Mark Twain

G : Here is a story that Mark Twain, the famous author of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told one afternoon. Years ago, I was on a train leaving New York. There were too many people, and the sleeper train was full. I asked the young man at the ticket office if I could have a room in the sleeper section of the train. He answered rudely, “No!” I left feeling quite angry. As I was getting on the train, I saw a man watching me. He watched me for a few minutes. Then he spoke to the conductor in a whisper. Immediately the conductor came over to me. “Can I help you?” he asked. “Do you want a place in the sleeper section?” “Yes, give me anything.” “We have two beds and chairs in a private section.” The conductor made sure I was comfortable. Then he said, “I’m so proud to have you on this train, sir.” “Oh? Who am I?” I asked. “General McClellan.”