DR. BLANK'S LESSON.
De L'Ester--Notwithstanding that, logically, neither time or space
are realities, we, very illogically, have found ourselves somewhat
impatient with your visitors, whose prolonged stay has delayed us a
full hour. Ah that is well. Always secure yourself against sudden
recall. We are ready, George. Yes, to-day Earth's outer atmosphere is
very tranquil. You will find Ento's even more so. George, we will pass
directly to the Galarēs[a:]. Gentol[a:], an hour hence a friend will
meet us there. No, you are not acquainted with the gentleman, but you
have heard of him as a guide of your very dear friend, Mrs. S----le,
to whom he writes and for whom he makes slate drawings. She, for a
sufficient reason, has not given you his name. Should I do so I should
violate his and her expressed wishes. On this occasion he will be known
as Doctor Blank. Yes, we have journeyed quickly. In seven minutes to
a second. We will now proceed to the class room adjoining the one we
visited three days ago.
Genessano--Gentol[a:], you perceive that you and we pass through what
mortals term solid substances without experiencing any resistance. I
recall that after my release from my physical body I thought it one of
my strangest experiences of my new state of existence, and for a time I
could not realize that I could pass through a wall or other substance
as easily as through an open door. Newly freed spirits ever are
greatly surprised upon finding themselves possessed of this ability.
Indeed, Spirits of low planes of evolvement rarely realize that in
order to enter a dwelling they need not await the opening of a door or
window.
Gentola--I have observed and thought of it, but always there is so
much that is marvellous in this new experience that I have not found
opportunity to speak of it. Now I shall be pleased if some one will
explain the matter.
De L'Ester--All so termed solids are composed of extremely minute
particles of substance. Resolve the molecule into its most attenuated
state and atoms result. All energy is atomic, hence substantial.
Expressions of energy known as attraction, cohesion, gravity and
others, are embraced within what your learned ones term Magnetism, and
were it possible to comprehend what this term implies and involves,
it might be possible to comprehend the Infinite. Atoms contain all
qualities, and not only the atoms filling all space, but those
composing so termed solids are each surrounded by an aura all its
own. In Planetary language this aura is known as Rē, which signifies
Spiritualized Substance. It is a quality of all things everywhere, and
is so sublimated as to be incomparable to aught else. Yes, your learned
ones admit the separateness of the molecule and the atom, but they
fail to recognize the Spiritual quality of either. The Spirit body is,
so to say, organized from the atomic aura of the physical body, its
density depending upon the quality of the aura. The Spirit body of one
on the very lowest sensual plane necessarily is dense and gross; hence,
Spirits possessing such bodies find it difficult, perhaps impossible,
to pass through walls or closed doors. Were your mortal existence on a
low plane we could not use you for our present purpose; were it on a
still more advanced plane both you and we would not occasionally be at
cross purposes. It is not a flattering statement, but it is a fact, and
you will not misunderstand me.
Gentola--Not in the least. I am very sensible of my imperfections, and
am full of regret that my entire life has not been devoted to highest
aims and pursuits. I am only a little reconciled to my own shortcomings
through believing that I shall have endless time in which to amend them.
De L'Ester--So you will, and though we may not hasten the passing
years, we all may improve each moment of that which possesses neither
beginning or ending. Oh, yes, many persons are given to flippant
mention of eternity and perfection. Only the Infinite can comprehend
the one or possess the other, but through constant striving all may
attain to loftiest heights of Spiritual unfoldment. Yes, through
constant striving for higher unfoldment, both physically embodied and
freed Spirits grow wiser, purer and stronger. Spirit bodies being
organized from atomic aura, it follows that if the aura be sufficiently
pure, even as wind may pass through the meshes of a gossamer web, so
may the sublimated atoms of Spirit bodies penetrate any aggregation of
grosser atoms.
Gentola--At what period of a child's physical existence is its Spirit
body fully formed?
De L'Ester--From the moment of conception the formation of the Spirit
body begins, but not until the midway period of gestation does the
Spirit body assume a distinctive outline. From this period onward the
Law of Being compels the atoms composing the Spirit body to arrange
themselves in accordance with the Divine plan of organization. At seven
months' gestation the Spirit body of a child is fully formed.
Yes, the qualities of both the physical and Spirit bodies of children
largely depend upon parental conditions. So, also, if conditions
are of a high order, children begin their mortal life journey well
prepared for inevitable exigencies. If, unfortunately, conditions are
of a low order, they must encounter mortal experiences handicapped
from the moment of conception. Yes, this Law would seem to work an
injustice to myriads of humans born under untoward conditions, but,
to quote Professor Doiko, "Andûman[a:], creator and preserver, makes
no mistakes." When humanity evolves sufficiently to realize the vital
importance of conditions and the certain transmission of hereditary
traits, children become well born and in time the peoples of all
Planets do evolve to an understanding and observance of this, the most
important law of the ever ascending planes of evolution.
What becomes of children prematurely born? As the doctor has not yet
arrived I may briefly reply that the souls of infants prematurely
expelled from the matrix, are by appointed Spirits borne to a Realm
in which are conditions specially adapted to their requirements and
development, where, at the full period of gestation, they, in a sense
are born into conscious existence. Thenceforward until maturity,
guardian Spirits continuously conduct them to the physical plane, where
they are placed en rapport with their parents or with such conditions
as are required for their growth and development, bodily, mentally, and
to a degree Spiritually. Should the parents, especially the mother,
have passed to the Spirit side, the child will be brought into contact
with the family life of persons as nearly related as possible to its
parents. Generally such children are attended by the Spirit Mother
or one with a strong mother nature. It is a Law that children born
prematurely or who otherwise have passed to the Spirit side, must
become acquainted with mortal experiences; _thus the unseen members of
many families outnumber the recognized sons and daughters_.
On the Spirit side are countless numbers of women who, in their last
re-embodiment, did not fulfill the Law of their being; gladly they
become guardians of children requiring a mother's care and love.
Especially do such Spirits charge themselves with the care of waifs
prematurely expelled from the matrix by ignorant, thoughtless or
heartless mothers, who, on passing to the spirit side, are confronted
by the unlooked for evidence of their ignorant or criminal folly.
Yes, children prematurely born as the result of accident or of other
unavoidable conditions, are subject to the same laws that govern
children purposely thrust into the Spirit World. You are aware that
your sister Emma was prematurely born, consequently, her form is rather
diminutive and of a substance so refined as to remind one of that of a
pure white lily.
