The DeSmet leader. (DeSmet, Kingsbury Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-05-02

Yet nine miles from the cave. Our
party numbered tWenty-one, six Of whom
were ladies. and when we were Informed
that the fare would be ~ each, OF Sti3
to the cave and return by wagons, we
entered 4 mild protest. Our stage man
was incXorahle; he said thc road was
bad, and that several of his horses had
recently pulled their legs OIL trying to
get out OF the mud, and that horses
cost money in Kentucky. His eXphua
ton being satisfactory we paid the bill,
and 10y u y. m. were on our way. a
drive Of three miles over the stoniest
cotcau in Dakota, and six miles length
wise Of the worst slough in Dakota, will
give YOU some idea Of the road from
Cave City to Mammoth Cave. We
reach the hotel mt the Cave at Q =. m.
partakc Of Il hasty supper, with hot
coffee, for We are cold and hungry.
Now each is provided with padded
cap, n walking stick and torch, and
are ready te descend. But hold Tick
cts .-$3 each again. We know that a
protest will be useless, and part with our
cash. Our guide, a colored man who
has acted as such for twenty years, leads
the way We descend into n deep val
ley by rude stone steps, and are soon at
the mouth of the 'fgreat wonder The
natural opening has been closed to the
size Of a door by stone wall, and II door
made Of iron bars fitted to the opening.
Thi, door is kept securely locked, except
when parties are inside. As we enter
We find Il strong current Of air rushing
into the cave. I'm the summer this air
ru,hcs out. This is accounted for 10y
the fact that the temperature in the
cave is % degrees Far. at all times. 1t
is the cool air seeking the warmer. We
are inside. 1t is vast cavern, appar-
emily without end, in the solid limestone.
We notice the walls and ceiling are Gov
cred with black spots, which prove to be
thousands Of bats This is called the
"Battcly.' As we proceed we enter the
"rotunda," a monster chamber so high
that our torches scarcely light up the
dome, with smooth, regular walls. We
halt TO admire the greatness Of natures
work, and pass on to the Methodist
Church, a large cavern reaching into
the rocks 10 the left Of us rs we pass.
We inquired for the Baptist church, and
our guide informed us there was none.
The cave was too dry, he said, bat he
would show lis the next best thing, VIZ:
II "thcatcr.' We soon emerge into this
opening, and by drawing on our imag
nation a little we can see stage and
gallery 1t is a grand chamber, 200 feet
long 10y 20 high and 80 wide. The "Bri-
dal Chamber" next claims our attention.
The altar, semicircle Of pillars reach
ing from floor 10 ceiling is truly a ro-
mantle spot. Here many fond hearts
have been united in the ''holy bond,' y
and promises not to wed ANY man on
the face Of the earth have been evadcd
by making tins the bridal chamber
The Pillar Of Hercules in this cham
Der, monster stalactite and stalagmite,
having united and become one great
pillar, strong and mighty, is reminder
to those who we'd here that the bond
cannot he easily broken. At intervals
fantastic forms in oxide Of iron appear
on the ceiling. The "at girl, the
giant and gantess tossing the baby,
the /" amt cater" "Odd Fellows links, y
etc, are pointed ont by the guide. "In-
yalids' Home" several stone houses
erected and occupied by several con
sumptlvcs, in the vain hope that the
cquabe temperature would effect "A
cure, are passed in our march. BY this
tlEAc we are somewhat fatigued, and we
are glad 10 find some rude seats in II
chamber Of grand dimensions.
Continued next week