Until January 15th, Paul remained in Nantes, then he went to Madrid.

The weather was very cold.

It was his intention to make a voyage on some of the Spanish rivers.

On looking over the country, he selected the Tagus as being the least known and promising more adventure than any of the others.

When it was announced that he was going to attempt that river, several of the-leading residents of Madrid endeavored to dissuade him; he received letters from many prominent people telling him that the river was not navigable, running as it did, through a wild, mountainous country, and full of waterfalls.