The Legend
In 1284, the little town of Hameln (or Hamelin according to Browning) was suffering from a rat infestation. A BIG rat infestation that left cats dead and food in short supply. The town elders wanted these unsanitary and unsavory creatures gone -- whatever the price. Although the townsmen tried everything, their efforts were for naught. When a stranger appeared, dressed in pied (multi-colored) clothing and claiming to be a ratcatcher, the desperate burghers hired the man to rid them of this menace. All parties agreed on a fee and the man went to work.
The stranger lured the rats from the town by playing his musical pipe. He led them into the Weser River where all (save one, per some accounts) drowned.
Upon successful completion of his work, the stranger returned to collect the promised payment for his services. The townsmen refused to honor the bargain. The stranger departed, vowing revenge. Returning later, The Piper again employed his magical pipe -- this time to lure all of Hameln's children away. The children were never seen again.
(These ratty caches are located in a Cook County Forest Preserve known as Sandridge Nature Center. The hours if operation are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily from March through October and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily November through February. The nature center is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.)
* Please note . . . Pets are not allowed.
CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS elwood1 FTF!! Woo! Hoo! Hoo!