About one o'clock the bridge at Piacenza
came in sight but instead of being full of people, as he expected, Paul
saw only a few working men and some soldiers. No sight of the agent was
visible, so he decided to run through and stop at Cremona about thirty
miles below. He saluted the workmen and soldiers as he was carried under
the bridge with frightful velocity. At this time his strength was almost
gone and he was heart sore that he should fail in his self-imposed
task; but felt that he was able to continue on as far as Cremona, about
twenty-five miles below. The day grew more dreary and it seemed to him
as if it would soon commence to snow. He continued working slowly and
stubbornly along, when he was arrested by a cry behind him. Coming
upright and wheeling around, he saw a young officer standing in a boat
pulled by about twenty pontoneers. As he shot alongside, the officer
stretched forth his hand to shake Paul's and said in French:
"You must come on board and go back to Piacenza. The public are greatly
disappointed. Your agent said that you would be here yesterday and a
great reception was prepared for you."
Paul thanked him but firmly declined to return. The officer then asked
him if he desired anything and Paul informed him that he was badly in
need of provisions and some oil for his lamp.
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