The ship gradually lowered as we floated over the city. The news flashed
over Centur that the Priestess of the Sun had returned and excited
crowds blackened the streets shouting a welcome.
Alpha leaned far over the ship’s side, waving the flag of Centauri in
response. Centur was in gay attire, gaudy flags and pennants floated
from the domes of all buildings. Gorgeous silken banners coiled around
the arms of Centauri and gently fluttered against huge arches and towers
of rare blossoms whose rich fragrance absorbed the air. Something
wonderful was certainly going on. Alpha turned to us bewildered.
“What is it?” she queried. “Our return was unheralded—it is not a fête
day. How beautiful Centur looks!”
She shrugged her shoulders and again smiled down upon the welcoming
people. The ship finally reached the palace park, then fluttered and
circled downward and gently settled in its steel shed.
The crowd surged against the walls with deafening shouts of greeting.
Alpha waved her arms, and her clarion voice rose high in the worshipful
cry of Sol. Like an avalanche the response fell upon her, betraying the
joy these people felt at seeing her again. How they loved this beautiful
woman! And now, as I think of it, I believe it was she, glorious Alpha,
whom they worshipped—not the Sun.
With sweet dignity she received the officials who hurried to meet her.
Besangno, the great statesman who acted as chief executive during
Centauri’s absence, saluted deeply and welcomed her in eloquent phrases.
She was told that official notice had been received that her travels
were about terminating, but that her sudden return was a joyous surprise
to the people of Centur.
“If my return is so unexpected what fête day is Centur celebrating?” she
inquired.
“Centur wears gala attire in honor of our distinguished guest who has
delighted the populace with his presence nearly a fortnight,” Besangno
informed her. “Benlial, of the Vespa Belt, waits the superb Alpha
Centauri.”
I was standing beside her, but instinctively drew away, repelled by her
sudden icy demeanor. Once more I beheld the strange, enigmatical
goddess, who had welcomed me upon my arrival to the city: Alpha
Centauri, Priestess of the Sun, always.
Erect, to her full height, with cold, calm, haughty eyes, she regarded
the gentleman before her. She raised her arm and placed it across her
breast, and with stiff formality bowed.
“Greetings to the Vespa Prince,” she said; “his return to his people
shall not be delayed. I will receive Prince Benlial at once.”
Besangno was not at all dismayed by her manner, she had always been
gracious to him, but this was Alpha of the Centauris, Priestess of their
deity; a perfect woman, passionless—a saint. The glowing, palpitating
creature I created was not for public adoration—she was mine, mine
always!
Besangno explained that the Prince was absent, gone to view the
magnificent Otega, “but will speed back to Centur when informed that the
Priestess of the Sun has returned.”
“A ship passed us in the night,” she told him, “gay with the nation’s
color, and freighted to the brim with merriment. Besangno, the morning
is still early; before noon you will hear my order. Prince Benlial must
not be disturbed in his pleasures.”
Besangno bowed low. None dared approach her, and silently she
disappeared within the palace whose portals were draped with the gaudy
silken banners of the Vespas. I did not see her again till the evening.
Besangno and his suite remained in respectful attitudes till she passed
from view, then abruptly hurried away, and I was left with the little
troupe of traveling companions who were palpably impatient to depart. A
low whistle near me, and I turned and faced the Literary Man, who
grasped my hand, telling me he could never repay the debt of inspiration
I had roused within him.
“Your companionship lures success,” he barked.
I smiled acknowledgment, but the Tragedian relieved me from replying. He
clung to my other hand and begged me to remain forever among them.
“Never in my life,” he assured me, “have I experienced the exquisite
diversion enjoyed in your company. Your skill as a tragedian is genius,
your interpretations famous. Ah, Virgillius, your amazing capabilities
will force the public to comprehend the great tragedies that no
Centaurian can act. The powerful masterpieces of morbid imaginations
shall cease to be farces.”
