CHAPTER XIII.

ENTO'S PRECIOUS STONES.

Bernard--Good-morning, mother, dear.

Gentola--Good-morning, my son, a thousand kisses for my dear boy.

De L'Ester--We, too, greet you, and regret that mentally you are so

disturbed. Pray console yourself; affairs seldom go so awry that they

cannot be righted. Soon yours will be so adjusted that you will not be

subjected to interruptions, which are harmful to you and vexatious to

us. Your west window is not sufficiently shaded. Be pleased to arrange

it. Now try to tranquillize yourself. Join with us in Invocation to the

One who is the Spirit of Harmony; thus we also will grow harmonious.

Infinite, Divine Intelligence of the Universe, we, the children of Thy

Love, aspire to grow into a more conscious realization that we are,

because that Thou art. As step by step, we strive to climb the ever

ascending heights of progress, Thou art our support. When, through our

weakness and lack of wisdom we go astray, Thou leadest us into straight

paths. Ever are we reaching toward Thee, who art our Father and our

Mother, and Thou givest Thy Angels charge concerning us. So will it

ever be, and lovingly we adore Thee, in Whom ever we will abide. Amen,

amen.

George, we are ready. Nay, dear lad, you will require all your

strength, for we are late and must journey quickly, but you shall

remain by your mother's side. Gentol[a:], previous to these visits to

Ento you could not have conceived an idea of the rapidity with which we

are traversing space.

Gentola--No, and I cannot yet realize it. We must be moving with the

velocity of lightning, still I perceive but a slight sensation of

motion. It seems as though we are nearly stationary, while space glides

away from us. As I grow accustomed to this sensation, I, too, at times

lose consciousness of time and space.

De L'Ester--To fully freed spirits this sensation is even less

emphasized. This leads me to mention that, upon becoming wholly freed,

Spirits, as a rule, are not for a time able to recall vivid memories

of their mortal existence. Upon attempting to manifest through some

Sensitive almost invariably they are asked, "What is your name?

Where did you live? When did you die?" The Spirit endeavors to place

himself or herself en rapport with physical conditions involving

time and space, and becomes too bewildered to give a correct reply.

Should some other Spirit be present, as is usual, the bewildered one

may be instructed as to how to make a proper statement. Those who

have made a study of the spiritual philosophy and phenomena possess

some understanding of the process of communication between the two

worlds, and though both their premises and conclusions may be faulty,

such knowledge as they may have acquired will, when they exchange

the physical for the spiritual, serve them well. Not only will it

prepare them for the surprises in store for them, but also for a more

intelligent and intelligible return into the conditions of their mortal

existence.

Gently, gently George, we must not forget that neither your sister or

Bernard are as strong as some time they will be.

There are our friends awaiting us. Lohaû, ēmentos. Ah, Zenest[a:], you

are ever punctual, and you, Humboldt and Bruno, shame us for our late

arrival. It seems very ungallant to say that Gentol[a:] belated us.

Gentola--Nevertheless it is true, and I beg your indulgence. I am

learning that things temporal are likely to conflict with things

spiritual, and this morning I have had an unpleasant demonstration

of the fact. However, I believe that it was less my fault than my

misfortune to be unprepared at the appointed time.

De L'Ester--As we, the jury, are in possession of the facts, we

unanimously pronounce you not guilty, and now we will proceed to the

department we visited yesterday. Here is the venerable antiquary still

patiently poring over the story of the D[a:]-Hûlos.

Zenesta--I sympathize with the earnest, gentle looking man, for

I recall having passed many days and sleepless nights in similar

undertakings. For many minds there is a peculiar fascination in

striving to translate an unknown language. I well remember what delight

it once afforded me, and the charm of it yet clings to me. But here is

our geologist who will afford you further instruction in relation to

these gems.

Hugh Miller--Madame, we first will observe this magnificent collection

of sapphires which are so varied in their hues, so large and

beautifully cut that they challenge our highest admiration.

Gentola--They are indeed wonderfully beautiful gems. It is a delight

to only look at them. You say that oriental rubies are a species of

sapphire. Why, I supposed that all sapphires were blue. And this, you

say, is an oriental amethyst, which also is of the sapphire family. I

fear that you think me, as indeed I am, very ignorant in this direction.

Hugh Miller--My dear madame, we do not expect you to be learned as

to the varieties or qualities of these collections of gems; I am only

concerned in instructing you for a purpose. The blue varieties are the

true sapphires, as they alone possess both quality and color. They bear

to both the oriental amethyst and ruby the same relation that the true

white diamond bears to stones off color.

Gentola--Pardon me if I am interrupting you. Here is a gem--that one

resting on the white cushion--that is so large, so radiantly beautiful,

that one can imagine it of Celestial origin. Is it not a true sapphire?

Yes? Ah, I thought so; it possesses such a living radiance. Since I

have learned that gems are both Spirit and matter, I shall admire them

all the more. How very lovely those rainbow-hued gems are; are they not

opals?

Hugh Miller--Yes, they are opals, in whose depths the Spirit of the

gem glows like fire. Some persons regard these gems as uncanny. Some

time I will tell you something uncanny concerning them. No, not now;

it would be unwise. A sober-minded scientist would declare that it is

through the arrangement of the silicious matter largely composing these

gems that the iridescent effects are produced. Such an assertion would

be but part of a fact. Spirit is infinite in its modes of expression,

and were it withdrawn from those gems, bits of flint would be quite

as valuable as those glowing, scintillating jewels, which are lovely

enough to adorn the Crown of an Empress. Now, madame, what do you

suppose these green gems are? Emeralds? No, they are beryls; and these

are aqua marines; they are of the same family, the aqua marines being

the transparent variety. Yes, both are pretty stones. In this adjoining

compartment is an admirable collection of--but perhaps you know what

they are.

Gentola--From their color I should think that they are topazes. I do

not greatly admire yellow jewels.

Hugh Miller--Do not make the mistake of thinking that all topazes are

yellow, for there are other colors of the same gem, but the pellucid

yellow stone is considered the most desirable variety. These are

garnets, and are fine specimens of the stone. Here are deep red ones

holding in their hearts imprisoned flames and yellow stones like bits

of sunshine. And here are green, brown and black varieties, all more or

less attractive and useful for various purposes. The next compartment

contains carbuncles and some of them are beautiful enough to grace a

coronet. Yes, there is a resemblance between the carbuncle and the red

garnet, but their qualities are dissimilar.

You have been shown this collection of jewels as a demonstration of

their existence on this planet, and be assured that the Entoans, like

our Earth peoples, regard them with high favor. For lack of time we

cannot critically examine this wonderfully fine and comprehensive

collection of stones and minerals, whose exact counterparts are

portions of Earth's treasures.

You express surprise that this enormously valuable collection is not

better protected against evil-minded persons. Perhaps Inidor[a:] or

Genessano may enlighten us as to that and other features pertaining to

this department.

Inidora--Previous to the death of our father, he made known to my

brother and me that he possessed a large and valuable collection of

jewels which were the accumulations of generations of both his and our

mother's ancestry, and that some of them, through certain associations,

were especially prized. The ruby which Gentol[a:] held in her palm

belonged to our dear mother, who received it as a bridal gift from her

mother, and it was worn sometimes on the arm or bosom, but generally

as a brow ornament. Our maternal grandparents possessed a remarkably

fine collection of gems, which, at their death, our dear mother, who

was their only child, inherited, and as with our father gem collecting

was a passion, and as he also had inherited many rarely fine gems, it

came about that at his death my brother and I found ourselves possessed

of these joint accumulations of Ento's most beautiful and valuable

jewels. As neither my brother or I desired to marry, we entered into an

agreement concerning them that was mutually satisfactory.

I need not more than refer to the desires and plans of our parents to

found at Camariss[a:] a great Galarēs[a:] which should be of lasting

benefit to the children of Ento. But I may say that our minds were as

one in our desire to carry out their wishes, and that we might speedily

accomplish our purpose, we resolved that our vast inheritance should

be devoted to accomplishing the object so near our hearts. As we were

young and inexperienced, we counselled with our Supreme Ruler, Tyvon

Oiranz[a:], who was a man of most generous views, and he encouraged

and aided us in various ways. So with the enthusiasm of youth and with

ample means at our command, we began to prepare for the inception of

our work, and soon, to our boundless joy, we saw our cherished plans

taking form. As the massive walls began to rise, our hearts were

filled with exultation and as the great structure assumed proportions

and the various outer departments began to environ it, we grew so

excited, so absorbed, that we scarcely ate or slept. Day and night

we counselled together and planned for the glory and usefulness of

the Institution which for all time should stand as a reminder of our

honored and adored parents. As though it were but yesterday, I recall

the last conversation between my brother and myself relating to this

Galarēs[a:]. The day had been sultry and the darkening clouds gave

intimation of a storm, but in our eagerness to hasten the work we had

labored until the day was nearly ended, and as we slowly walked toward

our nearby home, the lurid Sun was dropping below the further shore of

Indolois[a:]'s quiet waters. Suddenly Genessano passed an arm about my

shoulders, and in a voice tremulous from emotion, said, "Inidor[a:],

what if death should come to one or both of us ere our work shall be

completed? May Andûman[a:] preserve us, for what should I do shouldst

thou be taken and I left? Should I be taken, thy wisdom would suffice

for thy needs, but I, alas! I dare not further speak of it."

As we gazed into each others' startled faces tears filled our eyes, and

sadly, silently, we entered our home, the dread shadow of Phra (death)

falling over our hearts like a pall. But I strove to be courageous,

and at once set about arranging our affairs so that should Phra, at an

untimely hour, claim me, Genessano would understand my wishes which I

well knew he would make his own. Ere long Genessano was left to execute

our mutual wishes which he did with faithfulness and zeal. Heavy

hearted he labored until death claimed him, and to others was left the

fulfillment of our plans. That they did so faithfully and efficiently

no one can question.

Concerning the security of the gems, I have only to say that the

Galarēs[a:] and all pertaining to it belongs to the peoples of Ento

and they are not so foolish or so evil minded as to despoil their own

possessions.

De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], the time allotted for this series of object

lessons has expired, and to the Galarēs[a:] and our friend the

antiquary who is tranquilly dozing, we will say au revoir.

