Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-12-04
Puff! And Out They Go.

There is a cave near lockwood, a
station on the Denver and Rio Grande
railway, which has been visited by
many persons. No particular men,
tion of the cave has been made. as it
seemed to be little worthy OF notice.
On Sunday last a number OF pleasure
seekers left this city TO join party at
lockwood who had planned TO visit
the cave. About o'clock in the after
noon the members OF the party, hav-
ing disposed OF their dinner. began to
climb the hill, near the top Of which
the mouth OF the cave is located.
After much exertion the foremost OF
the party reached the mouth OF the
cave. and being in advance OF his CON-
panions, they were startled TO see him
fall backward into the low oak bushes,
as il he had been thrown from cata-
pult. His companions, pushing for
ward more vigorously, soon came To
his rescue and found him recovering.
not much hurt. but slightly scratched
and somewhat dazed. He could give
no explanation OF his sudden removal
from the opening 10 the cavern.
Curious 10 know what the cause
was, the entire company in body
pushed up the hill, which hasa partic-
ularly steep descent near the mouth
OF the cave. To the astonishment Of
the whole number, the instant after
stepping into the cave, they found
themselves all piled together in spot
near where the first had landed lt
took but a little while To recover from
the ENHANCEMENT, when they began
20 inquire the cause OF this sudden ex-
citement. They all agreed that they
had seen nothing to cause such u
thing, and they were curious TO know
the season for the phenomenon. But
how to find out what they wished was
the thing to decide
At last il was determined that the
strongest gentleman OF the party
should gain position at the side OF
the entrance, and, thus protected. get
ali opportunity TO reconnoiter. So,
taking a circuitous route and avoid
ing position directly ia front OF the
opening, they soon found themselves
close beside the entrance. Cautious
ly putting his head out beyond the
protecting wall, the foremost peered
it. His hat Immediately took flight
down the declivity, but he was thus
made aware OF the exact state OF af-
fairs.
The philosophy OF the current OF air
in caves suddenly dawned upon him.
As is well known, the air Cf n warm
day in summer Is much lighter on the
outside OF cave or cellar than IL IL
inside. Consequently the cold, heavy
air rushes out with great violence
enough in this case to cause the
trouble spoken OF and throw the par
ty down the hill.
Later, relating this tale. an old
timer told your correspondent OF n
former adventure OF his at the same
place. On a cold day In the early
winter he was tracking deer along
this hillside, when he was astonished
to SEQ the cave open mp before him.
and he noticed that the snow seemed
to have been disturbed very recently.
as though body had been dragged
into the entrance.
without thinking. he stepped for
ward TO examine into the cause OF
the disturbed condition OF the snow,
when he felt himself violently pulled
into the cave, the force pulling him
from his feet. He felt q shock, and for
awhile was oblivious TO all around
him. When his senses returned he
found he was lying by and partially
upon the body OF deer yet warm.
This led 10 still closer examination.
He at last determined that the force
OF the current OF air blowing into the
cave had drawn the deer in. killing IL,
but that when he was drawn in the
shock was somewhat obvisted by his
striking the deer, thus saving him
from death. The explanation IL just
the reverse OF the other, the air be-
ing warmer inside the cave than out.
The current flows into the cave dur
ing the winter. thus accounting for
the strange affair. -Denre- Sun.