We entered the Octrogona domain, a dank, tropical forest, whose gigantic
trees towered hundreds of feet. Giant palms shaded glassy pools, dark
green, where huge, pale lilies floated, poisoning the air with their
strong, sweet, sickening odor. In this moist, slumberous richness, heavy
with unhealthy vapors, flowers of marvelous beauty and strange, unknown
fruits, berries grew in abundance. Sheldon, who was fond of
strawberries, gathered a quantity of deep-red, luscious-appearing fruit;
but Saxe. warned him against eating them, declaring the berries too
large, that strawberries of great size always tasted like turnips. These
berries were stringy and juiceless, with a peculiar, sharp flavor, that
blistered the palate. Fortunately we refused the first mouthful, the
fruit was poisonous; but we indulged freely in rich, purple clusters of
wild grapes, with a deep wine flavor, and thoroughly satisfied our
curiosity regarding all fruit discovered in our wanderings. For nearly a
week we roamed in the enchanting Octrogona forest, but saw nary an
Octrogona. We strayed far from the river bank, lost our way, and in the
confusion trying to find it plunged deeper into the wondrous, tropical
maze. The forest was alive with animal and bird mysteries. For hours we
followed strange, uncouth tracks, made by some monster. Occasionally the
wood rang with shrill, bell-like notes, followed by groaning, moaning
sounds that chilled us. The roaring of distant lions was cheerful in
comparison, but forced us to realize our peril. Monstrous birds of gay
plumage chirped to us, but flew higher in the trees as we approached.
Great red and gold serpents coiled and twisted, but glided to higher
branches as we stopped to watch them, where they regarded us curiously
from their brilliant, unblinking eyes. Once we came near being trampled
under by a strange, wild herd of ponies. They clattered past, snorting
and neighing, and glared viciously at us. They were queer, shaggy,
little ponies, with monstrous heads. Frequently as dusk approached we
were startled by wild, uncanny hoots, and saw huge, elongated bodies
whirr from tree to tree. We came across one of these creatures lying
prone upon the ground, its immense, gauze wings spread wide in the sun.
Believing it dead we poked and prodded the body, which was covered with
a pale brown down. Saxe., very curious, attempted to turn the thing on
its back; suddenly the wings fluttered, the mouth opened wide and out
forked pointed red fangs. With a loud, sibilant sound it flew up in the
tree. We watched it as it gently settled among the branches.
“Queer thing, neither animal nor fowl,” mused Sheldon.
“It’s animal,” Saxe. informed us in authoritative, yet argumentative
tones. “It’s the winged lizard, which has become extinct on our side.”
Sheldon coughed doubtfully. “Flying lizard—ahem!”
We encountered a colony of gigantic apes dwelling in little huts made of
foliage and tree branches. The tiny village rested in a wide inclosure.
Our approach created great excitement, the apes trooped from their huts
and clustered around us. They seemed friendly, but one huge fellow
familiarly grasped Saxe.’s shoulder, the next instant he sprawled upon
the ground. Then they showed fight, but we routed them. They rushed up
the trees, shrieking and chattering, and began pelting us with leaden
fruit. We stampeded. Sheldon and Saunders speeded and left us to haul
the car. When we caught up with them they were learnedly wrangling over
Darwin.
“Wrong, boys; altogether wrong,” Saxe. solemnly informed them. “We’ve
committed a grave blunder. Those were the Octrogonas, and we’ve insulted
them.”
Saxe. joined the Darwin debate.
The clear, sparkling stream which Saunders vowed was the River of Life
proved as illusive, but we did not despair, the luxurious forest was way
ahead of the ice blockade, and feeling confident that ultimately we
would be discovered by either the Octrogonas or Centaurians we leisurely
and cheerfully penetrated deeper into the dense, mystic wood, under the
impression we could discover a new route and unexpectedly stumbled
across, not the long-searched-for river, but the Octrogonas, who seemed
astounded at seeing us. They closed around us at once. Warriors,
magnificent men, clad for war in steel-like armor light as wool. They
were a detachment of the Octrogona army guarding the frontier. We told
them where we came from, had been discovered by the Potolilis, and had
strayed from the river bank. Judging by their astonishment it was the
first they’d heard of us, but they treated us with the greatest
courtesy, the Captain explaining that his regiment had been camped in
the woods for weeks. They received little news, but were aware the
warring tribes had met in several engagements, and with a whoop informed
us the Octrogonas had been victorious in all. What the war was over they
neglected to state. They questioned us closely concerning the Potolilis,
and seemed disappointed because we could give no information. They
finally escorted us to the edge of the woods, pointed out the route, and
there, far in the distance, sparkling, dancing in its serpentine course,
was the river whose bank we were still to follow. The directions were
clearly given, but at the last the Captain thought it advisable to send
a couple of guards with us. We thanked him and departed jubilant, glad
to be rid of the strange, dense forest, which to us seemed to extend
over the whole of this half of the world.