We now will view Camariss[a:], so that you may form an idea of its

extent, its architecture and other features. Observe this slope

largely is devoted to detached private residences, and that the

wide, beautifully paved streets intersect at right angles. At

each intersection is a statue or group of statuary, or a fountain,

or column, or other ornamental feature. This group of heroic size

represents Genessano Allis Immo and his wife, through whom this great

city honors itself by bearing her name. These statues are faithful

representations of two of the most admirable spirits I ever have met.

Yes, Genessano is very like his father, and Inidor[a:] resembles his

mother, who is a marvellously lovely woman.

From the slopes eastward the city extends about ten English miles,

but from its northern to its southern limit is quite twenty English

miles. Being the head of the Irrigating and Waterways System, naturally

a large population has centred here and it is, with the exception of

one other, the most populous and wealthy city of Ento. The population

is about one million seven hundred thousand, and it is the greatest

manufacturing and commercial city on the Planet.

Beneficent, indeed, was the conception and execution of the System

which has recovered for the uses of the people lands which long ago

would have become deserts. The system now extends more than four

thousand miles, and rapidly is progressing toward encircling the

planet. On our planet the undertaking would not be considered feasible,

but with the means at command of the Entoans, it is not now regarded

as extraordinary. With them the science of engineering in all its

expressions is far in advance of what is known of it on Earth. Then,

too, they so well understand the energies of electricity and vibration

that, if they desired, they might shatter their planet into fragments.

Looking along the waterway we see lofty columns whose massive bases

are of stone, but the columns are of a metal known to the Entoans as

Flaûen. It is very light and very ductile. As yet it is unknown on

Earth. The elements do not corrode it, and it is a non-conductor

of electricity, which renders it suitable for this and some other

purposes. Those columns are used as electric light towers, and so

high is the illuminating power that it well nigh turns night into

day. Electricity as an illuminant and for all possible purposes is so

cheaply procured as to be within the means of all requiring its use.

Throughout the irrigated belt and on most portions of Ento there are

Stations where thoroughly trained persons attend to the production and

distribution of electric currents, and so valued is life that accidents

are of very rare occurrence.

Were we not obliged to hasten our movements, we would take you through

some of those stately as well as through some of those less pretentious

residences. As you perceive there are no mean or squalid homes.

Nowhere on Ento are there impoverished persons, and everywhere there

is cleanliness, comfort and more or less of the elegancies of culture.

Ento has progressed beyond the crime of privileged classes, those

generators of debauchery and poverty. Industry is made obligatory upon

all able to work and few, excepting the very aged, are unable to labor.

Right living engenders health and aside from their dread of death which

depresses them mentally, consequently physically, the Entoans live

righteously and enjoy length of days.

No, there are no jails, penitentiaries, or almshouses. Those whom age,

accident, disease or other causes have rendered helpless, are cared

for, not as paupers, but as hapless children of Andûman[a:] for whom

it is a pleasure and a duty to provide. Alcohol in its various forms

is a commercial commodity, but drunkenness is forbidden and unknown.

Chastity is universal. Polygamous relations do not exist. Official

corruption or betrayal of a trust are reckoned as heinous crimes

against society, and no one seems inclined to sin in either direction.

Have I answered all your questions?

Gentola--Yes, all that occur to me at this time, and while paying

close attention to your replies I have been gazing at this great and

beautiful city and those wonderful Air Transports, rising like huge

birds, then moving away so steadily, so noiselessly, save for that

singing sound which is rather agreeable. I am curious to see their

mechanism, but first allow me to see more of Camariss[a:]. When all

those great light towers are ablaze, from this elevation the view must

be magnificent. You have said that some time I should see Ento by

night. Pray do not forget your promise.

With all my heart I wish that some of our Earth architects might see

some of those grandly beautiful temples and public buildings. I miss

one feature of our temple architecture, which is the spire, but I

consider those great shining domes with their delicate ornamentation,

far more beautiful.

What flower lovers the Entoans must be. Wherever we have gone there is

such an exquisite display of blooms that constantly I am wishing that I

might carry some of them home with me, and really it seems odd that I

cannot.

See that great vessel coming so swiftly along the waterway and what a

swarm of smaller ones go darting along the street canals. De L'Ester,

how are they propelled?

De L'Ester--By an electric appliance. On Ento an understanding of the

science of mechanics is far in advance of the same on Earth. You may

have observed that in persons who have lost or never have possessed the

sense of sight, there is an abnormal development of other senses, for

nature ever is striving to maintain an equilibrium. Thus, the Entoans,

whose religious beliefs have for so long stood as an impassable barrier

between them and an understanding of certain sciences, notably

of astronomy and to a degree of geology, have developed in other

directions.

You have expressed a desire for a closer view of the Air Transports,

so we will visit yonder Station. I will assist you. Look downward now.

Is not Camariss[a:] a wonderfully beautiful city? Ah me, it will be a

long time before Earth will possess a city so free from the blemishes

of poverty and degradation. The architecture, the statues, fountains

and other features form such a harmonious and charming picture that one

is constrained to admire the genius and culture of a people capable of

presenting such fine effects. I have said that the Entoans make small

use of more than two motive powers. I must correct that statement,

for, to a very considerable extent, for certain purposes, they also

use compressed and liquefied air. We now will descend to the Station.

None of our present party are learned as to electrical appliances,

but we may enlighten you a little. One of a line of Transports is

about to rise, and it is laden with passengers and merchandise. Stored

electricity is the motive power of this and of most Air Transports,

but all are provided with Generators, to if necessary, increase the

supply. It is not advisable to attempt a detailed description of the

form and dimensions of this Transport, which is one of average size,

but I shall call your attention to its principal features. You perceive

that underneath and running its entire length is a cylindrical shaft

of the metal known as Flaûen. Around it, arranged spirally, are huge

Flaûen fans, which are set in motion by the swift revolutions of the

screw like cylinder. At the rear is a fan shaped Flaûen structure,

which presently you will see revolving with tremendous velocity. Across

the front is this great horizontal Flaûen rod, which is held in place

by strong metal sockets, in which it revolves. The ends or arms of

the rod, extending on either side, are surrounded by Vossal[a:][a:]

(climbers). When the Transport rises you will better understand this

part of its mechanism. All Transports are cigar shaped, so that they

may offer slight resistance to the atmosphere and when they alight,

those compressed air cylinders prevent concussion.

The doorways are being closed. From the windows the passengers call

Info Oovist[a:][a:] (adieus) and now the Transport is about to

rise. Now the fan encircled, cylindrical shaft and the arms of the

Vossal[a:][a:] begin to revolve, the climbers, like great wings, open

out and the Transport, with long sweeping undulations rises, rises, and

at an altitude of a thousand or more feet, goes eastward.

To at all understand the construction of these truly wonderful

Air Carriers one must be versed in both mechanics and electrical

engineering, and we are not learned in either of them. Do not make the

mistake of thinking that Spirits know everything; we know only what we

have learned, and we are and ever will be students in a school which

never graduates its pupils.

Another transport is about to rise and we will be invisible passengers.

All aboard, friends. Now we rise for a hundred feet or so; now we dip a

little; again we rise, and with an undulating movement we have ascended

far above Camariss[a:], which sits among the shining waters and under

the silvery mist veiling, but not concealing its beauties.

Genessano--Gentol[a:], let me ask you to turn your gaze toward the

Galarēs[a:]. Is not it a grandly beautiful structure? And even at this

distance, you may perceive the majestic form and benignant face of my

father smiling us a farewell.

Gentola--It is indeed grandly beautiful. Its lofty, cream-tinted walls

surmounted by those magnificent statues, and its great, shining dome

towering toward the blue sky, present a most charming spectacle. I

clearly perceive the statue of your father, whose majestic form and

benignant face will retain a place in my memories of Ento.

De L'Ester--The leaves of the climbers and the fans of the cylindrical

shaft are revolving with tremendous velocity, and the Transport is

moving through the air, nearly a hundred miles an hour; yet one

perceives only a slight vibration. The entire mechanism is under

perfect control of the engineer and his assistants, and not for a

moment do they relax their alert attention to their duties. The

passengers, who appear quite at their ease, converse or gaze from

the windows at the widespread panorama. We will repair to the rear

platform, which will afford us a finer view. No, accidents scarcely

ever occur to these aërial conveyances.

Gentola--How marvellous this all is. This swiftly moving Transport,

like a great bird flying through the air, and yonder wonderful System

of Irrigation and Waterways on which vessels great and small are

passing in all directions. At night, when those great light towers

illumine cities, towns and country, the scene must be enchanting. Two

features of Ento strike me forcibly. One is the universally apparent

prosperity of its peoples, the other is the architecture of cities,

towns and country places. Even the country houses are picturesque

and very pretty. I do not recall that I have seen one squalid, mean

dwelling. I shall not soon forget the first time I stood in the Court

of Honor of the White City of our World's Fair. It looked so familiar,

so like some scenes that some time, somewhere, I had beheld, that a

sense of bewilderment came over me, and for a time I thought that I

must have dreamed of some similar scene. Then you, De L'Ester, spoke

to me, and I recalled that on Ento I had beheld structures and scenes

similar to, but far more beautiful than those presented by the Court of

Honor. No, I do not as distinctly remember these Ento experiences as I

remember some dreams which really sometimes come true.

Bruno--By some persons dreams are regarded as the reflex of incidents

and impressions of waking hours, and frequently they are the result of

more or less related and distorted images, which from time to time are

impressed upon the Animal Soul, or so termed objective consciousness.

But there are dreams and dreams. A genius, so called, is a Sensitive

whose waking dreams are the conceptions of exalted Spirit minds,

reflected or projected upon his or her aura, which, like a mirror,

receives the impression and in turn reflects it upon the brain of the

Sensitive. To the great poet Sensitive come the words and rhythm of

songs which stir the hearts of the world. To the great sculptor comes a

waking dream of beauty, and from marble he releases a form so flawless

that through centuries it commands the adoring admiration of artistic

souls. To the great painter comes a conception of enchanting scenes

or of forms and faces whose witchery enthralls all beholders. To the

great architect, the true builder, come ideals so exalted that neither

human intelligence or human hands have yet executed them. Ask the great

architect and builder of your time, if he has even once succeeded in

embodying his highest ideal of his art, and I do not hesitate in saying

that he will answer no, no.