I listened attentively, not certain if they were making sport or meant
it, but both seemed ridiculous and I laughed. The laugh was taken up
heartily and both gentlemen simultaneously dropped my hands, each
declaring gravely I was deep, deep as the fire geyser in the ice summit.
Then one, throwing out his chest, cried: “Attention, friends! Will
sensations ever cease? or is it the commencement of the end when the
world will explode into millions of particles as Thoralda the Great
predicts. Listen: first, Virgillius and his friends drop among us from,
no one knows where, to overpower us with their marvelous experiences.
Then the Otega becomes active after six centuries of repose. And now
comes this splendid savage, the Prince of Vespas, ruler of the land of
hornets, whose swift progression dares them to defy even Sol. We are far
in the rear of these wonderful people, they would elevate us by sending
the most audacious hornet of them all—for what? To mate with the rarest
and most perfect of Centaurians, Alpha, Priestess of the Sun, who can
never mate. Jingle the cap and bells, friends, hail to the splendid,
glorious Prince Benlial.”
They applauded him noisily, and I tried to crush the sudden sick
miserable feeling that came over me. They finally left me, even the
crowd outside had dispersed, and I was left alone deep in gloom and
hopelessness, assailed with a cowardly faintness of heart that made me
at last realize why I had been a failure all my life.
I knew well the import of the Prince’s visit, but it seemed preposterous
this savage was to end my dream—he was only a man far from ideal.
Bah! absurd! I flung out my arms as though brushing my trouble from me.
“Alpha Centauri, my own creation, mine forever,” I cried.
Discreet footsteps, an apologetic cough sounded near, and I turned to
face Mike, the ever-smiling Mike. He handed me a note and I read that
Alpha Centauri had many important matters to attend to and could not see
me till evening. She wished me to rest so my mind would be clear,
refreshed, and able to give undivided attention to the many affairs she
would consult with me. Mike bowed deeply and followed as I hurried to my
apartments. He regaled me with the palace gossip.
I learned that Saunders had suddenly ended his connection with the
Observatory and, with a party of scientists, had traveled throughout
Centauri, returning only last evening, when he and the “great inventor”
departed immediately for the Ocstas, both wildly anxious about their
friend Sheldon, who they feared had perished. Saxlehner had completed
his marvelous machine, and he (Mike) presumed “all three” would again
become guests at the palace. Then he told me of Prince Benlial, a
magnificent specimen of manhood, who had enthralled the hearts of the
people, and was enthusiastically cheered whenever he appeared upon the
streets.
“He is searching for his affinity—ahem!” said Mike, “and has already
traveled over half the world. He boldly declares he has come to court
our beauteous Alpha, and vows the Priestess of the Sun shall be his
bride. His bravery and frankness charmed all, even conquering Centauri,
who placed the palace at the disposal of the handsome boy; but all pity
him. It is really sad to think of the meeting between him and the
wondrous Alpha, who, though the most perfect of women, can be infernally
cruel. The Prince will depart in anger, and the unification of the white
race will be delayed several centuries, though much desired both by the
people and Centauri, else the Prince’s reception would have been
different and his stay among us brief. Like the savages, he adores all
women and would throw the whole world in an uproar to obtain the one he
desired. What an incomprehensible weakness! However, he is enjoying
himself immensely among the gay youngsters of the city, and—luck to him!
Luck to the pretty boy!”
Mike irritated me and I dismissed him; then wondering what I should do
till evening began scribbling notes to Alpha, begging to be received. I
was desperate; positive I must see her at once. She replied verbally:
“Much important business to transact; please excuse,” etc——.
I gave it up. Why trouble her? She did not care and could not
understand. Selfish, cold-hearted, God! how cruel this beautiful woman
could be. She was one of those imperfect creatures who never love, their
whole nature dominated by Self, fitfully passionate, as unreliable as
life—yet was she my own creation, mine!
I found myself pitying the Vespa Prince; after all he was only a man
like myself, and I suffered; yes, I suffered.
I sauntered aimlessly through the gardens, then wandered around the
city, loitering in the streets and parks watching children at play, and
finally sought rest in the Salon, burdened with art treasures. I looked
again upon the tranquil beauty of Abella, wife of the gifted fisherman.
