a dark, bullying,
contemptuous, insolent scoundrel, who treated us like dogs. Indeed, in
his case, matters came nearly to a fight. It happened thus: he was going
his rounds through the cars with some commodities for sale, and coming
to a party who were at _Seven-up_ or _Cascino_ (our two games) upon a
bed-board, slung down a cigar-box in the middle of the cards, knocking
one man's hand to the floor. It was the last straw. In a moment the
whole party were upon their feet, the cigars were upset, and he was
ordered to "get out of that directly, or he would get more than he
reckoned for." The fellow grumbled and muttered, but ended by making
off, and was less openly insulting in the future. On the other hand, the
lad who rode with us in this capacity from Ogden to Sacramento made
himself the friend of all, and helped us with information, attention,
assistance, and a kind countenance. He told us where and when we should
have our meals, and how long the train would stop; kept seats at table
for those who were delayed, and watched that we should neither be left
behind nor yet unnecessarily hurried. You, who live at home at ease, can
hardly realise the greatness of this service, even had it stood alone.
When I think of that lad coming and going, train after train, with his
bright face and civil words, I see how easily a good man may become the
benefactor of his kind. Perhaps he is discontented with himself, perhaps
troubled with ambitions; why, if he but knew it, he is a hero of the old
Greek stamp; and while he thinks he is only earning a profit of a few
cents, and that perhaps exorbitant, he is doing a man's work, and
bettering the world.

I must tell here an experience of mine with another newsboy. I tell it
because it gives so good an example of that uncivil kindness of the
American, which is perhaps their most bewildering character to one
newly landed. It was immediately after I had left the emigrant train;
and I am told I looked like a man at death's door, so much had this long
journey shaken me. I sat at the end of a car, and the catch being
broken, and myself feverish and sick, I had to hold the door open with
my foot for the sake of air. In this attitude my leg debarred the
newsboy from his box of merchandise. I made haste to let him pass when I
observed that he was coming; but I was busy with a book, and so once or
twice he came upon me unawares. On these occasions he most rudely struck
my foot aside; and though I mys