Be assured that all so called geniuses are Sensitives, whose births

were not of yesterday, for to spirit there is neither beginning or

ending.

Ento's fine architecture is the result of impressions received not only

from exalted Ento Spirits, but also from Spirits of other Planetary

Spirit Realms. As there can be but One Mind in the Universe, all its

expressions must vibrate in harmony with either its major or its minor

chords; thus, the architects, designers and other artists who spoke

into form and color, your beautiful White City, were as truly inspired

as were some of olden times, who declared, Thus "saith the Lord."

De L'Ester--Below us is Gandûlan[a:]'s shining waters, extending from

north to south, a little more than one hundred miles. From its western

to its eastern shore its length is quite sixty miles. You perceive

that its outline is nearly oval, and that at intervals its shores are

dotted with towns and villages, whose inhabitants are engaged in the

various pursuits of well conducted communities. In the larger towns are

manufacturing and commercial interests, but residents of the villages

are engaged in cultivating the surrounding lands. For the convenience

of transportation and for the retention of the yearly over-flow,

Ento's lakes and rivers have been greatly enlarged; thus, the depth

of Gandûlan[a:] Lois[a:] nearly equals that of Indolois[a:]. Ento's

atmosphere being extremely humid, and the rain and snowfall of both

the northern and southern hemispheres being very heavy, since time

immemorial it has been necessary to provide means of protection against

the annual inundation, which comes and goes with phenomenal rapidity.

All over the cultivated portions of the planet are artificial lakes of

considerable extent, which really are storage receptacles, at times,

of much needed water. What were the principal causes leading to the

aridity of the Equatorial lands? We have informed you that largely it

was through the levelling of the planet, which led to extreme porosity

of the soil. But another factor contributed to the calamity. Previous

to and for centuries after the establishment of the national religion,

the Entoans were so unwise as to, for various purposes, denude the

equatorial forests. In time they perceived their error, and during

later centuries they have been endeavoring to restore them, thereby

increasing the rainfall and oxygenating the impoverished atmosphere.

Yes, we know that ages ago the equatorial regions were traversed

by mountain ranges that now are mere vestiges of their once lofty

grandeur, and where now are desert lands, were lakes and abounding

water courses. Once Gandûlan[a:] Lois[a:] was one of a series of great

fresh water lakes, extending far toward the northeast, but for many an

Ento century previous to the inception of the Irrigating and Waterways

System it had been an ever lessening and isolated lake. Since then

it has been greatly deepened. Naturally, the equatorial lands have

suffered from the levelling process to a greater degree than have the

lands of the temperate and colder regions. The temperature of the

equatorial regions being high, induces rapid evaporation, and the soil

to a great depth being very porous, it so quickly absorbs water that

the flood of to-day is the drought of to-morrow. Thus the necessity of

water storage is apparent.

Beneath us is the eastern shore of Gandûlan[a:] Lois[a:], which marks

the boundary line between the Provinces of Ondû and of Wy[a:]mo.

Camariss[a:], the capital city of Ondû, is a little south of the

equatorial line, which at this moment we have crossed, and now the

Transport is descending to the large town on the lake shore. Down,

down, we are dropping. How carefully the descent is regulated, and with

what precision the Transport alights upon the platform. Gentol[a:],

observe the passengers as they descend from the transport.

Gentola--That is what I am doing. That magisterial looking personage,

wearing a white robe, bordered with purple, has exceedingly fine eyes,

so large, so brilliant, so full of expression. And that swarthy

gentleman, robed in dark blue, with gold embroidered collar and

sleeves, is a very striking figure. What a number of passengers there

are. Some are very dark complexioned, others less so, and here are two

men and a woman, who are blue eyed, very fair complexioned, and they

have the loveliest blonde hair, waving quite to their shoulders. I

must say that of all the Entoans I have seen, not one could be called

ill-favored, and very few less than handsome. Then their sincere and

gentle expression, their nobility of carriage and pensive gravity of

manner inspire me with both admiration and sympathy, especially so,

since I have come to understand their hopeless religious belief.

Yes, I greatly admire the clothing worn by both men and women. The

Robes worn by those gentlemen add much to the grace and dignity of

their appearance, but the Robes worn by the women, to my mind, are

still more admirable. They are not so voluminous as to conceal the

outlines of the form, and at the waist line they are loosely confined

by beautiful girdles of various designs and materials. As to fabrics,

style of cut, and ornamentation, there is much diversity, but all are

more or less attractive, and certainly they must be comfortable. No, I

have not on Ento seen one shabbily clothed person, which is more than

I can say of our planet, for among the many millions of earth there

are multitudes of poor, degraded, wretched beings, whose poverty,

misery and rags are a continual protest against the selfish inhumanity

of those of higher estate. It seems strange that although the peoples

of our planet for the most part believe in a continuity of existence,

they live as though the present existence is the end of all. Each

man's hand is against his brother, and among nations the struggle

for place and power drenches our world with blood and our prisons,

almshouses, asylums for the insane are filled with criminals and other

unfortunates. Compared with the gentle, civilized, unbelieving Entoans,

we are uncivilized, believing savages. I no longer wonder that to the

Spirit Worlds our Planet is known as the Sorrowful Star.

De L'Ester--Patience, patience, Gentol[a:]. Although the contrast

between Ento's and Earth's social conditions is very marked, evolution

means progress, and slowly, but surely, the peoples of our planet are

emerging into higher conceptions of truth. Inevitably, a period will

arrive when the surface of Earth will have become as level as is the

surface of Ento. Just so surely a period will arrive when the unequal

social conditions of Earth will be a thing of the past, and there will

be a universal recognition of the rights of all. What is it, Genessano?

Genessano--I wish Gentol[a:] to observe the person who, at this

moment, is ascending the steps of the Transport. He is a Priest of

the Inner Sanctuary of the Temple Zim. One of those with whom the

Gods commune. One whom we would term a Sensitive. Accompanying him

are several Novices, who have not yet made Vows of Consecration. I

recall days of long ago, when as youths, Inidor[a:] and I knelt before

Priests of this Order, receiving from them instruction relating to our

religion. To us they then appeared too holy to share the common fate

of Andûman[a:]'s other children. Indeed, outside of their Order, no

one ever learns of their death. They disappear and no one questions

as to what has become of them. Knowing this, our boyish imagination

invested them not only with uncommon sanctity, but, as did our parents,

with a certain mystery. You have become aware that usually Spirits can

read the thoughts of mortals, and thus I can say that, as a rule the

priesthood of Ento, especially the Sensitive Priests, serve sincerely

their conception of the Infinite One. It may interest you to learn

that the Ento name of this order is Oimû vosten-d[a:] fanûlist[a:],

which in your language, De L'Ester says, would mean "consecrated to

the mystery." It is true that they are consecrated to a mystery which

they wholly misunderstand. Being Sensitives, they commune with Spirits

on a level with or possibly above the level of their own spiritual

evolvement, who still cling to and encourage them in an observance of

the old superstitions.

For the reason that a peculiar qualification is requisite, the number

of Priests admitted into this Order is quite limited. Of course, we

understand that the qualification is the Sensitive condition.

De L'Ester--Friends, as the Transport is about to rise, we will embark.

George, George, you are incorrigible. Gentol[a:], if you lend yourself

to participation in his mischievous pranks you will demoralize those

staid Entoans. By your touches on his face and hands, you have so

disconcerted that Official that he has quite forgotten the dignity of

his position. It is amusing to see him turning this way and that, in

a vain quest for the person who has taken such uncourteous liberties.

Gentol[a:], with all your gravity you, too, are inclined for a bit of

fun.

Gentola--It is the old story: George did tempt me and I weakly yielded.

That Official looked so serene and so very dignified that I felt a

strong desire to startle him. His expression of dismay as he looked

at his hands and rubbed his face and found no one near him, who could

have touched him, was most laughable. He still looks disturbed and

thoughtful. If he could hear me, I would ask his pardon.

George--Upon my word, I think he might hear you. I perceived that he

is a very sensitive person, else I should not have asked you to touch

him. Shall we test him, De L'Ester?

De L'Ester--Not now. The Transport is rising and we must not delay our

journey. We will remain on the balcony, so that Gentol[a:] and Bernard

may view the country.

We still are passing in a direction north of east, and across the

Province of Wy[a:]mo, which is more extensive than is Ondû. You

perceive that the surface of the country grows a trifle more rugged,

and now we are passing over the diamond bearing locality, spoken of by

Inidor[a:]. Though unlearned in the sciences of civil and hydraulic

engineering, one realizes the wonderful skill through which this

vast area of irrigation and navigation is controlled, so that even

during the season of floods, no disasters occur. The elevation we are

crossing is a vestige of an ancient mountain range. Not seriously

interfering with the System, it was because of its picturesqueness,

left undisturbed. Its length is about one hundred miles and at

intervals there are natural rifts through which this Waterway and

canals have been carried. Later you will observe that Ento's Waterways

are double; that is, there is the Waterway proper and its Feeder, which

at times furnishes such supplies of water as may be needed to keep the

main Waterway at a proper depth. Yes, the Feeder is for small vessels

navigable, but as you will see a large portion of the System, you

will better understand this matter. You perceive that the height is

clothed with verdure and dotted with residences, istoir[a:]s and other

structures. How prolific this region is, yet not so very long ago it

was nearly a desert. Now its large population obtains from its rich

lands not only ample sustenance for themselves, but great quantities

of grains, vegetables and fruits are exported to other localities.

All manner of tropical fruits are grown, and I can assure you that

some varieties are very like some fruits grown in our own tropical

countries. I know your fear of ridicule through making such statements.

Do not concern yourself. Your astronomers and other scientists of less

than half a century hence, will have obtained information concerning

Ento that now they do not even dream of.

