"The General has been a godsend to you, hasn't he, eh? Happy day when you made his acquaintance, eh? Well, go ahead; it's all right. Pile it up while you can."
"But you haven't told me about your idea," Mr. Talbot suggested.
"Well, Toll, I'm pining for a railroad. I'm crying nights for a railroad. A fellow must have amusements you know. Health must be taken care of, eh? All the fellows have railroads. It's well enough to keep horses and go to the theater. A steamship line isn't bad, but the trouble is, a man can't be captain of his own vessels. No, Toll; I need a railroad. I'm yearning for engines, and double tracks, and running over my own line."
"You might buy up a European kingdom or two, at a pinch, General."
"Yes; but, Toll, you don't know what terminal facilities I've got for a railroad."
"Your pocket will answer for one end," said Talbot, laughing.
"Right, the first time," responded the General, "and glory will answer for the other. Toll, do you know what I see at the other end?"
"No."
"I see a man of about the size of Robert Belcher in the chair of an Alderman. I see him seated on a horse, riding down Broadway at the head of a regiment. I see him Mayor of the City of New York. I see him Governor of the State. I see him President of the United States. I see no reason why he cannot hold any one, or all these offices. All doors yield to a golden key. Toll, I haven't got to go as far as I have come, to reach the top. Do you know it? Big thing! Yes, Toll, I must have a railroad."
"Have you selected the toy you propose to purchase?" inquired Talbot.