We traveled in an open, rugged country, meeting numerous detachments,
small armies bound for some place where the enemy had been located and
hoping for battle. The troops halted at sight of us. We were detained
and gaped at while the guards explained who we were and where we came
from. Toward evening we reached the main camp of the Octrogona army, a
soft, green plain, dotted with a formidable array of tents pitched
closely together, row upon row. The Octrogona army numbered thousands.
Evidently we were expected, pickets lowered arms as we passed, and the
news flew of our arrival. Warriors trooped from their quarters to gaze
wonderingly at us and our strange little car, and reverently helmets
were raised in salute. Then suddenly the air rang with cheers.
We uncovered, shouting response. The soldiers crowded about us in
welcome. We were detained a few minutes, then hustled into the car and
dozens of willing hands pulled us along at a lively speed. Accompanied
by cheering hundreds, we halted before a wide, square tent, staked in
the center of the camp and were escorted to a cool, fragrant room fitted
up with barbaric splendor. A hanging of skin was flung aside, and a man
advanced to meet us. We knew at once this was Octrogona.
He was darkly handsome; magnificent physique, his magnetism invincible.
He was born to rule. With piercing glance he scanned our faces, then
like a mask the sternness vanished. His smile was as sweetly alluring as
a woman’s.
“Greetings! greetings!” he cried, clasping Saxe.’s hand.
We clustered about him and each in turn received the embrace of welcome.
He motioned us to seats, then explained he had been commissioned by the
Centaurians to discover the cause of the phenomenal northern lights, but
Potolili, with whom he was at war (his face darkened ominously), had
spies, vermin, crawling throughout the Octrogona forces, who conveyed to
their chief the news of the northern commission, etc.
Potolili at once organized and headed an expedition and was well on his
way north before the Octrogonas had commenced preparations.
“To the Potolilis,” he continued, “is the credit, reward, of discovery;
but it is an honor stolen, and for the theft they shall pay. I have
vowed this war shall end only with the extermination of the Potolilis.
The black tribes must dissolve in one; the enemy does not progress; they
are now as centuries ago—savages. They are guilty of innumerable
outrages against us; from our stock they pick the best, and for years
have appropriated our women and boasted of their gallantry because the
women failed to return—they dared not. They have in every way sought to
injure our good repute, with the Centaurians, and Potolili’s latest
offence is the seizure of my sister. He forcibly removed her and her
women from the retreat I had placed her in. She was the most beautiful
woman of the Octrogona tribe, but the moment she became Potolili’s
possession she became an outcast—she hastens his downfall.”
I didn’t dare look at Sheldon.
“I say, boys,” he muttered, “what a jolly opinion they have of each
other, and what holy liars! Five to one on crafty Potolili, against this
fiery young scamp!”
We didn’t take his bet, but it went hard to keep from grinning. His
language was so droll beside Octrogona’s lofty tirade, whose eyes now
snapped as he realized, for some reason, we were laughing at him.
Saxe. hastened to express sympathy, and declared we all hoped the
Octrogona forces would be victorious. Octrogona saluted deeply, at the
same time keeping a suspicious eye on Sheldon, which caused Saunders to
irritably remark: That Sheldon was an ass whose noisy braying would
eventually get us all into trouble.
Potolili’s agility in discovering us evidently greatly exasperated
Octrogona.
“He will be rewarded with a piece of land we’ve both coveted for over
fifty years,” he hissed. “But I’ll wrest it from him! Do you know the
moment he sighted you a messenger was sent over the mountains to report
to the Centaurians, who will arrive shortly to escort you to their
territory. If we were at peace Potolili would have forced you people
over the mountains to prevent our meeting, but the journey is dangerous
during war time. He suffered heavy losses during his northern trip, my
troops slaughtered the Potolilis in every engagement. I had troops
stationed in ambush to capture Potolili when he neared the reservation,
never believing he would abandon his ‘discovery’ three miles from the
boundary line. He is a coward, sneak, and up to his old deviltry! He
will not fight openly like a soldier! But it is destiny, the Octrogonas
will be victorious. And, gentlemen (he bowed deeply), my abode is at
your disposal.”
We thanked him, mentioning the car, preferring not to intrude upon him.
Impatiently he threw up his hand, commanding silence, then conducted us
to an adjoining tent and advised us to “cleanse,” while attendants
hauled in several huge jars containing ice water.
“I suppose he thinks we bathed every day in an ice lake while fooling
around the Pole,” grumbled Sheldon, dousing himself in the chilling
water.
“He certainly had some good reason for forcing us to clean up in water
at freezing point,” Saxe. admitted. “Let’s ask him for it.”
“Ask him for what?” sputtered Saunders.
“Something to eat,” murmured Saxe. sweetly.
And Saunders glared because we all snickered.
Octrogona’s quarters consisted of a number of tents pitched closely
together in a circle, and when we ventured forth we promptly became
entangled in the tent maze, butting into places where we had no business
to and startling a number of dusky individuals who rushed upon us
chattering wildly, but promptly salaamed as though we were gods. And
they were black! Whew!