Our journey of to-day embraces a portion of the Irrigating and

Waterways System, which is continuous toward the east. I have mentioned

that the system is about 1,400 English miles wide, and that at this

time it is more than 4,000 miles long. Understand that I now am

speaking of the system embracing the equatorial desert lands, and

other arid lands adjacent, for, as you will have occasion to observe,

irrigation is general all over the arable portions of the planet, and

I do not wish to have you confound the general with the _special_

System, which is a most scientific work and quite apart from ordinary

methods of irrigation. The waterway which now is beneath us, runs in a

straight line to Lois[a:] Taimon, which we are nearing. On its shores

are many towns, villages and a not very extensive city, named Gûlnoyas

(crescent shaped). There is another city--but of that I shall not now

speak. A feature of Ento is that wherever there is a body or stream of

fresh water, there the people congregate. Thus, around Taimon there

is a dense population, many of whom farm the rich and fertile lands

beneath us. Next to death, the Entoans dread isolation and darkness. By

a residence in cities, towns and villages they escape both.

Gentola--Why is it that to-day we have seen no animals?

De L'Ester--For the reason that Ento's orientals seldom, if ever, eat

meat. For other purposes they do not require animals. No, there are

no positive religious restrictions relating to the eating of meat,

but orientals do not seem to care for it, and then nearly all Entoans

shrink from taking life, even of animals.

Climatic conditions on this, as on other planets, exercise a strong

influence in the selection of human foods. In the colder regions an

oleaginous diet is necessary. In temperate climes this requirement is

less marked, and in oriental countries generally there is a positive

aversion for animal food. Aside from climatic influences there is

another factor to be recognized. As humans evolve beyond the influence

of the animal plane, they grow less inclined to kill that they may eat.

This is a universal, though generally unrecognized law. In earlier

ages, the Entoans, to a greater extent than now, were meat eaters, and

at present, in colder climes, the people consume larger quantities of

various fishes, which rather illogically, they scarcely regard as meat.

As air transports bear to them the products of all lands, they do so

from choice.

Yonder is Taimon, the beautiful, reflecting in its placid depths,

fleecy clouds and sapphire sky. That it might serve as part of the

System centuries ago, it, like Gandûlan[a:] Lois[a:], was greatly

deepened; otherwise the huge vessels traversing the waterways could

not ride on their waters. On your first visit to Ento you saw in the

distance something resembling railway cars. You now may have a closer

view of Ento's Tuzamos, for yonder is a long train drawing into a

station, nearby the Transport Station to which we are descending. Those

tramway carriages traverse a large portion of the Planet, the motive

power being electric. We will not await the landing of the transport,

but will proceed to the Tuzamo Station, where doubtless we shall find

matters of interest to you two voyagers. First, we will visit this

telegraphic station where dispatches are being sent to and received

from all portions of the Planet. We are not learned in this marvel of

atmospheric telegraphy, which is the system generally in use on Ento.

By means of this delicate mechanism, which appears so simple, but is

so complex, messages instantaneously reach any designated point. The

clumsier method of ground currents, still to a limited extent, connects

rural Istoir[a:]s with Temples. Not for many centuries have wires been

used. Ground currents superseded that system, which in turn has been

set aside by the atmospheric system. We have informed you that the

entire public service of Ento is under the supervision and control of

the general government, which holds all officials and employes to a

strict account of their several duties. The general government not only

controls, but also owns, the Tuzamo System, the Transport System, the

Irrigating and Waterways System, the Telegraphic and other Systems in

which the interests of all the peoples are concerned. The lands, too,

are owned by the general government, and no proprietor occupies more

than a specified acreage, which in no case exceeds the needs of his

or her household. On occupied lands there is a rental, or taxation,

which is so slight as to be far from oppressive, and the revenues

derived from this and other sources are used for the support of the

general government, and for the prosecution of enterprises for the

general good. Always, residences and other improvements, belong to the

proprietor and may be sold or transferred.

Bernard--Mother, dear, although this spacious Station and all

pertaining to it is new to you and to me, and those people of various

races are, in size, dress and other peculiarities, somewhat unlike our

earth people, still there is such a strong, general resemblance to them

and to this scene that I scarcely can realize that I am on another

Planet. Then, look at those Tuzamos, are not they in appearance, very

like our Railway Cars?

De L'Ester--Certainly, their construction is similar to that of our

railway cars, but if you will observe closely you will perceive that

they present several striking differences. For instance, the driving

wheels are enormously large, and there are three sets of truck wheels,

the middle set running in the groove of the central rail, and the rails

are not in sections, all being firmly welded into continuity, which

greatly adds to their permanence and to the safety of those connected

with the Tuzamo service, or who travel in those elegantly appointed

carriages. Genessano, can you inform us as to when Tuzamos first came

into use on Ento?

Genessano--I am not quite certain, but Inidor[a:] may know. Inidor[a:],

ino intess[a:] varo mûy[a:] Tuzamos inga fosdû?

Inidora--At the time of the Establishment of the National Religion

they were known, for in the Sacred Writings they are referred to, and

not as though they then were a modern invention. I recall that during

my mortal existence I saw pictured representations of those ancient

conveyances, which were quite unlike these admirably constructed and

artistically finished carriages.

George--I have been looking about the city and if you are through with

your observation of the Tuzamos, I can promise Gentol[a:] and Bernard a

view of something that may interest them.

De L'Ester--Come, friends, and learn what our enterprising Englishman

has discovered. Gentol[a:], allow me to assist you. Ah, a temple, and

how beautiful it is. In form it is perfectly circular, with great

flights of steps surrounding about two-thirds of its circumference.

It is built of white marble, and from base to dome its walls are

so covered with intricate and delicate sculpture that it presents

the appearance of beautiful filmy lace. George, this will interest

more than Gentol[a:] and Bernard, for this is the first time that

Inidor[a:], Genessano or I have seen this somewhat noted Temple

Soy[a:]von Teliss[a:]. (Name of Andûman[a:]'s cup bearer.) Gentol[a:],

you will attempt a description of its interior, but as you are not apt

at estimating dimensions, I will say that its diameter is about one

hundred and twenty feet, and that its height from the floor to the apex

of the dome is quite one hundred feet. You now will proceed.

Gentola--Though it is not so spacious or so magnificent as some of the

temples of Camariss[a:], to my mind it is the most beautiful temple I

ever have seen. The walls are marvels of decoration in tinted woods,

paintings and sculpture, which I cannot attempt to describe. The seats

are arranged as in an amphitheater, thus affording a full view of

the altar, which is in the centre of the temple and directly under

the dome. The altar of pure white marble is circular in form, and it

rises tier above tier to a height, I should say, of thirty feet, and

is surmounted by a wonderfully lovely life-size female figure, whose

marble lips are parted by a smile of adorable sweetness. The three

tiers are supported by flower-wreathed marble columns and male and

female forms, their drapery falling about them in such filmy folds that

it seems as though a breath of air might stir it.

Each tier of the altar is sculptured in designs of grains, fruits and

flowers, so delicate, so exquisite, that one scarcely can believe it

the work of mortals. On the lower tier are great golden bowls filled

with grains and fruits, and the air is perfumed with the fragrance of

flowers, whose yellow and crimson blooms are in vivid contrast with the

snowy altar and its adornments. The floor is a mosaic, realistically

representing the azure sky, and radiating from the base of the altar

of sun rays in shades of red and yellow. The temple is lighted through

the great crystal dome, whose blended sun-rays, falling downward onto

the whiteness of the altar, produce an indescribably beautiful and

peculiar effect. Over the temple entrances are inscriptions which you,

Zenest[a:], will be kind enough to translate into my language.

Zenesta Hao--I shall do so with pleasure. Over the eastern entrance

is inscribed, "To Andûman[a:], the Supreme One, Who giveth life and

all that is." Over the northern entrance I read, "Divine Messengers of

Andûman[a:], we implore you to bear to Him our ceaseless supplications

for prolonged life." Over the southern entrance is a prayer which is

the keynote of all Ento prayers. "Sorrowfully, but submissively, we

yield ourselves to Thy decrees, oh Thou Who at Thy pleasure createst

and destroyest."

Gentol[a:], you have come to realize that love of life is the dominant

desire of my people, and I who remember the desolation which death

brought into my own mortal existence can well understand their ever

increasing dread of the certain approach of the unseen, relentless God

Phra (death).

Observe that the western doorway opens into a lofty and wide hallway,

leading to the residence of the high priest and his attendant Priests

and Priestesses. It now is on the stroke of the noon hour, and in all

the temples of Ento prayers and offerings will be made to Andûman[a:]

and His Messengers. You now will resume your descriptive remarks.

Gentola--In the gallery over the western doorway male and female

voices, accompanied by the low tones of a voûhoid[a:] (resembles a pipe

organ) chant softly and continuously. Now the wide doors slide into the

wall, and six boys clothed in red garments enter, bearing golden bowls

filled with grain. They are followed by six girls clothed in yellow,

who bear golden trays of various fruits. Ranging themselves around the

altar, these children place upon it the bowls of grain and trays of

fruit, and retire backward a short distance. Now six youths and as many

maidens approach; the youths bear vases of red, the maidens, vases of

yellow blooms, which also are placed on the altar, and all retire to

near where the children with an expectant air are standing. Quietly

the worshippers have entered, and the chanting of the singers and the

strains of the voûhoid[a:] have grown so mournfully pathetic that I

cannot refrain from tears.

Now the music swells into fuller tones, and with stately tread a

majestic looking Priest advances through the western doorway. He is

clothed in a rich silken red robe, and around his head, holding back

from his forehead his dark, abundant, waved hair is a gold fillet

ornamented with red jewels. Over his forehead the fillet supports a

Sun of red and yellow jewels which are dazzling in their splendor.

In his left hand he carries a long golden rod tipped with a Sun of

red and yellow jewels. As he approaches the altar the people rise,

and with bowed heads stand motionless. Attending him are priests and

priestesses robed in red and yellow, wearing gold fillets adorned with

red and yellow jewelled Suns which gleam against their dusky hair.

