Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-09-07
A Visit to Mammoth Gave.
BY c. W. YERRINGToN.
fContinued ION as lreek. J

the side of a mountain, and facing
! south, but to my surprise, we followed
the narrow footpath pointed out TO as,
down into "A narrow valley. Here we
found several old guides, or rather, men
who had acted in that capacity, in for
mer days.
They had for sale, aquantity of Speci-
mems and ornaments, which they had
brought from the cave.
We purchased number of articles,
and received deal OF information. in
regard to the caye. We learned that
the law is not SO strict as the agent had
informed us. and that tourists are al
lowed to carry away specimens from the
cave, provided they do not break them
off from the wall, or ceiling.
At the same time. guides are all com
manded to forbid visitors carrying away
the smallest specimen, but are willing
they should take them, without their
knowledge.
While in the cave, afterward, | re-
member often hearing the guides sing
out, "Ile-ah, drop dat, fifty dollars fine
for carryn' anything out of dis cave y
He ordered me to drop one, which |
did. but Immediately picked it up again
for he had Gone his duty, and | might
take all could carry, which | did
While talking with the guides, an old
fellow came along with a bag of MELONS
slung over "A mules back, and Cozart
and | invested.
After talking with him upon differ
ent subjects he asked us to accompany
/ him home.
We informed him, We were to 90 into
the cave at six, and wouldn't return
until ten p. m, but if he would be there
at that time, we would be very glad to
accompany him.
Leaving the party of specimen vend-
ers, we followed path that led in the
direction of the cave.
We soon came to a pit, down one side
of which, pair of crazy stairs have
been constructed, 10y placing blocks Of
stone. in such way, as to make very
easy passage to the bottom.
\ cool draft of air struck us. as We
began the descent. When at the bot
tom, we found ourselves face to face
with the great Mammoth.
We went in, drawn ON 10y an hides
cribable power. which it seemed impos-
sible to resist, until we were in the
| blacklist darkness.
still on we went, but very slowly, for
every inch of the ground had to be felt
over carefully, before taking a step.
shouldn't have been surprised, at
any moment. had heard CoZart S wall
of anguish. as he plunged headloug into
a foaming river, or dashed madly over
some mighty precipice.
Brave hearts it takes for deeds like
those.
On we crept. with eyes dilated, until
we came to a small gate, made Of iron
bars, which seemed to say, Thus far
shalt thou 60. and no farther.
We were strangers i'll strange
land. but we believed the laws of Ken
lucky were just as deseryingof respect
as those of our own beloved Michigan,
50 we didn't 20 any fmther-the gate
was locked.
Having satisfied our curiosity, we re-
traced our steps, left the cave and
went in quest of shady dell, for, of
very truth. we were sorely tired.
We found very tempting retreat.
and sat down with good deal Of as
surance.
/ could hardly suppress scream. for
| had thrown myself upon a bed of
chestnut burs. the first | had ever seen,
or felt rather, for they were covered
with a thin layer of leaves.
There was just one thing in the world.
that could keep me from crying out.
under such circumstances, and that
was; | knew that Cozart would soon re-
cline in the same way which he soon
did, with all the confidence of "A young
man of - summers.
\ roar OF pain followed from him, and
roar of laughter from me.
We soon had bed free from chest
nut burs. and enjoyed a short nap be-
fore tea, for wonderful to tell, there
are no flies or mosquitoes there.
| wondered much at this until, while
returning home. we stopped in Louis
Vile over sunday, and one could see at
a glance. there wouldn't be mosquitoes
enough To 90 around,
Upon explaining the fact to Cozart.
he suggested that they were probably
holding "A convention in the city. 1t
clears up a mystery in my mind. why
they use so many mules in southern
cities: YOU can't kill mule.
Why, they say they are large enough
/ in Louisville to draw street cars-the
mules | mean.