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"We have nothing left except the big family compartment," he continued, "with two berths and a couple of armchairs in it, but it is entirely at your disposal. Here, Tom, take these suitcases aboard!"
Then he touched his hat, and we moved along. I was eager to say a few words to my companion, but I changed my mind. The porter made us comfortable in the compartment, and then said, with many bows and smiles:
"Now, is there anything you want, sir? Because you can have just anything you want."
"Can I have some hot water?" I asked.
"Yes, sir, I'll get it myself."
"Good! Now, that lamp is hung too high above the berth. Can I have a better lamp fixed just at the head of my bed below the luggage rack, so that I can read comfortably?"
"Yes, sir. The lamp you want is just being fixed in the next compartment. I'll get it from there and fix it there. It'll burn all night. Yes, sir, you can ask for anything you want, the whole railroad will be turned inside out to please you." And he disappeared.
I smiled at my companion, and said:
"Well, what do you say now? Didn't you like the way you are being served? And all for the same fare."
As I was saying this, the porter's smiling face appeared in the door way and this speech followed:
"Oh, sir, I recognized you the minute I set my eyes on you. I told the conductor so."
"Is that so, my boy?" I said handing him a good tip. "Who am I?"
"Mr McClellan, Mayor of New York," he said and disappeared again.