Now the high priest raises the Sun tipped rod toward the dome. The

attendant Priests and Priestesses with uplifted hands bend low before

the altar. The people still stand with bowed heads, and the voûhoid[a:]

seems to be murmuring a wordless prayer as he passes around the altar,

touching with the rod each bowl and vase. Having made the circuit of

the altar he bends low toward the east, the north, the south, and the

west, and now, with upturned face, he extends his hands toward the sun

crowned dome, and his lips utter words that I do not understand. Now

as he turns toward the altar his dark hued face glowing with religious

fervor, his luminous eyes shining with the brightness of the jewelled

Sun above his forehead, his majestic form towering above the low

bending worshippers, one might imagine him a veritable God. Zenest[a:],

I beg of you to conclude the description of this scene.

Zenesta Hao--The sun is at its meridian, and its glowing radiance,

falling through the red and gold of the dome, glorifies the snowy altar

and the high priest, who with upraised arms reverently intones a prayer.

High Priest--Andûman[a:], onos zelois[a:] noifen finos endess[a:] raos

t[a:] valo, mûyen quandest[a:]. Raos t[a:] flûen, tsensen toivan oomii.

Neffan imh[a:] vamûny[a:] ēdist[a:] oimen. Endemiss[a:] kenoit[a:]

lotas talit[a:] Neffan doy[a:] tēman gamin[a:]s Di[a:][a:]. R[a:]û.

R[a:]û. R[a:]û.

Zenesta Hao--The midday service is concluded, and to the tremulous

tones of the voûhoid[a:] and the low chanting of the Singers, the High

Priest followed by his attendants and the offering bearers, retires

through the western entrance. Silently the worshippers have dispersed,

and we are the sole occupants of the temple.

Rendered into your language this is the sense of the High Priest's

closing prayer:

Andûman[a:], we beseech Thee to accept our humble offering and our

reverent adoration, and we implore Thee to bestow upon us Thy most

precious gift, lengthened life.

In this instance R[a:]û signifies so be it.

Gentola--Inidor[a:], I should think that this service would remind you

of bygone days.

Inidora--Truly, it does, for my brother and I, with children of

families attached to our parents' estate, were offering bearers of our

home Istoir[a:], of which our father's brother Foras Immo, was Priest.

It was the ardent wish of our Uncle, Foras Immo, that Genessano should

enter the priesthood, but my brother did not favor the idea, so it was

abandoned. On our estate were a number of families whose co-operative

labor afforded them more than an ample subsistence, and Genessano

and I, with their children, who were to us as brothers and sisters,

attended the estate school, over which, for as long as his short life

lasted, our beloved Uncle Foras presided.

De L'Ester informs me that on your planet strange social distinctions

prevail. That employer and employed occupy different social levels.

Since all are the children of the same creative power, how can that be?

Gentola--For the reason that our people are yet very immature; they

do not, as a rule, act justly; thus, there are various grades of

society whose members may be worthy or the reverse. I regret to say

that, on Earth, frequently the accident of birth or the inheritance or

accumulation of wealth, confers upon very unworthy persons high social

distinction and power. I should like to know how this state of affairs

compares with social conditions of Ento.

Zenesta Hao--As De L'Ester desires that I shall reply to your query, I

shall say that with all Entoans merit is the measure of men and women.

I have learned that on your planet official position confers honor and

dignity upon an incumbent. On Ento it is the character and conduct of

the incumbent that confers honor and dignity upon the office. On Ento

official position is regarded as a trust, and woe be to the man or

woman weak or wicked enough to betray it. I may safely say that not

within many centuries have men or women been base enough to, through

official misconduct, forever set themselves apart as something to be

shunned by right minded people. I also have learned that on your

Planet all persons are not equal before the laws of your various

national governments. On Ento, from the Supreme Ruler to the humblest

citizen, all possess equal rights and all are held amenable to the

written and unwritten laws and customs, recognized as being standards

of right conduct. It is true that Ento's Supreme Rulers, in a sense,

are autocratic, their decisions confirming or annulling any law or

usage deemed unsuited to conditions or times; but, whatever the laws

may be, their observance applies to ruler and citizen with equal force.

Of course, this state of society has not always existed; indeed, Ento's

historical records relate that, during many centuries preceding the

establishment of the National Religion, between nations whose rulers

were cruel, ambitious men or women, there was continuous warfare, and

thus the peoples were urged on to mutual destruction. Finally, one

Foras Ah-Hû, of a far north land, gathered about him an immense army,

with which he subdued all opposition and established absolute law and

order. As he proceeded in his mission, the common people hailed him

as their deliverer, as one sent by Andûman[a:] to rescue them from

extermination, but it took quite ten Ento years to allay all disorder

and to establish the government under one Supreme Ruler. Thereafter,

from time to time, insurrections occurred, but ere long unruly persons

came to understand that the laws were for all, and that all must obey

them. The reign of Foras Ah-Hû was one of continuous effort for the

rights of all peoples, and he lived to see the Entoans united under one

ruler, and at his death his eldest son, Foras Ah-Hû, succeeded him as

Supreme Ruler. Emulating his father's admirable example, he established

more firmly such laws and usages as were found to subserve the highest

interests of the entire peoples. From that period onward, the

Entoans, under the protection and control of a firm but beneficent

government, have continuously unfolded in their conceptions of all

that pertains to the welfare of humanity, until in these days the

expressions of their civilization give promise of a grand future. Not

yet have they conceived an idea of the impersonality of the Infinite

Spirit. Not yet have they learned the inestimable fact of their own

immortality. But in thy time and way, oh Thou Infinitely Supreme One,

Thou wilt bring them into a knowledge of the grandest of all truths,

the continuity of life. Friends, if I have spoken at too great length,

you will pardon me. One thought so easily leads to another, and old

memories, like ghostly shades, so clamor for recognition, that they,

not I, must make my apology.

[Illustration: ERINC[A:] MICAN[A:]]

De L'Ester--Make no excuses for having made us your debtors, but here

is George, every line of his face suggesting that he has discovered

something of interest.

George--I cannot say that I have made a discovery, but nearby is

something that will interest Gentol[a:] and Bernard.

De L'Ester--Lead the way and we will follow. Ah, a fountain and the

temple garden and conservatories. Gentol[a:], more than two years ago

Aaron Poole drew for you a flowering vine he named Enrica; look about

you and learn if it may be one of this great variety of shrubs, plants

and vines.

Gentola--It is indeed; the moment we came here I noticed it draping

that trellis and climbing up yonder wall. With its luxuriant foliage

and profusion of pink blossoms, how very pretty it is. Poole did not

tell me that it was an Ento vine, and when I questioned him he only

said, "It is not of this Planet."

De L'Ester--That is just like him. I fancy that he thought to some time

surprise you by showing you the original.

George--He has promised to meet us here, for indeed it was here that

he sketched the Enrica vine which afterward he drew for Gentol[a:].

Always he is so prompt in his engagements that I am surprised that he

has not yet arrived. While awaiting his coming we may look at this

pretty fountain. The central figure of the group, holding aloft the

cluster of rodels (the national flower) is very fine, indeed the entire

composition of male and female figures is admirable. That sun illumined

jet of water, thrown high into the air, thence felling downward

envelops the group as with a shining veil. Gentol[a:], Bernard, come

and look into this basin.

Bernard--Mother, dear, as sure as anything these are gold and silver

fishes. Do not they exactly resemble those you have on Earth? Yes, they

are larger, and their tails and fins are oddly shaped; otherwise the

resemblance is very close.

De L'Ester--Lohaû, lohaû, ēmano Poole. For some time George has been

fretting and fuming over your late arrival; now he is so occupied as to

be oblivious of your presence.

Aaron Poole--I greet you all, and I beg a thousand pardons for having

kept you waiting.

George--Aaron, I shall no longer hold you up to admiring worlds as a

model of punctuality. You are a full hour late.

Aaron Poole--Allow me to greet Gentol[a:], then I shall explain my

delay. Gentol[a:], I rejoice that at last we meet face to face.

Although for nearly ten years we have held frequent converse, and your

face has grown as familiar to me as is my own, only now you see me.

Gentola--I am equally rejoiced that I can see you. Ever since I have

known you and some other spirit friends, I have been curious as to your

and their appearance. I have thought of you and of them as one thinks

of physical personalities. Yet in some way I have formed nearly correct

ideas of your and their forms and features. But I must say that you are

taller than I had thought you might be.

Aaron Poole--My height is six feet and one inch, and that is nearly

the height of a particular friend of yours who has been permitted to

accompany me on this visit to Ento. This way, my blond Apollo.

Gentola--Well of all the wonders of this wonderful experience, this to

me is the most surprising. Will Cox, you dear, dear boy. Oh, I am so

glad to see you. So, so glad, and to think that after all these years,

we meet on the Planet Mars--I mean on the Planet Ento. George, do be

quiet; I shall cry if I wish to. Will, you dear boy, you are handsomer

than you were in Earth life. Oh, I wish your mother could see you, your

mother who so adored you, and who never ceases to mourn for you. While

I laugh and cry, do tell me something of yourself. Why, Will, you, too,

are crying. Don't do that. I was so surprised that I--I forgot myself;

but I won't cry any more, and you shall smile too. There, that is like

yourself.

William Cox--My dearest friend, let me call you Lady Sara, as I once

did. I am so overjoyed to meet you, so glad, so thankful to the Divine

Spirit that we both have learned that life is continuous. When at the

home of Mr. Wicks we were about to part to meet no more on Earth, you

said, "Oh, Will, promise me that if you die before I do, and shall

continue to exist, and can return to this world, that you will come to

me to tell me if there is another life than this," how little I knew of

what would come to me and to you, too, dear Lady Sara. When I passed to

the Spirit side and to my own place, almost my first Earth memory was

of my promise to you, and for your sake, and that you might be better

able to comfort my dear, sorrowing mother, I, with the assistance of

kind spirit friends, strove to reach your consciousness, and when,

after two years, we succeeded, I wept for very joy. I should so like to

talk with you indefinitely, but I must not abuse the special privilege

of this visit to you. Then, too, I am one of a Band of Spirits to whom

has been assigned the accomplishment of a certain mission, and my leave

of absence must not exceed the time specified. Be assured, dear friend,

that I never lose sight of you. Your sorrows have been my own, and when

Bernard passed to our side of life, and your condition was so critical

that we feared that you, too, might come before this Mission should be

accomplished, your friend Will was one of many who sustained you with

our strength until you regained composure and a degree of health.

