Soon after Paul was pulled from the river insensible. When he recovered
from that adventure, King Victor Emanuel gave permission for him to
appear in the Jardin Boboli. The excitement was so great during that
appearance and the crowd so large that ticket takers were carried
away from the gates, and though many thus entered free, several thousand
francs were realized.
Paul was now the fashion in Italy. Songs were composed and sung in his
honor at the theatres, brands of cigars and other articles were given
his name; business men had their calendars for the new year printed with
his adventures detailed on them, and the citizens of Meletti
christened a lake after him. Managers of places of amusement advertised
that he would be present at their entertainments in order to draw
crowds, and everywhere could be heard the praises of the wonderful
American.
From Florence Paul went to Rome, where he visited General Pescetto,
Italian Minister of Marine, with whom he had a pleasant
conversation, during which the meeting with his son on the Po was
mentioned.
"What can I do for you?" cordially asked the General.
"Well," answered 'Paul, "my business is introducing my life-saving
dress, which will be the means of preserving many lives on the coast as
well as on the men-of-war you are now constructing.
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