Octrogona suddenly appeared, laughing loudly at our discomfiture. We
murmured apologies, which he politely waived aside and escorted us to
the front tent.
Refreshments were served. The table was loaded with strange delicacies.
Roasted fish stuffed with berries swimming in the fresh juice of grapes;
wild game sliced with crushed nuts, and meat spiced with rich, tropical
fruit, tempted the appetite, yet everything was cold—and Saxe. longed
for soup. The wine was the same brand Potolili had been so lavish with,
and though of a clear, sparkling crystal, was searching. Octrogona, in
his dining, was civilized, a _bon vivant_. The service was excellent,
putting us on our mettle and rousing to action our rusty table
etiquette.
After dining Octrogona expressed a wish to examine the car. We placed it
at his disposal. He examined everything with much curiosity, and for an
old string of wax pearls, presented Saxe. with an armlet carved from
quartz ornamented with five flashing emeralds.
“You’re trading at a bargain, old boy,” Sheldon told him, but he was
frowned to silence and found solace brewing his coffee, which he wanted
Octrogona to taste. Octrogona seemed doubtful of the cup handed to him,
but inhaling the aroma, drank with relish. The flavor tickled his
palate, and he begged for some of the beans. We decided the cultivation
of coffee had become a lost industry. It seemed impossible these
enlightened people had never discovered it.
We returned to the tent and were served with syrupy liqueur in large
silver thimbles, and some queer little cakes that tasted like sweetened
mud. We avoided the cakes, but the liqueur! what a bouquet! and how it
flushed us! Even Octrogona, who no doubt was seasoned, seemed affected.
His eyes flashed, his lips thickened voluptuously, and his tongue
loosened confidentially. With a sigh he told us of Potolili’s daughter,
which originally was not his intention.
“The most beautiful woman in the world!” he exclaimed with amorous
enthusiasm. “The women of Centauri are divine, but Potolili’s daughter
is—heaven!”
“She is your prisoner,” I blurted out before Saxe. could prevent.
Octrogona eyed me keenly for a second, then replied: “No, I am her
prisoner—her slave!”
“Hum! got it bad!” murmured Sheldon, ever alert to mix things.
“As you know of Potolili’s daughter,” Octrogona continued, eying me
severely, “and undoubtedly believe she is my prisoner, which is false,
perhaps you can give me some information concerning my sister Gona.”
“I cannot,” I replied. “Potolili did not mention your sister, though he
told of the abduction of his daughter.”
“That man is a traitor, liar!” Octrogona yelled fiercely. “He abducted
Gona, then learning we were preparing for war he sends his daughter,
whose beauty is renowned, sends this lovely girl among my men to lead
their thoughts from war to love. She obtained sympathy for her father
and his people, she lowered my sister in the esteem of my soldiers,
declaring Gona went voluntarily, having long been enamoured with
Potolili. (This we did not doubt.) By the merest chance I heard of the
matter and ordered the lovely devil brought before me. And she came like
the Queen, enchantress, that she is, reclining amid silken cushions and
flowers and borne aloft by worshippers.
“I was dazzled, and—er—,” Octrogona paused, his glance shifted, “she is
still here.” Then realizing the comical side of the situation, he burst
out laughing.
“She and her father are schemers, and have no equal for craftiness,” he
continued. “Her mission is to influence all in favor of her people, to
arouse so-called brotherly love, and effect the unification of tribes,
with—er—Potolili as supreme chief. Until her mission is accomplished she
will not permit me to possess her, yet swears to her love for me. She is
not a prisoner, but I have placed her where she can work no further
mischief except upon me; and I love her! I love her! She has full
freedom, but at the least sign or inclination to return to her people
she becomes a prisoner and a slave to my fancy.”
“Octrogona! Octrogona!” we heard a voice wail in protest, sweet as a
bell. With a stride Octrogona reached the end of the tent, flung aside
the hanging and drew forth the shrinking woman.
We knew she was Potolili’s daughter. No one in the world could resemble
him so completely. She was beautiful, wondrously beautiful, in a
sensuous, barbaric fashion. Her luxurious tresses, glossily rippled
unconfined; her dusky neck, shoulders, arms were devoid of covering
except for the flashing gems that hid most of her charms. Soft, white,
shimmering stuff wound around her form. This woman, with her great
animal magnetism, could sway and rule as she pleased. The conquest of
Octrogona was diversion to her. She hung upon his shoulder with her full
weight. He flung his arm around her, both were oblivious of our
presence. In silence he gazed into her deep eyes with intense love, and
she cooed to him while one pretty hand caressed his cheek.
“Octrogona, I am your prisoner,” we heard her tell him. “Your eyes
thrill, hold me, your glance is stronger than prison bars.”
“I should say so!” muttered Sheldon, who had become very restless.
“I love you! I love you!” the siren went on. “Octrogona, your pleasure
is mine.”
Swiftly he bent his head and pressed his lips to hers.
