NOTEBOOK

European coffee, however, still leaves something
to be desired.

November 13, 1878. Left at 10:45 for Bologna, and
tried being courier for the first time. Leave the omnibus-
driver a franc to bring the conductor of the train out
there to me. Made him understand I wanted a first-class
compartment to myself and had five in my party—for
future cash. All right. Omnibus-driver also took my lug-
gage into waiting-room and brought the ticket taker to me.
Gave him two francs and he flew around with many winks
and brought the conductor again and both winked that
all was right. The former took my five through tickets and
sent a fat porter to get them vised. Then allowed our
tribe to pass through to the train without tickets. Found
the conductor right outside on the quivive, who helped me
carry my luggage, put us into a compartment and fastened
the door. Presently the fat porter came with my tickets
and I gave him a franc. The conductor allowed nobody
to look in all the way—not even a ticket puncher. Had a
mighty smooth trip of it. Gave the conductor five francs.
Total cost nine francs. If I had had a courier I should have
had to take care of him, pay him ten francs wages and
twelve francs fare.

From Rome to Florence I paid the conductor five francs
and had a heap of attention. Once he kept the train wait-
ing for me at a station.

Am a shining success as a courier, so far, by the use
of francs.

Munich, December 20, 1878

Today by telegraph in the papers comes the sad news
of Bayard Taylor's death yesterday afternoon in Berlin,
from dropsy. I wrote him three or four days ago, con-
gratulating him on his recovery. He was a very lovable
man.

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