During the winter of 1873 and spring 1874, Paul
devoted much of his time to experimenting in this dress and became very
expert in its use. His fearlessness in the water was no doubt of great
aid to him. Many a fine, warm summer night he spent far out at sea in
his dress and dreamed of the many voyages he would make in the future;
but he never for a moment imagined the fame he would acquire in after
years or the extraordinary voyages he would make through its means;
but he thought of the thousands of lives that would be saved by this
dress if properly introduced to the world. With the confidence of
youth and the strength of manhood he was willing to take any chances to
attain this object. At this time his passion for life saving amounted
to a craze. He studied long and deeply on the best method to attract the
world's attention. At last he struck upon a plan which he considered a
good one and which he determined to put into execution at the close of
the life saving season.
In the fall of 1874 he proceeded to New York. He spent a week with his
mother, to whom, however, he did not confide his intention, fearing that
it might worry her. His plan was to take passage on an outward bound
vessel and when two hundred miles off the American coast to drop
overboard and make the best of his way back to land.
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