“No,” said Sheldon, turning his back upon them, “they’re not married
yet. Matrimony is death to that sort of thing. And I say, boys, she’s
playing the same old game on him, and they claim to be six hundred years
ahead of us. That fiery boy is as blind as a bat. Twenty to one foxy
Potolili rules the two tribes in less than a month, and I don’t blame
Octrogona. She’s a glorious woman! Jove, a glorious woman!”
Before we could put a quietus on Sheldon, several men rushed excitedly
into the tent.
“The Centaurians!” they cried. “The Centaurians are coming!”
Octrogona awoke as from a dream, becoming at once cold, alert,
diplomatic. He gently put the girl from him, and with a deep bow urged
her to retire. With a lingering glance she stepped from view. He turned
quickly to us, murmuring: “The Centauris!” and we hurried outside. The
camp twinkled brightly with lights. We could see the soldiers crowding
from their quarters to gaze up at a dozen or more great balls of fire,
which were circling and lowering like buzzards.
A chariot drawn by three magnificent horses dashed up to where we stood.
Octrogona explained the Centaurians would meet us in the plains a half
mile distant, and invited us to enter the chariot. We declined,
expressing the wish to travel in our car; it had brought us so far it
could convey us to the Centaurians. Octrogona displayed wisdom; he
avoided argument, and hurriedly entered the car with us, ordering it to
be attached to the chariot, and away we started amid wild cheers from
the soldiers. Many followed some distance, shouting lustily, and in the
enthusiasm we whooped and jumped like a brace of Indians.
Octrogona laughed till his sides ached.
But at last we were to meet the Centaurians and witness civilization six
hundred years in advance of our own. We wondered what these new people
were like, and gravely pondered between conflicting thoughts of hope and
fear.
Sheldon believed his great body of fresh water a discovered fact. The
Centaurians would escort him to view these marvelous waters.
Saunders, jubilant, chuckled with enthusiasm as he speculated upon the
vast improvements accomplished in six hundred years upon astronomical
instruments, which he expected placed at his disposal for a thorough
analytic inspection of the planet Virgillius, and he confidentially
informed me it was his intention to join the next expedition to the
moon. Saxe. thought of the lost _Propellier_, and figured on the
powerful proportions it must have attained in so many centuries of
improvement. As for myself, I grew wild, restless with expectation. I
thought of the wraith, devil, woman, what you will, that had decoyed me
to this world. The luring, smiling beauty frenzied me. Centauri,
Centauri, was the name my heart gave her.
Swiftly we reached the plains, plunging into brilliant illumination cast
by great search-lights in the towers of a number of—ships!
We pressed forward in amazement.
“Powers above, they’re ships!” Sheldon cried.
“Ferry-boats!” I gasped.
And the decks were crowded. The boats presented a gala appearance,
streamers and banners flying, the upper decks shaded with gay-colored
awnings. We could easily see into the brilliantly-lighted salons, and
wondered at the sparkling interior, and down the sides of all these
vessels people jostled and hurried.
A number of men hastened to meet us. Stalwart, massive fellows, white,
but a dark tinge, and every blessed mother’s son of them as handsome as
Apollo. Potolili spoke the truth, the Centaurians were gods.
“Good heavens, what magnificent people!” I cried out in admiration.
“Aye,” answered Sheldon, “to see something like this is worth crossing
the Pole. For the first time in my life I see a _man_!”
His remark irritated Saxe. “Curtail your tongues!” he snapped. “The more
perfect the body the less soul it contains. Sheldon, you’ve lost your
senses. Undoubtedly those splendid creatures are men; so are we.
Perfection we cannot boast, but we possess souls.”
“Do we, now?” squeaked Saunders, who never permitted any one to worry
Sheldon except himself. But Saxe. only scowled, and with Octrogona,
stepped from the car.
“Wonder if the climate is affecting old Saxe.?” Saunders inquired.
“You started it!” Sheldon growled.
“And you got the blame for it!” I retorted.
“Hist! don’t quarrel; come along,” Saunders urged hurriedly. “Suppose
they expect to rope us on to those boats.”
We hurried after Saxe., who spruced up lively as a Centaurian advanced
to greet us. A handsome, broad-shouldered gentleman, who spoke words of
welcome in Latin, pure and simple, much to the astonishment of Saxe.,
who expected a mutilation of every language under the sun thrown into
one. Many crowded around us, eager to shake hands, and we were
extravagantly complimented upon accomplishing the “remarkably daring
exploit of crossing the Polar regions.” Of course Saxe. received most of
the honors and bowed continually, while we stood in the rear a sort of
reflection, though I noticed many eying me curiously and suddenly a
group of gay, young men, who had held aloof, laughing and joking among
themselves, no doubt at me, rushed forward and closed around me, and to
my chagrin, boldly criticised my face and form, muttering: “A Centauri,
a Centauri!”
“Now don’t get conceited, Sally,” Sheldon admonished. “These fellows
think you as pretty as you think them.”
