The Passenger from Calais

L.C. PAGE & COMPANY New England Building, Boston, Mass.
Boston L.C. Page and Company Publishers
First Impression, January, 1906 Second Impression, February, 1906 Third Impression, February, 1906 Fourth Impression, March, 1908
Colonial Press C.H. Simonds & Co. Boston, U.S.A.
FOREWORD
I desire to state that the initial fact upon which I have founded this story is within my own experience. I travelled from Calais to Basle by the Engadine Express in the latter end of July, 1902, when my wife and myself were the only passengers. The rest is pure fiction.
A.G.

The crossing from Dover to Calais had been rough; a drizzling rain fell all the time, and most of the passengers had remained below. Strange to say, they were few enough, as I saw on landing. It was a Sunday in late July, and there ought to have been a strong stream setting towards Central Europe. I hardly expected to find much room in the train; not that it mattered, for my place was booked through in the Lucerne sleeping-car of the Engadine express.
Room! When I reached the siding where this train de luxe was drawn up, I saw that I was not merely the first but the only passenger. Five sleeping-cars and a dining-car attached, with the full staff, attendants, chef, waiters—all lay there waiting for me, and me alone.

Not very busy? I said, with a laugh to the conductor.