Catoctin clarion., 1900-12-13
THURMONT Frederick County, Maryland Thursday December l3 1900

did you ever get IN hereT
Walked responded Dora, with la
comic dignity,
Yes explained my venturesome lit
tie sister, we found the cave early this
morning and after we made the fire for
you we took some of the pitch knots
and came up here again to explore.
isn't it loyelyT
'Oh. yesv I admitted. somewhat dis
appointed to know that it was only lime
stone drippings, but Sam and prefer
roast trout, don't We, Sam?
We do that cried Sam. smacking
his lips. >This is handsome, but it's
wet and cold, not to be compared to
crisp roast trout, ham sandwiches,
cheese, cake. pie-oh. lead me to them
ere l perish
'Pshaw!' exclaimed Annie. in raptur-
ous scorn. comparing lunch basket
to this!'
But it really is damp said Dora with
a shiyer.
Say goodby to it till after dinner,
any way, urged Sam, with hollow
groan, and as the fire died down, the
cavern lost its brilllancy. and Annie
consented to leave the enchanted place.
We passed out, Sam leading and l
bringing up the rear. 1t was black as
charcoal in the tunnel like passage, but
Sam kept lighting matches and We all
knew it was but few steps'to the out
side. But Sans supply of matches
gave out and, though we walked quickly
the outer caye failed to appear.
Say, isn't it about time we got out Of
this pocket" said Sam, at length, stop
ping and bringing us 10 halt.
What if we didn't go the right wayH
exclaimed Dora family.
Was there any way but the right
way" demanded Sam anxiously.
There were four tunnels, for | counted
them, but thought you knew the right
oae or, rather, didn't think at ALL
said Annie, with nervous little laugh,
intended to be fearless.
Lets 90 back I said decidedly. and
try it over again.
'All right, turn about, said San.
We will bring a light next time.
Such darkness never got nto-1 can
see better with my eyes shut than | can
with them open
So we turned around and went back
I leading. Soon we reached the fairy
chamber, but its splendor was dimmed
and the fire but a handful Of dull Goals.
There was something there worth look.
ing at, however. 1t was long huge
limbed shape near throne, and when |
saw it looming through the dusk | in
stantly stopped the procession behind
me.
What is it, Waltz whispered Annie,
clutching my arm.
was too paralyzed to reply, but |
knew what it was well enough. There
was no mistaking the hulking figure,
the lonh, peaked face, and the keen lit
tic eyes which seemed to survey US cur.
iously as if trying to make out what
manner of underground providers we
might be.
"A grizzly" gasped Sam, as if his
heart were in his throat. which prob
ably was the cause. I know | was SO
horribly scared that l could uot breathe
much less speak. If either OF the girls
had been of the talnting sort and goAe
down, I am not at all sure that we
should not have all fallen together, a
terrified heap. But all we did was to
huddle IN a bunch till there came a
deep, rumbling growl that made my
hair rise.
Instantly, like flock of frightened
sheen. pell NELL we went back into the
tunnel. | crowded the others onward,
keenly alive to the fact that if t h Q
peakedfacs monster pursued us Ishould
be his first victim. The sides of the
tunnel were rough, often jutting rock
against which we dashed as if blind
folded. The roof also was irregular
and admiralty adapted to cracking our
skulls, while the floor was frequently
covered by pools of water into which We
blindly splashed.
Wet, bruised and breathless, at last
we stopped and listened for sounds of
pursuit. But all we heard was ou: own
excited breathing aud the drip Of water
from the walls.
o, yesl there's lots of fun exploring
caves! murmured Sam.
A mutfied sob from Dora was his on
ly answer. The horrible inky darkness
unnerved US all. 1t is one thing to be
brave in the daylight. 1t is another
different and greater test of ones grit
! 10 nnnllu fana danpar in tha dark.