He afterwards found out that it was the custom in that part of the
country to give distance by time. In half an hour afterwards the lights
of the bridge at Kohl showed up. There were two bridges there, one for
the railroad and one a low pontoon bridge. While watching the high
railroad bridge, as he was rapidly approaching on the current, he struck
on one of the pontoons and was whirled under. On coming to the
surface, he hauled for the shore and landed. It was then eight o'clock
and no one was visible. Knocking on a door a woman opened it. She saw
the dark figure all glistening with water and sent forth a series of
yells that caused the entire neighborhood to turn out. A German
policeman approached, took Paul in charge and conducted him to a hotel
near by. He said:
"I recognized you, Captain, and your friends are all in Strassburg and
do not expect you till to-morrow. The city is about three miles from the
river. I will send immediately for a carriage."
When it arrived, he found that it contained three of his friends, who
had been apprized of his landing. They drove to a hotel in Strassburg.
The next day was spent in hunting for and purchasing a flat bottom boat
for the reporters. The Berlin press was represented by Count Von
Sierasowsie, an invalid officer with both legs cut off.
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