The train hurtled on through the tunnel and the passengers, at first blinded by the black smoke, were now left sightless in the dark. The awesome view of rolling downs flanked by mountainous peaks was hidden from them; it was even hard to tell if the darkness was the black of the tunnel or the smoke itself. But gradually it cleared, and the light grew, grey then pink and finally a dazzling light which forced those with necks craning to catch a glimpse of the view to jerk their hands to their eyes for protection. But at last the splendour was theirs to see; the light cascaded into the coaches and the train, announcing itself, blasted out a shrill and deafening whistle. It banked around a sharp turn and thundered uphill towards the uplands. At the top they would be able to gaze down on the panorama - the reason they had joined the train earlier; the feeling of being on top of the world but also recognising that man is such an insignificant part of it. (MSCH)