Yes, truly, it was Emma who came to Mynheer Weiss and you at Mrs.
Drake's seance. We were not surprised that Mrs. Drake thought her a
girl of about twelve years. Yes, it was she who knelt at the knees of
Mrs. S----r, and who afterward partially materialized her form. We
assisted her to our utmost, but much to her disappointment and our
own, she did not quite succeed. She is very devoted to your son, who
jocularly terms her the Infant Phenomenon. In form, features and traits
she resembles your and her gentle, gracious, loving mother.
Yes, so far as we have learned, the law of generation on other planets
is the same as that of Ento and Earth. Indeed the male and female
principles appear to be so universal that all advanced Spirits firmly
believe in even the duality of the Infinite Spirit. Yes, it requires
very robust faith to enable any one to realize the possibility of a
mother bearing a child whose father is too etherealized to wear a
physical body. My imagination is unequal to such a concept.
Ah, here is our friend the doctor. You are most welcome. As you all
have exchanged greetings, I now shall have the pleasure of presenting
you to our medium, Gentol[a:].
Dr. Blank--Madame, it pleases me to meet and greet you. At the request
of our mutual friend, Mrs. S----le, I have obtained permission to join
for an hour these mutual friends and you who are engaged in a mission
of loving endeavor which I pray may bear fullest fruition. If I also
may receive your gracious permission to, for an hour, join your Band I
shall feel more at ease.
Gentola--Truly, I am more than pleased to have you with us, if but for
an hour.
Dr. Blank--You will not I trust esteem me churlish because I, for a
well considered reason, desire that I may be known to you and to those
who may peruse these pages, as Dr. Blank? You will not? I thank you.
As I am something of a chemist, De L'Ester desires me to reply to such
questions as may arise relating to the lesson engaging this class of
students. So, madame, I am at your service.
Gentola--I perceive that the students are being taught as to the
properties and effects of poisons. As I am wholly unlearned in the
science of chemistry, I am not prepared to ask questions concerning the
lesson, but, if you may not consider the question absurd, I should like
to ask if poisons have any effect upon the spirit, either in or apart
from the physical body.
Dr. Blank--Here, madame, are a collection of mineral poisons, here
a collection of vegetable poisons, and here again an assortment of
animal poisons. Some are in the form of powders, others in the form of
liquids. All are labelled poison, yet strictly speaking there are no
poisons. The law of affinity, which is one expression of magnetism,
rules the domains of attraction and of repulsion. That like attracts
like is an axiom, and the inspired Hahnemann caught a ray of truth
when he perceived that similia similibus curanter. I must not allow
myself to offer a dissertation on this point, but I may say that
chemical affinities are qualities inherent in all substances and in all
organisms. Equilibrium of chemical affinities means health; the reverse
means disease. Remember that in all atoms are all possible qualities,
and that any one aggregation of atoms contains exactly the same
proportion of these qualities as are in any other equal aggregation
of atoms. It may come about that in a physical organism, through the
energies of attraction and affinity, an undue amount of a certain
quality may become preponderant; a condition of repulsion ensues, and
if extremely violent it may occasion dissolution of such organism. By
certain of your learned ones, so termed poisonous effects are fairly
well understood, the involved principles less so.
The foregoing remarks are preliminary to a more direct reply to your
question, the importance of which cannot be overestimated.
You are aware that Spirits possess tangible bodies. Tangibility
implies substantiality, and substance is a more or less close impact
of finer or coarser atoms. The seminal substances and all ovaria are
aggregations of atoms, to a degree impressed by the personality of such
creatures as may possess them. We will imagine a father addicted to
drunkenness, or continually under the influence of narcotics. In such
case the seminal substance being impressed or impregnated by alcoholic
or narcotic atoms, the germ of a new being must, from the moment of
conception, possess a bias toward alcoholism or narcotism. The mother
may be of a superior type of woman, but, through association with the
father of her unborn child, her mental emotions, which are substantial,
are reflected or impressed upon its organism, and if she is not strong
enough spiritually to equalize the influences of her environment, she
almost certainly will give birth to a being accursed, poisoned, if you
will, through the vicious habit of its father.
During the period of gestation such unfortunates form not only the
atomic physical body, but also the atomic spiritualized soul body,
and every atom of the new being has, through attraction and affinity
become, so to say, imbued with a tendency toward an indulgence in
so termed alcoholic or other poison. We have glanced at the effect
upon the physical plane and when, sooner or later, the victim must
pass to the spirit side, then, alas, the laws of attraction and of
affinity impel the impregnated atoms of the spiritualized soul body to
gravitate to their own kind. Truly, the child of a drunken father or
of an opium-eating mother is as surely poisoned as is one who swallows
prussic acid, and the father or mother who indulges in alcoholics
or in narcotics commits a damnable offense against their children,
against humanity and against themselves, for inevitably they and their
offspring enter the spirit world clothed with bodies so atomically
poisoned, so out of equilibrium that they are tortured through a
constant, insatiable desire for a gratification of their abnormal
propensities. A desire which personally they cannot gratify and which
to a degree they must outgrow before they can advance _one step_ onward
and upward. This overpowering desire for the gratification of abnormal
propensities leads many spirits to strive to influence unwary ones to
indulge in intoxicants, in narcotics and to commit various offences
against decency and against the interests of society, and I regret to
say that very frequently they succeed not only to their own, but to
the detriment of their victims. Yes, certainly, in time all Spirits
outgrow the evil tendencies of their physical existence, but if
mortals could realize that during this process, a century aye, in many
instances centuries, may elapse ere the progressed spirit can endure
the white light of higher realms, surely they would strive to avoid so
calamitous an experience.
But I must hasten. As I have intimated, when some one quality or
qualities preponderates over some other quality or qualities of
an organism, non equilibrium ensues, and thus persons become ill,
poisoned, so to say, through partaking of certain foods or liquids.
One may become ill, poisoned, through inhaling the perfume of a flower
which to another may afford exquisite enjoyment. Another may become
ill, poisoned through the aura of an animal whom another will unharmed
fondly caress. Thus, the fact is apparent that poisons, per se, do not
exist, but that under certain conditions all qualities are inimical to
physical existence.
Gentola--As you are aware, doctor, many persons with impunity
consume alcoholics and narcotics sufficient in quantity to kill one
unaccustomed to their use. How do you account for it?
Dr. Blank--Persons addicted to the constant use of these so-called
poisons, gradually become abnormal. The atoms composing their organisms
have, so to say, become saturated to a degree that will not admit
of the further entertainment of the qualities offered. Just as a
fully-saturated sponge, though plunged into an ocean, would reject
another drop of water.
We have drifted somewhat apart from our starting point, and I regret
to perceive that the lesson has disturbed your serenity, but I feel
assured that you desire that humanity may come to realize that in all
things cause and effect go hand in hand. That both in and apart from
the physical body, all are their own jury and judge. That mortal life
is the preparatory school in which all learn their lessons well or
ill, and that on the spirit, as on the physical side, _the school of
experience knows no vacation_.
From what I have said you will understand that the effects of some
so termed poisons are far reaching. I may add that every emotion of
the mind, food, drink, the dyes in textile fabrics, especially for
clothing, in fact the atoms composing all substances, more or less
affect the physical, consequently the spiritualized soul body. In
some persons a certain color or colors produces either exhilaration
or depression. They may not be conscious of the cause, though very
conscious of the effect. Your strong dislike for wholly black garments
is an indication that you should not wear them. _Sensitives never
should wear colors darker than the red corpuscles of their blood._
Azure blue, yellow, rose red, very light shades of purple and a certain
light shade of green are the colors suited to your temperament. Always,
advantageously, you may wear white.
I simply have touched upon some points which, with your and your
friends' permission, I may at another time elaborate. In chemistry I
am well enough versed to perceive that this is a splendidly equipped
laboratory and I learn from his remarks that the stately Professor is a
competent Instructor.
During my mortal existence I regarded myself, and was considered,
an authority in the science of chemistry, but I have learned that,
compared with Ento chemists, I was a mere tyro. They, through a larger
knowledge of the wondrous science, have made of the elements tractable
servants whose energies are tireless; whose adaptability is limitless.
Madame, the allotted hour has quickly flown. My promise to our mutual
friend is fulfilled and with measureless hopes and fervent wishes for
the success of your most worthy efforts on behalf of the mission, I
must bid you and these friends adieu.
Gentola--Adieu, and believe that I greatly appreciate the thoughtful
kindness of our mutual friend, at whose request you have afforded me
another strange and useful lesson.
De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], at present we will look no further through the
Galarēs[a:], but will turn our attention to the zoölogical department
of this very comprehensive institution. This great corridor, lined with
admirable statuary, gleaming whitely through a luxuriance of palmlike
growths and blooming plants, conducts us to this broad flight of steps
leading downward to the Rinvoh (aquarium) of which this spacious and
imposing landing affords a fine view. You will attempt a description of
some of its features.
Gentola--Extending eastward and a little northward I see a small lake
divided into two sections by--and also surrounded by--a massive stone
wall the top of which serves as a promenade on which many persons are
passing to and fro. What appears to be heavy metal netting divides
the lake into numerous compartments and there are lightly constructed
bridges from which attendants are casting food to creatures in the
water. A portion of the lake is roofed over by a substantial wire
netting, and in many of the compartments are luxurious growths of
aquatic plants. The lake extends a little further north than the
northern wall of the Galarēs[a:], and bordering its northern extremity
and around on its western side I see a grove of great trees and
shrubbery, amid which are large and smaller structures and also numbers
of men, women and children, who are passing from one building to
another. In front and toward our right, basking in the vertical rays of
the sun, is a huge creature of familiar, if not pleasing, appearance.
Do you know its Ento name?
De L'Ester--Were the repulsive creature a denizen of earth we might
with propriety call it an alligator. Its Ento name is Inadillo, which
I shall translate as scaly armored. It differs from the alligator of
our planet in having larger and very protuberant eyes, a shorter and
more bulky head, a larger body and webbed legs. It is quite as much
at home on land as in the water, but is a very sluggish creature and
of a species nearly extinct. The lakes, for there are two, are wholly
artificial. One is supplied by fresh artesian water, the other with
salt water from nearby Indolois[a:], and in their many compartments
are specimens of Ento's various amphibious creatures and fishes. Now
look into the adjoining wire-covered tank. Ah! you shrink back from the
hideous creature moving its sinuous length through the limpid water.
Yes, it is a veritable sea serpent, and it has been in this Rinvoh
for about fifty years of our time. When captured in Tsoivan Cryfimo,
it was about one-third its present length which is quite eighty feet.
Extending backward from its neck are large webbed appendages with
which it swiftly propels itself through the water. When angered or
excited those folds at the back of its broad, flat head are erected
and projected forward over its vicious looking eyes, which glow and
scintillate in a most alarming manner. George is endeavoring to arouse
his snakeship and, evidently, is succeeding. See how he arches his
long, slender neck, turning his ugly hooded head this way and that in
quest of his disturber. Naturally, he does not find his enemy, and now
with hisses of fear or defiance he rushes away, lashing the water into
a line of white foam. Now he has reached the further limit of the lake
and is quieting down. George, we echo your _requiescat in pace_, for
Gandûlan[a:] rushing like a comet through the water is not a pleasing
object.
From reliable authority we know that this serpent is the last of his
species. In Ento's inland seas there are creatures of allied species,
but in comparison with yonder great serpent, now gently rocking himself
on the bosom of the tranquil lake, they are quite insignificant. If
Gandûlan[a:] has not quite fascinated you, you will please turn your
attention toward this ungainly object which appears to be intent upon
baking itself in the hot sunbeams.
George--I say, Gentol[a:], if we could drop this fellow through space
and he should arrive--say, in St. Louis--what do you suppose he would
be taken for?
Gentola--Soup, I suspect.
George--Ah, thanks. And what, may I ask, do you imagine the soupmakers
would name him?
Gentola--Without doubt they would think him a turtle.
De L'Ester--Certainly they would, for he differs very slightly from the
large sea tortoises of our planet. You understand, Gentol[a:], that we
are not showing you these creatures for the mere purpose of gratifying
a curious interest, but that you may through personal observation, note
the striking resemblance of many of Ento's to many of Earth's life
forms, and I pray you to observe closely, so that in coming time you
may remember the object lessons we are presenting to your notice. I
wish to reiterate that advanced Spirits of Planets of our, and of other
Solar Systems, unite in declaring that everywhere life expressions
are alike or very similar. That dissimilarities through environments
pertain more to bulk and density than to form.
As we move along you perceive that these compartments are occupied by a
great variety of fishes. Some of huge proportions and voracious enough
to devour their attendants; others as dainty as ever tickled palate of
an epicure, and others still too minute and pretty to serve a nicer
purpose than to flash their scales of gold or of silver within the
crystal walls of an aquarium.
In the bass or treble notes of the croakers who hide amid the shade and
coolness of those aquatic plants and grasses, is an indication that
frogs of various species are quite at home with the eel-like creatures
gliding through the water.
With both pleasure and profit we might devote more time to this
department, but only a glance here and there is possible, otherwise our
observations would fill a tome. We now will pass to the Acclinum (the
zoölogical section), where Genessano and another Ento Spirit friend
will join us.
Here at the entrance is an individual who regards us with both
curiosity and disfavor. Did not the strong bars of his cage interfere
he might attempt to resent our gazing at him. That he more or less
clearly perceives us is quite apparent, and it is quite as apparent
that he does not admire us. He, like many animals, possesses the
ability to see what is hidden from the majority of humans. No, neither
clairvoyance or clairaudience are in any sense spiritual gifts. They,
so to say, are qualities of the personalities of all highly organized
creatures, as the human, the anthropoid, the horse, dog and some other
animals. These qualities constitute an inner perceptivity of the
animal soul, by some of your thinkers designated as conscious mind or
objective self. They are independent of physical visuality and are
controlled through vibratory activity. You question as to how it is
possible for the law of vibration to affect the senses. I answer that
truly, "Nature knows no vacuum," that the atom is everywhere and mind
is as much substance as is the body of this forbidding looking creature
in whom we see a representative of a species of anthropoid named Bomûz
himmû, which in your language would signify manlike tree climber.
Grasping with his great hands the strong bars of his cage, he gazes at
us as though fascinated, affording us a rather disturbing spectacle.
His height, his anatomical structure, his intelligent expression and
pose, is painfully suggestive of a low type of the human, to whom in no
sense is he allied. George, he does not regard your friendly advances
with favor, he shrinks away from you, but his deeply set gleaming eyes,
drawn lips, and gnashing teeth, indicate a disposition to defend his
rights. If you feel poetically inclined in this adjoining compartment,
is a subject for lachrymose verse. Bomûz's mate evidently is in a
very despondent condition; her long, coarse hair falls over her low,
retreating forehead; her face is buried in her great hands, and she is
a picture of utter dejection. Pining perhaps for her home and friends
in some tropical jungle, or for orphaned children, bereft of a mother's
tender care, or who knows but that she bemoans a forsaken lover, or----
George--Since you have grown so sentimental I shall not be surprised
to soon find my occupation gone. All I ask is that you shall wear your
laurels as modestly as ever I have worn mine.
De L'Ester--With your illustrious example ever present I shall endeavor
to emulate your exalted virtues. In the meantime, Madame Bomûza,
aroused from her melancholy mood, appears to take a lively interest in
Monsieur Bomûz who utters peculiar sounds, pounds his hands against
the bars and probably is informing her of the proximity of strange,
sinister looking beings. That she now perceives us is evinced by her
alarmed manner, whimpering cries and poundings on the bars of her
cage which have attracted the attention of a keeper who hastens in
this direction. Yonder, too, are our friends hastening to join us.
Lohaû, Lohaû ēmanos, you are as welcome as you are prompt in keeping
your appointment. H[a:]-Moûfih, the favor of your presence with us is
esteemed at its full value.
Genessano--Gentol[a:] ēman[a:], one is with us who has not been so
long in our spirit world as have Inidor[a:] and I, consequently he
possesses personal knowledge of events transpiring on Ento during
recent times. Like my brother and myself, he does not at all understand
your language, and as a means of communication with you he must avail
himself of De L'Ester's kind assistance. It is my privilege and
pleasure to make known to you, H[a:]-Moûfih Ad[a:]ssi, whom we all hold
in our hearts as a dearly beloved and valued friend.
Gentola--I regret that I cannot converse with you directly, but through
this kind interpreter we shall become acquainted and I shall hope to
find myself no less in your favor than are these our mutual friends.
Ha-Moufih--Gracious lady, I salute you and owe you thanks that you
receive me so courteously. I too regret that we cannot more readily
exchange converse, but doubtless a degree of patient persistence will
suffice to make us mutually understood.
In accordance with a prearranged plan I shall undertake a relation of
some events which may serve to illustrate certain points. To do so will
oblige me to be more prominently personal than I could wish, but you
and our friends will excuse my using such means as may seem best fitted
for the accomplishment of a desired end. At the time of my birth my
father, H[a:]-Moûfih Ad[a:]ssi, was governor of the Province of Ondû.
I being the first born of my parents was given the name of my father.
You may not have been informed that on Ento nearly always the first
born son takes the name of the father as the first born daughter takes
the name of the mother. I am aware that with much of Ento's history
of the past four centuries you are acquainted, so for the most part
I shall confine myself to a relation of events occurring within the
years of my mortal existence, and of those following my departure into
Ento's Spirit World, where quickly I learned the law of return into
mortal conditions, and thus through observation and association with
recently freed spirits I have kept myself informed as to many things
relating to Ento's peoples and affairs to which I may find it expedient
to refer. During my youth I attended several Institutions of learning,
but the greater part of my education I received in this Galarēs[a:] of
Camariss[a:], and when my parents considered me sufficiently advanced
in age and in my studies, I, with other youths under the care of a
guardian, were permitted to travel through foreign countries, observing
the peoples, their customs and attainments with such other features as
might afford us a general knowledge of Ento.
An exhaustive investigation of natural history possessing for me
an absorbing interest, on my return home I besought and obtained
permission of my parents to, in my own way, pursue the engrossing study
which during the remainder of my mortal existence largely occupied my
time and attention.
At this moment it occurs to me that to avoid confusion of mind it
may be well for me to use your standard of time. Also to state that
I date my birth at a time corresponding to about the middle of your
seventeenth century, hence am an Entoan of a comparatively modern time.
Ere I began my journeyings a quarter of a century of my youth had
elapsed, and the close of another twenty-five years found me still a
wanderer over the lands of Ento. During all these years my restless
mind and untiring investigations led me to an exploration not only of
easily accessible climes, but also of the planet's frozen extremities.
Doubtless you have become informed that air transports traverse the
entire planet, and that wherever necessary or desirable, stations for
the convenience of travel and commerce long have been established. Thus
favored I pursued my travels until, save for one extensive equatorial
region far westward of Indolois[a:], of which presently I shall speak,
I had traversed the entire surface of Ento.
My absences from Camariss[a:] were of longer or shorter duration, but
the love of my pursuit so grew upon me that only affection for my
aging parents drew me to the arms ever ready to welcome me. Early in
my fifty-second year my mother passed to our Spirit World. My father,
grief stricken and aged beyond a century, quickly followed her, as, I
then believed, into endless silence, but as I how know, into realms
inconceivably glorious. Thus I became hereditary governor of Ondû.
Much against the wishes of my parents I had not married, my pursuit
affording me little time or inclination for the society of women.
Then, too, early in my youth I had observed that the most poignant
sorrows had their roots in human affection; that those who loved least,
sorrowed least. With pitying eyes and a pained heart I had often had
occasion to sympathize with those whose light of life went out, when
death tore from their clinging arms their dearest ones, and I fully
realized that should I allow myself the ecstasy of loving an adorable
woman I should only be courting for her or for myself eventual despair.
So I did not marry.
On becoming governor of Ondû I learned that the duties of my office
and other affairs left me insufficient leisure to care for the
valuable collections of many years, and I resolved to add them to the
already priceless treasures of the Syffondû (museum) of the Acclinum
(zoölogical department) and the Rinvoh (aquarium). During my wanderings
I had from time to time become possessed of strange creatures, some
living, some dead. The water serpent, which I learn you already have
seen, was captured in Tsoivan Cryfimo, which is one of a series of
salt lakes, or, as De L'Ester terms them, inland salt seas, nearly on
the opposite side of Ento. At the time of his capture Gandûlan[a:] was
about one-third his present size and I had been governor of Ondû for
quite forty years. Three years later I passed to our Spirit World,
and my paternal uncle, Und[a:] Gamond[a:], became my successor, but
only for a period of twelve years, when he followed me, and his son,
Und[a:] Gamond[a:], became and at this time is governor of the Province
of Ondû. Thus you may perceive that Gandûlan[a:] is not in his early
youth. How long he may yet survive as the last of his species no one
can say.
Und[a:] Gamond[a:] is a learned and most admirable man, under whose
administration this Province is most prosperous. Under his fostering
care manufactures, arts, sciences and industries are afforded every
possible opportunity for favorable progress, and those engaged in
the cultivation of the wonderfully productive irrigated lands which
occupy the entire Province of Ondû ever find him more than willing to
further their interests. He is an artist, too, of excellent ability,
and on yonder ornate pedestal symbolizing Commerce and Agriculture is
a statue, the work of his dexterous mind and hands, which is admirable
enough to command attention and high praise. In the poise of the noble
head, in the expression of the intellectual and extremely handsome face
and in the majestic pose of the stately form, true genius has found
fine expression. Und[a:] Gamond[a:], artist and kinsman in saluting
this symbolic marble I salute thee, and in the world of spirits one day
I shall meet thee face to face.
You are aware that the Entoans have no knowledge or even hope of a
continuity of life, so you may believe that when in our Spirit World
I became conscious of the stupendous, the glorious, fact that I still
existed, and that my dearly beloved ones who had preceded me were
embracing and greeting me, I was overwhelmed with amazement and a joy
so profound that for a time I found no utterance. Oh, the wondrous
delight of finding myself young and strong, with all my faculties
enlarged, and yet the greater delight of realizing the presence of
those over whose ashes I had shed many bitter tears. I was as one
intoxicated. I rushed hither and thither, eager to behold the strange,
beautiful World of Spirits. I took no thought of the past or of Ento.
I lived, I lived, and the unlooked for joy of it for a time rendered
me oblivious of the memories of mortal existence, but ere long they
revived, enkindling a desire to visit scenes which were still dear
to me. Under instruction of friends soon I learned to accomplish my
desire, and since then it has been my duty as well as my pleasure to
frequently revisit Ento. Thus I have kept in touch with such events and
conditions as concern its peoples.
I shall now speak of a past which also in a measure will involve
mention of more recent times.
About ten years prior to my demise a party of adventurous hunters
journeyed to a far northern region known as Tsoman[a:]. It lies well
within the Arctic Circle, where in certain localities, are great
mining interests and a dense population. Well equipped for their
purpose these hunters journeyed by air transport to one of the mining
centres, thence by other means they sought the habitat of a species of
animals of a very fierce and courageous nature. De L'Ester and others
have informed me that on your planet there is no weapon even remotely
resembling our yarû-testo, which is an electric instrument of deadly
power. With it some of the animals were slain and several of their
young captured and brought to this Acclinum, where, in apartments
sufficiently cooled, they grew to maturity, and since then largely the
Acclinums of other countries have been supplied from their increase.
Perhaps you may not have been told that through various natural causes
animal life on Ento is not very abundant, more especially domestic
animal life. The animals of whom I have spoken are known as gowhy[a:],
and if it may please you to enter their abode you now may do so.
Gentola--Am I dreaming, or have I suddenly dropped into an Earth
cavern? Surely those are bears or animals very like them. Now that I
look more closely the resemblance is not quite so striking. Describe
them? I will try. They are larger than any bears I have seen. Their
limbs are long and so are their bodies, which are not very bulky. Their
heads are large in proportion to their bodies, and their necks are
longer and more slender than are the necks of our polar or other bears.
Their long, drooping ears and deeply set eyes give them a peculiarly
sinister expression, and with their enormous, savage looking jaws and
huge feet, armed with long, sharp claws, they look as though they in an
instant might tear one to bits.
George--Gentol[a:], come here. See these cubs, they are not at all
repulsive in appearance.
Gentola--Oh, the queer looking little creatures. How soft and pretty
their brown hair is. It seems a pity that they must grow to be such
big, savage, shaggy haired, ugly animals as are their parents.
De L'Ester--In appearance and characteristics these animals are enough
like our polar bears to claim close kinship with them. They are
hibernating animals, as are some others of Ento, but their present
environments are not conducive to that habit, and it is growing less
and less marked. If your curiosity is satisfied we will look elsewhere.
Our dear friend H[a:]-Moûfih's visit with us will be so brief that we
must take advantage of its every moment.
Ha-Moufih--Friends, I regret that I can remain with you for only a
limited time. I, Gentol[a:], am in our Spirit World a teacher of
natural history, but for a purpose have been assigned for this duty
which affords me much pleasure. On my return to my pupils we will visit
and investigate a planet on which De L'Ester was once re-embodied.
Where is it? In the constellation known to you as the Great Dipper.
The planet is in the angle between the handle and the cup. No, neither
these friends nor I are sufficiently progressed to journey beyond
certain limits. Yes, it is a great pleasure to visit other planets with
my pupils who like myself ever are eager to observe, to compare or to
demonstrate and then to return to our own place to dear friends, and to
further study. Because of my limited stay with this Band you have been
turned aside from observation of the Comin[a:] da[a:] (class rooms),
but later that will be resumed.
You have seen Bomûz himmû, one of the largest of the A-Mûista[a:]
(anthropoids). Now you will see one of the most remarkable members of
the A-Mûist[a:] family of this or of any planet we have visited. We
desire that you shall describe it.
Gentola--Stretched along on a thick limb of a low, wide spreading tree
is a creature so very human in appearance as to be unpleasant to look
at, at least it is to me. It is as tall almost as am I, and that is
five and a half feet. Its body, hands and feet are extremely like
those of a human; were its head equally so I should feel rather abashed
to be standing here staring at the sleeping creature. Its arms clasping
the limb on which it lies, are quite shapely, its legs less so. Now
it opens its large, expressive eyes, raises its head and evidently is
observing us. Its head, in proportion to its body, is rather small, the
forehead narrow, low and retreating. Falling over its forehead and eyes
is a white, silky fringe, which is in strong contrast with its very
dark gray covering of short, coarse hair. To me its oddest feature is
its long, white beard, falling over its breast. As George approaches it
it grows alarmed and now it scrambles feet foremost to the ground, and
on its hands and feet rushes away in long leaps. Really, it is so like
a human that it is revolting.
Ha-Moufih--Kyn-nûyn[a:]o (tree dweller) is what the Entoans name this
species of anthropoid. Structurally this tailless animal is very like
the earlier human forms of young planets. Its most marked unlikeness to
them is in its head and face. There, ages ago, as is evinced in fossil
remains, development came to a conclusion.
At no great distance from Indolois[a:]'s western shore its waters
encompass an island of considerable area, which is clothed with
gigantic trees and luxuriant vegetation. This island is inhabited
by a peculiar people who for many centuries have led most peaceful,
uneventful, secluded lives. For the most part their priests are their
teachers, not only of religion, but of such educational branches as
are not sufficiently advanced to come within courses of instruction of
educational institutions. The island is very salubrious and so prolific
of grains, fruits and fine woods, that air and water transportation
are in constant demand for carrying to other parts these and other
products. In the interior of the island the kyn-nûyn[a:]o find their
habitations in the gigantic bûd[a:]s tree tops, where their young are
born and reared with watchful care, their human neighbors regarding
them with a sort of veneration. Never wilfully are their homes
disturbed, and only by order of the supreme authorities is any one
permitted to capture and remove one or more of the creatures. Then
it is done under protest of the islanders, who consider them their
especial possession. They do not breed in or long survive captivity,
yet when placed anywhere away from the island they never attempt to
escape.
Darwin, your great naturalist and my friend, pronounces the
kyn-nûyn[a:]o a marvel of structural formation, but like myself, he
considers the line of demarcation between them and the human as being
sharply and unmistakably defined.
In this Acclinum are representatives of all the existing animals of
Ento, but for lack of time we can only glance at some of them as we
pass along. Those small animals racing across the sward and through
the branches of the trees are of the A-Mûist[a:] family, and in some
localities they so multiply as to become pests. They are very cunning
creatures who are given to forming themselves into multitudinous bands,
and with a unanimity denoting an understanding of the situation, they
swoop down on fields of grains and fruits, eating their fill and
deftly carrying off all that their hands will hold. Yonder are two
of the little creatures engaged in conversation. One chatters and
gesticulates, the other emits some faint, listless sounds. Now the
chatterer grows excited and angry, and the other shows its sharp,
white teeth and breaks away a little, followed by the aggressor, who
strikes out with one hand, now with the other, dodging return blows
as it scrambles to the ground followed by the other, and now they are
joined by a number of their friends and foes, who are all scratching,
screaming, biting and altogether behaving in a most unruly manner.
Gentola--Certainly they are very amusing, droll looking little animals.
Their round, upright ears, small, round heads and impish faces give
them the appearance of aged dwarfs. See how they wrap their long tails
around the tree branches and swing to and fro like so many pendulums.
Yes, George, I should like one for a pet, and really it seems strange
that I cannot carry anything back to Earth. This body of mine appears
to be as substantial as my physical body, and often I forget that I am
millions of miles away from it.
George--After you shall have again become a fully freed Spirit you soon
will lose all sense of having possessed a physical body, from which,
as you are aware, your spiritualized soul body differs only in being
composed of more sublimated substance.
Ha-Moufih--Pardon my interrupting you, but we must attend to more
commonplace matters. Here is an animal nearly allied to bomûz and
bomûza. One of the peculiarities of this species is that always they
build their homes near fresh water in which they delight to pass much
of their time. They are known as the frilvodii (housekeepers) from the
fact that their habitations in the loftiest trees are constructed on
a special plan and are kept with much neatness. Observe how this one
picks up particles from the floor, thrusting them outward through the
bars of his cage. He is a much handsomer animal than is bomûz and the
expression of his eyes is remarkably amiable and intelligent. A keeper
is entering the cage and frilvodii rushes at him and embraces him, rubs
his face against the man's breast, emitting soft, plaintive murmurings
suggestive of pleasure and affection. Now he discovers something in the
keeper's hand and playfully but earnestly wrestles for its possession,
the keeper tantalizingly holding it out of his reach. Frilvodii is a
cunning fellow and while he pettishly goes into a corner of the cage
and covers his face with his hands he peers between his long fingers at
the amused keeper who shows him a luscious scarlet etz[a:] (a sweet,
pulpy fruit resembling an orange), coaxingly entreating him to come for
it. Finding his blandishments of no avail the keeper tosses to him the
fruit which he deftly catches in his hands and proceeds to eat it with
evident satisfaction and much daintiness.
During my early wanderings I captured a young male of this species
and sent him to my parents, who made much of him and he grew to be a
general favorite. His intelligence and affection were indeed remarkable
and he was permitted to roam at will through our residence and grounds,
playing with children, who taught him to carry things and to accompany
them in their rambles and frolics. What most delighted the creature was
to be arrayed in garments such as the children wore. On such occasions
his pride and satisfaction knew no bounds. Once, while decked out in
some cast-off finery something angered him and in his fury he rolled
over and over in a pool of water, and when he came to his senses
he found himself very much bedraggled and the children laughing in
derision at his forlorn appearance. Seeming to realize his ludicrous
plight, he tore off every shred of his garments and with an air of
intense mortification, fled to his own domicile. For some time he
refused to be adorned, but finally his vanity got the better of his ill
humor and again he strutted about decked in gorgeous habiliments. Poor
Dēho; a host of his friends sincerely mourned over his unlooked for,
his untimely end. Climbing to the topmost branches of a lofty tree for
fruit he attempted to carry some down to the waiting children, lost
his footing and falling to the ground was instantly killed.
Gentola--It seems to me that I have seen an animal like this, but I do
not recall when or where.
De L'Ester--We have been expecting you to see the resemblance between
this living creature and his metallic representative in the mansion we
looked through during an early visit to Ento.
Gentola--Ah, I now remember.
Ha-Moufih--We now will proceed to the Rinvoh (aquarium) where, under
a wire-covered space you will see some creatures which ever are the
marvel of Ento's naturalists and ornithologists. The habitat of the
progenitors of these singular birds, perhaps I should say water fowl,
now so serenely floating on the bosom of the little lake, is far
westward of Indolois[a:], and is a considerable body of salt water
which, until quite recently, was so out of the route of general travel
as to be little known to modern Entoans. Yes, once the entire region
between it and Indolois[a:] was densely populated, but during many
centuries preceding my birth it, like other unirrigated equatorial
regions, was too arid for occupation and few cared to traverse its
wastes.
The wings of those great creatures have an expanse of from twelve to
fourteen feet, which, with the broad, strong membrane connecting wings
with thighs affords a tremendous lifting power, enabling them to rise
with marvellous velocity to a great height. When in flight their long
tail feathers spread like a huge fan, not only augmenting the rapidity
of their flight but steadying it. Observe their feline heads, which,
like their short, thick necks, are covered with feathers so minute as
to resemble hair. Instead of bills they have protuberant mouths lined
with a bony structure in which are embedded short, sharp teeth with
which they can, as once I learned to my cost, inflict severe injury,
though really they are of a gentle nature, as is evinced in their
large, mild, fearless, inquiring eyes.
When fully grown, from tip of mouth to tip of tail, they are about
eight feet long. Their great plumed wings and tails and their heads so
feline in form and appearance suggest the idea of composite creatures,
partaking of the characteristics of both bird and animal, and when in
flight they present an imposing but most uncanny appearance. Only the
males have mottled plumage; the females uniformly are of a dull brown
color.
As I have stated, west of Indolois[a:] is an extensive region which,
for many centuries, has been a desert waste, which has been shunned
and left to the forces of the hot winds, ever blowing its loose sands
in blinding, stifling clouds over its levelled surface. Recently air
transports passed over this forbidding waste, but at the time of which
I shall speak, practically it was nearly an unknown land. Prior to the
death of my parents I, with some scientific friends, some students
and attendants, were, for the purpose of ascertaining the feasibility
of reclaiming some portions of the waste lands, exploring the desert,
which, to our inquiring minds, offered many attractions. Leisurely we
had journeyed from southward to northward, but we were very weary,
as were our milch and burthen bearing animals, who were panting from
fatigue and the excessive heat. Overhead the azure sky was like a great
canopy in which the glowing sun with slanting beams gave promise of the
longed for coolness of the approaching evening. Suddenly, high overhead
appeared a large, shadowy form, flying with exceeding swiftness. As it
flew farther away our gaze followed it with eager curiosity, for in our
indistinct view of it we recognized that it was a bird quite unknown
to us. When it had almost disappeared from our view it turned about and
with incredible velocity came toward us, curiosity seemingly impelling
it to a closer scrutiny of our party. When nearly overhead, in ever
narrowing circles it dropped lower and lower until it was no more than
two hundred feet or so above us. A strange bird, cried some. A winged
animal, cried others. A monster, was the final verdict of all. As it
gazed at us curiously and apparently without apprehension, we, agape,
stood as though spellbound. With much astonishment we observed that
apparently it had become motionless above us, and we distinctly heard
a humming sound with rising and falling inflections which we supposed
were vocal notes, but later we learned that the sounds were occasioned
by the rapid vibrations of a peculiar wing attachment. For a short time
the creature remained intently regarding us, then swiftly, in ever
widening circles, it rose to a great height and again flew westward.
With the enthusiasm of one whose bent of mind mainly is in one
direction I at once resolved to search for the habitat of our strange
visitor. Of the islands of Indolois[a:]'s waters and of its boundaries
southward and northward we possessed accurate knowledge. With its
immediate western shore lands we also were acquainted, but of the
desert extending far westward we knew comparatively little. After
counselling together we decided to proceed northward until we should
reach an irrigated region, where we would rest, supply ourselves
with food and possibly with some information relating to our strange
visitor. Four days' travel brought us to the northern limit of the
desert and to a pastoral people inhabiting the irrigated productive
lands extending along its arid border. From them we learned that only
very recently had any one beheld the great birds, whose lofty flight
precluded more than an indistinct view of them. That it was thought
that they made their home near Lois[a:] Rûmēs[a:] (Rûmēs[a:], a
goddess), which with burthen bearing animals we might reach in about
six days. That Lois[a:] Rûmēs[a:] was a body of fresh water we knew and
that its northern shore was waste and uninhabited we also knew, so,
with some misgiving, but with determination to succeed in our quest
we left our hospitable entertainers and travelled westward along the
northern limit of the desert, gathering such information as might serve
our purpose of a coming time. So impatient were we to reach Lois[a:]
Rûmēs[a:] that we travelled early and late and the afternoon of the
sixth day brought us to its northern shore, where its sparkling waters
sharply indent the sandy waste.
It is a matter of regret to your friends, and I doubt not to yourself,
that an attempt to impress upon your memory anything of a technical
nature immediately arouses your cautiousness and renders you so
positive as to be unreceptive. No, I shall not vex you by attempting to
urge you to give the latitude and longitude of localities.
Gentola--Do not, please, for I so fear mistakes that I cannot risk
making them. I do indeed regret that I possess such an inconvenient
mental trait, for I have found it so much in my own way that I do not
find fault with my Spirit friends for objecting to it.
George--Never mind, Gentol[a:], we are glad enough to take you as you
are and thankful that you are no more objectionable.
Ha-Moufih--You understand George's badinage, and you also understand
that I do not mean to chide you. On the contrary I am surprised and
delighted with your docile and matter-of-fact manner of accommodating
yourself to an experience that well might overwhelm you.
Lois[a:] Rûmēs[a:] is about one hundred and forty miles long and
nearly one-third as wide. On the west its waters wash the base of a
low, picturesque mountain range named Diaf[a:]-avin[a:] (many hued),
which, from northward to southward extends the entire length of the
lake, thence curving eastward it grades itself into inconsiderable
hills, which at length are lost in an irrigated fertile plain. Your
friends contemplate showing you Lois[a:] Rûmēs[a:], but I shall not
have the pleasure of accompanying you.
For seven days we remained on its northern shore where nearby was some
herbage for our animals, and constantly we were on the lookout for the
great birds. Each succeeding day brought us only disappointment, yet
did not lessen our ardor or determination to find them. Then, slowly,
for three days we journeyed along the eastern shore when again we
encamped amid a broken, fertile space of considerable extent. Here
we found herbage and wild fruits in abundance, and such numbers and
variety of birds that the air was vocal with their notes. Water fowls,
too, of various kinds made of the rocky locality a breeding ground and
the contents of their nests afforded a welcome addition to our food
supply.
During out first day in our new camp my eyes continually scanned
the sky and the surface of the lake but the sun disappeared beyond
the mountain, and the shadows of night, lighted by Entol[a:] and
Ementol[a:] (Ento's moons) brooded over the quiet water of Lois[a:]
Rûmēs[a:]. Scarcely had twilight deepened into darkness when our ears
were assailed by murmuring musical sounds interspersed with harsh
grating cries and sharp hisses, and by the dim moon light we perceived
huge, shadowy forms, slowly descending to the quiet surface of the lake
where they remained silent and apparently motionless. The night waned,
and earliest dawn illuminated a scene so weirdly strange that our
hearts beat with unwonted celerity. High up in the quiet air, so high,
indeed that they appeared like mere shadows, ten of the great birds
with wide-spreading wings sailed in circles or were as motionless as
the stars, which yet were shining dimly. So startling, so unusual was
the spectacle that our attendants were quite alarmed; even our animals
grew restless, crowding together in evident terror. As dawn brightened
into day and the sun arose above the horizon the creatures slowly and
with the same peculiar humming sound, descended to the bosom of the
lake where, for a time, they were rocked by the undulating waves, then,
in a body, they arose to a great height and flew westward. During
fourteen days they came at nightfall and in the morning disappeared,
always in the same direction from which we inferred that elsewhere,
while the females were brooding or rearing their young the male birds
made of the shallow waters of the eastern shore of Rûmēs[a:], a night
resort; so, patiently we awaited developments. So fearless were the
creatures that frequently they swam ashore, walking leisurely along its
margin and eyeing us with amusing curiosity, but when we attempted to
approach them they hissed sharply, and, stepping into the water, swam
away. We might have killed or captured the great fearless creatures,
but such an ignominious act was far from our thoughts. It seemed
little less than a crime to disturb their serene confidence in their
security, so while we closely observed their habits we were careful to
neither molest or alarm them. At nightfall of the fifteenth day among
the creatures, for a time there was an unusual commotion, followed
by profound stillness. At earliest dawn there was the usual rush of
wings and upward flight of shadowy forms, and when the light grew
strong enough to see objects clearly the sight that greeted our eyes
filled us with amazed delight. Leisurely moving on the bosom of the
lake were seven great birds of a dull brown color and of the same
species as those sailing overhead. Each female was accompanied by one
or two young birds about as large as a--Ah, De L'Ester, to what shall I
compare them? A duck? What a droll word. Later we learned that on the
mountainous, western shore of Lois[a:] Rûmēs[a:] the young had come
into existence from whence on the broad backs of their mothers, who
now solicitously were caring for them, they had been borne hither. At
once we set about arranging for the conveyance of some of the young
to Camariss[a:]. As we were provided with water tight receptacles in
which to place them, it only remained for us to learn how the little
creatures were nourished. This we quickly observed was accomplished
through their mothers feeding them small fishes, or larger ones torn in
bits by their strong teeth and webbed talons.
All things being in readiness we launched our portable boat, and
easily captured three pairs of the pretty struggling creatures. To
our surprise the parents offered but slight opposition, and quietly
followed their progeny quite to the shore, then turned and swam away.
Early in the dawn of the following day we began our return journey to
Camariss[a:]. That we might remain within easy reach of fresh water
and live fishes we travelled southward along the eastern shore of the
lake. Five days brought us to its southern extremity, and at the close
of two days' further travel in a southeasterly direction, we arrived at
an air transport and Tuzamo Station, and quickly thereafter we and our
captives were in Camariss[a:]. Not all of them, however, for two had
succumbed to the vicissitudes of the journey.
This great wire-covered compartment afforded the survivors conditions
suited to their requirements, and although the young creatures were
very delicate, one male and two females survived, and during after
years their offspring so increased in numbers that several pairs have
been presented to other Rinvohs. They are known as gariffo tsûvon
(bird of the cloudgod, Tsûvon). No, they are neither long lived or
of a migratory habit, and previous to our unlooked for discovery of
them they were thought to be an extinct species, and strangely enough,
within a few years afterward, not one in a wild state survived.
De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], again we are holding you too long, and at once
must return you to Earth. It might be wise to defer for a few days your
next visit to Ento, but as H[a:]-Moûfih soon must leave us, we greatly
desire that you shall be with us to-morrow. If we find you unequal to
the journey, we will not risk your safety. Previous to coming to you we
propose that H[a:]-Moûfih shall attempt a short visit to Earth, so we
will not be with you until two o'clock P.M. Now, George and Inez will
convey you to your home where you must _rest, rest, rest_, and where
ministering loving ones will strengthen you.
Info oovistû.