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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..def2b18 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #54733 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54733) diff --git a/old/54733-0.txt b/old/54733-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ce75386..0000000 --- a/old/54733-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14624 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Manatitlans, by R. Elton Smile - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Manatitlans - or, A record of recent scientific explorations in the - Andean La Plata, S.A. - -Author: R. Elton Smile - -Release Date: May 16, 2017 [EBook #54733] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MANATITLANS *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - THE MANATITLANS; - OR A - RECORD - OF - SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATIONS - IN THE - ANDEAN LA PLATA, S. A. - - - R. ELTON SMILE, - - PRO-SCRIPTOR. - - - Buenos Ayres: - _Calla Derécho, Imprenta De Razon_, - 1877. - - - - - U. S. Copyright - - BY - - ELTON R. SMILE. - - - - - DEDICATED - - AS A - - MEMORIAL TRIBUTE OF AFFECTION - - TO THE EVER PRESENT ANIMUS OF MY - - PARENTS, SISTERS, MRS. HIRAM HOLLY, AND - MRS. SOPHIA VISCHER. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CONTENTS - - - PREFATORY INTRODUCTION. BY THE HISTORIOGRAPHER - CHAPTER I. - CHAPTER II. - CHAPTER III. - CHAPTER IV. - CHAPTER V. - CHAPTER VI. - CHAPTER VII. - CHAPTER VIII. - CHAPTER IX. - CHAPTER X. - CHAPTER XI. - CHAPTER XII. - CHAPTER XIII. - CHAPTER XIV. - CHAPTER XV. - CHAPTER XVI. - CHAPTER XVII. - CHAPTER XVIII. - CHAPTER XIX. - CHAPTER XX. - CHAPTER XXI. - CHAPTER XXII. - CHAPTER XXIII. - CHAPTER XXIV. - CHAPTER XXV. - CHAPTER XXVI. - CHAPTER XXVII. - CHAPTER XXVIII. - CHAPTER XXIX. - CHAPTER XXX. - CHAPTER XXXI. - CHAPTER XXXII. - CHAPTER XXXIII. - CONCLUSION. - - - - - PREFATORY INTRODUCTION. - BY THE HISTORIOGRAPHER - - -In the following record of the explorations of the Teutonic corps of the -R. H. B. Society of Berlin, dispatched for the classification of -parasitical animalculæ peculiar to the vegetable productions of the -tropics, I shall confine myself exclusively to the revelations of the -day until the culmination of the corps discoveries, and then to -Manatitlan dictation, either direct or through the medium of thought -dictation. - -The discoveries, as verified, will undoubtedly tax “public credulity” to -its utmost stretch; but as the absorptive power of human instinct for -the marvelous is unlimited in its superstitious gullibility, it will -peradventure receive—with perhaps an awkward spasm from the novelty of -goodness—the practical experience adduced as worthy of disputatious -consideration. Still we feel assured that there is a reasonable minority -who will adopt the practical suggestions with joyful avidity. The facts -related—although at present stranger than the instinctive fictions -projected from the unreason of the stomach’s rule—will prove, to the -affectionately disposed, of easy reconciliation with healthy digestion, -and in every respect worthy of universal adoption by our race. Assuming -the privilege of narrative relation in recording the progressive events, -I shall only advert to the leading adventures of the scientific corps -while en route toward their ultimate field of exploitation. But while in -progress shall endeavor to render the characteristic peculiarities of -the members sufficiently conspicuous for the clear exposition of their -national traits, that the reader may realize the obstacles opposed, in -degree, to their assimilation with the practical teachings of the -Manatitlans demonstrated by Heraclean example. - -Lucenhouck, in prophetic forecast, says, “Man, in the arrogance of his -pride, believes that he is of a race separate and distinct from the -lower orders of the animal creation. Assuming attributes of deity he has -constituted himself arbitrator of his own destiny. Yet, with all his -affectation of superiority, there is an approximation in his form and -physical conformation that distinctly declares his relationship to the -simia species; among which there is as great a variety in form and -racial intelligence as with those of the genus to which he stands -confessed. With the full development of microscopical power, future -generations will learn that the wonders of Creation are beyond present -conception, and that well defined organic humanity may yet be revealed -on the utmost verge of atomic divisibility.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE MANATITLANS. - - - - - BOOK FIRST. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - -In the month of January, 187-, M. Hollydorf was selected to conduct an -exploring corps of the R. H. B. Society to the head waters of the -Paraguay and its tributaries, for the purpose of observing the habits -and classifying the different species of animalcular life native to the -trees and plants appertaining to those regions. The Royal Society had -supplied him with able assistants, and the most complete set of -instruments ever constructed for botanical or other research in the -fields of natural science. Among the instruments of recent invention, -was one of Lutsenwitz’s solar reflecting microscopes, especially -designed for field explorations. This was of the highest concentrated -power yet attempted by that artist,—the intensity of its magnifying -capacity being capable of showing the facial contortions of the most -minute animalculæ. Attached to the focal platform was one of -Phlegmonhau’s highest grade of responsive tympanums, with reflecting -auricle for magnifying the articulation of sound. The corps arrived at -Montevideo on the first day of April, and was fortunate in finding a -small trading steamer, under neutral colors, ready with quick despatch -for a barter voyage up the Paraguay and its tributaries, without a -specified port of final destination. - -The captain was sole owner, and proved to be a man of rare intelligence, -which had been cultivated by travel and study. To his love of adventure -was added a strong amateur predisposition for the pursuits of natural -history. These qualifications led to a speedy agreement, with -conditional arrangements for a charter of the steamer open to variations -suited to the requirements of the corps. - - * * * * * - -On the 15th of April the members of the corps, instruments, camp -utensils, and travelling gear, were safely stowed on board the little -steamer _Tortuga_,—a name that implied slow progress, which to our -satisfaction her speed decried. At eleven A. M., having bid farewell to -our newly acquired friends, we left the anchorage with their “Good -speed,” and after threading her way among the vessels in the roadstead -the little steamer puffed her way up the broad expanse of the La Plata -estuary. The balance of the day was occupied in arranging instruments -for river observations, the while listening to praises lavished by the -captain upon the “worthy” qualities of his little propeller, of which he -was the architect and builder. During the evening he regaled us with -incidents of his life in California and the East Indies. His adventures -in California received occasional illustrations from a genial individual -introduced as Padre Simon, the prefix having been conferred—as we -afterwards learned—from his zealous support of the Catholic dogmas, -theoretically. As the padre was eventually enlisted in our corps, we -will foreshadow some of his peculiar characteristics. In form he was of -medium height, with a rotund outline visibly inclining to jovial -obesity; his face was in-dyed with a complexion blending with the Roman -auburn of his hair, which gave a warm glow to his expression when -lighted with a smile. In the first generation of descent from Irish -parentage, he retained the full impression of inconsistency in the -practical adaptation of his habits to the faithful index of goodness -ingrafted from the maternal stock. Guileless in thought, when free from -temptation, he possessed a ready facility of excusing his habits of -excess with the plea of saving grace administered under the seal of -confession. With this hint, in forecast of development, we will proceed -in the relation of events transpiring during the river voyage. - -On the morning of the 21st of May, after having been subjected to our -full share of vexatious delays, incident to the provincial _poco -pocoism_ of the guarda and custom-house officials, the steamer gained -the river post of Santa Anna on the Pilcomayo, two miles above its -mouth. At Santa Anna they found the well-known American naturalist, -Diego Dow, waiting for an opportunity to obtain sufficient aid to -attempt the exploration of the Pilcomayo as far as the reputed -settlement of Tenedos, which rumor located on a confluent stream rising -and flowing eastward through the valleys of the Andean spur that reached -into central La Plata. - -The ultra-savage disposition of the wandering tribes on the banks of -these rivers, having defeated every previous attempt made to establish -trading-posts, but few had been found willing to incur the hazard -proposed by Mr. Dow. Even the indomitable Jesuits had been foiled in all -their endeavors to conciliate the Indians in degree sufficient for the -establishment of missions preliminary to their subjugation. - -The magnet of Mr. Dow’s desire had been drawn thitherward by the reputed -existence of a walled city inhabited by a white race of great beauty. He -considered the report sufficiently well authenticated to warrant the -adventure of his life for its discovery and relief from the constant -siege to which it had been subjected by the savage tribes from time -beyond date. His chief authority, which had incited him to engage in the -emprise, was his Auraucanian servant, who had, in his wanderings and -progress northward, served in an Indian marauding expedition, which -invaded the valley of the city for the purpose of lifting the cattle of -the inhabitants, who were in seasons of drought obliged to protect them -while feeding beyond the walls. As Indian forays were expected, the -herds were well guarded by shepherd escorts, whose persons were safely -protected with defensive armor, so that with the exception of the face -the other parts of the body were proof to the poisoned arrows. In -addition they were armed with a bow which in their practiced hands sent -the arrow sure to its mark far beyond the range of their savage foes’ -weapons, so that in the open valley they were safe. Besides, their -tactics embraced so many precautionary variations that the Indians were -almost invariably decoyed and blinded from real intention. These feints -caused the savages to become over wary, never venturing an attack unless -with the advantage of overwhelming numbers. The party with which -Aabrawa, Mr. Dow’s servant, was engaged, met with a severe repulse that -indisposed them to renew the attempt, notwithstanding an opportunity was -offered on the succeeding day. So well managed were the citizens’ plans -of protection that they rarely lost either men or cattle, and without -being aggressive frequently administered well merited punishment upon -their foes, who were inspired with wholesome fear from a superiority so -manifest in deadly effect. Unable to cope with their white antagonists -in the open field, they, with constant wariness peculiar to the savage, -neglected no opportunity to harass, hoping at some time with constant -worrying to catch them off their guard. The cause of this implacable -hatred was hereditary, reaching, as Aabrawa learned, far back to a time -when the forefathers of the citizens abused their supremacy by enslaving -their Indian benefactors. The Indians having surprised and overcome -their oppressors, a remnant of the whites obtained refuge in the present -city, which had since been kept under constant espial. As the city was -overlooked from an adjacent height, but little passed in the streets -unknown to the besiegers, who were quick to discover any relaxation of -vigilance; and whenever from pestilence or other cause it did occur, -couriers were dispatched to summon aid from distant tribes. - -Curiosity and love of exciting adventure had enlisted the members of the -corps in favor of aiding Mr. Dow’s projected enterprise, and through -their continued solicitation, M. Hollydorf consented to waive the strict -interpretation of his commission, designating a particular field of -operation, by using his discretionary power in favor of the proposed -scheme for raising the siege of the beleaguered city. Captain Greenwood -without hesitation tendered the aid of his steamer, and being one of -those peculiar persons who are accustomed to take the head of time by -the forelock, he immediately commenced the precautionary labors to -protect his vessel from the wily tricks of surprise practiced by the -savages. The commandante of Santa Anna, being well acquainted with the -methods of attack that led to the defeat of the various expeditions -directed against the Chacas, proved of great use in suggesting -precautions. The chief dread arose from the poisoned arrows of the -savages, which inflicted incurable wounds, adding to death the horrors -of lingering putrefaction. The fears anticipated from this source were -relieved by the confidence inspired through the energetic character of -the captain, whose experience with the superior cunning of the North -American Indians prepared him to cope with the lower instincts of their -southern congeners. - - * * * * * - -On the morning of the 23d of May the _Tortuga’s_ bow was turned against -the swift middle current of the Pilcomayo’s bayou expanse, then at its -height from the copious contributions of the rainy season in the high -lands and mountain sources of its tributaries. Night still found us in -the broad sea of waters, baffled in search of the interior mouth which -was made more difficult from the confluent branches uniting with it near -its Paraguayan embouchure. The commandante, anticipating the difficulty -likely to be encountered, had been particular in giving directions; but -although strictly followed, from a calculation of the steamer’s speed, -twice the distance had been run without discovering the described -landmarks. Uncertainty was rendered still more uncomfortable by the -shallowing of the water, showing plainly that we were inland from the -river’s channel. At midnight, while anchored, a hurricane, heralded by a -thunder-storm, made the waters seethe with its force, causing our little -craft to careen and bob with a politeness to the gusts that impaired our -confidence in its self reliance. Padre Simon declared that the lightning -set his teeth on edge, prompting him from its dazzling flashes to pray, -but that the thunder so startled and confused him that he was unable to -think, and as a dernier ressort was obliged to drink. This remedy -finally rendered him proof to the best efforts of Jupiter Tonans; but on -waking in the morning he complained that he could still hear the roll of -the thunder in his head. - -On the morning of the 24th the sun rose bright and clear in a cloudless -sky, compensating with its splendor the discomforts of the night; its -reflected light glancing upon the waters discovered far to the south a -broad ripple, indicating the sought-for channel. The river’s stream was -soon gained, and followed in a southwesterly course until the river’s -limits were defined by partially submerged trees growing upon its banks. -Having at Santa Anna filled every available portion of the vessel with -fuel, sufficient for a run of four days, the boat was enabled to keep on -her course under a full head of steam, without anxiety from the dull -prospect offered for replenishing. - -May 25th, at sunrise, after a good night’s run, we discovered a headland -above the surface of the water covered with fire-scathed trees, from -which the captain, for a surety, concluded to add to his diminished -supply of fuel. The labor of taking in wood from this source was by no -means pleasant, but the sailors with good-will made the “virtue of -necessity” cheerful with songs and jokes, the “passengers,” suitably -clothed, contributing with the zest of energy their labor for its -stowage, so that by eight o’clock we were again under way. With the -exception of this wooded bluff nothing but sky, water, and foliage had -met our eyes since leaving Santa Anna, the monotonous compound making us -well content with cabin associations. - -On the 28th at sunrise, our ears were gladdened with the cry of “Land -ho!” Rushing on deck, with the expectation of a greeting from well -defined banks, we were disappointed, as the contrasted elements of the -previous day still prevailed. Seeing that we were a little inclined to -be vexed, at what we considered to be an ill-timed joke, the man at the -wheel, an old river navigator, pointed to a mud bank that closed our -view with the bend of the river, at the same time directing our -attention to the eddy cast from it far out toward a line of trees on the -opposite shore. From these indications he assured us that in a half -hour’s time we should hear the songs of birds to make us lively. -Doubling the muddy cape we were greeted with the screams of parrots, -while other birds of gay plumage were crossing and recrossing the river -singly and in flocks, causing, in apparent salutation, a lively line of -demarcation between the land enclosed current and the smooth waters of -the flood below. The welcome sight raised our spirits into a sympathetic -mood of song, which was unfortunately too nearly allied to the screaming -discord of the parrots to evoke other than a mirthful disposition for -repartee which expended itself in humorous comparisons, favoring the -advent of genial omens. - -Mr. Welson, a prominent official of the Panama Railroad Company, had -accepted the freedom proffered by the steamship lines plying between the -maritime cities of the eastern coast of South America, for his -recuperative vacation of three months, and on his arrival in Montevideo -had been induced by Captain Greenwood to extend his voyage up the river. - -A Scotsman by birth, he possessed in an eminent degree the predilection -of his people for dry, caustic humor; and in his position of commercial -agent had cultivated the art of extracting fun from the vagaries of -migrating humanity in their transit across the isthmus. Scientific -whimsies were especially adapted to his quizzical vein, and a happier -combination of material could scarcely have been conjured for his -entertainment, than he found on board of the _Tortuga_. Padre Simon was -his especial favorite as a stimulating provocative. Won by his naïve -simplicity, he had soon interested himself to learn the object of his -river voyage, with the intention of rendering him assistance. Greatly to -his surprise the padre informed him that he had no other expectations in -visiting Entre Rios than the chance one “of hitting an opportunity to -make a strike.” Amused with his vernacular, and the easy carelessness of -his manner, which seemed to defy disappointment, he was delighted to -discover his growing fondness for polemical disputations, which was -gratified by a kindred disposition cultivated by Dr. Baāhar, the -naturalist of the corps. On the steamer’s arrival at Entre Rios, the -port of his destination, the padre’s thoughts were absorbed in the -dogmatic discussion of the soul’s material identity with the body after -the resurrection, so that he gave no heed to the frequent repetition of -the name of the town. Aware of his total abstraction from all thoughts -and anxieties connected with the business responsibilities of life, -necessary for material sustenance, Mr. Welson connived with the doctor -to hold him in argument until after the steamer’s departure, well -assured that no material harm could arise from the derangement of plans -so lightly impressed as to give place to chimerical argument. For a -characteristic illustration of the disputants’ peculiarities we will -give the burden of their colloquial subjects of exposition. - -_Padre._ “My conscience’ sake alive, man! Why, you might as well set us -down as beasts at once, as to argue that in resurrection we shall assume -the form of animals whose habits we most affect in life! Surely your -naturalistic learning has run mad with your orthodox catholic ideas, -for, upon my soul, they are rank with transmigration, and if confessed, -you would be denied absolution by every ecclesiastic in the Christian -world. Look you! the very fact, if admitted, would controvert all that -we hold sacred. Why, man, it would render absurd our reliquary faith in -the efficacy of sainted bones and vestments for healing the sick and -lame, for the marrow-bones of swine and the hair of dogs would hardly -serve to enlist belief in the Christian doctrine of divine -transubstantiation?” - -_Dr. B._ “As we claim that reason has been bestowed as an endowment to -distinguish us in reality from the brute creation, its possession -presupposes preordination of intention in decree for its use. Now, if -you will devote your share of this human endowment to the demonstration -I am about to give of cause and effect, you will not fail to perceive -the distinctions upon which our faith is founded. Humanity possesses -omnivorously, in its varieties of genera and species, all the habits of -the lower orders of the animal creation in their separate -representation! But superadded to this resemblance in the community of -instinct, man has a discretionary power inherent with his endowment of -reason, which enables him to profit by experience in shaping his course -for the avoidance of consequent evils which follow from the -transgression of natural laws. This power presupposes accountability -that directs itself to Creative Cause. Upon this innate feeling of -responsibility, impressed by repentance from transgressions, and joys -imparted from adherence to the monitor indications of our superiority, -man has founded his religious distinctions of vice and virtue. In -furtherance of this natural division man has volunteered to represent -vice, and woman, unprejudiced by his influence, would have naturally -assumed the role of virtue in truthful vindication of her vocation as -the mother of our race. Now, as you well know, it is impossible to -harmonize vice and virtue, even with the instinctive coalescence of the -sexes? Hence, as you must acknowledge, there will be a constant struggle -for ascendency. Man as the stronger of the two, in representative -selfish determination, and the moral force of muscular strength, is as -full of devices for the beguilement of woman from her sacred trust as -the variations of his ability admit.” - -_Padre._ “Yes, all that may be true; but you don’t talk at all like -yourself, and I can’t see what you have said has to do with revealed -religion.” - -_Dr. B._ “Why, its connection is self suggestive; virtue and vice in -sexual array, for the supremacy of example, naturally oppose to each -other their attractions and temptations. Fortunately, the harmonizing -beauty of woman, with loving affection, impressed on the rude -selfishness of man the preferred happiness of a home subject to graceful -refinements, and with her sex in the majority held his passions and -appetites of instinct in abeyance. To overcome this tacit rule man -devised a series of temptations to hold her in subjugation to his -control. These were addressed to her vanity and envy, incited by the -jealous instigations of man’s preferment on the score of beauty. This -led to artificial adornment, which placed the means of temptation in the -hands of man. Then, as a plea for the encouragement of virtue, religious -revelations were instituted under the conjurations of mystery to -control, with fear, superstitious simplicity.” - -_Padre._ “Perhaps I don’t quite understand you, for I can scarcely -account for my own thoughts as they seem to be so mixed with new -impressions; but if I understand what you express in words, I will -answer for myself that the revealed way of salvation is to use all the -blessings of life with moderation.” - -_Mr. Welson._ (Amused.) “With the doctor’s permission, you will perhaps -appreciate an illustration that occurs to me? Woman’s naturally -unselfish affection, unbiased by the temptations of vanity and envious -curiosity, exerts with gentle forbearance a restraint upon the more -brutal appetites of man, softening asperities provoked by over -indulgence. Theodosius, the emperor champion of Christianity, opened a -way for the incursions of northern barbarians by patronizing the -intolerant sway it usurped over the more primitive and lenient rites of -paganism, as it weakened, by the introduction of effeminate luxuries -which allied the sexes for degeneration.” - -_Padre._ “I have never been much of a book-worm, but it appears to me if -man, as Dr. Baāhar says, represents vice and woman virtue, your college -learning directly tends to the cultivation of a vicious course by -keeping before the people the barbarous acts of the ancients derived -from their own language, which gives the scholar a directing power, from -a studied understanding of the corruptions practiced in past ages. So -you see, it’s far better for woman, and the world at large, that she’s -denied the means of classical study; for from your own admissions, her -curiosity and envious vanity rages so greatly at the present day she’d -be more likely to play the part of a Cleopatra than a Zenobia. As the -world runs, I think the less we know of the past the better it will be -for our salvation.” - -_Mr. W._ “But you forget church history, padre, from the record of which -you derive your knowledge of the fathers?” - -_Padre._ “Well, but that is different from profane, for it teaches us -the way of salvation by saving grace.” - -_Mr. W._ “Yes, through the tender mercies of the Inquisition.” - -_Mr. Dow._ “As a listener I must acknowledge that you have each with -good arguments strangely confounded your former selves.” - -The above colloquial rejoinders will serve as an illustration of the -attraction that beguiled the padre’s attention until the second day -after he had passed his port of destination. Then inquiring of the -captain the distance that still “intervened,” the supposed number of -miles being given, he relapsed into his usual routine without suspecting -that it was calculated from the stern instead of the bow. When informed -at the port of Rosas that the town of “Three Rivers” had been passed -some days previous, he exclaimed, “My goodness gracious, there was where -I wished to stop; my conscience’ sake alive, what shall I do?” The -captain, to whom he appealed, answered by asking, “What did you intend -to do at Entre Rios, padre?” - -_Padre._ “A brokerage business of some sort, real estate or sugar, -whichever offered the best opening.” - -_Captain._ “But, padre, you cannot speak the language, which would -render your expectations abortive, for a bargain is never closed in -these countries without a great deal of word chaffering. A clear -understanding of the language is absolutely necessary, for the -inhabitants of the river towns are very apt to “fly” from a bad bargain -when they find themselves caught and lightly held, so that the only safe -way to secure them is to clip their wings and hood-wink them in black -and white. But I can send you back without cost when we meet the next -downward bound steamer; then you will have the advice and assistance of -Mr. Welson, who perfectly understands the habits and customs of the -people.” - -_Padre._ “Well, I declare to gracious, I hardly know what to do?” - -_Captain._ “Would you like employment on board? I think that there is a -berth that would suit you! Besides it will afford you an opportunity to -convince Dr. Baāhar of his errors; at the same time you can perfect -yourself in speaking Spanish.” - -Notwithstanding the captain’s quizzical looks and speech the padre -thankfully accepted the proffered position of second officer, with the -expressed hope that he might perform its duties in an acceptable manner. -Captain Greenwood, although somewhat crispy in speech and austere in -address, had a strong undertow of humorous appreciation when the shafts -of irony were not directed against himself. His disinterested -disposition, prompted by the padre’s kindly _vis inertiæ_, had suggested -the offer; nevertheless he really desired a person capable of -superintending small matters that would relieve him from a -responsibility not greatly to his relish. The duties imposed by the -captain were as follows: “You must be the first up in the morning and -the last in bed at night. While on duty, see that everything in the way -of labor is well done, and never interfere with advice when a helping -hand is required. Lastly, never report to me necessary changes until -after they have been made.” - -_Padre._ “But, captain, if I am never to speak how am I to improve or -correct to suit you?” - -_Captain._ “With the moral influence of your head and hands, when you -see anything necessary to be done!” - -This settled the question of the padre’s new vocation, and he was -forthwith introduced to the crew, who greeted his installation with -marked approbation. At night, when he became genial in confessional -overflow and dogmatic in argument, he was the source of humorous -repartee and good-will among the passengers on the quarter-deck. His -American birth having toned down the quarrelsome disposition legitimate -as an inheritance to the native-born Irishman, when under the influence -of whiskey, he indulged in quaint disputations, peculiar to his Yankee -ingraft, in freedom from ill humor. - -With this insight descriptive of mood foreign to the members of the -corps, we will now resume our narration of events transpiring in the -daily progress of the steamer’s river voyage. - -_May 28._—The banks of the river are now clearly defined, but the water -still submerges the undergrowth that margins its lower stages in the -season of drought; the more matured growths are already peopled with the -smaller species of birds delighting in the bushy retreats overhanging -the waters. Our naturalists’ eyes are now greedily engaged in busy -search for new specimens of the feathered species. - -_May 29._—This morning we reached a sand-spit formed by a confluent -stream, upon which the receding waters had left a wood-drift well suited -for the steamer’s use, having been forced by the jam of flood-tide high -out of the current. The eddies and backwater of the Pilcomayo’s stronger -flow had carried the raft and lodged it high up above the mouth of the -lesser stream, leaving an extension inter-stayed by the roots that -reached into deep water; alongside of the raft, in the smaller stream, -the steamer moored. The axes of the firemen and sailors were soon busy, -wakening for the first time the forest echoes to the chucking sound of -their strokes. The more active members of the corps volunteered their -services in aid for speedy replenishment, deriving in recompense the -invigorating novelty of exercise. While actively engaged with ready -hands and merry voices they were suddenly startled with the scream of -the steamer’s whistle, simultaneously accompanied with a flight of -arrows from the ambush of the forest screen above the raft. Fortunately -distance and trepidation from the unearthly screech of the whistle -rendered their aim harmless; the check it afforded enabled the -woodcutters to scramble up the sides of the steamer before the savages -recovered from their surprise. When they realized that the shriek was -harmless in effect, the Indians rushed forth from their concealment to -secure the axes which had been abandoned by the men in their sudden -fright, but were again momentarily intimidated by the rumbling sound of -the gong, which Antonio, the steward, had seized to increase with -concerted din the scream of the whistle. The savages’ hesitation was but -momentary, seeing that like the former the steward’s overture was -harmless in effect, then with a counter whoop of defiance they sprang -forward to secure the coveted prizes. But the second diversion brought -with it presence of mind and time for the use of more effective weapons -than empty sound. One of the two howitzers, which had been taken as -freight to Santa Anna, the commandante loaned to Captain Greenwood for -the voyage; this had been loaded as a precautionary measure the day -previous, and intrusted to the charge of Jack and Bill, two sailors who -had “shipped” on the river voyage for a “lark.” With thoughts trained to -the duty of their charge they were the first that reached the steamer’s -deck, and before the savages recovered from their second hesitation -sighted the gun and answered their whoop with a discharge of grape, with -an effect that left five of their number stretched on the logs, killed -outright, the others in quick retreat leaving a trail of blood showing -from its copious flow the infliction of dangerous wounds. The retreating -savages in their turn dropped clubs, spears, blow-pipes, and arrows, so -that there was but little danger of their return. But the premonition -caused the captain to place a guard in a position to command the -isthmus, accompanied by two hounds belonging to Mr. Dow. The dogs -following the bloody trail soon gave intimation that they had discovered -the wounded savages. Proceeding cautiously into the thicket beyond the -abattis they found near together, an elderly savage and a boy of -seventeen or eighteen years, both severely wounded. The padre, with -heedless but kindly intention, attempted to raise the head of the old -Indian upon his arm to relieve his uncomfortable position, while the -others stanched his wounds. In a second from the time the padre’s arm -came within reach of the savage, his teeth were fastened upon the arm -above the elbow, while with working tenacity he used his utmost energy -to penetrate the sleeve of his coat. His intention was evident from the -greenish slaver that oozed from the corners of his mouth, betraying in -appearance the characteristics of the dreaded poison. Bill, who was near -at hand, relieved the padre from the danger of poisonous inoculation, -before the teeth of the savage had penetrated the cloth, by the -introduction of a marlin-spike with a decisive force that showed but -little care for their preservation. The boy was more tractable, -permitting his captors to handle him as they pleased. Two other savages -were overtaken dragging themselves from bush to bush. When surrounded -they were still defiant, threatening all who approached with spear-heads -attached to short staffs; these were finally struck out of their hands, -but they still repelled peaceful overtures, making a formidable show of -resistance with teeth and nails. We had been specially warned against -coming into close quarters with them by an old trader, who had -frequently encountered their ferocious tendencies in his travels. -Finding all our conciliatory attempts futile the wounded savages were -left to their fate. Adopting the padre’s suggestion, the young Indian -and his savage companion were taken on board, with the intention of -trying the effect of kind treatment, but a lasso in the practiced hands -of a guacho was required to persuade the latter to accept the proffered -hospitality of the boat. Aside from the comparative docility of the boy, -his lack of resemblance in feature and general conformation plainly -declared that his subserviency to the will of his companion did not -arise from parental affection. Shackling them to the windlass they were -placed under the guardianship of the dogs, whose favorite lounge was on -either side of the bowsprit heel beneath the shadow of the chocks. After -they were secured, all hands, with the exception of the engineer, -steward, and cooks, resumed their labors on the raft. As the padre -insisted that it was a barbarous shame to throw the bodies of the dead -savages into the water to become the food of alligators, when a few -minutes’ labor would make them a decent grave in the sand, he was -allowed the privilege of extending to the defuncts the rites of burial. -As the spade in his hands had not been a favorite specialty during the -more elastic periods of his existence under the benign influence of -temperate heat, the torrid glow of the morning acting in concert with a -stimulant he had taken to steady his nerves, caused a sweltering -perspiration that in no way accelerated the progress of his pious -undertaking. The sands having become quick from recent saturation were -constantly caving, so that in addition to aggravation he was in danger -of becoming a victim to his sextonic benevolence. While trying to -extricate himself from the caving sand, the while vainly pleading for -assistance from the laughing spectators of his disaster, his attention -became fixed upon an array of yellow nuggets which he had overlooked -when thrown from their bed with the sand. His silence and curious -investigation with hands and eyes extorted the inquiry, “What is it, -padre?” The laconic answer, “Gold!” brought the whole party to his -rescue, including the sentinels from the logs above, while the engineer, -steward, and cook deserted their posts in greedy haste. When the truth -of his announcement was verified they with some difficulty dragged him -from his grave, then oblivious to thoughts of savage surprise and -poisoned arrows, they consigned the dead to the river, without -remonstrance from the padre, and with flushed avidity commenced with -spade and pan to unearth the precious metal. Mid-day, with its heat, -found them still engaged, heedless of danger from the sun’s rays and the -miasmic current converging upon the spit from the confluent streams. -Silence alternating with wild bursts of hilarity, caused the captive -savages, chained to the steamer’s windlass, to gaze with wondering looks -of amazement. - -Through the day, until darkness precluded the possibility of detecting -the golden grains, the wild search continued, then when collected on the -steamer’s deck they bethought themselves of the dangers to which they -had been exposed. Although resolved to be more cautious in future while -gathering their golden trove, its tangible presence banished fear; still -as a thoughtful precaution the steamer was dropped into the stream as a -guard against surprise. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - -At early dawn on the 29th all were on the alert, anxious to recommence -their gold-gathering labor, but obedient to the captain’s request the -steamer was first supplied with its full allotment of wood. This was -accomplished with a despatch that betokened an earnest desire to resume -their yesterday’s toil in the sands. The captain and padre explained the -most approved methods for the economical saving of the smaller -particles, which brought into requisition the steward’s and cook’s -wares. The tableau of the second day, although lacking in the wilder -excitement of the previous, incident to the impressions of first -discovery, would have afforded a novelty unparalleled in scenic variety -for the study of an artist, but unfortunately our own was too much -engrossed with interest to heed the rare advantages of the absurd -comicalities of selfishness. In truth all were so moved by an -acquisitive spirit, but little thought was given to the ludicrous -groupings of the parties engaged, or the solitary wildness of the -surrounding scenery, contrasting so vividly with the pretentious -civilization of the laborers. - -On the morning of June 3, the spit was left in the wake of the steamer, -exhausted of its free surface gold, and much to the surprise of all -there was a general expression of relief when it was lost to view, and -the discomfort it had caused began to disappear with the revival of -order. But a still greater surprise was in store, which removed all the -barriers of distinction bred by the pride of birth and station from the -standard of laboring vocation, inasmuch as they debarred in exchange -kindly equality in reciprocation. Unusual alacrity and kindliness of -feeling had been observed in “putting” the vessel to rights by the -hands, which was explained, when accomplished, by Jack and Bill, who -came aft with hats in hand. After bowing all round, Bill the prompter -nudged Jack the spokesman to give way, which he essayed to do, but from -confusion was unable to get a running bight of phrase, until aided by -the captain’s inquiry, “Well, what is it, my man?” - -_Jack._ “You see, Bill and I started up the river to freshen our joints, -which had grown stiff and creaky with salt junk and hard tack. Well, -after we had loosened our barnacles with the treacle of a Spanish -skipper we took French leave and laid low until you hove in sight. Now -you see after we entered with you it took us some time to get the run of -the fair weather you made for all hands. Expecting to be taken aback -with a sharp squall we kept our eyes well to the wind’ard, for you see -on this river with cannibals on the lookout and no vessels there was no -chance of skulking on shore for a down-river craft. To be sure, we soon -found that we were out and wide in our calculations, so when brought to -our bearings we began to take kindly to the lay of our watches in -scrubbing and wooding, as there was no hand-spike snubbing or squeak of -hard words. Then comes this gold lay, and when you says, ‘Boys, here’s -your chance, pitch in, every man for himself without envy,’ we were -taken aback with a fair wind. When we came on board to empty our hats we -began to take our bearings, and says Bill to me, after an observation, -‘We’ve shipped and signed the papers, and this gold is way freight, so -you see it’s not right to tap the cargo on full rations.’ - -“There was the p’int clear, and we said ‘Never a bit!’ So you see after -the flurry was over we put the question to the others and they took the -bearings at once; so you see that we’ve concluded that we’re only -‘titled to prize money at most, just as you valer the danger we run with -the savages.” - -This construction, regulated by the sea usage of man-of-war’s men, who -had grown gray and poverty stricken in “service,” was so generous in the -sincerity of honest proposition for revoking the captain’s liberality -that he asked time for consideration. In submission the procession, -headed by the two honest tars, retreated to the “for’ard” hatch, on -which they placed their well-filled hats to await the captain’s -decision. A consultation with the members of the corps was immediately -held to decide upon a method to insure an equitable division of the gold -suited to the emergency. After a variety of propositions had been made -and rejected, the padre advanced one that proved the most acceptable. -His suggestion was that the passengers and officers should abide -contented with their own gatherings, as they were proportionately less -than those of the crew; but that an equal division of theirs should be -made to avoid envy. When this equitable measure was made known to the -men, Jack, with the advice of Bill, objected that the most important -persons had been left out, which in their opinion were the vessel and -captain. As this amended consideration met with general approval, it was -adopted. Then Antonio, the steward, said, that the men for’ard, from -being accustomed to work, had gathered so much more in proportion than -those aft, he would propose to “lump” the whole for an equal division, -after one fifth had been deducted for the vessel’s and captain’s share. -This was acted upon, notwithstanding the captain’s protest that all -should share alike. The division accomplished, there was a hearty -shaking of hands that opened a sympathetic current of reciprocation void -of selfish envy, which as an omen heralded a happy result for their -adventurous voyage. After the parties to this happy arbitration had -resumed their usual avocations, Jack and Bill—to whom had been assigned -the duty of “freshening up” the trimmings of capstan, binnacle, and -other extras aft, usually attended to in their watch below, to save -time—entered upon their duty during the siesta hour of the day. While -engaged they ruminated in silence until the deck was cleared of chance -listeners, then the rapid change of tobacco quids from side to side of -their mouths, and an unusual flow of the green ooze from the corners -gave indication of thought’s supremacy. At length when they “supposed” -the coast was clear, Jack gave an expressive tug at his waistband, then -after blowing his nose with a clarion note, he sputtered, “Blast my -buttons, Bill, if this fresh-water turtle of a captain hain’t sounded -and found a salt-water leak in the water run of my eyes!” Bill without -answering, except with a suppressed sniffle, found it necessary to -expectorate and blow his nose over the bulwark nettings. A prolonged -effort having relieved his emotions he shuffled back, and shyly -exclaimed, with a whispering sob, “Don’t, Jack.” - -Woman’s distress, from the period of youth and beauty, through all the -gradation of cause, to its decline with the influence of age and -ugliness, when haggish distemper engendered from selfish disappointment -makes it repulsively loathsome, I have felt with impulsive variations, -but never experienced the like choking sensations of affectionate -sympathy, from the evidences of gratitude, that held me bound during the -enactment of this short scene, so truthful in expression. Probably -during their long term of service they had never felt a like cause, -foreign to themselves, for the revival of emotions so nearly allied to -affectionate reciprocation; for it was evident that the gold of itself -occupied a minor impression in the ruling of their thoughts. Indeed, in -the after detached rehearsal of their sea-faring experience, they -declared that a glass of grog was the only compensation they had ever -known a sea captain to bestow upon his sailors for extra labor. The -representatives of tropical countries, of which a majority of the crew -was composed, were more open and volatile in their expressions of -gratitude; but like the English sailors attested that the self-denial of -Captain Greenwood was the only exception in their experience in which -the master of a vessel had failed to exact to the uttermost the fruits -of their labor. - -From the Tortugian era of the third of June Captain Greenwood became a -deity of adoration to his crew, who offered daily sacrifice of labor for -kindly propitiation, which from promptness in anticipation rendered the -padre’s official vocation a sinecure. - -The sun of June 4 found the _Tortuga’s_ decks neatly scrubbed and washed -in readiness for its rays; the two savages having participated in the -cleanly overture, the elder receiving his somewhat copious douche with a -grateful show of teeth; but the younger’s eyes were used with such an -evident desire for pitying sympathy that Antonio volunteered his -tonsorial service as an initiatory introduction to civilized habits. -This act won the young savage’s first love; while it added another count -to the special hatreds of the old, who bestowed upon Antonio a toothful -longing to recompense his civilized barbarity. The improvement of the -young savage was so marked from the use of soap, sand, and scissors, -with the grateful expression produced, that Antonio was fain to crown -his morning’s missionary labor, and his neophyte’s satisfaction, with a -hat. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - -While the events related in the preceding chapter were in progress, -which gave advent to the new era, the manacled savages would have fared -poorly but for the ever mindful benevolence of Padre Simon, who -ministered to their relief after depositing with his traps his godsend, -which he averred came from the source of their misfortunes. His arm -warned him to be cautious in his approach to the old savage, but he -could not refrain from the pitying exclamation “It’s a shame,” when he -saw him bound to the links of the cable with its coils for his bed. -Placing the food he had brought cautiously within reach, he left with -intention of pleading for some aid in mitigation of their painful -position, but the question of an equitable division of the gold trove -diverted his thoughts. But after the ablutions of the succeeding -morning, and Antonio’s improvement of the younger savage, his -dereliction occurred to his thoughts under the stimulating inspiration -of a somewhat copious oblation to memory, which served to render the -sincerity of his repentant remorse heedless. Under the sacrificial -impression he hastened forward to make amends for his forgetful -inhumanity. Without observing the change already made for the ease of -the savage, he attempted to place an oakum fender between his back and -the cable. Exposing his arm the brute again seized it with a vicious -energy that bespoke his determination of obtaining recompense for his -morning’s aggravations. With the pain, caused by the working teeth of -the savage, the padre’s terror of the deadly poison was revived, which -caused him to cry for help in frenzied accents, alarming all on board. -Again English Jack was the first to reach the struggling victim of -misplaced pity. With a sailor’s promptness he forced his sheath knife -between the back teeth of the cannibal with a delicacy peculiar to the -tar when called upon to repel boarders; working the blade, with a prying -motion, hither and thither with the edge directed toward the ear the -backward capacity of the mouth was insensibly enlarged, which produced a -diminution of muscular tenacity and consequent release of the padre’s -arm. His release was not effected until the teeth of the savage had -penetrated through his linen coat and sleeve of his shirt, inflicting -bruised punctures beneath the skin sufficient for the absorption of -virus. The general consternation was greatly increased by the exultant -gleams darted from the eyes of the bleeding savage. Dr. Baāhar had just -prescribed whiskey to be taken in copious draughts for _ad deliquium_ -effect, which the padre, with a sense of relief, said he had premised, -when the young savage attracted attention by pantomimic gesticulation, -at the same time producing from his mouth a small sac of an acorn’s size -and shape. From the pleased honesty of his expression and the scowls of -the old savage, it was apparent that it contained an antidote for the -poison. Aabrawa having caught some familiar words, he was soon able to -add his assurance in verification of the boy’s ability to counteract the -effects of the poison with a sure antidote. The padre with fear -hesitatingly submitted his arm to the boy’s mouth, the old savage -regarding the operation with looks that boded ill to the savior and -saved if by accident they should come within his reach for injury. The -padre, when impressed with the kindly intention of the boy, -apostrophized the old wretch in this wise: “You ungrateful venomous old -serpent, upon my conscience you ought to be made to crawl on your belly -all the days of your life with a rattle tied to your—well if you haven’t -a tail, you are a vile reptile all the same, and I don’t believe all the -purgatories in creation can change you! Upon my soul, it’s a shame and -an imposition for you to pretend to be a man with a soul to be saved!” -Here the padre observing the smiles provoked by the earnestness of his -address to an object as incapable of appreciating as he was of -understanding the language in which the anathematizing sentence was -couched, apologetically appealed to his auditors, “You know that what I -have said is as true as there is a day of salvation for man to sin -away.” - -“Are you not assuming,” asked Mr. Welson, “the privilege and -understanding of a judge without knowledge sufficient for the -condemnatory sentence you have pronounced as a penalty against this -savage?” - -“By their works ye shall know them,” replied the padre, looking wofully -at his arm. - -This retort placed the padre’s star in the ascendant, and it was -immediately proposed that the mouth of the old savage should be rid of -its poison, a task which Jack and Bill volunteered to accomplish. -Preparing a running noose they slipped it over his arms, pinioning them -to his side, and then proceeded with sheath knife and marline-spike to -open his mouth for investigation, but not without strenuous efforts on -the part of the subject for revengeful retaliation. Beneath his tongue -they found two sacs, or bladders of the river whiting, attached to the -cuspid teeth, which by the tongue’s pressure could be made to eject -their contents into wounds inflicted with the sharpened teeth, which -were pointed like fangs, verifying the padre’s estimate of his reptile -instincts. Above, attached to teeth upon either side, were the sacs -containing the antidote in position to be pressed by the cheeks. Rid of -these venomous appliances the nozzle of the steamer’s hose played the -part of a purifier by injecting a bountiful supply of water into his -mouth, regardless of the published restrictions of the humane Society -for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. - - * * * * * - -During the passage of the two days succeeding that of the padre’s -mishap, parties of savages were discovered tracking the progress of the -steamer, the while with opportunity holding communication by signs with -the captive chief. As he did not appear to be in the slightest degree -amenable to kind treatment, and his presence on board was neither safe, -agreeable, or ornamental, a consultation was held for the best means to -be used for his disposal. As no feasible method appeared for his -immediate transfer to the shore with beneficial effect upon his kindred, -Mr. Welson asked the privilege of retaining him on board as a subject -for instinctive experiment. The savage chief having, in the thoughtless -zeal of the two sailors,—bred from automatic education on board of a -“man of war,”—received gratuitous injury, they lost caste in the -captain’s favor, which caused them to “overhaul” their thoughts for a -restorative. Bill sagely remarked that “What’s done’s done, but now we -see the drift to smooth water we must kedge for the current and a fair -wind; so we must try to make the old shark as comfortable as we can.” -This opinion meeting with the hearty approval of his mate, they at once -“set about” rectifying the effects of their brutality, without fully -realizing in thought the extent of their own culpability. Still there -was a vague remonstrance that “loomed up” from youthful impression which -admonished them of the source of the captain’s silent reproof. While -engaged in their propitiatory labors the Indian boy, or “cub” as they -styled him, watched, and apparently detected the source of the kindly -influence wrought in the mood of the sailors. His looks of grateful -appreciation attracted the sailors’ attention, which caused Jack to -exclaim, “I say Bill, the young un’s throwing out signals of distress; -odds, we were too hard on the old brute. P’raps we can take the young un -in tow; suppose we give him an outfit, he seems to take kindly to his -head-gear.” - -Bill bestowed an “observation” on the boy, and became convinced that no -treachery was meditated, but that all was fair and above board, so they -resolved to rig him out ship-shape in their watch below. Their intention -being discovered while in progress, there was a general overhauling of -kits, so that the originators were obliged to accept contributions in -excess of their requirements. Aabrawa, while the metamorphosis was in -progress, discovered that he was an adopted prisoner of the old savage, -and that his name with his own tribe was Waantha. To all the trial -changes in the process of clothing him, Waantha submitted with -unmistakable evidences of gratification; and when fully dressed to the -satisfaction of his impromptu guardians he was escorted by Antonio and -the sailors aft for the captain’s inspection and approval. The pleasing -expression of his joyfully bewildered face won the kindly confidence of -all, and he was voted his liberty. When asked by the captain if he would -like to be employed, he expressed his desire to help Antonio, who with -permission cordially adopted him as an apprentice in the culinary -department. When duly installed, as a dish-washer, the concentrated ire -of the old chief was fully aroused, causing his eyes to fairly -scintillate with fury as he readily understood that his plans would be -exposed. The sailors’ thoughtful endeavors to win back the captain’s -favor gradually proved successful, and when fully reinstated showed a -careful regard for its retention. - -Mr. Dow in his naturalistic wanderings had acquired a keenness of -perception for the detection of danger from premonitory indications that -exceeded, from his natural endowments, the sagacity of the veteran -trappers of the North American wilds, so that with Aabrawa and his two -well trained dogs he had felt himself proof from surprisal. In proof of -his cultivated superiority he instructed the members of the corps in the -various causes inciting the flight of birds along the banks of the river -and over the distant forests, which invariably proved to be correct in -inception. The flight of water-fowl disturbed by alligators or other -causes, birds by serpents or monkeys, or like inimical foes, he could -detect the intruding species with unerring certainty while distant to -the utmost reach of the eye. Early in the afternoon a flight of parrots -rose over a distant headland, settling again in the same place; this was -repeated frequently with upward impetuosity, which with irregularity in -rise and descent indicated some vengeful cause. In explanation, Mr. Dow -said, “You will find on rounding the headland a settlement of Brazilian -apes, of a different species from any you have yet seen, also in the -neighborhood a plantation of sugar bananas. These the natives believe -the apes plant, as the spot selected is always adapted in a special way -to their growth, and in close proximity to a grove of trees suited in -spread of limbs for their arboreal habitations. The parrots have -likewise a great fondness for the luscious fruit, which is known as the -ape banana, and gather in flocks for poaching depredations, in which -large numbers lose their lives, for they are no match in quickness of -flight for the nimble quadrumanal defenders of the rights of freehold -proprietorship, who have acquired considerable skill in the use of -projectile weapons. When we reach the plantation you will find them -engaged in defending ‘the fruits of their labor,’ unless the unusual -appearance of the steamer alarms both parties.” - -Doubling the headland a well protected cove opened to view with a -crescent shaped hill sloping to the southwest, enclosing in its semi- -amphitheatre a tamarisk grove with a banana patch upon the rise of the -hillside. As the parrots had taken flight on the approach of the boat, -and there were no signs of Indians or apes, the members of the corps -proposed an exploring party for the verification of Mr. Dow’s -descriptive sagacity. Mr. Dow excused himself from joining the exploring -party, on the plea that he had once visited a settlement on one of the -tributaries of the Amazon, of which he still retained a vivid -impression, that was too recent to require revival. His ambiguity in -describing the peculiarities of their domestic economy and defensive -resources we had occasion to recollect. After precautionary measures had -been taken to avoid surprise from the tracking savages, we landed, -directing our steps in the first instance to the banana plantation. Its -appearance well sustained the popular traditions of the Indians, as the -plants were separated by well defined paths, and around their stalks not -a weed or spear of grass was to be detected. This at least denoted care -in grubbing, which of itself is an initiatory indication of cultivation. -The plat was continued within the slope of the hillock; at one time the -bluff bank of an inlet from the river which had been filled up by the -drift debris and alluvial deposit caught in its curve, intermixed with -the wash from the highlands. After completing our survey of the banana -garden, and in our progress selecting and cutting unbidden the ripest -bunches of the golden fruit, which were sent on board, we descended into -the basin of the tamarisk grove to inspect the community habitations of -the apes. Supposing, from the universal silence, that the inhabitants -had fled in alarm on the steamer’s approach, we were admiring the high -order of architecture displayed in the arrangement of their habitations, -at the same time questioning with wonder their unnatural desertion -despite the prevailing curiosity of the species in the presence of -mankind, when a guttural challenge was reëchoed from hundreds of mouths -in answer to our query. In a moment the branches above were alive with -the hosts we had excluded from our reckoning, who in chattering response -tendered us the hospitalities of their aerial city in a shower of -cocoanuts, stones, clubs, and other missiles rank with the “reverence” -of ordure, prostrating three of our number outright, while they bewrayed -all with an unendurable odor, that would have rendered the stink-pots of -ancient Greece worthy of being esteemed pouncet-boxes for relief. These -tokens of high admiration, designed for the distinguished reception of -allied humanity, were accompanied with a jabbering outburst which could -only be likened to an explosion of Chinese tongues. To save ourselves -was impossible, for in a moment after they had discharged their weapons, -pendant from every branch above was an ape ready to fall upon us. At -this threatened juncture, when our lives depended upon the drop, the -screech of the steam-whistle saved us. Some of our late assailants, -paralyzed with the fearful shriek, dropped nerveless to the ground; -others upon us, and clinging to our persons grinned beseechingly for -protection. But the majority swung themselves from limb to limb in wild -panic, disappearing over the brow of the hill. Without waiting to test -the permanency of their fears, or courage for a rally, we shook off our -personal attachments, and assisted the wounded on board, under cover of -the still sounding whistle. In candor I must confess that our reception -by those who remained on board ill accorded, from a lack of pitying -sympathy, with our narrow escape from imminent peril. Yet I will as -frankly acknowledge that there was ample cause for the levity of their -manifest disgust at our approach; but when the old savage added his grin -to the measure of our disgrace it was more than human nature could bear, -and we thankfully accepted a warm bath, in our clothes, proffered by the -engineer, while standing on the outjutting portion of the gangway plank, -which he administered through the nozzle of the deck hose. Even Jack, -who had received an ugly gash which had sounded the depth of his scalp, -was obliged to submit to purification before Doctor Baāhar would bestow -upon him the rites of absolution conferred by adhesive plaster, -notwithstanding his plight was equally abnormal. But the sailor, in the -spirit of his invincible good humor, provoked by the novelty of the -encounter, declared that he knew the fellow who had barked his head- -piece, and would have his revenge. Although we failed to appreciate the -mirth of our scathless “friends,” we were exceedingly thankful for our -escape, for we realized in the cool moments of reflection the peril we -had encountered too vividly for the capital of a laugh at our own -expense. Neither did we wish for a second trial of Mr. Dow’s skill in -aping practical jokes. Bill, in expressing his gratitude for his -friend’s escape, said, “There you lay, Jack, knocked on the head, and -them fellows just ready to drop on us tooth and nail; well, I can tell -you our lives weren’t worth the flutter of a gaff to’sel in a gale of -wind, when the whistle brought them up with a sharp turn. But what’s -food for one’s fun for another; the squall just took the wild ones aback -like the wink of a gib in a luff, so they turned tail and scuttled away, -and we hauled off for repairs, mighty glad they didn’t grapple.” - -While the explorers’ ablutions were in progress ape sentinels were seen -in the tree tops above their habitations, in which position they -continued until a curve of the river concealed them from view. - -_June 8._—Large parties of Indians have been seen inland on both banks -of the river during the day. The swiftness of the river’s current has -greatly increased, giving indication of an upward incline to a more -elevated plateau. Open glades reaching to the river are now of frequent -occurrence. The left or eastern bank is less defined than the western, -and bears stronger evidences of alluvial deposits in its arboreal -growths. - - * * * * * - -_June 10._—Our redeemed captive boy begins to show many pleasing traits, -among which grateful fidelity is not the least. His attachment to -Antonio, who first bestowed upon him pitying kindness, is prominently -manifest and touching in the simplicity of its promptings. He desired -Aabrawa to ask the captain to allow him to remain on board, promising -that he would try and speak and make himself useful when recovered from -his wound. The captain received his professions of attachment with a -warmth that made his eyes glisten with joy. Mr. Welson suggested that it -would be necessary to christen him, proposing that Padre Simon should -officiate in administering baptismal rites. But the padre objected that -he was not in orders, and for a layman to assume the solemn -responsibility of baptizing was in his opinion but a grade less than -presumptuous blasphemy. M. Hollydorf referred him to the example of John -the Baptist when in a similar position, exhorting him to do his duty -fearlessly, as the act of consummating the conversion of a heathen would -be esteemed a meritorious service by the most bigoted of the sects. The -padre still urged, “He does not understand our language, and -consequently the effect of redeeming grace necessary for the -consecrational rites of Christian adoption fulfilled by baptism.” Mr. -Welson said, he need have no scruples on that score, for Xavier, Ricci, -and other missionary apostles of the Church boast, each, of the baptism -of five thousand and more heathen Chinese in less than a month after -their arrival in the country, and without being able to communicate with -their catechumens by the aid of interpretation. Having a strong -reverence for the opinion of Mr. Welson, he reluctantly consented to -officiate. Antonio standing as godfather, he was christened “Tortuga -Waantha.” Scenes of this description were a source of renewed vitality -to Mr. Welson, as it afforded him special delight to expose the vagaries -of the three professions founded upon theoretical science. In fact, the -very chairs of his Panamanian office were made available for startling -effects in support of his specialities; indeed, his reputation had -obtained such distant recognition, that strangers en route preferred to -stand isolated in his presence. From these experimental essays none of -his friends escaped; sensitiveness, dignity, and reserve, were in fact -special invitations for the exercise of his curative skill, if in the -slightest degree morbid in tendency. After meridian, when his books had -been laid aside for the day, it had been his custom to indulge his -quizzical humor in trolling for fun, and it was a rare occasion that did -not offer a European or American gudgeon, isthmus bound, ready to take -his bait. - -As before mentioned, it had been his intention to return from his river -voyage by a Brazilian steamer, but the varied characteristics of the -members of the scientific corps, with the chance additions, made him -resolve to forego the obligations of his business relations for the -indulgence offered to his humorous inclinations. Meeting unexpectedly -with his old friend Dow at Santa Anna, he eagerly seconded the exploring -adventure of the Pilcomayo, from the prospective novelty it offered for -the cultivation of his humorous studies. In addition to the incompatible -whimsies of scientific association, the questionable reports of an -undiscovered inland city provoked a second incentive. With this more -explicit introduction of Mr. Welson, who from accident and inclination -became one of the most important aids in directing and harmonizing the -attainable objects of the expedition, we will resume the thread of our -narrative. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - -Notwithstanding the confirmed assurance of the sufficient efficacy of -the antidote applied by Waantha for counteracting the poisonous -inoculation of the padre’s arm, he still continued the use of whiskey -with the thoughtless lack of consideration that fosters habits of -indulgence and self-imposed penalties. In verification of the advanced -statement, that artificial stimulation gave birth to war and the three -curative professions, the padre, in common with his paternal ancestors, -became polemically disposed when subject to the influence of his imposed -habits. Waantha’s happy manifestations of “regeneration” caused him to -urge dogmatically, “You must acknowledge, Mr. Welson, that the Jesuit -fathers have done much good, for of all nations and sects they alone -have succeeded in bringing tribes of Indians under the influence of -civilized control.” - -“Yes,” replied Mr. Welson, but with the reprobating clause, that “they -have manifested in all their missionary labors a paramount zeal for the -selfish aggrandizement of their partisan order in the extension of its -power for enforcing the control of a hypocritical despotism; the real -welfare of the heathen converts being held as a blind of nominal -consideration. Indeed, the Jesuitical method enacts the part of whiskey -in its habitual rule over the faculties of civilized society; in -conjuring for the subjugation of reason superstition for the supremacy -of fanatical instinct.” - -The padre startled, exclaimed, “Upon my conscience, Mr. Welson, I am -afraid you are little better than an infidel!” - -Mr. Welson left the padre with an ill-concealed show of disdain. Finding -M. Hollydorf engaged, with the assistance of Mr. Dow, in removing a -powerful electro-magnetic battery—one of Shockwit’s best—from its case, -it occurred to him that amusement, if not more permanent advantage, -might be derived in trying its effect upon the savage chief. This -proposition was readily adopted, with the resolve that only those -necessary for the working accomplishment of their purpose should -understand the nature of their occupations. The experiment, under the -experienced management of Mr. Welson, promised some rare developments of -motor effects, in the production of instinctive superstition, without -committing an act of cruelty beyond the wholesome excitement of animal -fear. As it was necessary to keep the instrument out of sight to secure -the full impression of supernatural effect, the captain offered his -stateroom as the best adapted for the preservation of secrecy and the -effectual working of the instrument. With the aid of the two sailors, -the wires were passed out of the port and run unobserved outside of the -bulwarks, and so arranged that the old savage could not escape the full -force of the electrical shock. When completed, the connection of the -circuit was tried in the absence of persons from the neighborhood of the -intended victim. The result was a prolonged yell, that not only -surprised the uninitiated on board, but brought inquiring heads forth -from ambush on shore. To the wonder and alarm of all on board excluded -from a participation in the secret, the old savage was found writhing in -an agony of fear entirely bereft of stoicism. Various explanations were -suggested to account for the startling phenomena. The padre admonished -Mr. Welson that it was, without doubt, the working of the spirit of -repentant regeneration, as the Fathers had recorded numerous instances -where the self-convicted had cried out in anguish, “What shall I do to -be saved?”—the fact being made known after they had acquired a knowledge -of missionary language. He averred that there could be but little doubt -that it was the workings of the spirit of conviction, from the agony of -his expression. Thereupon he desired Aabrawa to inquire into the cause, -as it had all of the appearance of a miraculous conversion. But the old -chief stared at Aabrawa, helplessly unable to speak through an excess of -fear. Mr. Welson then counter-admonished the padre, that as a professed -follower of the Church it was his evident duty to point out to the -convert the appointed way of salvation. As all supported this -suggestion, the padre remonstrated, while looking wofully at his arm, “I -once offered him my sympathy and aid for his relief, but he repulsed me -so brutally, upon my conscience, I am afraid to try him again.” - -His attention being called to the helpless condition of his late -antagonist, he was finally persuaded to adventure one of his hands upon -the head of the savage in the way of benediction. Answering to a given -signal the battery claimed the padre as a victim through the chief, -whose yell was accompanied with the exclamation, “My conscience’ sake -alive!”—then his fears became as vivid in expression as those of his -intended convert. Mr. Welson, addressing himself somewhat scornfully to -the padre, said, “You accused me of infidelity when I endeavored to use -my privileged endowment of reason bestowed by the Creator for human -direction; now you will see how much better it serves as an exorcist -than your faith in a religion that ignores man’s duty for the -fulfillment of intention in its bestowal.” He then made a few passes -over the Indian, and when he had gained the full attraction of fearful -awe with mumbling incantations, the padre was reluctantly induced to -replace his hands on the chief’s shoulders and remove them without -alarming impression. Then assuming an awful aspect and tone, as if -addressing the powers of air with the spirit of invocation, he implored -their aid to convict the reptile savage, and civilized devotee of a -blind infatuation, of their willful errors alike dangerous to the well- -being of humanity. When made sufficiently impressive he commanded the -padre to take the chief’s hands. Overawed by the majestic impersonation -of sublime authority enacted by Mr. Welson, the two joined hands, both -keeping their eyes fastened in blank wonder upon his face and movements. -The conjuration having fixed their attention, he pronounced in a loud -voice the magic word “Letonnow!” Immediately the two commenced a series -of contortionate grimaces, directed toward each other, accompanied with -spasmodic hand-jerking. The actors were so engrossed with their fears -that the spectators were fain to have recourse to a variety of -succedaneum vents to suppress the outburst of laughter, the sailors -adopting the novel expedient of revolving their quids around the tips of -their tongues, which ejected a jet of saturated decoction from the -corners of their mouths with every revolution. But for Mr. Welson’s -practiced command of his emotions, subject to the control of judgment, -the ludicrous scene might have been continued to the extent of injury, -for his associates were, from spasmodic action, to all intents -speechless. When at length the larger fraction of a minute had been -exhausted in husky attempts to command his voice, he managed to stay -proceedings with a sign evoked from head and hand, faintly sustained -with a vocal negative. When the current was checked the last vestige of -ferocity had departed from the face of the savage, leaving the vacuum -unsupplied, as it was his sole dependence for the facial expression of -his emotions. The padre’s face was confounded with a blending of -superstitious dread and suspicion, for with all his phantasmic -nervousness provoked by the excessive remedial use of whiskey and -tobacco, he could not fail to detect the covert effort of restraint that -prevailed. Indeed, with his natural powers of perception free from their -imposed embargo, he would have detected the means employed for the -production of effects known to the most illiterate members of scientific -academies. To dissipate his suspicions the padre had recourse to Doctor -Baāhar, of whom he anxiously inquired whether Mr. Welson derived his -power from a legitimate source compatible with the apostolic faith -inculcated by the tenets of the Church. The doctor, as instinctively -absurd when out of the scholastic thrills of antiquity, found especial -gratification in teasing those subject to the common frailties of his -kind. So, taking his cue from the padre’s necromantic suggestion, he -explained that Eusebius, and other Fathers of the primitive Church -acquainted with the practice of Egyptian astrology, had confirmed the -prevalent belief that in certain families, under peculiar conditions, -there was a power developed similar to that exhibited by Mr. Welson. - -Here Mr. Dow interrupted their conversation by calling the attention of -the padre to the savage, who was following Mr. Welson with the docility -of a spaniel. Observing his emotions of superstition he asked, “Are you -in reality so blind, padre, that you are unable to detect the agency of -Mr. Welson’s power over the savage? You seem to be impressed with the -belief that Mr. Welson has been enacting the part of a magician in -producing these effects upon the savage, whose ignorance sympathizes -with, or rather reciprocates your superstitious delusions? How is it -possible for you to overlook, with thought, an impression so familiar to -your understanding, and in fact, place yourself on a level with this -savage from a lack of intelligent perception? Really, padre, you -confound me with astonishment. Time, place, and circumstances, with -certain abetting aids, have thrown you off your guard.” A shake of Mr. -Welson’s head prevented Mr. Dow from revealing the means employed, as he -wished to confound the padre with further evidences of his simplicity -and heedlessness. Beckoning the sailor satellites of the savage, he was -led back to his place of confinement, and secured in contact with the -wires of the battery; then, when the padre’s attention was otherwise -engaged, a glass of whiskey from his bottle was administered by Mr. -Welson to his experimental victim. But a short time had elapsed when -attention was called to an unusual disturbance forward, in which the -fierce snarling growl of the dogs was commingled with the guttural -“ughs” of the savage, whose face was contorted with an expression of -demoniac rage, causing his mouth to froth, exposing through its slaver -his pointed teeth, while his eyes gleamed with a ferocity that prompted -the padre to flight. But when assured that he was securely confined, the -padre asked Mr. Dow what he thought of the source of Mr. Welson’s agency -now! Mr. Dow led him to the captain’s room; with a glance at the -instrument the nature of his ludicrous position began to dawn. But when -his whiskey bottle with diminished contents was produced and proclaimed -as the magician of ferocity, his face mantled with the scarlet dismay of -shame, which with his ejaculation of “My goodness gracious, what a fool -I have been!” filled the cup of mirth to overflowing. - - * * * * * - -Since the morning of the 9th the strength of the current had increased -so rapidly that the captain feared we were approaching impassable -rapids; but at nightfall we entered into a broad expanse of water -resembling a lake. Keeping beyond the range of arrows, Mr. Dow and -Welson in the punt succeeded in killing sufficient wild fowl for a -week’s supply. Shortly after nightfall the dogs with their muzzles -primed over the chocks kept up a warning cry. Waantha with a crutch, the -gift of the carpenter, hopped about the deck with eyes on the alert, and -ears primed for sounds from the water and shore. Through the night his -vigilance was sustained, until in the darkness of the morning hours he -aroused Jack’s attention to floating objects on the water just visible -to his sight, but while peering the whiz of an arrow interpreted the -source of danger. The angle of flight enabled him to judge with -tolerable correctness the position of the foe who discharged it; the -yells which answered the report of his escopeta loaded with buckshot -bespoke his success with others if not the one whose intention provoked -retaliation. - -_June 11._—Jack’s morning salute awoke all on board, causing a general -muster to learn the source of provocation. While Mr. Dow was taking his -coffee in the dawning twilight, Waantha hobbled to the place where he -was sitting and after directing his attention to an approaching swan, -took one of the dead ducks hanging under the awning and placed it on his -head, at the same time imitating the movements of a man decoy. -Understanding his meaning, Mr. Dow took his rifle from the rack and sped -a bullet with sure aim; the unfortunate bird extended above the surface -a black pair of arms, then with a gurgling cry sunk out of sight. Flocks -of ducks which had been gradually nearing the steamer on all sides made -for the shore without taking wing, showing by the wake the nature of the -fowl before the submerged Indians clambered up the banks. The undaunted -perseverance of the savages in tracking the steamer, despite of our -superior weapons, showed an indomitable determination, proof to danger -and disappointment, which detracted greatly from our prospective -feelings of safety when exposed to the disadvantages of land travel. - -The steam-whistle and gong had startled them at first, but they had -tested their harmless natures, and evidently thought the howitzers -relatives, whose destructiveness could be avoided as easily as the -poison of their arrows when they had obtained a knowledge of the -antidote. The forbearance of the captain had favored this impression, -and it was determined in consultation to use our weapons to the full -extent of their destructiveness. An opportunity was soon offered, for in -passing a raft lodged on the eastern shore Waantha pointed out a rampart -of logs ready poised for an overthrow, with interstices between in which -were seen the protruding muzzles of their blow-pipes. One of the -mountain howitzers loaded with solid shot was discharged point-blank -against the upper tier causing it to fall inward, catching the lurking -savages in their own trap, while it exposed those in the rear to the -full effect of grape and our small arms, which caused the river echoes -to resound with the yells of the wounded. Without stopping to learn the -extent of the slaughter, the steamer kept on her course. In passing a -glade reaching to the water the plain was seen covered with panic- -stricken savages on foot and horseback, directing their course to the -foot-hills. Although surprised at the large number collected, we felt -safe with the impression that the wood rafts of the left bank would be -left free for our acceptance thereafter. - -_June 14._—While collecting wood from the scattered lodgments of the -western bank, parties of mounted Indians watched our movements from the -opposite plain. These Waantha informed us were of his own tribe. When -asked if he would like to be set on shore to rejoin them, he expressed, -with signs, a reproachful negative, blended with fear and sorrow. After -a moment’s hesitation he seemed to understand that the proposal was made -to test his feelings, then with a pleased look of Indian cunning he -pointed to the old chief, who had been regarding him with a revengeful -look of ferocity. Understanding his meaning as a proposal of -substitution, Mr. Welson asked, through Aabrawa, if they would kill the -old chief if set on shore? This was answered with a decided negative, -and the pantomimic addenda of labor as a substitute for death. As the -captive was sufficiently recovered from his wounds to control his own -movements, Mr. Welson took him in charge for initiatory preparation in -presage for association with his foes on shore. That it might not, in -form, be considered an arbitrary expedient for riddance, after Mr. Parry -had fitted to his neck a brass collar, proof to Indian appliances for -removal, he was freed from his bonds under the supervision of Mr. -Welson, who offered him his choice between the continued hospitalities -of the steamer, or liberty, such as he might be able to secure from his -congeners on either bank of the river? The speedy announcement of his -choice was urged by three strong shocks of the battery. When his -agitating consternation had sufficiently subsided from the last -talismanic touch to his neck decoration, his head disappeared over the -bulwarks with his heels in reversion, giving farewell nods to his -civilized entertainers. When last seen beneath the water’s surface he -was making for the eastern shore with a frog’s exampled despatch. - -The kind-hearted readers will be unnecessarily excited, if from the -foregoing relation they are inclined to think our enactments were -dictated solely for the gratification of instinctive mirth. Mr. Welson’s -object was to obtain a clear demonstration of instinct in the -rudimentary foundation of habit as the source of progressive inclination -in its bearings upon the present standard of civilization. The -participation of the padre in the vague terrors of the savage from a -reciprocation in kind, from the two extremes of cultivated progression, -offered absolute evidence of a common origin and source of provocation, -the variations in expression being dependent upon practiced habits and -customs. The padre attempted to offer his own experience to subvert the -ferocious testimony of the old savage while under the effects of -whiskey, pleading that it had ever exerted an opposite influence with -him, exciting in its action a genial flow of sympathy. This partial -testimony was overruled by the acknowledgment that in social whiskey -bouts, indulged in as night passatempos, he had invariably been obliged -to act as a peaceful arbitrator. With the impression made from the -effects of whiskey on the savage, all our habits of indulgence were -curtailed, greatly to the advantage of kindly reciprocation which had -often been chilled by theoretical disputations that ended as they began, -in the void of instinctive mutation. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - -The constantly increasing perils of the voyage from the pertinacity of -our savage foes, recalled the warning words of an old priest of Santa -Anna who had engaged in one of the Jesuitical expeditions. He advised us -to keep at a safe distance from the shore, and never attempt to hold -friendly intercourse with the savages, or endeavor to conciliate them -with presents, as it would expose us to their deadly treachery. “You -must be constant in your guard or they will board you in the night, for -they are as familiar with darkness and water as the land. If they come -within reach of your guns kill and spare not, for fear, if you can -inspire it, will be your only source of safety.” Our daily experience -had thus far confirmed the prudence of his advice, and it was yet a -question of extreme hazard if we should attempt to land. Each day -afforded additional evidence that the tribes were banded together in a -defensive alliance against the whites, with a politic foresight that -made intertribal jealousies secondary to their exclusion. When partisan -ferocity, so deadly in manifestation with the aboriginal races of -America, could be made to coalesce for protection against the aggressive -tendencies of a race in customs and habits inimical to their own, it -seemed an act of desperation to attempt the farther prosecution of our -Quixotic enterprise. This feeling had perceptibly gained strength while -the ferocious characteristics of the old savage remained unsubdued, -under the impression that our vitality was held with a lease as -precarious as his own. The padre’s exhibition of fear had established -him in the belief that in stoical courage we were inferior to his own -race. This impression he had evidently found means to convey to his -tribe. But Mr. Welson had, by a seemingly chance train of humorous -experiment, dissipated his reliance upon the savage hypothesis of -instinctive sagacity. The fancied superiority of his exaltation realized -to the old chief the attributes of deity, while the padre became -reduced, in his estimation, to a kindred caste with his tribe. In train -the gyved circlet of his neck, as a talismanic badge of investment, -would be likely to afford material evidence in proof of Mr. Welson’s -deistical power. These impressions, which it would be natural for him to -impart, would prove ominous as a prestige of awe, similar in effect to -that afforded by Moses to the Israelites. The contrast between the old -chief and Waantha discovered a marked distinction in tribal caste, -dependent upon the miasmatic influence exerted by local impressions -derived from degrees of purity in the sources of exhalation that gave -birth to kindred habits and customs. The former devoted his attention to -engendered animosity, while the latter eagerly searched for some token -of kindly sympathy, and when it was bestowed his whole being became -instinct with grateful pleasure. Even the dogs evinced an inherent -perception of Waantha’s higher grade by fawning acknowledgment, while -with the old chief the defiant acrimony increased rather than -diminished. In habits the same characteristic features prevailed. In -eating the old savage used as little ceremony as the dogs, and far less -in the modest observance of the other requirements of nature; while the -younger seemed to derive intense pleasure from cleanly imitations. With -these instinctive demonstrations we will resume our descriptive course. - - * * * * * - -_June 17._—The three previous days passed without any active indications -on the part of our tracking foes, but during the twilight dawn of this -morning Waantha discovered parties crossing the river in advance from -the right to the left bank. With every safe opportunity fuel was renewed -to guard against unforeseen emergencies. At noon large bodies of Indians -were seen watching our progress from eminences inland, and the trees of -either shore. Their appearance caused M. Hollydorf to question his duty -in opposition to the prospect the adventure offered for the fulfillment -of his commission. All, with the exception of Mr. Dow, expressed -themselves in terms of discouragement. Dr. Baāhar depicted the horrors -of a death from putrefactive poison, which entailed in life the -lingering corruption of bodily decomposition, which even the vultures -would disdain to hasten. Mr. Dow was obliged to acknowledge that the -preoccupation of their thoughts, while engaged in field avocations, -would expose them to certain surprise, and inevitable extermination. But -he had set his heart upon the venture and pleaded the advantage that -would accrue from the river’s exploration, hoping for some chance -interposition for the furtherance of his enterprise. Captain Greenwood, -for the relief of Mr. Dow, proposed that the exploration of the river -should be continued as far as admissible for the safety of the steamer. -M. Hollydorf accepted this proviso, notwithstanding the loss of time it -would cause. - -_June 19._—While the captain and M. Hollydorf were engaged with the -calculation of their meridian observations, just as the steamer was -closing a long reach, Waantha hobbled aft in great excitement, pointing -with energetic gesticulation to a headland we were approaching, and then -to our guns on the forecastle deck. Interpreting some new emprise on the -part of our savage foes, the boat was kept in the centre of the current, -until the view opened beyond the headland, when in melée encounter were -seen parties on horseback. On nearer approach women and children were -discovered huddled together within a barrier of mules and horses. Parry, -the engineer, always prompt with his weapon, sounded a parley, which -caused a momentary cessation of hostilities, allowing the boat to gain a -position commanding a full view of the parties engaged. A glance, aided -by the imploring gestures of the women, whose garments and other -indications bespoke an approach to civilized origin, at once enlisted -the inclination of our sympathy. The novelty of a scene so unexpected, -rendered us for a moment undecided how to act, but the sound of -Antonio’s Chinese weapon restored our presence of mind. The Indians -quickly recovering from the momentary panic, caused by the shriek of the -whistle and clangor of the gong, engaged in a renewed charge upon the -unfortunates, who were defending their families with the desperation of -despair, and in numbers seemed scarcely one to ten of their foes. The -charge of the Indians was accompanied with a derisive whoop, this was -almost simultaneously echoed back by the bray of the mules opposed in -forlorn hope, which revived Mr. Dow’s with a realizing perception of the -ways and means for the achievement of his ambitious project. His rifle -had reported the death of four Indians before a general volley put the -survivors to flight. The rescued, when they saw the Indians fall and -themselves spared, hastened down the bank that they might not interpose -their bodies as shields to the savages. The panic of the Indians who -were in flight over the pampa was increased by a shell, the report of -the gun startling from the western shore a party lying in wait for the -issue of the battle on the eastern, with the probable hopes of a chance -advantage to themselves. Acting upon the hint that there were among them -those who had witnessed the effect of shot and shell on a former -occasion, the opportunity was embraced for reviving the impression. When -satisfied that all able to molest had carried their bodies out of range, -preparations were made for landing to succor the rescued with food and -raiment, for they appeared to be in a deplorable condition. - -Before landing for the personal expression of sympathy, the punt was -loaded with provisions and dispatched to allay the immediate cravings of -hunger. The steamer in the meantime was moored to a wood-rift, from -which the captain and members of the corps gained the shore. They were -received by a man past the middle age, whose face was exceedingly -attractive, although wan with fatigue and anxiety. Momentarily -embarrassed, as if with doubt of his capacity to make his emotions of -gratitude intelligible, he bowed himself down with the intention of -prostrating himself at the feet of the captain, but this act of -humiliation was arrested by the grasp and hearty shake of his hands. As -distress evokes compassionate emotions with the kind-hearted, the -captain’s eyes were not alone mindful in the reciprocation of the -stranger’s outburst of grateful tears. Quick in demonstration, when his -generous impulses were aroused, the captain exceeded the cautious -discretion that usually guarded his movements, from fear of imposition, -by bestowing a hearty embrace of sympathy upon the careworn guardian of -the rescued flock. This act caused, with one exception, a general -prostration accompanied with a grateful outburst of tears. The exception -to this indicative act of eastern humiliation, bestowed alike in -reverence to the tyrant and benefactor, was a maiden who had probably -numbered eighteen seasons. Tall and erect in stature, she stood -unmindful of the prostrate throng, but not unmoved by the scene enacted -between the representative leaders of the rescuers and rescued. The -clear transparency of her skin, with the healthy purity of its texture, -combined with a graceful form, exceeding in height those with whom she -was associated, declared her at once alien to them by birth. Seemingly -aware that grateful expressions confined to pantomimic enactment would -at the close of the introductory scene prove embarrassing, she advanced, -after securing with touch the companionship of two young maidens who had -prostrated themselves beside her. Approaching Captain Greenwood, she -addressed him in an unknown tongue, which M. Hollydorf with surprise -recognized as an idiom of the Latin language. His wonder was augmented -by her confident assumption that there were among us some who would be -able to converse with her, and through her interpretation would be -enabled to hold communication with her protectors, her companions -speaking a dialect in remote correspondence with her own. The captain, -although gratefully recompensed for his lack of language by the eyes of -the fair vision, felt himself unaccountably moved in his isolation, -notwithstanding she continued to bestow upon him from those members -sympathetic admiration exceeding the compass of speech. The maiden -announced herself as a native of Heraclea of the Falls, a walled city -but a few days’ travel remote. - -“My name,” she continued, “is Correliana Adinope, daughter of the Prætor -Adinope, in body deceased, and step-daughter to Adestus the present -Prætor. The city has sustained a constant siege for centuries by the -savages in revenge for the wrongs committed against them by our -ancestors. Its inhabitants are at the present time in the extremity of -distress from pestilence engendered by famine. While endeavoring to -obtain remedial plants without the city walls I was made prisoner by a -band of our besiegers, and was rescued immediately by these fugitives, -whom in turn you have saved from destruction.” - -Having satisfied in outline the curiosity of M. Hollydorf, she begged -that safe means of rest might be afforded her protectors, for they had -been constantly harassed for weeks without an hour’s undisturbed sleep. -But long before the preparations were completed for a comfortable -resting place, Correliana and the wounded were the only ones that -remained awake. - -Waantha, assisted by the guacâcioes of the crew, collected from the hair -and mouths of the dead Indians antidotes, and from the growths of the -river bank counteractive remedies, which relieved the excruciating pain -of the wounded, and stayed the progress of gangrenous putrefaction. At -sunset all the rescued were in a deep lethargic sleep, and as the night -was pleasant, and the glade where they lay was open to the river, with a -day draught that freed it from miasm, but little fear was apprehended -from their exposure, notwithstanding the tattered condition of their -clothing. Fortunately, before the evening was far advanced, the captain -bethought himself of his trading stock, from which he soon obtained -fabrics well adapted for their protection. Mr. Dow, restored to the full -vigor of ambitious vitality, busied himself in organizing a guard for -the protection of the mules and horses, listening the while to Aabrawa’s -relation of their owner’s source, for he had recognized them as -belonging to a colony located far to the eastward of his place of -nativity, who were known to his people by the name of Bamboyles. Mr. Dow -viewing his night charge as the keys destined to unlock the gates of his -New Jerusalem, he picketed them in the most verdant portion of the -glade. When morning dawned his fears were startled to find them still -prone with scarcely a sign of vitality; and as his attempts to arouse -them failed to elicit more than a drowsy snort he feared that with all -his vigilance they had been poisoned, but was reassured by Dr. Baāhar, -who pronounced their immobile condition as lethargic, induced from -hunger and fatigue. - -While the night dew was still on the foliage Waantha pointed to a long -line of animals approaching the river from the plain, which proved to be -llamas. Upon this hint the three marksmen took the steamer’s boat to -find their “toch,” or path to the river, and were successful in securing -a supply of game sufficient for several days’ consumption. Before his -guests awoke the captain had prepared a tent for the reception of the -women and children, and an abundance of food for all. In addition he was -able to furnish from his trading stock dresses, which, with a little -alteration, would supply the requirements of the women. - -The mayorong, or chief of the Bamboyles, and Correliana were the first -to awake in the morning; the latter, with her two companions, were -conducted to the tent and there presented with the means of renewing -their garments. In communicating the kindly expressions bestowed, with -the gifts, her companions, in returning thanks, used the Spanish idiom, -which startled Mr. Welson with pleasurable surprise, as it opened to him -a direct avenue of speaking intercourse, for its varied provincialisms -were as familiar to him as his patrial mother tongue. After the -agreeable confusion, occasioned by Mr. Welson addressing them in -Spanish, had subsided, the eldest introduced herself as Cleorita and her -sister as Oviata Arcos, daughters of Don Santiago Arcos, a native of -Madrid, the chief city of Spain. On hearing this announcement he became -joyfully elated, bestowing upon both a fond recognition, as they were -the daughters of a personal friend of former years. After a long -conversation, in which they gave him an outline history of their people, -and the cause that forced them to become wandering exiles from their -loved country, with the distressful mishaps which had attended their -search for a new home, they separated reluctantly for the day. In answer -to Mr. Welson’s sympathetic desire to render burial assistance in the -regretful disposal of their dead relatives, the mayorong replied, that -unless their preservers especially wished to be present they would -prefer to indulge in their sorrows alone. Readily understanding the -motive, Mr. Welson and associates returned to the steamer while the -ceremonies were in progress. - -As Waantha had discovered Indian scouts lurking above and below upon -either bank of the river, Mr. Dow exercised his engineering skill in -forming on the pampa a defensive redoubt for the night protection of the -horses and mules. Dr. Baāhar theoretically explained the Latin -nomenclature of the different departments of the Roman castrum, which -possessed from his natural and cultivated innocence from mechanical -attaint the supreme “virtue” of novelty. Mr. Dow submitted to his -classical dictations, but stoutly refused to adopt his method of -fortification, which the doctor styled _fossa cingere internus_, or -moating inside of the redoubt, notwithstanding the strongly urged -advantage of its strategic intention of concealment, that would lead the -savages, on gaining the summit of the embankment, to take a blind leap -into it. Fortunately the padre was present to divert the argument, which -enabled him to render practical assistance to his Bamboyle aids for the -completion of the inclosure in time for the night’s occupation. The -absence of the doctor and padre from the supper table caused the captain -to inquire where they were? Mr. Dow said that he had left them but a -short time previous seated on the sods of the embankment engaged in a -dogmatic discussion of the feasibility of the various methods adopted by -the ancients and moderns for citadel defense, the doctor quoting from -“Plutarch’s Lives” and the padre from Bunyan’s “Holy War” as the best -English authority. Aggravated by the heedless lack of sympathy shown in -the use of their tongues, the while withholding the useful aid of their -hands, the captain, on their appearance, reprimanded the doctor over the -padre’s shoulders with tart severity, which caused both to give heed to -the practical suggestions of Mr. Welson in train for the outfit of the -overland expedition. From the direction of Correliana, who seemed to -have an innate perception of her entertainers’ dispositions, the captain -concluded to continue the voyage up the river to a point she described -as more favorable for debarkation, as it was nearer the southern passes -of the mountains that opened a way to the city of Heraclea. - -_June 21._—After the morning meal a majority of the women and children -were brought on board of the steamer, and of the males all that would be -likely to impede the progress of the land party having in charge the -horses and mules. When ready for the start, the doctor joined the shore -party equipped in naturalistic costume, which, in defiance of the recent -sad experiences of the Bamboyle women, excited a mirthful inclination; -even the more sedate demeanor of Correliana was moved in despite of her -efforts to suppress her risible emotions. With his nether bifurcations -disappearing, in extremity, within the capacious leg receptacles of -boots, a blouse surcoat, or smock frock, elaborately supplied with -Sanskrit labeled pockets, depended loosely from his shoulders, reaching -to his knees, his head being surmounted with a bell-crowned hat, -bestudded with impaling pins, technically called the kaleidoscope. -Protruding from the larger pockets were seen the mouths of a pistol -barrel, powder and drinking horns, with various articles for insect -preservation. - -Aware of his uncouth presentment, he pleaded that its adoption combined -usefulness with policy, for he had noted in his travels that all tribes -and nations bowed down in reverential worship and awe to ugliness; and -he felt certain that he had often been indebted to the contributions of -his costume for the preservation of his life, while sojourning among the -natives of the Polynesian and Ladrone Islands. When fairly mounted upon -a mule, who seemed to be affected with emotions peculiar to his species, -but seemingly averse to awe and worshipful respect, Mr. Welson could not -refrain from commending the happy conjunction as talismanic for the -rider’s preservation from savage attacks. - -It required much coaxing on the part of the mayorong to reconcile the -mule to the novel eccentricities of its rider, but in the course of the -forenoon he seemed to enter into the humor of his direction with unusual -zest. When fully reconciled to the swaying of the doctor’s net, with the -sharp turns and checks to which he was subjected in the chase of -insects, the Bamboyles left them to the full sway of their own moods. -Fortunately the saddle was well adapted to secure the safety of its -occupant. As they were crossing the opening of a glade, when the day was -well advanced, a splendid specimen of the pampa _Nyctaloide_ hovered -over the cavalada long enough to attract the doctor’s attention, then -floated away, leisurely, over the plain. In a moment the insect-hunter’s -net was in hand and, before he could be checked with warning caution, -was under full headway in pursuit, and, when fully engaged in following -the doublings of his quarry, he became deaf to the mayorong’s calls. -Feeling secure in being able to keep within hail of the boat, the -erratic movements of the doctor had been a source of amusement to the -Bamboyles, but as the distance was narrowing between the foot-hills and -the river, and withal hummocky, his danger increased. Still he was -armed, and little fear was entertained for his safety, for while within -call his mule could be brought back with a whistle. As he still kept -heedlessly on, the mayorong sent a party of young men to bring him back. -They had scarcely started, when a shrill shout from the mayorong urged -them on, he and Mr. Dow following at full speed. The cause of these -movements was a pursuing Indian close in the wake of the doctor. -Unheedful of the danger, the doctor and his mule—who seemed to enjoy the -novelty of the chase with his rider’s gusto—neared the foot-hills, where -a band of Indians were seen watching the strange scene. His frantic -gesticulations had undoubtedly impressed them with the belief that he -was bestraught with madness; a condition held in especial reverence by -aboriginals,—as they continued to regard the movements of the Indian in -pursuit with negligent indifference; indeed, from his frequent -hesitations, when within the cast of a spear, he seemed to be subject to -the restraining influence of the same fear. The mayorong, who had -allowed Mr. Dow to overtake him, had twice discharged his rifle in hopes -that the report would apprise the doctor of his danger, so that he might -use his pistol. But these offensive demonstrations only aggravated his -danger, for the band of Indians moved rapidly forward for the rescue of -their scout; he at the same time, warned by the rifle reports, cast a -calculating glance backward to determine the extent of his own danger. -At this juncture the butterfly rose and doubled just without the range -of the distracted enthusiast’s net, then coquetted backward and forward -with all the instinctive blandishments of its human type, showing as -little concern for threatened danger as its pursuer. This tack brought -the doctor face to face with his foe, who had sprung upright upon the -croup of his horse, holding his spear poised ready for the cast. The -cool indifference of the doctor to this offensive act, although within -reach of the spear’s thrust, caused the savage to pause, backing his -horse out of the way, as if still doubting the sanity of his meditated -victim’s self-possession. In this act a bullet with the mayorong’s -novice aim startled the savage from the close proximity of its whizz, as -he started suddenly aside. A quick glance turned toward us determined -the doctor’s fate just as he succeeded in capturing the tantalizing -object of his chase. While in the act of lowering the staff of his net -to remove his prize, he received the blow from the cast of the spear -aimed at the unprotected portion of his head; the point glancing upward -upon the skull divided the scalp on the forehead, reflecting it backward -over the crown. The blow forced him backward from the saddle to the -ground; at this stage Mr. Dow brought his rifle to bear, which caused -the savage to bite the dust, just as he was about to finish his victim -with a spear thrust. The blow and report brought back the doctor’s -scattered senses in time to anticipate with his pistol an attempt upon -his throat from the teeth of the Indian’s no less savage horse, for the -completion of his dead master’s unfinished work. This instinctive -impulse of self-preservation announced the presence of the doctor’s -mind, and that he still survived, but the horse, deprived of life, fell -forward over his prostrate body, as if to accomplish in death his -defunct master’s intention. When dragged from beneath the horse Dr. -Baāhar looked as if he had been resurrected from a slaughter-house, but -he was a naturalist still, for his first thoughts were directed to his -captured butterfly. A more striking contrast could scarcely be imagined -than that presented by the captor and captured, the former being clothed -in blood and the latter in beauty, for it had escaped injury in the -conflict. After the doctor had examined the condition of his hat with -its contents and garnish of insects, he submitted his head to the -mayorong’s treatment, with the proviso that his restored scalp should be -swathed without washing. When mounted on his mule his appearance was as -fruitful of humorous mirth as those attending the most ludicrous mishaps -of the valorous knight of La Mancha. The Indians, after the mayorong’s -party left, held a consultation over the dead body of their scout, which -seemed to result in a determination to avenge his death, for the main -body, which outnumbered ours in the ratio of three to one, followed, -standing on croup in a menacing attitude, occasionally making a dash -forward, and as suddenly retreating. These maneuvers were continued for -an hour or more, serving to retard the progress of the cavalada, until -Mr. Dow, our rear guard, getting out of patience with their annoyance, -proposed a long shot with his Spencer rifle which in effect astonished -the Indians by dismounting one of the most defiant. This caused evident -dismay, for they immediately retreated with all speed to the foot-hills, -leaving us unmolested for the rest of the day’s stage. Notwithstanding -the delays of the land party, they were obliged to wait at the first -open glade until night-fall for the arrival of the steamer. After the -doctor had submitted to a thorough ablution of body and head, -administered by the Bamboyle women, the cause of the steamer’s delay was -explained. - -The steamer, after an hour’s progress from her night’s moorage, entered -a broad expanse of water of lake-like dimensions formed by a confluent -tributary from the west. The strong eddy caused by the making out of a -spit from the eastern bank forced the boat to the opposite shore covered -with the rank growths common to extensive alluvial deposits in semi- -tropical latitudes. While the engine was exerting its utmost power to -stem the current and cross the walled strength of the combined streams, -Waantha, who was at his post with his canine friends, called Mr. -Welson’s attention by signs to a broad spreading mangrove banian -peculiar to the tributary deltas of the large South American rivers, -which bear a strong resemblance to kindred growths in India. Among the -pendant hybrid limbs, which had taken root in the muddy deposit, there -appeared one that seemed to vibrate to and fro, coiling upon itself. -With the glass the captain discovered that it was a huge amphibious -anaconda hanging pendant from one of the horizontal branches by the -prehensile attachment of its tail. The waving excitement of its -corrugations and swaying reflection of its head from side to side, -within circumscribed limits, aroused the spectators’ curiosity to learn -the nature of its attraction. A nearer approach discovered, prone upon -the interwoven platform of mangrove branches, a huge alligator with his -head inward from the river. The reptile relation of the parties -foreboded an instinctive encounter of sagacity and strength, which -excited in Mr. Welson a strong repulsive desire to witness, as a -comparative study, the result of a duel between individual -representatives of species so nearly allied on the cold blooded verge of -vitality. The captain, in order to afford him the privilege of recording -the result for future reference, directed the bow of the boat cautiously -toward the scene of encounter. - -When sufficiently near to witness the movements of the monsters, who -were engaged in preliminary tactics, one to prevent insinuating -surprise; for the alligator, from his shrinking contractions, was -evidently aware of the impending danger, if his foe was allowed to gain -his object, and the other to excite the advantage he wished to gain, the -headway of the boat was checked. As the distance intervening was -shortened, the scaly tail, back, and immense snout of the alligator, -were exposed to view in sidelong reflection within the umbrageous -shadow, proclaiming him the patriarchal champion of his species, and -well matched in strength to contend with his ophidian foe, should he, -from tantalizing banter, proceed to actual hostilities. Gradually the -serpent’s curves and retractions grew more energetic in gliding movement -as its head darted hither and thither, now disappearing on one side of -the saurian, then retracting over his back for an investigation of the -opposite side, with the evident object of seeking a passage beneath. The -alligator, although passive in his defensive movements, was observed to -crouch closer to the underlying branches whenever the head of his foe -touched a part beneath the scales of his armor, his apprehension being -made manifest by a nervous twitching of his tail, as if aware of the -fatal vantage sought. - -The captain had requested the engineer to keep the steamer in position -until the victor in the duelistic contest was determined; but the -wariness of the alligator, who was not in a position to accept the wager -of battle, made the result of the siege doubtful, as it might be -prolonged until they had tested their respective powers of total -abstinence to the extent of endurance. With the thought of his own -culpability should the gratification of Mr. Welson’s curiosity prove -fatal to the hopes of Correliana, who had placed her reliance in his -direction for the relief of her kindred, he was about to request the -engineer, who acted as pilot, to proceed, when the pagan exclamation -proh Jupiter! from the object of his thoughts called attention to the -cause. The alligator had attempted to gain the advantage of his -preferred element by a backward movement, this act had opened to the -head of his foe the sought for advantage, which had already passed -underneath his body between his dwarfed legs before his hind quarters -reached the water. In a twinkling two coils had involved the saurian’s -body just behind his fore legs, the part most susceptible to wounds and -compression. Then came a fearful struggle that swayed the tree -attachments through the wide expanse of its reach, causing in the minds -of the beholders a loathsome interest devoid of sympathy, offering the -test of instinctive strength and endurance as a meagre source of -gratification. Still, to Mr. Welson, the contest was not altogether -devoid of useful application for parallel deduction when compared with -the animal traits of human instinct. The tightening of the prehensile -coil of the anaconda’s tail on the limb of its attachment, and upward -retractile corrugations of his body with corresponding attenuation, -disclosed the difficulty he encountered from the elasticity of his -leverage, which prevented the concentration of muscular strength -necessary for the strangulation of his victim. To the elasticity of the -limb the alligator owed his prolonged existence and chance of -advantageous retrieval. At this stage of doubtful emergency the -instinctive “wisdom” of the serpent became meditatively apparent in the -darting movements of his head and gleam of his watchful eyes, which were -engaged in alert study to advantage his position, while guarding his -straining body from the frantic strokes of the tail and distended jaws -of his antagonist. The anaconda’s intention was soon made manifest, for -we could plainly see his corkscrew tail traveling with insidious -progress toward one of the main trunks of the tree; this once gained the -moments of the saurian’s existence could be numbered, for it would -afford the required resistance for crushing his body in its armor of -proof. The “spectators” had watched the conflict with a superlative -degree of indifference, inasmuch as favor for either of the contestants -was concerned, hoping that both would be fatally disabled. But the -moment the alligator began to manifest symptoms of exhaustion in the -weakened strokes of its tail, and gasping throes, the human instinct of -a guacho fireman sided with the weaker party in the struggle. Yet the -object of his championship was scarcely a shade less repulsive than the -symbolic cause of man’s squirming meanness and disposition to involve in -his folds of treachery all that adventure within the reach of his -cupidity. The alligator’s champion, born and nursed in the saddle with -the lariat and bola for his rattle, asked the captain, in an undertone, -for the skiff, with permission to terminate the combat. This granted he -soon gained a footing upon the mangrove thicket and in a few seconds the -quick gleam of a machéte was seen, then with the accompaniment of a -prolonged hiss the serpent’s writhing body fell separated from its tail. -Relaxing the portion inclosing his nearly lifeless victim, he strove -with instinctive energy to release his folds, but his efforts were vain, -for the retractile power of his muscles had departed with his tail. -Helplessly retained by the dead weight of the alligator’s body, the -serpent seemed at a loss to account for the futile result of his -efforts, for he continued to retract his bereaved stump, while -investigating with darting head the progress effected by vermicular -contraction beneath. The reviving spasms of the alligator increased the -anxious rapidity of the anaconda’s movements, but as with the fabled -flight of Samson’s strength shorn of his locks, he was held for -sacrifice bound in the toils of his own instinctive intention. His -helpless condition was aggravated by the guacho, who, after cutting away -the intervening branches, was seen struggling with the writhing tail -until he had drawn it to an overreaching limb, from which he dropped it -within reach of the head of its late owner. Its detached appearance -seemed to impress upon the majority, of the relict anaconda, the -diminished extent of his misfortune, for it was seized with its late -mouth and bitten with impotent rage. While engaged in inflicting -punishment upon its supposed traitorous tail, instinctive caution was -made blind with rage, and its coils, released by the recovered -consciousness of the alligator, convolved athwart between his open jaws -which seized and severed the serpent’s body while its head was -endeavoring to execute ultimate vengeance by swallowing its recreant -tail. M. Hollydorf and Mr. Welson closed the scene and the alligator’s -repast with their rifles, the bullets taking effect in the soft parts -which were exposed in his endeavors to regain the water. With this -humane addenda to the reptile duel, the serpent’s head was left to -shuffle off from its mortal coil. Correliana Adinope and the Bamboyle -women had screened themselves from the revolting sight under the awning -aft, from which they could not be induced to look backward until the -scene of the duel was left far behind. The steamer, to make good the -time lost, was urged to her best speed. With the relation of these -retarding incidents of the day, Antonio announced his readiness to serve -the evening meal. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - -Cleorita Arcos, at the request of her grandfather, the mayorong, gave -the following relation of the causes that led to their exile:— - -“As Aabrawa has informed you, our people have received the name of -Bamboyles from the Aurancanoes. This was derived from the noise of our -workmen’s hammers in mending their utensils. But our transmitted, and -more pleasing name of designation, which we hold in reverence as an -evidence of remote ancestry, is Kyronese. Our late place of residence is -called Pompolio, which is also of remote hereditary origin. Mendoza was -said to have been founded by our ancestors, from which their more recent -descendants were driven by the Spanish half-breeds who coveted their -vineyards, which produced excellent grapes for the manufacture of wine, -of which they were fond to excess. Their envious hatred followed the -victims of displacement to Pompolio, their new home, and still -continues. Our ancestors were also beset by wandering tribes of savages -in their new home, as determined for our destruction as those from which -we were rescued by your timely arrival. But as they were constantly at -war among themselves it gave our people an opportunity to build walls -and gates to defend the passes. - -“The Aurancanians were always friendly, for our people never exacted -more for their labors than their employers were pleased to give in -exchange; and until the event occurred that caused us to become outcasts -from our dearly loved homes, they were ever more ready to bestow than we -were to accept. But the same cause, from the same source, has reduced -them to a condition worse than our own, for they can no longer command -themselves in their own country, being constantly at variance in their -own households. We are so unlike our neighbors, and their visitors from -other nations, in personal appearance, habits, and customs, our -curiosity has labored long and patiently with the transmitted emblems, -but they refuse to unravel the secrets of the past. - -“My father gave our people much information, which they supposed to be -reliable. First, he said that Kyron, from which our name was derived, -was an ancient Assyrian department, which gave birth to the city of -Sidon, famed in its day for the boldness and enterprise of its -navigators; and that the vessels portrayed by our ancestors were similar -to theirs. But he said that our short bows, and spears, as well as our -defensive armor, afforded the strongest confirmation of Assyrian origin. -In addition, he found utensils designed for household use which -corresponded exactly with pictures in the books he obtained from Europe; -and furthermore, he made a journey to Peru and brought back vessels of -pottery exactly similar. From these evidences he naturally concluded -that our ancestry, and those that inter-married with the aboriginal -inhabitants of Peru, were derived from the same source. However, you -will understand all these things better than ourselves; for he said your -learned men devoted their lives to the study of the past, and were -skilled in tracing vestiges, and conjectural probabilities. - -“From what I have related, you can judge of the past, and from what I -shall now relate, whether we have acted prudently, and are worthy of the -interest you are disposed to take in our welfare. We lived happily -according to our knowledge, neither eating or drinking what we -considered to be impure, or indulging to excess beyond the body’s -requirements for the gratification of taste. Our amusements were -harmless and serving as a vivacious warmth for affectionate love. Those -who visited us, like my father, were kindly entertained, and not one of -the few has disdained to accept our friendship. The cause of my father’s -departure was not that he loved us less, but the wish to induce his -father and brother to come and see that he had succeeded in finding a -people who were content to live without money, in freedom from want and -envy, with the security of a common affection to make them realize a -more perfect existence after the separation of vitality from the body. -It was our misfortune to lose him when his advice was most needed, for -we feel assured, if he had remained, he would have averted our -calamities, for he claimed that our goodness and simplicity invited -imposition, which we had not the diplomatic skill to avoid.” - -Mr. Welson, with a humorous twinkle of the eye, interrupted Cleorita, -questioning whether her father explained the meaning of the word -diplomatic. To which she replied with blushing trepidation, “My father -gave his own version, but he was so chioptic (jocose) in his way, and -inclined to speak disparagingly of his people’s sincerity, we did not -press him to asservate the truth of his interpretation, for we could not -wish to believe that civilization consisted in the art of successful -deception. As you knew him well in former years, I will not withhold his -exact definition. He said the word was a comprehensive cover for all the -variations of lying evasion practiced in the adjustment of national -encroachments, as a pretext for more extended impositions. The immediate -cause of our exile was the reappearance of a tribe of Indians who had -been expelled by the Aurancanians for their atrocious acts. The return -of the Abacknas (marauders) was announced by their sack of the -settlement of Guaspe. When pursued by an avenging party they fled to the -mountains. Their leader, named O’Grady, a sailor who had escaped from a -vessel in the straits of Magellan, betrayed them to the vengeance of -their pursuers, so that few escaped. By this act of treachery he gained -admittance into Aurancania for the introduction of a destructive cause -more insidious in its perfidy. - -“In all the valleys of Aurancania the apple and pear grow to perfection, -and, as with us, those bordering the countries on the north and east are -well adapted for the culture of the grape and fruits kindred to the -peach. The extracted juice of these had been used as a pleasant and -harmless drink. O’Grady, although mistrusted, proposed to make the juice -more pleasing in its effects if suitable vessels could be procured. As -these were to be made of copper, of which we had an abundance, and were -skilled in reducing it for the manufacture of utensils, he was referred -to us. Unfortunately, on his way to visit us, he met one of our most -ingenious workers of the metals at Muloa, who comprehended the kind of -vessels and attachments he wanted. Insisting upon accompanying our -brother to oversee his labors, he gave him abundant reason on the way to -regret the chance that made him responsible for the stranger’s -introduction to our people. On their arrival within the gates of the -pass, he would not accept the hospitality provided for strangers, on -trial,—outside of our Douang, or walled town of defense, but insisted -that he should be received as a guest within. This act of aggressive -presumption was firmly but politely opposed by his sponsor, which from -his slight stature led to a trial of strength, with a result seriously -unfavorable to O’Grady, who was glad to accept assistance from his -antagonist and a bed in the strangers’ quarters, which he kept for a -month, until a fractured leg and an arm were again serviceable. -Nevertheless, he was kindly attended; and after his recovery never -attempted to overawe any of our people with threatening overtures -provoking personal encounter, having seemingly lost confidence in the -accounted advantages of superior size; but the revengeful leer of his -eyes boded us ill if the opportunity of exacting it should ever occur. -The vessel, with our troublesome visitor, were transported back to Muloa -as soon as he was able to travel; he neither offering, or his conductor -requiring aught for the labor or material bestowed, other than the -desire, on the part of our people, never to see him again. But the hopes -entertained that our parting would be final, were void; and in view of -the calamity which the heedless fulfillment of our brother’s stipulation -wrought upon the friendly Aurancanians, we have questioned whether our -own misfortunes were not justly merited.” - -“Were you aware,” inquired Mr. Welson, “that the vessels your artizans -were fabricating were intended for the transformation of a beverage -juice into a fiery distillation, that in product would reduce your -friends to the condition of enemies to you, by the introduction of -‘civil’ discord into their own households?” - -“The only information our people had upon the subject was derived from -my father,” replied Cleorita, “who had often described the misery it had -caused among your people. But his habits were abstemious, and his -example prevented the full impression of the danger, for we did not -forethink that others lacked his discretion, and would pervert actual -blessings for their own destruction. Alas, we soon found that the track -of our heedless labor was marked with the blight of provident affection. -To controvert our own agency in the misery inflicted upon the families -of our ever kind neighbors, the mayorong sent those abroad who mingled -substances with the ashes beneath the vessels that in burning destroyed -the metal. But the O’Grady had gained the means before this was -effected, of obtaining others from Mendoza of larger size, after we had -refused to supply his loss. These we also felt warranted in destroying, -which aroused his suspicions and his third enterprise was carefully -guarded. When its product exceeded the demand, he sent a still over to -Pompolio and seized our fruit for its use, which caused our people to -destroy it openly, expelling his aids. This provoked his bitter enmity, -and he swore that he would exterminate our people root and branch. - -“Two years passed without cause for alarm, when, with a morning’s dawn, -we were aroused by the boom of a great gun and a loud crash in the midst -of our houses. When rushing forth to learn the cause the gatekeeper gave -the mayorong a letter written in Mendozean Spanish which I translated. -The missive was a demand for the immediate surrender of the Douang, -unconditionally. In the event of refusal, the lives of all the males -were to be sacrificed. This was signed, ‘Patrick O’Grady, Commander-in- -chief.’ - -“Of course, without hesitation, our people put on a bold face and sent -him back a defiant answer. In less than an hour our gate became a mark -for the cannon. This we had anticipated, and a second gate prepared for -an emergency of the kind, was closed inside of the outer, the interspace -being filled with faggots of osiers and tough mountain moss. So that our -second gate was well protected, for they kept prudently out of reach of -our spring-engines which were almost as effectual as their guns, but -could not be directed as easily. But our people were sorely -disheartened, for he had brought with him a large band of the guachos -and Indians of the plains, who had often attempted similar enterprises. -Finding, after many days, that their guns were breaking through our -strong walls, our people determined to conceal in the mountain caves all -that was held valuable, leaving in charge of a band of our young men the -old and infirm, with our cattle; while the mayorong, with the majority -of the able-bodied of both sexes, should set forth to seek a new home -farther north. When all the arrangements were completed a passage was -opened in the southern wall opposite and in concealment from the -besiegers’ encampment, for the outgoing of our cattle, through the heap -of litter that had accumulated from our stables overthrown from the -wall. After our departure for the mountain strongholds, the way of -escape was again closed and concealed as before. When everything was -made ready for the departure of the mayorong’s party northward, they -resolved upon another night attack upon their foes for intimidation, -that they might not seek to molest the mountain party in reserve; but -with such precautions as could be used to prevent the loss of life on -our part. The success of our people, if it had been followed up, -promised a complete rout, so great was the panic they caused, but it -sufficed to render their guns useless, with the destruction of their -munitions, and such other damage as we could accomplish without hazard -to ourselves. - -“With a sad farewell we set forth in search for a new place of -habitation. Encountering many hardships, we finally succeeded in -reaching the fruitful valleys to the north of Mendoza without the loss -of life, where a new race of foes have driven us hither and thither as -relentlessly determined upon our destruction as the O’Grady. When we -started, our men numbered an hundred and eighty, and our women and -children two hundred; these have been reduced by death and capture in -our long wanderings among savage foes, to ninety men, and an hundred and -twenty women and children. Twenty days ago we rescued our loved -companion, Correliana, in sight of her city, while her guards were -fighting bravely for her defense against overwhelming odds. For many -days we hovered in sight of the city, hoping to regain for her an -entrance into the gates; her friends understanding our intention -endeavored to render us all possible assistance, but it availed naught -for her advantage, but caused us great distress. Yet that she has been -the means of our preservation we doubt not; for without the support of -her undaunted courage and device, we should scarcely have been able to -elude the many schemes planned for our destruction and her capture. When -she found it was impossible to gain an entrance into the city, and we -were fainting for the want of food, she led us by devious ways to Indian -villages, left in charge of old men and women, where we obtained an -abundance of food without causing other injury. From that time we have -had no rest, except what we gained in the sillia while our horses were -moving. Her desire to keep the river in view has been so urgent that we -saw clearly she expected succor from it in some way. Although her -language corresponds with Spanish so closely as to furnish me with a -ready understanding in other matters, she was not disposed to impart the -nature of her hopes from this source. We are not greatly given to -superstition, nevertheless, we cannot rid ourselves of the grateful -belief that you were in some way overruled for our rescue.” - -When Cleorita closed her relation the Kyronese women bowed themselves -down in grateful acknowledgment for their preservation. This act of -humility caused the padre to utter a remonstrance coupled with the -declaration that prostrate humbleness for human aid seemed to him an -affectation that smacked strongly of hypocrisy. But when reminded of the -obeisance paid to the pope’s toe, and similar absurd acts inculcated by -Christian doctrine in the education of youth subject to the bias of -sectarian supremacy, he was silenced. But all joined in expressing their -strong sympathy and proffers of aid in solace for the unmerited -sufferings of the Kyronese. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - -While Mr. Welson was engaged in listening to the rehearsal of the -proposed plans of Correliana for the speedy rescue of her people, a -falcon in the act of stooping from its poise attracted the quick eyes of -Mr. Dow, who raised his rifle, but before he could secure his aim the -Heraclean maid uttered an exclamation of alarm which arrested his -destructive purpose. In explanation and apology for her impetuous words -and act, the falcon settled from his waft upon her shoulder with a -flutter of glad recognition, coaxingly pecking at her ear with side -glances for accustomed caresses. In a few moments the fair perch became -so abstracted with varying emotions hovering between sorrow and -gladness, that her pet was fain to stoop to her wrist for the mechanical -recognition of the right hand; yet, as if unmindful of neglect, it -plumed itself in the pride of feathery vanity, seemingly confident -notwithstanding the reserved affection of its mistress. - -At length, as if suddenly made aware of her preoccupation from the -silence that prevailed, she asked the privilege of retiring to the cabin -for a few minutes for the recovery of her composure. During her absence -Cleorita said that she had been similarly affected on several previous -occasions from falcon visits. Nearly an hour passed before Correliana -reappeared, then, with the pleading animation of anxiety, she requested -M. Hollydorf to urge all warrantable haste in preparation for the -overland journey from that point, if they proposed to rescue her people, -as they were in extremity from the increased virulence of the pestilence -aggravated by famine, of which the besieging savages were preparing to -take speedy advantage. Naturally supposing that the bird was the carrier -medium of communication, all their energies were exerted for the -accomplishment of her affectionate solicitation. - -Mr. Dow, with Jack’s and Bill’s assistance, drilled the Kyronese in the -art of loading and discharging the howitzer, with effective aim, also in -the use of rifles and pistols. During the day hampers were filled with -prepared munitions and rations, and the party selected for the -expedition. Having assisted, with wonderful tact, during the process of -packing, just before night-fall Correliana dispatched the falcon in -homeward flight, with encouraging promises of speedy relief. When with -the approach of darkness, and fatigue, the labors of the day were -suspended, she pronounced herself anxious that we should become -acquainted with the history of her people, that we might judge of their -worth before venturing the hazard of our promised aid. With an assurance -of unwavering determination to adventure their lives for the rescue of -her kindred by all, she commenced her narration. - -“The transmitted written history of our people, derived from our -ancestors of old Heraclea, has not been esteemed reliable by the later -renewed generations of our present City of the Falls, inasmuch as the -historians, of the middle period, were invariably inclined to ascribe -the partial prejudices of degeneration as evidences of progression in -their assumptive decisions of right and wrong. With self exaltation they -did not hesitate to extol the most arbitrary and licentious acts of -persons in power, which in accommodation for the selfish retention of -favor were constantly subject to reversion. These sources of selfish -contradiction, serve to impeach the veracity of the whole, so that from -the adventitious impressions of truth we have been obliged to make -conjectural deductions to subserve our desire for the preservation of a -probable outline record of the causeful events that led to ancestral -translation from the Pontine to the Iberian Heraclea. However, in my -prompted relation I shall endeavor to give a simple rendering agreeable -to the expressed judgment of our advisors, without attempting to force -your concurrence with reasoning similitudes. Your knowledge pertaining -to coincident history will certainly attest to the correctness of the -alleged source from which our remote ancestors were derived. - -“Our original stock, in translation, might well be represented in the -variations of caste by the contingent elements with which I am at -present surrounded; for the place from which our ancestors embarked was -a central point for the fermenting commixture of the peoples and septs -of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Our patrician historian states that the -original stock were all derived from noble Roman families who were -emigrating, with collateral provincial branches, from the Euxine -Heraclea, in a Macedonian ship, to an Iberian city of the same name, -situated a short distance inland from the ocean opening of the straits -of Gades. After touching at the African port of Rusander Gaditarius for -supplies necessary for support during the interval of planting and -harvest, they set sail for their port of destination. - -“When in sight of the landmarks of Heraclea, while offering sacrifice to -the gods of their worship, for the prosperous termination of their -voyage, a sudden tempest arose which forced their vessel out into the -broad Atlantic. For days the storm raged, while before it their bark was -driven heedless of mortal control, every moment threatening destruction. -At length, after hopeless despair had held them bound in shadowy -darkness through a lapse of time unmarked by the full distinctions of -day and night, the sun rose clear over a limitless expanse of waters. -Still they feared to offer thankful oblations, for they were drifting -they knew not whither. In the listless inactivity of despair they had -allowed the waters of heaven to accumulate in their vessel mixed with -the briny wash of the ocean. As the sun rose in the firmament to its -meridian, the heat parched their mouths with thirst, then they -recognized the providence of heaven for the supply of water tempered -with salt to make it unpalatable for excess. - -“‘Again hope began to dawn, which was strengthened on the following -night by a flight of fish seemingly attracted by the altar fire, which -had continued to burn through the fearful tossings of the vessel when -impelled by the merciless tempest urged by the god of the ocean. -Revived, with the second sun, the sailors spread the vessel’s sails to a -favoring waft of the ocean wind, showing their recognition and -resignation to the decrees its providence had ordained. There was no -lack of food, for the supply obtained at Rusador for anticipated wants -between seedtime and harvest, more than sufficed for prospective -requirements, unless the ocean proved boundless. Of luxuries there was -also a bountiful supply; dates, dried figs, grapes, and Chian wine. -Strange as it may appear, with the revival of our hopes, a large portion -of the wine was sacrificed to furnish vessels for treasuring the water -preserved by the ship. But with the rising of the eleventh visible sun -all the supply of water having been exhausted,—for there were many -mouths and great thirst,—despair, which dried up the moisture, began its -reign of terror, from the moans of mothers who freely offered their -tears to still the wailing cries of their children. - -“‘In this condition, when all coveted death to relieve the tortures of -thirst, there came on the sixteenth of its rise upon our forlorn hopes -at sundown, a waft that made all murmur thanks in their weakness. This -was followed with genial showers which brought a reviving consciousness -of an overruling presence inspiring a love of life and the blessings of -kindred affection. When the clouds, to whose timely benefactions we were -beholden for our preservation, were dispersed by the rising sun, our -eyes and hearts were gladdened with the sight of land, which called -forth tears with whispered rejoicings, and wan smiles of congratulation -bestowed with embraces, and hand pressures in thankful praise that we -had been once more permitted to see the element from which we had been -so long divorced by cruel fate. - -“‘Borne onward by a gentle wind from the ocean, we entered a broad -estuary whose banks, or shores, were bordered with a forest verdure of -trees exceeding in magnitude our previous conceptions. Far off in the -interior, as the sun declined, were seen mountains whose summits were -clothed in fleecy mists while beneath the varied descent appeared -dressed in rainbow tints of moving light and shadow. The banks of the -mighty river, or arm of the ocean, became more distinct in the -approaching twilight, until darkness with its pall withheld them from -view. Again another day dawned; refreshed with the dews of the night we -bethought ourselves how we might bring the vessel to land where we could -obtain water to quench our thirst, when lo, with the first feeble dip of -the oars the trickle of the water inward discovered to a child its -freshness. The faint struggles of the oarsmen strengthened with the fear -of again being carried out into the ocean, for the current was forcing -the vessel backward, were at length rewarded with the stranding of its -keel beneath the steep bank of an inlet. - -“‘In vain our eyes, from the mast, searched the shore for evidences of -man’s habitation; neither smoke from hamlets or signs of cultivation -could be traced. Weary and weak, but composed in spirit, from our now -secure attachment to land, which, although foreign, seemed afar off -fruitful, all sank into a deep and refreshing slumber, lulled by the -familiar sound of the cicada’s shrill vibrations, which continued -unbroken until the dawn of another day, when we were awakened by the -sound of strange voices speaking an unknown tongue. Surprised, but not -alarmed, when we discovered that the utterances were from a collection -of human beings who were viewing us and our vessel from the bank that -overlooked the transtra, our own curiosity was in like manner attracted -by the novelty of their appearance. In stature they exceeded in height -our own, but were gracefully formed, with expressive features inclined -in color to a brownish red. With eyes of vivid blackness they seemed -capable of giving intensity to the two extremes of passion—expressed by -revengeful anger and dalliant softness. The covering of their bodies was -so slight that it failed to afford the shadow of concealment or -restraint to their persons. - -“‘While we were sleeping they had drawn our vessel into the inlet so far -that with slight assistance we could raise ourselves to a footing upon -the bank, this with signs they proffered and we accepted. When seated -upon the grassy plain, the women with native grace prepared in shell a -thick paste compounded of milk and fruits, exceedingly palatable and -refreshing. For a drink they pierced the eyes of large nuts from which -flowed a milky fluid that found special favor with our women and -children. These tokens of kindly regard were presented with timid -gentleness and solicitude that won our confidence. - -“‘When our appetites were appeased in their craving for the _novus res_ -in freedom from the ocean’s savor of salt, signs of mutual curiosity -began to flow in pantomimic gesture. First, they questioned from whence -we came? We answered by pointing over the ocean. But when they pointed -to the sky in its descent to the horizon, we saw that they would ask -whether we were descended from the gods. Humoring their implied belief, -we answered truly by uprooting a stalk of grass, then holding its seed -filled follicles dependent we in addressing the roots to heaven shook -the semina from their receptacles to the earth, therewith, to their -apprehension, acknowledging our heavenly origin. - -“‘Communing among themselves, with a deferential review of our persons -they seemingly acknowledged the superiority of our pretensions, while -questioning the cause of our forlorn condition when found. At length in -their doubt they appealed to an aged man whose appearance augured -wisdom, who answered sagely by addressing, for our comprehension and -approval, his symbolic exposition of the cause. Selecting two tall -spears of grass, overtopping the heads of their kind, he pointed to the -eldest parents of our group, then reversing the stalks with the roots -upward, he forced the symbols apart by introducing a younger female -blade between, adherent to the tendrils of the paternal branch, causing -the mother and her seed to fall to the earth. This disruptive -demonstration so clearly defined his knowledge of the human passions, in -accordance with the experienced injustice of our own race, that a blush -of shame suffused, with its evidence of conviction, the faces of some of -our elders whose withers of frailty had been touched. Taking these -symptoms of assent as evidences of conviction, the oracle, with a self- -complacent air, relapsed into silence, his kindred mingling their -admiration for his ability in prescientia with reverence for our -supposed paternity. Having arrived at the Ultima Thule of their -curiosity we endeavored to satisfy ours without lessening the kindly -reverence we inspired from our presumed descent from the gods. But -learned nothing beyond the impression that the land extended, in the -three opposed directions to the ocean, to the horizon, and that their -country was the full of a moon nearer the setting sun, to which they -invited us warmly to accompany them. - -“‘Although still fancying that we were in a remote division of our own -land, yet hopeless of regaining our homes, or intelligence of our -people, we concluded to avail ourselves of their invitation, for an -attempt to return by the ocean augured sure destruction. Nourished with -fruits and wild game, which nature furnished and sustained without the -aid of human labor, and nursed with the tenderest care we soon regained -our strength. Signifying our readiness to accompany them, and desire to -take with us our household lares, utensils, harvest, and fruit seeds, -they brought, after the lapse of days, diminutive beasts of burden, -which seemed united in equal relationship to the camel and goat. When -the day of departure came, we bid tearful farewell to our vessel, then -with the ready aid of our benefactors buried it from vision that it -might escape desecration from wandering tribes. - -“‘Many days were occupied in our inland journey before we reached the -valley of our destination. When at length, after surmounting many -difficulties, it opened to our view we were overjoyed with its beauty -and the bounteous prospect it afforded for the fruitful recompense of -our mischance in original intention. In the sincerity of our joy we -could not withhold our thanksgiving for the divine direction that had -conducted us through so many perils to a land, where, as demi-gods, we -could live in freedom from the dread of invasion and corrupt oppression -of imposed tyrants. Our advent brought peace to our benefactors, who had -been forced into wandering exile by the neighboring tribes; who instead -of opposing their return solicited the privilege of bestowing their -labor as a willing sacrifice in atonement for their injustice in -expelling the Betongo tribes from their lands while under the favor of -the ruling spirit. - -“‘Season after season followed the advent and propagation of our Latin -generations in the Betongo valleys, each more bountiful than its -predecessor, until years were multiplied into centuries. The -reproduction of the exotic grains, fruits, and vegetables yielded -tenfold returns in excess of their rates from native soil; and while our -people preserved their original prestige as a race of superior beings, -dealing with arbitrary justice free from forced oppression, they -prospered and were reverenced by the aboriginals for the happiness they -conferred by kindly example. During the first century, the castaways and -their descendants did not disdain to give instruction to the natives -with the exampled labor of their own hands; and through the adoption of -their children in allied direction with those of the Latin race, easy -communication in language was held.’” - -Correliana here remarked, that in the first part she had adhered closely -to the rendering of her Latin ancestor, Marcus Adinope, the Prætor of -the castaways in their first settlement of the Betongo valleys. “I will -now,” she said, “append his apology for practicing duplicity in -accepting the homage of the aboriginals as their due in the assumed -character of demi-gods. - -“‘In the first instance, we felt constrained to accept their proffered -reverence paid in fealty to our supposed descent from the gods, not from -the feeling that the assumption would offer us the means of practicing -arbitrary oppression in safety; but as a necessary composition for an -exampled restraint of gentleness in association among ourselves, as a -secure hostage for imparting its godlike virtues to our trusting -neophytic benefactors. Aided with the harmless reverential impression, -we were able the better to control the plebiscite democracy incorporated -with our element of self command over the thoughtless impulses of the -subservient oarsmen and hinds of our vessel. Our memories were kept on -the alert with the monitorial revival of insurrections and massacres, -which had their origin from impositions exacted in the conquered Roman -provinces by plebeian officials who had paid a price for their -promotion. Indeed, the cause of our transmigration had had its birth -from that illegitimate source of instability.’ - -“After the passage of many centuries, another of our family has recorded -the result of the democratic majority’s usurpation of the power of -equalizing self-command, evidently in re-admonition of his predecessor’s -apology:— - -“‘How void of self enduring forethought are the uncontrolled instincts -of youth, when reckless of experienced premonitions! It is with painful -emotions that I am obliged to record that the descendants of the -aboriginals who succored our forefathers in their castaway distress, and -preferred them to their own hereditaments, with the reverent homage -accorded to the gods, are now subject to the cruel exactions of the -taskmaster. The hardships to which they are now subjected by the -multiplied progeny of the sailor,—who in thoughtless frenzy attributed -their thirst upon the ocean to exact equalization in water -distribution,—will prove the sure precursor of our common destruction. -The frailty of our godhead assumption has been long since exposed, -engendering hatred from the enslaved in abhorrence of their own -submissive weakness, so that with the opportunity they will destroy -every vestige of their humiliation.’ - -“This prophecy indicates the period when the defense of a walled city -was required for sustaining the exactions of the taskmaster. The -traditionary scenes enacted by the old Heracleans, as the inhabitants of -the first city were styled, would be as painfully oppressive to your -kind-hearted generosity as they would be to me as relator. It will be -sufficient for me to state, that the ‘City of the Falls’ was built by -Indian labor, enforced by the cruelty of the taskmaster, as a place of -recreative resort during the heated solstice, for the old Heracleans. -When remonstrance failed to abate the oppressive exactions enforced from -the accumulating slaves, and stay the wild orgies enacted by the -democratic rule of the city’s majority, the kind-hearted stipulated for -the cession of the new city for their seceding occupation, subject to -their own governmental rule. In less than a decade of years, after the -separation, the inhabitants of the old city were surprised, during the -celebration of nocturnal orgies, dedicated to mythical patronage, by the -uprising of their slaves; and with the exception of a few, who had been -forewarned, an hour previous, in time to make good their escape to the -City of the Falls, all were massacred, and the old city has continued a -tenantless ruin to the present day. - -“Unsatisfied with the partial success of their vengeful retribution, the -Indians entailed upon their successors the unlimited enforcement of a -constant siege, until the inhabitants of the new city were exterminated, -a result that without your effective interposition in our behalf would -be well nigh accomplished.” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - -Long before daylight on the morning succeeding the narration of -Correliana Adinope, the busy sound of preparation was heard on board of -the _Tortuga_, and on shore. Food and clothes for raiment were bestowed -in hampers and bales, by the Kyronese, in quantity sufficient for the -easy carriage of the mules; while Captain Dow and his subalterns, Jack -and Bill, marshaled the Kyronese guard in preparation for rifle, pistol, -and howitzer, defensive and offensive practice. At sunrise, when nearly -ready for the start, Correliana clapped her hands with a joyful -exclamation, and, in a moment after a messenger falcon stooped in perch -upon her wrist. This was of the species _Falco peregrinus_ of the -pampas, but much improved in size and plumage from culture. Its -greeting, as with the first, was replete with pleasurable animation, -extending its wings in impulsive sway to the voluntary and involuntary -action of its talons, peculiar to birds and beasts of prey, when subject -to intensified sensual gratification. As with the cat kind, who make -their “friendly” satisfaction manifest by extending and contracting the -sheath muscles of the claws, the falcon unconsciously closed its talons -upon the wrist of its mistress, causing her to utter, with the painful -punctures, “Soh, soh, Merlin, mon brachiale!” Captain Greenwood, -observing the flow of blood from her wrist, quickly supplied her with a -pair of gauntlets. Merlin, when again restored to her wrist, seemed to -understand the intention of the buckskin proviso, for he used his talons -in the expressive ruffling and extending of his wings; succeeding with -his coquetry in attracting her attention from the train of meditation in -which she appeared to be engaged, he raised his wings upright, exposing -beneath parchment scripts; these removed he leisurely commenced a survey -of his surroundings. After their perusal she wrote a few words in reply -upon some French tissue paper furnished by M. Hollydorf; this secured in -Merlin’s sacks, he desired Captain Dow to take note of the bird’s -course, before it rose to its poise, as it would guide him to the -opening of the pass in the foot-hills. After the bird in floating flight -had reached the point of designation, it soared to its poise and in -descent quickly disappeared from view. - -When the train was fully in motion, Correliana beckoned Captain -Greenwood apart, and then to his surprise addressed him in English, with -slow, measured enunciation the involumed supplication “Will-you-come-to- -us-if-we-are-successful? We-are-happy-among-ourselves,-and-if-you-love- -happiness-as-we-enjoy-it-in-our-simplicity,-and-your-educated-habits- -will-permit-you-to-love-me,-without-regret-from-other-cause-than-my-own- -demerits,-there-will-be-great-joy-in-store-for-us.” - -The captain’s faculties, notwithstanding his bewildered amazement caused -by her sudden acquisition of power to express her thoughts in English, -and with such clearness his most coveted desire, in terms so agreeable -to his perception of her worth, answered with prompt energy, in quick -imitation of her method, “If-my-life-is-spared-I-will-visit-you-soon!” - -After a moment’s hesitation, as if to realize the full comprehension of -his reply, she, with a sudden flush of joyful animation, exclaimed, “I- -am-certain-you-feel-that-my-happiness-depends-upon-the-consummation-of- -our-love-in-Heraclea!” Then with the proffer of salutation, she answered -to the hastening call of Captain Dow. - -This parting scene between Captain Greenwood and Correliana caused M. -Hollydorf’s countenance to become overcast with a rueful shadow of -dismay. At nine o’clock the train reached the foot-hills where they -exchanged their last farewell signals with those left under Tortugan -protection. On the fifth day after their departure from the anchorage of -the _Tortuga_, the train had gained the eastern slope of the highest -mountain pass that opened to their view the Betongo valleys, with but -one interruption to their progress from Indian opposition, which was -quickly turned aside. - -On the first of July, while in midway descent to the valley, the falcons -returned after a short flight over a wooded district to the left of -their course, which was interpreted by Correliana as an indication of -danger from an approaching party of Indians. This startling news caused -the greatest activity. While Captain Dow reconnoitred with his glass the -descent for a point of advantage for their reception, his two cannoniers -prepared the howitzer charges for immediate action. Fortunately they -were able to reach a comparatively level plat that offered for their -train’s protection the vantage of a natural rampart, which was improved -for the reception of the gun with a wall of stones serving as a mask. -When the defensive preparations were completed, the pack train, under -its guard of women, was sheltered behind it as far in the rear as -possible. - -While yet engaged in strengthening our position for their reception, a -large body of Indians on horseback debouched from a wooden pass upon the -plateau below. It was evident from their movements, when collected for -consultation, that they were aware of our near approach, and when -discovered would be set upon immediately. That the crisis might be -hastened, and the obstruction to our progress removed as speedily as -possible, the weakness of our party in numbers was exposed outside of -the temporary walls of the fortification as a temptation for speedy -onset. Their eyes were soon directed toward us, at first with silent -curiosity, then after a short consultation they sprang upright upon the -croups of their horses, and commenced brandishing their spears and -clubs, with the evident intention of intimidation. Accessions to their -number were constantly appearing from different quarters showing that -our progress had been watched. Nearly an hour elapsed before a forward -movement was attempted. Their waiting delay enabled us to strengthen our -position. They commenced their approach with feats of equitation that -would have delighted a circus audience, seemingly determined to -entertain us to the death. Indeed, their evolutions, which were timed to -a war song and dance with a display of acrobatic agility as they -advanced at a gallop, attracted our admiration. When within six or seven -hundred yards they came to a sudden halt, then after a short “palaver” -they reformed in sections, which commenced an involved circle dance, the -horses performing their parts without prompting from bridle or lash. The -object of the entertainment was soon apparent in the narrowing space -between the outer circle and our rubble stone wall. Jack, although -amused with the nearing foes’ tactics, nursed the fuse fire of his -linstock with watchful care, Bill keeping the howitzer in range with -their rising advance to the point intended for the discharge of their -spears. While yet without the bounds of their spears’ range, quick as -thought the whole band were in full career toward our cover, the -foremost launching their spears at everything human exposed. The ducking -and dodging on our side was naturally and skillfully executed, but not -in every instance gracefully. Jack reached the ground in the style of -turtles sunning themselves on a water log, when surprised by urchins -with a flight of stones, but in his descent did not lose his presence of -mind, for the report of the howitzer was simultaneous with the report of -the rifles. The massing of the horses in the onset caused a fearful -havoc. The effect produced upon the survivors, from the turmoil of -bewilderment, subjected them to a second and third discharge of the -cannon and rifles; then in view of the slaughter the mayorong’s pity was -excited, and with imploring signs he petitioned Captain Dow to withhold -the fire of his men. The cessation allowed the Indians to recover from -their daze, but panic succeeding, they dispersed wildly in flight, -giving expression to the tumultuous effect of fear in attitudinal -variations, which, in equestrian display, exceeded in diversity those -improvised as a prelude to the battle. - -When the last of the fugitives had disappeared, it was discovered that -Correliana had sustained the only injury inflicted from the cast of -spears. Fearing that her protectors, in amused scorn for the unwarlike -antics of the foe, would allow them to attain their intention of -securing, with the impetus of onset, an effective range for their -weapons, she had risen to caution Captain Dow, when in the act a spear -grazed her shoulder inflicting a flesh wound. This had been immediately -cared for by the Kyronese women, and her anxiety and pain were so slight -that she rallied the two sailors, who were sincerely affected with -sympathy for her safety, on the speedy methods they adopted in avoidance -of the spears. - -Jack with a humorous smile, rendered comical by the perceptible movement -of his tongue, as if in the act of revolving a quid from side to side of -his mouth, replied: “To be sure it was sum’ut lubberish to your -ledyship’s eyes, but it’s a way we learned at sea to draw the enemy’s -fire.” - -The effect of our arms had been terrible, the dead and wounded Indians -greatly outnumbering the shots fired; the predominance of the latter -bespoke in plain terms either the unpracticed skill of the Kyronese in -the use of firearms, or their more probable instinctive humanity. -Captain Dow, anxious to retrieve lost time, had the wounded and dead -bodies of the Indians removed for the passage of the train. The mayorong -caused the former to be tenderly carried into the inclosure, and when -the train had passed beyond the human obstructions, he requested -permission to remain with the elder matrons that they might bestow some -relief upon the suffering until their companions recovered from their -panic, promising to overtake them before they encamped for the night. -Although the objects of his delay received but little sympathy from the -members of the corps, and its male adjuncts, they could not refuse the -request, but insisted that he should retain a sufficient number of his -men as a guard for their safety. When the moon rose we had gained the -valley of the Betongo, and the rare beauty of the scenery, under its -resplendent light, invited us onward; but the mayorong’s party had not -overtaken us, which caused some anxiety, but this was soon dissipated by -their appearance. Urged on by the delightful prospect, heralding the -speedy attainment of our journey’s object, we were enabled to encamp in -a shaded nook upon the banks of the Betongo river. Notwithstanding the -lateness of the hour, the Kyronese added game and fresh fish to our -delayed repast. - -With the morning’s dawn we moved onward over a paved causeway, with its -massive stones still intact after untold centuries of wear from Time’s -detrite usage. Inland from this shaded causeway, we passed Indian -villages at intervals of a few miles, pleasantly located upon knolls -surrounded with banana, corn, and vegetable plantations. One of the -largest we entered, but found it deserted; there were, however, abundant -evidences of its recent occupation. Finding an abundant supply of -roasted corn, dried fish, and other edibles, an equal quantity was taken -from each house, the hampers of the mules furnishing cloths in exchange. -The site of each village was connected by a branch causeway with that of -the river’s bank, confirming the relation of Correliana. - -To kill, rout, and destroy, is the orthodox inculcation of civilized -progression; so in view of relieving the inhabitants of the besieged -city from the besiegers’ stores of provision, we resolved to visit all -the villages in our route, and mulct from their abundance as much food -as we could transport with our limited means of carriage, leaving with -each an equivalent. Dr. Baāhar advocated the total destruction not only -of the provision left, but of the plantations and villages, in -opposition to the mayorong’s pleading expostulations for their -preservation. But the doctor urged the curative plan of extirpation of -the sources of vitality, as the only authorized means sustained by -classical experience for rendering the enemy’s efforts nugatory. “For,” -said he, “it will be neither consistent or prudent to leave your enemies -the means of prosecuting their unrelenting siege of Heraclea.” The -mayorong, with sad deprecation, pleaded that acts of revengeful -destruction would only enrage, and in naught avail the beleaguered; as -they would increase the inveteracy of hatred, with justice, against the -white race, that so not only the lives and peaceful happiness of the -Heracleans would be sacrificed, but others with like kindly intentions. -For in making others suffer needlessly, we cannot hope through futile -intimidation to be spared ourselves, if an opportunity for revengeful -reprisal should occur? This half soliloquized questioning appeal of the -mayorong, seemed to be addressed to all, and from the impression -conveyed by his intonations in speaking, its truthfulness, when -interpreted, was sanctioned with general approval. Still, although -manifestly grateful for the appreciation of the majority, his -countenance lacked the fullness of satisfaction that the hearty -concurrence of Dr. Baāhar would have afforded. But the doctor, with the -proverbial fatuity of the precedentalist, substituted for the required -solace the revised saw, “they thought themselves wiser in their -generation than their forefathers,” evidently with the intention of -reproving his associates for their defection from the transmitted creed -of warful usage. That there might be no lack in the practical support of -the mayorong’s behest, Correliana left as equivalents, in exchange for -food, a large proportion of the cherished gifts bestowed by Captain -Greenwood. - -Determined to reach the besieged city before midday on the morrow, we -did not halt until the dividing range of hills, that separated the upper -and lower valleys of old Heraclea, had been surmounted. Upon the shaded -summit overlooking the vegas we encamped for the night. The cool -refreshing breeze that swept over the hill, and an abundant supply of -sweet grass for recruiting the strength of the horses and mules, lured -us to delay our start on the following morning, until the sun had -dispersed the mists from the valleys. When the fleecy veil was at length -dissipated, an enchanting view was presented upon either hand extending -as far as the eye could reach. Paved roads or causeways followed the -windings of the river and canals through all the alluvial districts. -These were of easy detection