Saxe. christened his machine _Propellier_, an aptly chosen name, then
rushed into print. He was mobbed by scientific societies, and lectured
widely about everything except what his “marvelous invention” was
intended for; and it became public wonder to what use this machine was
to be put that would butt, crush, and pass over all obstacles.
As he mentioned me continually in connection with the _Propellier_, we
were both much interviewed and written up lengthily.
Cranks clustered around the little house in the suburbs, and almost
annoyed the life out of Saxe. with their arrogant demands, and police
protection became necessary.
Saxe. was famous and sailed the wave of popularity for about three
weeks, and then—well, all waves recede, but this one simply calmed.
Saxe. and his invention were not forgotten, because he was wise enough
to keep the public guessing. Later, when preparations were progressing
rapidly for the one great aim of his life, he in his thankfulness became
more communicative, satisfying curiosity, ending all doubts. He lectured
before a vast throng of scientists, educators, and students, who wildly
applauded him as he divulged the secret of his ambition and the
usefulness of his invention. He declared the Pole would never be
discovered without the aid of science, and his invention would greatly
lessen the many hardships previous explorers suffered (applause). All
the tremendous difficulties of Arctic travel would vanish before the
terrible force of the _Propellier_; and he verged nicely into details
with deep explanations, and ended he would reach the Pole, then explore
the surrounding territory.
Seated upon the stage were several famous lecturers, all had a few
remarks to make, chiefly in discouragement of Saxe.’s grand project,
placing great stress upon real and imaginary obstacles, and aggravating
the listeners enthused with Saxe.’s scheme; but he was too far gone to
heed advice, happy that his years of labor were over, he sat there
smiling and chuckling.
Saunders had his little say also, spoke glowingly of the expedition, and
became eloquent over his wondrous northern star of the brilliant pinkish
hue. His statements were positive, and many in the audience nodded
approval, and he was enthusiastically applauded when he finally ended
his remarks.
Then Sheldon, encouraged by his colleagues and not to be outdone by
Saunders in one little instance, rose and exploded his theory concerning
the rivers, lakes and vast body of fresh water supposedly located in the
vicinity of the Pole. He created a sensation and in his enthusiasm
stated as facts the most preposterous hallucinations, and smiles were
broad while college veal showed its appreciation in squeaks and
irrepressible guffaws, to be frowned upon by their superiors, who were
making the most outrageous grimaces themselves. But Sheldon was blind,
as were also the large number of sympathizers present, who listened
eagerly and believed every word he uttered and cheered him loudly when
he resumed his seat. Sheldon proved the star attraction among the large
assemblage of wise men.
My three friends became known throughout the press as “the three
renowned,” and the expedition to the North Pole was written up
learnedly, ending with the statement, the start would be made early in
the spring; whereupon a wag, itching for a thrashing, suggested we take
the Relief Party along, as there was nothing like having things
convenient. My own name invariably ended all articles where apparently
it had been roped in as an afterthought, and I discovered I belonged to
the expedition. Here indeed was an idea, but I refused to entertain it.
I was open for much enterprise, but the North Pole was beyond my
latitude.
Then Middleton, Burke and Rollins swooped down upon me, each armed with
a paper and anxiety upon their faces, and gravely I told them the Pole
was Saxlehner’s property, and I had no desire to buy it from him. I
confided to them my doubts of the whole undertaking and that positively
I wanted none of it. My assurance greatly calmed the old boys. To
deceive them was my last thought, for I had not the remotest idea of
joining the expedition. My slim genius refused to risk life for science.
I had a mighty discussion and determined settlement with the “renowned
ones” concerning the financial problem. I knew the three cronies could
not rake up a thousand between them, but the amazing fact was forced
upon me that they seriously objected to accepting funds from me. Sheldon
was balky, Saunders grimly uncompromising, and Saxe. declared he would
not have those three “sharks” claiming he had bunkoed me into the
scheme. It was Saxe.’s positive belief that the firm of Middleton & Co.
were the greatest sharks out of water.
