Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1941-01-16

man, who, somewhat to my sur
prise, addressed me kindly. told
him l had been following his career
through the Scientific American,
and at this he began to unfold and
soon was talking right down line.
lie was chock full Of interesting
talk His body was completely en-
cased in rubber, all except his face.
He had in tow small boat about
three feet in length from which
rose mast, something like a
broom handle and flying the Stars
and Stripes. A silver trumpet was
suspended by cord about his neck.
We supposed that he would lunch
with the pressmen, but such was
not the case. He drew from his
miniature craft an assortment or
eats and kindly asked us to par
take with him, which we politely
declined
Before lunching, he laid off MS
rubber suit, or rather got himself
out of it. A number of tubes had
to be opened to let out air before
he could free himself from the rath-
er cumbersome outfit. He took a
delight in showing us the details of
his novel waterproof suit. In pre-
pairing to resume his journey We
rendered some assistance by pulling
on a strap which tightened over d
e - frrnI g
ers. From his boat he took out a
short barreled gun, also showed me
a great display of medals and dec
crations which he had received
from the royalty of Europe, and
lastly the 'log' and presented,
which was mentioned at the begin
ming Some little time was now
taken in "blowing himself up" that
is, initiating the various compart-
ments with air, and bidding us
goodbye, he seized his double blad-
ed paddle waded into the water, his
feet shot forward, and dipping his
paddle right and left, he was off in
jiffy.
Just then a steamboat whistle
was heard not far down river and
we were anxious to see what would
take place when he would meet the
steamer. AS the river curved, we
hurried back to the other side when
our ears were again pierced with
the screaming triple tones Of the
whistle AS Boyton was only about
half mile away we were now in
plain sight. What a thrill was now
in store for us. The decks of the
boat were lined with a shouting
throng Of people, all waving hats
and handkerchiefs In the midst OF
this the lone navigator rose to an
upright position and putting his
bugle TO his lips, he gave some clear
thrilling calls at the same time wav-
ing the American flag. The steam
boat crew and passengers again let
loose louder than ever with shouts,
Whistles and bells-a thrilling dem
onstration, such as we shall never
forget. Only few minutes elapsed
until it seemed that all the bells and
whistles in Marietta were peeling
forth and screaming the arrival of
Paul Boyton. This had been pre-
arranged.
From our viewpoint we couldn't
quite see down to the city, but We
learned that in very short time
the river bank was alive with a
curious excited multitude of people.
The city gave him some kind of an
ovation, fitting for the occasion Gt
being Sunday but it was his GUS
tim to stop over in the large places
and give q lecture. He had many
narrow escapes with his life as per-
ons. like my friend, not knowing
what, or who it was, would, about
me first thing, think of their gun.
II the readers desire, and agreeable
to the editor, we will give some
more of Paul Boyton's adventurous
4 T ~ r.