ALPINE THRILL.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1928, Page 4

ALPINE THRILL.

GENEVA, Jim. 30.

Details of an extraordinary escape from a terrible death on Mortoratsch Glacier near Pontresina ol a young English visitor and his great fortitude while awaiting rescue have been received here. Noticing distress signals coming from the middle of the glacier a party of ski-ers hastened to the spot and found two distracted English girls, one of whom stated that her brother had fallen down a crevice. The guide accompanying them, who, it is alleged, had neglected the precaution of taking a. rope, was sent to the Roval hut to obtain help. Meanwhile the Englishman, who could he heard hut not seen, repeatedly assured his helpers that he was “quite all right.” The smell of cigarette smoke from the depths of the crevice also showed that he was stoically facing the prospect of being frozen to death on the little ledge where he lay or disappearing for ever into an icy gulf. After half an hour the guide returned with another guide and a rope, which was lowered into the depths. AVith the utmost coolness the victim first sent up his rucksback .and one ski, the other having been smashed in the fall. Then he calmly tied himself to the rope and, half-frozen, pale . and dishevelled, i:o was slowly hauled to the surface.