And sizing up the fresh boys, I realized I was as broad, massive, if not
quite as tall as they. Sheldon’s remark made me blush like a girl, the
color flamed my face, and perceiving it the Centaurians shouted with
glee. One slapped me on the back, another patted my cheek, a third
pulled me one way, while a fourth drew me in the opposite direction. I
caught the nearest man, raised him above my head, swung him around
several times, then flung him from me. Another rushed upon me and, to
show my strength, I caught him with one arm, tossed him high as though
he were a ball, dizzied him with a rapid swing, then laid him gently on
his back. It was enough.
“A Centauri! A Centauri!” they shouted, crowding closer. Then amid
laughter and cheers I was hoisted and carried in triumph aboard one of
the ships. What a predicament had I been less strong! Such a glory this
muscular popularity (?).
Saxe., Sheldon and Saunders laughingly followed and cheered with the
crowd. They were proud of their Sally? Well!
Our staunch little car created considerable anxiety, but finally, with
the utmost care and reverence, was hoisted aboard.
Octrogona accompanied us to the ship simply to go through the formality
of explaining that we would meet again. He gave a long hand-clasp to
Saxe., to whom apparently he’d taken a great fancy, while that gentleman
advised him that “Peace is the Spirit of civilization,” and begged him
cease the continual warfare with Potolili.
“Become friends, comrades,” continued Saxe., warming up. “Yield to the
pleading of the girl you love, or you may lose her. She will return to
her people.”
“Oh, no!” Octrogona answered quickly. “I love her youth, beauty; but
passion does not control me; I delight in anticipation. The girl is
mine, and she will never return to her people.”
“This savage delights in anticipation,” murmured Sheldon, “and those on
our side delight in precipitation. Wow!”
“Have you ever met Potolili?” Saxe, asked.
“No!” cried Octrogona, aghast. “Meet Potolili! Oh, no!”
“You should,” Saxe. urged, undaunted. “You love the daughter, you will
be charmed with the father. Just give the word, he will meet you more
than half.”
“Ah, no doubt, no doubt,” said Octrogona drily; “but (politely wishing
to make Saxe. happy), I shall consider your advice. It never occurred to
me to meet Potolili, but it could be arranged, and to please the girl I
am willing to make some concessions; then—ahem! my sister Gona, is still
his captive.”
Saxe. was pleased and satisfied his words would go a long way toward
ending the war. He patted Octrogona on the back, who seemed immensely
tickled about something. Saxe. smiled indulgently. He considered this
great chief merely a hot-headed boy, and renewed the risky topic,
endeavoring to impress Octrogona with the wisdom of meeting his enemy.
But Octrogona was too politic to continue the subject and seemed
suddenly very anxious to depart. He astonished Saxe. by tenderly
embracing him, then bowing deeply to us, hurriedly left the ship. We saw
him enter the chariot, he waved his hand as the horses plunged into
gallop. Saxe. twirled his cap, but our attention was attracted to the
strange vibration of the ship, accompanied by an odd whirring sound, and
two huge black objects at the sides slowly unfurled and gently fluttered
in the breeze. They looked like the wings of a monster bat, and the boat
began moving—moving upwards. Heavens knows what we thought when boarding
the vessel, but it never occurred to us we would sail the air.
“It’s a flying machine!” gasped Saxe.
“An air ship!” echoed Sheldon.
And we continued to float upward, the vessel rolling and rocking as in a
rough sea, causing Sheldon to exclaim: “The damned thing’ll roll clean
over and dump us all out!” And then to impress the gentlemen surrounding
us that his remark had been one of learning he began conversing
earnestly in his most polished, class-room manner with a tall gentleman
beside him. A fine old individual, with a long grey beard, towed
Saunders off, and Saxe. became the center of a group of men, who plied
him with questions and were eagerly questioned in turn.
A handsome young man took possession of me—he was the Governor’s son,
and introduced himself as Tolna; and I learned we were the guests of the
Governor, and were being conveyed to Latonia in his private yacht. I
questioned Tolna as to the safety of traveling by the zephyr route, and
was keen concerning the rolling of the ship, explaining it was my first
experience of air navigation. He looked incredulous, and I reminded him
his people were six centuries in advance of those of my country.
“But we are considering the air ship,” I continued. “We are just
realizing the air is navigable, and several bright men have invented
machines that were received fairly well by the press, but the atmosphere
did not take kindly to them. The fatalities incurred ruinous
skepticism.”
“Fatality, Skepticism, are the parents of Progression,” Tolna informed
me. “Without either the universe would be vacuum. Skepticism is the
spur; Fatality, realization. Vessels sailing the clouds have been our
mode of traveling for centuries, continual improvements have made the
ships absolutely safe. I do not think the air ship can be perfected
further unless something altogether new is invented. For speed, comfort,
elegance, the air ship has no parallel. This rolling and slanting is
simply the upward motion, like birds whose wings flutter spasmodically
to a certain height then straight they speed almost without motion. Our
ship will soon reach the altitude, the rolling, flapping of sails will
cease, and the smoothness, evenness of travel will enrapture you. A
feathered pet served as the model for the first invention, which can be
seen in the museum at Centur. It is a remarkably cunning, useless
contrivance, but is the foundation of this superb floating machine. Do
not fail to visit the museum when you reach Centur.”
