Tragedy of Sand Cave
Chapter 7:
The Case of Johnny Gerald

Johnny GERALD is the victim of circumstances. Endowed with several years of experience in caves, with a more or less sound practical knowledge of the peculiarities of the subterranean passages, it was inevitable that the fickle goddess should cast him in one of the most peculiar roles of the drama. Had it not been for GERALD's business dealings with the COLLINS family relative to the Crystal Cave options there is no doubt that Johnny would not have been raised to a position of considerable importance in this story. Briefly summarized, Gerald's tranactions with Lee COLLINS and Floyd were as follows: During the summer of 1924, GERALD endeavored and succeeded in securing options on the interests of the elder COLLINS and Floyd in Crystal Cave. Both of these options expired on January 1, 1925, and while GERALD's held the options he succeeded in coming to terms with Lee COLLINS. That he failed to do so with Floyd was due, it seems to the varying opinions as to the potential commercial possibilities of Crystal Cave, held by the elder COLLINS and the explorer. [Photo: "Dad" BAILEY and His Boys, the "Louisville Wrecking Crew"]. Floyd COLLINS was thoroughly imbued with the idea that Crystal Cave some day would pay big dividends. Floyd realized that considerable progress had been made on the project to convert the entire cave region into a national park and he realized if this were done Crystal Cave would be taken over by the United States Government. These motives together with the natural pride of the discovery caused Floyd to demand more money for his half interest in Crystal Cave that GERALD felt able to pay and so at the date of expiration of the first option, GERALD had failed to come to terms with Floyd. There had been considerable wrangling over the matter and shortly before the first of the year GERALD had persuaded the elder COLLINS to grant an extension of his option to Apirl 1, 1925. This extension, the father informs the writer, was made without the knowledge of Floyd, GERALD explaining that he hoped to come to terms with Floyd in the interim. Since Marshall COLLINS appears to have taken sides with Floyd in the deal, it was natural that he would look through suspicious eyes upon anything GERALD did towards effecting the release of the explorer, and as a result of this opposition, it was natural also that he should call aside the author and explain GERALD'S connection in the Crystal Cave transaction. GERALD, we believe, really desired to save Floyd COLLIN's life. He seems a man of firm convictions, slightly stubborn and of unquestioned courage. That he resented outside aid can be explained by the inherent spirit of provincialism that imbued several others connected with the rescue in the early states. Doubtless GERALD felt completely justified in declining to permit the entrance of the Louisville experts. He felt perhaps that the main effort at that stage should be concentrated on extricating Floyd's feet and in attempting to drag him inch by inch up the narrow passage to freedom. He little realized - although he later became converted - that science and engineering intellect were of paramount importance from the time it was found that COLLINS could not have been brught to the surface even though his feet had been released. [Photo: FORD, ANDERSON, Lieut. WELLS, The Engineers, and CARMICHAEL.] The constant arrival of additional experts irked GERALD. His jangled nerves impelled him to do and say indiscreet things and, because he was so enshrined by many country folk as the hero he undoubtedly was, his words and actions were considered of great importance by certain classes. GERALD was slowly, but none the less, surely crowded out of the drama by the onrushing course of events. Brig. Gen. H. H. DENHARDT, who assumed full command of the military and who from long experience realizes the importance of morale, ordered GERALD excluded from the rescue zone. This was the final crushing blow to a brave spirit, but GERALD showed remarkable fortitude when later allowed to return by refraining from bitter attack upon those he naturally blamed for his rude exclusion. A man in the heat of passion, be it anger or the burning desire to lead, will say and do many things which upon calm reflection, he will regret. This axiom of life seems peculiarly applicable to the case of Johnny GERALD, but regardless of what man may say, GERALD will forever retain his place as a true soldier of the battle. He may have been head-strong, he may have resented the aid of others than those he knew from childhood, he may have scoffed at the coming of experts, but when all is said and done, GERALD, we believe, strove as valiantly for the life of Floyd COLLINS as any other private or captain in the heroic army that battled nature in the tortuous cavern. [Photos: Lee COLLINS Reading Sympathy Messages From All Over the World; Part of Crowd - Showing Lunch Stands. Army Camp in Background; Crew that Found COLLINS, and Dr. HAZLETT, who Made Diagnosis - Abe BLEVINS, Louisville; Ed BRENNER, Cincinnati; Dr. Wm. S. HAZLETT, Chicago, and Albert MARSHALL, Danville.]

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