The face was so calm, placid, vacant, one wondered why humanity worried
over trivial nothings. Life is brief, and we cram so much unhappiness
into it. Why strive for what we can never accomplish? Why strive at all?
Be content, accept destiny, no effort can alter it; crawl and crawl as
does the worm: we are but another species.
Life is a mysterious, enchanting dream, the awakening—dissolution. There
are very few souls among the millions inhabiting this sphere that have
mastered the knowledge of living, the majority merely exist. Every man,
woman and child should be drilled through the intricacies of nature,
make them thorough in this powerful art—the art of living—then call
their attention to the tedious verbs.
I smiled up into the beautiful, soulless eyes of Abella, tranquil,
sublime beauty—you have calmed tumultuous thoughts. Adieu, sweet Abella,
how your husband has marred your fairness. I blew a kiss to the delicate
painting as I hurried away.
The long, slanting rays of the afternoon sun lengthened into dusk, and
as I reached the palace the city flamed with lights. The stately quiet
of the Centauri dwelling had vanished, all was activity, bustle. The
doors of the throne room and vast salons were flung wide, decorators
were at work. At the far end of the lofty vestibule, dimly seen amid
crystal columns, was the banquet hall with long, massive tables ladened
with shimmering satin and glistening plate of gold and silver. Some
great event was to take place and I hurried to my rooms to find Saxe.,
Sheldon and Saunders eagerly awaiting me.
We were powerfully glad to see each other. Though all were anxious to
relate their experiences and adventures since last meeting, Sheldon was
given the floor, owing to his late narrow escape through too much Otega.
In excitable tones he described the progression of his work before the
eruption ruined all.
“Boys,” he cried, “I was right about the whole matter and the scientific
societies of the world be hanged! I discovered the source of that great
body of fresh water—the Arctic ocean. It does not supply the earth as I
originally contended, but it creates, feeds all streams, rivers, lakes
for thousands of miles in that vicinity.
“The Centaurians have wonderful mining apparatuses. We mined those
mountains for miles, tracing the flow of that water through the vast
arteries of the earth. Springs were numerous, the water bubbling in tiny
geysers, clear and sparkling. I proved my assertions and convinced the
greatest man of this part of the world, Centauri himself. During his
stay in the mountains I learned the secret of his greatness. Simple,
unassuming, yet his wisdom is of such superiority and profundity he
cannot impart it to others; sublime in his generosity and knowledge he
listens to all. I never believed I could feel such reverence for any
human being. He impresses every one the same way, hence, his greatness.
As for the delegates of the two societies who accompanied me up the
mountains I was perfectly aware what they stationed themselves there
for; to settle their dispute, whether the volcano was extinct or not;
and I’m damned glad they found out!
“Talk about the calmness and haughtiness of these people! Those men
squabbled from morning till night and seriously hindered my work. They
were constantly wiring statements to their different headquarters, and
once the entire crew of both societies swooped down upon us, consuming
several days in mass-meetings and idleness.
“Centauri told me the Otega was dormant, having found an outlet in some
other portion of the globe, but the solid mass collected here and was a
depot for further eruptions. He agrees with me that this body of fresh
water is not the aftermath of the famous eruption of six centuries ago,
the crater became the bed for one of the greatest freaks of nature, a
gigantic artery burst, forming the oceanlet, which is simply a
continuation of the Arctic.
“And, friends,” ended Sheldon with a twinkle, “all who accompanied me
came away with energy and fully satisfied.”
He waved his hand toward Saunders, who grudgingly complimented him upon
his successful discovery, but suggested that neither he nor Sheldon
could become bombastic over their success, both were on a par.
“But,” smiling around, “I toured Centauri and journeyed half way to the
moon—ahem! Through miscalculation my work at the Observatory was only
partially successful. I manufactured a set of lenses three degrees more
powerful than those in use; my intention was to extend the power five
degrees. The people over here are thorough in everything they undertake,
but slow; for fifty years the astronomers have been planning a trip to
the moon and arrangements were just completed when I arrived and was
complimented with an invitation to join the expedition.