from the checkered overgrowth of brambled -weeds, which ever delight to erect their prickly domes and spires above -the ruins of palaces, churches, monumental tombs, and the most splendid -mechanical achievements of man, as if in derision of his instinctive -claims to immortality, after a life spent in arrogant oppressions, and -thorny assumptions, opposed to the kindred sympathy of reciprocal -goodness. While the Kyronese were bestowing their kindly attention upon -the animals, M. Hollydorf, with barometrical aid, calculated the -altitude of the valley above the plain of the Tortuga, and found that -its elevation exceeded four thousand and nine hundred feet. But with -heat lessened by only a few degrees from the tropical zenith, the -valley, from its still continued facilities for irrigation, appeared to -be the scene of perpetual verdure. Its altitude gave a climate, from -mountain inclosure, especially adapted for the cultivation of exotic -fruits and cereals, of which, in wild growth, there were abundant -specimens. - -While Correliana was in thoughtful meditation, overlooking the beautiful -scene, her attention was attracted to the labors of Mr. Welson, who was -engaged in writing out his diuretic observations upon the developed -phases of instinct. With Dr. Baāhar’s aid, he, at her request, imparted -in outline the result of his labors, which he styled, “A Relative -Exposition of Instinctive Traits Common to Animal Life.” Under this head -he had classified those common to savage and civilized humanity, in the -following order. Poison, Material and Immaterial. The lowest grades of -savage life use material poison almost exclusively, as a destructive -agent in their intercourse with each other. Representatives of civilized -nations compound with speech vituperative venom, which is as deadly in -its effect upon happiness, as material poison upon the body. Its -insinuating use, in language, is a speciality of women who have suffered -in reputation from its taint, and in turn, to conceal their own -frailties, use it as an imperative means of counter irritation to blind -the censure of their kind. Illustrative examples of savage and civilized -superstition, compared by an experiment upon savage and civilized -representatives of the human family. Both submissive to instinctive -fear. The savage is dubbed a knight with the collar and conferred order -of Bath. His departure, after the ceremony of consecration, in pursuit -of adventures. Reptile duel between a Boisdean serpent and an Alligator. -Instinctive tactics of displayed strategy. Guacho “sympathy” enlisted -for the weaker party. Reverse. Result of civilized arbitration. -Correliana readily interpreted the satirical import of Mr. Welson’s -comprehensive method of illustration; but questioned if the women of -civilized society had ever in fact given truthful cause for the -expressed venom of his satire. In answer, he referred her to M. -Hollydorf, as a more ready exponent, who would truthfully inform her -whether he had by insinuation libeled the market value of female -“virtue” as a negotiable article of appraisement in the gossiping marts -of fashionable society? Still puzzled, in the absence of the referee, -she applied to Dr. Baāhar for a direct elucidation of the word “virtue,” -which she had so often heard him make use of in conversation. The doctor -in explanation said, that in the highest caste relations of female -association, termed fashionable society, the word virtue was used as a -compendious cloak for the concealment of instinctive gratification, -which remained unblemished in its sanctity of expression, while it -remained impenetrable to the searching eye of scandal. - -At this stage of her sophistic bewilderment, the mayorong directed their -attention to the nearest village. The Indian women having discovered -their encampment, were waving their trophies, obtained from involuntary -exchange, with jubilant manifestations of happy elation. At this -exhibition, after a suitable recognition had been made by Jack and Bill, -who waved aloft, from their gun carriage, bunches of bananas, all turned -with thankful expression to the mayorong, who had so earnestly advocated -the conciliatory means adopted, so that he was fain to have recourse to -his animal charges to conceal his emotions. Dr. Baāhar, however, could -not withhold a disdainful expression of chagrin, that the chief of a -wandering tribe, without a pedigree, or a home, should presume to plume -himself upon his approved controversion of national usage that had been -revered from time immemorial as the sanctified source of wisdom. - -Correliana turning to the two sailors, whose countenances were moved -with joyful emotions from the Indian women’s grateful demonstrations of -pleasure, asked how it happened that they were able to retain their -destructive presence of mind when forced to evade the Indians’ spears by -a disordered movement? Her slow enunciation of English gave Jack time to -work up his “reckoning” for an answer, which he gave with the blush of -shamefacedness peculiar to the British sailor when accosted by a “lady,” -deepened by the reminder, that to his sensitiveness implied the “white -feather.” “You see, your ladyship, those Indian chaps had been cutting -up their antics so long, we sort o’ lost our lay, but they brought us -too with their spears, so we returned the compliments of the season in -our fashion. Th’of as Bill says, we’d much rather had the dig of the -spear than it should have touched you by our ducking.” - -This new source of sensitiveness they had conjured through self-reproof, -from the impression that their bodies might have averted the course of -the spear. But when assured that she was out of their range when she -received the wound, they were greatly comforted. Jack expressing his -relief in the phrase, “things being as they were, it couldn’t be -helped!” - -As we proceeded on our way, along the eastern margin of the broad -southeastern valley, our progress was overlooked by the women and -children of the villages, who waved as we passed, our “forage” exchanges -of yesterday, with an evident civilized interpretation of gratitude -expressed in favor of their neighbors. But our supply of provisions -being accommodated to our means of transportation, we could not gratify -the desire that prompted the acceptance of their overtures. Evidently -interpreting the cause, we found upon rounding a hill in advance a herd -of cows panniered with bunches of bananas, plantains, and other edibles -waiting for our acceptance, the donors watching us from the leafy -screens of the hill plantations. The contraband gift—for their male -protectors were evidently absent—was too acceptable, for the prospective -relief of want, to be refused, and the recompense was suited to the full -gratification of the womanly promptings suggesting bestowal. - -In descending from a hill in advance, the valley proper of old Heraclea -opened to our view. The plain, under the golden light of the morning -sun, exceeded in beauty of variegation as in extent the famed vega of -Granada, when clothed in the productive vestments of Moorish culture. At -nine o’clock we passed the field fortalice commanding a view of the -valley, and through the river gate those below. It had evidently been -designed for a signal station and barracks for those employed to guard -the ripening crops; the necessity for its erection bespeaking the -inaugurated reign of oppression. The rock used in its construction, as -well as of the bridges, dykes, and bank supports of the canals, was -basaltic. Unlike granite, marble, and other stones used for building, it -had withstood the disintegration of friction and chemical action through -the lapse of ages with scarcely perceptible change. The style of -architecture bore a strong resemblance to that inaugurated by Cestius, -and introduced some sixty years before the Christian era. Our way from -the tower to the hill city of old Heraclea, was a paved roadway -overshadowed with relict growths of trees, whose ancestry had probably -“ennobled” it with shade as an avenue of recreation for the citizens. -Reaching the headland of the city esplanade, its level was gained by a -zigzag ascent of the same breadth with its connecting avenue, its -gradations being easy and of curious construction. Gaining the esplanade -we were surprised to find its dimensions so extensive, as from below we -scarcely conceived its plain would exceed an acre in area, whereas in -reality it afforded a promenade that appeared to approach in length and -breadth a half of a mile. As in the avenue below, the remains of parapet -seats, and protected spaces for trees, were everywhere apparent. -Entering from the esplanade, which extended in narrowed proportion to -the gateway, through the single broad street of the first walled -inclosure built for its protection, we passed to the fora, around which -were the houses of those preferred to its distinctive advantages from -the ruling qualifications reverenced, as godlike, from the fluent flow -of speech. Built in an amphitheatre its walled defense could be made -certain against the united tribes of the aboriginal race without, while -the system of construction combined economy in space and in labor, -giving evidence of emergency from doubtful crisis. The first inclosure -had probably furnished ample space for the accommodation of its -founders. Passing from the nucleus by the nether street of the fora, we -entered the second surrounding, which corresponded in breadth with the -original. The third and last, bespoke the disruptive reign of sensual -gratification, heralding dissolution. Its expanded breadth from wall of -circumvallation to nucleus, must have exceeded the distance of a mile, -the palaces being detached from it by gardens and outhouses, the latter -subserving the purpose devised from original intention. The structures -retained, almost unimpaired, their original perfection; while within -many of the heavier household utensils were found in place, touched -lightly, from the comparative dryness of the climate, by an age of -centuries’ duration. These indications proclaiming the sudden calamity -of successful insurrection, and extermination, were to be seen in every -direction. - -Leaving this city solitude, once peopled by the instinctively -thoughtless and “gay,” we gained the summit of the dividing ridge -separating the Betongo from the Vermejo valley. A glance sufficed in -answer for the question of causes that led to the selection of the “New -City’s” site as a safe place for recreative resort. Limited in extent, -and remote from the larger cultivated district, it could not be made -available as a permanent place of residence for the guard of growing -crops; but was naturally adapted for the indulgence of luxurious ease in -a revoltful country, as its walls inclosed sufficient arable land for -the support of a limited number of inhabitants, while its natural and -artificial aids for defense rendered it impregnable against aboriginal -weapons, without taxing the energies of the citizens. Our introductory -glances of admiration were arrested by tokens of recognition which -greeted us from the citizens, who had assembled along the guard walk of -the southern parapet in waiting expectation of our appearance. Their -signals soon informed us of the enemy’s position, which was in a grove -surrounding a temple, and reaching from it to the road of descent at its -escarped junction with the level avenue leading to the city gate. - -In consultation for the devisement of means for dislodging them, Dr. -Baāhar, and the curators of sound, still urged the precedent of -classical experience, which advocated the greatest possible destruction -of life when engaged in war with barbarous nations and tribes. -Notwithstanding the pleading appeal inspired by the sight of her -distressed relatives, Correliana manifested strong emotions of -repugnance against the wanton destruction of life, even when the -advocates strengthened their advice by quoting the padre’s experience on -board of the _Tortuga_. Turning to Mr. Welson and the mayorong for their -support, she was relieved by the former’s humorous expression, as he -asked Dr. Baāhar to enumerate the number of generations that had passed, -since his ancestors could urge equally well merited judgment for their -own destruction? Then turning to Mr. Dow he asked whether he would -prefer to seal the fruition of his hopes with slaughter, or the more -lasting effect that would be insured by arousing their superstitious -fears. Although urgently impatient of any delay to the full realization -of his historical source of fame, his respect for the pungent elements -of his questioner’s resources caused him to offer his willing -acquiescence if an effectual plan could be suggested for insuring their -dispersion. Correliana asked the sailors through Mr. Welson if they -could not think of some way to frighten the Indians without injury, as -she could not bear the thought of exposing to death and mutilation the -husbands, fathers and brothers of the women who had bestowed so -gratefully of their means for the relief of those who were descended -from their oppressors. After the two sailors had “put their heads -together to overhaul their lockers,” Jack said, if he knew exactly where -the enemy lay, he could in a giffin fix a shell so that it would scream -like a broadside of devils before it burst; and th’of they were -civilized, and not up to the thing, they would scud like swallows caught -in a gale at sea. The sailors’ invention was adopted, and when -everything was in readiness for all the emergencies that could be -anticipated, the descent was commenced; but notwithstanding the eminency -of danger, admiration gained the sway, attracted by the natural beauties -developed at every turn in our downward course. The skill displayed for -the artificial improvement of the natural advantages, would also have -received like commendation if the means employed had not excited -emotions of abhorrence. For the Indians who accomplished these labors of -Heraclean devisement were in fact the benefactors of their oppressors. - -Having arrived at the desired position for the essay of Jack’s “devilish -experiment” the shell was belched forth from the howitzer upon its -frightful mission. Its screaming powers had not been overrated by the -projectors, but it exploded before it had accomplished half of its -intended distance, seemingly in the very midst of the concealed foe, for -the grove became swayingly alive from the panic imparted to its wooded -growths. Moving rapidly forward, a second shell, true to its intention, -accelerated the flight into a rout as wild with dismay as was ever -enacted by congeneric warriors with civilized instincts. - -Advancing to the bridge spanning the river moats to either bank of their -conjoined stream, the city gates were open and the parents of Correliana -stood upon the threshold waiting to bestow with tearful gratitude their -acknowledgments for opportune deliverance from the manifold perils to -which they had been subject. After they had bestowed upon their daughter -tokens of affectionate welcome, in which all present joined with kindred -sympathy, we were ushered in and made the centre of grateful attraction. -It soon became painfully apparent from their wan features and tottering -steps, that their vital energies were reduced to the lowest ebb from -over anxiety and the want of suitable nourishment; so we at once -mustered our prepared resources, and became their directing -entertainers. Even the saturnine dignity of Mr. Dow, and the patronizing -sagery of Dr. Baāhar, relaxed under the beneficent influence imparted -from their ministering attentions. When the prætor and tribunes -requested an introduction to the patriarch of the Kyronese, his absence -was first noticed by the members of the corps, Correliana, and his -granddaughters; when in the act of apologizing for his absence and the -elder matrons, they were seen issuing from the temple grove; with their -welcome the gates were closed and the sailors placed in charge. Then the -Heracleans were placed upon the sillias of the horses and -mules,—notwithstanding their earnest protests of ability to walk,—while -each, as they proceeded up the avenue of the latifundium, was attended -with the sympathetic support of the Kyronese and members of the corps. -At the oppidum vera gates, nearly a mile distant from the cinctus, or -outer wall gates, the Heracleans insisted upon dismounting, thankfully -accepting the Kyronese proffers of assistance in rendering service to -the sick. Correliana then directed us to the quarters prepared for our -use, expressing the hope that the condition of her people would afford -ample explanation for whatever was found lacking or amiss for the -assurance of comfort in their accommodations? Having unpacked and -disposed of our instruments and personalities in the house prepared for -us, an evening consultation was held to devise means for the purveyance -of supplies for the nearly famished inhabitants. Feeling certain that -the besiegers were effectually dispersed, the hunting of wild game was -proposed as a dernier for present support. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - -At daybreak, of the morning following our entry into Heraclea, the -prætor and Correliana paid us a visit. After salutations of renewed -welcome the prætor addressed us, in substance, as follows:— - -“You are already partially aware of the means of communication which -have been employed to advise us of your presence, and the deliverance of -our daughters’ rescuers from their extreme peril! Through the same -source we have been advised of your daily progress for our relief, now -happily consummated. When the health of our families shall have ceased -to tax your anxious care, we will then endeavor to make you sensible of -our gratitude through the warmth of affectionate reciprocation. For the -present we will ask you to assume the responsibility of your own -entertainment, for we are utterly powerless for the fulfillment of that -duty so inseparably imposed by our obligations. But with our energies -restored we shall claim the gratification of reassuming the privileges -of our natural charge. Until this sum total of our past indebtedness -shall have been fulfilled, please accept the keys of our city in token -of our submission to your direction?” - -In reply to this tender, M. Hollydorf said, “We will accept the keys, -but only in the light of a necessary facility to render our sympathetic -aid more readily effectual, and will certainly feel more sincere -gratification when your own, and the health of your associate citizens, -will admit of their restoration. Until then we shall rely upon your -advice for direction, for we have already learned to prize its -transmitted agency beyond measure, as it exceeds the power of material -recompense.” Then taking the prætor’s hands, he continued with glowing -warmth and tearful emotions: “Indeed we feel assured, beyond the -possibility of selfish reflection, that in preserving your people, we -have acted as agents for the opening of a way through which the children -of our race may exalt themselves above the gregarious instincts of -animality. We have already realized premonitory emotions, which bespeak -an assured glimpse of immortality, albeit our habits and customs intrude -their practiced grossness to mar the beatific visions inspired from the -influence of your exampled reflection.” - -Here the tremulous cadences of a pæan hymn caused the prætor to beckon -us beyond the threshold, and from thence we saw gathered in groups, -before the portals of each door, the residents uniting in the choral -anthem of thanksgiving to the Creator for blessings vouchsafed with -deliverance. At its close, we were apprised that it was their morning -and evening custom to offer grateful salutations of praise with the -rising and declining sun. Then, in the fullness of their grateful joy, -they left to engage in the nursing avocations of the day. - -After their departure we engaged in preparation for our first hunting -expedition; when nearly ready the mayorong appeared accompanied by three -Indians whose bearing proclaimed them upland chiefs. With their -introduction, he stated that they had visited him while he was attending -the wounded of their tribe in the temple of the grove; and as they -evinced kindly emotions while endeavoring to make him understand the -chief object of their visit, he followed them to the margin of the -wooded growth, and he there beheld a train of horses loaded with -panniers containing a plentiful supply of grain, so much needed by the -famishing Heracleans. “Unable to withhold the elation of joyful surprise -I embraced them, and could not resist the pleasure of bringing them to -receive your personal acknowledgments for their timely supply of food.” -The prætor and tribunes, having been informed of the Betonges chiefs’ -introduction into the city by the mayorong, with the supply of food they -had brought as a voluntary peace offering, hastened first to the -hospitium, and then to the quarters of the corps to give them a fitting -reception. To the surprise of all, Correliana, who accompanied her -father, addressed the chiefs in their own language, with expressions of -such grateful warmth that the eyes of the savages became tremulous with -tokens foreshadowing the impressions of a moisture as nourishing to -unselfish sympathy as dew to plants. When these exotic emotions had -subsided, the Indians in turn tersely expressed their regrets for the -unmerited sufferings their tribes had caused from the remote acts -committed by the old Heracleans, who paid the penalty of death for their -oppressions. - -Correliana, in explication of what appeared mysterious in her ready use -of the Betongese idiom of the Quichua language, said that she had -learned it from children taken from the Indian villages, and adopted as -hostages to be educated with those of Heraclea. “You have been puzzled,” -she continued, “with many mysterious passages since our first -introduction, which have appeared more unaccountable to reasonable -suggestion than this, still in due time they will be as readily solved.” -After a lengthened conversation with the Indian deputation, Correliana -proposed that the gates of the cinctus wall should thereafter be left -open for the free ingress and egress of their Indian allies, in trustful -confidence as leal as though mutual faith had been kept from the -beginning. - -Mr. Welson suggestingly asked, if the river Indians, or in more truthful -expression, the reptile savages, would not avail themselves of this open -invitation to wreak their poisonous vengeance? To which Correliana -smilingly replied: “Our benefactors have informed me that the river -Indians, when in dismayed flight from their repulse, met the old chief -who had been retained as a prisoner on board of the _Tortuga_. Holding -them in check while he described the power you had exercised over him, -and one of your own kind, he urged that any further attempt against the -city would result as in the battle they had just fought. His collar -investment was, in their panic, a sufficient verification of authority, -and although a victim to your sorceries they proclaimed him an -embogator, or prophet itinerator of the tribes. His description of the -effects you produced upon him, conjoined with the padre’s fears, has -established your reputation as a magician capable of filling their -bodies with tormenting scrouls, or demons; this increased their panic, -causing the tribe to disperse in all haste to their swamp feudalities. -We are fully assured from the Betongese recital,—and they are not -altogether free from the fear you have inspired,—that your presence will -prove ample security for their absence from the highland valleys, as -well as a protection to the _Tortuga_ on her downward passage. In pledge -of their fidelity, the Betongese have volunteered an escort for the -Kyronese remaining at the anchorage of the _Tortuga_.” - -After the chiefs had partaken of food prepared by the Kyronese matrons, -they were escorted without the cinctus gates, by all within the city -able to walk. When the gate keepers, Jack and Bill, were notified that -from thenceforward the gates were to be left unclosed, they fired a -salvo of a single discharge, then limbering up the howitzer stowed it, -with munitions, in the keep of the gate tower; but asked permission to -retain their quarters, with the more than probable inducement of having -their rations brought and dispensed by two Kyronese maidens, with whom -they had been on “signal” terms from the day of their rescue. - -Cleorita, after the Indians’ departure, expressed to Correliana the hope -that her grandfather had not been by her judged over-presuming in caring -for the wounded Indians, or bold in assuming the responsibility of -introducing the Indian chiefs into the city? “For with truth, he -says,”—she urged, “he would not have hazarded the venture, if he had not -felt certain that they were trustworthy. Indeed we have seen many worse -who have been grateful for kindness!” - -“Say to your grandfather,” returned Correliana, “that we justly merit -the punishment he has inflicted, and I feel more sincerely indebted to -him for the last service than the first. I will own frankly in self- -reprobation, with the belief that the self-reproof includes all except -your own kindred, that my thoughts were altogether diverted from the -possible sufferings of our wounded foes; and I will not pretend to -assume even the merit of feeling sufficient solicitude to inquire -whether any were injured.” - -The mayorong, who, with Mr. Welson, had overheard this plea of his -granddaughter in his behalf, and understood its import, said to -Cleorita, “you have spoken according to my desire, but you must not -forget that the members of the corps were fewer in numbers than -ourselves, and were expected as the sponsors of the expedition to -present themselves for the relief of the famished citizens, so we each -acted the parts of our allotment.” - -But Mr. Welson expostulated: “You need not attempt to say anything in -our extenuation, for we turned a deaf ear to the groans of the wounded, -and passed them with as much indifference as we left the severed -serpent. Now that we have seen the effects of your unselfish sympathy, -we cannot withhold from ourselves the fact that you are the real -deliverer of Heraclea. You have merited and will receive the untutored -homage of the Indians.” - -“You forget,” replied Cleorita, prompted by her grandfather, “the -eminent services of the most favored of the magicians, who has -controlled the savage ‘instincts’ of the river Indians?” With -Correliana’s asservation, that the Heracleans were so universally -indebted to the united members of the corps, and its adjuncts, the -personal distinction of preference was resolved into the grades of -adaptation for the parts enacted, they separated, with mutual -congratulations, to engage in the allotted avocations of the day. - -In view of their peaceful prospects, enhanced with food bestowed by -their late foes, the Heracleans recovered rapidly from the pestilential -flux, so that in a few weeks they were able to enjoy the liberty of the -open country, and enter upon the reënjoyment of the boon of self -dependence. The households enlivened by their reappearance, assumed the -renovated impression of a happy vitality breathing outward for the -kindred invocation of reciprocal goodwill. Correliana, with renewed -vivacity and mysterious facility, had conjured the ability for -conducting her own correspondence with Captain Greenwood in English, -also for ready communication with the members of the corps. Her Kyronese -companions, Cleorita and Oviata, had with her revived a speaking -impression of the language derived from their father. - -On the morning of the 7th of October, after the journey had been -prolonged far beyond the time set for its accomplishment, from the -grateful desire of the valley Indians to honor the people of the -mayorong, the Kyronese remainder arrived under the conduct of Abdul, his -grandson, and padre Simon. Their reunion and reception was joyful in the -extreme. The compendic ejaculation of the padre, in sanction of the -corps’ expressions of happy satisfaction, will prove ample for the -exposition of the prevailing impressions of renewed goodwill. “By my -soul’s salvation,” he exclaimed, “I have by the same tokens come to a -belike conclusion! For surely I would have as soon thought to see the -lion and lamb lay down peaceably together, as to have been entertained -as I have been by these same Indians. It was so unnatural, for you know -the delegations from the tribes brought on to Washington are exhibited -as specimens of wild beasts indigenous to the soil? But I can tell you, -I never was treated more kindly in my life, bating I could not speak -their language, nor they mine.” - -Mr. Welson inquired, whether in the item schedule of good treatment they -asked him to take something, or smoke a weed? The padre happily averred, -with a blush, that he had neither tasted of spirit or tobacco since his -departure from the _Tortuga_. In testimony of the improvement from his -abstinence all bore witness. - -“But,” asked Mr. Welson, “had you no fear of being bitten again?” - -The padre smilingly expostulated, “I see that you have not left off all -your bad habits, yet, notwithstanding the good example of the -Heracleans! Why not let bygones be bygones? My own thoughts are a -sufficient torment, without having my friends poke fun at my lameness.” - -“It is from no ill intention that we keep the crutch in view, but rather -to prevent the necessity of its future use,” suggested Mr. Welson. The -padre closed the sally port of banter, by quoting the saw, “Sufficient -for the day is the evil thereof.” - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - -While the chiefs of the valley tribes of Indians were entertained in the -city, one from the Vermejo petitioned the prætor for permission to -settle with his tribe on the vega of the lake expanse of the Boetis -below the temple grove. This petition awakened a pleasing smile in the -expression of the prætor’s face, who, without consulting his associates, -requested his daughter to proffer his fealty to the united chiefs and -their tribes of the valleys, in behalf of the citizens of Heraclea, with -the hope that they would trustfully extend their permission for the -continued occupation of lands alienated by the cruel oppressions of -their ancestors of old Heraclea. When, with some difficulty, Correliana -was able to make them understand the nature of this request, they -pondered, and looked upon each other in bewildered silence. At length, -one of the oldest Betongese chiefs, “saw the approaching ends of the -long severed thread of unity that had caused the siege of hatred, and -the concession offered by the prætor for uniting it with the durable -bonds of privileged equality.” His explanation was received by his -compadric chiefs with smiling assent, assured that it was for mutual -behoofment. With united sanction, evidences of mutual understanding were -passed in tokens of goodwill, until the rays of the sun, in decline, -were cast aslant from the brink of the precipice of the falls, covering -with its bright canopy the shadows that enveloped the city beneath, then -in strengthened concord the pæan hymn of thanksgiving rose in unison -from every Heraclean threshold, and after it a responsive refrain -repeated in swelling harmony from group to group. Of its import M. -Hollydorf gave the following rendition,— - - “Neighbors good-night, good-night; - A day of right, - Without a wrong, - Hallows our evening song.” - -At an early hour of the day, succeeding the arrival of the Kyronese -detachment, Indian women brought fresh fish and fruits as presents, then -volunteered their service for clearing the houses, colonnades, and -patios of the accumulations consequent upon the sickness of the -Heracleans, and were made happy by the acceptance of their proffered -aid. Gradually the cheerless gloom which had held sway in the -depopulated portions of the city for ages, from the harassed anxiety of -its defenders, passed away under the active hands of the Kyronese and -their Indian aids. Fountains, whose conduits had become choked, were -opened and cleaned, causing the house gardens and latifundium to rejoice -in primal gladness from water distribution above and below the surface -of the ground. The loving sympathy of the Heracleans made manifest in -the tender care bestowed upon the reviving sick, brought forth the -latent gentleness of the corps, which had been suppressed from childhood -by the civilized decrees of fashionable folly and vanity, begot from the -precedental inoculation of habits and customs derived from the heroic -ages of classical brutality. Indeed the members of the corps were so -often moved to express genial emotions with glistening tears commingled -with smiles, they seemed to have developed a new inherent combination as -necessary for the joyful expression of happiness, as sun and showers for -the behests of fruitful vegetation. The padre, in his quaint emphatic -style, expressed the prevailing influence in an evening salutation -addressed to his compadre Dr. Baāhar after even song, in this wise: -“Well I declare, doctor, upon my soul, I have passed such a happy day in -useful labor that it seems as if I had just emerged from a life’s -nightmare of torpid inactivity. Really, upon my hopes of salvation, I -believe that I could live and thrive upon the joys of others, without -material food.” - -But the doctor, who was impaling the insect game obtained from his day’s -hunting excursion, replied sneeringly. “So, so, h-m—I see, you are taken -in, with the others, by this humdrum life of these Heracleans, with -their puling, wishee-washy affectations of caring more for others than -they do for themselves. The long and short of the matter is, that you -are all subject to an unnatural influence, and if it is not thrown off -immediately, from whatever source derived, you will shortly forswear -manliness, and your hopes of heaven.” - -This baited injunction caused the padre to exclaim, “My goodness -gracious, doctor, you frighten me! I hope you don’t truly think there’s -anything like magic or sorcery used upon us here? To be sure, now that I -remember, I have had strange thoughts, to which I have never been -accustomed to before! But they have been in motive pure, urging the -necessity of controlling the appetites and passions, if we would attain -the abiding confidence of a trustful affection, that outreaches self. -But then, as you know, the devil can preach, and practice too, if it so -minds him, self-condemnation?” - -“Certes, the fact is,” replied the doctor, “you are subject to vagaries -when your stomach is empty, and require to feel the force of sound -German philosophy that urges substantial fullness as the source of -generous impressions, eloquence, and heroic deeds, and for exorcism -thorough fumigation with tobacco smoke.” - -M. Hollydorf, from the intervention of multiplied causes, had -procrastinated the inauguration of his scientific explorations, until -compelled to enter upon the duties of his commission through fear that -inquiries would be instituted to learn the cause of his long silence. -Fully aware that the manifold attractions of Correliana had served to -abate his professional enthusiasm, and urgency of his desire to fulfill -the trust reposed in his discretion, he resolved to make a test of his -naturalistic occupation for the diversion of his thoughts from an object -of hopeless attainment. Notwithstanding his knowledge that her -affections were irrevocably fixed, he could not withhold the -manifestation of a hopeful desire in her presence, within the limits of -reverential respect. Correliana, on her part, seemed to fully understand -the import of his attentions, but was in no way embarrassed by their -indulgence, which with her frankness appeared inexplicable. When he -expressed his intention of commencing his microscopical field -investigations, she asked the privilege of assisting him when free from -the indispensable duties of the household; promising, if her request was -granted, to be diligent for advancement in scientific knowledge. She was -promptly accepted as a catechumenic aid, notwithstanding the promptings -of his judgment which suggested that with the ever present cause of his -disquietude, his remedy would prove of little avail for relief. But he -determined, with a lover’s infatuation, to converse with her as an -abstract divested of material embodiment. - -On the first day of November, while engaged in preparing his instruments -after evening song, M. Hollydorf was surprised with a visit from the -prætor and family. Observing that the unusual hour caused fear that some -mishap had occurred, Correliana hastened to relieve the anticipation of -evil tidings by stating the object of the visit. “My father,” she said, -“has been delegated to proffer you the perpetual hospitality of -Heraclea. Not, however, with the design that you should hold it as an -acknowledgment of service rendered, but rather as the promptings of -affectionate esteem for your companionship. As you are aware, we have no -practical knowledge of the world beyond our city walls, and feel that in -winning from you a reciprocation of our affection, we shall be advised -of a course that will avail us as a protection against the grasping -cupidity you have described as the inherent motive power of -civilization. To be forced to adopt habits of corruption, in defiance of -local option, because your enlightened civilization holds that the power -to enforce their arbitrary despotisms with brute strength, aided by -destructive mechanical adjuncts, is right; would, with the introduction -of ‘luxurious’ poisons which frenzy and degrade the human instincts, -make us regret with anguish our liberation from the deadly intent of our -savage foes. For their speedy poison, with its putrefactive torments, -does not degrade the animus of goodness, but relieves it from material -bondage in purity for immortal association with those who have gone -before. We feel self-conscious that we are in intention pure and free -from cupidity, which assures us that we merit the affectionate interest -that you have bestowed for our liberation and welfare. This much we will -advance for initiation without infringing upon the more matured wisdom -in store for your direction. With the full development of our loving -resources, we feel confident in securing your permanent residence among -us, as advisors, in warding off those who would, for the gratification -of craving instinctive cupidity, sacrifice our well-assured happiness, -from which we realize in life a foretaste of immortality (_smiling_). -Fortunately, the sage suggestion which led Mr. Welson to confer the -honor of knighthood upon the savage for the indomitable bravery of his -instinctive propensity to inflict deadly wounds with his teeth, has -relieved us from anxiety from his kindred; and if we can persuade the -grand master ‘Lobscounster’ to take up his abode in our midst, his -influence may extend to the orders of civilization, for our protection -in the enjoyment of affectionate association. If he will but exert his -power to protect us from the forced invasions of trade, that would palm -upon our weakness noxious devices, which in naught would advantage the -invaders, but make us wretched beyond measure, he will insure our -eternal gratitude.” - -Mr. Welson in response said,—The eminent Lobscounster, if insured from -increasing merit a continuance of Heraclean favor, he cannot be forced -from his allegiance, and in earnest of his intention thankfully accepted -the extended privilege of becoming their permanent guest. But would most -devoutly beg to decline acceptance of the cognomic title bestowed upon -him by the savage embogator; as to the English ear it was euphonious -with smack of a descent from an ancient sea cook, and in no way likely -to insure reverence among sea-faring men. Indeed, the individual -referred to would have strongly suspected collusive substitution if the -interpreter had been well versed in the aquatic lore of ocean English. - -When the visitors were about leaving, M. Hollydorf announced his -intention of entering upon his microscopical investigations on the -morrow, reminding Correliana of her promise to render him assistance. - -“With life and health I shall most assuredly be present,” replied -Correliana, “for I have a woman’s curiosity to test the wonderful -magnifying powers of your instruments, which so far exceed our untutored -conceptions of mechanical refinement. As we have some practical -knowledge derived from the observations of animalculan life, we hope -that our assistance in your department of science may eventuate in -relieving your anxiety, occasioned by the delay incurred from the aid -you have rendered our people.” With this enigmatical proposition, -bespoken with the earnest zest of sincerity peculiar to all her -variations, Correliana and her parents bade the members of the corps -good-night. Long after the departure of their visitors, the members of -the corps, puzzled and perplexed by Correliana’s seemingly frank -intention, commingled with implied reservations, and a knowledge of the -world incompatible with the complete isolation to which their people had -been subjected for ages, endeavored to unravel the clew to her powers of -premonition. - -After listening in silence for a long time to the various suggestive -expositions of others, the padre suddenly exclaimed, “You may reason and -think what you please, but for my own part I know that I have not been -myself since _she_ first came on board of the _Tortuga_; and if -everything was fair and above board, as they would have us believe by -their words and actions, they would speak out at once, and not hold -anything back to make us feel doubtful of our souls’ safety. For by the -mouths of a cloud of witnesses, we know that the powers of darkness have -wrought from the beginning of the world their designs for the temptation -of souls, through the agency of woman’s allurements; and for myself I -can truly say, that I can’t avoid doing as _she_ wishes to have me -without a word of direction. Besides I am altogether too happy to have -it natural or lasting; and the method of educating their children -separate from each other, and away from the example of their parents, is -barbarous and unnatural.” - -At the completion of this impulsive padric, Mr. Welson quietly -observed,—“If we are to judge from appearances, we could not question -the source of your improvement. But as appearances are deceptive, and -the evil-disposed seek solitude for indulgence, the cloud of a witness -rose from beneath the skirt of your coat, with the odor of tobacco from -your suddenly concealed pipe, to confirm your shame in the presence of -purity. If your soul has been tempted, it has been from gross indulgence -to purity.” - -The padre abashed relapsed into silence. But Dr. Baāhar, who had for a -butterfly consideration furnished him with the means of indulgence, -undertook his vindication, which he commenced with the syllogistic -proposition: “We will certainly admit that your spasmodic sarcasms are -poetical refinements upon fact, but I contend that you are neither -scientific or logical in your deductions. If God created man with -reasoning instincts, they were undoubtedly intended for invention and -indulgence. Again, in depriving children of their natural protectors’ -care and example, is in open controversion of Divine will. As for me, I -do not assume to be more wise in my day, than my ancestors were in -theirs. By the assumptions of your theory, founded upon the partial -knowledge of these egotistical Heracleans, who have been shut out from a -knowledge of the world from time immemorial, we should repudiate the -transmitted experience of our ancestors. I shall not be guilty of so -gross an act of ingratitude; my father the counselor, and his -progenitors, ate their saur-kraut and sausages, drank their beer, smoked -their pipes, and were excellent swordmen and genealogists, and I intend -to do honor to the habits they inculcated.” - -Pettynose the buzz recorder of sound, and Lindenhoff the genealogical -curator of sound, with Viscouswitzs the photographic artist, sided with -Dr. Baāhar, the latter sensuously remarking: “The women may be accounted -puritanically beautiful, but they lack the bouquet of civilization, as -well as the natural flavor peculiar to the creole variations; and as to -pleasure, I could derive as much by an association with marble busts in -the atélier of a sculptor. There is an air of repulsiveness about them -that repels geniality, so that I never feel comfortable in their -presence, and but for the encampment of the Vermejo Indians on the lake, -I would, with the first opportunity, throw up my engagement and return -to the haunts of civilization; for of all things I abhor pedantry in men -and puritanism in women.” - -“We are as yet novices in the ways of the Heracleans,” urged Mr. Dow, -“and but imperfectly understand their motives of action or system of -self government. To judge them from our partial impressions, which your -personal opinions bespeak, is proof positive that the cavils of surmise, -peculiar to individuals, originated the prejudices to which you have -given voice. To me the addenda to their morning salutation and evening -anthem of praise, as rendered by M. Hollydorf, bore advisory reference -to the source of their happiness.” M. Hollydorf fully endorsed Mr. Dow’s -views. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - -M. Hollydorf after morning salutation mustered his assistants for the -inauguration of the legitimate duties entailed by his commission; as he -had become fully impressed with the necessity of “working up” a -sufficient number of experimental proofs for the basis of a preliminary -despatch of intention. Selecting a retired portion of the latifundium -for his field of operations they commenced their labors in good earnest. -Of all the civilized nations of the world, we can claim for the Germans -a just preëminence in those departments of science devoted to the -investigations of the habits and associations of insect life. In truth, -the enthusiasm shown for insect explorations has extended itself to -every department of their national existence; from the palace to the -cabin particular attention is devoted to hunting, impaling, and -preserving their cadavers, arranged in order, genera, and species, in -mausoleum cabinets for mummified exhibition as shrines for the -enraptured gaze of Teutonic devotees. Even the mediæval Gael of the -Scottish Highlands never possessed, in living endowment, an attritive -iota of the associate luxurious zest imparted from their joint stock -investments, or the Egyptian, of yore, in his necropolitan collections, -a source of such vain-glorious gratification. - -M. Hollydorf’s first day’s investigations were rewarded with the -discovery of old species, familiar to his eye, under new and strange -combinations, affording conclusive evidence of exotic transfusion in -propagation at some remote period. In semi-meditation, with a -disinclination for food and midday rest, he continued his preparatory -investigations while his assistants refreshed themselves with their -accustomed rations and siesta. Availing themselves of his invitation and -leisure, the prætor, Correliana, Mr. Welson, and Dow made their -appearance. Apologizing for interrupting his studies, Correliana -requested the privilege of subjecting a flower from her garden to the -magnifying power of the tympano-microscope? Assuring him, with its -presentation, that she felt certain, from its extreme beauty and purity -of fragrance, that it would attract a high order of animalculan -existence capable of appreciating its rare combinations. After a close -examination with his unaided eyes, he declared it to be of an unknown -species and as peculiar in its rare beauty, novelty of its perfume, and -delicate pungency of its impression, as the Heraclean representatives of -woman kind were superior and distinct from their civilized genera in the -purity of their habits and customs. With this combined pronunciamento of -comparison as a vent to his enthusiastic admiration, he placed the -flower in the field receptacle of the tympano-microscope for focal -magnifying reflection of its parasitic habituary residents, for -inspection and classification in substance and sound. With an -exclamation of surprise, compounded of fear and amazement, he started -back from the instrument exposing to view the petals and pistils peopled -with a multitude of diminutive human beings, who were convulsed with -sneezing spasms of laughter, which they tried in vain to suppress with -expedients in common use by our kind. The tympanum in sound articulation -reverberated their tiny cachinnations and sternutatory explosions with -such comical effect, that the prætor and Correliana were compelled, -notwithstanding all their efforts to avoid the impulsive sympathy of -contagion, to join issue with this mirthful introduction of our savans -to a kindred animalculan representation of our race. While equally -subject to the uncontrollable spasms of mirthful laughter and dumb -amazement, the spectators to this scene of apparent conjurement were -held speechless. - -The leader of the diminutive apparitions at length leaped lightly, as if -propelled by a sneeze, upon the stage within the reflecting compass of -the tympano-microscope. Then, after a few ineffectual attempts to regain -his composure, he finally succeeded in obtaining sufficient control to -offer the following apologetic address, which gradually recalled us to -our senses; but not in sufficient degree for a realization of their -actual existence as human beings, free from the magic attaint of fears -conjured from superstitious instinct. He thrice repeated to attract our -attention from the stupor of amazement: “Men of science, and deliverers -of the Heracleans, our protogean affinities!” Our partial attention -secured, he continued. “If through the disability of our Dosch, or chief -advisor, our selection as Manatitlan ambassadors to welcome you, in our -people’s behalf as the preservers of our co-affinities in affection, -should prove a source of discredit from our undignified appearance on -presentment, it would prove a source of lasting sorrow. But we feel -certain that you will extend to us the favor of believing that we are -not inclined to untimely mirth, notwithstanding the example we have -given to the contrary. With the concerted desire to impress you at a -suitable moment with the reality of our existence as a race, Mistress -Correliana probably forgot the keen sensitiveness of our schneiderian -membranes to pungent odors, and with the intention of giving as much -eclat as possible to our introduction, selected from her garden the most -beautiful and fragrant flower of its parterres. The novelty of our -emprise withheld our attention from the flower until it was placed in -your hand for examination, then too late to effect an exchange, we -braced ourselves to resist its effects. Hence our humiliating condition -when exposed to your view and hearing! Thrown off our guard by the -transformation effected in our size and sound of our voices, and above -all by the consternation manifested in the expression of your faces, we -could not resist the impulse of our naturally mirthful dispositions. -That the infection should reach and overpower the more staid humor of -our cousins, you will not wonder, when you recall your own and our -disordered extremes. If you will control your perturbed emotions for a -moment’s reflection you will be able to realize the irresistible nature -of our impressions under these combined effects. Withal, when our -existence and presence in auramentation becomes familiar as a recognized -reality, you will find in our joyous dispositions a ready explanation -for these ante phases of our first personal introduction.” - -Upon this hint, Correliana conquered sufficient composure to introduce -the speaker as Manito, the Prætor of Maniculæ, the chief city of -Manatitla. Then with the accompaniment of a spasmodic inclination to -sneeze, as they leaned over the serrated edges of the petals, the -tribunes were introduced individually by name. This process was -lengthened by occasional suppressed tendencies to mirthful outbreaks, -which gave M. Hollydorf and his companions an opportunity for partial -recovery from their dazed state of amazement. When sufficiently restored -for intelligent comprehension, the flower was changed for one of less -pungent odor, and Manito from the rostrum point of a petal continued his -address. - -“From our diminutive size we willingly subscribe to the designation your -nomenclature bestows upon insect animalities which are but partially -visible to your unaided eyes. Still we do not disdain our size, for with -the Manatitlans it has received the compensating privilege of a -perception that enabled them to distinguish the evident object of -mankind’s intelligent endowment above the instincts of associate -animality. - -“Like individuals of your race, ours vary in size. Some among the -Manatitlans have reached in stature a height approximating in a remote -degree to your well formed dwarfs of a standard monstrosity in the -diminutive extreme sufficient for the excitement of wondering surprise. -Our own divisions are expressed in terms rating from the smallest in -stature, which are called tits; these form the masses, but with a -sensible diminution in numbers from an upward tendency to the second -degree of elevation from the majority. The middle class are styled -mediums. With every generation this grade has been increased in -proportion with the decrease of the tits, and ranks in status with your -“well to do” money grade of merchants and speculators. The giantesco -enjoys the highest statutory standing in the ranks of size, representing -your titled duke commanders, and subalterns of lordly and knightly -degree. But these distinctions are only perceptible to the eye, and in -no way arbitrary in the assumption of prerogative stature rights above -those below. As our scholastic term of education commences with the -infant at the age of two years: the first stage that directs and -controls the infantile perceptions and cravings of instinct is styled -pupillage, and is under the supervision of the censor and nurse, who -hold the instinctive exaggerations of parental fondness in check from -birth. This habilitative stage of matriculation is the most trying for -direction, as upon it depends the matriculant’s after power of self- -control. The second stage of nonage commences at seven, when the self- -devising perceptions begin to expand into individuality, that require -educated direction, and leading encouragement. At fourteen, or the -pubertal stage, the first indications appear for the premonitory -inauguration of status rank established for the distinctions of size. -The initiatory discipline of the scholar entering upon his senior term, -induces the tractor disposition of the censorial advisor, in association -with his juniors; in place of your form system of “bullying” the nether -“fag,” whose weakness makes submission a virtue, when subject to the -classical distinctions of arbitrary power. The seniors become assistant -tutors to the censors and teachers from the age of fourteen until the -close of their twenty-third year, when they graduate; and after a -probationary term of three months’ “courtship,” with the connubial -censors’ selection of affiances, are married. This cursory glance will -serve for an introductory insight into our natural system of education -designed for the direction of our immortal endowment in perceptive -flight above the body’s ephemeral gratification of instinctive desire. - -“Of other matters, pertaining to our actual realization of an enduring -happiness, you will be advised by our advisors; as our interview was -designed solely for your recognition and realization of our existence as -a race in diminuendo alliance with your own. Our associations with your -race are of a privileged description, which from the concentrated -acuteness of our sensitive perceptions, enables us to divine your -thoughts by auramental espionage. If you will give a moment’s -investigation to the impressions of thought, when free from the turmoil -of suspicious doubts, which now assail and render your efforts for -reasonable perception void, you will find that they are all distinctly -enunciated in the thalmus auditorium, which is the focal centre for -maturing sensorial observations. Our size, and practical knowledge of -the sensitive departments of your ears, enables our giantescoes to gain -the aural sinus without provoking titillation, and its proximity to the -vibrating portal, or vellum auditorium, permits our sensitive -perceptions of sound to realize your thought articulations before they -are matured for retentive comparison, or the vocalized utterances of -speech communication. So that in reality, we hold the gigas (the name -word we use for the designation of your race in contradistinction to our -own) subject to our direction, when free from the ruling habits of -instinctive indulgence, which defy control. As the previous knowledge of -our advisers has preferred you to their confidence, I will state that -our means of direction are through thought substitution, which the -giantesco is able to modulate with ventriloquial variations of voice for -the receptive nullification of those derived from their own sensoriums. -Of course, the effects vary with the intensity of the subject’s command -over his own sensorium, and the absorbing influence of educated -impressions imparted from habits and customs. As an example, I will now -state that M. Hollydorf, in his turmoil of doubts, feels that Mistress -Correliana has in some way imposed upon his confidence; but my informer -says that his impressions are in no wise capable of assuming the power -of self control, so that upon our own responsibility we will exonerate -Correliana from all deceptive intentions; as she was subject to our -control in withholding from you a knowledge of our presence, as the -mysterious source of her guiding premonitions, and means of obtaining -information of human affairs in the world beyond the inclosing walls of -their isolated city. Now, in turn, we ask you to withhold from your -companions the result of your day’s explorations, that you may observe -the influence we are able to exert for their mystification, and the -development of the intangible resources of instinct, which subserve for -the delusive beguilement of reason from the intelligent direction of -creative indications. This much, will prove sufficient for your night’s -cogitations, but to-morrow the Dosch and his advisors will instruct you -in the weightier matters pertaining to our educating system devised for -self control. As you are still hovering in the clouds of doubt, we will -regale your senses, for composure, with a musical olio. M. Hollydorf, at -the period of our first introduction, was considered an excellent judge -of music, and at times amused himself with amateur compositions, one of -which pleased me, and on my return to Manatitla I presented it to our -musical censor, who adopted and incorporated it with our salutations. We -will now render it, that you may pass censure or commendation upon the -accuracy of our version; for of all the selfish kleptomanias, that of -stealing musical compositions, and mutilating them in transposition for -an author’s reputation founded upon a lie, is the most contemptible -within the range of barren instinct. Fortunately, only the younger -branches of the Mouthpat tribes of our species have ever been guilty of -a witless invention base enough to seek gratification from so mean a -subterfuge.” - -With this apologetic prelude Manito marshaled his choristers along the -borders of the dependent curves of the petals facing his bewildered -auditors and rendered the following stanzas with an effect that revived -them from their superstitious fears:— - - “From darkness dread, the dawn appears! - Mother of day, whose dewy tears, - Distilled from the labors of the night, - Greet with joy, the sun birth of light. - - “Hail, glorious mother of morn! - Beautiful type of woman’s form, - When hallowed from instinctive night, - She hails, at birth, a son of light.” - -M. Hollydorf recalling the occasion and source of inspiration, glanced -at Correliana with a furtive look of anguish. For the prompting source -of the stanzas, was a longing desire that woman’s beauty should be -adorned with more lasting “graces” than those bestowed by the -fashionable dressmaker, dancing master, and boarding-school mistress, in -hopeful premonition of an immortality with joys exceeding the gossiping -allurements of a heaven of sense. The look of sympathy he received in -return banished from his thoughts doubts, and suspicions of supernatural -agency. Manito, observing the confidence expressed in his glance, and -the more ready belief of Mr. Welson and Dow, that the Manatitlans in -reality represented a diminutive department of human mortality, said, -that as his mission for the day had been fulfilled in degree beyond -expectation, they would not prejudice their success by prolonging the -interview, but would leave them with a new zest for the transmission of -one of their best melodies. He then rearranged his choristers and -rendered “Home, sweet home,” with an effect that caused them to join in -thought sympathy with the affectionate harmony of Manatitlan expression. -At the close the prætor and tribunes of Maniculæ bid their first giga -audience good-by, and disappeared from view. Correliana then signaled -the stoop of her favorite falcon Merlin from his circling wafts above -the latifundium; after a short perch of a few moments upon her wrist, he -was despatched, as she announced, to Maniculæ, bearing back the prætor, -Manito, and tribunes. - -Mr. Welson was the first to break silence after their departure, with a -long drawn,—“Whew,” as a prelude to the exclamation, “Ah, ha! mistress -Correliana, we have the secret now to all your mysterious enactments, -which inclined those the least superstitiously prejudiced to credit you -with an inheritance tinctured with the pretensions of your sibylline -ancestry. But our wondering amazement is scarcely less than it would -have been under the superstitious impression that you really possessed -the power invoked by the ancient sibyl. Still the manifestation of a -visible source, however small, is far more agreeable to our -perceptions.” - -Correliana answered, with a pleading smile, “You will surely forgive, -and pardon me for retaining a secret of such importance, in the face of -all your kind and confiding acts, now that you have learned that I -received it in trust from a source so well qualified with the essentials -of prudent direction? The Dosch, however, will more fully state the many -causes that rendered its retention desirable. But of this you can rest -assured, the Manatitlans are _bonâ fide_ representatives of animalculan -humanity; and when I state that we are solely indebted to them for our -redemption from the bondage of instinct, you will understand the nature -of our trust in their direction.” - -Beckoning the stoop of a falcon, it alighted upon her wrist. She then -exposed, beneath what they had supposed to be an ornamental attachment -of designation, a howdah. Then taking from her pocket pouch a reel of -filmy thread,—attenuated to a degree that rendered it almost -imperceptible to the eye, she wound the free end around Mr. Welson’s -finger, then asked him to try its strength. With his utmost exertion, -tried with many devices for its separation, the thread remained -unparted. She then explained that the materials, from which, in perfect -combination, it was drawn, were mineralized with flexile and vis inertia -substances in adaptation for a great variety of purposes, subserving for -the protective furtherance of health, comfort, and personal purity. Also -for protective defense, “as it is impenetrable to the swiftest fledged -missiles when wrought into textile fabrics.” But its most esteemed -peculiarities are repulsive resistance to uncleanly cohesion, combined -with a nonconducting neutrality in the transmission of cold and heat, -causing the refuse excretions of the body to evaporate without -obstructing the rejecting orifices of the ducts, when used in its -adaptation for raiment. In part, we have been able to imitate this -valuable acquisition for the protective preservation of our persons from -decomposing agencies, which are constantly in a fermentable and -putrefactive state of conceptive action for the production of renewed -vitality varied in degenerative series. But of these matters the -Manatitlans will advise you in due time. In your present state of -perturbation it will but little avail to extend our conversation into -details that require for a complete understanding consecutive -exposition. - -After Correliana and her father had taken their leave of the four -favored witnesses of the new grade revelation in the status of humanity, -they remained standing in the same position, absorbed with contending -emotions of doubt and belief, until aroused by the approach of Dr. -Baāhar and the padre. Then, with a forced recovery, M. Hollydorf -announced his intention of discontinuing his explorations for the time -being; which afforded his assistants a desired relief, for with their -few hours’ occupation they had discovered in themselves an unwonted -dislike for the professional details of their occupation. While on their -way to deposit the tympano-microscope in the house designated by -Correliana as the one intended for the reception of the Dosch, the four -maintained their thoughtful silence until after they had bestowed upon -the instrument of revelation a careful disposal. Then M. Hollydorf -sententiously remarked, “Although still perplexed, I am confident in the -full integrity of Correliana’s assurance that these Manatitlans are -_bonâ fide_ embodiments of humanity, with intelligent capabilities -superior to our own! But it is hard to reconcile them with any of the -preconceived ideas of our race. They certainly advocate, with practical -demonstration, a more direct and reasonable way for the attainment of -present and prospective happiness, than that of redemption from sin by -saving grace?” - -“By all that there is in us, capable of assuming the control of -judgment, we cannot avoid their own, Miss Correliana’s, and the -confirmation of our own senses in attestation of the fact of their real -presence,” added Mr. Welson. - -“For my own part,” said Mr. Dow, “there is to me nothing more strange in -their discovery, than in that of the Heracleans, now that we have -recovered, in a measure, from the first startling effects. It has -occurred to me frequently, of late, that there must have been some -interior creative object in the gradations of instinct, and ultimate -alliance of superhuman intelligence with the highest grade? It is -certainly impossible for me to reason myself into the belief that we -have been endowed with a perception of goodness, and the necessity of -purity for its attainment, to have them dispensed with in life for the -substitution of the instinctive greed of selfishness, with the -accommodating proviso of repurification by an act of saving grace! -Neither can we disguise the fact, that we now think and act quite unlike -our former selves, with a sensible improvement in happiness, in freedom -from the selfish accessories we formerly thought necessary for its -assurance.” - -At this point they were interrupted by the entrance of the prætor with -his wife and daughter, who came to inquire if M. Hollydorf wished to -suggest any change for the better accommodation of his instrument with -regard to light? In the expression of his satisfaction, M. Hollydorf -alluded not only to the wonderful preservation of the buildings, but -furniture, which appeared, in style, to have been coeval in manufacture -with the remnants seen in old Heraclea. In explanation the prætor said -that it was much easier to preserve from decay than to restore ruins. -But the means of preservation had been bestowed by Giganteo XVI., Dosch -of the Manatitlans, as a legacy to the sons of Indegatus, associate -prætors of Heraclea, who were the first of our race that became -personally acquainted with animalculan humanity. “You will find all of -the unoccupied houses of the city in like good condition with this, and -equally free for your inspection and occupation.” - -As the occasion was opportune, M. Hollydorf consulted with those present -how he might prepare a statement of the day’s developments sufficiently -credible for the acceptable belief of the Home Society? The prætor -advised him to defer his cause of perplexity to the Dosch, who would -resolve it readily, from a personal knowledge of the characteristic -peculiarities of the members of the R. H. B. Society. Then Mr. Dow -preferred his petition for their united aid in the advancement of his -historical compendium of the Heracleans. This all were pleased to -accord, as it was through his indomitable perseverance that the -discovery was accomplished, before the City of the Falls had been -reduced to the tenantless condition of its senior counterpart. As he was -referred to me for special aid in compilation, from his lack of -knowledge in the constructive use of the Heraclean idiom,—which was to -us personally a source of mutual regret,—it will be well to state in -anticipation of a similarity in diction of our separate labors, that I -have been in no way beholden to him for the style I have adopted in -recording the historiographical account of the corps investigations. I -trust that this egoistic explanation will prove sufficient in efficacy -to redeem me from plagiaristic odium? - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - -The prætor and his family, including Cleorita and Oviata Arcos, with the -Four, awaited, on the morning succeeding the eventful day of Manito’s -animalculan introduction, the coming of the Dosch of Manatitla in the -audience chamber of the house, dedicated by Correliana in aptitude to -the developing powers of the tympano-microscope, “the auriculum.” After -a short delay of expectation, the courier falcon appeared at poise, from -which in swift descent it came in downward incline direct to its perch -on Correliana’s wrist. But a second elapsed before the tympanum reëchoed -in cheery tones of salutation the voice of our expected visitor. Our -attention attracted to the field of magnifying reflection, discovered a -coterie of animalculans, of nearly the same size, grouped about the -speaker. With the salutation, “Afferens scientiam errantes gigantes,” he -addressed us as follows:— - - * * * * * - -For ages untold, our race have waited in patient expectation for the -morning’s dawn when they could salute yours face to face, and impart to -you a source of happiness that in life realizes communion with -immortality. To us has been vouchsafed this coveted privilege, and it -shall be our study to improve it to your advantage. Notwithstanding the -malapropos accident—casting upon Correliana an arch glance that wrought -for her face a scarlet veil—of yesterday, which detracted from the -dignity of an introduction so important to the regenerative welfare of -your race, we were glad that auspicious mirth was the trophy of the -occasion, rather than tears of grief, of which we shall be mindful in -adjudging our censure to the cause. Joyous mirth we have esteemed an -evidence of goodness, for it declares itself beyond the reach of selfish -impediment that breeds evil intention; even when the foibles of our kind -become the subjects of humorous provocation. Mirth is ill timed, when -preconcerted with a knowledge that a portion of those present will be -unable to appreciate the humorous incentive; as it opens wide the door -of suspicion with your peoples, who have been educated under the partial -sway of national habits and customs. Dissimilarity in habits and -customs, under national patronage, begets from seeming incongruity a -disposition to gibe with missile retorts, fledged and tipped with -ironical sarcasms, as rankling in effect as the pointed weapons in the -mouth of Mr. Welson’s knighted chief. To be frank, if the ludicrous -scene of yesterday had occurred with matured acquaintance, I should not -have spared the demure, but conscious blushes of the fair medium. Our -first acquaintance with you, although not mutual in personal -recognition, is of older date than yesterday, and upon it has been -founded our predilections, which in train have led to the many -concurrent circumstances favoring the happy issue of our more direct -scheme, devised for the liberation of your race from the pampering -trammels of instinct. It would have been quite easy for our first -giantescoes to have obtained an introduction to your race, if they had -emulated the desire of being exhibited as an iotian monstrosity for the -gratification of giga greed and curiosity. But fortunately for our -present hoped-for issue, our system of education, devised for the -development of affectionate confidence, encouraged the past generations -of our race to wait for an opening free from the entailment of -experimental disadvantage. A knowledge of our race for the gratification -of your scientific savants curiosity, would have been as profitless for -good, as their sight-seeing acquaintance with the moon and stars. Our -Manatitlan sages have from the earliest period recommended extreme -caution to prevent the premature introduction of our race to yours. The -favorable indications to be watched for in premonition of a successful -issue were those of extreme folly, heralding a closing cycle; for the -contrast afforded by the result of our happy example would attract -kindly imitation of those inclined to affectionate goodness. - -Desideratus, one of our most approved prognosticators, deposed that the -affections of woman afford the best test of a closing giga cycle. When -frivolity and the gossiping comparisons of vanity gain the ascendency -over natural affection, inherent as the birthright of woman, then you -may know that the symbolic serpent’s tail has received its final circle -inclination for union with the mouth. This inclination was foreshadowed -in the eighteenth century, with invention of power looms; which with the -largely increased acceleration of steam, fabricated in excess of the -world’s actual requirements for healthy protection and comely adornment. -With steam as an inductive aid to civilized progression, the Eugenic era -was ushered in, when the frail mortal tenements of women became subject -to empirical vanity, and in rivalry, the standard-bearers for cumbersome -mechanical products, to the utter perversion of healthy elasticity, -comfort, and their special vocation of fostering for immortality -affectionate goodness. This dereliction of giga women from their -manifest duty, has brought in train domestic and dynastic miseries, -while from dreary self conviction their hopeless prospect closes with -the grave. As we have now adventured the only opportunity that has ever -occurred, with a prospect of success, for extending the influence of our -happy experience to your race, we will with our introduction premise a -description of _Our Country_. - -Manatitla is situated in the Andean district of La Plata, with a -southern aspect. It occupies a space between the parallels of 20° 40˝ -and 30° south latitude and 40° 50° west longitude, embracing an area of -forty square furlongs, of Manatitlan measurement. Its surface is -diversified, combining in well-defined variety mountains, hills, and -vales, with their concomitant streams, lakes, and brooks; affording with -arable advantages, prospects unrivaled in beauty, which have been -enhanced by the grateful labor of its inhabitants in acknowledgment for -the benefits bestowed. The climate is salubrious and free from the -extremes of heat and cold, having a valley altitude varying but little -from six thousand feet above the estuary of the La Plata. The adjacent -country is occupied by the giga and animalculan wild hordes. The Minim -is the largest river. Its source is derived from Lake Areta, located in -the Andean spur of Ultisimma; flowing in a northeasterly direction it -finally becomes tributary to the Vermejo. On the northwestern bank is -situated our chief city, Maniculæ. Forty of our miles below, on the same -bank, is situated the City of Iota, containing twenty thousand -inhabitants. Nearly opposite the last named city, is the town of Speck, -its inhabitants, in transition, being chiefly occupied in the -manufacture of auro-silicate for edificial construction and textile -fabrics, rendering them indestructible and repulsive to cumulative -adhesion. The entire population of Manatitla is estimated at eighteen -millions, with a healthy tendency to a continued rapid decrease in -number, from causes which will be described hereafter. - -_The Traditional History of Manatitla_, is coeval with the imaginary -date of Mauna Che’s advent as a deity from the La Plata into Alta Peru, -reaching in your time measurement to eleven thousand years, which -probably embraces relics of truth, among others a like origin with the -Heracleans; as we are without doubt descended from castaway parasites of -gigas from the eastern continent. But as it is a constant repetition of -acts of oppression, in kind with your classical written history, we will -not shock you with their rehearsal. - -_The Actual, or Written History of Manatitla_, was commenced in the -latter portion of the reign of King Primus, from which dates our -transition period, or emancipation of our people from the instinctive -rule of the stomach and its engendered lusts. But from its resemblance -in factional disruptions to your own, culminating in a parallel to their -cycle condition, we will only allude to the causes that immediately -preceded, and in tendency wrought the changes that finally effected -partition from old habits, and the reverenced usages of instinct. -Arbitrary, religious, and civil exactions, seconded by compulsory -persuasion against all nonconformists, signalized the tendencies of the -period, and gave birth to an ultra instinctive race, styled liberal -democrats, who claimed the inalienable right of suffragian equality -bestowed upon the lower orders of the animal creation, in the exercise -of their untrammeled state of field and forest freedom. The regular -national church, and king, persecuted the nonconformists and schismatics -with dire vengeance, under the patronage of godhead personification, -translating the living heretics with tortures, burnings, and repetitions -of drowning suffocations by resuscitations from a moribund state, and -like admonitory chastenings in transition for the final judgment of -their long enduring and merciful godhead. The persecuted schismatics -emigrated to distant lands, in order that they might worship their God -of reformation in freedom from invidious restriction of rites. When -located, they in turn used the same strenuous arguments to subvert the -tribal forms of worship. Gaining the ascendency, with destructive -agents, they deprived the aboriginals of local option, forcing them to -conform, with death and displacement, until they had obliged the remnant -descendants of their benefactors to accept a conditional exile on the -outskirts of progressive civilization, in transit for a grave ultimatum. -The notable invention of letters signalized the latter portion of the -reign of Primus, and to it he laid claim as king rief discoverer; which -in the law of entail declares the subject a utensil to be used for the -exaltation of kingly prerogative; being identified with everything that -pertains to the glory of the throne and its legitimate scionry, his -assumptive appropriation was sustained with ministerial affidavits and -legal opinions, in attestation of King Primus’s great literary and -inventive capacity, allied to clemency, justice, and generosity. But -after his death, there was found concealed in the hut of a bard, who had -disappeared just anterior to the announcement of the king’s invention, -parchments inscribed with the newly introduced characters, which set -forth the bard’s adverse claims in these terms:— - - With symbolic signs, I have found, - The art of representing sound. - On distant business one can send, - Or with them greet a distant friend. - -From this scrap of post circumstantial testimony, it is evident that he -either intended to filch from the king, or that the king did obtain his -reputation for literary invention from the fior’s or bard’s genius. The -latter presumption receives probable confirmation from our aura-mention -of similar pretentions to authorship advanced by giga potentates of the -past and present age. - -The rule of King Primus was of the most despotic description ever -enforced by an arbitrary will over the weak subserviency of plodding -human instinct, which in kindred affinity with the dogs, is content to -give vent to a growling yelp when the freedom of its tail is ground by -the heel of the oppressor. Whenever these constitutional growls -foreboded an insurrectionary show of teeth, the gregarious spirit of -commune revolt was allayed by the grant of a new charter of rights, but -if this precedental sop failed to lay the retaliative spirit engendered -by oppression, the current of their wrath was turned against their -neighbors, with arbitrary conjurations as the provocations, of war. As -an infallible test of his infallibility death displaced him to make room -for a successor. The people put on sackcloth, and rolled in the dust of -humiliation, in mournful semblance of grief for the loss of their demi- -god, whose dealings had been grievous and past finding out. - -After public eulogistic exaltations, funereal orations and lamentations -had subsided, his only son was proclaimed successor with jubilant -rejoicings. But Justinatus, the son, resolutely announced his -determination to reject the succession, recommending the people to -select from the wise men of the nation a council to decide upon a form -of government best suited in adaptation for the requirements of the -people; but they with their faces and thoughts turned to the rear, in -reverence for past usage, clamored for a king. But they found in -Justinatus a man as determined for the enforcement of right, as his -father had been for wrong. He commanded them to turn their faces to the -future, and act according to his direction, not for themselves or their -generation alone, but for those who were to succeed them. Submissive to -the letter of his direction, but in conformity with precedental creed, -they elected eight men by ballot, and instructed them to proclaim -Justinatus king. With this evidence of their precedental stupidity he -assumed the power of directing them for their own good, selecting four -men of as well approved wisdom as his judgment could discover, he placed -at their head his early instructor as chief advisor, with the titled -designation of Dosch. After this inauguration of an advisorial system, -Justinatus, as a pupil, received from them instruction; combining, with -his advance in knowledge, his aid in promoting the practical development -of means for insuring equality in thought and judgment, necessary for -the promotion of the common welfare. - -In consideration of the fluctuating variations incident to common usage, -their first endeavors were directed for the devisement of a method that -would insure exampled conformity in act. The difficulty of effecting -uniform compatibility, in the then present habits of the people, soon -became apparent. As a dernier of preparation, a division of labor was -enforced, according with the personal healthy capacity of each -individual. Under this system of equalized industry for community -support, the drones were soon discovered, and subjected to the -taskmaster supervision of those capable of exercising self control for -the common good. Of course the outcry of slavery and oppression became -rampant with the ill disposed and vicious; but compelled association -with the good soon wrought a happy change; but not before many -revolutionary schemes of revolt had been planned by the democratic -majority, and nipped in the bud. The great bar to the full success of -the renovating process, was the all absorbing lust for selfish -gratification, procured from the sacrifice of others’ welfare. -Exhortations and demonstrations of the evil effects and instability of -pleasures having a material dependency upon the appetites and passions -of the body were of no avail. Stimulating provocations, for the -production of inordinate appetites, had held an increasing sway from -time immemorial, and the infatuation still continued to subvert the -efforts of the Doschate of advisors for the establishment of a rational -source of happiness, that should extend its blessings for the reciprocal -appreciation of all. Laws and penal restrictions proved of easy evasion, -and the local option of individuals native to Manatitla, having a desire -to establish in perpetuity the happiness of their people, as a beacon -light of example, were openly defied by aliens. To restrict emigration, -which was claimed as a privileged right ordained as an inherent instinct -of animality, they did not dare! as it was declared by the majority an -assumption that would directly controvert the rights of septs and -nationalities guaranteed by deity. The civilized progenitors of the -races represented by tribes and small nationalities occupying the -country adjacent to Manatitla, had undoubtedly been parasitical attaches -to giga castaways like those of the Manatitlans. This stumbling block of -perversion, continued from generation to generation for centuries; until -the advent of the Dosch Desiderata, who with the aid of his advisors, -turned the tide anarchy by the adoption of foreigners as guests, -withholding the privilege of citizenship for bestowal upon their -children’s children of the third generation. This inaugurated an era -memorable for the change of precedental precept, based upon warlike -achievements, into a source of abhorrence with the increasing minority. -Thoughtful consideration bestowed upon example for the transmitted -improvement of future generations in goodness, produced a wonderful -effect upon the actors of the then present generation by the induction -of harmony from reciprocal goodwill. Through his wise deductions, that -clearly demonstrated the necessity of self government in association -with others, woman threw off her shroud of vanity, and labored earnestly -for the renewal of her lost prestige of trust, bestowed for the -transmission of purity and goodness. The incipient struggles of the -minority, under the direction of Desiderata, were short and decisive; -but for the time being evoked with groveling bitterness fierce invective -from the majority. A memorial address of remonstrance, from the -democratic majority, against the abrogation of the rights of -citizenship, in the first and second degree of alien residence, set -forth, that God had created all men free and equal without respect to -color or habits, with the command that they should work out their own -way of salvation, and that each individual was guaranteed an inalienable -right to participate in the government of his fellow man. “And that, -whereas, as hereinafter stated,” the citizens of Manatitla represent -different nationalities, it was but just and right that they should have -a voice in the council of advisors, in order that they might guard and -protect their own liberties and safety. With this preamble, imitated -from giga precept, the contest can be realized without repeating the -stale platitudes of democratic subterfuge. The promulgated reply was as -follows:—— - -“The Dosch of Manatitla and his advisors, to the alien guests -(heretofore, in acceptation, adopted citizens) of their people and -country, greeting! We have received your petition, and have reviewed -with care the requests you have proffered. Our answer is set forth in -the subjoined proclamation. - -“‘To the residents of Manatitla of foreign birth! As it is our matured -desire to emancipate the people native to our country from their own -degrading habits, and the deleterious example of those derived from -extraneous source, we herewith announce the corrective enactments we -have devised for the collective well being and happiness of all within -our advisorial control. As it is manifest, from the conclusive evidence -of creative design, that mankind are in bodily and functional alliance -with all the different grades of animality, through the representative -agency of omnivorous instinct; it is also as clearly evident that his -endowed superiority resides in his privileged capacity for self control, -with an ultimate intention equally apparent. For a rational realization -of this saving clause, an easy estimate can be made of all the tangible -sources of happiness held by human kind independent of the body’s -instincts. As upon these depend our hopes of happiness in life, in -premonition of immortality, it is imperative with all to hold them in -reciprocal cultivation for the confluent control—in subjection—of the -passions inherent with the vital functions of animality. As woman, the -endowed source and mother of our race, when free from the attaint of -man’s selfish invention, expresses a natural repugnance to everything -opposed to purity and goodness, and in the full fruition of her -endowment is reverenced as the germ ideal of immortality; we have -through her a direct indication of the immortal source of happiness -bestowed with creative intention for the local option of mankind. In -negative assurance, that purity and goodness is the endowed source of -happiness; woman when lost to their sustenance, becomes hopelessly -degraded, sinking with loathsome taint below the vilest brute, and -utterly lost to the instinctive ties of affection, will not hesitate to -sacrifice mother, husband, sister, and child to the poisonous lust of -her reptile selfishness. - -“‘That the cause of this ferocious degeneration, which has the power of -transforming woman from the glorious ideal of immortality, into an -object too repulsive for her destroyer to find in his vocabulary words -of beastly vulgarity sufficiently strong in the odor of putrefactive -designation for expressing in comparison the foulness of his scorn, is -derived from man’s insatiate devisement, cannot be denied! For the -exampled amendment of this woful cause of degeneration, we have provided -family censors, and nurses, in sufficient number for present -requirement, whose duty it will be to hold in check parental -indiscretions, and mutations incited from the instinctive variations of -fondness and petulance. With the close of the second year, the -provisorial charge of the family censor and nurse will be transferred -with the infant to the national school of the department in which they -reside, their guardian duties continuing until the seventh year, at the -commencement of which the child is matriculated as a pupil, with full -scholastic adoption by the censors and teachers. For the additional -furtherance of our system, subserving for the vindication of creative -indications for the elimination of our immortal endowment, we have -separated the sexes that in the process of educational attainment they -may remain free from the natural temptations inherent with instinct. - -“‘The benefits conferred by our national system of education you have -realized in the peaceful confidence and unity imparted in after -association; also the sequent inseparable unity of our marriage -conjunctions. In truth, they are happily too apparent to be gainsaid. So -that in accepting our hospitality as guests, you cannot avoid, in -courtesy, a willing recognition of our rights of freehold preëmption, -for preserving our habits and customs of purity and goodness, intact -from the infringements of foreign attaint; or question the justice of -our privilege of enforcing their observance; or in default, question our -corrective enactments devised for the culprit’s realization of practical -liabilities incurred by the transgressor. These will be strictly -enforced. But that there may be no cavilings, with the hue and cry of -barbarous excess in punishment, we have provided accommodations adapted -to the specie degradation of the lower orders of animal instinct, of -sufficient capacity for associate occupation by human emulators of -bestiality in kind; through all the gradations from the _omnium -gatherum_ ‘swine,’ blood thirsty ‘tiger,’ down to the reptile -conservators of poison. For the correction of women who have lapsed from -their vocation of conservators of purity and goodness, into the -incipient stages of gadding and gossiping detraction, we have provided -cage apartments for their mutual accommodation with birds representing -their kind, in the hopping vent of thoughtless words. We have provided -for initiatory correction pavonias (animalculan peacocks) for the -exemplar admonition of the vain-glorious; and jab-boracidas (jackdaws -and magpies) for the likeness of gossipping repeaters; for the loud -mouthed and strepitant clackitas (parrots and cockatoos), and for the -‘fashionable’ imitators, simia curios (female monkeys). These, as -occasion may require, will extend invitations to their ‘likes’ of the -human sex to attend their levées, which will be subject to the -auditorial outside inspection of the public, if morbid curiosity should -prompt witnesses to the ordeal of misery. These provisos and corrective -conceptions have been devised for, and proved to be of universal -benefit, with the evidence of well attested experience; and we desire -your coöperation, as guests, for the perfection of our system designed -for the advancement of purity and goodness. But shall strenuously insist -that your children shall become participants in the privileges conferred -by our system of education.’” - -As you will readily conceive, this proclamation of Desiderata and his -associates caused the fulmination of bitter invectives and threats of -vengeance, which served to vindicate the wisdom of the predicated -precautions. But the writers of the period state that in a few -generations the influence for good extended to savage tribes, who -petitioned for admission of their children into our national schools. -The improvement was so marked in its demonstration of a realizing source -of happiness, that but three centuries elapsed from the period of -organization, before the foreign nationalities were peacefully absorbed, -their subjects becoming educated citizens of Manatitla. - -With the illustrative sketch that I have given of Manatitla’s transition -period of extension, you, and the readers of the historiographer’s -transcript, will readily understand the inceptive source and stages that -premised the establishment of our practical system of education. But -owing to the limited number of words and terms for the expression of -purity and goodness, with their practical variations, in your languages, -we are of necessity obliged to use them in frequent repetition. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - -At this stage, M. Hollydorf interrupted the Dosch, with the assurance -that he was fully convinced not only of the actual existence of -animalculan humanity, but of the tangible wisdom of Manatitlan -providence, shown in their inauguration of rational system for -educational discernment, necessary for the fulfillment in life of happy -intention. “But the difficulty of making the home society realize by -letter the multiplying wonders in the course of our discoveries, puzzles -my invention for a credible method of imparting the information without -subjecting my sanity and integrity to impeachment. If you can, in your -wisdom, resolve me how I may absolve myself with credit in my official -correspondence, I shall certainly feel grateful.” - -The Dosch smilingly assured him that he had no occasion for fear, as the -sensational novelty of truthful record, with a little auramental aid -rendered by the Manatitlans in the substitution of thought, would -suffice for the ready adoption and belief of his report, as a marvelous -indication of the age, in evidence of rapid progression under German -lead. With this closing advisorial suggestion the Dosch and his -companions departed for Maniculæ. - -The abstracted mood, fitful and irrelevant conversation, with the daily -convocations of the four conservators of the Manatitlan secret, in the -house under the northern temple’s eastern wall, did not fail to attract -the wondering curiosity of their associates. But as M. Hollydorf had -emancipated the members of the corps from field duty, they found no lack -of pleasing occupation in rendering useful aid to the Heracleans. Doctor -Baāhar had enlisted the padre, for a quid pro quo, in the pursuit of -butterflies; the two curators of sound engaged in herding and woodland -pursuits; Jack and Bill, under Heraclean and Kyronese instruction, -engaged in “navigating” a small garden plot in the latifundium, with -amusing success, while Viscouswitzs, the artist, wooed the Indian maids -of the Vermejo tribe. - -The Dosch, in continuation of his historical sketch of the Manatitlans, -passed to the period noted as the Heraclean epoch. - - * * * * * - -The third century of your Christian era was well advanced before they -were aware that there was a race of white gigas occupying a city not far -remote from Maniculæ. At that period distance was measured by the time -occupied in conveyance by the insects then in use for transportation; -but as the vitality of their bodies was subject to deciduous tenure, -travelers were obliged to confine their researches within the limits of -populated districts, between which adventitious paths were well defined. -The defective means of communication with remote Manatitlan provinces -had ever been a source of sincere regret. Still the lack of advancement -in the art of locomotion had never interfered with the actual -realization of happiness. The wood roach and beetle were used as insects -of draught in the preparation of the soil for cultivation, and the flea -for equisaltation, it being the favorite mount for distant journeys and -pleasure excursions. The first innovation upon these time honored extra -locomotive adjuncts, was effected by the persevering ingenuity and -daring courage of a medium named Bussee. He had from an early age -devoted his thoughts to natural history with the practical intention of -improving the native stock which was too diminutive to be made available -for transportation. As a boy he had been noted for a quick practical -judgment, displayed in his ability to eke out from scant means the -fulfillment of a desired end. Many of his improved domestic utensils are -still in use, in evidence of an inventive genius in advance of his age. -His habits were erratic, showing an impatience that disdained restraint -within the bounds of precedental usage. Still his affectionate desire to -confer public benefits attracted a grateful solicitude whenever his -absence was unusually prolonged. But as he rarely returned without some -valuable acquisition, confidence in his ability for self-protection -waived anxiety. At length an absence of two months without communicating -with his family, aroused public sympathy to such a pitch that a search -was decided upon. In preparation the citizens of Maniculæ had collected -in the anthemique to consult upon the most feasible means of conducting -the search. - -When the direction was decided upon, and they were issuing forth for its -prosecution, they were startled by the gyrations of an apis isolata -(solitary bee) in close proximity to their heads. After a few eccentric -evolutions which excited a commensurate degree of alarm, their fears -were relieved by a shout of laughter in the jovial tones of the -absentee, who, by a skillful direction, caused the bee to alight in -their midst. When sufficiently assured of freedom from danger, his -parents and the Dosch approached near enough to obtain a view of his -mechanical appliances for guiding his prize. Between the wings of the -bee, upon his back, a net with latticed films, supported in dome shape -by stiff fibres, was attached. This turret was retained in place by -filaments, which passed beneath his body, in the articulation between -the body and thorax, so that his movements and winged action were not -impeded. To the antennæ, on either side, were attached filamental -guides, or reins, for directing his course, the proximal extremities -being coupled within the pilot cone. When assured of the strength and -security of the attachments, the Dosch and parents of Buzzee ventured on -a short experimental flight. As the insect circled, in company with his -mate, to gain a bee line, the daring volantaph caused him to execute a -variety of intricate evolutions, which at first alarmed his passengers, -who expostulated with him in reproof for his temerity. But when he -explained his wish to show them how completely the movements of the bee -were under his control, they no longer offered objections, their fears -being turned to admiration. When satisfied that air flights could be -conducted with more ease, safety, and swiftness, beyond the most -sanguine expectations of ancient or modern Manatitlan prognosticators, -his enterprise was highly commended. When landed the Dosch and advisors -expressed a desire, in behalf of the people, to listen to a relation of -his adventures in the anthemique, as it would be the means of avoiding -rehearsals from hearsay, with the defects that of necessity were -attendant upon individual versions. An hour before evening song the -anthemique was thronged with the citizens of Maniculæ anxious to hear -Buzzee’s relation of the expedients used for a capture so important in -its prospective bearings to the people of Manatitla. To enhance the -clearness of his demonstration, and at the same time show the dazed -docility of the bee, Buzzee directed his flight to the cantilor’s -rostrum, and after he had settled addressed the assemblage from the -pilot cone, in substance, as follows:— - -“Although no stranger to your manifestations of affection, I am well -aware that in appearance I have been remiss in rendering you suitable -returns; but am certain that your confidence in the integrity of my -intentions will exculpate me from meditated indifference. I am now happy -in being able to bring you tangible proof that my wanderings were not -prompted from motives of selfishness or disdain. From my childhood I -have listened in silence to the oft repeated regrets that our extraneous -means of locomotion were limited to insects so lacking in the instincts -of intelligence necessary for successful direction. Those available for -locomotion were too ephemeral in their term of existence to be trusted -for conveyance far beyond the habitable limits of our country, which -from the illimitable firmament seemed to be but a mere speck upon the -earth’s surface. With a curious desire to learn the wonders of creation -overshadowed by the starry canopy, my earliest thoughts were directed to -the acquirement of the means necessary for safe transportation above the -earth’s surface. My thoughts were at first naturally directed to -artificial wings as the indicated means of progressive transposition -from earth to atmospheric space, without giving thought to the -consideration of ponderable adaptability. Human mortality, which -requires omnivorous support, declares itself ponderable in the vis -inertia of earth, in contrast with the airy attenuations that bespeak -adaptative intention in creating the tenants of space. In addition, with -the successful achievement of working wings, there would be inevitable -friction with the uncertainties of wear and derangement in flight, with -awkward position of ponderable suspension in space for repairs. So my -inventive genius was fain to hold itself convinced of the futility of -subverting the order of elementary adaptation, designed by the Creator -for the perfection of His intentions. Self convicted with the foolish -audacity of my labors to safely suspend with motion, and locomote with -facility ponderable humanity in space, I bethought myself of man’s -privilege of making subordinate organic vitality, with legitimate kindly -motive, subservient to his desired facilitations. For the elucidation of -my thought suggestions I directed my investigations to insects of -flight, to select from their varied species one suited to our -requirements. The primary qualifications necessary were sagacity, -supporting wing expanse, strength, longevity, and equal motion in -flight, with instinctive perception of individuality sufficient for -submission to our kindly direction. The efficient qualities indicated -for the selection of a winged conveyance, were first, size, with an -adaptation for control, in combination with a supporting buoyancy in -excess of its individual requirements. In the second degree -intelligence, with a longevity sufficient for compensative training, and -memory capable of retaining the imposed impressions, subject to the -recognition of personal direction foreign to their own volition. Added -to these essential qualifications, it was desirable that the insect -should be naturally inclined to sustain a long and swift flight. Bees -had early attracted my attention, but there were many objections to -their adoption that seemed insurmountable. Multitudinous in association, -and individually aggressive, were primary defects in disposition; while -in industrious habits and vocation they were subject to routine -enactments, which together with the tenacious nature and method of -collecting and disposing of their food threatened to end my ambitious -projects, in trial with them, in death from suffocation, or waxed -adhesion to their bodies or cells. The fear of being stalled and borne -to their cells for living incorporation, raised an insuperable dread, -that prevented me from coveting an experimental acquaintance with the -working orders of their kind. Often in my wanderings I have passed -beyond the boundaries of Manatitla in search of a locomotive -desideratum, which I had supposed necessary for the welfare of our race, -as well as a gratuitous vehicle for the gratification of my covetous -desire to rise into the realms of space, to survey beneath our -terrestrial place of abode. A month since I was returning homeward sad -and dispirited with continued disappointments, when at the close of day, -while the glowing tints of the setting sun still lingered in the glory -of their parting adornment to foliage and flowers, I was attracted by -the swift whirr of strange insect wings. In a moment my attention was -drawn with intent desire toward a pair of insects bearing a hybrid -resemblance to the bee family. After a careful reconnoitering -inspection, seemingly directed, first, to the quality of the flowers of -a tropical honeysuckle, and secondly, to see if they contained insect -occupants, they alighted upon the petals of the fairest. Unlike the -hoarding selfish instincts of their congeners of the bee kind, they -premised their labors with playful dalliance, partly upon wing and with -sprightly pedal evolutions, while darting in chase and counter chase in -and out from the petaled cups of the flowers. In a few minutes their -playful antics and fondlings ceased, then the male with an autocratic -appearance of gallantry assisted his spouse to load herself with the -sweets and waxy exudations of the flowers, this accomplished he sent her -unescorted away, evidently to unload in their store house. During her -absence he devoted his time to a general inspection of the flowers, with -the evident intention of selecting the best. In one he found a belated -droniva (a tropical representative of the bumble-bee family) who was -ejected without ceremony, although double the size of the audacious -usurper. His activity, independence, and cleanly regard for his own -person, disposed me to excuse his cavalier exaction of service drudgery -from his mate, as the duty seemed to afford her pleasure. In fact the -pair impressed me so favorably, that I determined to avail myself of the -opportunity to secure a permanent attachment. - -“Years anterior, as you are aware, I perfected a harness in anticipation -of the fulfillment of my hopes of being able to make a capture suited -for our locomotive requirements. This I had carried with me in all my -excursions, and while my coveted prize was engaged in his erratic -flights, I placed myself in ambush in the fairest flower of his -selection, and had the gratification of securing him in leash before the -return of his mate. He soon became aware of unusual restraint, and -curious to learn its cause made experimental flights which gave me an -opportunity to test the success of my invention, and I was delighted to -find that I could direct his course with ease. Seemingly puzzled at the -loss of his voluntary power of direction, he made every available effort -to learn the cause of his sudden bereavement, and was pursuing his -investigations when his spouse returned. With mandibulations he quickly -communicated to her the restraint that had been placed upon his -movements during her absence. With evident anxiety she commenced a -search for the impedimental cause. In a few moments she discovered the -filamental guides that I had attached to his antennæ beneath the -carapace, but failing in her attempts to remove them, after a short -consultation, they rose in flight from the flower to the bee line of -their home with a marked show of anxiety, which made me feel a glow of -regret that my selfishness had been the cause of their disquietude. Once -only, in homeward flight, did I attempt to subject him to a variation in -course, but it caused such a trepidation in his mate that it was with -difficulty that she recovered the balance movement of her wings. -Reaching their cell, which was in a fissured ledge of basaltic -formation, they held another consultation and investigation, during -which my turret cone was subjected to a close examination, but the tough -silicothed filaments were too strong for removal by her feeble efforts. -Finding his strange investment inevitable, and attended with but slight -inconvenience, he, at last, with cheerful philosophy, soothed the -anxiety of his spouse with endearments, abated of their autocratic -patronizing air of superiority. This show of appreciation for his mate’s -solicitude, at once bespoke a high degree of sympathetic intelligence -attained by a union of instinctive equality. In contrasted proof of the -evident assumption, I will adduce the ants, and our neighbors of the -human species, who live in a state of concubinage, to show that sexual -gregation begets a condition of brutal selfishness in the males, causing -them to use physical strength for the reduction of their females to -serve as bond slaves of passion and labor for multitudinous production -in kind. From their continued dalliance after nightfall, I was pleased -to learn that their habits were semi-nocturnal in perceptive activity. -When they finally retired for the night to the shelter within their -cell, I suffered retributive spasms from the powerful mellific odors -that pervaded the cell, which caused protracted coughing and general -relaxation, so that in my extremity I was prompted to make my escape -into the open air, but the intense darkness and my weakness prevented -me. As my air passages became accustomed to the acrid irritation, I in -sequence suffered from mellific narcotism, and fell into a stuporic -medium between waking impressions and fantastic visions of instinct that -precede the waking dawn from sleep. These variations continued until the -bees’ emergence into the open air, in the morning, revived me. After -their matutinal salutations they rose in flight circles to their bee -line, but winged their course in an opposite direction from the -honeysuckle plot so memorable in their previous day’s experience, -probably attributing the cause of restraint to some inherent property of -the flowers. - -“My elevation and swift passage through the air, reminded me, with its -bracing effect, that I had not taken food for a donsenack, so feeling at -ease I unstrapped my script and made a hearty meal, with a zest that the -words of our language will fail to express. Shortly after I had closed -my morning meal, the bees commenced their circlings in downward descent, -and ere long I discovered below, on the rocky declivity of a hillside a -growth of honeysuckles, the goal of their attraction. In the circling -support of their buzzing wings they remained suspended over the flowers -for some time, until their safety had been tested by dronivas and -humming-birds, then with caution they ventured to settle upon the -petals, and after some hesitation, the female was loaded and dispatched -with her first cargo to the cell. The male, as on the previous day, -employed his time during her absence in an investigation of the floral -resources of the hillside, with an occasional essay of his belligerent -propensities directed against humming-birds and other collectors of -sweets. This disposition, which seemed to have received an aggravated -accession, in the vigorous temerity of daring assaults, from the -restraints I had imposed, was treated with a gentle admonition to test -their directing efficacy. - -“The first essay provoked a display of resistance, but without avail in -thwarting the changes I meditated, except for the production of a marked -degree of discomfort, as the tension of the filamental bonds from -opposing obstinacy caused a spasmodic action of the wings from axillary -compression. Disconcerted, after frequent trials of his voluntary powers -in opposition to my guiding mechanical appliances, he settled upon a -petal for reflection. Then, seemingly, after mature consideration, an -instinctive impulse would cause him to dart away in flight as if to test -anew his strength in controlling volition, but only to be turned back -before reaching the object of his destination. When successful, after -frequent failures, he seemed to be quite as much disturbed as with the -contrary results of his trials. I soon found in these practical essays, -that my studied calculations for his direction fell far short of the -absolute requirements of necessity and safety. In his short flights I -discovered a power of resistance that baffled my attempts to direct his -rise and descent, which was evidently independent of head and wings. -Looking backward, when making a short tack, the resisting part was made -manifest by the movements of the cartilaginous rings of the body. In -studying the changing results in controlling direction, I found that the -body acted as a rudder in flight for upward and downward inclination, -and until I could obtain its concerted action with head and wings, -instinctive volition would oppose my usurpation of its natural rights. -With the view of effecting temporary control I rove a ring with a line -attached to the four terminal quarters of its circumference, to act, -when adjusted, as a tip to the body. This I confined in place without -much difficulty, and passing the lines through corresponding guides to -the carapace reflected them through pulleys back to the cone. These -additions to my managing devices, met with no decided opposition, but -the victim kept my movements under the watchful supervision of his eyes, -but more in curiosity than in fear or anger. On the return of his mate, -an antennæ inspection was improvised for tracing the new additions, but -as their labors were quickly resumed, I interpreted their quiet -resignation as an act of submission. After the departure of his spouse -on her second homeward trip, he engaged in a flight trial to learn the -extent of the new vetoes that I had placed upon his volition -correspondence with members of his body corporate. His diminished lack -of self-control begot a vengeful desire to retrieve compensation by -inflicting retributive discomfort and stings upon the innocent. After -his test trials had convinced him, that in movement he was no longer -capable of commanding himself, but subject to a mysterious power, he -fought two rounds with dronivas, the odds being four to one in favor of -his opponents, each exceeding his weight by two thirds; after sustaining -his preëmption right to the sole occupation of the flowers with them, he -matched his vengeful speed and tactics against a score of humming-birds, -proving himself equal to his undertaking. Besides these emprises of -valor and speed, I subjected him to a test of my guiding improvements to -which he not only submitted in freedom from irritability, but seemed to -recognize the new sensations and eccentric effects as a pleasing -supplement to his involuntary powers, superseding in part the necessity -of volition. Desiring that he might become accustomed to my guiding -presence, and familiar with my person, I exposed myself as often as -possible to his own and consort’s eyes, and on their return to the cell -at nightfall, I felt certain that they had accepted me as an attached -presage for good. As in oft repeated subjection to deleterious -influences, the narcotic effluvia of the cell was far less offensive -than on the previous night. - -“With the dawn of the third morning the bees rose to their line and -settled in descent upon the flowers in bloom on the vines subject to the -previous day’s levy. As if in anticipation of my intention, the usual -four cargoes were dispatched in less than an hour, then both circled -upward to the line for homeward flight, when, to their astonishment, I -turned the lead of the male to the westward. This deviation from -ancestral custom, and sequent habits, aroused the most obstinate -resistance, which after several pseudo starts succeeded in baffling my -intention, and but for the fortunate discovery of the cause, which was -the fouling of the sinister guiding line, I should have been obliged to -succumb to the instinctive obstinacy transmitted for the preservation of -formalistic routine. With hazardous determination I succeeded in -righting it, notwithstanding the increased velocity of their homeward -flight, accelerated by the instinctive impetus from the imparted zest of -their return to the line of old habits. When again subject to my -control, the course of the male was changed to a northwesterly -direction, but the female coaxingly endeavored to turn him back with the -voice of her wings, as she kept abreast in equal flight. Finding it -impossible, she reluctantly resumed her station in the rear, yielding -protestingly to his lead. At first a natural feeling deterred me from -casting a look below through fear of being surprised with giddiness, but -gradually this passed away under the exhilarating elasticity of the air, -which appeared to raise my spirits to an equality with my ambitious -aspirations. Presumptuous mortality even ventured to cast a scornful -glance upon things mundane; when lo! in advance, rising to the bee line -I discovered a meroptic bee-eater which dissolved in fear my -exultations. - -“Luckily my naturalistic studies enabled me to disappoint him of his -premeditated tid-bit gratification, as I should have been included in -his bill of fare, with a vale for the improved means of locomotion I had -obtained for my people. Grateful for the presence of mind which in great -emergencies baffles instinct, I abruptly changed the course of the bee -northward. But the pursuing merop was not to be disappointed without an -extra effort to secure his prize, for he immediately tried his chances -in chase; but as he was soon distanced he gave up pursuit, still soaring -above the trees to intercept those which he expected in train, but for -once, at least, he was foiled in following the transmitted impressions -of ancestral instinct. The curved flight of the merop, even with the -advantage of superior swiftness, would have been quickly distanced by -the undeviating line of the bees’ air trail when once in advance of -their pursuer, unless retarded by the greed of an overload; of this fact -the instinct of the bird is apprised, but hunger sets at variance all -rules, and if he fails in intercepting, he often pursues. The apiaster, -after his first capture, if his prize proves to be a honey bee, builds -his nest beneath the line, for the purpose of surprising the homeward -flight of the workers when loaded with his coveted sweets. My escape -from sudden death, although easily avoided from seasonable discovery of -the danger, served as a timely warning, which kept me in careful watch -for unknown perils. - -“Only a short space of time had elapsed from the start, when in advance -I discovered a beautiful and highly cultivated valley. The giga laborers -were Indians who were under white taskmasters. Passing over the valley, -which extended to the northwest as far as the eye could reach, I changed -our course to the northeast; rising to a line above the mountains two -cities opened to my view, both inclosed with walls for protection. The -largest city was built in the basin of an amphitheatre of surrounding -hills, with an opening, and corresponding gate of the city, looking out -upon the valley we had overflown. The second city was beautifully -located upon the summit of a hill, overshadowed by the spray of a large -waterfall that flowed over the brink of a precipice, which extended its -barrier for miles north and south, its perpendicular descent being only -broken by a zigzag roadway cut in its face for communication between the -two cities. The wall of circumvallation around the City of the Falls was -not fully completed, for thousands of workmen were still engaged upon -the portion inclosing the large plain that sloped from the summit in -broad expanse to the limits of the walled stream that flowed from the -basin of the falls, without the foundation of the walls, to unite again -without the cinctus gates. From the circling lash in the hands of the -taskmasters, it was easy to comprehend that the laborers were bondsmen, -their color indicating aboriginal birth. - -“In homeward flight the bees were allowed to take their own course, -which, from the accelerated rapidity in the motion of their wings, -declared a nostalgic haste to enjoy the hospitalities of their sweet -home. After the morning’s labor of the bees was completed on the -succeeding day, I directed their flight over Maniculæ to discover -whether you were over anxious on my account, but as my family appeared -to be free from disquiet I again turned my bees westward for new -explorations. Alighting at midday on an island in a lake, south of the -valley discoveries of the previous day, I found it unsettled with an -animalculan race of tits, whose sole occupation seemed to be devoted to -sociable potations of a fluid that excited amicable quarrels, in which -the families engaged with wild enthusiasm, without respect to age or -infirmities. The domestic amusements were varied with cockroach racings, -worshiping, drinking, dancing, fighting, and hunting pediculas, in the -latter sport the women and children engaged with peculiar zest. In -verification of our sages demonstrations of instinctive cause and -effect, when subject to gregarious association in folds, in freedom from -the directing intelligence of Creative endowment, their bodies gave sure -indication of reactive bestiality. Disgusted with the extremes they -exhibited of wailings and vociferous jabberings, as the product of -instinct bewrayed with madness, I was glad with grateful relief when my -cleanly transport bore me again into the pure atmosphere beyond the -sound reach of the reviling pretexts of these ape libels upon Creative -intention. Assuming the privilege of a sub-lunary discoverer, I named -the island Greenpat, from the emerald beauty of its tints, and the -inhabitants Mouthpats, from their unthinking volubility, bespeaking the -unkempt scragginess of their natures. - -“Having tested the ready sagacity of my transport acquisition, and -applicability for quick conveyance, I now propose to make use of it to -obtain others of its kind, with a view to propagation, as I feel certain -that it can be domesticated for mutual advantage, as both male and -female evince an increasing confidence in the controlling influence of -my presence; and of the enduring longevity of the species I feel equally -certain.” - -The assemblage, at the conclusion of the narration, enthusiastically -congratulated Buzzee upon the result of his successful perseverance, -saluting him as a public benefactor, with the title of apiamaster. In -the course of a century there was not a family in Manatitla without a -pair or more of the apis isolatas, which became known in common usage as -the bee phaeton. Their introduction as locomotive facilitations -contributed greatly to extended sociability, as they were able to bear -with ease twenty giantescoes, forty mediums, or their equivalents in -tits, and we have evident reason to believe that they instinctively -enjoy their domestication with us better than in a wild state, for in -our pleasure parties they harmonize the voice vibrations of their wings -with our songs. To Buzzee’s inventive skill we are also indebted for the -imperishable combination used in building, and the preparation of our -textile fabrics. - -After the discovery of the Heraclean cities, with the increase of our -people’s means of communication, they were visited daily for the purpose -of influencing the citizens to bestow more kindly treatment upon their -aboriginal benefactors. Evoce (quick perception), a giantesco, had -gained the ear of a cruel taskmaster, for the purpose of using his voice -in expostulation, when to his surprise, he distinctly heard vengeful -denunciations without the utterance of words of speech from the mouth of -the brutal auramentee. Satisfied after frequent experimental repetitions -that the enunciations were vocalized impressions heralding audited words -of speech that could be suppressed or spoken, he made known the nature -of his discovery to the Dosch and his advisers. The coincident -impression of their own thought enunciations, confirmed Evoce’s -suggestion that thought enunciation, and also instinctive mental -impressions, were vocalized by an enunciator in proximity with the ear, -and in communication with the combined organs of sense. Upon these -suggestive conclusions was founded an experimental course of -investigation, which resulted, not only in the full verification of -their deductive anticipations, but with the development of the power of -substituting extraneous impressions for adoption by the giga auramentee, -through the modulated induction of the giantesco voice to an accord with -the mood of the subject. Great care was required in the ventriloquial -modulations of the auramentor’s voice for exact correspondence with the -characteristic peculiarities of the auramentee’s; for any remarkable -deviation was sure to alarm their superstitious fears. For the -acquirement of facility in the substitution of ideas and thoughts, it -was necessary to obtain humoristic ease in the detail expression of -idiomatic phrase peculiar to the auramentee’s use of language. With the -naturally good, we were soon able, with the mutual incitement of -novelty, to evoke and cultivate the germ of pity, while with the -instinctively bad our efforts served to arouse superstitious fears for -the negative advancement of our object, through retributive -apprehensions of vengeance in return for their cruelties. These, with -strange inconsistency, caused sacrificial oblations, with deputized -prayers, to be offered in commutation for the continued gratification of -their evil habits and passions. Yet, with all the perversity of ruling -instinct we have been able to accomplish much good through the means of -thought substitution with your race. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - -Having given you, by quotation from our chroniclers, a synoptical view -of two important discoveries which facilitated our communication with -your race, I will now, continued the Dosch, refer you to your own -impressions, and the eccentricities of the uninitiated from thought -substitution, for the clear demonstration of our auramental powers. Or -if, in review, you can recall examples of instinctive spiritual -manifestations, you will be able to judge of our method in dealing with -the instinctively stupid, partly with hopes of reflecting the extremes -of absurdity, and in sub-part for our humorous gratification in tracing -the commotional hubbub of selfish instinct in its search for the means -of saving grace to rescue folly from its own attaint. You will soon be -able to judge of the limits that we are confined to in auramentation. -With the instinctively evil, our efforts excite fear and ritualistic -prayers for propitiation, and exorcism of supposed inimical agencies -foreign to self. But with the good we are able to impart happy -encouragement. Selfish excess, in all of its forms, bespeaks a material -agency and end, and as this is the god of realization with the -gregarious democracy of the gigas, the influence of our auramental -efforts—if their source was known—would be denounced with bell and book, -as heretically pedantic and puritanical. But goodness imparts an animus -joy that affords in life tangible impressions of immortality. - -We now will pass to our fourth important epoch, noted for the personal -introduction of the Dosch Giganteo to Indegatus, Prætor of the present -City of the Falls. In the process of rehearsal we shall allude to the -third or falcon era. - -Indegatus, Prætor of New Heraclea or more properly Heraclea of the -Falls, was a man of indefatigable energy, and at the period of -Giganteo’s introduction had just rescued the city from great peril. The -peril from the besiegers was in fact less dangerous than the factious -dissensions of the populace within the city walls. Aware that idleness -was the mother of envy and turmoil, he had caused the latifundium to be -divided into garden plots apportioned to the size of each family, for -the cultivation of edible roots and cereals. While engaged with his two -sons, Unipho and Gnipho, in the cultivation of their land, a bee -alighted on the father’s shoulder, attracting his attention from the -singularity of its appearance and fearless confidence. Apparently -satisfied with the attention it had received it flew to a neighboring -flower occupied by a companion. Shortly after he felt a sharp sting on -the back of his hand; a quick glance discovered a speck variegated with -dark and shining particles, which he was about to brush away, supposing -it to be an insect; when something peculiar in its movements attracted a -more minute inspection, this resulted in the recognition of a little -body possessing the dressed outline of the human form. Startled with -superstitious fear from an apparition so manifestly supernal, he called -his sons that their stronger eyes might confirm or dispel the impression -of his more attenuated sight. After an inspection of a few seconds they -burst into a merry peal of laughter, exclaiming in a breath, “It’s a -little man in Heraclean armor and sagum, flourishing his sword and spear -as if he wished us to understand his signs!” - -“My sons,” urged the father with anxious fears, “give more reverend -heed! He appears in a guise that betokens admonition from the regions of -the nether world. Give earnest attention to his direction that the -import of his visit may be revealed.” - -_Gnipho._ “The little stranger points to one of my ears as if he wished -to be admitted to a hearing?” - -_Indegatus._ “My son, must I admonish you a second time to be more -reverend in speech when addressing a being bearing tidings, you know not -from whom, or from whence?” - -_Gnipho._ “You have advised us, father, to follow the example of our -superiors, and this stranger phantom appears to be in no serious mood, -for he laughs at your fears. But I will admit him to an audience, that -he may declare the object of his visit!” - -_Indegatus._ “Presume not to take advantage of his levity, for as you -are well instructed, and know that when I advised, it was for your -dealings with mortality?” - -_Gnipho._ “Now he laughs outright, and my ear resounds with his mirth, -as if filled with the infantile chirping of a joyous cricket. But now he -speaks!” - -_Indegatus._ “Listen?” - -_Gnipho._ “Yes father. He asks if I can hear him distinctly.” - -_Indegatus._ “Then in virtue of my office as prætor and augur, I will -address him. Speak Nuntius: What tidings bear you from the spirit world? -and from whose realm do you come in this disguise?” - -_Gnipho._ “Again I hear his small voice in the chuckling check of -merriment, as if he would fain speak in reply.” - -_Indegatus._ “Then listen, my child, to the message he bears? It surely -cannot presage ill if he is in merry mood!” - -_Gnipho._ (Listening.) “He says he is not a spirit, but of mortal birth, -like ourselves. But I will repeat his own words. ‘Say to your father, -that I have been long acquainted with his goodness, and desire to -relieve his anxiety for the self-imposed misery of his people. Also to -render him other efficient aid in a small way!’” - -_Indegatus._ “Ask him, with grateful thanks, his name, and from whence -he came?” - -_Gnipho._ (Laughing.) “He says his name is Giganteo, the Dosch or -patriarch of the Manatitlans, a race of animalculans whose country lies -six hundred stadia to the southeast of the deserted city of Heraclea.” - -_Indegatus._ “Ask him how he proposes to help us?” - -_Gnipho._ “He says by adding to your knowledge, in a privileged way that -enables the small to help the great! He expresses a wish for us to -retire with him to the parapet steps of the northern wall, where we -shall be comparatively free from the shrill vibrations of the cicada’s -winged notes.” - -_Indegatus._ “We will move as he directs.” - -_Gnipho._ “Now that we have complied with his request, he charges me to -listen, and treasure all that I hear, that I may repeat it to you.” - -_Indegatus._ “We will keep silence that your attention may not be -distracted.” - -After an hour’s close attention, Gnipho rehearsed to his father and -brother, The Admonitory Request of Giganteo, Dosch of Manatitla. “Your -ancestors of old Heraclea trained falcons for hunting, and through their -borrowed use the Manatitlans obtained a knowledge of giga and -animalculan nations beyond the ocean. We wished to recompense the -service by imparting the source of our happiness to the people of -Heraclea in return. But tyrannous ingratitude had so blunted -affectionate sympathy, that your immediate ancestors alone listened to -our warnings. But even they would have shared the common fate, if we had -not found among the slaves those capable of judging between the good and -evil. The majority of the enslaved were as relentless, as the doomed -were blind to their impending fate. They had determined that none of -their hated oppressors of either city should be spared; but the -Manatitlans through the same means that I propose to offer for your aid, -foiled the deadly intention of the slaves. While the old Heracleans were -reveling in the height of their prosperity, falconry, as with all the -pontine races coeval with their transatlantic progenitors, was their -favorite pastime. Aeriolus, a worthy successor of Buzzee, visited the -mews of old Heraclea, and with equally well devised skill in -preparation, conceived the idea of utilizing the swift flight of the -falcons and powers of abstinent endurance for crossing the ocean, the -shores of which he had visited with the limited powers of the bee -volant. Adventuring, with associate volantaphs, trials for their control -in hunting, he soon perfected guiding attachments as efficient for -directing their movements in flight as those devised for the bee. -Selecting the swiftest and strongest he gradually accustomed them to -long sustained flights over the ocean, insuring their welcome back to -the mews by increased docility—under direction—to the will and lures of -the falconer, when in the field. The anticipated difficulties from -opposing wind currents, and means of obtaining food sustenance, and -disposing of it while in flight, had been successfully overcome by -prolonged observations verified with tests. Food was obtained by -directing the falcons’ attention to flying fish as objects of prey, -which, with parachute aid, they were able, after a little practice under -the stimulus of hunger, to devour in mid air. - -“In memorial of his success Aeriolus gives in testimony the transcribed -after observation. ‘The transition from meat to fish, for a “fasting” -flight of instinct, was adopted with far greater avidity than in human -acts of ritualistic conformity to mythical injunctions, which we have -seen practiced by the sectarian devotees to creeds, as negative -compensations for over indulgence of the carnal affections.’ - -“When the arrangements of Aeriolus were fully perfected, he and thirty -associates, with their wives, bade a hopeful farewell to the people of -Manatitla, and started from the lochia (plaza) of Maniculæ upon their -adventurous air voyage of discovery, with a leading falcon and three -followers. Studying to aid the falcons by every possible means they, to -their joyful surprise, discovered land on the morning of the fourth day -from the start, and, at an early hour thereafter, alighted upon the -lofty peak of an island mountain, since known as the Corcovado, a -mountain summit of Corvo, one of the Azorean Isles. After regaling the -falcons in relief from their lenten diet, they, of their own accord, -continued their flight to the mainland. Our joy was much depressed, -while passing over the beautiful land scenes, by the fierce cries of -giga hosts engaged in battle encounter. In our course eastward, to a -country of colored races resembling the aboriginals of our own, not a -day passed without our forced observation of a battle scene, with fields -and smoking ruins that bespoke the devastation of warful rage. - -“Sick and despairing from the constant recurrence of murderous acts of -despoliation, we at last reached, in returning, a cluster of islands in -the western ocean to the northward of our point of arrival. On the -largest island we found a hardy species of falcon, and, with the lure of -our own, obtained four. After a few days’ training of our transport -addition we returned to the island where we first landed. Anxious to -return to our people, and the cheering welcome of loving affection, we -only tarried upon the island a sufficient time to accustom our newly -acquired birds to devour their food while sustained by the parachute and -their wings in mid-rest. Starting, homeward bound, on the morning of the -sixtieth sun from the date of our departure from Maniculæ, we reached it -again on the third day with the first notes of the evening anthem of -thanksgiving, in which we gratefully joined in our descent to perch. - -“Some days were occupied in the public rehearsal of the events and -discoveries transpiring in the progress of our voyage; the resulting -issue proving a source of congratulation, nathless, our disappointment -from the unfavorable prospect afforded for an affectionate reception by -the animalculan residents of the many countries over which we passed, -from the effect of giga example. After many repetitions of the voyage, -it was decided that colonization in the chief cities of Europe and Asia -offered the only means for the effectual regeneration of the animalculan -races for a happy appreciation of our exampled resources of loving -affection. When the proposition for colonistic volunteers was proclaimed -it received such a general sympathetic prompting of affectionate -obligation, that every Manatitlan held himself and family in readiness -for the service. As it was necessary, for self-defense, to have a -majority of giantescoes and mediums, to overawe treacherous designs, the -required number for colonizing Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem, were -obtained by lot. When, on the eve of departure, the Dosch advised them -to live apart from the natives of the cities, and in self dependence -upon their own exertions for support; but to receive all healthy -children of the required age, placed at their disposal for the -Manatitlan term of education. The emigrants numbered among their -volunteers representatives of all the mechanical branches of artisan -labor, and especially those well instructed in the departments of -indestructible house building and defensible vestments. So that little -fear was entertained for their safety, as they could with ease repel the -largest armies of tits that could be mustered. But their chief reliance -was upon a sturdy adherence to their native habits and customs, yet ever -open for the reciprocation of affectionate goodness. They were also -admonished to make all possible application for the speedy acquisition -of lingual idioms spoken in the different countries of their sojourn for -future availment. Also, whenever favorable opportunity offered for the -cultivation of giga goodness, to use their privilege of auramentation -and thought substitution for encouragement and fruition. These general -directions were improvised more for encouragement than from actual -knowledge of the process best adapted for the controversion of habits -and customs opposed to affectionate association and self-government. - -“The first appearance of the Manatitlans in the cities of their -destination attracted universal awe and curiosity on the part of the -resident animalculan tits; for but few of the natives reached in stature -the medium size. Their sudden and mysterious advent, gigantic size, -quiet demeanor, and the great affection that they manifested towards -each other, and in all the relations of life, proved a source of emulous -wonder and admiration with the good, and a rankling, envious source of -disdain to the evil minded. - -“Selecting their sites for residence from the advantages of -inaccessibility to giga approach, arable soil, and capabilities for -irrigation, their habitations were quickly constructed, with a cleanly -elegance of adornment that added a new element of wonder to the lazy -imaginations of instinct, in the superstitious belief that they were -visitors under the patronage of divine agency. With these introductory -advantages, which the colonists disclaimed to be other than those within -the reach of all grades of mortality, which their appearance and -vocation were intended to impart, the schools were organized, and -flooded to overflowing with applications for admission. The monthly -visitations of the children’s parents confirmed the belief that mission -was under the special direction of the Godhead. - -“The unselfish warmth of their children’s affection opened to their view -a source of realized happiness that truly bespoke the impressions of -immortality, from the continued joy imparted in anticipation of renewal. -The reputation of our advent, from the representative example of our -neophytes, soon extended our influence to remote animalculan -dependencies, so that the extension of our colonistic schools well nigh -drained Manatitla of its effective resources of vitality. In the course -of a few centuries, dating from the Manatitlan colonistic advent in the -countries of the eastern continent, the system of education introduced -had been generally adopted, under our supervision, by the animalculan -races; notwithstanding the instinctive opposition of the chivalric -portion, who followed the ancestral prestige derived from the preferred -imitation of giga military school organizations, designed for the -classical attraction of the senses with tinsel display, and ‘glorious’ -din of martial music. - -“Meanwhile your Heraclean ancestors had completed their third wall of -circumvallation, and had extended their predatory excursions to the -nether ocean beyond the dominions of the Yunka Machicas (Alta Peruvians) -into those under the rule of Mauna Chusoes (children of the sun), whose -women were esteemed very beautiful, being compared by a Heraclean -chronicler of the period, ‘to all that was lovely in person, with a -complexion that blended upon a surface of white, the reflected rays of -burnished copper and gold.’ This comparison conveys the rich expression -of metallic voluptuousness so much coveted by your Roman ancestry. These -ravishing toys of passion heralded the end. Your immediate ancestors had -obtained an asylum in your present City of the Falls. ‘The end came and -with it our hopes of communication with our colonies beyond the ocean.’ - -“Although aware of the approaching catastrophe, we had supposed the -falcons would be spared, but the Indians included everything living in -the sum of their hatred that had contributed in any way to the -oppressive pleasures of their taskmasters, unfortunately including all -but eight of the falcons in the massacre, sacrificing with them some of -our best volantaphs. The eight were employed in transporting our -Mouthpat neighbors to Rome, Gaul, and Iberian Asturias; but it was hard -to keep in advance of their reproductive tendencies with so small a -fleet. - -“There was, however, a slight improvement in getting rid of the old -stock, but the Dosch little thought of the possible injurious effect the -Mouthpats were likely to exert in retarding the progressive prosperity -of our colonists. But when, in the course of a few years they were -deprived of their last falcon, the Manatitlans were led by the -troublesome dispositions of their neighbors to reflect upon the evil -ingraft they had imposed upon the labors of their people abroad. This -source of anxiety has been so greatly magnified in the course of -centuries which have passed since the loss of our last falcon, that, in -our distress, we now appeal to your suffering sympathies for aid in -reclaiming those of the descendants of our carrier breed who have, from -ancestral habits of association with your race, made their eryemews -within the circuit of your cinctus walls. In like return, when your sons -and daughters have redeemed for us the means of more safe and long -sustained flight, we shall be better able to render you service against -your enemies.” - -_Indegatus._ “I have listened to my son’s transmission of your request, -and we will thankfully comply with your desire!” - -_Giganteo._ “That you may be enabled to effect the good I contemplate, -it will be necessary for you to restrict your confidence to those of -your family who have arrived at the understanding age of discretion. For -with your people’s knowledge of our existence and communication with -you, our efforts would be rendered void.” - -_Indegatus._ “We can readily understand the many ways in which its -publicity would compromise your endeavors to render us aid, and you can -rely upon our watchful discretion and submission to your direction. But -I would wish to be resolved upon a subject all important for the -fulfillment of our higher responsibility? Your discursive narration of -events in your locomotive attainments, has implied a reliance upon a -higher source of aid than our gods. It would appear that you claim for -creation a sole Creator, who has bestowed upon mankind a duality, -compounded of instinct for the support and prompting of material -manifestations of the body, with an affectionate guide in readiness for -an alliance to perfect individuality for a happy earthly initiation of -the animus into the blissful current of immortality? This has reflected -through the darkness of our customary usages a path of light, most -cheering in prospect of immortality! Do you deny the existence of Gods -whose favors are to be propitiated with acceptable prayers and -sacrifices?” - -_Giganteo._ “We have within ourselves all sufficient evidence of a -supreme Creator, who has created mankind with a privileged superiority -from an alliance with affectionate purity and goodness. A knowledge of -this optional endowment we have derived from its practical observance in -exampled association, founded upon an educated preference above, and for -the affectionate direction of our bodies self-sustaining instincts. Of -our method of education, which adapts the body’s instincts for the -allied entertainment of animus purity and goodness for affectionate -anticipations of immortality, we will practically instruct you in season -for adoption.” - -_Indegatus._ “Then you not only deny the existence of our Gods, but -erect an altar within the body for the sacrifice of animal passions, in -purification for the reception of a proffered alliance with affectionate -goodness?” - -_Giganteo._ “Your quick comprehension surprises me! It will, however, -lead you to a ready appreciation of our system of education for insuring -allied reciprocation.” - -_Indegatus._ “The cause of my augur sight is that my parents offered -with example a happy impression of attainments in kind with those you -describe. But as the hour of reflection approaches I will ask you to -join us, that you may be refreshed, for the continuation of your -suggestive history, with its application to our needs under the -direction of your people!” - -_Giganteo._ “Gratias, for your kind proffer! But I must not allow my -appetite to act the parasite in your famishing need. My wife occupies -the howdah of the phaeton, and has brought at least a month’s provision, -so that in our plenty we are better able to share with you, and I -should, at least in the form of courtesy, have asked you to test -Leoptilea’s skill in the culinary art; for I can assure you, she has an -excellent reputation in the art of appetizing food combinations.” - -Gnipho and his brother, with all their restraining efforts, could not -refrain from a hearty outburst of merriment at this courteous sally of -the Dosch, whose commissary stores for a month’s supply for himself, -wife, companions, and volantaphs, were the scarcely perceptible burden -of a bee. Indegatus catching the infection, the trio startled the -hereditary silence of the latifundium with the unusual echoes of jocund -laughter, causing the distant laborers to suspend their occupations in -wondering surprise at the vent of emotions which had been so long -suppressed with the rule of discontent and anxiety. The cause of this -ebullition lent his mitey chirrup to swell the chorus, and incite its -continuance with Gnipho. Changing to the ear of Indegatus after the more -urgent emotions had subsided, the Dosch complimented him for his well -preserved sympathetic mirthful tones of voice, expressing in -commendation his surprise that the long disuse of mirth provocatives had -not caused the resonance of his intonations to become dry and wheezy. -Then, in continuation, he said, “Now that I have gained your kindly -appreciation seasoned with the genial sympathy of a hearty laugh, I will -rejoin my family while you are absent with yours during the heat of -noontide.” - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - -While Gnipho was rehearsing the wonders of his marvelous interview with -the Dosch of Manatitla, to his mother and sisters, as he was about -closing he became suddenly silent, with his eyes drawn attentively to -his right ear. The strabismic impulse startled his mother and sisters, -but a bright smile on Gnipho’s face relieved their fears. In a few -seconds he held out his hand, and presented, with an introduction, the -Dosch and his wife, with their companions. When female curiosity had -subsided the Doschessa intimated her desire to hold an auramental -interview with the eldest daughter! Her compliance was accompanied with -evidences of trepidation, but after a few minutes these subsided giving -place to an expression of vivacious interest, indicating a discussion of -matters pertaining to female economy. The Dosch observing these symptoms -of female confluency, reminded the prætor that the confidence of the sex -was formalistic, and never free in the presence of males! Acting upon -this hint Indegatus with the Dosch, Gnipho, and brother withdrew to the -thalmus auditorium. The renewed interview of the Dosch with Indegatus -and sons was opened by Gnipho, who petitioned his father, “May I -question the Dosch to obtain further knowledge of this power of self -control? It appears so natural and free from the delusions of our -worship, in which we are constantly supplicating for what we neglect to -obtain from our own endowed resources, it must insure happy contentment -in life, and as he says, a pro-realizing foretaste of immortality. -Indeed, father, I have before felt that there was within my control a -peaceful joy that would serve as a shield from self-deception and the -wiles of hypocrisy, which, in grateful thankfulness, I have wished to -impart for others’ benefit.” - -_Indegatus._ “My son, I have looked back with reverence upon the -ceremonial forms of worship practiced by our ancestors, relying upon -their efficacy without questioning the authenticity of their divine -origin. Even on the appearance of the Dosch, as a stranger, in a form so -questionable, and in accordance with my preconceived ideas of -disembodied spirits, I did not doubt but that he was a nuncio of some -special admonition, in answer to my supplications for aid in controlling -the disaffected Heracleans, who have so greatly increased the misery of -our position. But since he has convinced us that he is in reality a -diminutive impersonation of our mortality, and has spoken so directly to -our understanding, my eyes have been opened to the profane delusions of -our long practiced ritualistic rites, addressed from and to an -instinctive void, in evasion of our privileged endowment of goodness, -which should direct our grateful thanksgivings to the Supreme Creator. -We are surrounded with sad realities, which require self reliance for -their correction, and from the source of goodness we can alone hope for -directing aid. The discourse of the Dosch harmonizes with a host of new -thoughts, which convict me, from past admonitions, of willful -infatuation and stupidity in avoiding the animus impressions of my -better nature. In the sincerity of truthful surprise, we can now look -forward, my sons, with the confident hope of inaugurating for future -generations a source of happiness that will reflect the current rays of -immortality. But we should address our grateful emotions to the Dosch, -who has interested himself for the redemption of our race from selfish -infatuation.” - -_Giganteo._ “I must again express my astonishment for the apt perception -you have shown in discovering the means premised for rendering the -Heracleans amenable to self control, and offer grateful acknowledgments -to ancestral auramentors for the presage they bestowed for the easy -enhancement of my success. The volantaphs will now describe to Gnipho -and his brother the position where the nest mews of the falcons can be -found, and when transferred to those in the house adjoining the one you -occupy, you will receive the necessary instruction for rendering them -serviceable.” - -After a few quotations from the old volantaphs with reference to the -treatment and training of eyasses they returned to the apartment where -the Doschessa and her companions were entertained by the family of the -prætor. The mother and daughters were so deeply engaged in curious -inquiries that the return of her husband and sons remained for some time -unnoticed. When listening had become tedious to the Dosch, he requested -Gnipho to congratulate his mother and sisters upon their freedom from -awe in conversing with disembodied spirits, as their hoarseness gave -evidence of a busy, if not a clear, occupation; which, from the sequel -they had been privileged to hear, seemed to be devoted to the worship of -a doubtful divinity. The mother replied, that they had been taught that -appearances were deceptive, and he could have but little reason to -wonder, from his own and people’s extraordinary size, if first -impressions seemed to verify the adage in a most remarkable way. -Especially when they reflected that the whole race of Manatitlans, -consolidated, would but little exceed in size a single Heraclean. “But -the moment we became accustomed to the pipeleo voices of your wives, and -could understand what they said, why bless you, we knew at once they -were mortal women, for every word and accent of their tongues bespoke -the nature of our sex, and we acknowledged without thinking the reality -of their minute personalities. But then, they expressed themselves so -wisely in the unity of their affection, that we again doubted; for it -appeared so far beyond the reach of mortal attainment, in the power and -reciprocation of individual control, that we felt within ourselves the -impossibility of a near approach to their sympathies in genial merit. -But quickly perceiving our new source of regretful dismay, they -described to us how they had been educated, and what was proposed for -the benefit of our people; so we were consoled that the difference in -attainment was only in the degree of perfection, which we should realize -in progressive ratio from the grateful reciprocation of future -generations. Our children appreciate the advantages, and are determined -to act in consonance with your directions, but we cannot hope for a near -approach to a love as disinterested as your people’s, who have never -known the misery entailed from the ranklings of envious detraction. If -the impression you wish to make on those of our citizens who are -hardened in their conspirations for misrule, prove successful, although, -for the time being, it ministers for good through the superstitious -vagaries of their perverse blindness, we will bless you in their behalf -for the legacy of affection that will return to them through their -children’s dutiful love. Indeed, they will be ignorantly grateful, that -your people made them subserve as bridges for the safe passage of their -children over the slough of accumulations that flow from the sewerage -gratifications of sensuality. Yesterday, we worshiped, with them, gods -of man’s creation, bearing the kindred impress of decay, and, with our -authority, would have punished with death those subject to a defection -like our own of to-day. Yet, we have often been led, from the exampled -enactments of our parents, to question the happiness of a heaven where -the aggravating fluctuations of our earthly associations would be -continued. For, with even less faith than my husband, I could not -realize the wisdom of a divine economy that designed, in defiance of -original intention, to elevate brute mortality, in human shape, to the -privileges of purity self-refused by earthly election. To our great -relief, you have resolved this trying source of perplexity conformably -with our wished-for reverence, sanctioned from an endowment of purity. -Thankful to the source of our enlightened preservation, we can now -clearly discern, through Creative indications, the path to immortality, -purified from the adventurous impositions of superstitious instinct. -Grateful that the realizing perfection, in the increase of attainment, -will be reflected back from generation to generation, in recompense for -the interest of our indebtedness to you, we now proffer it, with the -involving title it confers of reducing past and future to present -embodiment.” - -_Giganteo._ (In whispered enthusiasm to Gnipho.) “Your mother is an -oracle of giga understanding, and the wisdom of her responses has proved -an heirloom to her children which should cause you to be ever grateful -with thankful manifestations in songs of praise to the Supreme Source of -all good.” - -_Gnipho._ (In enunciated thought) “We are truly grateful, and love her -beyond expression.” - -Here Gnipho raised his hand impulsively to his ear, before thought, from -loving engrossment, could check the movement from the impression of -cause. - -_Giganteo._ “Pardon me! In my nervous desire to reach the tragus, that I -might witness the expression of your mother’s face as my wife imparted -your testimony for the increase of her joy, I trusted my whole weight, -with the impetus of a catch, to one of the vibbrilæ in a tender portion -of your ear. The twinge of pain I caused was well repaid with the glance -I caught of the radiant joy that suffused her face.” - -Gnipho laughingly explained the cause of his sudden grimace, cautioning -his mother to be more guarded in exciting the admiration of her guests -while they were tenants of others’ ears! Before she could reply a number -of the leading conspirators, with others of the disaffected, called with -terror-stricken faces, imploring Gnipho, who received them in the -audience chamber, to intercede with his father for their forgiveness. -Gnipho from auramental dictation replied: “My father will receive your -acknowledgments of treasonable designs against your own happy -preservation in the temple fora when overshadowed in the sun’s decline -from the brink of the falls!” With “repentant” fear and its prompted -“sorrow” they humbled themselves with submissive servility, beseeching -the son to present to his father their humble duty, with the hope that -he would forgive their past transgressions. Gnipho promised that he -would deliver their message to his father, with the assurance of his -forgiveness, if in token of their sincerity they would endeavor to -controvert the injury they had inflicted upon the community by casting a -suspicion upon the integrity of his family, when, as they were well -aware, his family had been devoted to the public welfare. They departed, -upon receiving this admonition, giving voice to those abject terms of -submission, common to democratic expression when detected in acts of -base ingratitude. This interview, with others that followed in quick -succession, gave evidence that the promised leaven of Manatitlan aid was -working, which caused the prætor’s family to express in the warmest -terms their grateful admiration. After a few weeks, employment of -Manatitlan talent in the revived art of auramental thought-substitution, -with the addenda revelation of secrets in embryo, from presumed -miraculous intervention of divine power exercised through the prætor, -the citizens, without exception, were brought into subjection to his -direction. - -This led to the immediate inauguration of the Manatitlan system of -education. The transformation of the temples of the foræ, for the -reception of the children, inspired a feeling of instinctive awe from -the audacity of the undertaking, which was heightened by the humorous -devisements of auramentation practiced by the volantaphs engaged in -directing the education of the brothers and sisters in the art of -falconry. With the completion of the temples for the reception of the -children, the families of the prætor’s nearest relatives and adherents -supplied the schools with teachers and censors, and in a few years all -the citizens became warm supporters of the new system, fully impressed -with its manifold benefactions from an increase in affectionate -confidence. The children of Indegatus soon became proficients in the -successful training of falcons, and were then able to place a large -fleet of birds at the disposal of their benefactors. Since the time of -Indegatus, the daughters of the prætors have assumed the charge of the -mews as an hereditary heirloom. - - * * * * * - -At this stage of the historical relation M. Hollydorf, with the -suggestive aid of the Dosch, completed his summary of the events that -had transpired from the commencement of their river explorations to -date, which was addressed to the secretary of the R. H. B. Society. -Afterwards, Mr. Welson, with the same aid, directed letters of inquiry -to his “friend” M. Baudois, a French scientific gentleman, resident -correspondent of the R. H. B. A. of Paris, at Montevideo, who employed -his time in fishing, for the classification of the inhabitants of the La -Plata estuary, with the intention of comparing them with the fishes of -the Mediterranean Sea, to determine the migratory tendencies effected by -variations in the current monsoon, to and from the Strait of Gibraltar. -He had also traced the glacial indications of the neighborhood, in -search of transition tracks of rocks in the diluvial currents of the -prehistoric periods of the earth’s immersion, before its surface -extension regulated with its axis movements, the winds, and tides. He -wrote a second letter, of like import, to Don Pedro Garcia of Buenos -Ayres, an antiquarian of note, expressing a desire for his coöperation -with M. Baudois for elucidating the probable origin of the Kyronese; and -in the collection of all available collateral evidence for -substantiating the approximate period of the Heracleans’ advent upon the -Mauna Luna shore (American); urging him to separate and classify his -proofs so that there might be no Mandevillian interweaving of facts with -traditions and conjecture, as they were intended for Mr. Dow’s use in -his elaboration of Heraclean history. With the desire expressed for -their aid in behalf of Mr. Dow’s undertaking, he did not forget to -advise them of the essential advantages he had derived from the -discovery of the representative remnants of humanity descended from -castaway exiles of the eastern continent. In illustration of the effect -produced he described, for the benefit of Don Pedro’s family, the -impression of Correliana Adinope’s presence upon the wife of one the -Vermejo chiefs, who was of Spanish birth, having been kidnapped in -girlhood from the settlement of Amelcoy. - -“You, and yours, will become more perfectly impressed with the -comparative effect produced upon me from intercourse with the -Heracleans, under Manatitlan direction, by repeating, in your own -language, the testimony of a mother of your own race who has been -subjected to the wifely use of a savage chief of the Vermejo tribe since -her abduction at the age of twelve years. ‘Ay moi!’ she exclaimed, after -a visit from the Heraclean maiden we rescued. ‘When Correliana comes -there is something new and good in my body that comes forth to meet her, -for I feel no longer like myself, I am so happy. Then I talk to her in a -way quite unknown to myself; ay me, how placid my heart grows with the -light of her presence, and love, which makes me feel and forget how much -I have lost. But when she goes away the darkness returns, and I am a -beast again; then my children ask wonderingly. “Mamma what makes you so -good when she comes, and then scold so badly when the men come back?” I -try to tell them of the light that comes with her, and the darkness that -my people bring to put out the light of my love; for when the hombres -talk the good leaves me, and feel that I am lodo again. If she could -always be with me, what a source of joy I could be for my children. Yet, -she says, that my children, who are nurslings, will be permitted, by -their fathers, to attend the Heraclean schools, to learn how to comfort -me when I am old, with a love like hers. If this should come to pass, -what love there will be in store for me? But we are not like you!’ - -“With my comforting assurance, that her children, if intrusted to the -charge of the Heracleans before they became accustomed to the ways of -her people, would be taught by exampled association the same soothing -sympathy that had proved so grateful from its influence imparted by -Correliana, she anxiously asked, after a few moments of thoughtful -meditation, whether her children would not love their teachers better -than their mother, for their goodness was constant in its brightness, -and prefer to live with them to her neglect? When I was able to make her -understand that the object of the school was to encourage an undying -love in children for all that was good in their parents, so that its -brightness would extend with increased strength beyond the present life, -her mind became enraptured with the thought of increasing her own worth -to merit the fulfillment of my promise.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - -During the interim of letter writing in readiness for the anticipated -opening of courier communication with St. Lucia and Anelcoy, Captain -Greenwood had advised Correliana of his wish that the padre and sailors -Jack and Bill should meet the steamer at the latter place. His despatch -urged haste, as he was about to leave the gold spit, which they were -then working; its deposits had become nearly exhausted. When she made -the wishes of the captain known, Abdul Nycaster, the son of the -mayorong, volunteered to act as courier under the conduct of a party of -lower river Indians. These Indians, called by the Mestizoes, Vermojotes, -ranked next to those of the upper valleys in trustworthy intelligence, -so that no fears were entertained for the safety of those intrusted to -their care. - -A few mornings after the despatch of the courier and his party, the -Dosch resumed the historical thread of his narration. - - * * * * * - -You can well imagine, the chronicler exclaims, the enthusiastic -admiration of the Prætor Indegatus’s children for the Manatitlans, when -they saw the anxious expression of their parents’ faces give place to an -unspeakable joy, which imparted its radiance alike to his former -adherents and foes. In evidence of their grateful sincerity they were -unremitting in their endeavors to perfect themselves for the duties of -censors and teachers, as well as in the more direct returns of material -aid to their benefactors’ affections, from their success in raising and -training falcons, which promised the means for the speedy accomplishment -of a reunion with colonistic correlatives. A year and a half had -scarcely passed before the volantaphs were able to extend their flights -a day and a third’s distance in stretch over the ocean, for their own -instruction in the management of the birds free from exhausting -irritation, as well as to accustom them to devour their food while -sustained with parachute and outstretched wings. The volantaphs, while -disengaged from the active duties of their profession, kept the -democratic instincts of the Heracleans in mindful dread of harboring -thoughts of disaffection, held in legacy from hypocrisy, the -progenitorial mother of hatred and misrule, as they had been taught, -with lessons of chagrin, that their thoughts were no longer their own. -The result of this knowledge enforced sincerity, which begat cheerful -confidence in association, an effect that soon became manifest to the -besiegers. Elasticity of thought, unprejudiced by suspicion, soon -imparted its health-giving impression to the movements of the body, and -action of the senses, directing them to the cultivation of useful -occupations devoted to the common welfare. This freedom, in surcease -from the treacherous enactments of suspicion, produced symptoms of -reviving alacrity in the unanimity of action, which the savages detected -from their perch on the brink of the falls’ precipice, with puzzled -surprise, evinced by the changing increase of numbers, and curious gaze -of the watchers. The first practical use made of the falcons had been -devoted to watching the Indians to learn their projected intentions, -with the purpose of defeating them by anticipation without loss to the -Heracleans. The unaccountable improvement in the condition and -cordiality of the citizens made the savages more wary and watchful. The -river savages, suspicious of the valley Indians, kept a large body of -their number constantly before the gates to prevent treachery. From -couriers, which had been sent to the most distant of the river tribes, -it was evident that some new and more energetic scheme was in progress -to bring the siege to a close. While the valley harvesting was in -progress, the volantaphs had observed long trains of loaded llamas -proceeding up the Lepula and Vermejo valleys, and their destination was -traced to a cave in the basaltic continuation of the falls’ precipice, -about a mile to the north of the city. Giganteo explored the cave, and -found that it contained extensive stores of dried fish, squillated -meats, (hardened by the combined action of heat, pressure, and smoke), -corn and maize parched, ready for grinding, in preparation for their -favorite murmiel, also dried fruits in abundance. As the extent of the -hoard foreboded large auxiliary accessions he was alarmed, and only -thought of adding to the defenses of the city. While in flight around -the city to examine if there was in the walls an accessible foothold for -the savages, an accidental discovery suggested the idea of appropriating -the stores of the cave for the benefit of the Heracleans. Satisfied that -the moats and walls were free from adventitious aids of encouragement -for savage emprise, his attention was attracted by a jetty of basaltic -rock that projected into the northern basin of the falls from the -outward shore. Measuring its distance from the terminus of the wall and -base of the precipice, he found that the space would admit of the -circuit swing of a bridge sufficiently long for secure lodgment against -the jetty. His brother, an engineer of ability, had a model of a bridge -with the required measurements prepared for the prætor with a -descriptive statement of its object. Great was the joy of the prætor’s -family when this projected source of relief was explained with the -assurance of its working practicability, which promised to render -nugatory the designs of the leaguers, by depriving them of their ready -means of subsistence, thereby provoking suspicion of treachery, with the -probable result of disruption and dispersion. The prætor immediately -paid a visit to this loophole of promised good fortune, accompanied by -the most skillful Heraclean artisans, who declared, after consulting the -measurements, that with the floating material the plan was not only -feasible, but the bridge could be quickly constructed. The Dosch -recommended that the northern crematorial temple should be dismantled, -as its timbers were well suited in length and seasoned lightness for the -purpose. But this proposed act of desecration created a momentary -impression of dismay in the mind of Indegatus, to which was added his -fears of reviving the citizens’ superstitious prejudices, as it would be -held as an open defiance of the avenging gods. The Dosch appeased his -misgivings, with the promise of anticipating religious objections. This -was accomplished, but it required skillful substitution of thought, -notwithstanding the prospect of plenty offered in the event of success. -The labor imposed, in the quick execution of the work, aided in subduing -the conjurations of danger, while the veil of mist rising from the spray -of the waterfall effectually screened from the eyes of the Indian -sentinels the work in progress. - -By the time the valley Indians had gathered and garnered their crops, -adding their quota to the stores of the cave, the bridge was launched -for trial, and from the buoyancy of the timber was found to be portably -light and strong, so that in reversed movement against the current it -could be easily managed. Gnipho was its sole occupant in trial essay, -guiding with a rope the safe lodgment of its distal extremity against -the jetty. When well tested in all of its working movements it was drawn -back with comparative ease; but not before the adventurous Gnipho had -reached and reconnoitered the entrance of the cave. For the prætor’s -reassurance of the favorable acception of the enterprise by the -citizens, the leaders of those who were formerly disaffected made a -public acknowledgment of their transgressions, at the same time -tendering their full submission to his direction. Although greatly -shocked with the atrocity of their meditated treachery he forgave them -without reproach. - -The river savages, feeling secure against surprise from the watchful -care of the guards before the cinctus gates, and sentinels upon the -brink of the precipice overlooking the city, left but few of their -number to guard the cave. When sufficiently dark to screen their -movements, on the night set for the fruition of their enterprise, the -men, women, and children of Heraclea were astir, and ready to use the -utmost of their strength for the success of their foraging expedition. -When the Indian camp before the gates had become quiet the party -selected to surprise the keepers of the cave started and without -difficulty effected their purpose. The prætor leading the surprise party -had ordered that the Indian guards should be secured without the loss of -life, if it could be effected without endangering the success of the -undertaking. But their savage desperation in using their teeth rendered -the destruction of life necessary. This was effected by suffocation, -advised by the Dosch that marks of violence might be avoided, hoping -thereby to involve with mysterious dread the cause of death; as the -river savages were known to hold as strong a belief in the agency of -evil spirits, as the Heracleans in the vengeful ire of their gods. While -the bodies of the savage guards were being placed in imposing attitudes -to excite the awe of their companions when discovered, the work of -transporting the stores of the cave had already commenced, great care -being taken that no vestige should be dropped by the way to indicate the -course, or from whence, in identification, the despoilers came. The -llamas, after the transportation of the stores was accomplished, were -stabled in the southern crematorial temple, under the screen of the -cloud mist of the falls, which had formerly subserved, under the -ritualistic ceremonies of priestcraft, to mystify the superstitious of -the Heracleans. - -With the first gleam of the sun on the dial brink of the falls, on the -succeeding morning, the Heracleans offered their first pæan song of -thanksgiving, before the open portals of their houses, in gratitude for -the inauguration of an era of plenty; the first in the provisionary -record of centuries. After their morning meal they engaged in their -usual avocations with wonted composure; at least in as much as the -savages could detect from their perch on the brink of the precipice; but -to the close observer there was an elation in the expression of their -faces that gave sure indication of a recent event of extraordinary -import, proclaiming a happy emancipation from anxiety. At the suggestion -of the Dosch the volantaphs watched the movements of the different -tribes to observe the effect produced by the discovery of their loss. -Until after the meridian hour had passed the vicinity of the grotto -granary gave no indications of life, then a heavy rain set in, that -served to still further delay visits of inquiry prompted by the non- -appearance of the store guards. But early on the following morning the -wildest commotion prevailed, the tribes in scattered bands were seen -hastening from every quarter toward the cave. For the first time panic -fear, in attraction, made them forget the objects of their undying -vengeance, for the camps were deserted on every side, leaving the city -to its own guard. This opportunity offered for a second sally was not -neglected. A large amount of forage was collected from the deserted -camps; but from the signaled report of a retrograde movement, still more -disordered in the haste of fright, the Heracleans were about to abandon -it to the flames, when they fortunately recollected that they held in -possession the arms of the savages, so they easily turned the current -aside and garnered their second trove safely within the city gates. - -A bee phaeton had been held in requisition by the Dosch to observe the -effect of Gnipho’s ghastly array of dead savages, in pantomimic -postures, with eyes distended, and outspread hands as if to guard them -from a sight of horror, while their backs were half turned as if -deprived of life in the act of escaping. When the Dosch arrived the -savages were collected around the mouth of the cave, none having the -courage to enter, but all, in act, were seemingly desirous of obtaining -the intervention of his neighbor’s body as a shield of protection from -apprehended danger. But at last the luskols (Indian priests) were forced -into the cave, the lesser grades being used as a wall of protection for -the higher. The Dosch described the scene as horribly ludicrous when -viewed from their interior position. “The fearful contortions of the -diviners, as they were pushed forward with their unwilling features half -exposed to the light from the mouth of the cave, in contrast with the -dead dramatis personæ, furnished a study that we had no desire to -prolong with the concurrent evidence of fear derived from auramentation. -It was a hideous sight to behold these otherwise untamable brutes in -human form, so abjectly appalled by the dead bodies of their late -companions, simply from an arrangement in posture at variance with their -traditional ideas of cadaverous propriety. Bewildered with the first -glance, they became, of themselves, immovable with fright, until the -reactive alarm from the cavernous sound reëchoing the breathing catches -and grunts of the struggling mass behind, caused a frantic effort of -wild desperation to regain the freedom of the open air. This contagious -spasm of fear relaxed the energies of those obstructing the entrance so -that they were held intact, a helpless mass immovably impacted over -which those from the interior made their way in scrambling disregard to -the means used in effecting their liberation. Paralyzed in voice -utterance, the only sounds heard were shuffling struggles accompanied by -a succession of ucks from the by no means gentle action of elbows upon -opposing bodies. When at length the blockading mass crawled forth, -bruised to the necessity of quadrumanal progression, their luskols had -disappeared in flight. After the cave was cleared we took a high bee- -line, from which we were able to see at a glance the many curious scenes -enacted in their flight from the self pursuit of fear, which in -variation kept us constantly convulsed with laughter.” The day was well -advanced before all the stragglers regained their despoiled camps; then, -without apparent regard for their loss, they commenced a second exodus -to a grove under the precipice to the south of the city, with the -evident intention of being as far from the reach of the cave’s scroul -influence as possible. With the certainty that fear would prevent the -savages from trespassing within the prescribed boundaries to the north -of the city, Giganteo assured the prætor that the citizens need have no -fear of using the pasture and arable land, accessible by the basin -bridge, in the night time, if they would only take the precaution to -dress in white, as that was esteemed by the superstitious of all tribes -and nations as the favorite color of spirits blest and damned. The -besiegers soon became aware of a marked improvement in the physical -condition of the besieged. This they attributed to the unfitness of -their luskols, who were deposed and sacrificed upon their own altars. - -The Dosch, relator, here remarked that instinctive fear excited from -variations in natural cause and effect from accustomed routine was alike -common to all the grades of animality. The dogs howl in dread from the -sun’s eclipse; the cattle of the plain, and swine, the omnivorous -congeners of mankind, will pass unheeded the dead of their species when -the cadavers are natural in position, but when suspended from the -branches of trees they become affected with the impulse of dismay, and -like the savages endeavor to escape from the scene without the motive -power of direction. The birds of the air are paralyzed with the same -impulse of instinctive terror when warned of the earthquake’s shock by -the herald hush of preternatural silence. Taking advantage of these -controlling fears of instinct, that prey upon themselves in retributive -reprisal, “philosophic” and designing mythologists have conjured creed -distinctions of imaginary attributes, which in combination are unitized -under the style of soul. Upon this mythical assumption of attributive -materialization, they have founded a system of compensation for its -salvation, in a mazy labyrinthine series with a graceless cordon of -conditional graces under the signs manual of saving, efficacious, -sufficient, and redeeming privilege. In contradistinction to this -undefinable process of instinctive soul elaboration in the scale of -rewards, follows the retributive punishments, but so inextricably -intermixed in chaotic confusion that ritualistic words of lunatic -designation are used in substitution for the intelligent expression of -thought. The priesthood of the sects, or herds, that become adherents to -the formalistic use of words and material rites administered for -instinctive regeneration, talk in public discourse to distract attention -from the peaceful meditation of goodness. Notwithstanding the -multiplication of these most daring and glaring inconsistencies, which -have banished with truth, sincerity, and confiding affection, the masses -of humanity are still held in blind subserviency to the fantastic rules -and rulers of instinct in kind. You will scarcely wonder at the slight -impression that we have made with auramental thought substitution, while -the instincts of your race are constantly distracted with the bellowing -exhortations of sectarian recruiting preachers, in combination with -inebriate oaths of the passers-by in derisive profanation of the -worshiper’s selfish deity. Perversion and prostitution have so degraded -the legitimate powers of perception, that the pleasures of instinct have -become a source of misery from nauseating excess in over-indulgence. -Indeed, from sheer disgust, we have been inclined to discontinue -auramentation altogether; for your pretentious civilization, and -enlightened progression, is in fact nothing more than savagery refined -with art inventions for the morbid gratification of instinctive -sensuality; which in recurring product have given birth to toil and -turmoil, greedy vexations, strife, hatred, and kindred passionate -distempers cultivated in infatuated expectation that they will yield in -reversion, after death, instinctive soul purification and a heaven of -peaceful rest. - -The Betongese, although accounted savages, would disdain to acknowledge -ancestors who had tried in ecclesiastical courts of luskol diviners, -dogs and swine for murder and witchcraft, with the farcical appointment -of civil pleaders of the legal fraternity for their defense! -notwithstanding the special qualifications of the latter for clearing -the defendants. From your ready appreciation of the higher dispensations -of purity and goodness, in exampled enactment, the Heracleans can -scarcely realize that you ever participated in the ruling delusions of -your race. Your physical comfort, and freedom from insect plagues, in -Heraclea, are derived in legacy bestowal from ancestral purity, devised -in healthy enactment by the Heracleans to fulfill present attainment. By -following these corrective indications your race would forefend their -kind from the imposed penalties of curative professional plagues, who -flourish from maladies bred in the flesh from over indulgence, in -reckless regard of the certain recurrence of like from like. Our falcons -in their three days passage across the ocean emit the osprey’s fishy -odor; and with assimilation the English, French, and Germans exhibit in -national crudities the instinctive effects of diet. These are inevitable -facts that admit of no palliative variation in deterioration in the -process of hereditary transmission; this an observer of a single -generation cannot fail to discover if possessed with ordinary powers for -comparative discernment. With this deviation from our historical path, -designed for Mr. Welson’s analytical aid in the classification of -evidences pertaining to the gradation developments of instinct, we will -now continue our relation by quoting from the chronicler Titview’s -record of the 2d Falcon Era. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - -The sons and daughters of Indegatus had become so well instructed in the -art of propagating and training falcons, and withal so much interested -under the direction of the volantaphs, that little danger was -apprehended of another interruption in the supply. When all the -preliminaries required for the voyage across the Atlantic had been well -matured, Soartus, with a fleet of five well equipped falcons, and fifty -giantesco companions with their families started from Maniculæ on their -adventurous flight, and on the evening of the third day arrived at Corvo -without accident, and were overjoyed, in their descent to perch on the -Corcovado, to observe signals of welcome as if their coming had been -anticipated by premonition. In explanation, after a joyful welcome, the -Corcovadians said, that a watch had been kept constantly on the alert in -expectation of their reappearance, during the interval of the many -centuries which had elapsed since the last falcon departure. From -whatever cause the delay, their confidence had grown in strength, that -it would be overcome in time by the enterprise of their parentcedors. - -This reunion of the Manatitlans with their Corcovadian colonistic -outposts occurred on or about the 17th day of August, 1071 of your era. -The voyage had been well sustained by the novice falcons, -notwithstanding their recently acquired art of taking flying fish, and -feeding while beating support with their wings under the favoring aid of -the parachute. But hunger is an apt teacher of method with available -means for its appeasement. The first warning the aeronauts received of -their near approach to the land of their destination was the invasion -from the windward of a suffocating odor, of the most disgusting taint, -that pervaded the howdahs and assailed their olfactories, causing a -violent retching, that made them apprehend pending calamity. But the -pilots, when sufficiently recovered from the sudden invasion, consulted -their charts of odor currents “laid down” by old navigators, and found -that the nauseating cause of alarm proceeded from the confluent waft of -Celtic and Congo exhalations from humanity, with the conjunctive loom of -garlic odor in eructation from the inhabitants of Portugal, Spain, and -south of France conveyed seaward by the evening land breeze, marked -_Fœdisima allium exhalata ab homine_. After giving vent to humorous -instinctive comparisons referring to the gross habits necessary for the -production of odors so foul in their distant waft, the old peak of -rendezvous on the island of Corvo saluted their glad vision. - -Our reception by the Corcovadians was affectionate beyond comparison, -fully enlisting our utmost resources in reciprocation. When the -exuberance of our mingled congratulations had subsided into the calm -current of sympathetic inquiry, we soon became aware of their loving -troth to Manatitlan habits and customs. In evidence of the lealty of -their alliance they had diminished a third in numbers, as they averred, -with a marked improvement in all the essentials of affectionate purity -and goodness, manifest alike in the conservation of physical and -thoughtful development. In answer to our solicitous inquiries with -regard to the welfare of the Animalculan and Giga population of the -islands and mainland, they answered that the inhabitants of the islands -had become more barbarously enlightened and destructive in tendency than -they were in our ancestors’ time; our Mouthpat deportations having added -fuel to the degenerative tendency of the islanders. Still the good -example of the colonists had attracted a desire on the part of parents -that their children should be educated under their instruction. - -After a week’s sojourn with the Corcovadians, Soartus continued his -flight to Rome, taking with him as many of the islanders as the howdahs -could accommodate. “Soaring to our first poise above the peaks of the -Asturian mountains, we hailed with matin song of praise the broad disc -of the sun as it reflected, in ascendency from the horizon, the -inequalities of the countries beneath in panoramic light and shadow. As -it rose in the full splendor of its mellowed morning beams, dispelling -with sparkling reflection the dewy mists of night, a scene of surpassing -beauty greeted our vision. From north to south, on the western confines -of the Iberian peninsula, a lofty range of intervaled mountains formed -an inviting attraction for the mist clouds, which dispensed their -moisture as an ever replenishing source of rivers and streams, that in -descent received tributary contributions rendering with their water -supply the valleys fertile. In continuation from the extreme south, a -sea-coast range of lesser height formed an interior basin, by circle -inclosure to the east and north. Within this, cities and hamlets were -scattered with seeming indications of peaceful repose. Our eyes were -held entranced with the beautiful scene; and we wondered how man, gifted -with rational powers of discernment, could fail to discover in the -lovely blendings Creative indications designed for his direction in the -paths of peace and purity. The falcons, left to the guidance of their -own pleasurable instincts, just cleared the topmost sprays of the trees -in their gliding circuits, but in soaring above villages and cities the -volantaphs raised their flight beyond the reach of missile weapons. -While passing over the city of Leon from north to south, we saw men, -women, and children, flocking in crowds to the western gate. Curious to -learn the cause of this early commotion, so unwonted from the -descriptions we had read of Iberian habits, the falcons were directed -over the point of attraction. Clearing in circling descent the spires -and towers of the cathedral church, our ears were saluted with the -mingled bellowings of a seemingly enraged animal, and loud shouts -arising from a multitudinous collection of voices pitched in range from -the shrill stridency of childhood, through the medium grades of -maturity, to the vacuous piping tones of senility. Over-reaching the -gate towers, we beheld collected in an amphitheatre within wooden -barriers, a large concourse of people, intently gazing with boisterous -plaudits upon an encounter between a horned animal of the quadruped -species and armed men with garments covered with tinsel. The sides of -the enraged beast were dabbled and trickling with gore, from the many -wounds inflicted by the knives and spears of the “sportsmen.” In quick -apprehension of the effect of this cruel pastime, which had caused our -wives to give utterance to a cry of pitying horror, the volantaphs -suddenly depressed the falcon’s tail from the “bishop’s run to the -pope’s nose” causing it to fan-spread, intercepting the view of objects -beneath from the howdah; then soaring to a poise, soon left the -revolting scene and arbiters of cruel instinct beyond the compass of -eyes and ears. One of our Corcovadian correlatives then explained the -nature and origin of the amusement. He said that it was styled by the -Spanish a taurista, and when it commenced at sunrise it was styled -“taurista hiquete para almuerzo.” The practice was said to have been -derived originally from a race inhabiting an island in the northern -ocean, who utilized the flesh of the slain brutes, and as a sequence -assimilated their pugnacious characteristics. - -“Here the volantaph directed our attention to the cultivated beauties of -the Apuljarras of the Sierra Constantina, glowing in the morning sun -with the brightest tints of verdure. Wooded and vine-covered slopes in -ever varying contrast with the colored transitions of Moslem taste in -the adornment of their dwellings, offered the strongest evidence of -peaceful desire, notwithstanding minarets indicating fanatical worship -abounded in cities, villages, and hamlets. As we neared these scenes, -citizens and busy cultivators were seen engaged in their varied -occupations, their forms reduced by distance from giga size to tits, -reminded us of our own happy Manatitlan homes. The swift flight of the -falcons conveyed the impression, from change in perspective, of gliding -transitions of the same persons into varied employments, as if endowed -with illimitable versatility. These pleasing illusions, which in slower -flight, and nearer approach, would have truthfully depicted the -miserable realities of servile selfishness, so much dreaded in foreboded -encounter with the Giga races of Europe and Asia, caused Uffea, the wife -of Soartus, to exclaim, with a long drawn sigh—“If they could only see -and know us, I am sure they could not resist our happy example that -would make this scene a reality? They surely would not refuse a joyous -boon that would make these blooming valleys and verdant hills echo with -songs of gladness raised in morning and evening praise? What joy for the -future Manatitlan voyagers while floating over these lovely creations, -if our people could be made the means of making these groves and hill- -sides resound with songs of praise to unite in their fullness, with our -peoples, in mid air responses?” Our hopeful sighs united with the desire -that her vision might prove prophetic. But alas, our falcons had scarce -attained their poise for descent to the Valentinian shore, when fierce -human cries, and the loud clangor and blasts from cymbals and trumpets, -resounded from the plain below. The volantaphs reverse in the direction -of the falcons for descent, brought into view two hosts engaged in -battle encounter, each in defiant utterance shouting their war cries, -one, “Dios y Santiago,” and the opposed “Allah é Profeta.” No persuasion -could induce our wives to venture a glance toward the fearful scene, and -at their request the volantaphs changed the falcon’s course to shut out -the view. - -Our Corcovadian correlative in defining the casus belli, said, that -those fighting under the standard that bore the device of a grotesque -head covering, supported by crossed keys, were styled Christians, and -the words, God and Saint James, which they ejaculated with their blows, -were the names of the alleged author and favorite supporter of their -creed, which theoretically inculcated peace and goodwill among men. -While those arrayed under the crescent banner, who were as vehemently -calling upon their god and prophet, were enjoined by their creed to -destroy all who denied the divinity of the prophet. Both alike, in -practice, upheld the absurd inconsistency of their creeds with the -destructive fanaticism of instinctive passion. “As you will in Rome be -forced to give heed to the brutal enactments practiced under the style -of religion, and opposing variations in Constantinople and Jerusalem, it -will be well to advise you of the texts that are quoted in train by the -Christian sect, who are exhorted, in the battle cry, to strike for the -God of Israel, and Saint James,—kill and spare not! The grateful teeth -of the saws read in this wise, Do good to those who despitefully treat -thee! He that smiteth thee on one cheek turn to him the other also! He -that gives to the poor, lendeth to the Lord. Cast your bread upon the -waters, and after many days it will return to you increased an hundred -fold. These renderings of implied selfishness in mild vapory language, -you have seen exemplified in enactments this morning; but you have still -to undergo the painful infliction of sympathy for physical torments that -priestcraft imposes, with the anticipation of ‘hellish’ power, for the -punishment of dissenting heretics. The Moslems, who are fighting under -the crescent standard, advocate sensual lunacy, with the prescribed -belief in a heavenly haram peopled with houri,—a name that they bestow -upon sensuously beatific women, who in Christian terms are styled -angels,—these are used as lures for inciting the lusts of the faithful -in blind subserviency to the commands of their leaders. Like their -Christian opponents, the masses depend solely upon priestly -interpretation for the reconciliation of contradictory passages in their -creed, openly bestowing their reverential fealty upon the sensually mad, -who are called saints or santons, esteeming the touch of their lewd -filthiness as a vise for heavenly reward. Their priests, who are styled -dervishes, wear the same hermaphrodite vestments in ceremonial -enactments that distinguish their Christian counterparts, deriving -oracular inspiration from dizziness invoked by rapid whirling gyrations. -But as I see that you are oppressed with sorrowful disgust, in view of -the rank stupidity you are about to encounter, we will allow you, with -these premonitions, to verify the construction we give of the ancient -giga Roman senator’s apothegm, which should have been, ‘whom the gods -wish to destroy, they first make sensually mad.’ With the instinctive -example of destructive hatred inculcated as a morning lesson for -appetizing the kindred germ of children’s passions, in the bloody -struggle between inhuman art aids and brute strength, exhibited in the -bull’s blind rage, we can easily fill the intervening space in life with -occupations in qualification for the battle enactments of the meridian.” - -With the volantaph’s announcement that he was about to bring the falcon -to a poise which would afford the occupants of the howdah an equidistant -view of the peninsulas of Spain and Italy, a retrospective glance was -cast backward. The keen Manatitlan sight, intensified with ardent -admiration for the glowing beauties of the Iberian landscape, soon -became absorbed in tracing the rare combinations of mountain and valley -verdure, merging and varying in blending tints from the sun’s declining -cast of light and shadow, until startled with Uffea’s sudden call, Alew! -(look!) Recalled by her startled cry, our attention was attracted by her -steadfast look, to the Valentian shore, and there beheld the victorious -Christians in pursuit of the vanquished Moslems, vindicating the cry of -their priests, “Kill and spare not.” “Alas,” tearfully sighed Uffea, “is -it not enough that they yield the victory? of what avail the bodies of -the flying, living or dead, that the victors still ruthlessly pursue and -slay?” - -Anxious to escape from even a distant view of the carnage, the volantaph -brought the falcon to a poise and in descent opened to view the -peninsula of Italy. In anxious search for the abiding place of their -colonistic correlatives, their attention was soon attracted to the -largest collection of buildings, and as the falcon’s circuits narrowed -in near approach, their eyes sought for signals of recognition. These, -from a “bird’s eye” view chart of the prominent buildings in the -vicinage of Rome, soon became visible, not only from the coliseum, the -chief settlement of their colonies, but from every town and hamlet -within the reach of vision. With a near approach to the arcades every -available place in the Ionic range was filled to overflowing with -beaming faces and outstretched arms in token of joyful welcome. But a -few moments elapsed before the falcons were safely moored in the old -“New Port,” and the howdahs thronged with forms and faces that required -no introduction by speech for the test of nationality. Without words, -joyful tears, sighs, kisses, and embraces were not alone conceded as the -special privilege of womanly affection, but the interchange of these -instinctive tokens under the kindly promptings of gladness became -general. If there was hesitation indicating speech, those on the outside -pressed forward to interrupt the useless waste of words. For at least a -full half hour this voiceless scene continued unabated, then the prætor -of Coliseo parleyed. “Citizens of Romelia, forbear? What have these, of -our kin, done in the lapse of ages, that you suffocate them with kisses -and embraces? Are they, in the fullness of our joy, to be denied the -viaticum of welcome words? or do you intend to despatch them with the -silent interdiction of tidings we have waited and longed for while yet -unborn to the world of mortality? Make way for your prætor! Fie upon -you, Oluissandra! that you, the wife of the chief magister of Coliseo, -should fail to use your tongue in speech, when its words would be -welcome!” - -With this laughing admonition a tall active giantesco sprang into the -howdah, and seizing a sprightly medium woman by the shoulders, as she -was about to embrace Uffea, turned her briskly round, with the -exclamation, “Now for some system? I am ashamed of you, Olui! Where is -your boasted presence of mind and pity? and voice, so easily aroused in -gratuitous sympathy for your Giga auramentees? Do you suppose that this -little handful of women can withstand the battery of Coliseo’s -thousands, softly placable as they are, without having their lips and -faces flayed? Now Signorina Manatitliana, this is my wife Oluissandra -Peasiffea, of the twelfth generation in descent from the Peasiffeas of -Maniculæ,—that is, I am, and she shares my loving pedigree, with a -worthy merit that exceeds my own.” - -Before the last clause, Uffea had embraced the wife of the Coliseo -prætor with cousinly warmth. The husband laughingly thanked her for -honoring his spouse with such affectionate returns upon the strength of -relationship, but hoped that the slight deviation from the “giga lineal” -would not prove a bar to the full expression of loving confidence. This -diversion set the women’s tongues in motion, with trills and fugues, -which were followed by the men’s deeper tones, in more measured accents -of curious inquiry. With the sun’s decline all united in a hymn of -thanksgiving. As the gathering shades of twilight deepened, Oluissandra -reminded her husband that the Manatitlan howdahs were poorly adapted for -the reception of the prætor of Coliseo’s guests upon an occasion so -extraordinary? “If the public records are to be trusted,” she said, -“they will bear testimony that it has been customary for the chief -magisters to offer their guests the hospitality of their houses. It will -hardly consort with precedent, if the scribe should in record addenda -state that the prætor Peasiffea entertained his Manatitlan relatives in -their own howdahs, at the reunion of their peoples, after centuries of -separation. I am sorry,” she continued, “that courtesy obliges me to -give you this public reproof, but your ‘head and heart’ should have been -on the alert to give a suitable welcome, as the long delay might conjure -sensitive doubts questioning the sincerity of your joy.” - -The prætor gave his wife a look of quizzical gratitude at this rejoinder -couched in Giga style, reminding the chief and his wife of the Dosch’s -humorous sallies. In like manner they were constantly reminded of home -faces and scenes by revived similitude in impression. Among the -Manatitlans, and their Corcovadian correlatives, the questioning query -would pass, “Who does this or that person remind you of?” or “How -familiar that voice sounds.” When the resemblance was mentioned, the -likeness was found to have been transmitted by collateral branches. The -prætor, acting upon his wife’s suggestion, our falcons received the -attention they required from Coliseo volantaphs, the mews having been -kept in readiness for their reception from generation to generation, in -constant expectation of their reappearance. Our own apartments, which -adjoined those of the prætor, were in the foliated cyma of the capital -surmounting the second arch of the Corinthian Arcade. On our way the -prætor pointed out the improvements devised and executed by his -predecessors, regretting that their comparatively indestructible works -should be ingrafted upon one of the perishable follies of the Roman -empire for its more extended time durability. - -At dawn, on the morning succeeding our arrival, anxious throngs were -awaiting to greet us with salutations of joyful welcome. Many of these -had come from distant districts to participate in the rejoicings of an -occasion so auspicious for the united welfare of the colonies. Among the -visitors, there came from the St. Angelo department the Dosch of -Romalia. He had started with the first announcement of the falcons, and -traversed the city of the gigas during the height of one of their -saturnalian feasts of flesh, which precedes the lighter indulgences of -fasting upon a fish and lentil diet. After the morning salutations, the -falcons were employed in excursions for the practical instruction of the -native volantaphs. On the third day after our arrival, the Dosch and -prætor consulted the chief of the Manatitlans upon a subject that had -been a source of disquietude to the colonists. - -“We have deferred the unpleasant subject we are about to introduce, to -the latest possible moment consistent with the responsibility of our -charge,” said the prætor of Coliseo, “that the impression of our welcome -might remain cheerful until you had fully compared the extent of our -worthiness with your expectations. The sooner anxiety is dispelled with -a knowledge of impending evil the better. The Mouthpat seed our mutual -ancestors sowed, just before the close of the first falcon era, in -taking root assimilated with the native Animalculan races, and in -process imparted their own deleterious habits and prejudices to their -entertainers. With a wider scope for the gratification of their sensual -instincts, they soon united with the democratic rabble of Rome in -opposing what they termed our pedantic puritanism. With their coadjutive -stimulation our allies in the exampled practice of purity and goodness -were subjected to annoyances and persecutions and were denied the right -of local option, as natives, in selecting for themselves a choice of -education for their children. As we could not extend our protection to -the good throughout the broad expanse of Rome, we established self- -supporting colonies in the country as asylums of resort for the -oppressed, so that in consolidated association they might receive our -more effective support and aid. Still, in defiance of intimidation and -actual injuries, we had more applications for the admission of Roman -children to our schools than we could accommodate. The deported -Mouthpats, from the first, became adherent imitators of Giga habits and -customs, and fanatically zealous in support of the Catholic dogmas. -Before their advent, the Animalculans of Rome had been content that the -Giga priests should enact their parts in ceremonial worship. But the -Mouthpats urged that the practice of vicarious worship through a race -barred from direct communication by mouth interlocution was a subterfuge -of the most damnable tendency. Their labors for the reconstruction of -the ritualistic tenets, and regeneration of the Animalculans from -proxied dependency upon Giga religious administration, was finally -rewarded with the election of a pope of Mouthpat descent. This pope, -Innocent the First, in Mouthpat designation, now occupies the silicoth -residences relinquished to the first cargo of his ancestors, by ours on -their removal to the Coliseum. In imitation of Giga example, although he -claims higher merit from his strict administration of the ordinances of -the church, he has established a court of inquisition for the trial and -punishment of heretics. - -“One of the first acts of the court was the proclamation of an interdict -prohibiting the Romans from holding communication with the Coliseos -under the penalty of excommunication from the only true and holy church. -We well understood the term excommunication in context, although the -court was wary in using threats of torture and death, against the -parents who had entrusted their children to our care, until they had -tested our disposition by overt acts of intimidation. For this purpose -they have arrested the parents of our pupils on their return to Rome -after paying their monthly visits to their children. To-morrow they -celebrate a saint’s day, in the calendar of the Mouthpat Church, and are -erecting in the gutter-leads of the church of San Lorenzo, lists with -barriers and the usual requisites necessary for the accommodation of -spectators, and actors that engage in the barbarous follies of a -tournament. But the real object is the inauguration of an inquisitorial -chapter. The pomp and ceremonials only serving as an introductory blind, -that will hold pity in check by arousing the passions with chivalric -show in brutal enactment as a placebo for the final catastrophe. In -order that the pomp might equal that of their Giga exemplars, who are -engaged in preparing for a like celebration, they in anticipation sent -challenges to the most celebrated and valorous representatives of -Animalculan knighthood throughout the courts of Europe, subject to a -like defiance from their Giga contemporaries; whose heralds acted as the -locomotive beasts of burden for the transportation of their parasitic -knights errant. To prevent imposition, the field kings of all the -countries in Christendom, subject to Animalculan sway, were requested to -add their attest to the order and standing of the knight applicants, -also to the service reputation of esquires emulous of achieving the -honorable distinction of wearing golden spurs. The requirements of those -desirous of contending for love and honor in the lists, on roachback -with spear and sword, were—to be of pure lineage, of not less than three -generations, in affirmed descent, free from the attaint of mesalliance. -The squires were to be second sons of a parentage alike eligible for the -distinctions of knighthood. That the trains of each knight should be -well satisfied with their allotment, the third day was set apart for -their contention with arms suited to their stations in life; ample means -were to be furnished for the eating and drinking entertainment of all -comers. The knights summoned had already arrived in train with the Gigas -who had been cited for the tournament in preparation for the first -crusade designed for the redemption of the holy sepulchre from the -possession of the infidel Saracens, in which the Animalculans will also -engage. The first course, in this tournament of human instinct, will be -inaugurated after a grand high mass, to be held in conjunction with the -Gigas, the priests of both races joining in the ceremonial -administration of the rites. After the grand ‘entre’ the first course -will be run between Count Marceroni, the Roman champion, and any knight -bold enough to accept his challenge. The first encounters are to be on -roachback with spears, in support of the affirmed superiority, in -beauty, of the contestant’s countrywomen, or “ladies,” in the style of -the challenge. The proclamation sets forth that the encounter will be -conducted in freedom from the slights of incantation, or other -surreptitious advantages, in fair and open battle, The first unroached -will be declared vanquished, yielding to the victor the right of -heralding the supremacy of his countrywomen’s beauty, with the privilege -of selecting from them a queen to reign during the continuance of the -jousts, as the empress paramount of love, honor, and beauty. The second -day’s joust will be a contention with axes, maces, and thorn sticks; the -victor will be awarded the privilege of selecting a lady to preside over -the distribution of prizes to the successful in the melée, or herd -encounters of third day’s strife. - -“This sketch of the announced proceedings, will give you an idea of the -amusements patronized by the Gigas under the ‘angelic’ supervision of -women, with the sounding style of chivalric. But with both races, the -preliminary amusements are devised as placebos to invite in transition -awe, rather than indignation and horror for the final tragedy of human -sacrifice. Your opportune arrival will, with falcon aid, render our -service effectual in baffling their intended murderous enactment, if our -emprise meets with your approval.” - -The chief and his associates warmly approved of the course proposed, -offering to undertake alone the hazard of its successful issue, that the -reproof might be in effect more significant of intention in the event of -future transgressions. The scenes enacted at the tournament, the Dosch -said he would relate in quotation from the chronicler Titview’s letter -to Giganteo. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - COLISEO, departmental colonial settlement, or chief city of - Romalia, _on the fifth of Ratu, of the one hundred and eighth - century of the Manatitlan era, decio multiplex_. - - -REVERED ADVISOR:—In accordance with your request, I send you an account -of a visit, which in company with the chief and our associates, was made -to the temporal dominions of the Mouthpat pope, Innocent First, for the -rescue of Roman tits, who had been kidnapped on their return from the -monthly visitation of the Coliseo schools. The object of the pope, -prompting this human theft, was to effect intimidation by offering them -as a public sacrifice, or burnt offering to the god of their worship, -after the manner of the Tenockitlans, Manchees, and other civilized -nations of Mauna Luna. The vatican, or stronghold of this Animalculan -sect, styled Christians, is situated on the leads of the Giga church San -Lorenzo, formerly occupied by our colonists, and by them transferred to -the Mouthpats as a leasehold to be secured in perpetuation for the -consideration of reciprocal good will. The church of San Lorenzo, as it -is now called, was remodeled by the present Giga Christian dynasty, from -the temple of Faustina, by Antoninus, surnamed the Pious, as a -distinctive memorial of regard for his wife. In the process of -renovation required for the new form of mythological worship, the outer -walls, with their architectural ornaments, were left unmolested above -the entablature of the cornice, which upon the inner face, looking out -upon the leads, contained the sacred dove-cotes or cells. These the -Manatitlan colonists had appropriated by ejecting the unbaptized -usurpers of the pagan oracles, which in turn they relinquished to the -Mouthpat sympathizers of the new ritualists succeeding to the interior -of the edifice. The roof was accessible to the Animalculans by a jutting -rear X buttress erected for the support of the inner incline of the -lateral walls. For a long time the cells were jointly occupied by the -Manatitlans and dove descendants of the legitimate Giga divinity of the -church, who found themselves controlled in flight by a mysterious power -adverse to their natural inclinations and gregarious flock associations. -These could have been made excellent substitutes for falcons, but like -all of the animal species that congregate in flocks and herds, they were -subject to unclean parasites, rendering them obnoxious to purity, which -caused their ejection by a process as mysterious to their comprehension, -as that which had previously controlled their flight. Ten months -previous to our arrival the Giga pope had announced a tourney, or -‘passage-at-arms,’ upon a scale of unprecedented magnificence, for the -advancement of a crusade against a race of Moslems, who exacted tribute -from Christian pilgrims on their way to the holy sepulchre of their -creed. The chief honor to be awarded the victor, was the command of the -forces levied for the holy war. But each of the contestants was obliged -to offer for the acceptance of the king herald, irrefragable proof of -his blood nobility, and faith in the immaculate conception, pope’s -infallibility, and Catholic efficacy of saving grace. We arrived in Rome -four days previous to the one designated for the grand ceremonial -opening of the Animalculan court of valor, which, as a special -distinction, was to be honored with the pope’s presence and arbitration. -As the descendants of the Mouthpats have not improved in the industrial -habits of self-devisement in the economy of time for useful purposes, we -were able to secure our position on the roof balance of the portico -without being observed. Directly opposite is the vatican, or oracular -palace of the Pope Innocent. This is one of the larger dove-cotes which -had been finished in silicoth by the Manatitlan colonists as an -anthemeque, or place of public assemblage, and is now occupied by his -“holiness” as the dove successor divinity of the roof. An hour or more -after our arrival, the familiars with their working aids commenced the -labors of preparation, and from the character of their employments it is -evident that there will be no cooing notes of sympathy expended in -behalf of suffering victims. - -In the northern gutter of the leads the lists are erected. The galleries -rise in backward ascent from the arena. The terraced gradations are -adapted to rank founded upon material possessions; the lowest are -intended for the nobility, or landed proprietors; the next grade is -allotted to the rich in gold and silver, or materials in trade, these -are styled merchant commoners; the highest or galley, the tribune -informs me, is destined for the gods, as the rabble are facetiously -called. If the terms of expression interest you, their generic source -can be traced in the Chinese and Babylonish manuscripts of Animalculans -deposited by our old travelers in the archives of Maniculæ; from them -you will be able to judge of the progressive attainments of the Romans. -Our position will enable us to see and hear all that passes. - -The canopy of the ladies gallery is of richly woven material, -contributed by a kabulistanee convert to the papal creed; as you will -not find an equivalent for the word “lady” and its co-appellative -“gentleman” in any of our indigenous writings, I will give you the -Coliseo tribune’s version. “A lady in Giga acceptation, is a woman who -employs, not only her own, but the time of her servants in the adornment -of her body with cumbersome material, greatly in excess of her -requirements for comfort and comeliness; in addition she does not -hesitate to apply pigments to her face. These aids are only limited by -the metallic means of supply; and, as your judgment will decide, they -detract not alone from personal purity, but render the persons of the -Giga females, in fact, repulsive. Still auramentation, with the -confirmation of the senses in support of our labors, has proved utterly -powerless for the successful stay of the fantastic follies that follow -in train from the gratification of woman’s envious rivalry. The term -chevalier, or gentleman, is still more vague in acceptation, and -application with the Gigas. Like virtue, conscience, morality, and -saving grace, the meaning depends upon arbitrary intonations of the -voice in application, without true intrinsic value for the expression of -means or substance realization. If you, or at least a tit, should ascend -to the tier that will be occupied by the gods, and suddenly accost one -of the meanest and most blasphemous of the noisy rabble, with the words, -“You are no chevalier, or gentleman,” you would be saluted in return -with a blow or volley of vile epithets too horrible for exampled -utterance.” - -He was about to give farther proofs of the illusive beguilements of Giga -usage in word conversation, but was interrupted by the blasts of -sackbuts, and rumble of kettle-drums, from the tents of the challengers, -which were partially concealed by a flowery bosque, which had its source -from soil and seeds deposited by the doves. These signals quickened the -movements of some blackamoors who were decorating the canopied galleries -set apart for the ladies, the pope and his apostolic cardinals. Soon a -living stream of Animalculans began to deploy in descent from the -buttress turrets of the parapets, and when within hail commenced a -series of pantomimic imitations of the blacks’ deformities, accompanied -with gibing words, as if in cruel preparation for the scenes of the day. -Notwithstanding the serious nature of our mission, enhanced with the -fear of after self-censure, we could not withhold our instinctive -sympathy when the Ethiopians discomfited their democratic Mouthpat -assailants, who showed themselves in every respect inferior to their -swarthy opponents. The tilting touches of the blackamoors’ tongues, -often caused the Mouthpats to wince and brandish their thorn sticks with -the well known hereditary twirl, as if they desired to relieve the smart -with customary material arguments. The arrival of the higher orders of -Animalculan life, mounted on gayly caparisoned blatidean roaches, -beetles, and ants, created a diversion with less freedom in expression, -yet the democratic tendency of crowds to turbulence was still apparent, -for the knights in their turn became subject to the natural flow of -depreciation, but in tones subdued in measured prominence to a -comparison within and without the reach of the subject’s lance. Finally -the ladies were passed in review with rabberly freedom, but ever mindful -of the length of the knight attendants’ spears. And lastly, after the -beauty, dress, and palfrey management of the ants by the ladies, had -been freely discussed, the squires and grooms in livery, received the -dredged overplus of scurrilous scoffs and taunts. When the flourish of -trumpets and beadle cries reminded them of the more important calls of -selfishness for the rival displacement of early comers, we had the -disagreeable opportunity of witnessing a scene of uproar that baffles -description. During the struggle for places the bailiffs’ staffs were -used with a freedom that denoted the lowest degree of servile subjection -on the part of the herd. - -While forced to listen to the vile language of the “plebs,” we were -constrained to hold in the balance of thought the questionable advantage -of speech for the advancement of purity and goodness, for as yet, an -affectionate word, or one of sympathy had not been spoken within my -hearing. The Coliseo tribune, who acted as my mentor, informed me that -the Giga children of Rome lisped oaths with the first impressions of -speech, and with the adventure of sentences used them for anathematizing -imprecations in demands for selfish gratification. The pursuivants’ -calls, “Aller laisser!” Gallic Latin, of imperative command for space, -again attracted our attention to the lists, and from the commotion, it -was easy to perceive that the curiosity of the vast assemblage was on -the tiptoe of expectation. The prolonged flourish of trumpets, with the -clashing rattle and rumble of cymbals and kettle-drums, prepared us for -the heralded announcement of the approach of the accredited knights who -were to lead as challengers and challenged in the jousts for the awards -of honor. While passing in review before the ladies’ and popes’ -pavilions, we had an excellent opportunity for comparing the relative -intelligence of those representing the different nationalities and -septs. - -The first group were Austro-Germans; these were large in size and heavy -in feature and form, with a pervading vis inertia in their sluggish -movements. But to my surprise, the tribune informed me that in -ritualistic gymnastry, spear, and sword exercise, they were esteemed the -leading nation, although rarely successful in their encounters, as they -were too slow and methodical in delivering their blows, and as a general -result, they were unroached while deciding upon their point of attack. -Calling my attention to their movements, I could not fail to observe the -sluggish halo that seemed to invest both riders and cockroach steeds; -the latter, he said, grew to an enormous size in Germany, as in -omnivorous habits they assimilated with their national contemporaries of -the human species, whose intelligence was an instinctive reflection from -stomach distention to the brain. Notwithstanding the swinish cast of -their eyes, and sodden dullness of facial expression, there was out- -shadowed a nucleus reflection, through the gross embargo of fungous -flesh, that bespoke with its oppressed rays the still existence of the -animus of goodness; but it was so faintly luminous that it failed to -make its source self-apparent. From the remarks of the tribune, it -appeared that the composite peculiarities of the German septs had been -derived from a dietetic source, dependent upon the digestive energy of -the stomach, and powers of distension for the disposal of sectional -ingesta, selected for the expression of divisional patriotism. The -mental effect produced was graduated from the wrangling source of -irritation, to the philosophic effect of over-distension, conjoined with -an owlish expression of vacuity in the region of the eyes. Although in -outward expression ritualistically Christian, their mouths and stomachs -were infidel in observance on fast-days, strenuously advocating the -future resurrection of the body in the stomach. The females belonging to -the family of the Count Palatine Von Lushmywitzs, possessed the elements -of physical beauty, but there was a subdued expression of the eyes, with -a pervading depression of deportment, exhibiting the guardian effects of -discipline administered in their male sponsors’ philosophic moods; also -in combination, a settled, disgustful despondency, emanating from an -association with their lords after they had become filled to repletion -with philosophic wisdom. It was easy, however, to perceive the -struggling elasticity of purity and goodness in outreaching desire for -kindred association, and hopeful deliverance from an entombed death of -corruption. Pointing out several knights and ladies of more compact -physical attainments, and vivacious movements in the expression of -thought correspondence with features, the tribune stated that their -improved appearance was solely dependent upon an admixture of foreign -blood, opposed to swilling barley mead, and coarse gluttony. Many of -these had sent their infants to Manatitlan colonistic schools, and, by -the after adoption of their children’s example, had raised themselves to -a comparative appreciation of the privileges bestowed for the elevation -of humanity above the coarser instincts of its sub-alliance with the -lower orders of animality. - -The next train, in the knightly roachalvacade, embraced in the retinues -of its leaders the representative extremes of humanity in the British -Isles. They had bluff apetital features, with but a slight remnant -predisposition to the philosophical swinishness that enveloped with -fatty folds the direct descendants of their Saxo-German antecedents. In -the place of jowled lethargy, they presented bold taural fronts, with a -canine expression of tenacity about their mouths, that would cause you -to involuntarily shrink from a collision with their heads and teeth. -Indeed, their general aspect was stout and still in manifestation, -indicating strong bodily self-reliance. The women exhibited a robust air -of independence, with the pleasing accompaniment of rosy complexions, in -strong contrast with the pale, inanimative features of their German -cousins, which declared at sight their freedom from servility, with the -exhibition of a coexistent power that could turn or tame the obstinate -fronts of the males, when within the circle of their domestic domain. - -Following close in the rear of English lead, came the Gallic French, who -with chattering volubility and grimace, more than supplied the paucity -of words used by those in advance. In personal characteristics they were -in every respect foreign to their preceding neighbors. Without listening -or replying they all talked in medley, which impressed me with the -conviction that they had no definite ideas beyond the present evidences -of their existence, or hopes of a future free from the predominating -influence of their bodies’ frivolous selfishness. This impression was -confirmed by the tribune, who said that sympathy with, and confidence in -their kind, were alike ignored, each holding that the gratification -afforded by the passing moment, was the only happiness and real hope, -life afforded. - -“In accordance with these assumptions, which they verify in act, we have -found them loquaciously factious, and quite as unsettled as their Giga -countrymen and exemplars; expressing in a breath the strongest terms of -wordy affection and hatred for the same person, and in their constantly -recurring civil feuds, destroying their rulers and relatives with less -compunction than individuals of an opposing race. In verity from -frivolous habits in thought and act, they have become despicable -examples of the disorganizing effect of infidelity to Creative -indications designed for our self-control. The French women, as you -observe in the boldness of their public demeanor, are as vivaciously apt -for the illustration of the opposite gender’s instinctive ideas of -happiness in domestic association, as the German are submissive.” - -The Spanish knightly representatives next passed in review. As roach -cavaliers, they were far above their predecessors in graceful bearing -and dignity of deportment; but their thoughts were inwardly disposed to -the sole devotion of self-contemplation, looking down from the lofty -pinnacle with supercilious complacency and condescension on all alike, -expecting from others the deferential consideration they paid to -themselves. The women were veiled and demure in bearing, but the -instinctive sparkle of their eyes defied the gauzy fabric’s concealment. - -The Italians came next, yielding, as entertainers, precedence to the -four leading nations. The Mouthpat descendants of Italian nativity, as -is the wont of the stocks derived from their audacious ingraft, assumed -the lead. Closing the roachavalcade were knight adventurers from lesser -nationalities, lacking in numbers sufficient for separate display. Alas, -for my own and companion’s vaunted power of self-control over our -instinctive passions, when exposed from inexperience to human acts of -cruelty committed from the wantonness of power. As these human novelties -passed under our curious inspection, panoplied and strangely garbed in -glittering armour, one of the sturdy knights attached to the rear, in -mere wantonness for the exhibition of his prowess without the risk of -rebuttal, with the pretext of a gibing inquiry with regard to the health -of his maternal parent, suspended an unoffending tit dwarf by thrusting -his spear through his jerkin, holding him aloft, while the blood from a -flesh wound trickled over his hose. It was well for the successful issue -of our undertaking that a kindly disposed herald not only relieved him -from his uncomfortable plight but gave him the wherewith for the -purchase of another garment with the largesse he had received from the -other knights, and in retribution ejecting the offender with disgrace -from the lists. This justly merited punishment pacified our irate desire -to call the aggressor to an account for his wanton cruelty. The warmth -of our sympathetic pity caused the Coliseos, with a smile, to warn us -that if we attempted to redress all the wanton and cruel aggressions -that would be forced upon our notice, with the infliction of bodily -punishment, we should be obliged to forego the benefits of peaceful -example altogether. “We are powerless to stay the barbarous cruelties -they practice among themselves, and our interference would only serve to -aggravate the spirit of retaliation. From the beginning, the course -pursued by our people has been beset with many temptations provoking -arbitrary interference for the redress of wrongs. But they have managed -to escape free from serious difficulty up to the present time, and our -presence here to-day was compelled by affectionate sympathy to save the -lives of well disposed parents whose children have been intrusted to our -charge. With your aid we can now make a lasting impression that will -prevent future aggressions, for they have a hereditary dread of the -actual presence of the unadulterated Manatitlans.” - -The trumpets sounding a parley for the announcement of the regulations -of the day, and terms of the challengers, caused us to give hasty thanks -to the tribune for his timely admonitions, with the promise that we -would try and hold our feelings aloof from passionate excitement in -behalf of all except those in whose aid we had enlisted. The lull that -succeeded the herald’s call permitted us to hear the alheu of the -pursuivant, but the special conditions of the challengers were drowned -by the renewed buzz of voices. Gathering strength from personal retorts, -they gave birth to sounds ranging from the high nasal to the low -guttural of the German dialects, accommodating themselves to fragmentary -enunciations of words, and the most dissonant syllabic combinations -possible in conjuration from the rumbling intonations of indigestion. -These crudities were jargonized with the curt unconsolidated English, -the fustian croak of the Dutch, Gallic flippancy, slipshod Irish, and -the nasal bagpipe drone or burr of the Scotch; to which was added the -quavering Italian, the soft flow of the Spanish, with cadenced harmony -of intonation, and the horrible rasping cartilaginous utterances of the -Jewish nose, so repulsively selfish that endurance shudders in memory of -the infliction. The tumult of tongues intercepted and confused the -herald’s announcement, so that we were dependent upon the pantomimic -acts of the stewards and beadles for an interpretation of the decrees -regulating the combat. The Coliseos were in no way anxious to witness -the medlarious enactments, so we were preferred to the most eligible -positions for the gratification of our newly fledged curiosity, which I -am ashamed to confess was over eager, and for the occasion must have -lowered us in the estimation of our cousins. Our position exposed to us, -in side view, the entire multitude in its caste gradations, from the -canopied pope and cardinals and their created nobility, with the “fair -ladyes” occupying the pavilion opposite, upward through the terraced -ascent to the “strident gods,” who worried each other with true -mythological zest when disengaged from the supervision of those below. -When eager expectation was at its height, attention was diverted from -the lists by solemn long drawn blasts of sackbuts accompanied with the -roll of drums. This new phase closed the mouths of yelping instinct, and -with the awed hush, the object cause of the doleful braying made its -appearance from the gates of a dovecot abbey. This was a priestly -procession moving with slow cadenced steps to the sound of an anthemed -dirge. The tribune, who seemed to be intuitively apprized of all the -movements in the routine phases of priestcraft, informed me that the -procession preceded by the palled bier indicated a judicial combat, -which was instituted for the final decision by the judgment of God of -right and wrong in argument, as well as the guilt and innocence of -persons accused of crimes. Farther exposition was anticipated by the -entrance of a herald into the arena, who proclaimed, with an -alheu,—“Whereas, it has occurred,—to the extreme mortification of his -holiness,—that certain of the consistorial incumbents,—to wit, the holy -brothers Bonefacio and Buenaventura, have differed in their estimate -concerning the preferred essentials of sufficient and efficacious grace; -giving rise to the implied accusations of perjury, with taunts, that in -the warmth of expression exceeded the bounds of Christian -forbearance,—it has been determined by our holy father, that they shall -have extended to them the privilege of deciding a question so important -to their respective personalities, and the general welfare of souls, by -the ordeal of battle. In referring the detection of the perjured to the -judgment of God, the doom pronounced upon the convicted,—in vindication -of the just and holy laws instituted by the gracious clemency of our -holy father,—it hath been adjudged that the respondents be awarded the -benefit of knight champions, who for the love and sustenance of truth, -in devotion to the holy mother church, shall offer, in willing -submission, their bodies with arms for the decision of the question at -issue, using their utmost exertion in skillful encounter, that the -perjured may suffer merited punishment.” - -The instinctive elements of humanity, like those which hold irruptive -sway from excessive accumulation in the earth’s interior, involve -anticipatory emotions of coming events. As, with the vacuum lull of the -forest that heralds the tornado; or, in the ocean calm, the bubbling -ripple crests which warn the volantaph of an approaching tempest; and -the dread silence that precedes the earthquake’s convulsive throes,—the -congregated multitude in counterpart had anticipated from the dirge the -startling premonition of some horrible gratification. From suppressed -respiratory gaze, unbroken except from an occasional Jewish croak, or -belching eructations from uncircumcised barbarians unaccustomed to the -suppressed control of reverential awe, the multitude, when the cause for -the sombre prelude was announced, burst the bonds of thoughtless silence -with deafening shouts for champions. The knights no less prompt offered -their service in mass, so that it became necessary for the interdicted -prelates to make selection of champions; in aid the heralds sounded -their call for a parade procession. As the squires brought in the -knightly equipments for their masters, the grooms led in the panoplied -war-roaches. When mounted the knights passed in review before the -consistorial pavilion. Exposed to the searching glances of spiritual and -temporal criticism they exerted all their dexterity in the management of -the roach-steeds and in the changing exercise of sword and spear to win -the favor of an election. Cardinal Bonefacio had with other -accomplishments acquired the reputation of being an expert roach -equitator, as well as a skillful artist in the use of arms, in his -temporal days. Buenaventura, his polemical adversary, aware of these -advantages, and his own defective judgment, sought by the chicanery of -his eyes to detect Cardinal Bonefacio’s preference, as in casting lots -he had won the first choice, which would enable him to secure the -champion of his opponent’s election. Among the knights there was one -from Tipperary, a county shire in the Island of Hibernation, a -dependency of Albion. This knight bore the title and name of Sir O’Ham -Ill Tong, of Scythio-Mongolian extraction. His brogue, and quaint -peculiarities of speaking in reversion, had attracted the tribune’s -attention, who was familiar with the derivation of his sept and lingual -idiom. He informed me that the literal meaning of his name was bad pork, -as it was customary with the Mongolian tribes to name those outlawed -from the hereditary cognomen of Kan Avan, or John, the son of the tribe, -with the cause of defection; which in his case might have been inherited -from ancestral resemblance, exchanging a bad article for good, or -stealing from his own tribe, as each of these crimes were punished with -bestowal of a name referring to the cause of attaint. His squire still -bore the tribal name, and for economy enacted the part of roach-groom. -This unique pair had attracted mirthful attention, and were the especial -favorites of the gods; the knight for correspondence with name, and Kan -Avan, his squire, for successful apish imitation of his master’s traits; -but both were so blinded with boastful vanity that even the scoffing -plaudits of the hinds ministered to its inflation. Cardinal Bonefacio, -being in disposition humorously inclined, could not divert his eyes from -the combined comicalities of their forms, pretensions, and clownish -movements. This marked interest at once decided the choice of Cardinal -Buenaventura. The wisdom of his selection was confirmed when the -generosity of Bonefacio suggested a more prudent election. Finding that -his colleague’s determination could not be changed, Bonefacio made Don -Bacalao his proxy, a Spanish knight who depended upon his dignity and -purity of lineage for success. - -The cardinals having selected their champions, the lists were cleared -for the encounter, the beadles remaining to enforce the ritualistic -regulations. When the champions had assumed their positions, the barrier -gates were opened to admit the judicial brotherhood, who while chanting -their dirge proceeded to the centre of the arena and there deposited the -bier with its palled coffin, upon which had been placed a skull and -crossed bones of the human leg; over these as a dividing barrier the two -champions would be required to thrust their lances in closing career. -With this sable wall interposed, gravely premonitory with its relict -escutcheon, of sepulchral entertainment, Sir O’Ham’s face became -blanched, while the point of his spear directed heavenward described in -trembling movements a geometrical medley of circles with acute -triangles, as if engaged in calculating his chances of being elected a -tenant. The face of the Spaniard, more intelligent in expression, but -with deeper set fanatical lines, became overshadowed with fitful gloom -as he intently watched the ominous proceedings of the cortege. Even the -“gods” became silent with awe, in the presence of these foreboding -evidences of the end of mortality, involuntarily crossing their -foreheads and breasts with their fingers, as if to exorcise inevitable -fate. With the sound of the trumpets for the charge, the perturbation of -Sir O’Ham Ill Tong caused him to lose all control over himself and -spear, the latter in its fall to rest encountered the beadle’s head. The -blow was as free from the attaint of misdirection as it would have been -in the most skillful hands with the intention of producing the prostrate -result which it accomplished with the beadle. Although reduced to an -attitude of supplication, the victim of this mishap gave voice to -language widely at variance with the formulistic words used in Catholic -prayer. The beadle’s uncontrollable anger, and the increased confusion -of the champion, were of that humorous cast that renders mirth -irresistible, even under the impression of imposing solemnities, and the -restraining presence of those high in worshipful authority. In the -present instance, the pope was constrained to turn his head aside, but -his jowls shook and vibrated with jellied throbs that absolved even the -ladies, in the opposite pavilion, from the painful effort that would -have been required to conceal their mirthful emotions. The contagious -effect of boisterous laughter would have made irresistible headway with -the democratic elements of the godhead, but for the timely forethought -of the heralds, and the mettlesome impatience of the roaches, which -seconded with spirit the trumpet’s sound to charge. This the disgraced -beadle, with aching head, encouraged with a smart kick applied to a -sensitive part of O’Ham’s steed, causing it to start in its career with -an impetus that nearly unseated the worthy knight. Losing his stirrups -at the start the champion of Cardinal Buenaventura was obliged to -exercise all the presence of mind within his reach to restrain his fiery -roach from the dreaded encounter over the sable barrier; but fed at the -table of the Giga pontiff, restraint was impossible. Notwithstanding the -mad career of the high-fed roach, the knight with instinctive bravery -clutched his spear, and would have directed it with his usual skill to -the barret bars of Don Bacalao’s visor (recorded from his after -confession) had not the doomed (by after intention) knight anticipated -delayed design by the then present achievement of the same purpose with -successful effect; his spear’s point catching in the slits of O’Ham’s -visor he was hurled from his saddle a perjured man. His dangling spear -having wounded one of the judicial brotherhood that was added to the sum -of his day’s disgrace. Hisses, and contemptuous words of scorn saluted -the knight’s highly sensitive instincts from the mouths of high and low -degree when raised from his grovelings in the dust. To his discomfiture -was added the pains and penalties of knightly disgrace that condemned -his memory to infamy. Stripped of his armor by the beadles and grooms, -his spurs were hacked from the heels of his brogans. The tribune informs -me, that the name of the shoe is derived from the resemblance of its -creak to the Hibernian’s brogue. His roach steed, and squire, -participating in their master’s disgrace, were stripped of their -housings, but the former, apparently less sensitive in the appreciation -of his perjured condition, shook his blattidial wings with relieved -satisfaction, in lively contrast with the crooning wirra of his -companions. Then the three unfortunates were reduced as nearly to a -state of nature as the regulations of modesty permitted; the knight and -squire were haltered and placed upon the roach in a reversed position -and led from the arena amid the jeers of the multitude. The heartless -lack of pitying sympathy shown to the knight and his companions in -misfortune, aroused in our breasts emotions akin to indignation, but we -were again warned that we must not be prodigal with our kindly instincts -unless we wished to bankrupt them in utter disgust. Finding ourselves -constantly astray with the kindly yearnings of our inexperience in the -ways of worldly human instinct, we resolved to set aside the integrity -of our home impressions and abide by the direction of the Coliseo’s -example. - -When the judicial ordeal closed, his holiness and consistorials left the -lists, that the people might enjoy their more profane amusements free -from the embarrassment imposed by their sacred presence, Cardinal -Buenaventura showing especial chagrin in being obliged to acknowledge -that effectual grace was not sufficient. The only representatives of the -priesthood remaining in the lists, who were not in the actual charge of -souls, were abbots and priors, with their canons of inferior calibre, -none of the Episcopal diocesans venturing to remain, although many cast -longing and critical glances to the appointments and bearings of the -knights through whose arrayed ranks they filed out of the lists on their -way to the vatican. The judicial brotherhood with their dismal bar to -joviality, and prisoners, disappeared within the gates of their -sanctuary. - -The relief from the combined influence of the departed became -immediately manifest in the bantering freedom of all the gradations of -the assemblage; the clergy leading in the display of wit and gallantry, -but in a manner that frequently trenched upon the laity’s interested -sense of propriety. _The Joust_, from the delay occasioned by the -judicial combat, was now hastened, and the two processions were but -shortly housed before the first two lances were splintered. Count San -Pietro Marceroni, Captain of the Papal Guard, was the Italian’s Mouthpat -champion, and had succeeded in gaining a slight advantage in bearing off -the cockscomb that surmounted the helmet of Count Saint Poll de Parrote, -a French knight of great renown, as an adept in the chivalric -accomplishments of the age, as well as in the gastronomic art, having -been elected by the Pope chief of cuisine, esteemed the most important -office within his gift. Between the two knights there had been a warm -rivalry for the favors of Princessa Idolisima Canonica, a niece of the -pope, after his election to the Papal chair. As upon the result of the -encounter the pope’s favor depended, the friends of Count Parrote, -confident in his successful prowess, had presented him the helmet he -wore as a presage of victory. This was surmounted with a cock’s head, -neck, wings, tail, and comb, all in exultant elevation, as if sounding -the highest octave in the clarion notes of victory. His countrymen, with -still greater assurance, had caused the artist to execute a wreath -composed of hearts, spear-heads, and trefoil, worked in gold; this -circled and was attached to the cock’s crest. When this was borne off by -the well directed aim of Count Marceroni’s spear point, I will -acknowledge that I felt an instinctive thrill of elation. Still if his -signal skill had resulted otherwise than in a bloodless victory, -notwithstanding the flippant presumption of Count Parrote, I am assured -that I should have felt a tremor of dismayed horror. In sustaining the -reputation he had won Count Marceroni successively overthrew the -stalwart son of Baron Biermywitzs, a young knight with an excellent -German reputation for capacity. Baron Brainoff, a Muscovite with a heavy -animal cast of countenance, theoretically accomplished in the Tartar -tactics of thrust, run, and come again, which he displayed; but the -arena was too contracted for their successful evolution, for he was -overtaken and overthrown, his roach participating in his fall. His last -encounter was with Baron von Wolfenstein, an Austrian knight with a -powerful phlegmatic physique of vis inertia. At the start he placed his -lance in rest over the carapace of his roach with the hopeful -expectation of finding his opponent impaled thereon after the course had -been run. When, from a defect in his calculation of his foe’s -condescension, he found himself a prostrate companion with his steed, he -did not exhibit in his movements the least symptom of chagrin, although -saluted with the derisive jests of the democratic plebs, who appeared to -enjoy with intense satisfaction the privilege of jousting their -superiors with revilings, when temporarily reduced to their own -groveling level. After a leisurely survey of his situation he slowly, by -easy stages, regained his upright position without the proffered aid of -the beadles; then with sluggish movements unlaced his beaver, and -raising his visor, showed a face wreathed in torpid smiles that seemed -to have had their rise from the recognition of the scoffing taunts as -plaudits for the execution of some knightly achievement that had escaped -his memory. This innocent act of mazy stupidity was taken by the -spectators as a witty assumption in burlesque of victory, and vividly -impressed with his supposed humorous aptness they made the welkin echo -with their shouts of applause, until he had bowed himself out of the -lists. Count Marceroni, by this democratic misapprehension of cause and -effect, was completely robbed of the merited zest due to his adroit -exhibition of skill in the precise use of weapons, and the Austrian -Baron, the least worthy of his antagonists, was established as the prime -favorite of the worshipful gods. - -Turning to the tribune a look of inquiry, I observed with surprise that -his face, for the first time, was suffused with a pleased expression. In -explanation, he said that the scene I had just witnessed was a truthful -exposition of the source from which a majority of the Gigas and -Animalculans derived their reputations for wisdom, wit, and invention; -in truth, he continued, musingly, you can take it as a fair -demonstration of the substance of their living realities. Embracing the -opportunity, he again advised us not to let our Manatitlan natures -interpose their sensitive perceptions for the gratuitous bestowal of -praise or pity, as they would serve to mar the relish of comical effects -afforded by the hap-hazard novelties in store from the heterogeneous -imitations of Giga habits and customs. - -While the “fun” provoked by the suppositious humor of the Austrian -baron, Wolfenstein, was at its height, the heralds announced the melée. -The arena, in this promiscuous scene of antagonism, was so completely -filled with knights and their roach steeds that the space between the -challengers and challenged only afforded a limited movement, short -spears having been substituted for the longer and more cumbersome couch- -lance, but the favorite weapons were clubs, swords, and battle-axes. As -the combatants were so nearly in contact with each other when unroached, -they discarded all weapons save the short dagger, and it was fearful to -behold the fierce blows dealt with it, for instead of men the combatants -appeared like enraged beasts who used knives, and other weapons, in the -place of claws. But as the horrible scene progressed, we were often -obliged to turn our faces aside from dizzy faintness. The roaches -imitating the fierce example of their riders became infuriate, seizing -with their mandibles opposing legs and antennæ, so that many were -disabled by mutilating attacks both in front and rear, for in the melée -they showed as little regard for honorable usage of the parts exposed as -their riders. It was gratifying to see that a majority of the ladies’ -heads were bowed down, with their hands tightly pressed upon their ears, -and it was long after all the evidences of the bloody fray had been -removed that they again assumed an upright position. This evidence of -sensitive repugnance, on the part of women personally known to them, -produced a congratulatory revulsion with the Coliseos, who hailed it as -a favorable omen, with the hope that its influence had turned aside the -fanatical intentions that meditated the sacrifice of the kidnapped tits -upon the altars of superstition. In the enthusiasm of the moment, my -mentor exclaimed: “I firmly believe that there is not a Giga or -Animalculan mother in Italy, who, in freedom