Tolna’s explanation undoubtedly was very elevating, but there was
considerably more to learn about the air ship; and apparently we had
reached the desired altitude, for the pitching and rolling ceased, and
we flew straight ahead upon an infinite avenue of ether, so swiftly as
to seem motionless. I was conducted to view the engine which was
inclosed in a crystal cage stretching the length down the center of the
ship. The machinery was a complicated mass of golden wires, crossed and
recrossed with an astonishing assortment of tiny wheels, all revolving
around a powerful arm that hammered swiftly up and down, and received
force from a treacherous looking cylinder dashing back and forth. I
became absorbed in the confusion of wires drawn swiftly over their
golden pulleys, the sheen of yellow metal was dazzling.
Tolna turned me over to the engineer, who invited me to enter the glass
cage with him. The kindly fellow patiently answered all my questions
(know the senseless questions of greenhorns?) and explained the whole
intricate mass of machinery which comprised five distinct separate
engines, with only one in action; and fascinated, I watched the one
working engine that compelled this huge structure to float upon the air.
Then I made thorough examinations, vividly impressing the whole superb
complication upon my memory. I was determined to master the mystery of
the air ship before returning to my own country. Finally Tolna returned,
some sign passed between him and the engineer, which I caught for all my
absorbed contemplation. Evidently the engineer wished me out of the way,
and hurriedly I departed with Tolna, who informed me my friends had made
inquiries for me.
My three friends were hugely enjoying themselves. Each in their element,
the center of a crowd, were lecturing with gusto upon the merits of
their respective hobbies. Saxe. was exhibiting the interior of his car,
and his face glowed with pride at the extraordinary interest the
Centaurians took in the engraving of the lost _Propellier_.
Saunders was displaying the mutilated portions of his various
astronomical instruments; his one uninjured instrument created a
sensation. The Centaurians had never seen anything like it. Nothing in
that line could compete with it in the museum at Centur, and they warned
Saunders his little, old telescope would be seized by the government to
be exhibited as a rare curio. He would be compensated, of course, of
course—any one could see Saunders grow.
Sheldon was very important—irritatingly so—and had assumed an attitude
of condescension little short of cuss words. He had quite the largest
group of listeners, and was explaining with authoritative distinctness
the many points of interest upon his map of the world.
But I culled the attention of all by distributing a few gold and silver
coins, and this little generosity begot a tremendously new sensation.
For the first time in my life I was the recipient of _thanks_, the value
exceeding by far the gift; and under the unusual experience I became
awkward, blushed and stammered.
What a startling, barbaric custom! Thanks! thanks! thanks! Prevailing
etiquette of our world voted acceptance in any form, but a blasé,
indifferent manner, the acme of vulgarity. Favor conferred in
acceptance—the recipient’s due, etc. Scientists delved into chaos,
feverishly pursuing a wraith-like, fascinating substance, they labeled
Gratitude, but the experts failed to discover the slightest streak of
this rare ore of their brains. Universal is the belief in Gratitude, but
no one—no one—has ever witnessed it.
Tolna escorted us to the cabin, which was richly furnished. Pale, cloudy
material draped the walls; soft damask skins carpeted the floors; there
were many couches and roomy seats in odd, fantastic forms, marvelous
with intricate carving, massive, weighty, as though hewed from stone,
yet lighter than wood.
The Centaurians had mastered the rare art of combining beauty with
comfort. I sank into a thickly cushioned seat and sipped the strange
poignant liqueur Tolna served in tiny glasses. The poignant bouquet
swept the cobwebs of fatigue from my system, and boldly I complimented
the handsome youth, who looked as though he had just stepped from some
mediæval painting. The Centaurians were a marvelously enlightened
people, but in mode of dress had apparently remained stationary. They
adhered, probably from time immemorial, to the picturesque, easy costume
of the ancient Romans, but the gorgeous, pagan splendor of Rome paled
before the barbaric magnificence of Centauri, scintillating in
gem-studded fabrics. Sheldon, who was near, whispered excitedly: “The
wealth of the world must be on this side. These fellows are stiff with
richness—six centuries ahead—barbarians!”
“Orientals,” I suggested.
“Nonsense!” he retorted. “But they do remind me a little of the
Chinese—same costume since the year one. You’ve tipped Saunders one
better, he declares these people are descendants of a lost tribe of
Romans or Jews, explaining the wandering Jews discovered themselves
again in the Romans, while the meandering Romans were lassoed by the
Centaurians. He bases his extraordinary inference upon the appearance of
these people; says they’re Romans clear through, and grew bilious
because I called the Centaurians barbarians, hinting he’d got his tribes
mixed. I wasn’t aware there were any Romans missing.” Sheldon chuckled
at the recollection and “supposed” the argument would last the whole
time they were in this part of the world.
