382 DOTTINGS ON THE ROADSIDE. [Chap. XX.—B. P. 
Honduras, and Tejuantepec further towards the north, 
where a crossing might be etfected ; hut nowhere so 
easily as through Mosquito and Nicaragua, or so 
.. quickly as via Panama. As regards the latter, the 
object of transit is accomplished, and before my people 
become quite extinct, some of them will no doubt see 
the locomotive disputing the right of way with the 
tigers, alligators, and boas of their native land.” 
“Well, King,” said I, “you are quite right; the 
world at large would, undoubtedly, profit by an easy 
route through your country, and that of Nicaragua, 
so what do you say to giving me a concession for your 
portion of the line ? and I will see what can be done 
in opening an interoceanic transit. 
“ You will break your heart over it,” said the king ; 
“ you little know the disappointments in store. But 
if you really wish it, draw up the document you 
think necessary, and I will gladly sign it, not only to 
show my friendship for you personally, but also to 
prove my anxiety not to lose an opportunity of doing 
anything which may chance to advance the interests 
of England.” 
This conversation resulted in the formal concession 
which will be found in the Appendix, and which 
originated in my idea of opening a through route, 
by making a railway from the Atlantic to the Lake of 
Nicaragua, thence running steamers across to Granada, 
and from that place by another railroad to Realcjo 
(now called Corinto) on the Pacific; an idea never 
before, so far as I am aware, entertained by any one, 
and which, at the time I am speaking of, only took 
