The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-09-14
possible not think these effects were
some trick of the light or the guide. But
the closest inspection failed to trace any

AO' ehiuh tuose 6H6cLB were
some trick of the light or the guide. But
the closest inspection failed to trace any
clue.
The Cathedral Aisle.
In the Cathedral aisle the guide asked
US to tell him what we saw. for here
several wonders met u.s. We all recog-
nized pipe organ on one side, and
the guide run the scale by beating
on them with a stick; even playing
Home, sweet home" In this wonderful
room we soon picked out a group of
small statuary, like Rogers groups, of
"Christ Blessing Little Children" Some.
how this seemed more wonderful than
the organ. But by this time we were
ready to see anything as fast as the
guide announced it's vicinity. The
graveyard which we came to next not
falling behind the rest in interest. This
semblance to mortuary repose was a
discovery made by the owner of the
cave, who upon discovering the waters
OF lake were not very deep, concluded
to drain it. Doing so, he discovered
this mock burying ground. which no
doubt is the beginning Of series Of col
umns so that even here the lesson of
types, is written. In the fullness of
time had this lake not been disturbed
ten more alabaster columns might have
risen, drop by drop, as the water was
turned into stone, where we now see
ten headstones all in row. The scien-
lists OF the party said they considered
this the most interesting of all they had
seen, because no man yet had been able
to make out how long it takes Nature
to form column 80 feet high, fluted,
carved, and colored purest amber, and }
man will never be content until he can
think he holds the key to all her long,
long secrets. Vain man. who denies
everything he cannot prove in the spirit
ual realm, but is prepared to exercise
great patience in the world of material
things which he has been taking on
trust since time was. He has but Just
discovered the world was not made in a
day. In this vaulted chamber there was
marble basin fed by an invisible spring;
the water was delicious, cold and sweet.
We all drank to the health of the Genius
of the Cave, who had wrought all these
wonderful things.
In some places the water dripped con-
stantly and those who were not provided
with waterproofs were drenched before
the interesting journey was completed.
One heard the roar of waters he could
not see, and stood on the edges of abysses
no man had yet had courage to explore.
Little passage-ways led off 10 unknown
regions. for only about half the known
length Of Luray has been put into shape
to make it safe for tourists, who are
proverbially fuller of curiosity than of
caution, and the perils of getting lost in
cave. if nothing worse. are manifold.
To be four solid hours on ones feet
was for the ladies of the party more than
tigueing. / can speak only for one,
that I was really surprised when l dis.
covered we had, somehow. come out
where we started from; and that it was
nearly fve o'clock in the afternoon.
The guide made us all stand in row
until he counted us, to to make sure no
one was left behind. Then he opened
the cellar door to let US out, and /
turned to look behind-I always did
sympathize with Lots wife-and it was
as dark as Erebus, the electric lights
having been turned off as soon as our
backs were turned. There is one thing
about Luray Cave as show. 1t is as
good at night as during the day.
But here we all are, again at our post
of daily grind, and Outings" are over for
this season, unless we manage to get
physicians certificate, that we must go
to Florida for the winter which is not at
all likely to occur, as we are in the best
OF health-for which we are devoutly
thankful-if it does mean hard work and
more Of it. EMILY L. SHERWOOD.