“The Centaurians are very progressive; they attempt to attain the
impossible. We started upon our wonderful trip in an especially
constructed flying machine loaded with instructions what we were to do
when we got there, and the signals we were to send to the gaping boys
down here. We traveled very rapidly, attaining a height never reached by
balloon. We suffered, of course, hemorrhage attacked us in its most
malignant forms, but we paid no heed to this weakness, believing in the
scientific assurances that as we became accustomed to the rarified,
ever-changing altitude, such annoyances would cease—and they did.
“In the meantime the higher we pierced this atmosphere the farther away
the moon seemed, and our own globe had become a huge, glowing ball,
throwing out a powerful radius of rosy light, tinting space a deep pink
to seemingly unfathomable spheres. We had sailed far and above this
roseate radiance when panic seized us, all had one unuttered thought, an
intense desire to return to earth, but enough of the world remained in
us to secrete cowardice. I, for one, lost courage entirely with the
eccentric movements of the ship which suddenly zigzagged oddly, giving
great bounds upward, then fell back a space and shot slantways across
the sky; but for all of her queer antics she continually gained in
height, and height apparently was all we concerned ourselves about.
“However, gradually everything ceased to interest us, a peculiar
indifference embraced all, a deadly lassitude. We lolled around seeking
rest, peace, to dream forever in blessed forgetfulness of existence, to
sail always in the cool, blue depths of eternity. How long I remained in
that strange tranquillity I shall never know, but suddenly shrieked with
the terrible pain in my heart, a thousand tons seemed pressing upon my
brain and vivid streaks of lightning pierced my sight. I was blinded,
but danger roused me and I staggered, groping my way to the engine room.
A heavy, inert form barred the passage, but I stumbled over it to the
gigantic clock whose hands guided the ship.”
An ominous roaring sound warned me of grave disaster; if we continued to
travel upward the ship would explode. Ignorant how to regulate the
ship’s speed, I moved the upper hand of the clock downward, and down we
shot like a rock, then I stared at the great hands hesitating what to do
next when some one pushed me aside. A man, haggard, bleeding profusely
from the mouth, deftly moved the hands of the clock and the ship
slackened its crushing, downward course.
“Blessings upon your vitality,” he whispered; “otherwise we would all be
dead. We realize the nectar of existence when we feel it oozing from us.
Life! Sol, give me life. Science! bah! nonsense!”
“We revived as we approached our natural sphere, but it was an
experience I shall never forget, and it cost the lives of two men, A
noted professor and the engineer who died like a hero—much good it did
him. He gave his life for science, believing himself the only one who
succumbed. We took the professor and engineer to their homes, then
toured Centauri, which consisted in dropping each member of the
expedition to their city. When we dwindled to three, Centur was reached,
and—er—here I am.”
Our congratulations seemed to make Saunders uneasy.
“You forget,” he interrupted, “our trip to the moon was a failure, a
second excursion will not be attempted for several centuries. Eventually
they will succeed. Our journey to the moon has been suppressed. When we
return to our own hemisphere I shall be sadly regretted by the
scientists here, for all their marvelous advancement. I imparted much
information and predicted this, their latest failure. Ahem! I haven’t
done bad, not bad at all; but not for a thousand lives would I journey
to the moon again.”
“Why didn’t you visit the Vespa Belt instead?”
Saunders sniffed. “There was no choice offered,” he replied; “but
certainly I would have preferred the moon. The Vespa folks are way-back
savages, I understand, and a broad expanse of wigwam does not inspire
me.”
He eyed me sharply when I told him he was wrong, all wrong; that the
Belt was the most wonderful portion of this part of the globe. Then I
described the art and originality of the people and the peculiarly
beautiful mosaic palace of King Benlial. Saunders sniffed. He wasn’t
interested in the Vespas, and turned quickly to Saxe., who remarked that
he was mighty glad we were all together again anyhow, because for some
time, having no occupation, he’d been ripe for any mischief.
“The _Propellier_ was completed weeks ago, and I’ve examined the machine
they’re going to present to us. It’s a wonderful structure of crystal
and steel, and covers a hundred and fifty miles an hour. The coaches
attached are fitted up luxuriously. Our return trip will not be so
hazardous and decidedly more comfortable; and we all have the supreme
satisfaction of having discovered what we searched for.
“We found the Pole, and can prove of the wonderful cities beyond. I have
mastered the marvelous secret of gold and diamonds, and now have the
power to do my share in the vast endeavor to stamp out the evil passion
that causes so much unhappiness—Greed. Sheldon discovered his great body
of fresh water, and has some excellent photographs stored away that will
make him famous. His homecoming will be glorious, he’ll be given an
ovation because he risked his life for science. He can prove the
positive existence of the freak ocean. He will experience the rare and
pleasurable sensation of ridiculing those who formerly ridiculed him,
and that’s going some.”
Sheldon spruced up, Saxe.’s approval was exhilarating.
“And Saunders succeeded also,” continued Saxe., “he discovered the
famous pink star that all astronomers know of but failed to locate. He
has some remarkable photographs and has written up a treatise on why the
star is not visible from our point of view, and constructed a new map of
the heavens. He’ll return to his continent magnificently equipped with
all the modern astronomical contrivances the Centaurians can supply him
with, and can lecture at length of how he went the Centaurians better
concerning powerful lens—whatever they are.
“During his homeward journey he will occupy the time writing a book of
his trip to the moon. Really, I think we’ve all done first rate;
couldn’t have done better. We accomplished what we set out to do. But,
there’s Virgillius,” he looked over at me and shook his head
reprovingly, “he’s simply our millionaire Salucci, the same as formerly.
He’s gained knowledge, of course, but he won’t air it to the world. Yet,
come to think of it, he’s been about as successful as any of us. He came
in search of a woman—and found her.”
He smiled encouragingly at me and opined that mine was a mission more
difficult than any.
“His was a fancy, mythical, intangible,” said Saxe. “A tantalizing
dream, a hallucination, and the realization more marvelous than the
imagination. Virgillius should be happy; he is the first man in creation
that ever realized the ideal and made it his own. He has succeeded where
all men fail.”
I sprang joyously to my feet, his words invigorated faint hope; but he
hurried to me and anxiously grasped my shoulder.
“You return with us, Virgillius,” he said: “we cannot; nay, we dare not
leave you with these strange people.”
“You make me mad with joy!” I cried. “I love! ah, how I love! but
hopelessly, hopelessly.”
All smiled.
“Poor actor,” laughed Saxe.; “pretense too thin—sounds sweet and you
want more. Hopeless? Fiddlesticks! you’ve won. Men always know when
they’re ahead. You’re picked for the mate of the superb Alpha. (Sheldon
and Saunders have bet ten to one on it.) She’s been declared false to
her vows, and is no longer Priestess of the Sun. Gossips whisper of your
strange influence upon the fair Centaurian; your absence creates
restlessness, distraction, and she seeks every opportunity to study you
intently, absorbingly. Bah! just an ordinary case. You discover a
handsome woman, innocent, with blank mind, which you proceed to fill
with foolish fancies, and, true to her sex, wearying of myths and
shadows, she welcomes stalwart, vigorous flesh and blood. It is nonsense
that will prove a pleasant remembrance; it must not detain you among
these people. Why, Virgillius, we cannot leave you! Heavens, boy! think,
we dare not return without you! She will forget, they all do—by George!
the women over here are more unreliable than those of our world, and——”
I shouted with happiness.
“A thousand worlds could not separate me from Centauri, if what you tell
me is true,” I cried. “I will remain—give up everything—but it is too
much happiness—you exaggerate—to-night I will know. Have you all
forgotten the Vespa Prince?”