I have learned that these friends have given you a new and I must say

an appropriate name, but for the sake of old times and memories, to

me you are Lady Sara, and when the hour of your coming to the Spirit

side shall arrive, I will be one of many loving friends to meet and

greet you. Some day my dear mother and other dear ones may learn of

this meeting, and she and they will know that I love them always. Now

kiss me good-bye until we shall meet where not even a thin veil hides

beloved faces from the gaze of lovelit eyes.

Gentola--Good-bye, Will, good-bye, and watch out for me, for the years

are falling away like beads off a broken string, and it will not be

long before I shall come to the World of Spirits. Until then I may not

again see your face, but I will not forget, no, I will not forget.

Aaron Poole--It was a little unfair to take you so by surprise, but

Will, dear fellow, insisted upon it. He was curious to learn if you

would recognize him. You will be glad to know that he is very

aspiring and ever ready to lend a helping hand, and that his progress

is all that those who love him could desire.

[Illustration: FLOITZA]

Now I shall tell you why my coming was so delayed. You all are aware

that I have been on the Spirit Side nearly thirty years, and that at

the time of my passing over I was a little under thirty years old.

Within a few following years, my dear parents also passed to the Spirit

Side, my four brothers and two sisters, all younger than myself,

surviving them. Suddenly, this morning, my eldest brother also came.

Leaving him in the care of our parents and other loving ones, I have

hastened here, but desire to as quickly as possible return to assist in

restoring him to consciousness. Gentol[a:], you may not know that those

who suddenly pass from the physical body require special treatment for

restoration to a consciousness of their changed condition. The occasion

of his sudden passing over was arterial suffusion of the brain, which

almost instantaneously released him.

Gentol[a:], the special reason for my coming at this time is that we

may select from this fine collection of plants a subject or two for

illustration. You no doubt have recognized the Enrica vine. I had

thought to have the pleasure of showing it to you, but, as De L'Ester

would say, "L'homme propose, et Dieu dispose," which perhaps is as true

as many other aphorisms. Now we will look about for a subject or two.

Gentola--Here is a pretty vine laden with pink blooms. Is it too

delicate for our purpose?

Aaron Poole--Rather so; still I will sketch it. Its name is Ilsoimen

galistan (bride of morning). As it is difficult to control we must

select simple if less beautiful forms. Here is a flowering shrub, the

Floitza, that I will venture to sketch. It is attractive, and its

foliage and blooms are not at all complex in structure. Yes, those

are varieties of the same shrub, pink, purple, blue and white. We will

attempt the blue variety. Now we will look through the conservatories

and you shall select the next subject.

Gentola--Dear me, there is such an endless variety, and all so pretty

that I cannot decide; were it not so difficult to control me, I should

select this lovely crimson flower, but the foliage is so extremely

delicate that it is not to be thought of. George, you have mentioned a

certain plant that I should like to see; then I will decide. Ah, that

is indeed a very attractive plant; looks as though it might be of the

cactus family. Aaron, what do you think of it? Is it too complex for my

poor ability?

Aaron Poole--I cannot quite determine, but we will try it. I shall

have to ask one of our Ento friends to give us the name of this plant.

Inidor[a:], as you are something of a botanist, you may enlighten us.

Inidora--It is Ilno bers[a:]. Zenest[a:] says that in Gentol[a:]'s

language it would be hairy crawler. The habit of the plant is to crawl

over rocks or any like support, though here it is trained over both a

rockery and a low trellis.

Aaron Poole--This hairy crawler is Ilno bers[a:], and the vine with

its wealth of pink blooms is Ilsoimen. The shrub is the blue Floitza,

a pretty name for a pretty shrub. With these three sketches for the

present we will content ourselves.

Now I must leave you, but as soon as my dear brother shall have

regained consciousness and grown somewhat accustomed to his changed

condition, I shall be free to again be with you. Gentol[a:], while all

your dear ones are deeply interested in this Mission, they long for its

culmination, so that you may find leisure to receive them, for they,

perhaps more than yourself, miss their former frequent communion

with you. With pleasure I shall bear to them your loving message. Now,

mes amis, au revoir.

[Illustration: HNOBERSA]

De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], these great conservatories, devoted to the

special cultivation of these red and yellow blooms, furnishes the

temple flower offerings, which, with the crystal Sun of the dome, the

mosaic Sun radiating from the altar, and the red and yellow robes

and ornaments of the High Priest and his assistants, symbolize the

imaginary abode of Andûman[a:].

Now, George, we will rise and move slowly around Taimon, thus affording

Gentol[a:] and Bernard a view of the scenery and architecture of the

many towns and villages beautifying its shores. Gentol[a:], again we

have for you a surprise and the fulfillment of a promise, which we

anticipate will add to your enjoyment of your visits to Ento. Bernard,

dear boy, you are only strong enough to sustain yourself. Allow George

to assist your mother. Is not it pleasure enough to journey by her

side? Ah, fond hearts, I understand, I understand.

Gentola--I am sure that you do. Never mind, dear lad, I will take the

will for the deed. Do not rise higher, friends, else I shall not see so

clearly as you all do. What lovely views. Certainly the architecture of

those towns and villages is very beautiful. Yonder is a long train of

Tuzamos rushing across the country, and see those huge vessels crossing

the lake in all directions and coming and going on the Waterway. To me

those Waterways are a source of continual wonderment. How were they

excavated? How have the Entoans found courage, endurance or means to

accomplish such gigantic works?

De L'Ester--To show you the process of excavation, which is so

excellent as to not require extraordinary courage or endurance, will

be the most satisfactory reply to your first two questions; as for the

means required, the general government attends to that. I promise

you that, a little later on, you shall observe the construction of a

Waterway.

Gentola--I shall not forget to remind you of your promise. Yonder is

another pretty town, and there are one, two, three circular temples,

and again it occurs to me that nowhere have I seen a spire.

De L'Ester--The tall, pointed spire is not a feature of Ento

architecture. On our planet its origin dates back to a period when

humanity was on a low animal plane. Yes, the architecture of Ento is

exceedingly ornate; exteriorly, to my mind, it is used to excess,

while interiorly, sculpture, carvings and mosaics produce wonderfully

rich and beautiful effects. In some of the public edifices and

sumptuous private residences which you yet will see there are mosaics

so exceedingly fine that nowhere have we seen anything of the kind

surpassing them. On certain edifices you have observed lofty towers

of excellent design. They are not merely architectural features, but

are towers of observation. Not skyward, oh, no, but for horizontal

distances.

You have been informed that their religion prohibits the Entoans from

attempting to learn aught concerning Astranol[a:], the imaginary realm

beyond the clouds, wherein dwells their revered and feared Gods and

Goddesses, so their telescopes, which are of great excellence, are

used only for field purposes; that is, for observation of the annual

floods and the like. But soon the radiance of their Spirit World will

penetrate their consciousness, and advanced Spirits will be able to

disabuse their minds of their fallacious beliefs relating to the here

and the hereafter, and ere long, aided by enlarged telescopes, their

learned ones will be gazing upon the wonder of myriad worlds, moving in

stately grandeur through measureless space.

Extending from northward to southward is an elevation covered with

great forest trees, undergrowth and vegetation. It is another mountain

vestige, and once the waters of Lois[a:] T[a:]imon bathed its rocky

base, but now a level stretch of some miles lies between it and the

lake. Look now far along the plateau toward the north, and tell us what

you see.

Gentola--Afar off I see a great city, extending from the lake shore

across the plain, up the slope, across the plateau, down its further

side, and--that is as far as my vision reaches.

De L'Ester--We will draw nearer. Now what do you see?

Gentola--I see a city so extensive, so marvellously beautiful, that I

am almost persuaded that you have brought me into some spirit realm.

Never have I seen anything so grandly, so magnificently beautiful as

yonder white and gold city, and this is the fulfillment of your promise

to some time, somewhere, show me a city surpassing any city of Earth.

To, if possible, enhance its beauty, nature has luxuriantly draped

sculptured walls and loftiest towers with wreaths of flower-laden

vines, amid which are bees and birds innumerable, all adding their

beauty to the enchantment of the scene. The streets are of great width

and paved as smoothly as floors. There are no small, mean-looking

houses, no evidences of poverty or degradation. With all my heart I

wish that this city might be exhibited to our Earth peoples as an

example of what humanity may attain to. The streets are alive with

people, and motor and tramway carriages are passing in all directions,

yet there is very little noise and no apparent confusion. I should like

to know why those tramway carriages are so noiseless.

De L'Ester--I only can say that they are so scientifically constructed

that I cannot explain their mechanism. The tramway rails are welded

into unbroken lines, which, at short intervals, rest on cushions

of an elastic substance very like caoutchouc, which prevents noisy

jolting and jarring. Then, too, the speed of all manner of vehicles is

carefully timed and regulated. Unlike the immature peoples of our own

immature Planet, the Entoans are exceedingly careful of their own and

the lives and rights of others.

You perceive that all street intersections are spanned by elegantly

constructed bridges, over which people and vehicles pass slowly and

safely. No, the Entoans are not indolent, but they are too wise to rush

toward the undesired end of their existence. Indeed, every possible

precaution against injury or death is observed. No, owing to the annual

inundation, underground transit is not feasible. Yes, of course, the

construction and maintenance of such public utilities is costly, but as

Ento has no wars, the governmental revenues are amply sufficient for

all necessary purposes.

Now we will descend to the lawn of yonder white golden-domed residence

of the governor of this Province of Wy[a:]mo, whose capital is the

white and gold city Kûltymo Tylû, which, in the English language would

be Elevated City. It is the largest, and to my mind, the most beautiful

city of Ento.

Facing us is the governor's residence. To the right are the official

departments. To the left is a spacious structure devoted to such

amusements as Entoans indulge in. Yes, they dance, but in a rather

serious fashion. The movements of the various dances are slow,

graceful, stately and rhythmically in harmony with the musical

measures, with which their forms, more than their feet, keep time. Yes,

the drama, too, finds its place among the amusements of the people, but

its purpose is to instruct as well as to amuse. I scarcely know how

to characterize the plays. Certainly, they are not tragic, neither do

they represent the serio-comic. I should say that they are more nearly

on the plane of high comedy, and Earth's pleasure loving peoples would

consider them very tame. I can say for them that, in composition and

representation, they are models of purity and of art. This is one of

Ento's finest official residences, and in every niche and angle of its

massive walls are sculptured forms of divinities or of distinguished

Entoans, so finely executed as to command one's profound admiration.

A grand flight of steps leads up to the spacious portico, whose lofty

roof is supported by massive fluted marble columns, whose capitals are

a strong reminder of the Corinthian capital.

Observe this imposing entrance, whose rose tinted doors are framed

in rose tinted woods, so highly, so exquisitely colored, that their

beauty is but slightly enhanced by these very artistic carvings. We

will now enter and afford you and Bernard a view of the interior of the

dwelling. This wide and deep hallway, with its broad staircase, leading

upward to a second floor, thence to other floors and the domed roof,

is very admirable. It is a composition of rose marble, onyx, carved,

rose colored woods and mosaics so exquisitely beautiful, as to be

incomparably artistic. It is well that the dainty blooms, child faces

and lovely arabesques of the floor are protected by these fine rugs.

Evidently the staircases are more for ornamentation than for use, for

at the further end of the hallway is an elegantly appointed elevator,

into which, at this moment, a stately looking gentleman is stepping. He

is Darraon Olēv[a:]s, Governor of Wy[a:]mo, and as uninvited guests we

will proceed to the dining hall of his excellency's residence. To do

so we will pass through this panelled vestibule, whose ornamentation

of inlaid fruits and flower designs, is indeed very fine. The light

filtering through the large rose and opalescent crystal window

irradiates it with a softened glow which is a fitting prelude to the

rich coloring of the apartment beyond this sumptuous silken drapery.

Stand here, Gentol[a:], and attempt a short description of this

immense, elliptically formed room and its appurtenances.

Gentola--Where shall I begin? With the floor? Well, to my taste, it

presents the most beautiful mosaic work I yet have seen. It is so

exceedingly lovely that it seems a profanation to step on it. The

field is opal tinted, and the border is very broad and rich, but not

at all highly colored. From among its foliage and flowers, vines and

delicately hued blossoms trail all over the field, and they are so

realistic that they seem to be growing there.

At equal distances around the walls of the great room are wide panels

of a wood resembling mahogany, but tinted a dull rose color. In the

centre of each wide panel is a narrow fluted one of a lighter shade

of rose colored wood, and all are carried up the walls and across the

curved ceiling, where they meet under large rosettes of rose colored

woods. In the centre of each rosette is a lighting apparatus, which is

not at all like a chandelier, and which I am not competent to describe.

I can only say that it is a combination of gold filigree work and many

rose tinted crystal lilies inclosed in a gauzelike network of some

transparent material.

De L'Ester--You might add that when the electric light is turned on,

the network forms a sort of halo about the flowers, whose pale rose

tints lend a softened and beautiful effect, and I will add, that, in

the near future, one of your inspired ones will invent a very similar

electric appliance.

Gentola--Where the panels curve between the walls and ceiling there

are great carved clusters of flowers and foliage, of woods of various

colors and the shadings are so fine that the compositions are very

beautiful and lifelike. Between the panels, the walls are opalescent,

and are adorned with paintings and handsome shelf-like projections, on

which are the loveliest vases, statuettes and other bric-a-brac. At the

west end of the room are two wide and lofty windows, over which falls

exquisite lace and rich rose colored silken draperies, the borders

ornamented with gold embroidery. Between the windows is an immense

buffet, built into the wall, which appears to be a combination of

carved and inlaid woods, of precious metals and jewels. On its highly

ornamental shelves are various wares, very like some of the fine wares

we have on our planet, and there are goblets and other vessels of

crystal that shine with the brilliancy of diamonds. Some pieces are set

with jewels of various colors, and they are exceedingly pretty. Through

the crystalline doors of its compartments I see vessels of gold, of

silver and of a metal that appears to be enamelled in tints of pale,

lustrous green. The latter are ornamented with stones of a deeper tint

of green, and they are so beautiful that I should like to have one of

them. As for the shapes of these many lovely things, I am surprised

that they are so like the forms of Earth's china, glass and other wares.

De L'Ester--Recall a lecture you heard in the Galarēs[a:], in which it

was stated that not only is art long, but that form in its manifold

expressions is universal. It is the manifestation of a natural law, and

in accordance with the degree of their evolvement, everywhere, not only

humans, but all orders of life express it in finer or cruder fashion.

Gentola--I believe that it is true, for through my limited observation

of our moon, and my larger observation of Ento's and Earth's forms,

whether natural or mechanical, I have found startling resemblances;

frequently exact likenesses of the forms of either planet.

To return to a further description of the buffet. Its table of pearl

tinted onyx, veined with palest green, is bordered by a luxuriant

vine, whose leaves are composed of minute green stones, so shaded as

to present a very natural effect. The vine and tendrils also are of

stones, representing their brown and green tints. The large, purple

clusters of fruit are of amethysts or similar stones. Genessano says,

that the vine is a taliss[a:] fûen[a:], but I should say, it is a

veritable grape vine. Anyway, it is very pretty, and its purple fruit

suggests a question. Do the Entoans make wine and other intoxicants?

De L'Ester--These Ento friends, Inidor[a:], Genessano and Zenest[a:]

H[a:]o, say that, since time immemorial the Entoans have used fermented

and distilled liquors, but never as intoxicants, their Sacred Writings

forbidding the abuse of any of Andûman[a:]'s gifts to His children. No,

although of a wine drinking race, I never during my mortal existence,

experienced a sense of intoxication. Did mortals understand that

drunkenness is not alone a benumbing of the senses, a more or less

pronounced anaesthesia, but that gradually it occasions a separation

between the ego and the animal soul or conscious self, and that

continued excesses lead to a wider separateness, a final domination

of the animal soul, and that when dissolution occurs, the alcoholized

spirit body has become a fit tenement for its wretched occupant, in

fear and horror they would recoil from a peril so deadly. These friends

will verify my statement that on no other planet have we observed such

a strong tendency toward drunkenness as exists on Earth. Why is this

so? Briefly then, the activities of heredity never fail, and some

dominant primitive races of Earth, having looked upon wine when it was

red, transmitted the vicious tendency to their descendants, and they

in turn to after generations unnumbered. Certainly, it is true that,

what are termed acquired tastes for this or that, are nearly, if not

always based upon hereditary tendencies. Now, pray proceed.

Gentola--Against the walls are many chairs of beautifully carved,

rose tinted wood. The seats are not upholstered, but are of a highly

polished, very pale rose tinted wood, and oddly enough they are held or

rather they hang on pretty golden brackets projecting from the walls.

There is no dining table or even one small one. On what is food served?

De L'Ester--Wait a little and you shall learn. In the meantime we

will enter an adjoining room used for the storage of table and other

appointments, which doubtless we will find attractive. You will please

mention such as may interest you.

Gentola--How very beautiful. What a wonderful collection. Gold, silver,

crystal and other lovely wares in endless profusion. Evidently many

of them are for decorative purposes. Such a collection is enough to

make one covetous. Imagine me landing in my own home with one of these

magnificent vases in my arms. Not for a moment would any one believe

that it came from the planet known to them as Mars. Neither would I

believe it were I some one else.

Again, I cannot refrain from a sense of surprise that I find here

plates, pitchers, bowls, cups and saucers and all that constitutes an

elaborate table service. And here are goblets, and a great variety

of drinking glasses and other pieces of glassware, of such beautiful

shapes and of such exceeding brilliancy that it is superior to any cut

glass I ever have seen.

De L'Ester--Zenest[a:] says that in a province immediately south

of Ondû is a deposit of a peculiar sand especially adapted to the

manufacture of this fine glass. Although diligently sought for,

nowhere else has a like deposit been discovered; hence, this ware is

highly prized. Observe this elaborate centre piece of gold, crystal

and precious stones. It is a great, four handled bowl with a small,

beautiful vase on either handle. The bowl is for fruit, the vases for

flowers.

As your question relating to the serving of food is about to be

answered, we will stand in this doorway, which, you perceive, is

slightly above the level of the dining hall floor. Observe that nearly

the entire length of the floor is in two equal divisions, so nicely

adjusted as not to be perceptible. Now they separate, and noiselessly

are drawn under this and the opposite apartments, and from below rises

a sumptuously appointed table laden with viands of most tempting

appearance. Thus is your question answered.

Observe that the floor on which the table rests is of highly polished,

deeply tinted, rose colored wood, which exactly fits into the space

left vacant by the withdrawal of the mosaic floor. Yes, in most fine

Ento dwellings dining halls for special occasions are arranged in this

manner. In ordinary dwellings dining room floors are stationary, as is

the floor of the adjoining family dining room. Now a very important

looking person enters, takes a critical survey of the table, touches

a button in the wall, and a number of attendants enter and quietly

detach the seats from the walls and place them about the table. There

are twenty covers, and evidently the repast is more of a luncheon than

a dinner. Observe the floral decorations. A centre piece, quite as

beautiful as the one we have been admiring, is filled with golden hued

fruit and sweet scented, creamy blooms, and at either end of the table

are lovely vases filled with clusters of the same fragrant blossoms.

Though the food is generous in quantity and variety, the table is not

overladen. There are breads of various kinds with dainty dishes of

fruits and confections nice enough to tempt an epicure, but you will

observe that there are no meats, save fishes, which are prepared as a

salad. Inidor[a:], what is the name of this luscious looking fruit?

Inidora--Oond[a:] we name it. It is agreeably acidulous, of an aromatic

flavor and grows only in tropical and in semi-tropical countries.

Gentol[a:] may recall that in the vicinity of Camariss[a:] and somewhat

further northward there are many extensive plantations of low, wide

spreading trees, wearing dark green, glossy foliage. Those were

oond[a:]s lot[a:]s (oond[a:]s trees) and these are their fruit and

fragrant, lovely blooms. Nay, you owe me no thanks.

