never be used the second time, no matter how little soiled. This is a rule that at all times must be rigidly enforced, and it would cost me my situation to allow it to be violated.”
Thanking Mr. McDonald for his kind information, I turn my back on the “Lafayette” for the time being, entirely convinced that a first-class fully-equipped dining car is the greatest wonder that ever went on wheels.
Next to the “Lafayette” I find the sleeper “Marco.” I also find as I emerge from the narrow passageway, which is an unavoidable nuisance in all Pullman cars, the genial, good-natured, and good-looking sleeping-car conductor, Miles H. Suter, who has charge of the three Pullman sleepers that are on the train.
“Mr. Suter,” I said, “the Pullman people have given us a fine train.”
“Yes,” he replied. “There are no more substantial or more comfortable cars in the Pullman service than these. In one of them a person can ride many hundreds of miles and not become fatigued. You will find the motion of these cars very agreeable and easy. They were selected for this trip because of this admirable qualification, and as far as ease and comfort goes I predict for your party a very pleasant tour. Another thing,” continued Mr. Suter, “I have already noticed, which will contribute much to your comfort, and which is lacking in most excursion parties, is that you have plenty of room, and so are not crowded. The gentlemen who have arranged the excursion deserve a great deal of credit for the excellent judgment they have exercised in not having too many or too few, but just enough. There are no vacancies and no one is crowded. It was also wise to have no children along, for little folks often need attention that cannot be given them on a journey of this kind, and their mothers need rest instead of the worriment that comes from having the care of little ones on their hands.”
“Mr. Suter,” I remarked, as a genteel colored man in a neat uniform come through the car, “it must be a very laborious task when night comes for one man to convert all these seats into beds, and in the morning change them back again.”
“Yes, it seems like a great deal of work, but an experienced porter will soon make the change. I have three good men, one to each car, and you have only to watch Dennis Jackson in the ‘Marco,’ Dick Pettus in the ‘Milton,’ or George Custis in the ‘Orchis,’ making up the berths, to be convinced that by a man who understands the business the work is more quickly and easily accomplished than one would suppose possible. Everything must be kept clean and tidy, pillow-cases and sheets changed daily, and towels used but once. Every time a towel is used a clean one takes its place. Cleanliness is an important rule in the Pullman service, and we are obliged to strictly enforce it.”