He was followed by two others bearing food and coffee.

These were set out and the soldiers departed, the travelers falling to with a relish.

At a station beyond, the dishes were removed by other soldiers.
Then the train rolled slowly on its way.
"There is much in our travel facilities that I shall have to beg you to excuse," said Captain Ribaut rather wistfully.

"France is not what it was, not even in the matter of its railways." "France is not what she was," retorted Major Wells quickly, "because, glorious as she, was, she has gone up infinitely higher in the human scale.

Could any other country in the world have stood the ravages of war so long and still live and contain so brave and resolute a people?
Never mind your railways, Captain.