Rawolle took the time-card out of his pocket, and, quickly running over it, said:
“No; I am a little out of the way. If we leave here at 16 dial to-day, we will be in Washington at 8 dial to-morrow.”
“Enough!” pettishly exclaimed Cobb. “I will not question you any more. Go ahead and do it, that is all, and then I will be satisfied.”
It piqued him to think that they were making sport of his ignorance; he lighted a cigar and walked to the other side of the room.
“Now, Cobb,” continued Rawolle, “we have our tickets here, and will leave for Washington on the 16-dial train. I have had a trunk fully furnished with all the necessary articles that you will need for the first few days in Washington, so you will not have to immediately look after such things upon your arrival. It is now 13 dial, and we have three hours until train-time.”
“But tell me, Rawolle, why do you speak of 16 dial and 13 dial? Of course, I know you refer to the time; but what has been the change in the calendar that you should employ such terms?”
Both Rawolle and Lyman smiled.
“True! you cannot know of the changes which have occurred.”
Rawolle drew his chair closer to Cobb, and continued: