Disappointment is destiny: the grim inevitable to climax every ambition
and season the soul with reason. Disappointment spares this world of
imbeciles. And I, for all my wealth, became a man afflicted with a grand
disappointment, just a swirling atom in this planet of passion. The room
was flooded with yellow sunlight; after all it was a good, cosy old
world, and why was I complaining when, for the first time in my life, I
realized just what I expected only spoiled the good effect by trying to
tease myself into false security.
My three friends watched me slyly, though engaged in their usual
discussion. Sheldon and Saunders had returned to their old disputes.
Saxe. was trying to make peace, and once more did I feel the usual
inclination to sic the two old boys on. I joined them and was soon drawn
into the mêlée. Saxe. expostulated, and I discovered I could still
laugh.
Mike’s entrance ended the row. He informed me Alpha Centauri wished to
see me at once. It occurred to me I was no longer at the beck and call
of this woman who had killed the beautiful, the poetical in me, and I
replied: “I would follow shortly.” Mike stared and possibly fancied some
disrespect to the superb Centaurian, and he could fancy what he damned
please.
“We have arranged to depart in ten days,” Saxe. informed me; “couldn’t
possibly manage it sooner.”
“And the world can explode in that time,” muttered Sheldon.
“But it won’t!” snapped Saxe. “We are starting a month earlier than
expected. Has it occurred to you, boys, that lacking a few months the
seven years of absence are nearly up? I think we will just about catch
the last vessel. And now that we are really going the Centaurians want
us to remain. They have warned me of all manner of dangers and
emphasized the fact that owing to volcanic origin, etc., the ice regions
are constantly changing form and that possibly we would encounter a vast
frozen ocean whose waves were insurmountable ice mountains, where
formerly were barren valleys and cliffs. I replied we were forced to
overcome all obstacles as our return to our own country was imperative.
They consider us a brave quartette. One man particularly regretted our
hastened departure, as he is perfecting an instrument which would
establish communication between the two hemispheres, and he wished to
present one to me for experiment. He has promised me the plan; from
descriptions I think it is all wrong; I can improve upon it; but it
would be wonderful if we could communicate with these people from our
side. They want us to remain among them the worst way, however, and
urged with every argument, finally declaring our people had long ago
given us up and no benefit ever came from resurrection.”
“Nonsense, Saxe.!” I bawled, “you’re hinting to remain. If I’m obliged
to go alone, I will get out of this cursed place and quick. I detest
Centauri!”
“There, there,” he answered soothingly; “I am more anxious to go than
you; merely wished to test, and you’re game. Guess the latest phase the
Centaurians have taken regarding us—the Vespa Prince is responsible for
it.”
“Out with it,” I laughed. “I’m going to worry him some before I go
anyway.”
“This wise Prince says we’re not from any strange land; we’re Vespas,”
Saxe. informed us. “He declares the earth is round—ahem!—and that the
Vespa Belt and, incidentally Centauri, comprise the whole globe.
“He claims that only one horn of his famous crescent is visible, the
other is the foundation of the great ice regions and extends beyond the
Pole; the land there is the Vespa Belt. He’s about as wise as some of
the smarties on our side, who insist the whole world is explored when
they’ve toured the five little continents. The Prince thinks it’s just
possible we may have come from the extended horn of his little old
crescent, but doubts it, and thinks it’s more likely we’re merely four
clever adventurers from one of the large cities of his dominion. Now
what d’ye think of that, Salucci?”
“Four adventurous hornets!” roared Sheldon.
“Hornets, by George!” echoed Saunders.
I was astonished, but joined in the yells that followed an inelegant
remark from Sheldon, who rarely missed an opportunity, and Saunders
helped him out with the same kind of thing. I took my turn and the
buffooned Vespa Prince was guyed unmercifully. The four strayed hornets
were making an awful din when Mike marched in, silencing us with his
gravity and dignity. He disapproved of our boisterousness and came to
remind me I must see Alpha Centauri.
Sheldon had his fling at him also, and Saunders gave his snicker that
exasperated all who heard it, and caused Saxe. to raise his hands as
though the fun had gone far enough.
“I shall have to see her,” I murmured nervously. “She sent for me over
an hour ago. It will have to take place; it might as well be now.”
“Not much!” cried Sheldon. “I would avoid it. What do you suppose she
has to say? I bet ten to one, boys, I have the whole interview in a
nutshell. Sally, reproachful—the left man always is, I wonder why—and
she will whine and simper, and regret, and want him to hang around to
see how happy she can be with the other fellow. Same old affair, same
old woman, no scarcity of ’em—what did he come over here for?”
Saxe. glanced sternly and hushed him up.
“Go, my boy,” he told me; “but cut it short; make it the last time; end
everything now. Don’t permit her to play with you further.”
“She did not play with me,” I interrupted; “As far as she is concerned
everything was——”
“All right,” he hurriedly replied; “then you played with her, which is
the same thing. Be firm, make it the last meeting.”
“Saxe., you don’t understand,” I explained; “when I joined the
expedition, it was to seek a madly-adored ideal—I found a woman and
still seek. The ideal has no rival; I am true, faithful to my creation.
Alpha Centauri never was divine. Her beauty pales before the
gorgeousness of my ideal. The love-lorn Virgillius is dead. It is the
same old Salucci itching for a new sensation.”
I followed Mike. He regarded me curiously. “Alpha Centauri is grieved at
your delay,” he remarked.
I shrugged my shoulders, astonished at my indifference, but sighed
deeply as I saluted the exquisite creature reclining upon a skin-covered
couch with a background of huge white blossoms whose heavy fragrance
consumed the air. She arose, watching me doubtfully, hesitatingly. I
hurried to her and caught her hands tightly; the witchery of her eyes
was upon me.
“Alpha,” I murmured.
“Yes,” she replied. “I know, I know. Ah, if it had only been,
Virgillius!”
I dropped her hands.
“Do not reproach me,” she pleaded. “I love as you have taught me. I’ve
learned the lesson well. The Image claims me in the form of the Vespa
Prince. Benlial! ah, Benlial! brings immortality; I am for eternity the
Alpha who united the white races. In less than a century the Vespa race
is extinct, mentioned as history, submerged by the powerful Centauris.
Fate mocks, linking me to a people whom formerly I ridiculed, scorned;
yet I would not have it otherwise. I adore my Prince. Love brought
immortality, yet I would renounce both if once again I could be the
Alpha of Sol. I existed in a divine atmosphere, gazed upon with awe; I
basked joyously in the glorious golden light of my spiritual grandeur.
Priestess of the Sun has passed away forever—immortality is the reward
for undying regret.
“Virgillius, you have made me a woman, given me a conscience, a heart
throbbing with exquisite passion, but in creating me you neglected Fate,
yet you gave me life and I am yours.”
I stared at her, this marvelous woman in her folly defied even Fate.
Then I knelt before Alpha Centauri in reverence of her grand, almost
divine nature.
“I would be a monster to permit the sacrifice,” I murmured. “Do not mar
the perfection of my creation. Be happy, joyous, bright as the golden
rays of the god you worship. May you exist always in the brilliant dream
of the present. In ten day I leave Centauri forever.”
She drew in her breath sharply, then clung to me, alarmed.
“We can never part,” she whispered. “Virgillius, I have been blind.”
I did not question her near-sightedness, but gazed rapturously into the
sorrowful eyes, then passionately kissed her lips. But I knew. God! I
knew. She spoke without reason that was in the keeping of the Vespa
Prince. But her love glances made me reckless. The moment absorbed me, I
forgot Saxe., everybody, and had but one thought—possession. I crushed
her to me, ranting madly in my passion, the sweet eyes drooped and the
lovely face flushed beneath my ardor. Suddenly she stood erect, as
though listening, then with a startled exclamation sprang from me—in
that instant the whole universe seemed to come between us. Then I
perceived Mike’s ugly head thrust between the hangings at the entrance.
Mike, unruffled, seeing all with sightless eyes.
Before he could speak a powerful white hand clutched and pushed him
aside and the Vespa Prince strode into the room. He gave me a sharp,
scrutinizing glance, then hurried to Alpha. And I, looking at him in the
full light of day, marveled at his god-like strength and beauty. He was
the substance, I the shadow. Physically, mentally, he was a force beyond
me. Though I loved her deeply my ardor was mild compared with his
amorous adoration. He loved her; yes, with a mad, crazy desire that
destroyed all barriers. And she? Her eyes beamed upon him with wonder
and delight. It was joy to her just to have him near her. He clasped her
firm, white arm and bent close, whispering eagerly, then led her to the
far end of the room. She was completely under his control and he exulted
in his power. He was wildly enamoured, but he was master. I had been her
slave; she pitied, regretted me; but the Vespa Prince was all the world
to her. Absorbed in one another they had completely forgotten me and
silently I departed.
Heavy gloom had apparently settled upon my three friends, but they
brightened considerably at my return, especially when perceiving my
calmness, and I accompanied them to view the instrument that was to
speed us over the Pole again.
* * * * *
During the final days we were lavishly fêted. The Centaurians presented
all manner of flattering inducements, and noted orators from all parts
of the land came, argued, vainly tempting us to remain among them. They
warned us that we had become acclimated, and like the Centaurians would
perish when reaching a certain latitude. But we couldn’t see it, and I
was the most anxious to depart. I thought of my three guardians,
Middleton & Co., of the sceptre-like power my wealth influenced, by
eminence in my own world, and maybe it was not altogether my wealth
Beauty desired. My life had been marred; Cynicism, the brilliant, cruel
blossom of Gold, had blinded me from the cradle to the purity of nature.
The Ideal never possessed, still charmed; far above the earthly she
lured, ever fair and true—unattainable.
Alpha Centauri realized the image of my brain, but the living, tangible
woman dispelled the charm and I awoke with a shock, yet rapturous that
the Ideal still existed. And I knew once out of this cursed country,
away from the strangely fascinating woman who bore its name, that even
regret would cease and again would I be the free, careless Salucci,
fleeing from one idea to another; fickle, but comfortable.
Centauri and I never met again in private. She always had a fond,
regretful glance and lingering hand pressure, but did not seek to see me
alone and I did not ask her. We had parted with a sweet embrace and I
would leave her happy with her Prince and—immortality.
* * * * *
The day finally arrived. At noon we sailed forever from this
strange, glorious land. Already Centauri and its people seemed of
the past and would soon become faint, formless, in the soothing haze
of memory. Saxe. lost trace of me in the pleasures offered by those
interested in his craft. Sheldon had been mobbed and captured by the
Geological-Geographical societies, and Saunders had been at the
Observatory for three days past. I was the guest of a fashionable
coterie of gay, idle young dandies, who made my last week in their
freakish, but beautiful, world one of revelry. They were to be my
escort in the farewell march to the ship, and as mid-day approached
clustered about me eagerly, intent, apparently, that I should not
have an instant for reflection.
They flattered, cajoled, and with delicate innuendo made me aware of my
immense popularity. Incidentally I discovered that I was the last of the
quartette to remain in the palace, and casually my attention was
directed to the great mass of people who, since daybreak, had been
swarming into the gardens and streets surrounding the palace, and who
now sweltered and jostled impatiently in the intense noon heat.
I spied my two old literary friends forcing their way through the crowd,
and eagerly beckoned, while my gay companions boisterously hailed them.
They responded by immediately disappearing beneath the flame-glinting
portico, and elbowed their way to my side. Both gentlemen bubbled with
fun and witticism, and I learned that my “meteor-like visit had been
mystically impressive”; also, that I was too light for tragedy, too deep
for comedy; my forte lay in the enjoyment I could take in both. I was
advised to never again attempt any character except myself, and both in
chorus implored me to cut out romance altogether.
Of course I joined in the laughter, though hazy to the joke, and while
raking my brains for an apt retort was unconscious of the mischief
brewing. I was suddenly seized and hoisted high. In spite of my protests
I was rushed to the vestibule and dumped into a throne of foliage and
rainbow blossoms, then borne aloft upon the shoulders of these rascally
exquisites of Centur, began a merry, triumphant march to the ship.
People cheered me wildly all along the route, and I yelled myself
hoarse, while ladies pelted me with blossoms, and though I flashed bold
glances right and left my mind suddenly shifted from the gay, noisy
scene, and I glanced despairingly in the direction of the palace
sparkling in the noon sun. Alpha Centauri had not said farewell.
Centauri! Centauri! The name rattled through my brain. I turned sick
with longing, myth or woman, I craved to see her again. And so befogged
my senses became between sweet, forlorn memories, and the tumult around
me that as the sudden ear-splitting shriek of a whistle pierced the air
I jumped and nearly fell from my toppling floral throne.
Pandemonium reigned as Saxe.’s great machine speeded into view, and he
beamed and shouted, waving his cap at the cheering mob, while Sheldon
and Saunders stood upon the platform yelling like Apaches. The engine
slackened as it neared the ship, then rushed up the bridge, running the
full length of the deck.
My three comrades appeared suspiciously flustered and anxious as I
boarded the ship, and busied constantly about me till we cut from the
steel shell and floated upward—foolish trio.
Friends pressed around us and many were the long hand-clasps and good
wishes huskily expressed. I was thankful when the bell of warning
sounded and all hurriedly departed. Then, amid wild cheers, the ship
slowly rose, the loud whirring, flapping of sail wings almost drowned
the “good luck” called up to us. Higher and still higher we floated, the
vast throng below massed and wavered. I leaned dangerously over the
railing yelling, frantically signaling to the people who could no longer
see or hear me. Then the ship shifted to a slanting course, darting
meteor-like over the deep blue bay of Centur. Rich, fertile valleys,
undulating mountains, thread-like silvery streams, flashed, then faded
in the blue speed-mist as a fabulous poppy scene; and far in the
distance, glimmering mystically through the heliotrope pall that
shielded her, was the phantom city of Centur, the white city of delicate
fairy spires and domes, and tall, fantastic, glinting Sun Temples.
Beautiful Centur.
The ship soared higher, piercing the swiftly driven wind clouds which
enveloped us in a fleecy mist, obscuring forever the marvelous
dreamland. A burning flood scorched my eyes, a sickening regret raked my
heart; after all it was a fair, smiling, wondrous country, the
Centaurians, friends. God in heaven! if I dared—if I dared—I would
return, return at once! But Centauri had vanished for all time, and my
only consolation was to sigh miserably, though cursing my weakness and
gaze distractedly in the direction of the evanescent city; and this
unhappiness, love-sickness, self-pity so engrossed me that I did not
hear the soft, stealthy footsteps approaching. My arm was gently
clasped, a form leaned lovingly against me while a low, tremulous voice
murmured my name. Startled, incredulous, I turned quickly and met the
glorious, fascinating eyes of Alpha Centauri.
“You did not forget!” I cried in delight.
“I can never forget, Virgillius,” she whispered, twining her arm in
mine. “I shall accompany you as far north as it is deemed safe.”
Determined to see the last of us she had boarded the ship at dawn, long
before the crowd collected. The Vespa Prince was aboard also, but clever
old Centauri kept that Prince in tow, never letting him out of his
sight, and for six whole days I had Alpha entirely to myself.
She was fond of me—very; but she had killed the ideal. The passionate
adoration that had caused me such misery was dead. Still she was the one
woman in all the world I had ever really loved, and fickle, light, I may
be, I could never forget her. I thought my heart would break when
parting, and to me it seemed a criminal fate that ordained our lives
should be separated; but later I realized it was all for the best; the
exalted passion she inspired had vanished, and only exaltation could
make love a delight to me.
For Sheldon’s benefit we took the route north over the Ocstas so he
could view the magnificent ruins of his great body of fresh water.
The Otega was still in eruption. The earth around had dissolved like wax
and half the range was leveled with the country; miles were buried
beneath ashes and lava.
Seventy-five miles farther north we came upon the encampment of the
Octrogonas and Potolilis. The ship lowered and we spent several hours
with the two tribes who were still at war, and still hoped to extinguish
each other. Potolili’s beautiful daughter was still a prisoner, though
Octrogona had wedded her; and Potolili had lost the wife whom Octrogona
claimed as his sister. The Octrogonas openly declared she had been
murdered, and the bitter feud waged savagely. Potolili fiercely declared
he would extinguish his opponents. He ordered all prisoners slaughtered
like cattle. Alpha shuddered. Potolili laughed cynically as he watched
her, and said the world would become a moon before the supreme passion,
Hate, became extinct. Both tribes loaded us with gifts, and each were
sincere in wishing us luck. Potolili declared his race would in time
travel beyond the Pole and join our people.