But I argued with the stubborn trio, and pressed the issue determinedly
when I saw them weakening. I laughed heartily at Saunders’s hesitating
suggestion that the government would contribute largely toward the
expense of the expedition, also, that many scientific societies all over
the world would render valuable assistance. I did not doubt his
assertion, for it would have created the widest of gulfs, but I reminded
him that in about ten years the expedition would be ready to start. This
ended the controversy. The very idea of delay threw the old boys into
despair, and for twelve years they had been waiting for just such an
opportunity as I offered them.
With plans that had been formed for years and unlimited capital at their
disposal, arrangements were rushed to completion.
For weeks Saxe., Sheldon, and Saunders worked like beavers. Saxe. was as
jealous of his invention as a lover of his mistress; no one was
permitted to inspect his work and the _Propellier_ and three steel cars
were cast and completed by himself. I assisted him in taking apart and
packing the machinery in crates. Saxe. was a wonderful manager, the
whole of the extensive preparations were left entirely to him per
arrangement. He gave the closest attention to the most insignificant
item, perfecting each little detail. He chartered a vessel and made a
cast-iron agreement with the shipping company that vessels were to
cruise around in Arctic waters at certain dates and locations every year
for seven years; if we failed to turn up at the end of that period the
agreement was called off. He stored in provisions for a seven year
cruise but privately told me they would discover the Pole, and return in
less than three years. In my heart I believed they would never return.
The idea was to sail as far north as possible. Saxe. calculated on
reaching the Pole six or eight weeks after starting with the
_Propellier_. The three were thoroughly familiar with the ice country
and had their route mapped out first rate, but I was dubious; it seemed
to me nothing less than suicide, yet Saxe. was thoroughbred in his work
and his confidence exhilarating. From the start I had been closely
associated with the three famous scientists, and eventually it became
noised about that Salucci, the millionaire, was to head the expedition.
As I neither affirmed nor denied the report my indecision caused the
three “sharks” to storm the citadel in the suburbs.
Saxe. had a wordy war with Middleton & Co., but they capitulated before
his lengthy explanations and departed satisfied, enthusiastic, privately
informing me the Professor was a wonderful man and that it was
preposterous that he could fail; and for the first time in my life I was
flinging my money away sensibly. I notified them of my intention to
escort the expedition north to a certain point, then return with the
ship. My unusual lack of enthusiasm allayed their suspicions and
convinced them I was meditating some new enterprise. Unknowingly I
deceived the old gentlemen, my sudden reticence was to avoid making
positive promises. I wished to be untrammeled in case enthusiasm forced
me at the last moment to cast my luck with Saxe., but I doubted if any
sensation could inveigle me into such a rash proposition as that Saxe.,
Sheldon, and Saunders were contemplating, but I remained silent.
About two weeks before the date of departure Saxe., satisfied with the
outlook, and but a few minor details to attend to, ordered an easing up
of labor and we made the astonishing discovery we were notorious. It
seemed the interest of the entire world was centered upon us, and it
made Saxe. crabbed. He had lived so long in seclusion and the one idea,
had figured and planned and became so thoroughly familiar with the
northern zone—on the map—that he could see nothing unusual in his
stupendous undertaking and thought no more of it than I would of a trip
to Europe.
“It’s a private expedition taken solely to test the theories of a few
scientists. The public didn’t pungle up with any funds, so whose concern
is it, anyhow?” he wanted to know, and blamed Middleton & Co., because
he was misquoted in fake interviews, though what they had to do with it
was a mystery. He took it upon himself to answer all adverse criticisms,
and was eminently successful in routing a few daring doubters. In the
scientific world the “renowned illustrious” were considered heroes. They
lectured before colleges and vast scientific bodies, and their writings
in scientific publications were widely read. They indulged in numerous
unaccustomed diversions and were banqueted almost nightly. I thought it
a poor way to prepare the constitution for polar hardships, but Saxe.