Saunders’s idea concerning the origin of the Centaurians was certainly
diverting, still not impossible. But we, not the Romans, discovered this
wonderful new continent, and the superb Centauris are a product of their
own magnificent land. These tall, powerful men were god-like in their
perfect beauty with their close-cropped curls, strong necks and massive
shoulders; but it did go against me to see the great muscular arms
heavily braceleted.
Tolna, linking his arm in mine, informed me the journey was nearly at an
end. We strolled out upon deck, everybody followed, and a quiver of
excitement passed through all as a hoarse shout wafted up from the
earth. The ship began rolling, and I experienced an uncomfortable
sensation as it suddenly slanted down from the wind and through a damp,
chilling cloud, then what an extraordinary, magnificent sight met the
eye. Beneath, visible as in broad day, white, brilliant with lights, lay
the remarkable, dazzling city of Latonia. Shining mosques, odd,
cone-shaped domes, delicate spiral towers reared majestically to
infinite heights, tinging the heavens with flaring, gigantic sprays of
brilliancy. Through vivid reflections the broad avenues of this flashing
city were plainly visible, black with a crowding, yelling mob that rent
the air with deafening shouts as the gradually drooping ship gently
settled upon a high steel trestle.
We were hurried down spidery steel steps and through an avenue of
guards, but hastily uncovered before the wild cheers of the crowd that
pressed forward. There was a rush, the guards gave way, we were seized,
hoisted high, and carried to the waiting carriage, where a splendid old
party stood smiling a welcome. With one hand he held in check the six
restive horses, the other he extended to Saxe. The noise, confusion, was
so great it was impossible to hear anything said, but we knew this was
the Governor of Latonia, and saluted deeply. The fine, old gentleman
gave us each a kindly greeting, then was obliged to turn his attention
to the prancing, impatient horses, as they suddenly plunged into the
crowd, which stampeded, but quickly closed in the rear and raced after
us, cheering. We shouted back, waving our caps, while the delighted
Latonians fiercely pelted us with flowers.
Once or twice the Governor raised his arm in protest, but the four
scientists from the other side of the globe commanded the whole
attention. The speeding horses soon outdistanced the crowd and suddenly
swerved down a wide, peaceful boulevard. Dazed with excitement, we
hardly noticed this wonderful city of bizarre architecture except that
it blazed in a continual glare. The streets were all of unyielding
stone, and thronged with people, people, people—in the gardens,
doorways, windows, even clinging to the house-tops—who cheered lustily
as we clattered past and frantically waved gay streamers and peculiar
white flags, ornamented with a single, glaring, yellow star.
Gallantly we saluted this strange emblem of Centauri.
The Governor’s palace, situated in the heart of the city, was a great,
clumsy, stone structure, of many gables and towers, surrounded by a park
of stately oaks. The tolling of countless bells signaled our arrival,
the tall gates flew wide, and the horses dashed up a broad, graveled
road. People hurried from all parts of the park to see us as the
Governor escorted us to the great domed hall, where he bestowed upon us
the embrace of welcome, then personally conducted us to our apartments.
He placed his palace at our disposal, and gave strict orders concerning
our comfort (the moon was ours for the asking), then turned us over to
an army of attendants. These people seemed rather timid of us at first
and deferentially sounded our inclinations regarding the bath. As we
exhibited a lively interest in the subject they lost no further time
about the matter, but hurried us down vast columned halls and corridors,
and finally ushered us to a pavilion gardened with countless strange,
tropical plants. A deep rippling brook gently caressed the soggy edge of
a steep mossy bank, and down this soft incline we recklessly tumbled and
rolled, hauling and mauling each other, and simultaneously plunged into
the water with a tremendous splash—the water was tepid and stinging.
Saxe. suggested it was the salt, but Saunders was positive we bathed in
fresh water, while Sheldon declared it was lime, and these advanced
people wished to do away with us to get possession of the car. It was
certainly a villainous plot. But we emerged from the plunge with
tingling, glistening skins, and meekly submitted to the severe rubbing
down that even a pugilist would balk against. Swathed in fleecy wool, we
were hustled through a panel door, down a winding, oven-heated alley,
which led, in some mysterious way, direct to our apartments. They
handled us like toys, these cast-iron people, and quickly assisted us
into fresh clothing—the costume of Centauri, which suited us well,
though Sheldon whined that he felt naked. Saxe. and Saunders bothered
continually about the chemicals contained in the bath, and quizzed the
attendants, who pretended not to understand; both however declared they
felt as fresh as daisies and good for all night.
“No doubt,” said Sheldon, “freshness is proverbial with daisies, though
I’ve seen many that reeked the other way; but recollect everything on
this side is six centuries ahead, even to the water, and the Centaurians
seem pretty rapid. That stiff, old chap, the Governor, is going to let
us in for some tall doings.”
Saxe. flushed angrily as I snickered approval of Sheldon’s flippancy,
but was forced to postpone his bristling rebuke as a sedate, but very
nervous individual, entered, bowing profoundly and announced in scarcely
audible tones something about “Governor,” and “waiting.” We followed the
gentleman of nerves, who seemed greatly distressed because we looked at
him. He ushered us to the great dining hall, then escaped with
remarkable agility.
A feast awaited us, long tables spread with snowy, sheeny cloth; rich,
tropical fruit heaped high in wide, golden salvers, pasty sweets,
jellied viands, crowned with the aroma of punch—it was a congenial
atmosphere. The rooms were crowded with guests, who watched us with
delighted expectancy as Tolna advanced to meet us.
“Not a woman in sight!” muttered Sheldon. “Somebody had a dream like
this once and woke up, crowing he’d been in hell!”
Divining Sheldon’s grumble Tolna explained the ladies had retired. He
would not detain us long, as he wished us to rest, for at daybreak,
according to orders, we were to be conveyed to Centur, and presented to
“The Centauri.”
Introductions followed. We were separated in the gathering about the
tables. Sheldon joined the representatives of the National
Geographical-Geological societies. Saunders bossed things among the
astronomers, and Saxe. was the center of an odd-looking, crowding group.
I was tolled off to the Sports of Latonia, there was no doubt about it,
either—they _were_ Sports.
The wine passed freely. Ye gods! wine that required years to season the
system. I drank sparingly, indulging in luscious fruit, yet did I become
light-headed and lost prudence. I was the gayest of the swift band and
boisterously outsang them all. How they did laugh! And their jokes!
Ouch! leveled at me! Each ardently drank to the beauties of Centauri,
then all declared some angel waited my return to the other side. Their
mirth grew wild, noisy, as my face flushed, the blood rushed to my
brain, wine roused desire. I sprang up, overturning the chair in my
eagerness and twirling my goblet high, shouted: “I drink to the glorious
eyes of my inamorata, Alpha Centauri!”
The effect was startling and enough to sober any man. A pall of silence
fell upon the guests deeper than the polar stillness and in profound
respect all rose stiff, erect as soldiers, murmuring in hushed,
reverential tones the name: “Alpha Centauri.”
I was astonished, yet positive of some mistake. These men could not
possibly know of the myth that had lured me to this land, gallantly
complimenting their fair country, I, at the same time had been
chivalrous to the hidden passion. There was some mistake, and I laughed
at their solemnity, again raising my goblet: “To the beauty of my
enchantress, Alpha Centauri!” I sang out, but in lower, gentler tones.
What ailed them? All bowed respectfully, but not one touched his glass.
Then the Governor, who was at the far end of the table, raised his glass
level with his eyes and slowly turned it in a circle. “Gentlemen,” he
spoke in tones almost devout, “with the fiery young stranger, I drink to
the most wise, divine—Alpha Centauri!”
At once all goblets were raised and drained, then in silence the
gentlemen reseated themselves. Merriment was stifled, I alone remained
standing, sobered—but when was I ever wise.
“I drank to a myth,” I cried; “a vision of my brain that tortured and
lured me beyond the Pole. May I inquire whom you gentlemen honor?”
Again the Governor rose and replied: “We drank to Alpha Centauri, the
future ruler of the world, the most wonderful woman in the universe,
resolute, brilliant, mysterious as the star from whence she came—Alpha
Centauri.”
My goblet fell with a thud. I tried to recover it and caught the table
to steady myself. At once all was confusion, a sea of blurred faces
surrounded me. “Give him water, he’s had enough wine!” rang the familiar
tones of Saxe. Immediately the weakness left me and Sheldon’s hoarse
whisper forced me to smile. “The myth realized—if she only looks as she
appeared; but she won’t, old boy, she won’t! It’s some old jade with a
hair-lip. Beautiful women were created to be adored, never to rule.” He
chuckled audibly as I pushed him aside.
Tolna offered me wine, but Saxe. compelled me to drink a whole goblet of
water, then in a way all his own, which no one could take offence at, he
intimated the day had been long, fatiguing, and suggested the
merrymakers continue without the presence of the four strangers.
Tolna regretted, the others crowded about us, but finally with many
salutes we were escorted from the hall.
When we were alone Saxe. advised and warned me, and Saunders shook his
head. “To think it should come true!” he muttered.
“Yes,” said Saxe., “your vision is mortal. You will realize what is
denied to most. All have ideals, those are rare that are realized.”
“Don’t congratulate him yet, boys,” chimed in Sheldon; “wait till the
‘ideal’ materializes, perhaps then he’ll want our sympathies. And,
Sally, did you really believe in the vision? But of course you did; the
effect was powerful; you gave up everything to join us.”
“I loved!” I cried, all aflame. “Sometimes I believed, again doubted;
but all the time I loved, and that leads anywhere, most often to hell!”
Saxe. threw up his hands in protest. He was not a profane man, and
Saunders suggested we retire.
Our room was spacious, luxurious, divided into four by tall granite
columns. The furniture was rich, but weighty in effect, and
fantastically carved; the beds were long, narrow and heavily padded; we
sank deep in softness, inhaling a sleep producing odor, sweet, sensuous.
Drowsily Sheldon uttered a gruesome joke, and Saxe. yawned his
preference for the bunks of his car.