The stream broadened majestically and the tides from the Atlantic began to be felt.

At Abrantes and Santarem, the receptions accorded me took the wildest form of enthusiasm and I there heard for the first time the peculiar name given me in Portugal 'Homen das Botas',--'the man with the boots'.

This name grew out of an ancient story connected with the Tagus.

Many years ago the government officials wished to pass a law which was obnoxious to the people, who made a terrible clamor against it.

A shrewd politician, to distract the people's attention from the proposed law, circulated the report that a man in boots was going to walk on the surface of the Tagus from Santarem to Lisbon.