The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-10-14
Our @liu.
A Narrow Escape.
How "A Tourist Fell into q GeyseF's Cra-
tar. and How He Escaped TherefrOm.

A Narrow EScdPOs
How n Tourist Fell into GeyseF's Cra-
Ter. and How He Escaped Therefrom.
A party of four persons returned recent,
" from trip to the Yellowstone National
PARK Joe V. Longdon, G. E. Kantner,
]. r. Montgomery, and Walter Watson are
the names Of the persons, and they profess
thew have had, with one exception, a most
delightful time. They were examining the
crater of the geyser about two and nan
miles from the Fire Hole river. Notwith-
standing it is forbidden to carry specimens
away from the park, or despoil IN any way
the formations, these gentlemen were de.
sirous of securing some mementoes OF
their trip, and seeing some beautiful forma-
tions in the crater, Watson volunteered to
attempt decent and secure piece OF the
beautiful colored work on the interior Tor
each member of the party. HE carefully
descended distance of probably ~ feet,
taking care that each time his hold was Sc
cure. He reached the formations, secured
what he desired, and attempted to ascend.
Reaching overhead, he grasped proJec-
ton. and, putting all his weight upon 1t, 1t
gave way, and he was precipitated into the
seemingly yawning abyss. His eompan-
ions who were watching his movements,
shreiked as they saw him fall: They lmme-
diately procured light and lowered 1t into
the crater for as great distance as they
could with the means at their command.
Nothing could be seen but by dropping
pebbles and bits of wood they discovered
that at the depth of about fifty feet the crater
was filed with water In their consterna-
ton at the disappearance of their comrade
they had not heard his body strike the
water. They gave him up as lost, and
with sad hearts left the scene Going to
the river they made camp, intending to
start for Bozeman at daybreak. Next day
they made preparations to start, but were
DELAYED by Mr.. Longdon becoming sudden
" sick. They then concluded to remain
where they were until he should be in
condition to travel About noon another
party from the geyser basin came in sight,
and seeing the camp of the gentlemen at
once approached.
Imagine the joy and surprise of Long
don, Kantner, and Montgomery when they
saw among the new comers their TREND
Watson, alive and well. They could not
believe it was him until he had taken the
hand of each and assured them that 1t was
none other than he, and gave them the
promised specimens from the crater OF the
geyser How he escaped is best told In
| his own words
"When the projection upon which ! had
placed my weight gave way felt that l
was indeed lost. I was not wholly con-
scious after commenced falling. When l
struck the water, feet first, experienced
feeling of relief. I seemed to sink thous-
ands of feet, but of course sunk but short
distance. I grasped around wildly, but
nothing but the water could be felt. was
rising to the surface and knew it, and a
feeling suddenly came over me that was
to be saved. How, knew not, but still l
was certain that I was not to be LETT IN the
crater. On coming to the surface l reach
ed out and friendly rock gave me support.
I heard the shouts of my friends, but
could see nothing and was unable to call
out in reply. After what seemed to me
ages the shouts ceased, and realized that
friends had given me up for lost. 1t was
lust after noon when we reached the crater
I supposed it was nearly five O. clock when
T heard what sounded like distant thunder.
The noise grew more and more distinct,
and the water surrounding me began to be
troubled. [ then realized that L was IN
the crater of an active geyser and that IN
short time the entire space would be filled
with water. I attempted to raise myself,
but could find no support for my hands
that would bear my weight. The walls OF
the crater were rough, and while in the
water could easily keep my head out by
clinging to them. Suddenly discovered
that the water was raising This gave me
hope that I might be able to keep afoat
until the surface was reached. The water
continued to rise more rapidly, and l at
last found myself at the point from which
I had fallen. Although well-nigh exhaust
ed, I exerted my remaining strength IN
climbing to the surface. This reached,
managed to crawl some distance away from
the mouth of the crater, where lost con
sciousness. When I recovered l was being
cared for by strangers-the men who con
Quoted me to my comrades.
Upon being questioned further Watson
said that as near as he could judge the era
ter at the point he struck the water wal
about rs feet in diameter. The water wai
j. warm, but not uncomfortably so until few
moments before he left when it began t.
be decidedly hot and to boil more furiously
He was found by the party who rescueC
him about Z o'clock in the evening.