said once out of civilization we would become normal again. However, I
decided to call a halt and rescued my three brave comrades from the
courtesies they could not resist, by giving a return banquet to those
who had honored us. It was our farewell, a sumptuous farewell, which
remained long in the memory of those who attended, but ended tragically
for me—the experience was destiny. Wine flowed freely, gayety ran high,
toasts, speech-making the order; some one started a noisy song and all,
even Saxe., joined in shouting the chorus. I shouted as loud as any, not
prompted by wine, but intent all should enjoy themselves. I had drunk
sparingly, though well seasoned and able to stand more than most. They
called upon me for a speech and the wits jocularly twitted me about the
ladies. So I toasted a dainty, little creature, who, like all
celebrities, was commonplace upon acquaintance. The boys yelled at my
choice. I twirled my glass recklessly, eager to spout some of my own
verses, but suddenly an odd change came upon me, I felt ill and chilled,
then apathetic, numbed; the glass fell with a smash. I could utter no
sound, but saw all watching me curiously. Middleton rose in alarm, but
Saxe. reached me first and caught me as I fell forward inert, helpless,
but painfully conscious. I deeply regretted my sudden indisposition, my
collapse created a panic and ended the evening’s festivities.
An intensely cold air suddenly rushed upon me, chilling my blood. I was
being conveyed to some place, but could distinguish nothing in the
vague, dreamy vapor gradually enveloping me, which became heavier and
heavier, forming a dark wall surrounding me in a silence deep,
oppressive; then like a flash I saw clear again, and to my amazement was
in my rooms alone seated at the table, book in hand, comfortable,
peaceful, while a tornado scourged the city. It was a night of inky
blackness, freezingly cold, and vaguely I felt sympathy for the
homeless, and those obliged to be out in such a storm; then there was
the sound of crashing timber and frightful shrieks roused me from my
lethargy and I realized I would not be spared for all my riches. Violent
gusts of wind shook the building. I feared the roof would cave in and
crush me, yet calculated nicely just how long it would take for the
expected to happen. I felt no alarm or discomfort at the destruction
going on, but when too late realized peril in the awful roaring, fateful
crash in my vicinity. The walls of my rooms fell apart, the ceiling rose
and was carried away and I borne with frightful velocity upon the wind,
tossed hither and thither; and this tornado with the strength of a
hundred thousand giants had the gentleness of a lover. Upon a bed of
soft, flaky clouds I finally floated in delicious tranquillity and
gradually with exquisite tenderness I was lowered to a wonderful world
of down. As far as the eye reached was a vast plain of fairy-land,
dazzling in whiteness, maddening in silence, with a ridge of pale
mountains gleaming blue, phantom-like. My flesh quivered with the cold,
but I was powerless to move or cry out; and here in this great, icy
throne, was I forced to sit and gaze at the desolate wilderness of snow,
snow, snow; a vast, strange region, with dead, suffocating vapor
clinging to my nostrils; dumb, a prey to fear and wonder. The roar and
crash of the tornado; anything but this horrible stillness with the
heavy dread enveloping me. I remained there forever, it seemed, but
gradually my eyes became accustomed to the dull, leaden atmosphere, and
I perceived far, far in the distance, a small point of color advancing.
