The THOUSAND-MILE TALK had ceased to be a fairy tale.

Several years later the western end of the line was pushed over the plains to Nebraska, enabling the spoken word in Boston to be heard in Omaha.

Slowly and with much effort the public were taught to substitute the telephone for travel.

A special long-distance salon was fitted up in New York City to entice people into the habit of talking to other cities.

Cabs were sent for customers; and when one arrived, he was escorted over Oriental rugs to a gilded booth, draped with silken curtains.