We bade the warring chiefs farewell; even the savages of this country
had become dear to us.
As the atmosphere cleared, rarified to a penetrating distinctness, we
could see hundreds of miles ahead. Centauri had passed from us forever;
we were up in the snow regions, and far in the distance, like a gigantic
shadow resting upon the vast whiteness, was the fearful, barren regions
of the Pole, tipped by the violet, illusive, ice mountains that had led
many an explorer to his death.
The Centaurians traveling with us suffered intensely from the cold and
had become strangely silent and sad; all dreaded the finale.
Alpha’s vivaciousness was gone, the sweet face paled before the biting
blast of the north, the glorious eyes clouded and drooped with
weariness, yet watched my every movement with intense wistfulness—our
last parting was near.
The ship gradually sailed nearer the earth, then a few miles farther
north the order was given to lower—the hour I dreaded had arrived.
Alpha, breathing with difficulty, tremblingly clung to my arm. I
caressed and tried to soothe her.
Saxe., Sheldon and Saunders entered the _Propellier_. The Centaurians
collected around the machine in sorrowful farewell. The ship softly
plowed the snow, the bridge was lowered, and we cheered as Saxe. put the
machine in motion and dashed out into the great white desert.
I strode forward with Alpha clinging to me; suddenly she flung her arms
around me and laid her cheek against mine.
“Let them go,” she murmured; “you must remain. Virgillius, we cannot
part! Ah, do not leave me!”
“Why should he remain?” demanded a voice close beside us.
Alpha gasped, but continued to cling to me, and startled, we turned to
find the Vespa Prince glaring at us with jealous eyes.
Beautiful Centauri laughed hysterically, pressing her hands over her
eyes as though bewildered, then she clung to my shoulder, murmuring:
“Remain; do not heed him.”
“Remain for what?” I whispered, caressing her hair.
“For love,” she murmured; “for love—it is not too late.”
The Prince moved restlessly.
“Be patient,” I muttered; “you will have her always. I paved the way.”
“Nonsense!” he retorted. “I could have taught her; so could any man who
had the courage. She is not a saint, just a sweet, warm-hearted woman
who grieves at your departure because you came near being mated. Alpha,”
he continued, roughly taking her from me, “look up, be brave, make your
choice, there is yet time. If it is Virgillius I return to the Belt,
content that you are happy. If I am the one, say farewell, and let
Virgillius depart in peace.”
She shook her head, then slowly raised her eyes to his compelling
glance; he drew her to him, she sighed wearily and her head sank to his
breast. He held out his hand and gripped mine in a parting shake.
Without a word I turned and ran off the ship, which floated upward ere
my feet scarcely touched the snow. Centauri leaned dangerously over the
railing, her long black hair floated on the icy breeze, but she was
clasped securely in the arms of the Vespa Prince.
“Virgillius! Virgillius!” she called; stretching out her arms. “Come
back; ah, Virgillius, come back to me!”
Higher rose the ship.
“Virgillius!” the name wafted from the clouds. I scarce could see the
lovely face. Then something fell; a bright yellow object softly plowed
the snow and my control deserted me as I raised the shining thing. It
was the little golden cap she had always worn to keep secret the charm
that none but she could see—a huge yellow stone that flashed fire. Alpha
Centauri gave up her religion when I passed from her life. To me she had
given the sacred emblem of the Sun.
She and the ship had sailed swiftly away forever, and in despair I
shrieked and ran, hoping, hopeless, if further there might be some trace
in the sky. Nothing, all gloom and terrifying stillness—the one woman in
all the world that I loved was sailing far above the clouds, consoled in
the arms of her affinity.
This was fate.
And all that remained of this wonderful creature was a sweet remembrance
and the little emblemic cap with its hidden treasure that only a
Centauri dare possess.
Centauri! Centauri! my beautiful——.
THE END.
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TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
1. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling.
2. Archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings retained as printed.
3. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.