A pang quivered through me; my spirits ebbed as I mentioned the name,
but my friends’ laughter renewed courage and vanity—with a swoop doubts
vanished. Thank Heaven! I had won. Alpha Centauri was mine; mine
forever. I laughed joyously.
Sheldon’s sharp eyes twinkled as he twitted me of my love.
“The Vespa Prince!” he jeeringly remarked, “you overdo your little act.
When one is beloved there are no rivals—you know it. The superb Alpha
thinks, dreams of just one man—Virgillius. The Prince is the final act
of a comedy, unnecessary, witless. He cares not a rap for the peerless
Alpha. He was sent here to work as much mischief as possible, then come
home again. The King is a vindictive old cuss, thinks his son
invincible, and the fair Alpha showed scant courtesy to the old boy, and
the Prince is full of ginger. The people here have jollied the young
fellow along because he’s a pretty boy, even old Centauri said he was a
fine specimen. The remarkable change noted in the wondrous Alpha since
your advent has roused universal discussion, and scientists aver she is
gradually degenerating to the level of primeval womanhood. Virgillius,
you seem foolishly timid, this mystical woman has fascinated you. You
forget women have always been your—er—inspiration, and you have yet to
meet defeat. You have loved before and many times as deeply as you do
now; this affair is not more serious than the others. Lay aside passion
for one cold little moment; think, my boy, calmly, soberly; do not be an
ass.
“Powers above! why don’t men cultivate more thought in such emergencies?
At any rate one thing is certain, you return with us. You have to;
friends would think we’d made away with you—we’re all so handsomely
provided for in your will. What a peck of trouble you’re giving us
anyhow!” he snapped, suddenly grown irritable; “you act like a pup!”
“Oh, let him remain and be damned!” bawled Saunders.
I gesticulated impatiently, trying to speak, but Saunders; crabbed,
peppery little Saunders, would hear nothing. His voice squeaked high
with temper.
“Let him remain, I say! Don’t waste time over him. We’re not going yet,
so let him marry this wonderful creature, and I’ll warrant he’ll soon be
in more haste to depart than we.”
“Say, friends, let the boy alone,” laughingly cried Saxe., coming to my
rescue. “Let him enjoy all the happiness possible out of the affair. He
and I will discuss later our departure. Virgillius was always a favorite
of Folly. We’ll talk this matter over again, meantime be merry.”
I laughed happily, not heeding the chorus of caustic remarks hurled at
me from Sheldon and Saunders. Nothing at that moment could dampen my
ardor. I was wild, triumphant, and even attempted repartee, always a
hazardous undertaking with my witty friends. We all became unusually
gay, and Sheldon roared a giddy song, which was fortunately terminated
by the entrance of Mike. He served us with light wines and viands, and
regaled our curiosity concerning the vast preparations going on below.
We learned though the Vespa boy had been in Centur over a fortnight
Alpha Centauri’s greeting would be his first official welcome.
“Old Centauri returned with us last night,” Sheldon told me. “The Prince
was notified the Priestess of the Sun had returned and he wanted to
accompany us back to the city, but was advised to remain and view the
Otega, as possibly the queenly young woman would not give him an
audience for several days. It is believed he will visit the Potolili and
Octrogona camps, both chiefs having, on separate occasions, been guests
of old Benlial; but I think the young fellow will slip the dusky ones in
his anxiety to inspect the female Centauri. I’m positive he’ll reach the
city before midnight. We’re included in the feast, eh, Mike?”
Mike nodded vigorously, and ordered his three assistants to work, then
tackled me; and while the ordeal of rejuvenation was taking place I
despatched a messenger to ascertain when it would be convenient for
Alpha to receive me. Her reply was verbal, brief, and disappointing as
usual. Plans had been changed, the Prince had not been expected to
return to the city for several days, but now would arrive any moment. I
would find her in the reception rooms—would I please hurry to her——. We
hustled and were soon ready to descend.
Mike was disappointed with us; he thought the handsome costume of
Centauri more suitable for the occasion, but we couldn’t see it. He
followed us dismally, we jarred his artistic nerves. Poor fellow!