“We came to America when I was eleven, and I began work across the river, in Allegheny City, at one dollar and twenty cents a week. You know this is a time of business combinations. I made one of the first on record. It was this way: I got to be a messenger boy at two dollars and a half a week, and learned the names of all the business firms, in their proper order, on the leading streets. There were four of us who delivered for the telegraph company, and each got ten cents when a message took him beyond city limits. There was a contest between the boys for these messages. I got them together, and suggested that the extra fees be divided equally. We made a sort of pool, or trust, and never quarrelled again. You see, I am at heart a peacemaker. I have always worked along that line--putting two and two together, and establishing harmony between them.” “That is what Lincoln has done,” said McCarthy. “At last he has brought the North and South together, and begun to establish harmony.” “He is the first gentleman in the world,” said the other. “I know he is a very great one,” said McCarthy, “but I wish he were a little more particular in his dress and manners. I don't believe he's read the _Letters of Lord Chesterfield_.” “He is the modern democratic gentleman,” said Mr. Carnegie. “He has shown us how little dress and manners have to do with it.” Mr. Carnegie stopped, for suddenly a man had rushed in upon us. “My God!” he sobbed, as he sank into a chair with tears running down his cheeks, “Lincoln has been assassinated!” Outside bells had begun tolling, and we could hear the running of many feet. CHAPTER V.--THE FIRST THROUGH CARS, AND THEIR BURDEN AND BAPTISM [Illustration: 9289] E had little heart for the rest of our business. The whole city was like the house of mourning. Shops and mills, were closed, and the street crowded with those who could neither sleep nor rest nor cease talking. Some wept, some prayed, some told of fearful dreams and strange imaginings. I heard men declare that they had seen blood dripping from the flags just before Lincoln was shot. We went to one of the mines, and then to Harrisburg, and waited for the funeral train. The car which Mr. Lincoln had used on the United States military road was to convey his body to the home he had left long before to continue the work now finished.