The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1882-09-23
A MONTANA MAYS STORY.
How N Tourist Fell Into IN Gcy.
ser's Crater. and How He Es-
capped TherefrOrm.
Butte lMontanal Inter. Mountain.

Butte Montana Inter Mountain.
A party of four persons returned
yesterday from trip to the Yellow
stone Natural Park. Joe V. Longdon,
C. r. Kantner, j. +. Montgomery
and Walter Watson are the names of
the persons, and they profess they
have had, with one exception, a most
delightful time. They were examin-
ing the crater of getser about two
and a half miles from the Fire Hole
River. Notwithstanding it is forbid
den to carry specimens away from
the park, or despoilin any way the
formations, these gentlemen were de-
sirous of securing some mementoes
of their trip, and seeing in the crater
some beautiful formations, Watson
volunteered to attempt descent and
secure piece Of the beautiful colored
work on the interior for each member
ofthe party. He carefully descended
a distance of probably twelve feet,
taking care that each time his hold
was secure. He reached the forma-
tions, secured what he desired, and
attempted to ascend. Reaching over
head, he grasped projection, and,
putting his entire weight upon 1t, it
gave way, and he was precipitated
into the seemingly yawning abyss.
His companions, who were watching
his movements, shrieked as they saw
him fall. They Immediately procured
a light and lowered it into the crater
for as great distance as they could
with the means at their command.
Nothing could be seen; but by drop
ping pebbles and bits of wood they
discovered that at a depth Of about
fifty feet the crater was filed with
water. In their CONSERVATION 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 morning they made
preparations to start, but were delay
ed by Mr.. Longdon becoming sud
denly 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, see
ing the camp of the gentlemen, at
once approached. i.
Imagine the joy and surprise of
Longdon, Kantner and Montgomery
when they saw among the newcomers
their friend Watson, alive and well.
They could not believe it was him
until he had taken the hand Of each
and assured them that it was none
other than he, and gave them the
promised specimens fpm the crater
of the geyser. How he escaped is
best told in his own words:
s'When the projection upon which
! had placed my weight gave way, !
felt that was indeed lost. l was
not wholly conscious after ] com
menced falling. When / struck the
water, feet first, experienced feel
ing of relief. l seemed to sink thou
sands of feet, but of course, sank but
a short distance. I grasped abound
wildly, but nothing but the water
could be felt. l 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
i was certain that / was not to be
left in the crater. On coming to the
surface / reached out and friendly
rock gave me support l heard the
shouts of my friends, but could see
nuthing and was unable to call out
in reply. After what seemed to me
ages the shouts ceased, and | realized
That my friends had given me up for
lost. 1t was just after noon when we
reached the crater; suppose it was
nearly five o'clock when 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
/ was in the crater of an active gey
ser, and that in a short time the en-
tire space would be filled with water.
l attempted to rise myself, but could
find no support for my hands which
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. Sud-
denly / discovered that the water was
rising. This gave me the hope that
/ might be able to keep afioat until
the surface was reached. The water
to rise more rapidly, and
at last found myself at the point
from which ! had fallen. Although
well-nigh exhausted, exerted my
strength in climbing to
the surface. This reached i mana
ged to crawl some distance away from
the mouth Of the crater, where / lost
When / recovered I
was being cared for by strangers
the men who conducted me to my
Upon being questioned further
Watson said that as near as he could
Judge the crater at the point he
struck the water was about twenty
five feet in diameter. The water was
warm, but not uncomfortably SC until
a few moments before he ieft.when it
began TO be decidedly hot, and to
boil more furiously. He was found