He passed in safety the perilous rapids of the Saute du Rhone; but near the frontier of France he had a marvelous escape from a frightful death.

The authorities on the frontier are kept busy watching for smugglers who work contraband goods from Switzerland into France.

A quantity of goods were smuggled through the lines by floating them down the river at night, and in order to catch such articles the officers of the Duane stretched a strong gate of chain work across the river just at the border.

This gate is thickly set with sharp iron hooks which hold the packages that float against them.

Paul was not informed of this dangerous bar to his progress.