CHAPTER I.
THE AVALANCHE.
Somewhat less than a hundred years ago a party of travelers might have been seen crossing over the Simplon Road, _en route_ for Italy.

They had been detained at Brieg by reports that the road was impassable; and, as it was the month of March, the prospect of snow and storms and avalanches was sufficient to make them hesitate.

At length the road had been reopened, and they were informed that the journey might be made on sleds.
Unwilling to wait at Brieg, and equally unwilling to make a detour so as to take the railroad, the party decided to go on.

They were informed that they could go on wheels as far as the line of snow, but that afterward their accommodations would not be so comfortable as they might desire.

The road had been cleared for only a few feet; the snow was deep; the sleds were rude; and progress would be slow.