Over the ridge of myth mountains it bounded with wonderful velocity,
this rolling circle of light, the nearer it approached swelled to
enormous dimensions, a huge globe of dull, ominous red, betraying the
force, the foundation of destruction. This gigantic world of fire with
marvelous bounds sped straight toward me, I seemingly the magnet. I
tried to move; could not. On it came with increasing rapidity, I
directly in its path. It would come—it would pass over me—God! The
horror of the position broke my dumbness, I shrieked and shrieked and
lived through the tortures of the damned. The hell globe was most upon
me, then as though with fiendish mockery it retreated, then advanced,
then retreated again, it swayed back and forth as though attached to a
mighty pendulum swung in the grasp of some sinister monster. I shut my
eyes—I had committed no crime except in being rich—and waited ages, ages
it seemed for oblivion. But nothing happened, no great weight of intense
heat crushed me, all was as before, icy, still. I ventured to glance
around, the great, fiery globe was there, but farther away burning less
vividly, it became dull, duller, and finally with a loud explosion burst
apart, forming into a fiery stage for a wondrous scene. In amazement I
gazed upon the blackish-red clouds, curling thickly upward. In the
smoking midst a reclining form floated and undulated, gathering and
manipulating the density till all was consumed and in the vivid
clearness a gorgeous scene was revealed. In wonder and delight I gazed
into the burning splendor at a myth, houri, such ravishing beauty could
not be mortal. Thick masses of jetty hair mingled with the heavy, dusky
clouds; starry, flashing eyes burned into mine and scorched me; tall,
majestic, scintillating with jewels, red lips parted in an alluring
smile, she beckoned to me. I stared, fascinated. She drew to her side an
odd instrument and her white fingers caressed the wires, music there
must have been, but I could not hear. As I watched a shadow appeared
which gradually grew firmer, taking form and finally the dim outlines of
a man were revealed bending eagerly toward the luxurious creature. He
was pleading, passionate admiration betrayed in his whole attitude. And
this man, this man with his slavish devotion was—myself. I, the man of
the world, the cynic with a well-known temperament of an icicle. I gazed
astounded at this shadow of myself and my heart warmed and beat
violently as I watched the strangely beautiful vision; in that moment I
loved, loved almost as madly as the shadow. She turned as though in
welcome to another, then suddenly a brilliant, golden light shrouded the
whole, the globe of fire crashed together and bounded away in space,
tinging the universe with a glorious roseate hue. With the last
vanishing streak of pink came desolation; in the midst of this gloom a
man approached walking rapidly, determinedly. He reached me and passed
without heeding my call. I yelled after him, he turned—the man’s face
was my own. On he went with great strides, obstacles faded beneath the
power of his will. I followed, though not conscious of moving, and at
last with a shout of triumph, he halted upon the highest peak of the
phantom mountains, one foot sunk to the knee in snow, the other ankle
deep in rich, rank grass.
“Saxe.!” he shouted, “Saxlehner!”
His voice rang clarion-like over the vast prairies of ice and snow, the
piercing sound echoed in my ears and startled me out of my trance; my
eyes opened wide in reason. I was lying upon a couch in my own room, the
sun streamed broadly through the open window, and Saxe. sat at the table
drinking coffee and reading the morning paper. My head was swathed in
ice-cold bandages, but the slightest movement gave me excruciating pain.
“Saxe.!” I called.
“All right, my boy,” he answered; “feel better?”
“What’s the row?”
“Oh, nothing serious, just the usual thing,” he replied. “If it hadn’t
been for me you would have gone to sleep under the table, where most of
them passed the night, I imagine.”
“Was that really what ailed me? I thought it was a trance.”
“Fact!” chuckled Saxe. “Trance, eh? well, well, well—trance! But it’s
usually mentioned that way, I believe. There are others this morning
whose sick heads makes them positive about it. Trance!”
“Did I break up the fun?”
“You were merely an incident; after your removal the fun grew wilder, I
understand. But honestly, Salucci, I didn’t think it of you, I didn’t.”
And Saxe. gazed sternly at my pallid countenance, then pulling down the
shades he advised me to rest.
I lay there with my aching head and thought of my wondrous vision. The
marvelous beauty of it all so distinctly impressed me that I could gloat
over the slightest detail. I reveled in reverie and saw again the sweet,
alluring smile, deep, burning eyes, and royal magnificence of raiment.
My desires ruled me as with a great heart throb I realized I loved; I
the last of a long line of scorning people who could not realize the
sweet passion. And such love! such adoration! It steeped my whole being
in delight. I was reckless, folly full, madly enamoured with a
phantom—an ideal. The dull-red globe with its reflecting golden mist
enshrouding the brilliant, gorgeous creature, haunted me, and again and
again the shadow of myself treaded the wide snow plains and lofty ice
mountains, the whole enveloped in the mystery of the Unknown, convincing
me of the truth of the inspired idea treasured in the fabulous cell of
Thought, the extravagance of which I dared not utter. The vision of
midnight tresses would become a reality. I would search the earth and
seek this woman in her own world. I would be successful. It was fate. My
adoration would kindle desire as the beauty had fired me; and then....