"There is a little matter we should like to have adjusted," began the courteous one; but Brockway interrupted.
"Mr. Somers was just telling me about it. I hope you are not going to insist——"
There were two elderly ladies on the committee, and they protested as one person.
"Now, Mr. Brockway! You know we made it a positive condition—so we could go out on the platform and see the scenery."
"But, my dear madam, let me explain——"
"There is nothing to explain; it was an explicit promise, and we insist on its fulfilment."
"Just one word," Brockway pleaded. "The car behind us is our General Manager's private car, lent to President Vennor, of the Colorado and Utah. If we should put it ahead of this, Mr. Vennor's party would be continually disturbed by the passengers and train-men going back and forth. Don't you see——"
The fourth member of the deputation put in his word at this.
"How long has it been since the railway companies began to put the convenience of their guests before the rights of their patrons, Mr. Brockway? Answer me that, if you please."
"I should like to know!" declared one of the ladies. "We have paid for our accommodations."