Just before he started on that famous Arctic expedition of his which was crowned with success, the late Admiral Robert E. Peary boarded a train at New Orleans. He settled down in the smoking compartment to enjoy a cigar. Presently there entered a rather self-sufficient young man who took the seat adjoining and engaged Peary in conversation.
“Well,” he began, “I’m off on a long hard trip.”
“Yes? Is that so?” said Peary, politely.
“Yep. I go clear through to Louisville. Traveling far yourself?”
“Yes, a fair distance,” said Peary.
“Well, I’m bound clear through to Louisville, as I was saying. Pretty tiresome trip, too—all the way through from New Orleans to Louisville.”
“Probably so,” agreed Peary.
“By the way,” said the young chap, “you didn’t tell me where you were going?”
“No,” said Peary, “that’s a fact, I didn’t.”
“Well, I don’t suppose you’re as used to traveling as I am,” said the young fellow. “Whereabouts are you headed for, anyhow?”