o More Dead People, Please

ome time ago Baron Von Lodge was the head of a small country near Switzerland known as Lilliland.

It was important that when vacationers visiting Lilliland for skiing, mountain climbing, sailing, horseback riding and other popular sports, that they go home with pleasant memories. No one wanted to go home with a dead body in a casket arriving with them. The casket would hold a vacationer who died, usually during a fatal accident.

Some people drowned in Castle Lake because they could not swim well. Others skied right off the mountain because they thought they were better skiers than they were. All safety precautions were in place to prevent accidents.

But when it came to vacationers going into the caves at the far end of the lake to explore, and not coming out, the Baron did not like to hear reports of fatal accidents. The caves were to be safe at all times for everyone. “No more dead people floating out of the caves, please!” This was a directive right from the Baron.

Professor Hamblin was asked to put an end to these problems even if it meant closing the caves to everyone. The analysis by the Professor found that the cave opening looked quite safe and was several feet above the water level of the lake. However, as one entered the cave, it ever so gradually sloped downward. After about 100 steps inside the cave, it became well below the water level of the lake. As people continued to go further into the cave, the path kept going down deeper and deeper. Then, if there was a sudden change in the wind, it affected the water levels. The cave quickly filled up with lake water and drowned the people who were too far in the cave.

The Professor added more warning signs outside and inside the cave. When the water began to fill up the cave, red-warning lights flashed and a foghorn sounded.

The Baron said that was still not good enough. A guard was positioned inside the cave and the cave was only open certain hours. A chain was installed at one point that led back up to the opening so if everything else failed, people could still get out safely.

The Baron wanted everyone who visited Lilliland to enjoy his or her vacation adventures along with the comfort of being safe at all times.