Gentola--I hear a sound as of sweet, low toned bells, and voices of

persons coming nearer and nearer; and now they are entering preceded

by a very tall, extremely handsome youth of bronze complexion, fine

features, large, dark, brilliant eyes, blue-black, waving hair, held

back by a gemmed fillet, and white teeth gleaming between his parted

scarlet lips. As he approaches, bearing aloft a golden tray heaped high

with oond[a:] blooms, he presents a picture of uncommon beauty. There

are nine men and as many women, the latter clothed so beautifully in

loose, graceful, white silken, gold embroidered robes that, henceforth,

I shall detest the dress with which I have been accustomed to torment

and disfigure myself. The important looking person seats the guests,

and the youth crowns each one with a chaplet of oond[a:] blossoms. But

two seats, one at either end of the table, are still vacant. Again

the sweet toned bells are sounding. The guests rise, and with a most

graceful movement of their hands, salute a stately, handsome man and a

very lovely woman, who with gracious smiles and graceful salutations,

approach and take the vacant seats, and the guests resume theirs. Now

the youth approaches the host and hostess, tendering them chaplets

of oond[a:] blossoms, which they receive and retain in their hands.

Inidor[a:] will be kind enough to continue the description which to me

grows somewhat unintelligible.

Inidora--As a recognition of Andûman[a:]'s gift of this golden fruit

to his children the annual feast of the oond[a:] is observed by all

Entoans. Oond[a:] in your language would mean divine, and as it is the

favorite fruit of the dwellers in Astranol[a:], it is thought to be

appropriately named.

Those who have this moment entered are the governor of Wy[a:]mo,

Darraon Olēv[a:]s and his wife, the Lady Noûni[a:]. Now the governor

rises, and bearing aloft his chaplet, he approaches his wife and places

it on her head, fervently praying: "Andûman[a:], Creator and Giver of

all good gifts even as I crown Thy child with oond[a:] blooms, so crown

Thou her with the priceless blessing of a long and happy life;" and the

guests respond, "R[a:]û, r[a:]û, r[a:]û." Now he kneels by the side of

his wife, and as she places her chaplet on his head, with trembling

lips she implores Andûman[a:] to prolong the days of her beloved,

and that they may be as full of the fragrance of noble deeds as are

oond[a:] blooms full of the perfume of Andûman[a:]'s breath, and again

the guests respond, "R[a:]û, r[a:]û, r[a:]û."

De L'Ester--We regret that we cannot devote further time to

observation of this attractive festival, but affairs relating to

our mission grow more pressing than you are aware of, and we must

hasten our movements. We now will ascend to the upper floors. Yes,

the decorations and furnishings of these spacious apartments are

of the best art productions of Ento, and certainly they are beyond

unfavorable criticism. You have learned that Ento's textile fabrics

are surpassingly excellent; so you are not surprised at the beauty of

designs, coloring and quality of these draperies, rugs, upholstery and

other appurtenances of this elegantly appointed residence. Yes, in most

Ento residences, large or small, somewhat sumptuous furnishings are the

rule, rather than exception. In arts and manufactures the Entoans have

progressed beyond the tawdry and mean, and all who so desire, may, at

small cost, gratify cultivated tastes.

We now will go out on the balcony, George. Yes, the dome balcony. Do

not you think that Vil Tylû (White City) would be as appropriate a name

for this city as it was for your World's Fair City? And now that we

have fulfilled our promise, may we hope that you are not disappointed?

Gentola--Dear friends, the fulfillment of your promise exceeds my

anticipations, and as I gaze in all directions I am filled with wonder

and admiration for this extensive, this grandly beautiful White and

Gold City. The absence of all indications of poverty is in itself a

charm, and it appears so immaculately clean and so new, that one might

imagine it the creation of a very recent time.

Genessano--On the contrary, previous to the inception of the Irrigating

and Waterways System, it was a city of importance, and as now, the

capital of Wy[a:]mo. At the time that the proposed irrigating system

was under consideration the then governor of Wy[a:]mo was one of

its most enthusiastic supporters and later an indefatigable worker

who lived to see the System assume unlooked for proportions and

incalculable beneficence. His successors followed his fine example,

and a time arrived when the Irrigated Belt touched Kûltymo's limit

on the north, and you perceive that now it penetrates quite into the

System. During later centuries the population has so increased as to

necessitate encroachment upon the agricultural lands northward, and

now in that direction the city's suburb is parallel with the northern

shore of T[a:]imon.

Kûltymo Tylû is favored beyond any city of our planet, for though

it is within the equatorial zone, it is far enough northward to

possess a moderately temperate and most salubrious climate. Then

northward, Lake T[a:]imon and the great Waterway affords an outlet for

shipping, passing not only in that, but in all directions, and Cēhylû

Ooltēm[a:]h, rising in the far north, runs southward, pouring its

immense volumes into the System, thus affording highways for vessels

of the largest size. In the distance, and toward the northeast, is

Lake Komû-tēles[a:] (lake of Springs) another considerable body of

fresh water, and if you will look in that direction you will perceive

that, through a continuation of the Waterway, it communicates with

T[a:]imon, and that on its placid bosom vessels great and small are

passing to and fro. Later, through observation, you will learn that the

Waterways with their attendant feeders, directly or indirectly connect

with nearly all the freshwater lakes and rivers of our Planet, and that

all within certain degrees of latitude are embraced by the system.

Thus, Kûltymo Tylû has at its doors extensive water transportation,

added to which Tûz[a:]mos and air Transports bring it into ready

communication with all portions of the planet, from whence it receives

all manner of products. In turn Kûltymo Tylû exports immense quantities

of manufactured goods and art wares, but its principal distinction

is its great art school and library, to which come students from all

over Ento. I, like yourselves, am enchanted with the beauty of this

white and gold city, which to me suggests a great white bird, its

body resting on the broad plateau, the tip of one snowy wing touching

T[a:]imon, the other spreading toward the lovely valley Ins[a:]lû,

and the neck and head gracefully curving downward over the northern

slope of the plateau, to drink of the shining, vivifying waters of the

beneficent System. Bernard, have you naught to say of this great city?

Bernard--Yes, aside from cities of our Spirit World, I have seen none

to compare with it. As my dear mother has said, the beauty of its

architecture, its exceeding cleanliness and absence of poverty are its

most attractive features, and I quite agree with her. But, Genessano,

you did not complete your simile; you forgot to give your bird a tail.

Genessano--You are very right; I did forget. Well, for my tailless bird

I shall from among yonder gleaming, golden domes and snowy towers,

whose symmetrical beauty is heightened by a southern background

of fleecy clouds and azure sky, gather plumage as fine as that of

alzoyt[a:]s, the sacred bird of Astranol[a:], whose wide-spreading

wings over-shadow death's darkened realm.

Gentola--I beg that you will not take offense at my boy's inconsiderate

speech. During his Earth life always he saw the droll side of things,

and in that direction I do not find him changed.

Bernard--Mother, dear, I meant no offense; so Genessano could take none.

Genessano--That is as true as truth. Bernard and I are as two opposing

mirrors, each reflecting images upon the other's face; thus one never

misunderstands the other's motives, and Bernard's ever are kind. Let

this fraternal embrace assure you of our mutual good will.

De L'Ester--We will rise to the upper balcony, from which we will

command a still more extensive view of the city and its suburbs, and

you, Gentol[a:], will give expression to whatever may impress you.

Gentola--To me the extent of this city is surprising. Eastward its

limit is beyond my power of vision. Southward domes, turrets and lofty

columns lose themselves amid the mists of the horizon. Northward,

for mile after mile, on the level; thence down the sloping plateau

and across the far reaching plain, the white and gold wonder spreads

itself. In that direction, in the middle of some of the wide streets,

are canals, on which small boats, carrying passengers or freight, are

passing to and fro. At intervals the canals are spanned by handsome

bridges, over which a variety of vehicles are passing. Toward the

southwest T[a:]imon, which you say is nearly twenty miles away, mirrors

in its waters the great warehouses and manufactories which line its

shores. It occurs to me to ask why chimneys are not features of Ento

architecture. Even those great structures have none.

Inidora--Many centuries previous to my existence on Ento electrical

appliances had come into such general use that in all cities, towns,

villages and pretentious country places, they almost were the sole

agencies for heating, lighting, culinary and other purposes, and yet

some families of the Soûvannallos and of another race far southward,

still adhere to ancient domestic usages. Certainly they are the only

Entoans who persist in using fireplaces and chimneys, which no longer

are features of Ento architecture.

De L'Ester--Northward and southward, along the level of the plateau,

and eastward and westward, toward Ins[a:]lû-Valley and Lake T[a:]imon,

there are many stupendously tall and massive towers, whose average

height is about one thousand feet, and whose bases seem substantial

enough to support Ento's satellites. The skill and daring involved in

their construction is both admirable and surprising. In their interiors

are elevators which carry to the height of their summits persons and

things connected with their service. They are used for a system of

electric lighting, and also as watch towers during the annual floods

and on their summits are as fine observation telescopes as we have

seen. Yes, when those great towers are lighted, night is well nigh

turned into day. How little the peoples of our planet yet comprehend

what may be, and ere long will be, accomplished through the agency of

electricity, whose civilizing power is illimitable. I should like to

inform you as to one of its achievements, and at another time will do

so.

You are exhausted, and we must hold you no longer. We will not come for

you to-morrow morning, but at two o'clock in the afternoon. Earlier we

will be at D[a:]o to meet friends who are interested in our mission.

Yes, friends from Ento's and other planetary Spirit Worlds. Be patient;

the time is near when you will see them as you see us. For yet a little

while Spirit forces will hold Vallo[a:] in her physical form, for it

would not be well should she pass to the Spirit side before all things

are in readiness for the culmination of our mission.

Friends, George, Bernard and I will bear Gentol[a:] safely to her home;

then I must go elsewhere, but to-morrow we all will meet at D[a:]o.

Gentol[a:], rest your right hand on George's shoulder. Bernard, place

your right arm about your mother and your left hand on my shoulder, and

now for the Sorrowful star, toward which this mighty magnetic current

bears us with the velocity of thought, and here in your quiet room,

where twilight shadows have fallen, we leave you until the morrow.

Bernard, make your adieu, for before she may be disturbed, I desire

to see your mother recover herself. Ah, that is well. Yes, we still

are here, and pleased that you so readily have regained your usual

condition. As we have held you overlong to-day, I pray you, rest, rest,

rest. Now au revoir.