On visiting the sanitary rooms in Chicago I met Mrs. Hague, Mrs.
Livermore, and others, who thought it very doubtful whether I could
secure a fare free to Cairo, as President Arthur had shut down the
gate on free, or even half-fare, passes. He had told them that
associations might pay their agents enough to pay their fare. But I
was under the auspices of no association. I was only a self-
constituted agent, and I must try. Leaning on the arm of my guide, I
went to President Arthur, and introduced myself by handing him my
papers. On reading them he asked, rather sharply, "What do you want?"

"I am hoping to obtain a free pass to Cairo and return," I replied,
"and free transportation for the supplies referred to in those
papers."

"Are you alone, madam?"

"I am alone."

"Well, I think this is a heavy responsibility for a lady of your age.
Are you aware of the responsibility you assume in this?" holding the
paper up.

"I think I am aware of the responsibility. I do not know but the
experience of age, however, may somewhat make up for the strength of
youth."

"Well, I guess it will."

Settling himself back in his easy arm chair, he said again, "How long