Egypt -- Description and travel -- Humor; London (England) -- Description and travel -- Humor; Voyages and travels -- Humor
"A few years ago Americans were very unpopular in England," said Mr.
Peasley. "Every one of them was supposed to have either a dynamite
bomb or a bunch of mining stock in his pocket. All that is changed
now--all changed. As we come up to the dock in Plymouth you will
notice just beyond the station a large triumphal arch of evergreen
bearing the words, 'Welcome, Americans!' Possibly the band will not be
out this morning, because it is Sunday and the weather is threatening,
but the Reception Committee will be on hand. If we can take time
before starting for London no doubt a committee from the Commercial
Club will haul us around in open carriages to visit the public
buildings and breweries and other points of interest. And you'll find
that your money is counterfeit out here. No use talkin', we're all one
people--just like brothers. Wait till you get to London. You'll think
you're right back among your friends in Decatur."
It was too early in the morning for the Reception Committee, but there
was a policeman--one solitary, water-logged, sad-eyed
policeman--waiting grewsomely on the dock as the tender came alongside.
He stood by the gangplank and scrutinised us carefully as we filed
ashore. The Illinois man looked about for the triumphal arch, but
could not find it. Mr. Peasley explained that they had taken it in on
account of the rain.
While the passengers were kept herded into a rather gloomy waiting
room, the trunks and larger baggage were brought ashore and sorted out
according to the alphabetical labels in an adjoining room to await the
customs examination. When the doors opened there was a rush somewhat
like the opening of an Oklahoma reservation. In ten minutes the trunks
had been passed and were being trundled out to the special train.
Above the babel of voices and the rattle of wheels arose the sounds of
lamentation and modified cuss words. Mr. Peasley could not find his
trunk. It was not with the baggage marked "P." It was not in the
boneyard, or the discard, or whatever they call the heap of unmarked
stuff piled up at one end of the room. It was not anywhere.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account