He was lifted clear and moved away on the gliding water, continuing the lonely journey with a prayer of thanksgiving in his heart.
At ten o'clock next morning he arrived at Tours, with nerves considerably shattered, and he accepted the invitation of that municipality to stop for refreshments.

The kindness of the citizens and the officials was overwhelming, but he remained only long enough to become thoroughly rested when he again sought the river.
At every village during the entire trip, he was given a warm reception.
The weather being cold, the mayors insisted on his drinking hot, highly spiced wine, and he was also invariably greeted with the question asked in all countries and all towns, American as well as European: "Are you not cold ?" The little boat was loaded down with supplies and invitations were continuous from chateau and cottage to stop and partake of refreshment.

Sometimes he would run far into the night before hauling up, but usually his rest was broken by bands of music turning out to serenade him, and at one place, where there was no band, an enthusiastic admirer blew a hunting horn most of the night under his window.

It was a frightful but well intended serenade.
When he reached Ancenes he was met by a crowd, headed by the mayor with a liberal supply of hot wine.

From this point a boatman who was employed in placing stakes indicating the changes of current, for the guidance of navigators, insisted on accompanying Paul.