wild, rocky home, and, among others,
the one we have referred to. AS the
ruountaineer concluded, Ed. Webber--
for that was the listeners name ex-
claimed:
6 Impossible the people here do not
believe this !? Surely they seem too SEN
sible.r
Don't they, though 2" interrupted
the guide, called by his comrades, Phil
Hibbs. " Stranger, don't wish you no
bad luck, but 1 wish you'd go up thar,
p'haps you might b'lieve an ag'in you
moughtn't, but this critters got an idee
that you mought."
Well Phill," replied the other, CT
expected, ere this, to have been many
miles nearer Salt Lake City, but now
you challenge me to visit this place, see
it, will, let the cost be what it may"
Having expressed this determination
he started for the settlement, for the
purpose of carrying it out, all his COM
panion's entreaties to the contrary not
withstanding. They soon again had
the villagers gathered, and Webber told
to them his purpose in assembling
there. They used their utmost endeav-
ors to prevent him, but all to no purpose
and finally his taunts, and offers of re.
ward even induced six of them to agree
to accompany him.
Ed. now gave directions for them tc
procure basket of provisions, coil ol
stout rope, and two long iron shod poles
similar to those used by the mountain
GERS of Europe for it was his intention
to start Immediately, it being near noon
Having seen all the arrangements com
pleted to his satisfaction, and the mer
well armed, according to the custom o
the time, with rifle, bowie-knife an,
Iariat he started toward the mountain
followed by the guides and their weep
ing friends and relatives. Arriving a
the base of the mighty range, Ed. part
cd with the villagers who accompanie
him thus far-and bidding those of hi