The order was for him to appear before Her Majesty on the river Modena,
East Cowes, Isle of Wight. He left London, having made his preparations
Saturday morning and went to Portsmouth, where he was entertained by the
Mayor, American Consul and members of the Yacht Club. The same night
he crossed over to Modena on the Isle of Wight, where he took rooms in
the hotel. Sunday morning he went aboard the royal yacht Alberta, and
introduced himself to the captain, whom he found to be a jolly old sea
dog. From a letter written home by Paul about this date, the following
extract is taken: The yacht I boarded seemed as big as a man-of-war. A
Marine stopped me on the gang plank with the question: 'Whom do you
wish to see?'
'Why the captain of course.'
The sentry called to a petty officer, who escorted me to the captain. He
conducted me to a gorgeously furnished cabin. When I introduced
myself, the weather beaten tar grasped me warmly by the hand. He invited
me to be seated and accept some refreshments. While discussing them,
we also talked over my exhibition before the Queen the next day. I was
anxious to acquit myself in the presence of royalty in a creditable
manner, so I plied the captain with questions to obtain all the
information possible.
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