It was suggested to me by the short tunnels that succeed so frequently in the ascent of the St. Gothard Alps.  They are, as most people know, a chief feature in the mountain railway, and a marvel of engineering skill, being cut in circles to give the necessary length and gain the height with a moderate gradient.  Speed is so far slackened that it would be quite possible to drop off the train without injury whenever inclined.  My only difficulty would be to alight without interference from my persecutors.

I nursed my project with eyes shut, still feigning sleep; and my extreme quiescence had, as I hoped, the effect of throwing them off their guard.  Jules, like all in the same employment, was always ready for forty winks, and I saw that he was sound and snoring just as we entered the last tunnel before reaching the entrance of the final great tunnel at Goeschenen.  I could not be quite sure of the Colonel, but his attitude was that of a man resting, and who had very nearly lost himself, if he had not quite gone off.

Now was my time.  If it was to be done at all it must be quickly, instantaneously almost.  Fortunately we sat at the extreme end of a coach, in the last places, and besides we three there was only one other occupant in the compartment of six.  The fourth passenger was awake, but I made a bid for his good-will by touching my lips with a finger, and the next minute I was gone.

I expected to hear the alarm given at my disappearance, but none reached my ears, as the train rattled past me with its twinkling lights and noisy road.  I held myself close against the side of the tunnel in perfect safety, although the hot wind of the passing cars fanned my cheek and rather terrified me.  The moment the train was well gone I faced the glimmering light that showed the entrance to the tunnel at the further end from the station, and ran to it with all speed.

I knew that my jump from the train could not pass unnoticed, and I counted on being followed.  I expected that the tunnel would be explored by people from Goeschenen so soon as the train ran in and reported.  My first object, therefore, was to quit the line, and I did so directly I was clear of the tunnel.  I climbed the fence, dropped into a road, left that again to ascend the slope and take shelter among the rocks and trees.

The pursuit, if any, was not very keen or long maintained.  When all was quiet, an hour later I made for the highroad, the famous old road that leads through the Devil’s Pass to Andermatt, three miles above.  I altogether avoided the Goeschenen station, fearing any inconvenient inquiries, and abandoned all idea of getting the telegram from Tiler that might be possibly awaiting me.  It did not much matter.  I should be obliged now to send him fresh news, news of the changed plans that took me direct into Brieg; and on entering Andermatt I came upon the post-office, just where I wanted it, both to send my message and order an extra post carriage from Brieg.