New-York tribune., 1916-07-20

although every one was very KIND
to me, my only thought was to reach
France. / had been given passport to
move freely about Switzerland, but was
at a loss to know how to go about 1t,
as guards seemed legion, and the mo-
ment il was found that ! was trying to
escape ! knew that my liberty would
cease.
zone day an idea came 10 me to try
the Simplon Tunnel on foot. 1t was a
dangerous undertaking, as it was un-
lighted, and | greatly feared that |
should be killed either by the third rail
or by passing train.
Nevertheless it was worth try, and
after | had made the necessary ar
rangements | set off on foot. There
was no guard at the entrance, so | sup
posed that every travellers papers
were examined en- route, and that II
succeeded in reaching the other end
alive | would be free. walked and
walked and walked, until became very
tired. Finally | saw light ahead, and
thought that had at last succeeded In
reaching the osher end, when ! heard
a voice commanding me TO halt. No
luck at all. The international guard
was stationed in the middle OF the
tunnel.
"I advanced and told them who was,
but implored them not to give me up.
The commanding officer was very
decent chap, and said that as the guard
was changing in a few minutes the best
: thing for me to do was 10 board train
and return to Switzerland, which did
The young Belgian told of his de-
spar at having his plans slip up, but
said that, although discouraged, he was
bound that he would not give up try
ing. "If can't pass under the noun
tains, why not pass over them? Others
have done it in winter, and although !
do not pretend TO be as great a general
as Hannibal, nevertheless there is a
chance | might succeed 'toute-de- e-meme'
The first day he succeeded in reach
ing the Swiss garrison town near the
tree line, but found all accommodations
taken by Swiss soldiers, who had been
recently modified. II was too cold TO
sleep out of doors, and finally, after
much pleading, he induced the inn
keeper to take him in and allow him 10
sleep on the dining table. When the
daughter of the house heard the Bel
gians story nothing would do but that
he must accept her couch, while she
occupied the table, which, after much
expostulation, he accepted. She woke
him the following morning at o'clock,
gave him coffee and a lunch for the
day, and kissed him goodby. He con-
tinued his upward path, following the
I telegraph poles, and walking on snow
shoes, which had been provided by his
kind friend of the night before.
Toward the middle Of the morning
+ II began TO snow lightly. becoming z
/ heavier as the day advanced To turn
/ back was out OF the question. while
/ TO proceed in q binding snowstorm
/ meant death. In addition 10 the snow
storm he was attacked by altitude sick
ness, and soon found himself walking
/ in circles. A short distance ahead ne
saw what appeared 10 be a square in
the white coverlet Of snow. He was
proceeding 20 investigate. when some
thing gave way beneath him.
! 81 fell only about six feet, and land
ed on a stone floor. The square was
a house, and | had fallen down the
chimney" he continued. "lt proved
TO be cheese factory, used only in
summer, and entirely deserted during
the winter months. ! searched in vain
for matches. The cold was intense,
but ! was so tired ! lay down under
some straw in en- adjoining room, and
fell fast asleep"
Three days he remained in this re-
treat, as there was no possible means
OF exit except through the chimney.
II nearly went crazy from living on