Downstream

the feat with him. But all
comers were no comers.’
Amid cheers from the crowds
on land and in boats, and as
Big Ben struck a quarter to
one, Gautier jumped from a
skiff and ‘took to the water
like a duck’. Followed by ‘an
interested mob’ on boats and
protected by ‘a vigilant river
police’ he reached Cherry
Garden Pier ‘as fresh as he
started. An enthusiastic
demonstration awaited him