Approaching the gate, which had by this time been thrown open, and through which many people were passing, Rawolle showed the tickets, and the three men passed in and proceeded along the train to the second carriage. Curbing his impatience to learn more of his peculiar surroundings, Cobb followed Rawolle and Lyman into the car.
The car resembled the sleepers of former years, except that it was decorated in a grander style and had no windows. It was lighted by electric lamps, which made it as bright as day. The seats were somewhat differently constructed from those of the old kind, but the general appearance of the interior was quite the same.
A porter met them at the door, and after seeing their tickets, showed them to their section.
Throwing down his grip and coat, Rawolle said:
"Come, Cobb, there are a few minutes before the train leaves; let me show you about."
"Mr. Cobb, I think you will find this train a most decided improvement upon those used in your day," remarked Lyman. "Of course it is old to us, but I can imagine your surprise at many of the improvements you see about you."
"Right you are," returned Cobb; "there are so many new and peculiar contrivances around me that I am like a man who has just awakened in a land of fairies. I am not going to be too curious, but await developments, for I have no doubt that I will be satisfactorily informed concerning them all at the proper time."
"This is the pneumatic train," continued Lyman, motioning toward the train on the track.
"Now, hold on," interrupted Rawolle, quickly; "all in good time. It is better to explain all this to Mr. Cobb in detail. Let him first see what there is to be seen, and then we will explain it to him afterward."
Passing into the first car of the train, Cobb was shown the smoker; and here he found a hundred little inventions which had been made with a tendency to increase the comfort of the traveler across the continent.
"This is the Central Pneumatic, or Continental Express," said Rawolle, "excepting the baggage-cars; they are below, receiving the baggage as it arrives."
At this moment the sound of a deep-toned gong was heard, and Rawolle said they must hurry back, as that was the signal for the gates above to be closed preparatory to starting.