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"... How I envy the clarity of vision that comes to the travelling salesman in a railway buffet-car at the third highball! How simple the great problems become! ..."

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highball

n.

high・ball

━━ n., vi. ハイボール ((ウイスキーをソーダ水で割った飲物)); （鉄道の）進めの信号; 〔俗〕 全速で突っ走る.
⇒high

1. A cocktail served in a tall glass and consisting of liquor, such as whiskey, mixed with water or a carbonated beverage.
2. 1. A railroad signal indicating full speed ahead.
   2. A high-speed train.

intr.v. Slang., -balled, -ball·ing, -balls.

To move ahead at full speed.

A highball is the name for a family of mixed drinks that are composed of an alcoholic base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer. Originally, the most common highball was made with rye whiskey and ginger ale. The Online Etymology Dictionary suggests that the name originated around 1898 and probably derives from ball meaning a "drink of whiskey" and high because it is served in a tall glass.