If the Pittsburghers were not
sufficiently numerous to repel the invasion, the "Gray Eagle" was
landed. The majority of the crew pursued the flying enemy up the
back streets, while the balance remained and hastily loaded up the best
of the driftwood from the piles gathered by their antagonists. When
their cargo was secured, the skirmishers were called in. All leaped
aboard, and the "Eagle" headed for Alleghany, where the wood was
carefully stored, far beyond the reach of a probable invasion by the
Pittsburghers.
About this time a new enterprise opened for the commander and crew of
the "Gray Eagle." The city commenced to pave the streets with large
round stones called "Pavers," many of which were found in pockets at the
bottom of the river. One day a contractor met Paul on the bank and said:
"Say, son, could not you boys gather a lot of pavers? I will buy them
from you and give you thirty cents per hundred."
The offer was eagerly accepted. Next day the "Eagle" was anchored with a
piece of rail-road iron, over a pocket, and the crew engaged in diving
through the transparent water to the bottom, where they would gather one
or two pavers, return to the top, and drop them into the boat. Paul
had much difficulty in teaching his companions to keep their eyes open
while under water.
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