from bias, would refuse the -privilege of having their children educated in accordance with the -Manatitlan system!” - -After the sand had been renewed in the lists to cover the unsightly -stains, a light and joyous rondalen was sounded, and the commingled -challengers and challenged were seen issuing from their tents in the -wooded bosque, and mounting fresh roaches, newly caparisoned with gay -trappings, they again entered the lists. When the roachavalcade reached -the barrier vestibule, the heralds proclaimed: “Count San Pietro -Marceroni, the elected king champion of the lists, in whom is vested -absolute authority, and honors that will remain inviolate, until in an -approved tourney a worthy successor can be found. Salute your champion -king!” The trumpets then sounded the crowning tan-tarra, while the -count, assisted by twelve knights-of-honor, dismounted and was invested -with the kingly robes of love and honor, then kneeling upon a richly -wrought carpet he was crowned by the master of ceremonies with the -consecrated chaplet of Mars. As he rose the vast assemblage saluted him -with the exclamations: “Long live the noble Count San Pietro Marceroni, -king champion of the lists!” the mouthed concussions of boisterous -adulation causing the canopies to vibrate with the echoing sound of -noisy and noisome breath. - -Again the braying of trumpets and clash of cymbals overpowered the -tumultuous shouts of the multitude, and when sufficiently hushed for a -single voice to be heard, the grand master gave utterance in -proclamation to the maxim: “It is not good for man to rule alone! And, -in obedience to well approved custom, and the chivalric gallantry of -brave hearts, it hath been adjudged that after his own installation the -king champion shall, from his own choice, elect a queen of love and -beauty to preside in public at feast and festival during the term of his -regality. In accordance with this imperative decree our salutations -await his choice!” - -Mounting his richly caparisoned blattidean roach with a graceful vault, -Count Marceroni caused him to execute a variety of changes in pace of -the most difficult posing gaits imaginable; and, while passing from a -demi-amble to a demi-cavolt, raised from its cushion in the hands of his -squire the chaplet designed for his queen upon the point of his lance, -allowing it to rest in loop upon its cross-check. This adroit feat was -greeted with shouts of applause, which stimulated him to enact a great -variety of euphuistic attitudes,—a species of pantomimic male coquetry -then much in vogue with the Giga nobility,—which the tribune said would -express, with the scenes of the day, how ritualistically void in -enactment, the exemplar and imitator were for the real attainment of -happy impressions. There was certainly for the instinctive worshipper, -much to admire in the studied adroitness of the count’s acquirements, as -they bespoke disciplined perseverance; but when I reflected that his -manly capabilities had been expended upon frivolous expertness to grace -a brutal pastime, I found cause for self-reprobation for the sympathy of -my admiration. Of the count’s predilection all seemed to be aware, but, -withal, held their breathing subdued with expectation to gather force -for a new outburst of applause when his acceptance was confirmed. -Arriving in front of the Princessa Idolisima’s pavilion, by the longest -circuit, with doublings, that the effect of his euphuistic mimicries -might be fully appreciated, he with an obeisance that enveloped the -caput-shield of his roach with the plumes of his casque, petitioned with -his voice; “Will the most noble Princessa Idolisima Canonica deign to -share the brief rule of her humble subject, Count San Pietro Marceroni, -as the queen of love, beauty, and harmony?” - -With a blush of equivocal import, she nodded her acceptance. Then, while -her eyes were yet concealed under the latticed veil of their long, -silken lashes, the count, with infinite grace, conveyed the coronet with -a “_coup de lance_” to its proper position on her head without -disturbing a ringlet with its steel. Plaudits in salvos rose in -deafening succession with the successful accomplishment of this -dexterous feat, which bespoke long and patient practice with a living -model. The princessa represents through ——, her uncle, the pope, one of -the original Mouthpat families of Greenpat, with blood variations from -European ingraft, which had produced a remarkable improvement, by -blending and mellowing with distance the animal traits into an -expression, that might with propriety be termed instinctive -idealization. Her eyes are black with a shadowy impression of azure -softening the snaky brilliancy of the Italian into a sympathetic hue, -free from the luric reflection of vengeful passions. When free from -exciting emotions, they beam forth an expression of calm dignity, above -the sway of lust, vanity, and envy, that gave birth to the cruel -frivolities of the day, which she evidently patronizes from compulsion. -The composition, in outline, of her other features, corresponds in -expression with her eyes, bespeaking the struggling emergence of her -thoughts from sensual control, although, from relative association, -obliged to conform to the usages that hold ruling sway. But, withal, -there is apparent to our eyes an underlying consciousness of purity and -goodness, with her responsibility for their cultivation and preservation -for transmission. We were so strongly impressed with her longing desire -for more substantial attainments than the illusive vanities with which -she was surrounded, that we could not refrain from giving voice to our -thoughts, which brought a succession of grateful flushes to the -tribune’s face, foretokening an interest of deeper import than our -observation had previously detected. Frankly acknowledging the -predisposition his emotions indicated he begged to be excused from an -explanation while subject to so many counter enactments. A request that -delicacy conceded without voiced assurance. - -While the northern portion of the lists was in the process of -transformation into a sectional amphitheatre for the exhibition of an -ant and tarantula fight,—which unfortunately our position -overlooked,—Count Marceroni led his queen with her maids of honor into a -pavilion erected for her reception at the extreme southern portion of -the arena, which in construction had received his special supervision. -When this, after occupation, was exposed to view, the splendor of its -appointments in tinsel adornment received the prayerful adoration of the -assemblage. Seated in front of the pavilion on its extended platform, -just without the shadow of its dais, were two celebrated improvisorial -troubadours of Provence, a small kingdom in the south of France. These -were to contend in verse and song for prizes to be awarded by the queen -of beauty, love, and harmony, to the adjudged successful superiority of -the competitors in their varied styles of adventurous composition. A -laurel wreath, or chaplet, had been prepared for the queen’s crowning -disposal, with the title of laureate; the recipient holding with the -emblematic token the conferred privilege of supremacy in his vocation -through all the Animalculan courts of Christendom, until a greater star -should appear in the musical firmament, for his eclipse, under the like -sanction of infallible approval. When the congregation were fully -separated for the suitable enjoyment of their tastes in the contrasted -extremities of the lists,—the northern having the relative preponderance -of eight to one of the southern audience,—a screen was drawn to -intercept the boisterous freedom of the borealian sphere. - -When the arrangements were fully completed, a maiden herald pronounced -in silvery tones, “Alheu!” Then Penny Song with tuneful rebeck essayed -his overture with reverent eyes upturned in conceptive supplication to -the ruling goddess of love and harmony. To the symphony of murmuring -strings in soft prelude to a rippling vision from the fountain of -musical poesy, he began his lay. Gradually, with the accession of -tributary streams, the current tones increased from the smooth still -voiced streamlet, until it merged into the rapid flow of the pebbly -brook, combining in sound cascade variations with rippling flow over -shallow inequalities into the bubbling depths of a pool, and from thence -onward with accumulating force into the deep volume of the river’s tide. -His voice in harmonious movement, tremulous with emotions reinvoked from -passionate recitative thought, rehearsed in song the Songs of Solomon. -Floating with the gilded wings of sensual taste, he fluttered over the -luscious lisp of lips united in their sip of virgin nectar from the -fount of instinctive love; at first chaste and free from guile in the -sparkling depths of pure desire,—but, anon, overflowing in contemplation -of the wide expanse of flowery meads, until satiated with its profligate -deviation from the legitimate boundaries of its course, he discovers -with lamentation the muddy defilement that exceeds his hopes of -purification. The song of the bard was wildly descriptive of the -longings of instinctive desire, until the hero had embraced with his -wisdom the fairest and loveliest daughters of Israel; then imbecile with -sensual gratification, he utters in his senility the wailing cry: -“Vanity, all is vanity!” and is gathered to his father’s dust. The -Princessa Idolisima, when the theme became expressive in sensual -development, perused attentively the countenances of all within reach of -her eyes, but seeing how eagerly engrossed they were with the voluptuous -portrayals of the poet bard, she with her selected companions bowed -their heads upon their hands with a sorrowful blush of shame. This mood -the bard observing, with the cause, introduced into his lamentations -strong reproof of himself for the selection of a subject so replete with -infamous suggestion. His sarcasm eloquent in self-condemnation aroused -the lascivious from their enraptured fancies, causing them, from shame, -to break the spell; and when they saw the princessa and her maids with -their heads bowed down, many from self-conviction gave evidence that -within themselves they felt the cause. Among these was Count San Pietro -Marceroni. The bard approved himself to be in the possession of -extraordinary imitative powers, for in his recitative picture he held -his hearers, of subject kind, entranced and as quickly aroused them with -the pungency of his addenda to the dirged lamentations of instinctive -wisdom, which would have startled the old hero to a more energetic -renunciation of his follies than the vapid exclamation, that his -experience was vanity and vexation of spirit. - -The prelude of his competitor, Long Bow, was far more primitive in its -characteristic portrayal, being timed to irregular cadences of barbaric -import. The plaintive melody evoked by his touch from a stringed gourd -was in consonance with the strains of his song-theme, which depicted the -wild erratic love of savage life, but with far less instinctive merit in -recitative description than the love ditties of our Betongese neighbors. -At times the savage devotion of the lovers seemed to rise above the -animal instincts of sense, but only to sink deeper into the mythical -regions of hopeful doubt and despair. The butt at which Long Bow aimed -was a rhythmic measure adapted to savage nomenclature and the improvised -harmony of his gourd. - -At the conclusion of his recitative the herald maiden called: “Give ear, -lovers of the gay and joyous science,—attend! while the queen of love, -beauty, and harmony approves with her commendation and award the happy -victor in the joust of improvised song?” The count champion offered his -hand to assist Idolisima in her descent to the balcony erected for the -bestowal of awards, but his bearing was abashed with the conscious self- -reflection of unworthiness. Idolisima, the queen, without assistance -stepped self-reliantly forward to her position, and then, without -ceremonious prelude, beckoned Long Bow to advance. Approaching he knelt -in accordance with the prescribed euphuistic forms of chivalric -obeisance in the presence of royalty. Placing the chaplet upon his brow -she bid him rise. Then calling Penny Song forward she presented him with -a zithern, the prize for the victor in song. The assemblage, -disappointed in her award of the laureate’s chaplet, were appeased by -the more substantial gift of the zithern to their favorite, recognizing -in its material worth a preference for their choice. This material -appeal to their senses opened the only avenue to their appreciation, but -their partial murmurs of approval were stilled by a look and disdainful -wave of the hand. When subjected to silence, she addressed Long Bow in -terms adapted to the usage of chivalry, although manifestly at variance -with expectation in expression:— - -“Sir minstrel, we have esteemed your claims to the title of laureate as -best sustained in the court of fair ladies; inasmuch as you have been -pleased to acknowledge with our presence a comparative respect for -purity, by which, in fact, you have honored the worth of your own, as -well as the common name of mother. By endeavoring to exalt with your -muse the instinctive purity and fidelity of your savage heroine, the -fair High Water, you have admitted that it is our duty and privilege to -excel her untutored example. Still you have paid to ourselves and -maternity of our race an equivocal compliment for worth in your far- -fetched search for a heroine example of constancy in love and purity. -Notwithstanding the implied lack of living examples worthy of imitation -for the inspiration of your songful muse, we have preferred your savage -precedent to your competitor’s glossing embellishment of his hero’s -vices. With the hope that you may discover, during your adventurous -residence in Rome, an Animalculan or Giga representative that will honor -your mother’s sex with worth sufficient to inspire your commendation in -song, we would urge the undertaking as one deserving your earnest -attention. In the event of success it will save your muse many weary -pilgrimages into deserts and the waste places of earth for the -achievement of consolation from savage example. That the emprise may not -lack direction I will recommend you to visit the Manatitlan colony of -Coliseo. For with them, when convinced of your sincerity, you will find -in woman an exaltation of loving affection that will by far exceed your -highest conceptions.” - -She would have extended her reproof, but as she was in the act of -addressing Penny Song, her commendation of the Manatitlan colonists -brought such an overwhelming “answering sibilation” in denouncement that -her brothers, in fear of an outbreak, hurried her away. The minstrels -during the excitement approached near enough for whispered -communication, the purport of which brought a smile of gratification to -her face. They then as a diversion commenced a roundelay of spirited -movement, uniting their voices in bluff concert to the sound of the -zithernas. As with enraged wild beasts when surprised with the sound of -music, the factious instincts of the spectators were stilled. The -Coliseos were rejoiced at the steadfast adherence of Idolisima to the -inculcations of her Manatitlan education, for the tribune now informed -us that she had served her full term in the Coliseo school, promising to -relate at a convenient season the cause of her apparent defection. - -Although fearfully repugnant to our feelings, we turned our attention to -the democratic amusements in the northern sectional arena, within the -vestibule of the barriers; as you cautioned us of the necessity of -seeing for ourselves all the enactments that we recorded for advisorial -judgment. The “pit,” as it was aptly termed, was a miniature imitation -of the large arena of the lists; but the contestants for the honors of -mutilation were ants of the white, red, and black species, and their -antagonists were tarantulas distinguished by the same order and -variation of colors. But with naturally a higher object in view than -their human Animalculan and Giga exemplars, and controllers of the -lists, they fought without the artificial weapons that man’s superior -intelligence has devised for kindred destruction, in direct -controversion of the manifest designs of Creative intention. The -instinctive impressions of a blind man could have detected without the -aid of thought, the tangible distinctions that had furnished the motive -attractions for the northern and southern divisions of divertisement -predilections. The ants and the spiders engaged in mutilating encounter, -were to us, in reality, more attractive objects to contemplate in their -active ferocity, than their human spectator instigators, who combined -with controlling intelligence the visual evidences of the most abject -passions within sphere of animal and its reptile grade of expression. -The patrons of the southern pavilion had been held in dalliance with the -soft pleasures of amorous sensuality, which unopposed called forth the -highest expression of instinctive refinement; but the current tendencies -from multifarious indulgence were to the fall and deep whirlpool abyss -of passion, hate, and deadly revenge. - -The colored specie distinctions of the ants and spiders appeared to be -as great a source of inveterate hatred between its caste -representatives, as the antagonisms of race in form. This necessitated -the separation of the white from the red, and the red from the black -ants, with a like disposal of the tarantulas from specie representatives -of opposing colors. The first encounter that we witnessed was between -white and red ants; the former being universally successful with the -odds of nine to one against them, and with the blacks twenty to one. The -cause of this concentration of multiplied ability in the white, to cope -with red and black antagonism, became soon apparent from their studied -aforethought for the serried separation and disposal of their foes -before they could effect united opposition. The deadly devices of the -whites to lure their foes, with the stupid blindness of the red and -black ants in accepting the proffered baits without consideration, -afforded a relative study for detecting the cause of the instinctive -superiority that rules with white humanity. When the whites in an -encounter against overwhelming odds had gained decisive advantage, the -cathedral bells of Saint Peter sounded from the chief dovecot beneath -our place of concealment; its funeral peals announced a new phase in the -strange enactments of the day, which had appeared to us so perverse as -sources of amusement that we were at no loss to discover the Giga creed -origin of hell. Fearful that the long-waited-for crisis was approaching, -our eyes were upon the alert. - -As the yellow tints from the sun’s fading rays grew hazy with the -twilight heraldings of darkness, the folding doors of a large building -of ominous appearance opened, and from its portals issued a procession -of Dominican friars. In the midst of these inquisitorial representatives -of the human sacrificial order, were the unfortunate tits supported by -familiars of the Holy Office, with their limbs dragging helplessly upon -the pavement, and their heads half revolving on their shoulders without -the power of muscular control. The sight aroused the indignation of the -tribune and his companions, who with difficulty restrained us from -extending to them our immediate aid and sympathy. This was no slight -undertaking on their part, for we were unused to a knowledge of the -existence of such heartlessness, and would have adventured their -deliverance if the odds had been an hundred fold greater; but we finally -yielded to the wisdom of their discretion. - -On the arrival of the sad cortege at the knight’s encampment they joined -the procession escort of the doomed, among which were Sir O’Ham Ill -Tong, and his squire, Kan Avan, who had been evidently condemned to the -stake. As the gates of the northern barrier were obstructed by the -occupation of the vestibule arena, in which the ants and spiders were -engaged in an instinctive joust, the inquisitors in deference to the -multitude awaited the decision of the contest; the latter, with -reverence, giving place for them to witness the result of the sportive -entertainment, as a prelude to their premeditated enactments. At the -conclusion of the melée fight of the ants, in which the white champions -had proved victorious, a large, whitish gray tarantula spider had been -“pitted” against five mottled white ants, both parties having been -subjected to a training abstinence from food to increase their ferocity. -For a time the battle had been equally sustained, but a bold venture -cost two of the ants their lives; in the feat the tarantula was maimed -with the partial rupture of a carapace and the loss of the distal joints -of two legs. Two of the remaining ants having a firm mandibular hold on -the round carapace leg, the greatest excitement prevailed among the -spectators, wagers being bantered between high and low; all distinctions -of caste, for the time being, were banished by the talismanic greed for -gold and silver. It soon became evident the auto-da-fe rites would be -deferred until the result of the ant-fight was determined, for the order -of procession was broken, the familiars with their human burdens -crowding to gain a favorable position to witness the closing struggle. -While the ants gnawed and swayed in hold upon the tarantula’s leg, he -struggled to bring them within reach of his mandibles. The partial -success of the assailants and assailed was greeted with vociferous -shouts by the wager partisans, unabashed by the presence of the -inquisitorial brotherhood and archiepiscopal dignitaries of the church. -The tribune sadly reminded us, that the brutality of the scene was the -tested ægis of democratic equality based upon individual or associate -physical strength adroitly used,—chance advantages, or in massed -subjection to the rule of selfish partisanship, as with ants in -attacking the spider whose habits and interests in life interfered in no -way with their own. But as you perceive, the hinds are so stupid in the -dullness of their perceptions, that with the clear analogy of the cause -and result of their own condition, in demonstration from the arbitrary -power of physical strength that captured and forced the ants and spider -into antagonistic collision, they fail to detect in the caste orders of -priestcraft and knighthood the same motor influence in mental -combination. - -With our attention called so directly to the resemblance,—from the -pitiable condition of the poor tit victims, who had been tortured into -the vestibule of death, and were awaiting the ordeal of fire to recall -from their bodies the vital spark,—we could not fail to admire the -comprehensive quickness of our Coliseo cousins’ detective acumen for -analyzing the relations and gradations of instinctive responsibility. -Indeed, it would be impossible for you to imagine a more discordant or -disgusting scene, or a baser use of language than these bloodthirsty -humans used at every disjuncture effected by the combatants. That you -may obtain an inkling of this pandemonic scene of instinctive madness, I -will adventure a sketch. - -Prominent among the representatives of foreign nations was a Scotch -abbot of the abbey of Saint Maythedielscratch-me on the Tweed. In person -and language he was tall and lank. Although engaged in “amusement” with -an English prior, the incumbent of Goddamnmee on the Tyne, just over the -border, they “staked” fearful invectives with their metallic coin. But -the English canon was evidently no favorite, and required all the -bluffness he had attained by a long course of dominant rule over a -submissive brotherhood, as well as a full purse of tithes, for he was -bantered with wagers on every side. But with bellowing disdain in the -short and curt Durham dialect, he was ready with horned alternatives to -oppose all comers. Chief among his secondary challengers, with coined -words, was the abbe of Mortdieu, who mingled frothy gibes with his wager -temptations. The ants were at length vanquished, to the great chagrin of -the English abbot’s debtors, who tried all sorts of evasions to escape -payment. Oncleslydenbet, the German prior of the priory of -Shufflehausen, repudiated the payment of his forfeited wager in the -concise terms, “Not a bit of it!” The Irish abbot of Fivewounds said, -“To be sure I have bet and lost, but it was the understanding that I -should never pay unless I won!” The Dutch incumbent of Dunderandblixen, -the Welsh of Sweatmyleeks, and French paid theirs; the first with -fearful imprecations and sputterings, the second with an abundant flow -of perspiration, and the last with strings of sacres. - -But for your injunction, I should have withheld the incidents of a scene -so horribly repulsive in its ferocious combinations of speaking -inhumanity. Especially as it implies distracted attention from the -wretched condition of the dislocated tits; but in direction we submitted -to the ulterior intention of the Coliseos. The tribune, whose aid you -will recognize, said, that you required an exact index of the real -condition of the Giga and Animalculan races under the instinctive rule -of the stomach and senses, that you might compare the evidences with -those of the first falcon era, to judge of the cycle changes. The task, -with his assistance, is by no means pleasant, as with increasing -familiarity the scenes of brutality become more repulsive, so that you -need have no fears that they will affect us otherwise than as a ferment -to clarify the instincts of our bodies from corrupt humors and -indwelling passions. Much time was exhausted in wrangling before the ant -circus was removed to admit the papal and inquisitorial trains into the -lists. The arrival of the former, while the battle of the ants and -spider was pending, was exceedingly fortunate for Cardinal Buenaventura, -as by wagering with the pope an equivalent, with the spider for his -champion, he was exorcised of his perjury, and by remitting to his -holiness certain pecuniary obligations, received absolution to date. Our -sympathy for the tarantula’s loss of his carapace legs, with the extreme -division of the fourth, was not strongly excited, as in excess of his -pope contemporary’s alleged stigmatic attributes of infliction and -redemption, from instinctive woes, he in reality possesses the -“miraculous” power of material reproduction of lost limbs. - -The arena of the lists had been rearranged for the final enactment, and -furnished with stakes and faggots for the sacrificial ordeal of fire, as -a purgatorial agent for the purification of the body from heretical -sins. These altars were raised between the two pavilions; and the -ladies’, I am obliged with sadness to relate, was filled with -representatives of the sex, yet they were of a class whose -gratifications were solely dependent upon the organs of sense. During -the converting labors of the confessors with the San Benitos the -inquisitorial monks, dignitaries of the church, and knights, chanted a -grand high mass to ritualistic ceremonial accompaniments. This was -pronounced to be more affecting, by the occupants of the ladies -pavilion, from the sobbing wails and lamentations of the doomed Irish -knight, Sir O’Ham Ill Tong, and his squire, Kan Avan, who unceasingly -proclaimed their innocence from perjury after they were tied to the -stakes, thus adding contumacy to the ordeal and decisions of the judges. -As their winnings disgraced the order of knighthood they were gagged -with clouts. - -When these preliminary preparations were nearly completed, the tribune -gave the longed for signal of rescue. In a twinkling our Manatitlans -were in the midst of the inquisitors and ecclesiastics, upsetting them -in a confused pile with the knights. We liberated the tits by the time -the Coliseo aids arrived, who placed the rescued in the arms of their -relatives. The panic we created could not have been greater if we had -been gigas instead of giantescoes. The women, who had looked calmly on -the preparations for human sacrifice by the tortures of a slow fire, -screamed and fainted at our appearance, their attendant knights -surrendering without opposition. The pope and cardinals were in as much -fear as the unsanctified until the tribune made known the source from -whence we came. Then relieved from his apprehensions of bodily danger, -he commenced crossing himself furiously, muttering the while anathemas -against the Coliseos and their followers for the sacrilegious invasion, -and interference with the sacred offices of the church. Counting upon -our intimidation through the enactment of prestigious mummeries, he -would have left with his satellites; but the tribune detained him by -laying his hand upon his shoulder with an inflection that made the burly -little head of the church understand that it had forced a crisis, from -which mumbling ritual cant could not extricate it without the assurance -of a strict regard for the personal independence of all Animalculans -from religious restrictions. We will give you the terms of the tribune’s -injunction:— - -“Now Canonicus, that there may be no more acts of treachery on your -part, or through the instigations of those subject to your direction, I -shall dictate to you terms in behalf of our Manatitlan colonies that you -must keep inviolate, for if they are infringed upon in the least degree -we shall hold you and your associates personally responsible. We have -heretofore offered you good will, but you have taken advantage of it to -impose upon our communities and inflict personal injuries upon our -adherents; showing that you are alike destitute of gratitude, and the -disposition that inclines to honorable and just reciprocation. In the -first place, you are to respect the privileges of all claiming a desire -for our protection, whether an Animalculan of Mouthpat birth, or of -other nationality. In the second place we shall hold you personally -responsible for any acts of cruelty perpetrated by Animalculans under -your control upon animal or insect; and for the honor of instinctive -humanity we especially interdict all barbarous amusements between man -and man. Fortunately, communication has again been opened with our -motherland, and by the timely arrival of our cousins, we have been able -to avail ourselves of their counsel when most needed. From the -enactments of to-day, which have borne witness to the steadfast goodness -of your daughter, Idolisima, in her adherence to the inculcations of her -Coliseo education, we shall hereafter require that all the Animalculan -children of Rome shall from henceforth be submitted to our censorial and -educational charge. We are aware that in assuming the charge we -undertake an immense and arduous responsibility from the fecundity of -your animal propensities. But in time our inauguration will effect the -substitution of improved quality for quantity with an affectionate -compensation that with cultivation and reciprocation you have the means -of realizing in fatherly association with your daughter.” - -Here he was interrupted by Sir O’Ham Ill Tong,—from whose mouth the -clout had been removed,—with the ejaculation: “An sure, by our holy -mother, what your honor is plased to say is all gospel truth, and by the -same token, if there is any more, I believe it on my shoul! But if your -honor will be so obbleeging as to order one of your giants to remove -this gorget that binds my throat to the stake, and set me free, if yees -have closed what ye are going to say, I can hear the rest more -comfortably, and ye’ll save from fire as good a Christian as ever was -burnt for pargary,—an for the life of me, I can’t just see how that can -be, for I niver spoke a blissed word in the matter at all!” - -This characteristic wordy appeal of the Irishman was complied with on -the moment, and when released he fell on his knees at the feet of the -tribune, invoking upon his head the blessings of all the saints in the -Irish calendar, offering to serve him to the end of his days, on foot, -or on roachback, for nothing at all save fair wages, hursts, -perquisites, pickings, and the run of the kitchen, and sich likes! The -ludicrous fall, in the use of words, from knightly inflation caused a -smile notwithstanding the embarrassments imposed by our interruption. -But the flow of his tongued gratitude to the ascendant party, having -reference to future benefits, could with difficulty be stayed. When -accomplished he was advised to return with all speed to the place of his -birth before a worse evil befell his body than purification by fire. - -The pope and his cardinals, while subject to the tribune’s -reprehensions, became as servile in their bearing as they had before -been arrogant. The pope’s offer of entertainment for the night we could -not accept, after witnessing the barbarous proceedings of the day, as we -preferred the protection of our silicoth tapas under the cornice to the -lair hospitality of human wolves. After the crowd dispersed a messenger -was despatched to apprise the Coliseans of the successful result of our -enterprise, with the desire that a falcon might be sent for us at early -dawn. In accordance with our request a falcon appeared with the earliest -light on the following morning, and on alighting, to our great surprise, -Idolisima Canonica, in company with the tribune’s parents and other -representatives of Coliseo to the howdah’s full capacity for -entertainment, descended to receive our salutations. It appeared, from -the relation of the tribune’s sister, that Idolisima after leaving the -lists had sought protection under the escort of Penny Song and Long Bow, -at the coliseum, well knowing that the ties of daughter and sister would -not save her from the dungeons of the Inquisition, recently built by the -pope, her uncle. From the greeting she gave the tribune, it required no -prompting of speech to apprise us that a stronger motive than fear of -the dungeons caused her to seek an asylum with her foster guardians of -childhood. - -Without teasing our curious interest in her welfare she appealed to the -tribune: “Your Manatitlan cousins, Novuotus, would scarcely feel -satisfied with your interest in my behalf, if I should allow you to hold -me silently exculpated from your abiding confidence in the wisdom that -dictated our betrothal. As we are united, yet single, in the fulfillment -of our marital alliance, I am anxiously desirous of having the -affectionate sanction of their approbation, which could not be conceded -if they thought me capable of participating otherwise than by form, in -the cruel enactments of yesterday. In speaking, it is my wish to -vindicate myself from voluntary conformity with the chivalric usages in -which I engaged, as they were then, as they ever have been, sadly -repugnant to my conceptions of love and affection, which vividly impress -me with the reality of an existence independent of the body’s mortality. -That your cousins may realize in what measure they are entitled to -bestow upon me their lenity and sympathy, I will relate to them the -cause that influenced my introduction to the guardianship of your -people. Of my ancestral origin, I am certain that the events of -yesterday will better inform you than I am able from my own knowledge. -In my fourth year, when my perceptions were only advanced in the bud -sufficient for impression, without enlisting the maturing aid of -thoughtful judgment derived from comparison, my father, mother, and two -brothers, became very sick with the plague, alike destructive to the -Giga and Animalculan races. The harrowing scenes of bereavement daily -recounted in my presence aroused impressions of fear for myself, and -when my parents became sick, I added anxiety to my aunt’s -responsibility, to whose sole charge we had been left by the servants -and neighbors. One day, despairing and hopeless, my aunt had enfolded me -in her arms, and while wofully lamenting threatened desolation from the -death of my parents and brother, I was trying to solace her with -endearments, my arms were around her neck, with my lips to her ear and -face turned backward, when the door softly opened and my voice was -stilled by the surprise of my eyes at the entrance of a very large and -beautiful woman. [Here Idolisima fondly embraced, with caresses, the -neck of the Doschessa of Romelia.] My silence and fixed attention -attracted my aunt’s eyes to the door, and when she discovered the -stranger, who appeared to be well known to her, she was much abashed -that she had been surprised in useless lamentation. This made me gladly -hope that the visitor was an angel sent to help us; so, growing bold -with the feeling of hope, I gently withdrew myself from my aunt’s -embrace and approached the stranger imploring her aid for my parents and -brothers! In a moment I was in her arms; then I became so quickly -changed, I no longer feared, for her voice and touch made me feel so -secure that I was sure she came from heaven to help us. But I have since -experienced that she came from a far better place beyond the reach of -gold and its selfish attractions. Urging my aunt to take new courage, -she went out, still holding me in her arms, and meeting a censor, with -others of her people, she returned, and soon our house became quite -changed, for they brought with them your clothes that remain clean, so -that from being dismal and sad everything looked nice and cheerful. Then -mother reviving, she also knew the angel, who asked her if she could -take me to her Coliseo home? Oh, how gladly my mother smiled with her -whispered yes, so faintly and pleadingly grateful in earnest expression -it has ever been present since. Striving to speak, my mother fell asleep -without breathing, but still she smiled, until it paled to a shadow in -the moonlight, then we were taken to the Coliseo, for my aunt required -rest, where we were bathed and dressed with the care of so many sweet -faced persons, that we became quite bewildered with love and slept. In -the morning we were wakened with sunlight and song, so harmonious with -gladness, my aunt touched me to be sure, for we both thought alike. I -was placed in school where there were so many that in love we were -counted as one, for we were so united in affection that tears of -vexation and sadness never flowed. Then as I grew in years, I learned to -grow emulous in the personal requirements of purity, and with the care -of myself, was able to assist others, for the grateful meed of love. -Much more I could say, but I feel that you do not require it. When my -father became my uncle, Pope Innocent I., I had reached my eighteenth -year, and had been betrothed to Novuotus, and we were enjoying the -hospitality of my foster parents, the Dosch and Doschessa of Romelia, -during our term of probation, when my father, after his election, -demanded that my aunt and myself should be restored to his care. The -Dosch, after a long consultation with his advisors, for he was very -sorry to part with us, concluded that it was best for us to return. This -was a very sad decision for us, but we were assured that if we found -ourselves unhappy from being unable to do good, we could come back. We -were then taken to my ‘uncle’s’ temporal court, but none were truly glad -to see us, for we were strangers, even to my father, for he would not -accept the monthly invitation to visit me at the Coliseo school. Yet we -were constantly surrounded with a throng of servants and people of -condition, so that with them, we were mere puppets, and felt very -unclean, for we could do nothing for ourselves. But all were very -profuse in the utterance of complimentary formalities, which made us -feel like exiles from real affection. The first process to which we were -subjected was purification from heresy; in preparation our silicoth -garments were removed, and our persons were redressed with woven stuffs, -that in their newness smelt animally earthy, and soon became irksome in -weight, and rankly unendurable, notwithstanding they had been sprinkled -with holy water at the time we were baptized. Then, my aunt was made, or -created, queen of Rome, and I was christened Princess Idolisima Canonica -by the same process. A few days since my aunt escaped and went back to -unite with her Coliseo affections; since than I have been closely -guarded, as I had attempted to leave with her, but was foiled by -accident. So with my father turned uncle, I became the puppet, or bone -and flesh of contention for the strongest and best trained brute in the -lists, and was seemingly obliged to conform to the dictated usages; but -with the determination to escape if an opportunity offered. In this -relation I have traced my childish impressions in the language I have -been accustomed to impart them to my loved school associates; to remodel -them to suit my present perceptions would detract from memorial pledges -of affection. That you saw me in the lists yesterday, came not through -my own volition, as you will concede; but perhaps, from a wise wish on -the part of the Dosch and his advisors to test in what I lacked for the -power of resisting the wordy flatteries and material vanities to which I -would be exposed in the papal court of my uncle. For I had exceeded in -years your period of matriculation, as my instinctive impressions are -still retained in memory, with the infantile desires perpetuated in -assumed motherhood of artificial productions in baby likeness. But if -you can only see me as I feel, and have felt, in pity for the barren -love of the mothers of Rome, who are content with the pride of hope in -the advancement of their children to material possessions, and the empty -honors conferred by my uncle, the pope, you must know that with all my -imperfections I am, in the current love of purity and goodness, free -from my body’s instinctive taint. Knowing my earnest yearning for -purified worth, in my desire for the welfare of others, you will, I am -sure, lend me your aid for the higher attainments achieved in -realization by your primitive people for loving perception.” - -This appeal of Idolisima received the sanction of our affections with a -warmth of genial outflow confirmed in baptismal attestation from our -eyes. The Doschessa in reciprocating the fond caresses of Idolisima said -that she and her aunt had nobly sustained the venture, showing that with -woman love’s perception, when free from selfishness, is in a measure -independent of age, when subject to the constant lead of example. In -closing it will be well to state that the union of Novuotus with -Idolisima was consummated with her father’s consent. The event was -celebrated by Penny Song, with an improvisation styled the Epoch Ardens, -Long Bow assisting with a transposition of High Water to Fair Water. But -from their lack of precedental knowledge pertaining to Manatitlan -history, and of love independent of the body’s instinctive materialism -for the bombastic usury of imagination in word portrayal, their poetical -ovations would have been deemed tame unaided by their skillful rendition -in the well timed measure of song with the instrumental accompaniment of -zithern and gourd. This transcript, of an event so varied in its -bearings, will afford you a more correct insight into the condition of -our Roman colonists, than tracings from historical records, and -statistical accounts, of which you will be advised at our earliest -leisure. - - TITVIEW. - -_Nota Bene._—Our wives have not been idle, but under the direction of -Oluisandria have auramented many of the Giga women of Rome, who with -silent example emulate the family of Indegatus. - - * * * * * - -At the conclusion of Titview’s letter, the Dosch stated that the initial -voyagers of the second falcon era found the colonists of Constantinople -and Jerusalem in a still more prosperous condition than those of Rome, -and equally rejoiced in the fulfillment of expectant waiting. But as -they presented the same characteristic features of dogmatic rule, with -caste variations, having their origin in the degree of control exercised -by individuals over their own habits, for the control of the masses, the -opposition to colonistic example was in the main the same. “Now, in -company of Mr. Welson, I will leave you to meditate upon the examples I -have adduced of Giga and Animalculan humanity under the rule of -instinctive habits and customs engendered from the unreason of the -stomach in its control of the brain, until your letters arrive from the -other side of the precedental gulph to strengthen the contrast between -your past and present thoughts. In the meantime you can study, with our -auramental aid, the habits of professional instinct cultivated by the -adjunct members of the corps, in adverse defiance of Heraclean example -and our thought substitutions. Although formalistically influenced to -habits of outward conformity, neither Dr. Baāhar or the curators of -sound, and artist, have changed in thought from precedental routine; and -in their present mood, would relate the events which have transpired as -surface matters of fact, for publication, or scientific gossip, and the -excitement of wonder and surprise in the gaping multitude who throng -with open ears lyceums and public lecture rooms, for drum impressions. -Your college and scientific professors can be truthfully likened to your -railroad locomotives, which swiftly progress forwards and backwards on -their rails, but once off their tracks are helpless, from their own -resources, to move themselves or their trains. But with the stage -gradations of instinct now open to your view, you can readily discover -and test the animus source of present happiness with the realities of -its impression as an assurance of immortality.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - -After matin song on the morning of the 9th of December, Correliana -announced the near approach of couriers with letters. At noon the train -arrived having in charge Padre Simon as a special envoy from Captain -Greenwood. His convoy brought letters from Europe and Montevideo in -answer to those despatched by M. Hollydorf and Mr. Welson, also to the -other members of the corps. The padre, although looking jaded with -fatigue, was in his usual happy state of mental confusion, to which the -affectionate greetings of the Heracleans and Kyronese greatly added, -causing him to exclaim: “Well, I truly declare upon the soul of my -conscience, I believe you are truly glad to see me!” His mental -perplexity was increased by the nature of his mission, which will be -gradually developed in progressive relation. Mr. Welson received a large -budget of letters, many of which were from his correspondents in Panama, -who were anxious to learn the cause of his long delayed return. Those -relating to his business engagements were quickly despatched, his -interest being more directly enlisted in the perusal of letters from his -Montevidean and Buenos Ayrean correspondents. We will first offer the -transcript of M. Baudois’s letter. - - BUENOS AYRES, _November 19, 182-_. - - TO SEÑOR DON GUILLERMO WELSON: - - _Heraclea of the Falls, Andean La Plata._ - -_My Dear Sir_,—Your letter was duly received, and I can truly say that -its contents taxed my credulity to its utmost stretch. The discovery of -remnant Latin and Asiatic races was quite sufficient for the rational -digestion of wondering admiration! But the revelation of Animalculan -representatives of humanity quite staggered and mazed my powers of -marvelous conception, until reason had with cool reflection weighed your -written evidences of sanity. Then, quite convinced that you did not -design to test the extent of my gullibility with the conjurations of -your imagination, I found within myself evidences of sustaining approval -that confirmed my believing reliance in the sincerity of your imparted -happiness. If the extinct Giga animal species are represented by living -Animalculan, it appears quite reasonable that the order of continuation -should embrace the human. With these deductive considerations my reason -became reconciled for the recognition of your Manatitlans as real -negotiable representatives of humanity. Again my wondering admiration -expanded from your description of their habits and educated power of -self control for the exampled reciprocation of good will. It is but -natural to conceive that affectionate confidence must result from self -government, for purity and goodness are the parents of unselfishness. In -comparative degree we have seen that the children of our race, who from -necessity have been trained for the exercise of self denial, are -reliable and affectionate in contributing to the associate happiness of -others. It is impossible for me to find adequate words suited for the -expression of the relief afforded from the light that dawned upon my -perception through the vista opened for the realization of Creative -intention! Dull, indeed, must be the faculties of a person unable to -realize, upon the moment, the certain effect that would result from -cultivating the germ of goodness for the control of instinctive -animality. In deference to the Manatitlans’ loving perspicacity, which -has enabled them almost innately to discover the impression of design in -cultivating from infancy the germ of goodness, my body seemed to shrink -with shame from its distended growth of fungus, emblematical of -stupidity, under the influence of their imparted intelligence. But with -a knowledge of cause my efforts for relief were attended with an -instinctive oppression from animality, so apparent in its selfishness, -that with my utmost effort I could only obtain partial relief, with the -resolve of affording, at most, an imperfect example for the benefit of -future generations. Under the presaged reality of the Heracleans’ -affectionate and enduring sympathy, my hereditary infidelity, begot from -the adverse fatuity of sectarian delusions, faded like the Pampa mists -before the brightness and genial warmth of the morning sun. Now that the -Manatitlan system of education has revived my hopes, I look forward with -trustful desire that my life may be prolonged to witness the full -inauguration of self-legislation, for time and eternity, in freedom from -the proxied impositions of instinctive priestcraft, and politic -statesmen. - -With regard to the search you wished to have me make for relic -information: I have succeeded in unearthing collateral evidence which -proves beyond a doubt that many galleys from the interior waters of the -eastern continent, connecting through the Mediterranean Sea with the -Atlantic Ocean, reached the shores of the La Plata estuary before the -advent of our Christian era. At different dates during the last two -centuries rumors have been rife attesting to the existence of a walled -city inhabited by a white race, situated in an Andean valley that gives -rise to the river Vermejo, or its tributary source. The reports, at -different periods, caused the Jesuits to make several attempts to -negotiate a favorable disposition on the part of the Indians to impart -knowledge in verification; but all their overtures were treated with an -evasive skill that involved the question of its real existence in -greater mystery. Their missionary attempts to penetrate the country of -the wild hordes, beyond the river chacas, were opposed with determined -and successful hostility. The community of Pompolio has been an -acknowledged fact for centuries. The ancestors of your Kyronese were the -reputed founders of Mendoza, from which they were driven by the mongrel -progenitors of the present inhabitants. - -The remains of vessels of undoubted Phœnician, Egyptian, and Roman -construction have been found imbedded in the preserving guanic and -alluvial deposits that have filled with their accumulations the inlets -where they were moored. Of these Don Pedro Garcia will give you a -succinct written account. The following notice of a relict discovery I -have copied in translation from an old number of the “Gazette de -Bogota”:— - -“Voice le passage tel qui le donnent les Nouvelles Annals des Voyages, -1st Tome, page 393, anne 1832. Au village de Dolores deux lieus de -Montevideo un plantuer decouvrier une pierre tumuliare des caracteres -inconuus. Relevant cette pierre il trouve un caceau de briques -renfermant, deux sabres antique bronze, un casque, et un boucler, tres -amphoræ par le huile, et une in terre de grand dimensions. Tout ces -debris emporter au savant pere Martinez Garcia, il est parvenir a lire -la pierre ces mots in caracteres grec. Voir ton Phillipi * * * * *. -Alexand fils to Macedon * * *. Vasi epi tes execui * * * *. k * * ty -* * * en * to * * top * * Pelatin. Ca est dire completement les mots. -Alexander fils de Phillipe etait de Macedon, vers la 63 Olimpiade in ces -lieux. Petolemie les reste manque. Sur le poignee des epies est grave un -portrait que commun etre celui de Alexandre, sur le casque on remarque -un circulure representant Achille trainant le cadavre Hector ante de -murs Troie. Fait il conclure de cette decouverte de contemporaire de -Aristotle a fouile de du sol Bresil. Est il probable que Ptolemie ce -clef bein conu de la plotte de Alexandre entraine par un tempte an -milieu dece las enciens appelaient les grand mur ait ete jette les cotes -du La Plata et y ait marque son passage pax ce memorial monument fait -dans trois les ces fort curieux les archeoloques.”—_Gazette Universelle -de Bogota._ - -At the period this relic discovery indicates, the proximate swiftness of -the current stream setting to and from the Strait of Gibraltar to the La -Plata estuary can be estimated by present calculation, which has been -rated at twenty miles an hour during the height of a monsoon gale. This -would give a surface speed to a floating object of four or five miles an -hour, under direct impetus; and with a due allowance for counter slips -from eddies, lack of direction, and other causes, a chance voyage might -be accomplished in from twenty to thirty days. With the square sails -used in Ptolomic vessels, with shallow prows made to imitate the breasts -and necks of water fowls, a swift passage could have been made with -intention and a favoring wind; but it was the superstitious custom of -the ancient mariners to rely upon the direction of fate. M. Hollydorf or -Dr. Baāhar could arrive at a proximate conjecture of the derivative -source of the Kyronese from the Syriac root and terminals, and by like -tests, if of Beberi or Morisco extraction. The fourth wonder of your -Arabian Knights’ discoveries is the fact that a savage of the wild -hordes can be favorably influenced by exampled goodness, or in any way -hold himself amenable to either reason or kindness. Yet I would urge the -necessity of impressing them with a knowledge of good and evil, with a -detective perception sufficient for your protection against their -revengeful instincts, that you may not become the victims of misplaced -confidence for the malicious injuries inflicted by our race. - -In closing my epistle I will truthfully declare that I envy the meanest -capacity of your party his privilege of contributing to your common fund -of enjoyment. How I have longed, waited, and despaired, for the -irresistible charm of affectionate sincerity, that betokens in its reach -immortality. A note from Don Pedro advised me of his family’s desire -that I would visit them as a consulting aid in your behalf. You are but -too well aware of his past source of disquietude. Greatly to my relief I -found him with his two daughters, your little favorites, Lovieta and -Lavoca, filled to overflowing with an affectionate appreciation of the -manifold resources of your discovery. As our meeting, under the -circumstances, was characteristic, I will endeavor to render the mutual -impressions of the scene in enactment. In the place of the Teutonic -custodian, with the forbidding Cyclopean visage, Don Pedro received me -at the open puerta, evidently in waiting expectation of my arrival. -Confronting each other at the entrance we stood for a second regarding -each the other with the mutual reflection of wistful eyes, until the -rising flush of our united emotions bespoke like impressions; then with -an impulsive disregard for formalistic dignity, and greatly to the -surprise of watchful neighbors, we embraced with the allied warmth of -our new role of sympathy. Shrinking from the curious gaze of strangers -we entered, Don Pedro surrendering his post to the portress who received -from me, for the first time, a courteous greeting, which was returned in -kind. In the patio we were met by Lovieta and Lavoca who, with the quick -interpretation of infantile affection, discovered the prompted source of -our unusual cordiality. Receiving permission from their father they at -once commenced to unravel the tale of Don Guillermo’s wonderful -discoveries, with frequent halting questions for elucidation, and -commentaries upon the startling information imparted from your letter to -them, which was premised with the confidential acknowledgement: “Why, M. -Baudois, it’s queer we love you so much this morning, and were so afraid -of you before, which kept us from liking you!” Then for an hour or more -they prattled of affection with such a clear perception of the -Manatitlan rendering, that I felt acutely the poverty of my own -resources. In testimony of affection’s inexhaustible attractions, I -remained with them three days before the prime object of the visit -engaged our attention, and then, with reluctance, we turned our vision -back to trace with our material guide-posts the progenitorial evidences -of Heraclean advent. - -You urge me to visit Heraclea. I can assure you that there is not in the -wide range of thought a prospect that would afford me a tithe of the -pleasure; but I am ashamed to acknowledge that I feel within me the old -leaven of instinctive dislike for the members of the corps, from -nationality. For personally, as you are aware, I have no acquaintance -with them. From this cause I am so doubtful of self control within that -I cannot with sincerity venture the experiment of voluntary association -with them, even under Heraclean auspices. My feelings, as a Frenchman, -are still instinctively patriotic, notwithstanding the reproof -administered in every sentence of your letter. I am well aware of all -you would urge in favor of the trial, and my reason sanctions with -desire all you could say; and it is with humiliation that I am candidly -obliged to avow myself unfit for an association with the German members -of the corps, although they have received the prestige of Heraclean -adoption. If my disposition would allow me to enact the part of -affectionate sympathy, the treacherous disguise of hypocrisy would not -shield me from Manatitlan auramentation, with whom I would fain hold -myself, in sincerity, worthy, to the extent of my freedom from -instinctive disability. However much you may regret my lack of the noble -qualities, which allow your unbiased passions the privilege of repose, I -am certain that your native Gallic infusion of clannish prejudice, will, -even with your new light, appreciate the honesty of my motives. To merit -the esteem of the Manatitlans, I will use every possible means for the -subjugation of my sectional prejudices; having already been obliged to -acknowledge to myself, from the revolting impression still retained of -the commune massacres of Paris, that with the murderous spirit in train, -we should scarcely have shown as merciful a record as the Germans, if we -had been victorious. With better generals as players, in the deadly game -of war, the weak movements of our imbeciles were forestalled and -checkmated. This causes a furious undercurrent for reprisal, especially -as the war was precipitated by a tyrant without the provisionary tact to -foresee and provide for the tottering destiny of his throne. Of course, -the disastrous results of war reflect from the ruler to the subjects, -alike in imbecility and determined intelligence. Our soldiers were -driven like sheep to the slaughter. In fact, there was no real cause for -the war on either side, and great reason why it should have been firmly -opposed on the part of the French people, who have in the game enacted -the part of pawns and are paying the penalty. The victorious can afford -the dole of generosity to the defeated. This retrospective glance I -offer as a specimen of my instinctive forbearance, and until I feel the -sincerity of my self-control, I must avoid temptation likely to arouse -hatred and revenge, the chief constituents of patriotism. With sincere -gratitude for the happiness I have enjoyed from your intuition, you can -rest assured of its strong impression in reciprocation. - - H. BAUDOIS. - -N. B. Since the above conclusion of my letter, I have visited and opened -a tumulus raised over the remains of a Roman woman. The inscription -engraved upon a stone covered by the mound, had been rendered nearly -illegible from detrition, but we were enabled to decipher, with an -approach to certainty, the following detached words: COR. * * * *, * * * -AUGUSTA * *. IB UXOR ⛳ * * * * * * *. ALLISSUIS. * * *. The distaff was -an emblem used for the commemoration of industrious habits when graved -in an upright position, but when trailed from a spun thread, it -indicated a gad-about reputation. Don Pedro will write you a particular -description of our joint labors. I will now stay my still overburdened -pen, to give my thoughts maturity for better expression. H. B. - - * * * * * - -As Mr. Welson read M. Baudois’s letter aloud with a slow, clear, and -distinct accentuation, it was intelligible to all, and elicited warm -encomiums, with a strong desire to listen to the reading of Don Pedro -Garcia’s, which we transcribe. - - BUENOS AYRES. - -QUERIDO DON GUILLERMO,—Since we received your letters describing your -marvelous adventures (which we believed, because we could not doubt the -truthful sincerity of your affection), we have been in a constant -flutter of joyous exhilaration, which has served to clear the murky -atmosphere of our household from its time-honored odors and rites of -instinctive religion. While bestirring ourselves for the relief of our -bodies with the labors of purification for domestic entertainment, we -(M. Baudois is now a member of our family) have employed our thoughts in -trying to anticipate the effect of your revelation in stemming the tide -of ritual selfishness. Also in measuring the extent of opposition and -consternation it will cause among the ceremonial adherents of sects -congregating for the worship of self-preservation while preying upon -each other. We have already felt a foreboding of its practical effect, -in demonstration, from our family incubus, Padre Molinero. By depriving -sects of their material heaven and hell,—upon which in positive and -negative entrance fee priestcraft has issued policies of insurance for -the soul of instinct from time out of date,—you will lay an eternal -embargo upon their selfish schemes of praying premiums. Indeed, in -sanguine forecast we can now see the gasping flutterings of saving grace -in its last ritualistic struggles for salvation from inevitable -oblivion, giving place to the glorious effulgence of an affectionate -immortality. As you can well imagine, I have but little to say in -extenuation for my past infatuation, other than that my reason and -reverence halted with the dullness of indifference, causing me to accept -forms, from the fact that my veneration could find no hopeful resting -place. We can now scarcely endure the reflection, that through life we -have remained so dull of apprehension, as not to have discovered from -self-intuition, that purity and goodness could alone fulfill the -indications of Creative intention for the assurance, in life, of an -affectionate immortality. From the moment I read your letter I became -subject to an awakening translation from self, and in relief from the -dread incubus, become overjoyed with the prospect of affording aid to -others. That you may more fully realize the effect of the transition, it -was quickly discovered by the watchful expectancy of your chiquita -favorites Lovieta and Lavoca, who were waiting for the confections of -love they knew you would not fail to send for their affectionate -regalement. When the rays of gladness began to dawn in my face, they -interrupted my reading by nestling their arms about my neck, while they -whispered, as if fearful of disturbing the joyful emotions, “O father, -how happy you look, there must be something good for us,—do let us kiss -you and then read it for we long to hear what Querido Don Guillermo has -written to make you look so alegre.” With this appeal, seconded by an -affectionate assault, I commenced from the beginning of your letter,—but -half unfolded to my own view,—and as I read explained to their wondering -comprehension the marvelous transitions of your experience. With the -introduction of Correliana my reading became interjectional from the -staccato inflection of kisses telegraphed to her goodness, with the -exclamations, “How beautiful,” “Marvilloso!” “Oh, if”—but the wish -remained unfinished in voiceful expression, yet the conscious flush of -momentary sadness plainly interpreted the burden of their thoughts in -hopeful appeal. These emotions, advocated in truthful sincerity the sway -of goodness, during the infantile period, if unprejudiced by deleterious -example,—when my unfortunates have retained its impression so perfectly, -notwithstanding their exposure to its adverse influence. With the ready -perception of such youthful neophytes the Manatitlans’ demonstration of -exampled direction in purity and goodness must succeed with our race. -For older appreciation, how could its truthful impression be more -clearly defined for the comprehension of common sense, or more agreeable -to loving veneration directed to the Supreme Source of all good, than -through the attractive avenue of infantile perception? Practical, or -exampled purity and goodness in attainment, are in substance, to my -understanding, the length and breadth of Manatitlan “theology,” if I may -be permitted to use a word so devoid of intrinsic meaning, for the -expression of the highest possible conceptions of realized achievement. -I feel certain that I have not misconstrued the Manatitlan “Code” from -the enthusiastic approval of the above named theologists known to your -loving sympathy. - -How the sectaries will dispose of the Manatitlan method of perfecting -their children in loving affection cannot be solved by anticipation. But -my household has been “blessed” with a partial solution of the Catholic -method that will be adopted, by a demonstrative denunciation of you and -your Manatitlan exemplars as infernal innovators, by your old “friend” -Padre Molinero. Forgetting in his wrathful displeasure that anathemas -were vicarious oaths in fiendish transposition for priestly cursing, he -dispensed them freely for the final disposal of all innovators, and in -personal designation included those that I hold most dear in my -affectionate esteem. With a self-control, that made me feel for a moment -exultant, in view of my former frailties of temper, I coolly reminded -him of the formulistic rites established by society for association; -assuring him that I should sustain the sanctuary privileges, and stable -rights of my roof, recognized by civilized humanity, against the -intrusion of any and all persons refusing to hold themselves amenable to -the unobtrusive rules of instinctive propriety. This admonition so -enraged him, that his malignant intolerance burst forth in demoniacal -ebullition, heedless of my direct hints that he was overstepping the -limits of patient endurance. But as he continued to inveigh, I with -authority withheld his further speech, with a determination that -overawed him, and then, while directing his way to the outer gates, -stated in plain terms my desire to hear him express a determination to -absent himself from my house henceforth and forever. This final -ultimatum, after years of undisputed sway, caused his former expression -of vengeful hate to appear, in comparison, like the mild gleams of -summer electricity, in contrast with the fierce flashes uttered with the -deep mutterings of the full charged thunder cloud. Indeed, when the -portera discharged him with her absolution, his visage became visibly -expanded with a toadish expression of ire, and his throat with a sack -constriction resembling the cobra’s when about to strike for venomed -injection. Failing in speech to intimidate, he had recourse to the -fierce ritually crossings of excommunication, which formerly caused -kings and emperors to tremble with instinctive fear. This impotent -effort must have summoned to my face a contemptuous expression, for -Teudschen, the portera, made a significant gesture of questioning -inquiry with her foot, as he passed over the threshold, which I -negatived with a decisive shake of the head, else, I should now have to -bear the stigma of sanctioning an act of celerity she was desirous of -communicating to Padre Molinero to expedite his exit. Instead of denying -her impulsive intention of rendering pedal acceleration to the padre’s -outward movement, when I reproved her for the meditated unfeminine act, -which in consummation would have given rise to great scandal, she -innocently asked, “what else could a woman do when there was no broom -handy?” Then she continued, in extenuation, “If men come into the houses -of good peoples, dressed like women in petticoats, and don’t behave -properly, as they ought, it’s right that they should be served by a -woman as a man would treat them if he dared!” This Hibernic style of -pleading, with its touch upon the mild nature and lack of decision in my -exercise of authority, at once dispelled my ill humor; and I questioned -her, whether as a good Lutheran she was familiar with the text that -taught the returns that were to be made for despiteful treatment? After -a little thoughtful hesitation, she said, “I don’t exactly remember, but -I believe they were kicked out of the house.” This answer closed my -catechismal interview, but however remote its orthodoxy was from the -inculcation of the text, its validity was loyal in the sound doctrinal -expression of instinct. For the humorous method of Teudschen’s style of -speaking, with the broken wabbling tones of her voice, in variation from -Low Dutch guttural to the harsh grating rasp of High German, I will -refer you to your memory of the gratification you derived from -conversing with her. Leaving the patio with my feelings of anger -unruffled by Teudschen’s patriotic simplicity, which had long been -aggravated by Padre Molinero’s French sympathies, I returned falteringly -to the salon, fearing that the mother of my children might view the -expulsion of her confessor as an unpardonable sin; still I could not -help congratulating myself upon the manner in which I had rid my -household of the traitorous fomenter of misrule and family discord. -Entering her apartment fully prepared to meet her scornful and defiant -glances, ill masked under the disguise of indifference, I was startled -out of my assumed composure by the unexpected greeting of tearful eyes, -and soft pleading glances bespeaking self-deprecation. These -premonitions of repentant affection brought back, with the loving glow -of gladness, the happy impressions of our early wedded life when I was -all sufficient as a confessor without the aid of priest or mother-in- -law. Determined to make good the step I had taken for freeing my family -from the prying curiosity and dictation of droning priests, I met her -advances with affectionate warmth; but after listening to her -expressions of revived sympathy, I with conscious power, never before -realized, asked her if she was willing to seek another priestly adviser; -if she still considered it necessary to bar her husband from his -affectionate privilege? Feeling a sympathetic tremor in full assent with -my wishes, as she silently embraced me, I expressed, with endearments, -the hope that I had proved myself worthy of her love and confidence, -except from occasional displays of temper provoked by the influence that -had caused her estrangement. An answering sob, with its regretful -pressure, confirming the favorable advantage of the moment, I questioned -whether her unbiased perception had ever discovered in me a willful -deficiency, or one of indifference, that I could correct for enhancing -her present happiness, or advancing her preparation for a future state. -If I had been so unfortunate or neglectful in my intention, with her -affectionate reciprocation, I would make it my constant text for -amendment. In vain she tried to give expression in words to the welling -revival of loving emotions, but, although in voiceful effort she failed, -her lips with truthful impression absolved me. Blinded with repentant -tears she indicated her desire to be left alone; obedient to the -unexpressed wish I left her. - -Lovieta and Lavoca, who had witnessed the scene of happy reconciliation, -sat with arms entwined about each other’s necks, mingling their tears in -grateful sympathy, otherwise holding themselves aloof with wonderful -discretion, as if with the understanding that their participation would -divert the full measure of love’s revived reciprocation. But as the door -closed upon their mother, I felt their hands caressingly raise mine to -their lips, while in relieved vent of consolation and childish -dislike, they exclaimed in sobbing accents, first Lovieta, -“The—the—ugly—o—old zopilote!” [carrion vulture] to which Lavoca -appended, “Who—who—comes—to—to—our—house,—when—he—he—knows—we—we—ain’t -dead.” - -Upon you, my dear Don Guillermo, rests this irreverent title, and -knowledge of vocation in application, and as you see the retentive -rendering my children have made of it, I hope that you will not sin away -the day of grace offered for repentance! If you, a stranger, found -yourself unable to resist the pleadings of their affectionate natures, -you can judge of a fond father’s partiality, and will excuse his -frequent introduction of their quaint comparisons, especially as they -are largely indebted to you for their capital ideas? They have proved -the choicest of our blessings, and in love’s arbitrations have ever been -the pure mediums of affectionate reunion. After a sufficient season had -been allowed from my anxious desire, the children were sent to add their -weight to the favoring balance of their mother’s affection. Quickly -returning, with guarded steps prompted for affectionate surprise, they -approached silently,—as I sat with bowed head, hopefully musing, with -the desire that Consolata might be changed into unwavering semblance of -your Heraclean matrons,—and the velvety wreath of their arms again -encircled my neck, while Lovieta and Lavoca’s Manatitlan voices -whispered, in joyous emulation, “Go to mamma!” Dear Don Guillermo, you -will rejoice to know that she met me at the door with a fond embrace, -and the sobbing supplication, “Pedro, can you forgive me? If you can, -and will let me love you again, your desires shall ever be mine!” The -coveted appeal required no repetition, for there was in her words an -expression of anguished regret, that surprised conviction with the -assurance of our mutual amendment. You will, I am sure, forgive me for -obtruding my uxorious prolixity, in giving vent to the expression of our -united happiness, a boon long coveted without the hopeful expectation of -realization. Consolata (I trust that I shall never again have occasion -to revive the old name of Malaspina, as a household term of endearment -addressed to my wife, once so painfully familiar to your ears), rejoices -that your forced adventure has terminated so happily, for she insists -that her willful vagaries caused you to accept Captain Greenwood’s -invitation. In delegating our representative pen to ask your forgiveness -for the discomfort she caused, she promises an amendment that shall be -addressed in requital to the comfort of others. Should you return, you -will be surprised with the change wrought in the appearance of our -household, even with the advantage this will afford you for -anticipation. Could you but note the placid enjoyment of Lovieta and -Lavoca, imparted from the blending and calm repose of parental example, -your present joys would be greatly enhanced. Even Teudschen, in the -wondering admiration of her phlegmatic stolidity, clasps her hands with -surprised inertia, while subject to the active direction of Consolata in -the busy avocations that ever delight the tidy housekeeper. In truth, -there is a strange mystery, which puzzles us in accounting for her -inventive resources, and their apt adaptability for the conservation of -purity and comfort. In the style of her own and childrens’ dresses, -which in apparent devisement originated within herself, we discover -prompted aid, as well as in the selection and preparation of material. -But for comfort, cleanliness, and beauty of adaptation, they are a -constant source of congratulatory admiration, although _outrê_ in regard -to the prevailing fashions; but as they bear a strong resemblance to the -Heraclean costumes, description would prove gratuitous. If this great -change in Consolata has been wrought through the reproving self -conviction of the unlovely contrast she presented to the description you -gave of Correliana Adinope, I can almost feel grateful that her ill -temper, under the sway of her confessor, was carried to the extremity of -forcing upon itself a remedy that has proved so salutary in effect; and -the fear of a relapse, which was at first entertained, is gradually -passing away. M. Baudois, without hesitation, suggests Manatitlan -influence. If it is possible that they have vouchsafed us direction, as -guides and instructors in our extremity, they are certainly aware of our -grateful emotions. Impressed with this belief, without fully -understanding the process by which auramental thought-substitution is -effected, Lovieta and Lavoca, when subject to transient scintillations -of temper, will firmly close their mouths to guard against the utterance -of words prompted by anger. The change in M. Baudois presents many -features equally remarkable with those of Consolata. You will recollect -that he excelled as a pianist, but of that class whose talent resides in -the mechanical use of the fingers and eyes in execution; now he holds -you enrapt with the pathos of harmonized sympathy. He often exclaims -that his seemingly impromptu compositions are a marvel to himself. Has -it not amazed you greatly, from the ready realization of immortal -impressions through the avenue of unselfish goodness, that humanity has -continued heedless through the lapse of so many ages, blinded with will -o’wisp infatuations? Although still full to overflowing with grateful -reciprocations of happy experience, we will forego their written -expression for the present, to give place for the description of our -discoveries of relict mementoes brought by the ocean currents and wind -wafts from the Eastern continent, decades of centuries ago. They will -certainly afford Mr. Dow material aid upon which to found his -conjectural history. - -While dredging the Laguna Fecal in the year 1852, for ammoniacal guano -in its crystalized and mixed combinations, the sieve grapnel brought to -the surface several pieces of fashioned wood of remarkable appearance. -From their shape and peculiar method of union, the curiosity of the -laborers became excited; and as my devotion to antiquarian research was -known to the Padrone, a message was sent to me expressing the desire -that I would attend personally and direct the labors of the workmen in -accordance with my judgment. Before my arrival, an anchor of hard copper -alloy was raised. After carefully removing the ammoniacal incrustations, -a clear impress of its form was found stamped on the shank beneath the -ring. This indenture was the maritime seal of the early Phœnician -cities. Knowing the high scientific value that I placed upon the relict -vestiges of past ages, the Padrone and workmen voluntarily surrendered -all that had been recovered. - -After carefully sounding to obtain a knowledge of the imbedded extent of -the detached portions, and to learn the dimensions of the vessel, if its -planks and timbers were yet retained in position by their fastenings, it -was inclosed in a coffer-dam, and the retained guanic admixture with -water was pumped out for evaporation. When cleared, the trove, with the -aid of dredge and shovels, was in a few days fully exposed to view. As -we had anticipated, the prize proved to be the remains of an ancient -galley. Calculating from the keel, which remained nearly entire, the -extreme length from its heel to the stem of the prow must have exceeded, -free from overworks, seventy feet. The keel was stepped for prow, main, -and stern masts. The former and latter were respectively placed within a -few feet of the extreme ends of the keelson, or its semblance, which -strengthened the true step in the keel. The septum support of the main- -mast united the after and forward decks, separating the banks of -oarsmen, with ample space between for passage fore and aft. Beneath the -lower bank-pits a portion of the deck remained, showing the foot-wear of -the rowers in their forward and backward steps of reach. The hold -beneath was of sufficient capacity for the storage of provisions for a -long voyage. The run-planking on the starboard side was sufficiently -well preserved to show the columbares for a single bank of eight oars, -as well as those in the stern designed for the rudder blades. The fact -of there being only a single bank of oars in the true planking, afforded -presumptive evidence of commercial intention, as in a vessel so large -their propelling power would have proved insufficient for ordinary -progression, but as adjuvantic aids to the sails, in light winds, they -would prove valuable. The seams between the planks still retained the -papyrus with which they had been caulked; this had been introduced with -pitch or melted resin; the combined effects of age and ammonia had -changed the paying substance, so that in appearance it resembled amber. -The remains of the galley presented for the study of the antiquarian a -double interest, historical and mechanical, the latter, with its -material indications of skill in art adaptation, affording a clue to the -periodic stages of progression as the head and hand mark of coeval -intelligence. The wood used in its construction was the red, aromatic -cedar of Lebanon, which gave indications of large growth, many of the -planks reaching the entire length of the hull, perhaps determining at -the time the size of the vessel. During the early ascendancy of Roman -rule, the Appenine pine, or fir, was brought into requisition for ship -building; but the cedar of Lebanon still retained its reputation founded -upon intrinsic value, as it exceeded all other woods in elastic -toughness, lightness, durability, and unattractive freedom from -parasitic accumulations peculiar to the Mediterranean and ocean. The -rostrum or beak had been detached from the prow and set upon an altar -aft, among other memorial lares. In form it blended the graceful curve -of the swan’s neck with the repulsive rugæ of the serpent’s expansive -skin, characteristically sustained with the mythical “figure-head” of a -dragon. In addition to the holes mortised in the true keel for the -reception of the ribs, they were secured in place and rendered steadfast -by a clamp attachment to an overlaying substitute for the modern -keelson, to which they were firmly bolted, with a workmanlike precision -that had defied the lapse of time, and decomposing agency of salts and -exposure, a chance portion only of the metal being exposed. But to the -lost art of hardening copper with a non-erosive alloy, its preservation -was chiefly to be attributed. The larboard portion of the prow’s -planking still retained the eye, consecrated as the watchful guardian of -course and detector of danger. - -When the hull was raised from its long repose in the bed of the lagoon, -which had formerly been an inlet of the La Plata, and thoroughly dried, -it was restored, in a measure, to its former lightness, from which it -was easy to conceive its swift progress over the waters when impelled by -oars or a favoring gale, as it but slightly taxed the strength of twenty -men to bear it upon their shoulders to its present resting place, in the -outer patio of my museum built for its reception. - -Your description of the Kyronese lineaments favors a descent from the -primal union of the Phœnician with the North African races. I have -relics exhumed remote from the shores of the La Plata, of undoubted -Morisco fabrication, some of which bear a date corresponding with the -second century of our era. From these material evidences, we have -conclusive proof that the currents evoked from the disgorgements of the -Mediterranean’s tidal surplus, through the Strait of Gibraltar, and the -large river-drains of South America, by the La Plata estuary, in monsoon -reciprocation, have proved the accidental highway of tempest-sped -vessels, from the period when they were first built with a carrying -capacity sufficient for the transportation of merchandise, and the free -navigation of the inland seas with sails. The diversity of color, facial -contour, and structural art of fabrication, plainly bespeak an -intermixture of European, Asiatic, and African races with the aborigines -of America. That the supply was accidental, and limited to the -recurrence of causes happening after the lapse of long intervals, is -apparent from the numerous depopulated cities, whose inhabitants, like -those of old Heraclea, presumed upon their ritual intelligence to -enslave the natives and barbarously treat them, until the arrogance of -folly and over-indulgence opened a way for retributive judgment in total -annihilation. Hence the mottled appearance of the natives in the -neighborhood of the ruined cities of Mexico and Yucatan, derived from a -relapse after a sparse inoculation of the lighter shades of color. The -same effects are apparent in all the coast eddies confluent with the -inter-oceanic currents from the disemboguement of large rivers, as in -the fruitful valleys of their interior tributaries, ruins indicating -exotic races are generally found. - -As all these conjectural evolutions of deductive thought, relative to -the transition events of the past, are unprofitable, in comparison with -the cultivation of the conscious elements of goodness, for the -prospective happiness of future generations, through the avenue of -educated self-legislation, you must excuse the little attention that I -have devoted to research for the elucidation of Heraclean derivation. - -Our desire to see you, under the impressions imparted from Heraclean -example, has increased with our happiness, until it has become almost -irresistible. Strange as it may appear to you, Consolata consulted me -this morning upon the feasibility of making a trip to Heraclea. The idea -was an infinite source of pleasure to us all, M. Baudois alone -expressing regretful sorrow that there was a prejudiced obstacle in the -way over which he held doubtful control, and until he had reduced it to -kindly subjugation he would not adventure himself as the possible cause -of a lack of freedom to the genial flow of sincerity. The nature of this -“lion,” still at large, barring his way to Heraclean enjoyment, we can -surmise, but we think from the present cordial relations existing -between him and Teudschen that it would prove a whimsical prejudice -rather than a reality. Lovieta and Lavoca have set their little heads -together in council, with our consent and approval, to solicit your aid -and intercession for their admission into the Heraclean school. -Notwithstanding our children are to us the solacing light and warmth of -affection in personification, we wish to advance their happiness, for -transmission, upon a sure basis, even if we shall be obliged to defer -our own visit for a season; for we have full faith in their increasing -love, and shall find ample consolation for our temporary bereavement in -the prospect of a joyful reunion. In the meantime,—if our petition -should prove agreeable to the prætor and tribunes,—while waiting for -Captain Greenwood, the children specially desire that you will extend to -the Manatitlan volantaphs an invitation for them to make our house their -abiding place whenever they visit Buenos Ayres. M. Baudois is now -engaged in devising means for their accommodation on our roof, having -already completed the architectural designs for the falcon mews, and -colemena for the phaeton bees. As yet his invention halts in calculating -the furnishing requirements suited in capacity for the size of our -anticipated guests. Lovieta and Lavoca jointly solicit one or more of -the Manatitlan donecellita giantescoes to act as auramental governantes -in preparation for their entrance into the Heraclean school, if the -Dosch approves and will favor them with a suspension of their school -regulations. “If the request is granted, they promise to attend -personally to their comfort, and will try to prove obedient to their -direction in everything.” Consolata hopes that your present powers of -self-control will enable you to banish from your memory the remembrance -of her unworthiness, promising, with the opportunity, to give full -expression to the sincerity of her supplication with practical evidences -of her amendment. Our endeavors to impress “our little folks” with the -relative size of the Manatitlan giantescoes, mediums, and tits, has been -but partially successful, from our own deficiency of subject -comprehension. At present they seize upon representative minutiæ, in -suggestive similitude, for mental comparison. For the material -illustration of head capacity, pins of different sizes have been brought -into requisition, and for the eyes those of needles; still there is a -lingering vagueness in all of our conceptions of Manatitlan proportions -in bodily endowment. - -If consistent with Manatitlan propriety, in the economy of time, it -would afford us great satisfaction if they would permit us to entertain -a sufficient number of their people to keep us well directed, for we -have become vividly conscious of our instinctive frailties. In -anticipation of a favorable answer to our joint requests I have had a -flag-staff raised upon our roof surmounted with the letters P. G. In -closing we wish to inquire if, as with us, in our household association, -you, in your intercourse with the Heracleans are disinclined to speak -unless you have something useful, solacing, or mirthful to say? We have -certainly grown chary in speech, but with a flowing increase in the -current of loving communication, with the prospect of reducing language -to a nearer approximation to the truthful intention of its manifest -devisement. With gratitude for the inexpressible happiness you have been -the means of conferring, we shall ever esteem it a favor if you will -permit us to supply your material wants, foreign to the resources of -Heraclea. - - PEDRO GARCIA, - _for household adherents_. - -P. S. Will it surprise you to learn that Pedro Garcia, whose vanity -delighted in being esteemed learned in past usages under the patronizing -titles conferred by the garnered wisdom of colleges and societies, and -M. Baudois, the corresponding savan of the French Academy, have -consigned to the elementary combustion of fire all their theoretical -works? On the 27th prox. the uniformly bound works of my library, -expatiating upon the theory and practice of theology, medicine, and law, -in company with those of M. Baudois treating on glacial and other -theories of the earth’s transitions and destiny, were carted to my -quinta and consigned to the flames. P. G. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - -After the letters of M. Baudois and Don Pedro had been read aloud to the -Prætor’s family, the Dosch remarked that the Animalculan Mouthpats -furnished confirmatory evidence of the provincialism of the Asiatic -Heraclean emigrants, as they were undoubtedly parasitic companions of -the involuntary voyage across the ocean. Their Scythio-Celtic jargonic -idiom corresponds with the Latins’ incursive invasions into the Klappish -and Celtic territories, while in habits and customs they show the marked -impression of instinctive traits peculiar to the old Heracleans in their -irruptive stages of progression. With the classical tendency of history -to transmit evil, the Mouthpats have retained the traditional -impressions of their ancestors’ instinctive association with the Gigas, -in addition to those derived from direct inheritance in kind. - -In compliance with Don Pedro’s request for Manatitlan aid and -protection, the Dosch announced his intention of sending two giantescoes -to act as auramental governantes for Lovieta and Lavoca, preparatory to -their entrance into the Heraclean school, which were to be selected from -the reserve maiden fund for the relief of widowers. In answer to Mr. -Welson’s inquiry with regard to their age, the Dosch assured him that -there was no need of anxiety on that score, for the funded maidens were -not of the soured acrimonious kind represented as “old maids” by Giga -bruits, whose passionate instincts of affection had been denied -marriageable reciprocation, but of matured kindly dispositions to whom -the controlling influence of animal passion was unknown. “Yet,” he -continued, “they possess the common inheritance of womankind, which -delights in making the tongue vocalize thoughtful inspirations of -affection; but with our Manatitlan matrons and maidens its use for -detraction is also unknown.” - -Correliana’s usually quiet composure had shown evidences of happy -transition to fluttering excitement, after an interview with the padre, -which was heightened when the Dosch, after the preliminaries for -Manatitlan correspondence with the family of Don Pedro had been -arranged, asked her to show the material cause of her gratefully glad -perturbation. Upon this hint she produced from her bosom the -photographic likeness of Captain Greenwood. This he had presented to her -on board of the _Tortuga_; but while engaged in packing, the day before -their departure for Heraclea, it had mysteriously disappeared, and after -thorough search it was supposed to be irretrievably lost. The wind was -charged with its abstraction, and the waters of the river as its -receiver, but Correliana was confident in the belief of their innocence -from the absence of the first party, as the day was perfectly calm, and -she recollected of placing it beneath a book when the Captain required -the aid of her hands. The book, unfortunately, was the “Art of -Confession Made Easy,” by Fray Manuel de Jaen; and belonged to Padre -Simon, who in one of his “fits” of abstraction recovered it, and used -the photograph as a mark, unobserved by Correliana; and as it contained -his polemical stock of knowledge for quotation, he was guarded in -withholding it from others, and immediately placed it in the transom -locker of his stateroom, where it remained lost to his own memory until -found by Antonio on the boat’s passage down the river. As the loss of -the photograph had been the cause of continued anxiety to all, from the -inconsolable regrets of the loser, the Captain determined to summons the -padre to appear with the couriers at Amelcoy, to bear the treasure back -to its owner, in penance for the sorrow he had caused by his -heedlessness. Correliana’s conscious blush of happiness, as the -semblance of her chosen was passed in review, imparted its impression to -the invisible as well as the visible, for the Doschavita with her -coterie of companions were anxious to judge of the selection made by -their favorite. - -The Dosch remarked that the odd fancy of the premeditated surroundings, -was in kind characteristic of the jumble of gold, charity, and redeeming -grace, as the barter conditions of salvation in the Giga mythology. -Professional craftsmen, and mechanical members of societies and orders, -parade their badges and insignia as the vain-glorious emblems of -exclusive selfishness, while they preach a universal heaven free to all -without distinction of persons. Your democratic orators, styled the -“heaven born,” assume attitudes for portraiture suited to their special -assumptions of vanity for self-inflation; but with the evident fear that -the beholder’s perception will fail to engross the reflection of their -eloquent ability, they hold in their hands appropriately labeled books -or manuscripts. The doctor’s idiosyncratic pose is defiant, as if he -recognized death in a successful rival. With his nose scornfully -upturned he consults vacancy with his eyes, in search of prognostic -symptoms for diagnostic antagonism; his left hand advanced, is raised -aloft inclosing a vial wand labeled Nostratic Viaticum, while his right -with feeling expression triumphantly grasps the skull of a patient who -had tested the value of his prescriptive vise. The lawyer, brigand, and -priest, assume attitudes as characteristically expressive of -professional vanity. The vanity of the fashionable “lady,” with the -mythological signification of intention, adverse to her impressions, -rests with her hand, in studied negligence, placed upon a volume of -popular sermons, allowing the gilt label, “Christian Virtues,” to appear -with an array of ringed jewels upon her fingers. - -Captain Greenwood in keeping with the advertising disposition of selfish -vanity, in emblematic signification of vocation, but with a humorous -variation, has perched himself upon a pile of bagged paddy (the Siamese -apply the term paddy to everything unclean), while a companion with the -evident design of expressing the gambling tendency of speculation, is -engaged in dealing “hands” from a pack of cards. In the background of -the photograph the religious view exposes a pagoda and mill for cleaning -paddy. The face of the captain expresses an impression of saturnine and -cynical appreciation of the rare combinations entering into the tout -ensemble of the picture. His dress, of Siamese fashion, is also in -alliance with the counterparts of the scene, and his cognomic -designation of Truly Rural Greenwood. The portrait reveals, with all its -incongruous constituents, the “sterling” qualities concealed beneath the -acrid asperities of the outer husk. These were discovered by our waiftly -Heraclean cousin; and her amused study of his germ, divested of the -rough externals imposed by customary habits, attracted his attention to -the cause, which led him to intrust the Kyronese to the care and -direction of Mr. Dow, and the vessel to his subordinates, while he -devoted himself to the removal of his civilized artificials, for the -weft of his thoughts with the proffer of her own. His quick appreciation -of her artless worth and purity directed his thoughts to self -investigation, with a perceptible improvement in all that pertained to -the ruling power of her influence. Notwithstanding the growing strength -of the attraction was open for the observance of all, not a word of -surprise was uttered, or a quizzical manifestation of instinct to -insinuate motives other than those of the purest nature expressed in an -alliance of the sexes. Even the “hands” and sailors’ tongues found no -prompting encouragement for gossip, each rendering homage to her power -with imposed reverence suited to their capabilities of perception, while -in evidence of the controlling influence of her example, there was a -marked change in their habits in all the essentials of purity. - -Correliana submitted to the retrospective review of the Dosch, as a -matter of fact relation, in freedom from other emotions than those of -joyful gladness for the recovery of her treasure, and the appreciation -bestowed by the Manatitlan matrons upon the wisdom of her choice. Then -Mr. Dow smilingly offered the Dosch and Doschessa the privilege of -reading the letter of his wife and children; but as it was one of -reproof we will simply state, that in writing home he had been so much -absorbed in the prospective grandeur of his elevation as the precentor -of the discovery, that the remarkable traits of the Heracleans and -Manatitlans had scarcely been noticed, but in a sufficient degree for -the excitement of intense curiosity. This unpardonable oversight had -caused, in the place of congratulations, a letter filled to overflowing -with catechistic questions relating to the habits and customs of the -Animalculans, to the entire exclusion of a remark touching his agency in -the discovery, inasmuch as it would contribute to his personal fame. The -reflex action of Mr. Dow’s omission greatly amused the Dosch and his -wife. After the mirth had subsided, occasioned by the reading of Mr. -Dow’s family letter, which left him as void of home information as he -had left them in his letter communication with regard to the habits and -customs of the Manatitlans, M. Hollydorf proposed to read aloud the -reply of the R. H. B. Society to his letter. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - - BERLIN, _September 3d, 187-._ - -TO M. HOLLYDORF, _Director of the Animalculan Corps of the R. H. B. -Society, at present conducting their explorations in the newly -discovered city of Heraclea Doweri, in the country of the wild hordes in -the Andean region of La Plata._—Greeting, in behalf of our patrons and -members of the Society, with personal congratulations! Wonder and -surprised amazement are terms of too weak invention to express the -emotional excitement caused by your letter of discovery, which reached -us with unaccountable despatch. The introduction,—although conducted -with consummate skill, that our credulity might not be overstrained by -the relation of concurring events in a manner too abrupt,—was of a -character so startling that our mouths unconsciously retained the smoke -of our pipes, to be emitted in the full volume of accumulation with an -involumed sigh of relief, when impressed with the conviction of your -sanity. It appears from your relation, that your progress was attended -by concurrent events of the most surprising description, which by a -conjunction of circumstances, when subject to opposition, were readily -overcome, with an effect that tended to the final development of the -Animalculan race of humanity. The train with the slightest descriptive -discrepancy would have consigned your letter to the basket as a maniacal -production. As it was, with the first announcement, all eyes became -fixed upon the reader in mute astonishment, too deeply impressed for -skeptical thought, or incredulous comparison; the valves of respiratory -emotion continued closed to voluntary exercise, with singular endurance, -until the last sentence of your letter opened their vent with a -prolonged whe-w accompanied with a volume of condensed smoke -commensurate with the capacity of each member for marvelous inflation. -Before proceeding to the theoretical discussion, and precedental -comparison of your revelations with those of past ages, the members -indulged in a variety of extra-scientific ejaculations decidedly foreign -to your Manatitlan code of educational ethics. - -In discursive consultation after the members had become sufficiently -restored for the exercise of their wonted mental equilibrium, by -potations obnoxious to the cultivated habits of your exemplars, the -discovery was subjected to an analytico-cosmogenerical evolution of -ideas. During the discussion a variety of theories were advanced by the -prominent members, embracing involution and evolution, to account for -the infinitesimal size of the Animalculan race of humanity, and causes -of reduction. Some advocated psychological condensation of the souls of -our race after death, the degrees of perfection being indicated by the -gradations of size distinguishing the castes of giantesco, medium, and -tit. Others that they were the concentrated essences of our human -vitality in happy translation exonerated from the corruptions of organic -support. But a majority were inclined to subject you and your associates -to a thorough test upon the score of optical illusion; a few, however, -contended that you were subject to necromantic agency. In fact, your -mental and physical condition was analyzed with the nicest tests of -scrutiny that could be brought to bear from the manifestations developed -in the composition of your letter. From the extremes of experience, and -extensive resources of the members for tracing the influences of -climate, with the moral effect of the eventful transitions through which -you passed, they soon arrived at the definite conclusion that your -discoveries were legitimately compatible with a sound mind, -notwithstanding the precedental lack of parallel examples for -comparison. But before final adoption, the effects likely to be wrought -in mental, moral, and theological philosophy were elaborately discussed. -But from a lack of data to establish the fact of their complete and -separate existence as a race, or whether they are representative soul -iotas of our own race undergoing the process of refinement, the question -was held in suspension for the bias of well attested information. The -discovery, however, was unanimously indorsed as an unprecedented matter -of fact, tangible to your own and the initiated senses of your -associates, and in no way improbable, although reduced to the extreme -limits of believing divisibility. - -From the insatiable desire of your personal friends, and the few court -magnates admitted to the secret, to see and read your letter, in proof -of the reality of the discovery, it has become extremely dilapidated; -besides, the encroachments of memento clippings have in some parts -reached the text. From the almost realized probability of its becoming -illegible it is the general wish of the members, expressed in a series -of resolutions, that you should retain the duplicate to be filed in the -recorded transactions of the Society on your return. Of this you may be -sure, from the reverence bestowed upon the one received, in after years -it will be esteemed as a relic of attraction sufficient for the -liquidation of any emergency to which the Society may become subject -from revolution or invasion. By the adoption of this advisable -precaution the discovery will be preserved for the perpetual honor and -benefit of the Society, as an index of its preëminent claims above those -of rival societies and associations in foreign countries. We shall not -for the future presume to offer you advice for the direction of your -investigations, but in your next communication the Society would be -pleased to learn from the Manatitlan naturalists the number and species -of the Giga animals that are at present represented in Animalculan life. -If your researches have developed other racial peculiarities in the -interim they will serve as a digestive stimulant to the doubtful. - -The society has elected, by a unanimous vote, Mr. Welson, Mr. Dow, and -Captain Greenwood, corresponding members, and the Padre Simon, Jack, and -Bill (you neglected to write the names of the last mentioned in full), -honorary fellows. This is a step toward liberalism quite unprecedented -in the annals of the Society. Their election, however, was held as a -politic necessity to prevent them from advancing claims of priority -under the patronage of foreign societies, as Prussia now intends to -maintain her position as a—if not the—leading nation of Europe, which -the reputation of her Krupp’s cannon have gained. I am recommended to -hint the necessity of precaution in keeping watch over their movements, -lest by surreptitious publication of the discovery, the honors of the -Society dependent upon priority might be imperiled. Your personal -friends send three household tympano-microscopes, suited for dining-room -entertainment and post-prandial speeches. Herr Dollynitzen, the eminent -toy architect, to whom the discovery was communicated as a state secret, -has exercised his utmost skill in the erection and adornment of the -palaces intended for the Manatitlan Dosch and his advisors; also in the -arrangement of the Court suites for the production of magnificent -effects. The appointments of the lesser buildings and accommodations for -attache’s attendants, are in admirable keeping with the grandeur of the -design. The buildings are supplied with all the modern improvements and -appliances for the distribution of gas and water, for illumination and -lavatory purposes. The brewery, stables, and distillery, are without the -chief inclosure in the rear. The punch bowls, bier glasses, and state -table service of plate, if found too cumbersome for use, will serve as -monuments for the memorial attestation of our artistic skill. In fact, -you will be surprised with the skill exhibited in the accomplishment of -the undertaking, in all that appertains to durability and finished -taste, when you consider the short space of time allowed for its -completion. Imperial majesty, and the prince of diplomats, have promised -to find time to offer you their autographical greetings for the honors -you have conferred upon the crown by your important discoveries, which -will be sanctioned in acceptance with the double approval of our august -bird of prey, as token of recognized merit. - - Yours truly, - Per order of the R. H. B. Society, - BUGWITZS, _Sec_. - -N. B. (Entre nous.) If you can send us (liberals) a codified formula of -the Manatitlan system of education (under cover to me), it might be used -as a reformatory basis for a revolutionary movement to effect the rescue -of governmental power from the arbitrary sway of the legitimate few. -Anything new, with the reputation of an experienced trial of six or -seven thousand years, would serve as a subject for public speaking and -talk; for as the Manatitlans say, the liberal and radical democracy of -our race are attracted by the sonorous bellowings of the physically -strong lunged leaders of herd, and amused in dalliance with the softly -toned melody of the lowing kine. B. - - * * * * * - -M. Hollydorf, after reading the secretary’s letter, would have -suppressed the autographic missive; but the Dosch called his attention -to it,—laughingly adding, that he had been advised of the contents by a -third party, who was present during the process of dictation. Observing -the flush that mounted to M. Hollydorf’s face, he said, “I perceive that -our system of espionage is not fully sanctioned by your thoughts. But as -our object is devoid of instinctive curiosity and malice, and solely -devoted to the emancipation of your race from the impositions of -selfishness, you will upon mature consideration approve of our course. -We are fully aware of the difficulty you experience in divesting -yourselves of the reverential awe inspired by the sounding appellations -of king, emperor, prince, and other titles bestowed for self-gratulation -in the flights of vanity. But if you will analyze the charter privileges -conferred with these vapory titles, you will find that patents of -nobility are the real talons of your standard emblem of nationality, -which allows the grantee to become a participator with the imperial or -kingly beak, in rending the spoils of oppression. In truth, the whole -structure of your mythological and classical literature, upon which the -anointed supremacy of kingly and noble power rests, is as vague and -shadowy in its reflection, as a source of awe, as the sun photograph of -an ass’s ears upon the ground for the intimidation of their owner. - -“The privileged follies of the upper ranks, rather than their wisdom, -is, from the contrasted meanness of self, the instinctive cause of -reverential fear with the poverty stricken. The man who will accept the -direction of others, when obliged to dissemble his own follies, not only -contravenes the manifest indications of Creative intention, but demeans -the natural honesty of his instinct below brute capacity. It is also -equally evident that a man who will not deal honestly with himself, is -not only unworthy, but will betray the trust reposed in him by others, -and as an apostate to his human privilege demeans his instinct as far -below the reach of the lower orders as his capabilities are above. With -this class, who ape the privilege of ruling others when lacking the will -for self-control, our espionage is no treason, but the study of -instinct, devoted to selfish gratification, in search of means for -emancipation. The craft of the diplomat, whose foxy instinct endeavors -to fix the incentive stigma of a causeless war upon neighboring nations, -as the precursor of slaughtered millions, for the absorption of coveted -territory, should prove a source of reprobation, rather than praise, to -the peaceful perceptions of instinct.” - -In illustration of the covetous nature of the letter, which from the -patriotic sympathy of shame you would withhold, we will state from the -basis of auramental experience, that the victory of Germany over her -Gallic neighbor, who lacked the leading energies of a man capable of -controlling with inspired confidence her armies, will prove far worse -than a defeat for the continued prosperity of the country. This is -especially evident to our perceptions, as it has stimulated the policy -of preparing the means while lying in wait for a pretext to absorb the -coveted northern seaboard, under the present national control of -Belgium, Holland, Denmark, and Russia. Flattered by the prestige she has -gained from consolidation, she forgets that her Gallic achievement was -solely dependent upon fortuitous circumstances. With a mind capable of -commanding unity of action, France would prove more than her equal in -the battle field, of which the elder Bonaparte gave evidence in -controlling the powers of Europe. You will perceive by the tendency of -this prelude that we are fully prepared for the propositions contained -in your autographic letter, which will of itself attest to our -protective right of espionage, and will render it:— - - KAISERLANT, _Aug._, 187-. - -MY DEAR HOLLYDORF, you will be pleased to hear that we hold the French -disposition still handsomely in check, by fomentations skillfully -applied by our prince of diplomats. But his mind is too expansive for -the frivolity of cultivating the natural mushroom tendency of the Celt -for intestine irruption. More anon! we have a conception in the womb of -the future! Your discovery is truly astonishing! Many of the scientific -scarcely credit it! Why not? It’s easy to believe if you only think so. -A glance at Alsace and Lorraine for instance. Will the Manatitlans -acknowledge fealty to Prussia in recognition of our rights of priority? -Push the Dosch gently on the subject. It will be of advantage to the -Dosch to subscribe for our protection, as we shall soon assume the -leading role of Europe, which England can’t gainsay. You are authorized -to act as our vice-imperator for the execution of a protectorate -annexation. In case of obduracy how large a force of our veterans would -you require for their subjugation? Answer in your next. The prince -advises expectant treatment, with such placebos as your better knowledge -of the characteristics of their blind side may suggest. As the -giantescoes could be made especially useful in diplomacy and warlike -operations, which with our progressive enterprise may soon occur, the -enlistment of two or more corps would enable us to anticipate the moves -of the enemy. The prince thinks it advisable to enlist a corps that -understands the French language, as we are obliged to keep a sharp eye -in that direction. We have also thought it advisable to keep the -discovery a secret among ourselves for the present. Ask the Dosch if he -can approximate in calculation the number of our animalculan subjects in -Prussia, and learn where their chief cities are located! Would it not be -well to have an animalculan survey of the empire, under Manatitlan -engineers, for its topographical division into departments? You have, by -the advice of the prince, been enrolled as a candidate for the honors of -knighthood, and will hereafter be designated as the Count Palatine of -Heraclea, and Viceroy of Manatitla. The king herald of the royal -commandery only awaits the transmission of their national escutcheons -for incorporation with the Prussian, and quarterings of your family, -before the announcement of your full investment and title will be -proclaimed. The prince of diplomats advises gentle dissimulation in the -inceptive stages of your negotiations with the Manatitlans; and in the -second insinuations with non-committal or evasive attachments; and -boldness when fully prepared to offer your ultimatum. This plan worked -admirably with the French, who are probably far more accomplished in the -diplomatic art than the Manatitlans. If you had experienced the -advantages of a married life, you could better appreciate the benefits -of the preparatory stages proposed, from their successful adaptability -for the quiet management of domestic affairs. We shall anticipate with -increased interest the arrival of your next letters. Please present the -Kaiser pipe to Dr. Baāhar with its accompanying sack of Latakia and -Shiraz ammunition, as its smoke will aid him in resurrecting many -interesting items from the ruins of old Heraclea. The gift you can -render more acceptable by an appropriate presentation speech, at the -close of a public banquet given at our expense. If you think it will -enhance the acceptability of the gift, you can allude to its dedication -by my own and the lips of the prince, which will be sure to impart to -him a politic shrewdness that will outwit the Jesuits. - - YOUR KAISER. - -M. Hollydorf acknowledged with a flush of shame the correctness of the -Dosch’s verbatim rendering of the Kaiser letter. But the Dosch rallied -him with the assurance that the effort was above the general average of -the kind, and really acceptable as an aid in demonstrating the -indifference of potentates for the real welfare of their subjects. “If,” -he urged, “Newton, Humboldt, Arago, and other scientific celebrities, -had occupied but half of the time in study for the practical relief of -their race from the potential rule of selfishness, that they devoted to -theories strained from debris gleanings of earth’s attritions, from -counter elementary action, they would have secured in grateful -reciprocation an ever enduring immortality, that would have lived with -the endowment of their living impression, in the current of affection, -to the garnered end of the allotted term of mortal representation. -Instead of using their gigantic endowments for the development of man’s -knowledge of himself, in privileged relation to creative design, for the -fulfillment of indications vouchsafed for his affectionate direction, -they endeavored to illuminate the precedental path of irrational -delusions, and left their immense labors, under the seal of acknowledged -greatness, as barren of sympathy for immortal direction, as the sands of -Sahara are for the support of the Arab wanderer. We do not disclaim the -collateral benefits to be derived from the cultivation of practical -“science,” but to devote one’s energies to exhuming relics, tracing -glacial tracks, chasing butterflies and other insects, for capture, -without other motive than for classification and the gratification of -curiosity, is as void of beneficial result as the youthful Gigas’ -antiquarian search for postage stamps. The obstinate perseverance of the -Scotch Animalculans in imitating the fanatical absurdities of their Giga -exemplars, has become proverbial with our Manatitlan colonists, who -render it “scratching for miracles to cure evils of easy prevention.” A -reputation founded solely upon entomological pursuits will deservedly -prove as short lived, and lack-worthy of sympathy, as the ancient family -hunts of the Gaels, who left a breeding cause for wasted time spent in -the pursuit of their bodies’ parasitic foes, when with ease they could -have rid themselves of the pests, and added to their comfort by -cleanliness. In our aerial study of botanical adaptation, we have -observed the date palm, indigenous to the eastern shores of the -Mediterranean, growing at the mouths of all the large American rivers of -tropical latitudes, corresponding with the current streams of the ocean -setting from the Strait of Gibraltar. In Mexico and Yucatan, the date -palm grows as luxuriantly, and yields as abundantly in exotic -transplantation as under the favoring influences of native soil and -climate. Even in the latifundium with its exalted altitude, you will -observe that with cultivation it yields fruit of a quality far superior -to the Egyptian, and has in reality proved the bread of life to the -Heracleans. Now if the scientific of your race would but study these -vicarious indications of nature for transplanting increase, and -cultivate them in extension with intelligent zeal for affectionate -bestowal, war, and its indigent charity sequence of doles, would forever -pass away from the surplant of confiding love. But your race are now so -wedded to the fruits of precedentalism, that if you, on your return to -the haunts of civilization, should attempt to promulgate your present -happy thoughts, without forestalling them with the substantial relation -of your animalculan discovery of the Manatitlan race, your own relatives -would denounce you as lunatic Utopiasts.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - -As the four were returning from the auriculum to the quarters of the -corps, a week or more after the padre’s return, he overtook them and -listened to their conversation unperceived. As each entertained one or -two Manatitlan aura-lists in his ear, the conversation was strangely -diversified in irrelevancy, which would have caused a stranger to the -events transpiring, possessed with the least taint of superstition, to -have supposed them insane or bewitched. The padre listened with -wondering attraction to catch the drift of their mirthful sallies, -hoping to learn the cause, or obtain a clew to their mysterious -convocations. Their incoherent address of questions, which although -unanswered, appeared to provoke outbursts of merriment, in one, without -attracting the least notice from the others, caused him at first to -think it was the prelude to one of Mr. Welson’s practical essays of -humor designed to entrap him. But the earnest manner in which the -conversation was conducted, and the unmistakable evidences of genuine -mirth, put this conjecture to flight. His next suggestive impression was -ushered in with a shudder; could it be possible that they were subject -to a spell of enchantment, and that the seeming city of Heraclea was the -abode of enchanters, the spirits of darkness against which the fathers -had especially warned the heedless? This frightful ghost of a suspicion -received such evident confirmation that he immediately had recourse to -his rosary that had been bestowed by Fraile Gallagato, of Amelcoy, for -numbering exorcising prayers. The rattling of the beads, with the -muttering sound of his Ave Marias, attracted the attention of Mr. -Welson, as he turned aside to allow the others to enter the puerta in -advance, and he for the first time became aware of the padre’s presence. -The anxious dismay of the padre’s countenance revealed the source of his -emotions, prompting Mr. Welson to play upon his fears, but the Dosch -auramented the inquiry:— - -“Well padre, what is it that causes you to look so frightened?” - -_Padre._ “Wha-wha-what does it all mean, I should like to know? Are you -bewitched or leagued with the devil [crossing himself], or what are you -doing at any rate? I wish to goodness I had gone back to Montevideo!” - -_Mr. Welson._ “Are you not comfortable, padre? Just tell us what you -lack, and we will endeavor to supply your wants. The prætor has within -an hour made particular inquires for your welfare.” - -_Padre._ “It’s not that, I have everything my body requires,—but my -conscience,—my mind,—I declare upon the welfare of my soul, I can’t -endure the thoughts of subjecting myself any longer to the temptations -of the evil one.” - -_Mr. Welson._ “Why padre, there is nothing to my knowledge that should -alarm your conscience, or soul, for we are only holding intercourse with -human beings, and as you must feel from your own thoughts, we are -farther from evil than ever in our lives before. Ease your mind from -alarm, and suspicious fears, for in good and seasonable time everything -that now appears mysterious will be explained for your privileged -understanding. For your assurance and relief from imaginary fears, you -have only to turn your thoughts to your own improvement, both mental and -physical; which should convince you that from whatever source derived, -the influence is good. Do we not appear far more happy here, than on -board of the _Tortuga_? If you would but think, and give heed to the -promptings of your thoughts, you could not fail to realize that the -source of your happiness is derived from an example of purity and -goodness, and of necessity, in direct opposition to evil.” - -_Padre._ “But I have had warnings clear and distinct, as from the voice -of a spirit, in a still small voice, as if coming from afar. Then at -another time, I felt like one possessed with thoughts that were not his -own, and could not do as I had been taught, without self-reproof, and -was lead away from parental instruction, and my Christian education. In -fact, as it were, I have been prevented from keeping company with my own -conscience, and could not pray and do as I liked.” - -_Mr. Welson_ (losing his prompted direction). “But you did attempt to do -as you liked, when the viper offered visible objection to your taking -the dried tobacco leaves in the garden of the old mission of Amyntas, in -passing on your way to Amelcoy.” - -The padre’s consternation when exposed to the reared head of the -viper,—which had in fact darted from its coil upon a leaf beneath the -one the padre’s hand was approaching, and struck its fangs into the -loose sleeve of his coat,—was not greater than from this display of -“second sight,” on the part of Mr. Welson, which revealed a scene that -he felt confident was only known to himself and Fraile Gallagato, to -whom he confessed in Amelcoy. Staring upon Mr. Welson with eyes aghast, -he staggered backward with hands upraised, in repellant attitude, as if -deprecatingly warding off some dangerous influence that had possessed -itself of his personal embodiment. - -_Mr. Welson_ (laughing). “There now, you have tempted me to play with -your superstitions, or rather I have been tempted. Be content for the -present, and in time all will be revealed to you in freedom from -supernatural agency.” - -With this parting admonition Mr. Welson entered the house. The padre, -after he had sufficiently recovered the use of his faculties, uttered in -self-defense an abjuring protest of two Marias, kissing in addenda the -beads and cross with transubstantial desire for their seal of effectual -grace, then soliloquized: “They can’t convince me that they are not -leagued with the spirit of darkness; and if I live to see the morrow’s -sun I’ll shake the dust,—well, if they had any,—off the soles of my -feet, if I am obliged to traverse the paths of the wilderness that -separates me from civilization alone.” - -As if to put his intention into immediate execution he walked rapidly -down the avenue of the latifundium and out of the gate; but when -skirting the copse of the temple grove he met the Heraclean herdsmen and -their wives. Their jocund mirth, sportive with songs and gladness, -withdrew his thoughts from self by their grateful tokens of affection -bestowed in the full outflow of joyful greeting, which caused him to -forget his impressions of their enchantment from supernatural agency, -and he was soon engaged, with Manatitlan aid, in the laughing exchange -of Latin and English terms of idiomatic phrase. On his return to the -quarters of the corps suspicion had been banished from his memory; but -his doubts and fears were again revived, when on entering the dining- -room he encountered the same mysterious impression of a communion with -the presence of unseen spirits. The entrance of Dr. Baāhar, with the -buzz and genealogical curators of sound, dispelled the influence, but -they, as well as the padre, had questioned the source of its power. -After the evening meal the padre sought the opportunity of renewing his -petition for permission to depart in the morning; anointing it with -grateful acknowledgments for their kindness to him personally, while in -the style of exorcism he urged the necessity with the quotation, “What -shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” -The effect of this appeal, for instinctive self-preservation, was so -comical in its misplaced application that the four were obliged to join -the auriculars in giving gleeful vent to their mirth; this, however, was -as suddenly checked, when their supposed derisive lack of sympathy -affected the padre to the extent of producing tears. Unable to restrain -his contempt for the selfimposed shallowness of the padre’s perception, -Mr. Welson,—under the auricular direction of Corycæus, the familiar who -attended him on his journey,—gave a final touch to his victim’s -superstitious fears, by asking: “Did your conscience or soul find -themselves in a purer atmosphere, or in less suspicious companionship, -when subjected by Fraile Gallagato to the sacramental spirits of a -Rosario punch, and the fumes of tobacco, than with us who have abjured -their use? You need not answer upon the impulse of the moment; but if, -after a night’s reflection, your fears for your soul’s safety still -prompt you to leave us, and the affectionate interest enlisted in your -behalf on the part of the Heracleans and Kyronese, the means for your -conveyance to Amelcoy and deliverance into the keeping of your noble -compadre shall not be wanting. But in bidding you a personal farewell, -from your self-will in adhering to delusions that require proxied aid -granted from confession and absolution administered by a being so -manifestly corrupt as the Fraile Gallagato, we shall be obliged to -forego the hopeful retaining interest that we feel in your welfare, -unless by the contrast, your thoughtful eyes are opened to see and feel -the great loss you will have sustained in the sacrifice of truthful and -affectionate sincerity.” - -_Padre._ “But why, Mr. Welson, have you kept from me anything that it -was proper and useful for the rest of you to know.” - -_Mr. Welson._ “In the first place, you were not particularly interested -in scientific investigations, or book lore, else you would have -participated in the discovery that has puzzled and alarmed you. In the -second place, as you represented the instinctive class of ritualistic -habit and creed followers, who believe in what they have been taught -without questioning palpable absurdities, you have been exhibited to us -as an illustration of the unthinking characteristics of our race. As you -have subserved the purpose of showing the irrational subterfuges of -sectarianism for shirking the responsibilities of honest example, for -the delusive indulgence of instinctive desire in excess of reasonable -gratification, I will now inform you that shortly after our arrival in -Heraclea we were introduced, through the reflecting aid of the tympano- -microscope, to a race of human Animalculans, by Mistress Correliana. -These had been known to her Heraclean ancestors for many centuries, and -were the originators of their system of education. The largest, or -giantescoes as they are called, are perceptible in form to our unaided -eyes; but, with a few exceptions, they belong solely to the Manatitlans, -the race to which we were introduced. But the lower grades, which are -styled mediums and tits, are in human resemblance indistinctly visible -to the naked eye. The falcons, that visited Mistress Correliana on board -of the _Tortuga_, were guided by individuals of this race, which -accounts for their wonderful sagacity, and the mysterious intelligence -which she had gained of the transactions of our race while immured -within the walls of Heraclea. When M. Hollydorf commenced his -investigations for tracing the relation of the dry, animalculan species -with the representatives of our gigantic orders, the thought never -occurred to his imagination that by any possibility the initial type of -humanity would be discovered. You will now be able to judge, from your -impressions, our emotions when we were obliged to recognize under the -powerful reflection of the tympano-microscope our own representative -embodiment in minute miniature; but with a perfection in beauty that put -the pretensions of our race to shame. The object of the R. H. B. -Society, was, as you have heard explained,—to obtain a knowledge of -aboriginal animalculan dryad life for comparison with kindred species -within the influence of civilization to judge of its progressive -effects. As Dr. Baāhar was too much occupied with his naturalistic -pursuits to attend on the day of discovery, he with the other members -were held in probationary ignorance of the new race for experimental -effects, allied to those to which you have been subject. You can now -ponder for the night upon the revelation I have given you, and if to- -morrow you wish for tangible evidence of its truth you can accompany us -to the auriculum.” - -The padre had directed his attention chiefly to Mr. Welson during his -admonitory explanation, with eyes amazedly questioning the faces of the -others for confirmation, and mouth agape, which at certain passages of -the rehearsal contracted with grimaced efforts to swallow; but with the -closing invitation he relapsed into a ruminating mood of fitful -cogitation. In this condition he remained, scarcely noticing the return -of Dr. Baāhar and curators of sound, notwithstanding they were subjected -to auramental impression for his especial detection, and proof -edification, from the incongruous lack of method shown in their -conversation, which the doctor, with aptness, styled the languaged -lowing salutations of the herd at nightfall. Corycæus, the padre’s -auramental familiar, reported his ruminations at the hour of retiring to -Mr. Welson, who sought the opportunity to give them direction by reading -to him a postscript of Captain Greenwood’s letter, containing -information that he was too much vexed to give him by word of mouth at -Amelcoy. Calling the padre into the colonnade, after the other members -of the corps had retired, he read the captain’s announcement to him by -moonlight, which we will render verbatim:— - -“P. S. The padre’s appearance, with the knowledge that he had passed the -major portion of the night in drinking, smoking, and chewing, with -Fraile Gallagato, who conducted him in a state of inebriation to the -house of a woman of unmentionable fame, so annoyed me that I held no -communication with him, and write that which it would have afforded me -unalloyed pleasure to have imparted to him, by word of mouth, if he had -been in a worthy condition. Please inform him that our success in -collecting gold on the spits of the Pilcomayo, during our return trip -down the river, so far exceeded our personal requirements, after equally -sharing with the absent in Heraclea, that we have, at the suggestion of -Jack and Bill,—who rightfully aver that he was the discoverer,—set aside -a sufficient amount for insuring his family an ample token of his -fatherly remembrance and desire for their welfare. The amount will be -forwarded to the address of any reliable person he may name, subject to -his childrens’ order. - - T. R. G.” - -The padre at the close of the message gave one audible gulp of choking -shame, and sank down upon the pavement in groveling attitude, exclaiming -in broken accents of woful misery, “unworthy brute that I am!” In this -condition Mr. Welson left him, with a simple parting salutation. -Corycæus, in the morning, reported that he continued prone and imbecile -in thought, until lunar impression caused his scattered faculties to -become wild in intention, causing him to utter vehemently the talismanic -Giga word, Reform! But as its suggestions encouraged moderation, as the -source of saving grace, he wandered forth into the herald darkness of -the morning’s dawn. Directing his steps in the gray light to the summit -fora, his thoughts were led to view,—in the emergence of day, from the -chill sombre darkness of night, as the first radiant rays of sunlight -appeared above the horizon,—the bright perspective of Heraclean -affection which began to dawn with its warmth and purity, beckoning him -from the gloom of the past, with the determination that his example -should contrast with it, as a day of light for the guidance of future -generations in the path of happiness. As he stood in the rolling mist -wafted by the air current of the falls, on its nourishing mission to the -latifundium, Mr. Welson joined the prætor’s family to unite with them in -their morning salutations. In turning their eyes upward to catch the -first rays of the sun on the brink of the falls, the head of the padre -appeared enveloped in a cloud of mist. When first discovered, his -attention seemed to be attracted to objects beyond the walls; but with -the first strains of the morning anthem he removed his hat and united -his voice in the song of praise. At its close, he beckoned them to join -him on the summit terrace. The prætor understanding the invitation, -challenged Mr. Welson and Dr. Baāhar to a trial of speed, with his wife -and daughter, up the ascent. Accepting the gage they started, the -civilized competitors taking the shorter and direct avenue from the city -gate. At the word, up the crescent avenue Correliana and her mother sped -with equal steps, gliding upward in the pathway with graceful motions, -and swiftness rivaling the fabled Camilla’s, the prætor following with a -steady movement of practiced ease, content to hold his starting distance -good. The padre’s past and future, as umpire of this novel race, quickly -merged into the present. With jubilant mirth he urged the doctor, with -hand and hat, to greater speed for the honor of the corps. But from the -weissich of the falling water his words of encouragement failed to reach -the object of his admonition. In the abandon of momentary excitement, -his gestures were of that comical cast that we should expect from a man -who had been aroused from a slumber that had continued from youth to -age, and installed, when suddenly awakened, to preside as umpire over a -scene like the one in review, without comprehending his growth in -stature. On all, except the toiling object of his exhortations, his -pantomimic gesticulations served as brakes to stay their speed. The -diminution in speed of the prætorial family became quite apparent from -their mirthful checks; and Mr. Welson, who had for a time maintained an -increasing distance in advance of the doctor, came to a full stop at the -foot of the summit incline, where the latter passed him, attributing his -disability to shortness of breath from overhaste in the beginning. -Congratulating himself upon his own prudence in reserving his strength -for the last stretch, the doctor reached the summit, but was chagrined -to find the prætor and family awaiting his arrival at the goal. The -padre, forgetful of his night’s vigil, and the cause, bantered Dr. -Baāhar upon his signal defeat; but an inquiring look from Mr. Welson -reminded him of his petition, and he became silent until asked, when -descending, why he had beckoned them to the summit fora? - -“Well, I declare,” he replied, “your race put it out of my mind -altogether; but I wanted you to see what a beautiful effect the morning -sun had upon the scenery.” - -Correliana referred him to the visit he had paid to the summit in -company with Cleorita and Oviata on the morning after his return from -Amelcoy; a reference that caused him to become blushingly silent. Mr. -Welson then informed the prætor and family that the padre and Dr. Baāhar -had already been initiated into the object of their secret convocations, -and that from henceforth there would be no reservations in conversation. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - -The padre on his return to the quarters of the corps, found Mr. Dow -alone, and questioned him upon the sincerity of Mr. Welson’s revelation. -“You know,” he said, “that I am a sort of orphan waif among you, in the -matter of science, which Mr. Welson, Dr. Baāhar, and others, with the -exception of yourself, have taken advantage for their amusement; not -that they have treated me unkindly or disrespectfully; but when they saw -me really anxious from fear, which they could have relieved, it was hard -that they should tease and add to my perplexity.” - -Mr. Dow assured him that the revelations of Mr. Welson were strictly -true, and that whatever was at variance with their former selves had -been effected by Manatitlan wisdom. He then asked Corycæus, if present, -to give a joint pull upon the most sensitive vibrilla in the padre’s -ear. His sudden start, with the tearful winking of his eyes, gave -evidence that the Manatitlans were still there. Seeing that the old -mythical idea of spirit possession still lingered, he asked them to sing -in chorus Old Lang Syne, as that was the only tune the padre could -recognize. This was so well rendered in sympathetic harmony that the -padre beat time with both hands, and at its close exclaimed, “My -goodness gracious, I never heard such music; why it thrilled me through -and through, yet the voices seemed small, and far off, as if they came -from the heavenly realms of bliss!” - -After the morning meal the padre was escorted to the auriculum by all -the initiated, including the mayorong and his family. The padre having -been placed in a favorable position for hearing and seeing, at an -appointed signal a large number of giantescoes, mediums, and tits, -suddenly appeared on the reflecting platform of the tympano-microscope, -with a movement so quick that neither action or source of emergence -could be detected. The suddenness of their appearance caused the quick -adjournment of the padre’s hand to his hair, its usual place of resort -when his faculties were surprised with doubts requiring the aid of -counter-irritation for elucidation. The Dosch and Doschessa advanced to -the front of the platform, and after a reciprocal introduction to the -padre, the former plainly stated the reason why a portion had been -excluded from a knowledge of their existence. It was not, however, until -a full hour had passed in the discussion of various topics relating to -Manatitlan influence, that the padre ventured to speak. He then timidly -inquired of the Dosch, “Do you and your wife and the rest of the -Manatitlans feel quite like men and comfortable?” - -_Dosch._ “You can rest assured that we all feel like men,—except our -women,—and really comfortable!” - -_Padre._ “Are your women in being smaller less comfortable than the -men?” - -_Dosch._ “As you perceive, they hold the same relative proportion with -regard to size as the females of your own race. But if they were larger, -perhaps the men would feel less comfortable. You know from experience -that women wield a strong influence upon whichever side they lend their -weight.” - -_Padre._ “Do you cook your food or eat it raw?” - -_Dosch._ “We are, like your own race, omnivorous, but select and adapt -our food to the healthy requirements of our bodies, using fire for its -preparation.” - -_Padre._ “But how can you make such small fires?” - -_Dosch._ “We hold ourselves in advance of your race in that respect, as -we are not dependent upon material combustion for our fires. You are, of -course, laboring under the impression that our small size must embarrass -the organic functions. But in the intensity of the spark you will find -an apt illustration of the vital energy that we have been enabled to -preserve in the purity of its brightness. Although you may esteem it a -spark of egoism, we can, with truth, assert that we feel free from the -vagaries of appetite and lust, and an infinitesimal concentration of -vitality that imparts purity to our impressions. This exemption from the -ills to which you are subject in the flesh, we have obtained by the -consistent cultivation of our perceptive endowments bestowed by the -Creator as an heirloom independent of the body’s material tenement. For -your enlightenment with reference to the physical coöperation of our -educated perceptions with the body, I will say that we possess, from -transmitted cultivation, a nervous and muscular energy, with a sensitive -perception, that enables us to detect and guard against dangers while -yet distant. In sudden emergency, by our agile presence of mind, we can, -without extraordinary effort, avoid impending danger, that would -inevitably prove fatal to your slower faculties of apprehension. That -you may appreciate, in a measure, the quickness of our movements, -Corycæus, the padre’s familiar, will pass from the platform to his ear.” - -_Corycæus._ “Yes, and he may catch me if he can.” - -Quick as our eyes were turned on the padre, the change in direction was -anticipated by Corycæus, for he was back on the platform in time to see -with laughing glee the padre’s hand reach his ear with a clap that -jarred his head. But certain of his capture, the padre, without noticing -the return of Corycæus to the stage, cautiously introduced his -forefinger into the cavity of his ear, with his thumb on the alert to -secure his prisoner when raised to the surface. So certainly intent was -he of the capture, that he was deaf to the suppressed laughter provoked -by his movements, until after the removal and cautious separation of his -thumb and finger; then his surprise was greeted by a genial outburst. -Discovering Corycæus on the platform, one of his old furtive glances of -superstition crossed the bridge of his nose, the laughing jeers causing -him to exclaim, “Well you can think what you like, but the devil’s in -it!” - -_Corycæus._ “If you mean in your ear, the compliment is not intended for -me!” - -The rejoinder, and mirth, caused the padre to propose a second trial; -this proving as unsuccessful as the first, he exclaimed, “You are -altogether too spry for my catching; I’d sooner try to catch a flea on -the watch! But the fact is, I can’t quite make you out to my mind. You -seem to be what you say you are; still there is neither sacred or -profane authority for your existence, unless we take the Fathers’ -assurance that it’s possible for evil spirits to assume any form, or -shape, or preach any doctrine they choose, for the purpose of -temptation, of which numerous instances have been recorded by Frey -Manuel Jaen, and other sacred authors.” - -_Mr. Welson_ (impatiently). “The fact is apparent, padre, that you are -either stupidly incorrigible or there is a prompted method in your -mythological vagaries, to show us how loath your kind are to give up -animal indulgences that can be absolved by confession. Once for all! Why -is it that you have been endowed with the power of discernment, which -you style conscience, to judge between right and wrong, except to assert -your probationary privilege to a higher destiny than sensually begot -animal life that is subject to compostic defilement and corruption? Or -why should you be preferred to a material heaven above the beasts of the -field, who have lived in accordance with their special capacities, while -you have defiled yours with beastly indulgences? Like yourself we have -been subject to auramentation, but have thankfully accepted the -promptings bestowed for the enlightenment and correction of our -perceptions. We feel that although bodily present, you are not with us.” - -_Padre._ “It was yourself, Mr. Welson, that made me cautious! If I have -doubted the evidences of my senses, your deceptions have placed the -stumbling block in my way. Since we have been in Heraclea your mysteries -whenever I was present kept me on the lookout that I might not be caught -napping. Besides all the Kyronese children had disappeared, except the -infants, and those over ten years of age. While among the Heracleans -there was not a miss or master, except Correliana; or a married man or -woman less than twenty-four years of age. When I inquired the cause, you -said they were at school, which did not seem consistent, for I could -find no signs of one within the walls. Then as there were no churches or -signs of religious worship, my fears were excited; for you rose with the -sun and welcomed its rising with songs, something you had never -attempted to do before; for even after a jovial night, spent in -drinking, playing poker, and lansquenet, you appeared more sorry than -glad to see it. After breakfast you avoided me and betook yourselves to -some strange place, so that through the day I scarcely saw you. These -and many other strange freaks made me feel as though I had really -strayed into an enchanted city; which impression was strengthened by my -own contradictory thoughts. (Looking curiously at Corycæus.) Often a -distinct small voice, but as plain as my own, would dispute the number -of my Ave Marias, although I had numbered them on my rosary—there, now, -is the same voice asking me from what the beads were made. Well as there -can be no secrets kept here, I might as well own, that plug tobacco was -the easiest thing that I could make them of. Indeed I scarcely knew the -half that I was thinking, I became so confused and bewildered. Sometimes -I thought my impressions were caused by your scientific tricks, played -upon me when asleep; but then there was no authority for that; so you -will see from all that I have said, I am hardly in a condition to give -credit to my senses, upon the question of these apparitions, that you -call Manatitlan Animalculans, as to whether they are real humans, or -spirits of evil conjured by the devil to betray souls to damnation.” - -_Corycæus._ “But you know, padre, you tried all sorts of exorcisms to -get rid of me without effect, until you traced my exhortations to your -ears, and supposing they might arise from defect, you smeared your ears -with tobacco spittle, which proved an effectual remedy.” - -_Padre_ (laughing). “You must allow then that tobacco is good for -ridding one of an annoyance?” - -_Corycæus._ “If you call good advice an annoyance!” - -_Dr. Baāhar._ “He is wedded to his delusions, and with eyes and ears, -refuses to see and hear.” - -_Padre._ “You may call my religion a delusion, and a budget of -traditional superstitions, or whatever you like, but I shall never -become an apostate until I can find a better, under proof to supply its -place.” - -_Dosch._ “It is better that he should be left to draw his own inferences -from our example and teachings, as words of reason will prove futile to -disabuse him of his bead ritualism. Possibly, Corycæus may have yielded -overmuch to his humor from the obstinacy of the padre’s infatuations.” - -_Corcyra_ (wife of Corycæus). “With permission, it would please me to -suggest in behalf of our auramental labors with the padre, that we had -not the power of controlling him with the privilege of exampled -pleadings, so we were obliged to have recourse to stratagem to rescue -him from the toils of Fraile Gallagato and his own weakness.” - -_Padre_ (gaspingly). “Wa-wa-was—” - -_Corcyra._ “Yes, we always attend our husbands, as our bonds of -affection are inseparable, and independent of bodily duality. But you -need not be so much alarmed, although we are free to acknowledge that we -were greatly shocked to see your kindly nature self-betrayed for its own -degradation, in a manner so revolting to our impressions of purity.” - -The padre bowed his head to conceal his face, flushed with shameful -self-reproaches. The Dosch diverted attention from the padre by -introducing Codecio, who proposed to give a synoptical description of -the advantages imparted from their system of education, which would be -exemplified by a visit to the Heraclean schools. - -“In rendering our homage of grateful affection to Inovatus Desiderata -for the inestimable boon of an educated power of self-control over the -body’s instincts, founded upon unselfish reciprocation, we also with -equal fervency correspond with Analogius, his successor, who perfected -the founder’s system with the censor’s safeguard. - -“_The Censor’s_ duty commences immediately after birth, at the -completion of the nurse’s midwife assistance rendered to the mother, as -upon her this aid naturally devolves. In no instance has there ever -occurred the necessity of man’s intervention with this function, which -innate delicacy declares repugnant to modest purity. The censor then in -conjunction with the nurse, who remains as a constant guard, directs the -parents for the adaptation of affectionate solicitation for the welfare -of the child. With constant study the natural inclinations of the child -are led and trained for the healthy reciprocation of purity and -goodness; also for the recognition of cause and effect in progressive -degree sufficient for the enlistment of truthful confidence. But a few -generations passed after the censorship was matured by Analogius before -the querulous whimperings of infancy had ceased altogether. When at the -close of the second year they entered the nursery department of the -national schools, the children were as self-capable and independent of -aid for the adjustment of dress to their persons as though they had been -to the manner born. In like respect their practical appreciation of -cleanliness was as actively demonstrated in purity of intention, as with -their more experienced elders. Your people have been taught to believe -from precedental prejudice, founded upon the selfish arrogance of -ancient exemplars, that the word censor signifies an arbitrary agent for -the restriction of liberty under the rulings of tyrannical power. But as -with the tribunes of Heraclea, who act as censors under the direction of -the prætor, our privileges extend in an advisorial capacity through all -the gradations of life, from the child to parents, and in their -collective capacity, styled the people. As the censor’s vocation is to -study and cultivate, for good, the mental and physical capacity of the -child from birth, you will readily understand the advantage we obtain -for direction in all that pertains to health and the unselfish display -of goodness and purity. From the same source in reciprocation our -cultivated knowledge obtains a clue to the predilections of instinct for -vocations and variations of employment necessary for the supply of food, -and the sustaining comforts in currency for the reciprocation of -affection. But, above all, we are enabled to perfect the union of the -marriage ties by the selection of compatible respondents. You will, -however, better comprehend the method of attainment by the rehearsal of -our process of education. - -“_Our Manatitlan System of Education_ commences at birth, in giving -direction to the dawning perceptions of the nursling, that its desires -may be toned to its healthy requirements. For the achievement of this -important object the exaggerated and inconsiderate fondness of the -parents requires the close attention of the nurse and censor, that the -material attractions may be strictly adapted for the development of the -child’s real necessities, in direction for its future mental and -physical welfare. At the age of two years the child is placed in the -infantile department of the national school, but still continues under -the special care of its nurse and parental censor. When the child -reaches the age of five years full matriculation takes place, as with -the expiration of the infantile term, self-care as well as self-control -have become sufficiently impressed for emulous improvement under the -exampled lead of their elders. With the full accomplishment of ten -years, the youthful term commences, with an easy initiation into the -life sustaining responsibilities of community association. But from the -earliest stage the children are familiarized with the pastime labors of -vocation. These never assume the repugnant features of tasks, but are -adopted as useful amusements, from choice, as compulsion and disciplined -correction have no part in our exampled system of education. This -electic plan of imitation enables them in after life to render needed -assistance in association, without no-vitiation, which would embarrass -the continued uniformity of household regulations, rather than aid in -their easy dispensation. Within the inclosures, of both the male and -female schools, all the appliances required in the pursuits of vocation, -and the conduction of domestic affairs, are self-supplied after the -first installment of foundation. Indeed, from youthful invention in the -school departments we are often indebted for the enhanced comforts of -affection. As the mercenary selfishness of morbid craving is unknown, -there is an affectionate solicitude with each for the others’ welfare in -joyous reciprocation. Our grade distinctions of giantesco, medium, and -tit, which are usually determined in the seventeenth year, although in -premonition from the age of ten, are those of confiding reliance and -mutual aid, in freedom from instinctive envy and arrogance. - -“At the age of twenty-three the male graduates from the school inclosure -into the active degrees of life’s associate coöperation. In premonition, -the connubial censors have studied and kept a record of instinctive -traits, and characteristic blendings of affection, of the male and -female matriculants, for comparison and the selection of coaptives in -the unity of predisposition for the fulfillment of marriage intention. -On the morning of the day that accomplishes the full term of school -graduation, the man is introduced to his future wife, who has been -returned to her parent’s charge for the three month’s probationary test -of full compatibility, during which her intended enjoys their -hospitality. The adjudged unity of these marriage selections has been so -perfect in conception, that there has not been a single instance of -misapprehension, or one that failed in fulfilling the complete -assimilation of affection for sole representation, independent of -attaint from the lustful vagrancy of desire. A day of visitation for -each school is set apart for the monthly reunion of parents and -children. The happiness imparted in anticipation and realization from -these visits exceeds by far the utmost capacity of word description; but -once enjoyed they give maturity to conception for the full assurance of -an affectionate immortality. - -“After your visit to the Heraclean schools, we feel assured that -‘argument’ will not be required to establish the all powerful efficiency -of the system in securing affectionate coöperation for the perfection of -self-legislation. Your governments for the compulsion of untutored -instinct, by arbitrary enactments surprised from the impulsive vagaries -begot from excessive indulgence, will then appear self condemned as -lunatic monstrosities conjured from and transmitted by hereditary -indigestion.” - -At the close of Codecio’s exposition the padre, who had -listened attentively, could not withhold his approval, which he -characteristically expressed. “I declare to conscience, upon my soul, I -believe you are right! But how are we to get on with our national -mixtures, when the stronger prey upon the weaker, without laws and -government? If we are not able to govern ourselves just now, -individually and collectively, I think you must allow that it would be -hard to find a better constitution than that of the United States for -liberty?” - -_Codecio._ “In answer to your inquiry, a clear demonstration of facts, -derived from auramentation, will prove all sufficient for your -comprehension of the real governmental status of the republic in -question. We have traced the progress of the United States from their -earliest date; at first with the hope of influencing the adverse -experience of the Spanish, French, Dutch, and English colonists for -lenient consolidation, despite their religious tenets, which had been -the cause of counter oppressions and expatriation. This was attempted -with the ulterior intention of effecting a cohesive tendency from a -united education, adapted to their practical requirements for real -progression in freedom from precedental imitation. But the repulsive -elements of instinct continued, under the aggravations of exile, to grow -more rampantly rabid in inveteracy, offering but little hope for the -encouragement of our efforts for kindly reconciliation. With the one -remarkable exception of the colony founded by Penn,—who tested and -proved the trustworthy natures of the savages, when subject to honorable -treatment,—the labors of our auramentors were void of effect. Of all the -colonists those of New England waged the most ruthlessly relentless war -against their aboriginal benefactors, seemingly intent upon offering -them as a grateful sacrifice for their selfish ‘freedom to worship God.’ -The next inevitable stage of instinctive fanaticism, was the -inauguration of sectarian persecution, in direct rebuttal of their own -claims for sympathy, and freedom of privilege. But a few generations -passed before the old leaven of hereditary intolerance flourished its -sceptre of arbitrary compulsion with renewed vengeful despite. Then a -new bone of contention for future generations was introduced by the -mother country, who bestowed the African troglodytes as bond slaves to -work out the heavenly salvation of the colonists. - -“The northern section of the country was alternated by seasons of -extreme heat and cold, that rendered the negro an incumbrance rather -than an aid, so that gradually the colonists with frugal policy -emancipated their slaves, as the second grateful sacrifice to God. But -the southern department with a semi-tropical climate, and a vegetation -spontaneously fruitful, requiring for the production of cotton, rice, -and sugar but little cultivation in comparison with the labor bestowed -upon the detrite soil of the north, was well adapted for the propagation -of the physical inertia of the negro. Also for the indulgence of their -masters’ _otium cum dignitate_ derivation from the English cavalier, the -buccaneers of the Spanish main, and subordinate admixture of Huguenotic -blood tainted with the religious fanatic absolutism demonstrated by -Calvin in friendly bestowal upon Servetus. Under these favoring -auspices, the institution of slavery flourished with the southern -department, until the increasing herds of mongrelized humanity, and a -ready market for their staple productions, brought into full play the -old leaven of arrogance. In demonstration of our maxim, that indolence -is the hatchment of vice and hot-bed for the enforcement of evil, the -southrons began to plot for ruling supremacy, stigmatizing the northern -laboring classes with comparisons that discovered in forecast the -inveteracy of premeditated hatred. In practical demonstration of -intention, after the republican era was well advanced in its first -century, they inaugurated the trial of brute force as an argument in the -national halls of legislation, not however, with the chivalric challenge -of the lion’s roar, but with the sneaking approaches of the tigress who -dares not brook manly opposition. This overt act, which plainly -indicated the design of taking piratical advantage of the supposed -pusillanimity of the northerners, for the purpose of subjecting them to -dictation as plebeians, set the doors of ‘Janus ajar,’ until with -opposing provocations, concessive on one side, and in degree aggressive -on the other, they were finally opened wide for the inception of civil -war. The comparatively healthy stamina of the laborer gained the -victory, and the slaves were liberated. Then came the problem, ‘What -shall we do with them? They are natives of the soil, and if we act -consistently we must extend to them the privileges of citizenship, and a -votive voice in governmental affairs.’ This was accorded, without any -initiatory proviso for raising them from animal disability, to an -instinctive perception of the responsibilities incurred. - -“With this new element added to the antagonistic contributions of Europe -and Asia, the attraction of cohesion became more widely separated. Yet -with blind infatuation, the progressive stability of a republic of -incompatibles was still proclaimed, in defiance of your ‘sacred’ -proverb, which says, that ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand.’ -In fact, we have looked upon your country as a cosmopolitan insane -asylum, which naturalizes foreign lunatics for the election of the most -desperate bedlamites to office, that in the confusion of governmental -discord the kleptomaniac democracy may obtain its votive share of the -spoils. Whereas, if the foreign elements had been treated as guest- -patients, until their monomanias had been reduced to a condition for the -legitimate appreciation of sane example, their children’s children, of -the third generation, would have realized the benefits of votive unity. -Or if the ‘pilgrim fathers’ had not been blinded by the fanatical -infatuation which inculcates the doctrine ‘that it is not of ourselves, -but through the intangible labyrinth of redeeming grace that a clue to -salvation is to be obtained for heavenly citizenship,’ they would have -extended to the children of their benefactors the privilege of uniting -with their own in the advantages of a school education. This course -which we have adopted in our colonistic settlements in foreign countries -bespeaks for itself an abiding harmony. However honest the infatuation, -there should be few sympathizers with the exterminating prayer of the -veteran Miles Standish, sighted over the barrel of his musket, in voiced -inflection to the report of powder-sped bullet, in behalf of its victim, -‘May God have mercy on your soul.’ This petition, which he negatived in -act, was raised in reverential gratitude for a home with the privilege -of worshiping God according to the dictates of his own conscience. This -glance, in answer to your question, will enable you to realize the -impossibility of adverse elements abiding in concord together, after -instinctive habits and customs, with their prejudices, have been -confirmed in practice by long usage.” - -_Padre._ “If I rightly understand your system of education, it deprives -the children of parental care when most needed? This seems to me like -refined cruelty, approaching barbarism in its tendency. With all your -hopes I think you will find a decided opposition from motherly affection -against its adoption by our race. Besides, it is opposed to sound -doctrine, which urges children to obey parents in all things.” - -_Codecio._ “Bethink you of your wet nurses, and the practical usage of -your fashionable mothers, who intrust their infant’s nursery education -to hireling instinct, and you will find your objections answered -conclusively. In addition to the mercenary example of servants, follow -the children of your race to the formulistic teachings of your schools -in which a majority of your female teachers are yet in their teens, with -an experience founded upon precedental rehearsals of the most repulsive -description. Then for the illustration of the sordid inconsistency and -treachery of your people toward their children, visit with your -knowledge the boards of education and you will find ignorance the least -objectionable trait, for they make a mart of their influence with -dealers in school books that in the display of instinctive selfishness -utterly ignores the real advantages of your own system of education. If -you will, in addition, review the incidents of your own infantile -period, you will discover that you was the cause of more anxiety than -comfort to your parents, from the constant rebellion of your instinctive -desires against what you then supposed to be arbitrary restrictions. -Remember this injunction when you visit the Heraclean school; recall all -the events of your past life within the scope of memory that you may be -able to place them in the balance opposed to our method for Heraclean -behoof. But if you do not make an avowal in commendation, as frank in -acknowledgment of the children’s contented affection and the wisdom -shown in their seclusion, as you made of their parent’s worth to Fraile -Gallagato, I shall feel greatly disappointed in my estimate of your -perceptive goodness.” - -This allusion of Codecio, to the sacramental night scene passed with -Fraile Gallagato at Amelcoy, suffused the padre’s face with the scarlet -mantle of shame, from which he was relieved when the Dosch petitioned -for his aid in adjusting the tympano-microscopes that had been presented -by the members of the R. H. B. Society to the Dosch and prætor. Upon -trial, when adjusted to the dining tables of the corps and prætor, they -were found to exceed in reflective power the larger field instrument -brought out by M. Hollydorf. The avenues of the instruments, surrounding -the field platform of reflection, were margined on the outer side with a -façade of palatial residences, appearing to the unassisted eye like a -decorated moulding, with cornice beads elaborately carved, while with -microscopic aid each building stood out in bold relief, exhibiting, as a -whole, the grandeur of the architect’s conceptions. The minutiæ was also -clearly exposed, showing an adaptation of intention for convenience and -comfort that plainly declared the superintendence of interested parties. -The convenient adjustment of the interiors, described by the Doschessa, -was a source of unthinking surprise to the padre, until Fabricatus, a -Manatitlan architect, announced that he had been commissioned to -superintend the buildings while in the process of erection, not only -with thought substitution, but actual labor, that in result surprised -the superstitious awe of the German workmen. “The palace of the prince -Dosch,” as it had been labeled in emblazoned advertisement, occupied the -obtuse curve of the centre, midway between the tympano-auricular and -microscopic reflectors. Its resemblance in external configuration to the -ancient kingly palace of San Souci, was immediately recognized by the -members of the corps. The Dosch enjoyed a hearty laugh when he read the -inscription emblazoned on the central shield surmounting the architrave -cornice of the portico. The arms of Prussia were united with an empty -shield, evidently designed for the Manatitlan herald’s record, over -which, and anchoring both, was the banded scroll of hope, with the -legend, “In God we trust,” while underneath was inscribed, Palace of -Prince Dosch of Manatitla. - -To M. Hollydorf and Dr. Baāhar it was a source of special annoyance and -chagrin, each urging that it should be erased, notwithstanding the -genealogical curator of sound proved by quotation that it was -legitimately proper and well designed for the expression of ancient -usages. But the Manatitlans begged that it might remain intact, as it -would prove an ungracious act to receive a present so apt and valuable -in aiding personal intercourse between the races, and then mar it -because the donor’s thoughts were prompted by custom to give it a -sounding dedication, in ignorance of the recipient’s peculiarities. - -“It matters little,” the Dosch urged, “what formulistic words are used -in the bestowal of a gift, however selfish the insinuation may prove, -when void in the possibility of attainment. But the implied arrogation -bodes ill for the future peace of Europe, in despite of our auramental -warnings, as it indicates a disposition to seek a pretext for the -absorption of northern seaboard, adequate for the commercial -representation of the coveted reputation of the leading continental -power. As with Russia, who feels and understands that her power will be -ranked second or third-rate, with its almost illimitable stretch of -inland empire, without a seaboard with harbors approachable at all -seasons, she covets the possibility of attainment. But as fealty to a -government enjoins the adoption of laws and usages, the nominal bribe of -an empty title will prove hardly sufficient for the encouragement of an -instinctive adoption of a diet of kraut, sausage, lager bier, and -tobacco smoke, as a viaticum of heavenly translation. However, we hope -in reciprocation to bestow upon diplomatic master and pupil an -impression that will induce them to aid in an effort for the kindly -consolidation of a universal government of self legislation, under the -sway of international schools, for the inception of a common language, -and reciprocal interests in preliminary course for the introduction of -our code of education.” - -The padre, after the conclusion of his labors, occupied his eyes and -newly aroused inception of thought in watchful meditation upon the scene -in progress, endeavoring to believe the conjoined evidence of his -senses; but, as a test, was trying an exorcising Ave Maria, when Manito -and his choir added to his perplexity by singing the following stanzas:— - - “From the maze of superstitions wild, - Behold the padre a new born child! - His thoughts from the body’s bondage free, - The viper’s fangs will no longer see. - - “When he can without the ‘fathers’ think, - From the body’s grossness he will shrink. - Then his thoughts set free with joys supreme, - Gracious love will be his daily theme. - With goodness gracious we give him hail! - To immortal joys that never fail.” - -The padre could not help joining in the merriment the song provoked, -while his glowing face attested to the aptness of the conception; still -he offered the smiling remonstrance, “According to your own creed, I -should be lacking in honesty if I pretended to believe what I can’t -understand. If the Dosch can explain to me how a man’s soul can be saved -that was lost by transgression, without the efficacy of pardoning grace, -it would please me to learn how it is to be done.” - -_Dosch._ “Well, padre, I am afraid Manito’s inspiration was a little -premature. But let us now dispense with mythological themes for those -from which we can truly realize tangible impressions of happiness, as we -are now able to add to conversation facial expression, and, in a limited -degree, exampled effect.” - -_Padre._ “Pardon my interruption. I hope that you do not think me -willfully obstinate, for I had much rather you would think me stupid in -perception and weak in determination. I know that habits contracted in -youth rule in age, but aside from my lack of self control, I can -appreciate the fact of the Heracleans’ real happiness, and that it is -derived in source from purity and goodness. Indeed, I have wondered how -they could tolerate me; and can also see the vast improvement made in -the habits of Mr. Welson, Mr. Dow, and the members of the corps. If I -have been beset with doubts, it cannot be strange to your experience. If -I waver again, I hope that you will pity, rather than chide me with -vexation; for I shall try to act honestly, according to my impressions. -It would be presumptuous folly for me to uphold my frailties and -inconstancy against the clear evidence of my perceptions, which cannot -fail to realize the truthfulness of all you advocate in the example of -the Heracleans. It was the transparent purity of your bodies that made -me think that you might represent in translation “the souls of the just -made perfect.”” - -_Dosch._ “We possibly expected more from your perception than our -experience warranted; but we thought that your natural goodness could be -revived for an appreciation of the success we have obtained with your -companions, that would lead you to think, instead of talking from the -impression of your senses. But the Heraclean parents have concluded to -anticipate the day appointed to visit the schools, and for your -advantage have set apart the morrow for the monthly reunion with their -“boys.”” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - -The prætor and his family called at the quarters of the corps shortly -after breakfast on the following morning, to escort the members to the -Adolescentium. Instead of proceeding up the foræ avenue to the temple -gate, the prætor conducted them to the edificos sacerdotium, and from -the court of the centre building led them to an intermural stairway, -that commanded the only means of ascent to the temple walls, which were -higher and distinct from those of the cinctus enclosure. The prætor in -ascending explained that the houses abutting the wall upon the inner and -outer faces, now occupied by the teachers, were designed in building to -facilitate the mysteries of the temple ceremonies. Reaching the parapet -we passed in its walk to a septum wall of an elliptic form, uniting at -its distal extremity from the falls, with, but was in altitude higher -than the cinctus. The outer and inner walls of the lower enclosure -contained an oblong piece of ground of considerable extent. The -interspaces between the walks were planted with fruit trees and vines, -the mist of the falls veiling it from the brink of the precipice. The -priests had undoubtedly availed themselves of these natural aids for the -furtherance of their mysterious impositions; its counterpart of the -northern temple being subject to the same interposed screen, which -closed in the view to all beyond the walls. The undulating upward lift -of the misty veil disclosed the familiar blossoms of the apple, pear, -peach, and apricot, with other exotics of the temperate zones that the -misty atmosphere favored; discovering to us the flavoring source of -preserves which we had attributed to artificial production. The prætor -informed us that the germs of these were of Manatitlan transportation. -The fruitful view on either hand—for the temple garden was also under -kindred cultivation—called forth expressions of admiration. - -The prætor, addressing Dr. Baāhar, directed his attention to a pyre in -the centre of the orchard enclosure. “That,” he said, “will answer your -question with reference to the disposal of our dead during the siege; -although it has been long disused for incineration, we still continue -the practice in a less objectionable way. Opposite, at the extreme outer -curve of the wall, you observe turrets rising above the parapet; these -are the vents to ovens or chambers of incineration, and the urns -bordering the garden walks are the family receptacles for the united -ashes of the deceased. Our present method is of Manatitlan devisement, -and it enables us to reduce the bodies to their material ultimatum. The -northern garden is used for the same purpose, the alternation being -dictated by the direction of the wind draught in its waft from the -cinctus enclosure. We were advised by the Manatitlans that your people -practiced inhumation, and supposing that you were prejudiced in favor of -the burial rites of your ancestors, with the padre’s tenacity, we -withheld our method of disposal until your objections had been -anticipated by Manatitlan influence. As you have been impressed with the -body’s corruptibility in diseased materialism, and adjunct -manifestations of instinctive vitality, of voluntary and involuntary -source, you will now regard with horror, akin to our own, the -putrefactive process of decomposition which of necessity imperils the -well-being of the living from the entombment of the dead. How have you -been able to escape the conviction that your practice of inhumation is -cannibalism in a double sense, as you virtually live on the products of -recomposition derived from the decomposition of a dead ancestry, and are -subject to corrupt inoculation from the putrefactive emanations of -decay. The very fact of the festering incorporation of a dead ancestry -with the earth from which you derive sustenance, has conveyed a shock to -our sympathies, in your behalf, that exceeds our powers of expression, -as it is so directly opposed to the current realization of purity. Have -you never thought of the material analogy sustained by the bodies of the -present generation’s reincorporation with the future, in resemblance to -the ancient Egyptian theory of transmigration, which led them to -associate their embalmed relatives with the bodies of reptiles similarly -prepared? The bright array of vessels you see arranged in the colonnades -on either side of the ovens are the body receptacles for incineration, -but they were designed for bath basins, and used by the luxurious old -Heracleans, when they visited the City of the Falls, for recuperation -from the effects of excessive indulgence. Their massive thickness and -primitive design, with the resistant qualities of the metal, has -rendered them proof to wearing attrition through the ages they have been -in use. The Dosch, on your first arrival, cautioned us not to be over -hasty in making known to you the extent of our utensil resources in this -metal, as he said you worshiped it as the god of your salvation, the -largest possessors being esteemed the most godly, without regard to the -means used in obtaining it. But what could we think of the sanity of -your race, when they averred that this god of their worship was the -inciter of envy, hate, and revenge, the ministering demons of murder, -and its tributary types of woe? Still, with your ready appreciation of -our affection, we can scarcely imagine that you were ever ready to -sacrifice honor, honesty, and all the endearing ties of instinct to -possess, as a devotee, its favors for aggregation, in excess of the -requirements enforced by custom, which has made gold an equivalent for -an endurable life with your race.” - -_Padre_ (excitedly). “He doesn’t mean to say that they are made of gold? -Why there is enough to make the Jews believe that Heraclea is the New -Jerusalem, and the prætor the promised Messiah!” - -_Prætor._ “One would suppose from the padre’s excitement that he had -been a worshiper?” - -_Dr. Baāhar._ “A far off worshiper. His sympathy was excited for the -failings of a race who were known in their prime as Hebrews. And it is -recorded in legendary lore, that one of their number, named Judas, -betrayed a person who declared himself to be a son of their god; but -they scoffed, derided, and crucified him. He was the originator of the -sect to which we belonged. But with regard to your process! are you able -to reduce the bones as well as the flesh, without trituration or -chemical aids?” - -_Prætor._ “We first eliminate with a slow desiccating heat every -evaporable compound of the body, restoring to the air its contingent -elements in comparative purity. When desiccation is fully accomplished, -the heat is increased for reductive calcination. This stage achieved, -calcareous earth is placed in the niches of the oven for residuum -absorption of its vapor, then the ovens are hermetically closed, until -with the gradual increase of heat complete degradation leaves the -organization of the body in ashen representation; through which can be -traced, in opaque outline, the silvery white of the nerves, and all the -corporate elements, from variation in form and color; but when gathered -for the urn, the whole will scarcely exceed a deunx in weight. The urns, -as you perceive, occupy allotted spaces beneath the trees of the avenue, -without tablets, or chiseled inscription in memorial epitaph.” - -_Dr. Baāhar._ “So, so,—certainly your method as a sanitary precaution -recommends itself for universal adoption; while to the doctor of a -sensitive disposition, it would prove a great source of relief, as it -will abolish the useless investigations of the coroner, founded upon the -re-slaughter and ghastly exposure of human remains to the gloating -vision of the horribly curious. Also the undertaker’s advertising -exhibitions, and processional pageantries, alike abhorrent with the -shambles of the coroner from the reek of contagious odor. And last, but -not least, the lying addendas of eulogistic instinct, bestowed in -sermons, prayers, and epitaphs charged with heavenly recommendations for -the unworthy.” - -_Mr. Welson._ “Aside from the negatively politic advantages suggested by -the doctor, there is to me something touchingly reverent in mingling the -ashes of the good in a family receptacle, common to all in its memorial -expression; and in safety from the desecration of glacial selfishness in -track of gold, that, ‘for improvement,’ substitutes living tenements for -those of the dead.” - -_Padre._ “But not in safety, Mr. Welson, if the urns are of the same -material as the furnace doors and ovens?” - -_Mr. Welson._ “You are fearfully right, padre, in your suggestive -amendment, and a substitution must be adopted before your thoughtless -confessional exposure to Fraile Gallagato elicits the prying espionage -of his order. Nay, but you need not color so deeply, for we well know -that in intention you were guiltless of wrong. Nevertheless, you should -learn from your heedless dereliction, that the vagrant tongue of -confession is lost to judgment and discernment of the rights of self, -for you exposed the really good to danger!” - -The silence of the padre showed that he sorrowfully acknowledged the -justice of Mr. Welson’s strictures. - -Having made the circuit of the oblong enclosure devoted to incineration, -and the orchard cultivation of vine and tree, our party descended into -the school enclosure, the garden of which was planted upon the more -abrupt incline of the temple hill. From thence by an ascending avenue, -we gained an esplanade overlooking the “court of the foræ,” within the -temple gates, where the children were congregated with their parents who -had already arrived. The prætor and Correliana, each holding in -restraint an arm of the impatient mother, whispered their desire that we -should remain silent, that unobserved we might witness the unalloyed -happiness of parents and children. - -The eager impatience of the prætor and mother of Correliana, in joyful -manifestation, proclaimed that they, in the protective solace of the -second union, had been blest with sons. Looking through the fissures in -the rudely constructed doors, two youths, one past, and the other -verging upon puberty, were seen standing upon the pedestal plinth of one -of the pillars of the court colonnade, nearest to the gates, with eyes -fixed in expectant gaze upon the closing portals through which had been -admitted the groups of happy parents around whose necks were clasped the -arms of loving children. In their appearance, as they stood motionless -in the trustful support of each other’s arms, watching for the entrance -of their primal source of affection with eager eyes, we discovered their -relationship from the remarkable resemblance they bore in likeness to -Correliana. Although strikingly preëminent in the distinctive halo that -becomes inbred from the hereditary impression of matured judgment in -parental bequeathment, they did not greatly excel their companions in -personal beauty. Tall and graceful, they possessed in common with their -companions complexions of clear transparency, which disclosed the -movements of expression under emotional control, in freedom from speck -or taint. As the portals closed their eyes questioned each other with a -shadow of curious inquiry, not in doubt or anxiety, for the welfare of -their parents, but for the cause of their unwonted delay. Without being -heedless or lacking in sympathy for the happiness of their associates, -or unmindful of the cheering salutations of parents and children, it was -easy to trace in their faces emotional changes akin to sorrowful -disappointment. To restrain the mother’s yearning longer was impossible; -pushing wide apart the inner gates she stood revealed, uttering the -call, “Plautus—Adestus!” But affection in premonition had beckoned their -eyes to the source before the words reached them, and the eager parents -had hardly overstepped the threshold ere they were clasped in their -arms. The consummation of this greeting gave a freer flow to the general -expression of joy; the scholars, old and young, soon clustered around -us, eager to become known and recognized in the current reciprocation of -affection by name, bestowing in love such endearments, that for the -moment, with sadness, our own youthful impressions, barren of their -cheer, reappeared in contrasted desolation. But translated back to the -reality, by the warmth of glowing sympathy, with its unspeakable thrill -of tender emotions, the void of our past lives was relieved of its -selfish regrets. The teachers we had frequently met, and had found in -them such worth garnered with experience in the practical dispensation -of exampled goodness, that our nearest of kin stood afar off in -comparison with the reverent warmth of affection that these guardian -exemplars of youth attracted with the genial current of their sympathy. -Well did I interpret from my own impressions the retrospective thoughts -that brought frequent flushes to the faces of my companions when the -mirrored past was contrasted with the present. - -After an hour spent in sweet communion with their parents, the children -were summoned by their teachers to guide us through the school -departments. The culinary dependencies were first visited; in these the -morning’s quota of children were engaged in the preparation of food for -our entertainment, with such cleanly decorum that our appetites were -revived in expectation. In the “workshops” and garden detachments -exhibited the useful combinations of labor, exercise, and amusement, -which practiced in communion, gave a sportive air of cleanliness to -their employments. During the infantile period, educational impression -was intrusted to the nurses, who while inculcating lessons of self- -control over the appetites and passions, attracted the affections above -the cravings of instinctive animality. Their assurance that goodness was -intuitive with the Heraclean children was fully sustained, for in their -intercourse they were altogether free from the petulant exactions of -selfishness. The teachers informed us that the Kyronese children, on -their first introduction, felt the loss of parental association, but -were soon weaned by the loving attention of censors and nurses, whose -experience enables them to attract, while increasing in strength the -ties of parental affection. After the first monthly visit of their -parents they became not only reconciled to their association, but -emulous of gaining the loving influence that relieved the Heraclean -children from petulance and selfishness. This appeared to us strange, as -they resembled the children of our own race, whose instinctive -selfishness is ever on the reach for more, from its first dawn to the -dim vision and palsied mumblings of extreme age. But in explanation, the -teachers said, that during the first days, their cravings could only be -satisfied by advancing a peremptory claim to everything they saw in the -possession of the Heraclean children; who were amused in supplying their -insatiable wants, and wonderingly curious in observing the effect -produced by their accumulations. When all the material resources of the -Heraclean children had been exhausted, the Kyronese were scarcely able -to move in their dormitories, which were nearly filled with the -miscellaneous collections that had been contributed for the -gratification of their miserly dispositions. - -“Our own, as well as the donor’s curiosity was on the tiptoe of -expectation, to learn the next phase in this unexampled manifestation of -greediness. For a time, after they found that every portable article of -their entertainers had been transferred to their possession, they -employed their senses in handling, arranging, and nibbling, until tired, -satiated, and nauseated with the changes and selfish gratification of -taste. Then they began to look about for some new source of instinctive -pleasure; a view of each other’s treasures soon begot a covetous desire -for counter possession; this led to exchanges, and haggling endeavors to -overreach each other with infantile chicanery; this practice soon led to -squabbles that required our interference, which in turn rendered the -trading art unpopular. Next, in course, they commenced purloining, and -when the loss was discovered they used disparaging invectives which led -to a trial of strength for the recovery of lost articles. They next -proceeded to fortification, and constant guard, with occasional sallies -for reprisal, the skirmishing calling for our arbitration, and -restoration of the articles in dispute to the original owner, caused -this method of appropriation to be discontinued, at least in non-edible -articles, that could not be disposed of by the mouth. But at night their -accumulations of eatables were subject to each other’s encroachments, -and from over eating, to prevent robbery and discovery, they made -themselves sick, which called for the censor to enact the part of -doctor, with such success that food in excess of their wants became -decidedly distasteful. This diversion produced a thoughtful stay of -their selfish propensities, which in train caused them to look upon -their accumulations as incumbrances, and at first a somewhat reluctant -restoration of the least coveted articles to Heraclean proprietorship. -But as the kindly impression of goodness in bestowal began to expand, -the petals of affection opened for the full clearance of vagrant -covetousness. The grateful impressions of reciprocation soon brought -into play, with the elder, their hereditary mechanical resources, which -have since proved to them a revenue source of gladness. Of course we -aided in the advancement of the selfish fermentation for the removal of -the lees in the remedial process of clarification, and reaction of -covetousness for the exemplification of its effects to the Heraclean -children, to whom its impressions were new.” - -The padre’s smiling face, already known to the Kyronese children, soon -ingratiated him as a particular favorite with the Heracleans, and in -their charge he soon disappeared, and was afterwards found in the -workshop demonstrating the advantage of paneling for strengthening and -rendering doors less cumbersome, the parents of the children regarding -his handywork with curious admiration. In the neighborhood of twenty -acres of land on the southern slope of the hill enclosure were -cultivated by the children as a garden and orchard, as well as for the -field growth of cereals, with an emulous desire for parental -commendation. The distinctions in size being mainly dependent upon age, -the Manatitlan gradations were of course impracticable, but the smaller -children were constantly under the supervision of their nurses and -censors, although not from necessity, as there was an affectionate -disposition on the part of the elder and larger boys to offer their -backs as steps, and hands as aids to assist the young and weak whenever -an opportunity offered. Indeed, the effect of their example, after a few -weeks of arbitrary sway, effectually cured the Kyronese children of -their fagging dispositions. - -Having witnessed the children’s proficiency in a variety of useful -pastimes, we were invited to visit the culinary department a second -time, to see the food in its prepared state ready to be served. The -prætor observing our admiring surprise at the ease with which the -various manipulations had been accomplished, without bewraying with dust -and adhesive mixtures the persons and clothing of the youthful -principals and aids, said that each, with intuitive perception, felt -that purity within themselves was necessary for the sanction of -confidence in associate reciprocation. To be not only cleanly, but pure, -without a questioning thought of subterfuge, was clearly the motor -influence of every enactment, with the special desire that their -personalities should reflect the refinements of reality. “In all the -departments the children are taught by example, that their personal -individuality may become responsible to itself for acceptable purity to -others in current association; so that in health all their wants of -instinct are self supplied, although rendered facile by household -coöperation, without unnatural exactions that would beget impressions of -mentality. From these exercises of self dependence, the spirit of -emulation has proved an incentive to invention. - -“So you will perceive, that instead of the classical renderings of -murder and its congeneric inhumanities, which the Dosch informs me -obtains the highest grade of your collegiate honors, our accomplishments -and refinements all aim to an increase in affectionate purity, and -confidence in association, for real perfection in living assurance of -immortality. He also informs me, that this evidence of maturity in -judgment would be looked upon with superstitious awe, as of supernal -agency, indicating a moribund state of precocity, while with the -Manatitlans and Heracleans it is esteemed as a necessary manifestation -for the fulfillment of Creative indications. But withal, it has been -hard for us to conceive how you have been able to avoid the impression -of the absolute cause and tendency of your misery; with the extremes of -want and superfluity in your midst, it should have warned your people -that they were receding from happiness. In like manner we are puzzled to -conceive upon what they found their present and future hopes of -happiness, when they are constantly at variance with their own kind.” - -We were spared the full sum of his wondering inquiries, by Plauto and -Adestus, who came to announce the hour of refection. In mustering, the -padre and Dr. Baāhar were missing. The padre was found surrounded by the -children and their parents in the workshop, having just completed a -drawing shave, from a copper alloyed pruning knife, he was in ecstasies -from the keenness and permanency of its edge. Looking up, in questioning -appeal, to learn the nature of its alloy, his eyes met the prætor’s, who -answered that all their cutting instruments and tools were made from old -Heraclean swords, spears, and other warlike arms. “But of the metals -entering into their composition I cannot inform you, as all the -armorer’s records were destroyed in the sack of the old city; but I am -pleased if you have found them serviceable.” - -“Serviceable!” exclaimed the padre, with astonished admiration, “why, -man alive, if it will hold the edge and work like this, you can make -your city the richest in the world, according to its size, by patenting -the combination, and live like princes upon the royalty!” - -“If it will prove serviceable in advancing the peaceful prosperity of -the world, I will endeavor to learn the character of the metals and -method of composition,” answered the prætor; “but in the mean time lay -aside your implements, and join with us in partaking of the refection -prepared by the children.” - -Joining in the search for Dr. Baāhar, he was discovered in a natural -grotto, engaged in sketching in outline a statue garlanded with fresh -vines. When aroused from his penciling meditations, by Correliana, he -accosted her archly in the apostrophic style. “Ah, ha! so, so, Mistress -Correliana, I have caught you at last? I see that your young gentlemen -still pay their garlanded respects to Sieba the Vendic goddess of love! -Moreover, in the future I shall claim a sort of cousinship with you, for -your Roman ancestors in borrowing the Arconan goddess of Rugen isle to -associate with their Venus, accepted a German as well as a Slavonian -deity. But where are the associate representatives of your borrowed -Nemisa—Flyntz, Zernbog, Iphabog, and others of the fraternal -godhead—which should be in company? I hope, for relation’s sake, your -people have not enacted the part of iconoclastics? for they were wont to -hold near association in Vendic mythology.” - -The doctor’s illusive antiquarian nest was here robbed of its cuckold -eggs by a laughing exclamation of the mayorong, who in apologizing -explained, that the supposed garlands were vine disguised Kyronese -mousetraps, which were woven with leaves and flowers to prevent -detection from the instinctive caution of the little rodentian -marauders. This revelation collapsed the doctor’s enthusiasm for his -discovery, which he supposed to be a sure indication of the Heraclean’s -surreptitious worship of Pagan deities. Upon questioning the lad who had -fabricated them, he stated that they were made to capture the -destructive pirates of the banana patch, and that he had selected the -head of the grotto image to keep the leaves and flowers fresh until -night. - -His denouement was a bonne bouche for the padre, who was in feudal -arrears with his Irish bulls begot from hybrid mythology. His mirthful -thrusts caused in the doctor’s mood a show of testiness, until -Correliana reminded the exultant padre that it was hardly generous to -pursue his advantage before strangers. With all his reverence and -submissive obedience to her will, he sottoriously muttered in thought, -“Does he think that a turban will make a turk, or a wreath upon an image -declare it to be an object of worship?” The mirthful flashes of the -padre’s eyes from beneath the wreath of Kyronese and Heraclean children -surmounting his shoulders, with the frequent checks he placed upon his -tongue, enhanced the humorous infection, to the evident discomfiture of -his snuborian foe. Naturally endowed with the elements of strong -affection, his habits had stimulated misplaced confidence, which had -placed him at the beck of imposition and negotiable friendships. Of -genial warmth, when the object was present, but with absence, his -remembrance would relapse into hibernating torpidity. These superficial -traits had subjected him to impositions without lessening his -susceptibility to repetition. The Dosch had recommended Correliana and -the prætor to observe his peculiarities closely, as from his superficial -range of impressions they would obtain an idea of the leading traits of -representative democracy, peculiar to the civilized races. Although in -the manifestations of innate goodness he was not only an exception to -the majority, but a rarity with the minority, still the evanescent -durability of his affectionate impressions, depending upon the -superficial current of precedental routine, that delights in the -sensational excitement of the senses, was a typical reflection of the -masses. “You will find a majority of those who patronize the legendary -motto, ‘What shall I do to be saved,’ like the padre’s original self, -when first encountered by Correliana. With a quid of tobacco in their -mouths, and a pipe projecting therefrom, and a glass of demonizing -spirits in their right hands, while from the effect produced ‘they cry -out in the anguish of spirit, What shall I do to be saved from the wrath -to come?’” - -The refection was dispensed by the children in the garden colonnade, who -waited upon the requirements of their parents and guests with such -joyful alacrity that affectionate reciprocation reduced the limits of -food to an availing necessity, which caused the padre to exclaim with -impulsive fervor, “I wish to goodness gracious Jimmy and all the rest -were here!” - -The day was far advanced, when the chief censor, in behalf of the -children, expressed their gratitude to the members of the corps for -their deliverance from the inveteracy of savage hatred. Then as a -closing memento, Correliana read the nuptial record of the few that were -about to graduate, that the members of the corps might hold the traits -in memory for personal comparison and selection of candidates in their -next day’s visit to the female school. At our departure, after evening -song, in which it was the children’s special delight to join with their -parents, we were made sensible of a grateful share in their affectionate -memories; but the padre’s kindlier, yet vagrant disposition, had been -discovered beneath its artificial mask of entailed habit, so at parting -he attracted the warmer flow of their sympathies which suffused his eyes -with kindly moisture. When he was finally permitted to overstep the foræ -threshold of the temple portals, he exclaimed with glistening eyes, “My -conscience sake alive, I feel as if every soul of those boys had passed -through me with gladness; and I can truly and thankfully say, that I -feel in the purity of their loving goodness as if they had offered me -the only object worth living for. What joy there would be, if our -Sundays could be spent in communion with parents and children free from -the alloy of selfishness?” The earnestness of the padre’s implied -petition met with a hearty response from all. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - -On their way from the temple school, Correliana invited the padre and -members of the corps to pay a twilight visit to her garden. Passing -through her father’s into her own garden, while yet the upward slant of -the sun’s rays reached above the Andean peaks, the party were surprised -and startled by the winged hoverings of a cloud of birds of every -feather, accompanied with the vocal salutation,—“Well, my goodness -gracious, if here ain’t the padre! well, I declare, aha, -aha!”—pronounced in variations of tone peculiar to the raven, starling, -and parrot. With a confused fluttering, twittering, and tonguester terms -of speech, they with encouraged familiarity, alighted wherever a perch -was offered. Correliana tried to still their clamors by calling upon the -leaders, but only effected a change, all uniting in the word “Musick!” -To stay their noisy importunities she beckoned her visitors to be -seated, and then under the escort of her feathered choristers she -brought forth an instrument of music which Captain Greenwood had -presented to her as a parting gift. On opening the case she presented -the instrument to the curators of sound, who were known to be excellent -pianists. From its resemblance to an accordion they started back with -horror, without touching it, which caused the beaming face of Correliana -to become overshadowed with disappointment. But the humorous smiles of -the others relieved her from sudden apprehension, by suggesting, as the -cause of their dismay, some foregone amusing event. In explanation, M. -Hollydorf described the mechanical affinity of the accordion with the -primitive bagpipes, which to the modern musician were a nightmare -revelation of the past ages of discord. “Except in its improved capacity -of breathing sweet harmony in the hands of an experienced musician, the -accordion has the same monotonous drone of its ancestral relative. The -source of Signor Pettynose and Herr Lindenhoff’s chagrin had its origin -on our voyage hitherward from the annoyance caused by one in the hands -of the _Tortuga’s_ cook, which they purchased and threw overboard, and -its ghostly resuscitation in your hands has given rise to their -expressions of horror. I perceive that the instrument in your hands only -bears an outward resemblance to the accordion, and the moment its tones -are revealed, I am sure my impressions will be sustained, and the -artists will be more enthusiastically retentive in its praise, than they -have been in pantomimic rejection.” - -While M. Hollydorf was soothing the wounded enthusiasm of Correliana’s -affection, the instinctively sensitive curators passed the case, with -its instrument, from one to the other, with an expression, kindred in -acting translation, to the effect likely to be produced upon two -civilized or savage bachelors in the armed disposal of an infant which -had been subjected to their inspection, for commendation, by a fond -mother. Finding that their former criticisms of Heraclean music had -placed them in a dilemma that required vindication, they questioned each -other’s ability for extrication. Pettynose having used an accordion in -boyhood as a dernier Alma Mater for the nursing of his musical -faculties, offered in acknowledgment of his debt of gratitude, with -manifest reluctance, the tribute of his experience in expiation of his -long neglect and indifference to the rudimentary ties of affection. With -the first out-breathings of the foundling, as his fingers deftly -caressed with familiar touch the well known features, he became -conscious that the ties of relationship had been rendered harmonious by -a foreign marriage. Reassured by this discovery the petulant asperities -of his face vanished; then after a short wandering prelude for -thoughtful familiarization, he lapsed into a musical reverie of the -past, that gradually caused his disembodiment from the petty assumptions -of instinct, leaving his natural spirit of goodness to soar in flight -upon the wings of sympathy. In a few moments he became lost to material -impressions, other than from the imposed invocation of his fingers, -causing the colonnades and courts to become tremulous with the lulling -concord of sweet sounds. Correliana with hands reverentially folded over -her breast leaned against a vine-wreathed pillar, regarding his face and -fingers with her large luminous eyes overshadowed with a misty veil of -thoughtful inspiration, as if in search for the mazy source of the -mysterious influence that held her entranced within the spell of -inwrought concord. But the motor spirit of memory in reviving vision -bore upon its talismanic wings the artist far away from self to roam -among scenes bright with the revels of childhood in the land of his -birth, on the banks of the swift flowing Amaril, whose cascades -embowered by the tropical hill groves of Brazil had inspired with the -rippling flow of their echoes his love for music. The reveried air of -“Home, sweet home” surprised his listeners with a responsive echo, that -held them immovable in hushed silence, with a controlling power that -banished self. Even the harsh discordant screams of the parrots, calling -for the vesper notice of their mistress, were hushed, as if suddenly -made aware of their voiced defects; while birds with voices attuned to -song in cadenced time swayed silently listening upon their sprayed -perches, eying askance as if in search of the new songster from whom the -sweet notes came. As minutes unheeded winged their way into the current -of the past, and the night shades of twilight deepened, stronger grew -the charmed bondage that held Correliana and her mother dumb and -motionless, bound by the sweet chords of melodious inspiration. But -alas, as if to typify the ephemeral pleasures of sense, the spell was -rudely broken by the grosser instinctive impressions of the unfortunate -padre, who recalled the wandering spirit of Pettynose, by asking, “Can’t -you play Yankee Doodle, Jim Crow, God Save the Queen, or something we -know?” - -The reader has undoubtedly felt the chill of sudden obscurity when the -mellow light of a declining summer sun had been intercepted by a thunder -gust, and the startling effect produced by the lightning’s dazzling -gleam that makes murky darkness palpable after its transient blaze. This -gleam the aroused Pettynose darted on the padre, as he thundered with -quavering voice: “You soulless son of a paddy! are you so dead to the -divine influence of harmony that you could not feel that I was moved by -an inspiration beyond the reach of the time-serving twaddle of national -humbuggery and the idol worship of sectarian selfishness?” - -As the rumbling growl of the enraged musician ceased, the soft -expression of Correliana’s face was for a moment lighted with an -expression of reproach directed to the reproved and reprover. The padre, -whose lack of thoughtful impression had invoked this outburst, turned -with flushing winces from face to face, questioning the source of his -error, but only met frowns of pitying, or disdainful reproof, which -prudently inclined him to silence. Pettynose, restored to his -instinctive self, examined the instrument to discover the attachment -that had contributed by its aid for the production of sounds of such -pure accord, in freedom from the drone of its prototype. Sliding back -the key-board his vision was introduced to a novel mechanism, bearing -but a slight resemblance to that of the accordion, except in formulistic -fabrication. In the place of a reed-board of wood it had one of glass. -Covering the openings were reeds of bamboo answering to the stops of the -keys. Raising the plate he discovered on its under side longitudinal -fossæ corresponding in length and form with the string attachments of -the harp, which it represented in miniature; over this the peculiar -strings were strung. The wind in passing from the bellow’s font through -the open slots caused an æolian vibration, which was increased in volume -and sweetness of sound by the vibrating accord of the reeds. The spirits -of the two curators of sound were highly elated by the discovery of this -rare musical waif; at the same time were surprised to learn that it had -been the companion of their river voyage; but readily accounted for its -concealment with the supposition that Captain Greenwood withheld it from -the idea that it was to them an object of aversion. Pettynose, when -leaving, would, in his heedless selfishness, have taken the instrument -with him, but M. Hollydorf, anticipating Correliana’s anxiety, bade him -recollect that it was a gage of affection. - -When the music ceased, a raven and parrot, who had perched upon the -padre’s broad-brimmed hat, commenced a gossiping promenade, backwards -and forwards upon the diametric extremes of its circumference, -alternating the rise and descent of its rim from his nose to the back of -his coat-collar, to his great annoyance, which added to the comical -effect. But the padre continued silent, notwithstanding the birds’ -quotations of his familiar phrases, “Well, I declare! my conscience’ -sake!” and the like, which seemed to be prompted by the changes wrought -in the position of his hat. At length Correliana became mindful of their -annoyance, and despatched them to their roosts; then she apologized to -the padre for the liberty she had taken, by saying, that they had -imitated her when she was repeating his phrases to familiarize her ear -with the intonations of the English language. “But I am not alone -accountable,” she said, “for that demure personage,” pointing to the -prætor, “has largely contributed by his patience and perseverance to -their proficiency. The Doschessa wishes to have me remind you that their -imitations are an apt example of ritual observances, classical -educations, and fashionable accomplishments, which are styled the -progressive features of Giga civilization.” - -“It pleases me to hear you try to make the padre understand the -difference between a practical education and one of words,” -patronizingly added Dr. Baāhar. - -This assumption of the doctor’s dispersed the depressing cloud that -weighed upon the padre’s spirits, who replied, “Ah doctor, you forget -that to-day you were unable to make the material distinction between an -ancient goddess of your fathers, and a Heraclean statue crowned with -Kyronese mousetraps, even with the advantage of your wordy education?” - -Mr. Welson laughingly commended Correliana and the prætor for their -successful essay in the professorial art, offering to recommend their -talents to the Dominican College of Guatemala, or its Jesuitical -propagandic rival institution of Chinandagua of Nicaragua, which were -devoted to the education of parrots for the dissemination of their -tenets among the people, if disposed to enlarge their sphere of -usefulness. Declining, in the same vein, his intercession in their -behalf, the members of the corps were invited to join the family of the -prætor at the table, where they could have the advantage of seeing and -hearing the Manatitlans, as the Dosch was desirous of joining in the -conversation. The voice of Correliana aroused chirping murmurs from the -leafy coverts of tree and bush, but with such drowsy pipes of -recognition it was easy to discover that the notes were muffled in the -head’s feathery couch beneath the wings. When seated, the Dosch -addressed the padre as follows, “Your race claim that the chief object -of their lives is to obtain present and future happiness; now I would -like to ask you whether your ‘system of education,’ founded upon the -parotic rehearsal of progenitorial self-inflicted woes, has any tendency -for the fulfillment of their hopes? Then answer, with thoughtful -consideration drawn from your day’s experience, whether you have ever -approached so near the shrine of an enjoyment, so pure and -unadulterated, in joyful impression, as that of to-day?” - -_Padrex._ “I declare to gracious, never!” - -_Dosch._ “But would you not relapse at the sight of a priest, as the -converted Jew did at the chink of the shekels?” - -_Padre._ (Scratching his head.) “Well, you know it’s a hard thing for -one to abjure his religion, altogether?” - -_Dr. Baāhar._ (Testily.) “He’s doomed to blind martyrdom in defense of -his idols!” - -_Padre._ “But I know those that belong to my own creed, and am not -willing to be caught with mousetraps! Besides, when we were together on -board of the _Tortuga_, after our good luck, I asked you to advise me -about the education of my children; and you replied, ‘Let them glean all -the knowledge they can from the schools of their country, until they -arrive at the age of twenty; then send them to Germany, and they will -then be able to appreciate the rudimentary principles of our -philosophical course of study, if they are well posted in physical -gymnastics and sword exercise.’ Of course the Manatitlans are well -acquainted with the gigantic self-esteem of the French ideas of -education, which is expressed in the proverb, ‘Live in Paris a year, and -then die, content.’” - -_Dosch._ “The philosophical self-complacency of the Germans with regard -to the benefits of what they are pleased to style their system of -education, is dependant upon habit rather than merit, even in the scale -of civilized estimation. But when reduced from its superflage to -reality, the course of study pursued in a German university, of -sufficient celebrity to attract foreign students, commences with the -majority,—from the boasting authority of their own statements,—by a test -of the body’s capacity to hold beer, saur-kraut, and sausage, seasoned -with tobacco smoke, for the encouragement of philosophical ruminations. -When the freshman devotee’s body has become adequately distended, ethics -and the art of disputatious war are inaugurated, with the premeditated -intention of testing antagonistic skill in the gentle art of tattooing. -Although lacking in the graceful designs of the more primitive races, -the facial carvings in these friendly encounters indicate a nosological -taste for depiction, characterized with boldness of touch on the part of -the successful aspirant for honors. After having had his passions slaked -by sword indenture indemnification, for the aggravations of guttural -opprobriums, swilled at the collateral troughs of learning, the -candidate for high collegiate honors, with his initiatory degree -tattooed in autographic commendation of his skillful attainments, enters -upon his second term. This completed, his body has become seasoned to -saturation with the constituent elements of lager bier, schnapps, saur- -kraut, pickled herring, sausage, and like condimental retainers, which -are incorporated with tobacco-smoke in preparation for the study of the -Oriental languages. At the expiration of three or more years employed in -hard smoking, drinking,—or lageration, as it is classically termed,—with -concomitant study, and wrangling, he reaches the acme of Teutonic -elaboration; becoming to all intents and purposes as useless a casket of -automatical movements and articulate sounds, as the feathered -theologians educated in the Jesuit and Dominican Colleges of Chinandagua -and Guatemala. His sympathetic impressibility can be truly likened to -the saw of the surgical sawyer, in feeling for the suffering it imparts -to the integuments and bone in separation. The French proverb, which you -quoted, is certainly apt. For those who have engaged in the follies of -Paris for a year, of self accord, we have found so utterly absorbed in -the vanities of selfish gratification, that even the legendary memory of -an instinctive soul has been lost, as well as all thoughts of purity and -goodness in devisement for reciprocation. The real fact must now be -apparent to your impressions, that the generations of your race have -turned their backs to the realities of the future,—which could be -secured for those that are to succeed them,—in pursuit of the will o’ -wisp phantoms of the past. To-morrow, you will be able to realize how we -preserve and improve the germs of purity and goodness for transmission, -in freedom from the frivolous vanities of sense. In parting for the -night all united in expressing their appreciation of the Dosch’s -truthful portrayal.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - -When the family of the prætor called in the morning to escort us to the -scholia puellulitas, Correliana received the attentions of M. Hollydorf -with marked pleasure; indeed, the happiness of the prætor and her mother -was so joyfully exultant, that it attracted the attention of the -Kyronese as well as our own. The temple on the north, occupying the -esplanade of the second foræ, was the counterpart of the southern in -architectural design. But its site was more commanding, embracing in the -view obtained from the parapet walk, the latifundium, the grove of the -temple beyond the cinctus gate, and the river expanse in the Bœotian -vale below. On the south the terraced road could be traced in its upward -windings to the brink of the basaltic cliff. To the north the view was -in like manner circumscribed by the precipice and its outjutting flank -of wooded hills. Within the enclosure of the temple walls the hill-slope -to the north was more abrupt and shaded, and from its cooler temperature -it was better adapted for the culture of fruitful shrubs and trees. The -weissich of the falling water, and ring of the basaltic cubes, was much -more distinctly impressed in their ever varying intonations, rendering -hearing upon the parapet difficult, while in the colonnades of the -eastern courts of the enclosure conversation became irksome and -wearying. These effects were produced by the larger concavity in the -southern face, by an inclination given to the main body of the water, -from a northern curve in the direction of the river current above; a -jutting columnar screen, without the falling water, formed a -reverberating chamber that reflected the sound northward. Mr. Welson, -remarking the effort required for speaking and hearing, asked the prætor -the reason of the founder’s preferring the shady courts of the northern -temple, for the tender female plants, with its greater disadvantages -from the louder sound of the falls, when the warm mellow rays of the -southern were so much better adapted for the development of the motherly -germ of affection? - -Before answering, the prætor turned his eyes upon the questioner with a -quizzical glance, then replied,—“What you have observed is, from present -appearances, true, and we learned that the prætor Indegatus made the -selection in accordance with the judgment your discernment has -expressed. But, in referring the reasons of his choice to the Dosch -Giganteo, he reversed his decision, sustaining his judgment by urging -the special adaptation of the supposed objections for counteracting the -then prevalent disposition of the Heraclean women for invidious gossip, -and their initiation into a staid, thoughtful mood, necessary for -overcoming their hereditary inclinations for tongue talk. As I perceive -that the question of Mr. Welson echoes your common curiosity to learn -the influence of the choice, I will notice some of the effects in their -course of development. Yesterday you remarked, while upon the temple -walls of the boys’ enclosure, that the whirr of the falling water -scarcely interfered with conversation, after you became accustomed to -its counter resonance upon your voices, while here we are obliged to -seek the screen of a turret, and then speak and hear with difficulty; -not so much from the overwhelming loudness, as the confused blending of -sound, that renders articulate modulation tiresome. Although partially -overcome when the ear becomes accustomed to the impression, still the -monotonous replication of variations in kind, without order in sequence, -is too close, as the Dosch informs me, in its resemblance to the -unmeaning plash of words, to distinguish in utterance those void of -affectionate sympathy. This toning influence imposes a thoughtful -silence upon those inclined to speak in freedom from the sympathetic -direction of thought devisement, encouraging a mood for the study of -individuality. The Dosch advises me that a prattling novice, from your -race, would soon discover that expressionless words became involved in -the wish-a-washy plash and whirr of the falling waters; and with -repetition would feel the reflection, in burlesque effect, for the -enlightenment of her understanding, when fully sensible of the vague -implication, and of necessity would be obliged to limit her speech to -the honest expression of affectionate emotions. This, he says, has -rendered the cataracts of your country unpopular with your fashionable -ladies, after the sight-seeing impression has been gratified; still -springs being preferred as a place of fashionable sojourn, as they -neither confuse or rival in noisy revel their tongues. In proof of what -I wish to convey to your understanding, you will perceive that upon -useful subjects of enlightenment, the Manatitlan voice is readily heard -by our accustomed ears. But when I pronounce fashionable dress, society, -public opinion, theatre, and like synonyms of multitudinous expression, -the sound becomes confused with the noisy repetitions of the water, -requiring labored and labiate vocalization to make you comprehend their -import. Indeed, I perceive that your ears are at as great a loss to -recognize the familiar words, as I am to judge of their meaning from the -mimicry of sound. But how quickly your perceptive attention is attracted -by the sympathetic tones of my voice when attuned in approximation to an -affectionate wish! Our scholastic ninietas never turn a deaf ear, or a -void eye from an expression in word or emotion prompted by kindly -affection, during the heaviest roar of the winter’s flood. But folly -invested with the blatant mechanism of Demosthenic oratory, or the -rhyming jointure of poetical numbers, could not be distinguished in the -faintest weish of a season of drouth. You will perceive from these hints -that the elements favored the choice of Giganteo; and will now be able -to test the wisdom of the preference that subjected our females to the -restraining influence of this water power, so effectual for the -suppression of a voiceful tongue, hollow in the resonant expression of -truthful sincerity. We have been informed by Manatitlan auramentors, -that your women are almost universally afflicted with a gabbling -epidemic of the tongue, beyond which, and the ear, the impression of -their utterances rarely reaches; and we are truly glad that you have an -abundant supply of large waterfalls provided as successful aids for the -inauguration of a thoughtfully silent era. The shades of the northern -colonnades and courts have, by the reflection of this wise choice, been -made luminous with the rays of affectionate goodness, for woman’s -sympathy in its purity and brightness can illumine the darkest night -with enduring warmth proof to the vicissitudes of time and place.” - -_Dr. Baāhar._ “Since the days of Archimedes there has certainly never -been a hydrostatic invention for the practical use of water, that can -compare with the beneficial result you proclaim.” - -_Prætor._ “The Dosch desires me to give you the assurance that the -hydraulic power of the cataract has been so well tested for tempering in -infancy and youth a tendency to volubility, that with the least -inclination to fanatical superstition, the globular form of the earth -might be esteemed the result of providential intention designed for the -regulation of woman’s tongue, as it necessitates the waterfall in the -flow of rivers.” - -This humorous interpretation of design excited a smile; but Correliana -assured the members of the corps, that the effect produced by the sound -of the waterfall had been but little exaggerated, inasmuch as it -directly induced a thoughtful mood, and disinclination to speak. After a -moment’s thoughtful silence, she asked her father if the selection had -in reality been made with the provised intention of inducting thought by -interrupting speech; and if the women of Heraclea had at any anterior -date given cause for the constant reproof of falling water, to chide -them for the heedless use of the tongue? To which question the father -replied, “You must recollect, Correliana, that many centuries have -passed since the temples were dedicated to educational direction. Then, -as you are aware, Indegatus had been subjected to traitorous annoyances, -from which the Manatitlan Dosch of the period relieved him, enabling him -to cope successfully with disaffection which had been fanned by woman’s -tongue. The Dosch also desires me to remind you of the lessons you have -been taught of the commune degradation of civilized women in Giga -countries.” - -_Padre._ “I have often heard of hydropathic treatment of scolding and -gadding women, but this is certainly a great improvement, as it obviates -by anticipation the ducking-stool.” - -Descending from the temple walls into the garden court, the necks of -Correliana and her mother were suddenly enclosed in the arms of a -surpassingly beautiful form, whose face was concealed by a profusion of -golden hair, which floated in glancing sheen, like the floss of the -silk-tree, over the heads of the united three, closing from view the -caresses, which seemed to impart to the atmosphere a reciprocal flow of -pervading affection, causing each member of the corps to stand -transfixed with emotions transcending by far the highest attainments of -admiration. M. Hollydorf stood like a statue fully enravished from self, -for he alone had caught a glimpse of the sunbeam’s features, as its rays -darted from their concealment, animated with a glow of gladness, that -had been lying in wait for a joyful surprise. Bewildered with amazement, -he was seemingly lost to his personal identity, for he remained heedless -and motionless, until recalled by the prætor’s salutation. “Luocuratia, -my evoce, you must not forget the presence of our deliverers. This is M. -Hollydorf, of whom your mother and sister have so often spoken.” Then -leaving M. Hollydorf, with herself absorbed, he proceeded to introduce -the other members of the corps, individually, the names of each -Luocuratia pronounced mechanically, in repetition, without even the -accompaniment of a furtive glance in diversion from the object of her -first attraction. With her arms still encircling the neck of her mother -and sister, she looked out from the veil of her hair, regarding M. -Hollydorf with changing flushes of perplexed emotion coursing beneath -her transparent skin, like borealian flashes beaming in a moonlit sky. -Mr. Welson, whose quick perception had caught the source of the spell’s -inspiration took the prætor’s arm, and then beckoning his companions, -they joined the happy parents, who added to the fullness of their joy by -introducing the members of the corps to their daughters. After enjoying -the mutual flow of unbounded affection between parents and children, for -a short time, as the centre of attraction, the prætor conducted them -through the gate alcove of the garden screen, to an acacia hedge, -through the interstices of which they could observe, undetected, the -scenes of affectionate endearment, in animated, but silent flow, passing -in the conscious enactment of thoughtful impression, between the -clustering family groups. - -At the conclusion of a pæan song of thanksgiving, they engaged in -various pastimes, improvised from the joyous promptings of the occasion, -in which both old and young participated. All their movements were so -replete with the affectionate expression of gleesome mirth, song, and -frolic wit, the paucity of lingual accompaniments was scarcely noticed. -The impression of our own feelings, in unison, the padre recognized, who -declared, upon his conscience, that he felt a brighter glow of conscious -affection than words could convey, imparted from their silent expression -of joyous reciprocation. He soon became so wrought with the intensity of -affectionate participation, that he could not resist the attraction, but -darted from ambush, exclaiming, “Upon my soul, I know that I shall be -like a bull in a china shop, but I must be with them,” and was soon in -their midst, with face aglow from smiling excitement. The young Kyronese -maidens, from toddling infancy to seven,—the first stage in the course -of instinctive life,—soon took possession of the padre by the right of -preëmption, holding him captive from its conferred privileges of -priority in discovery; but permitted the Heraclean parents and children -to participate in their joy, although holding him as a special bondsman -to their arbitrary sway. Detaining Cleorita and Oviata as interpreters, -they enlisted the padre as the representative champion of his race in -their pastimes. But as an agile athlete his career was more successful -for the enlistment of mirth, than for either grace or speed, for he -fared worse than Dr. Baāhar in his trial with the family of the prætor, -as he was unable to hold the shadows of an old man, of an hundred and -sixty years, and his wife. Indeed, his movements and appearance -indicated that he was their elder in age, for with graceful steps of -equal pace, they kept their shadows from his feet, when in the eye of -the sun they were lengthened in the rise of the hill. The merriment -caused by his defeat cast no shadow over his happy face, but with -buoyant smiles he challenged Dr. Baāhar’s badinage with the desire of -testing his right to criticise. This accepted, he was again defeated, -without other evidences of chagrin than the frequent use of an -apologetic if, in disjunctive evidence of his ability to outrun the -best, when free from its restraint. The swift action and graceful -motions of the Heraclean women, maidens, and men in running exceeded by -far the highest descriptive flights of poetical imagination devoted to -wood-nymph disportings upon the velvet sod, or those of the sea upon its -margin of sand, in derivation from Grecian fable and song. While -bestowing the warmest encomiums in the honest expression of admiration, -the curiosity of the corps was excited to learn the means by which the -graceful uniformity of the women had been preserved, in disengagement -from the ungainly inheritance derived from the impression, supposed to -be inherent with their first estate. For, with our civilisation, a broad -expansion of pelvic continuations, with the angular articulation of the -lower extremities, are esteemed as a progenic provision for ease in the -functional speciality of procreation. The prætor answered from the -dictation of the Dosch: “Our censorial guardians have, from the earliest -date of Manatitlan direction, recognized the body’s unlimited capability -for improvement, under the restrictive advisement of an education -devoted to the kindly reciprocation of experience. Admonished by the -negative effects, described as the resulting cause, that had produced -with the women of your race unwieldy obesity, with a consequent lack of -animus power for current communication independent of language, they -studied to perfect themselves in the Manatitlan art of quality -improvement, for increase in affectionate transmission, from the impress -of exampled alliance, without words. The Doschessa invokes you to -conceive in imagination the impression that would be made upon our -women, if, without previous description they should discover a flock of -your Giga belles swinging up the avenue of the latifundium, with the -longitude, latitude, and circumference of their dresses in oscillating -sway from the movements of their limbs in semi-revolution, at an oblique -angle from their broad pelvic axis.” - -_Mr. Welson._ “Fear would certainly be the first emotion, and I doubt if -upon nearer acquaintance they would be able to discover in them -qualities of merit sufficient for the stay of disgust. Unless, in their -kindly pity, they should look upon them as samples of a female species -of humans, who had in penance for stupidity been made to assume the role -of jennies, self-condemned as beasts of burden to bear the material -emblems of folly. Indeed, when fully impressed with the utter dearth of -their conceptive intelligence, beyond the formulistic rites of -fashionable instinct, and rote rehearsals of prayers for selfish -preservation, from the goading effects of self-immolation styled -conscience, even pity would be likely to suffer in trembling hesitation -upon the verge of abhorrence.” - -We will now leave the prætor and Dosch to entertain their guests in the -courts and colonnades, while in reversion we complete our description of -the garden tableau. After the prætor’s departure with his guests, -Luocuratia, unmindful of aught else, gazed through her flowing veil of -hair upon the face of M. Hollydorf, with the wondering daze of the fawn -when surprised in its leafy covert by the gentle presence of woman. With -one arm still encircling her sister’s neck, yet seemingly unconscious of -her presence, she was recalled to herself, from the dreamy maze of her -vision, by the voice of her mother. Then she asked with fluttering -hesitation, “What is it?” Correliana caressingly removed the arm from -her neck, then gathering her sister’s flowing hair from her brow, bore -it back from her face, and while her mother bound it with a silicoth -fillet, whisperingly, with the prelude of a kiss, replied, “It is -yourself, Luocuratia, be calm, and to-night you shall know.” M. -Hollydorf, who had attended Correliana like a doomed shadow, from the -day they left the _Tortuga_, thinking and acting from her prompting, -even in matters pertaining to his professional avocations, had with the -first glance that he caught of her sister’s face, stood like one -transfixed, his eyes alternating from one to the other, until the -attraction of Luocuratia’s involved his own. Placing Luocuratia in her -mother’s charge, Correliana took M. Hollydorf’s hand and directed him to -a vine-covered alcove in the lower garden walk. When seated, she said, -“We are so thankful, for we are now saved from the inherent misery that -broods like a pall over your people. You will now be happy, but not -yourself again! If I should allow you to recover from the amazement of -your surprise, without an explanation, you might think me lacking in -truthful sympathy, which we hold, under direction, as the privileged -source of our affection. Advised, from the first, of the instability of -instinctive ‘love’ founded upon personal attractions, which is the -ruling incentive for marriage with your race, I withheld from you a -knowledge of my sister’s existence, and our twin resemblance, that her -affections might not be invoked with peril; for as you have felt, we are -endowed with the censorial essentials of perception in premonition of -cause and effect. The long delayed visit to our schools was deferred, -for the proof of your susceptibility to our current flow, and constancy -in affection; and we are happy in being able to feel the assurance that -the transfer of your allegiance to her keeping will be free from -regretful reflection. Notwithstanding the long endurance to which you -have been subjected, and the severity of the trial for the cure of your -self-imposed humiliation, the result not only compensates for your -suffering, but confirms the wisdom of the judgment that prompted the -restraint, by enhancing the zest with the security of a happy fruition. -The relief to me is unspeakable, for in my assisted study of your -peculiarities we have learned that from your appreciation of our -unselfish affection the idea of returning to your people has become -repugnant beyond the endurance of thought. Your sensitiveness so well -corresponds with Curatia’s in nature, that we are sure her influence -will aid you in transferring your sole reliance for happiness to -Heraclean keeping, but not in forgetfulness of your responsibility for -the welfare of your people. But it is well for you to understand her -inability to cope with selfishness, which we are informed, holds supreme -control with your race. Even my bolder nature that dared almost -inevitable capture by our savage foes, from the physical weakness of our -people, from want, shrinks with the thought of incurring the instinctive -abuse they are said to heap upon the good and evil alike, who oppose -their gainful lusts.” - -M. Hollydorf’s countenance was at first moved with reflective -embarrassment, from the self-impressed accusation of inconstancy, but as -Correliana made no allusion to his defection, except for the expression -in grateful relief, his spirits gradually revived from selfimposed -oppression. Yet in attempting to express his appreciation of the -remarkable resemblance of features, his tongue refused logical -utterance. In anticipation of what he wished to say, Correliana bid him -rest easy on the score of the past, as a full relation of all that had -transpired would in no way impair the confidence of Luocuratia, but -would rather tend to increase the development of her affection from the -preference you have shown for her resemblance. This tacit sanction, for -the transfer, restored M. Hollydorf’s grateful impressions, which raised -his spirits to an unwonted degree of elation. But a serious shade of -thought having settled upon the brow of Correliana his apprehensions -were again startled. Observing the relapse she hastened to reassure him, -by asking, “How is it that you, and Captain Greenwood, have remained so -long under the rule of selfishness, with natures so quick for the -appreciation of our example?” - -M. Hollydorf thoughtfully replied: “It was undoubtedly with us as with -thousands of others, whose thoughts in association were under the -control of evil example, in following the educated usages of the past -with unquestioning and reverential reliance, expressed in the fatuous -motto of society in all its grades, which contends that ‘what has been, -will be, to all eternity.’ This willfully blind abrogation of creative -indications for self-reduction to brutality, has been fostered by a -religion that directly encourages evil by offering the means of -redemption to the vilest, by rights and ceremonies which ignore the -practical evidences of purity and goodness. Offering in substitution, -vague terms which lure the stupid masses to present misery and a -hopeless material end. A modicum of these prestigical word combinations, -the padre has furnished for the education of your tonguester birds; but -if you should pass through the streets of our cities, with every step, -your eyes, nose, and ears would be saluted with defilements that would -cause you to shrink with shame from your kinship with civilized -humanity.” - -“Alue!” exclaimed Correliana, with sadness, “we are so puzzled in our -endeavors to understand the source of the misleading infatuation; as the -means of happiness is so evident and easy, and their rejection so -labored, inconsistent, and unnatural, pardon my sincerity, that we are -constrained, from the testimony, to believe that civilized -enlightenment, with your other vague terms, are in fact the wordy -hallucinations of precedental madness. In the review of our past lives, -under the impression of your example, we have absolutely acknowledged -the impeachment, replied M. Hollydorf. Even Dr. Baāhar’s fantastical -ideas of precedental ‘virtue,’ derived from the vicarious nursing of a -maiden aunt, whose celebic worship was devoted to the curative -inspiration of a pill-box, which imposed upon him the humors of medical -study, has at last in so far yielded to the affectionate sincerity of -Heraclean example that he secludes himself when he worships, with the -smoke offerings of the pipe dedicated by imperial and princely lips, as -a reflection of worldly honors.” - -_Correliana._ “But your women, M. Hollydorf? Do they no longer feel -within them the current affection bestowed for transmission with an -increase from happy usage?” - -_M. Hollydorf._ “Here, in besieged seclusion, you have had but little -opportunity, even with Manatitlan teachings, to learn with a realizing -impression the besetting temptations of envious vanity, which have -beguiled our women from their natural inheritance of unselfish love; and -if their more extended and practical experience has failed to open for -understanding vision the vista of civilized woman’s folly, my efforts -will prove a bewildering aggravation to your already puzzled perception. -But if you persevere in your colonistic intention, and are able to -sustain the shock imparted from the degradation of your sex from all the -hopeful endearments that should render life desirable for transmission, -you will, I fear, despondingly lament the hopeless nature of your -undertaking. Then, you will, I doubt not, shed tears of bitterness more -acute from baffled sympathy, than those bestowed in memorial tribute for -your relatives when triply besieged by savage foes, famine, and -pestilence.” - -_Correliana._ “But you have ruined cities, like old Heraclea, scattered -broadcast over the surface of your continents, which bespeak in as plain -language the end of folly, envy, hate, and revenge?” - -_M. Hollydorf._ “These are visited by pilgrims of curiosity, who in -retailing their conjectural wares of relic origin, give no practical -heed to cause and effect for the inauguration of an era of educated -prevention. Yea more, on their return to the haunts of civilization -jostle with indifference living memorials of a misery as abject in -servile dependence upon drones, as the slaves who passed a laboring and -starving existence in rearing these ruined fanes of delusion for the -gratification of ambitious bigotry and despotism.” - -_Correliana._ “But you, as men, represent the different nationalities -considered to be the most and least susceptible to kindly intelligence; -yet each of you, in your degree, have held yourselves, from choice, with -few exceptions, amenable to our example. All of your adherents have -acknowledged themselves better and happier than they ever expected to be -in life. Still, you doubt our ability to enlist, with the simplicity and -purity of our example, the affectionate reciprocations of your women? -Surely you speak in riddles of enactment and theory, as perplexing as if -in discourse you should say, empty barns full of grain. Are there not -many others among your learned men equally able to distinguish that -purity and goodness are in reality the source of happiness; and from -their own experience, that evil results in misery and woe? Then why do -your anticipations forbode for our kindly sympathies a distress so -dire?” - -_M. Hollydorf._ “There are undoubtedly many thousands, if not millions, -who would hold themselves as gratefully amenable to your affectionate -example as the members of the corps, if they could be subjected to the -same experience. For we are in no way better than the well disposed -commonalty, and were as heedless before we were attracted by your -example, as the generality. Speaking honestly, in my own behalf, for my -own disparagement, I rarely, if ever, became disengaged in thought from -the instincts of selfishness while in association with the most exalted -of our kind. In truth, I never felt in the remotest degree that there -was a reality in the reputed second existence advocated by our -mythology, and was in no way impressed with an assurance of immortality, -until we were imperceptibly led to recognize its impression from the -example of yourself and people. But you must recollect that our meeting -was under peculiar auspices, which enlisted and absorbed our sympathies -to the exclusion of self, as if in premonition of the eventful -recompense following in train. No favoring circumstances like those -transpiring for our introduction, will be likely to prepossess our -people in your undertaking, for their own behoof, if we except the -sensational announcement which will herald your origin, in connection -with our Animalculan discovery. The impression that will be imparted -from your exampled exposition of the effects of Heraclean education will -prove as evanescent in the substitution of purity and goodness for the -material excitements of instinctive gratification, as the opening -imitations of the popular humorist, or lyceum lecturer, who attract the -attention of their audiences for an hour with quips and snaffles of -idiomatic license, or theories as valueless as shadows. If the -proscriptor’s compilations should fail to awaken their thoughtful -interest, in their own behalf, with a realizing desire for the -inauguration of a system of education for the benefit of succeeding -generations, then I fear that your treasured hopes will find in -recognition a tardy requital.” - -_Correliana._ “But are not the emotions expressed by your word -friendship, the talismanic offshoots of affection; and will they not aid -our example enlisted for the inauguration of a system of education that -will bestow upon their children a living realization of immortal -impressions?” - -_M. Hollydorf._ “Better by far that you rely upon your own unaided -example, and in no way venture your hopes upon the hazard of its trial! -For there is not in the word catalogue of instinctive delusions, one so -hypocritically heartless and treacherous. Friendship in demonstration -with our race, is, as the Dosch has informed you, a ‘marketable -commodity,’ as variable in expressed quality and price as the puff -stocks founded upon the gambling exchange of gold. It extends its -material aid upon like security in kind, and gold as the medium, is the -equivalent of grateful reciprocation. In fact, gratitude and friendship -in manifestation with us may be truthfully expressed as an ambuscade of -expectation lying in wait for the surprise of future favors. It grieves -me that I have no truthful resource from which to impart consolation and -assurance, in solace for the encouragement of your proposed adventure; -for, to our judgment, the sanction of the Manatitlan auramentors offers -the only hopeful warrant of its feasibility. But for the better -exposition of the instinctive heartlessness of our race, I will endeavor -to give you a true representation of the result of our discovery, if the -golden deposits of your mountains and rivers should be revealed to the -students of our colleges. Abandoning their studies they would lead in -the tide of adventurous emigration, and on reaching your city, heedless -of your example, they would take advantage of weakness as a license, -that in gratification would defy tears, pleadings, and expostulations -advocating your rights of local option. The Englishman would hold it as -his sovereign right to do as he pleased, with the certainty that his -government would hold you responsible for any resistance to his acts, -and with the pretext of an alleged affront, the ocean cormorant would -plume her wings and sharpen her beak and talons for your engorgement, -esteeming you and your city ‘lawful prey.’ Emigrants from my own, and -nations of kindred habits, would claim the philosophical privilege of -corrupting your fruits and grains, by brewing and distilling them into -strong drinks; which Tacitus, a historian of your race, alleges was the -practice of the Germans from the period of their earliest settlements. -But a few days, or weeks, would pass, before your city’s present cleanly -freedom from the evidences of detrition, would be changed into a sty -reeking with filth and saintly odors, and your temple schools into -progenic beer nurseries for the instinctive propagation of liberalism, -and sogdonian classics, peculiar to the transition period of the -incursive pot-pourri invasions of the northern, eastern, and western -hordes, into Germany. In usurpation of the current flow of affection, -that responds in grateful songs of praise to the Creator, the hoarse -croaking of maudlin revellers would make night hideous with strepitant -grunts of liberty and instinctive patriotism; while in vindication of -hereditary privilege, they would exhibit their memorial ‘love and -friendship’ by sword emblazonry tattooed upon each other’s cheeks, -chorused in medley with oaths from English, Irish, French, and other -idiomatic mouths as accompaniments to their manuals in the art of self -defense. If your people should adventure affectionate expostulation in -behalf of their children, they in reply would exhibit their bloated and -bleared visages as the fatherly source of a new and regenerate race of -freemen, delivered by the democratic efficacy of saving grace from the -pulings of puritanism. Well aware of my inherited defects and -unworthiness for the privileged enjoyment of your people’s purity, I -shudder with the reflection that the current of your affection could be -stayed, and forever turned backward, if by rumor the golden treasures in -utensil use should be bruited in the civilized purlieus of our cities -for the attraction of their troglodyte grovellers hitherward.” - -_Correliana_ (with clasped hands and tearful eyes.) “May goodness -forefend us from a calamity so dire! Better by far the consummation so -long urged by our savage foes! But we must still cling to our hopes -founded upon your ready perception of an affection that enables us to -live away from human bodies with habits such as you have so wofully -described.” - -As Correliana uttered in fervent appeal her invocation, the prætor -called M. Hollydorf to indicate the selection he had made from the young -maidens to fulfill the marriage intention with the verging graduates of -the male department? In answer to this quizzical request, he -acknowledged that the only maidens he had seen were Luocuratia and -Correliana, but with his happy impressions would endeavor to make amends -for his selfishness. All, with the exception of the padre, confirmed the -censor’s choice, but he with his usual uncertitude of thought made such -varied and liberal selections that in consummation they would have -proved sadly polygamous. The Dosch had already explained that the -education of the Heraclean children had been limited to the practical -requirements for the supply of family wants, in conducive aid for the -perfection of happy association. So that in the educational department -of letters the variety had been of the most meagre description, the -quota of information relative to the affairs of the world at large -having been supplied by Manatitlan auramentors. Accomplishments and -ritual formulistic ceremonies were unknown. - -We were more than surprised with admiration, when we visited the kitchen -department, in which the manipulations were conducted with such ease and -purity, that our previous ideas entertained of housekeeping were quite -confounded. During our inspection of the kitchen, the busy hands of a -detachment of young maidens were engaged in the preparation of food for -the midday collation; their faces the while were beaming with the rays -of unspeakable gladness, and their eyes in condimental purity imparted -luxurious joy, as a relishing foretaste to the edible results of their -culinary pastimes. In keeping the bright glow of the unique utensils, of -beautifully alloyed gold, reflected in the convex and concave radiance -of their disks the lustrous embodiment of maidenly proportions, with -faces comically imaged in grotesque contrast with the reality. The -dwarfed reduction of their graceful forms and faces to a semblance in -breadth of visaged mouth, nose, cheek, and eyes, to the chattel biddy -instincts who hold untidy supremacy in the kitchen departments of -civilization, gave a mirthful vitality to the metallic expression that -heightened the ludicrous effect, so that under our watchful gaze, it -would occasionally culminate in the voiceful melody of a laugh. Purity -and order reigned supreme, so that there was neither odor or speck for -insect attraction. The effect of this ruling self-dependence was -heightened with vivid impression, from the expression of grateful pride -that beamed with the emulative exhibition of their “useful -accomplishments.” In their personalities they were so free from adhesive -taint, that the atmosphere seemed pervaded with the clarifying -transpirations of beings exalted above the grossness of mortality. - -Our own unworthy selves, reflected in contrast from the clear -transparency of their bodily investments, caused us to shrink abashed -from the hallowed precincts that bespoke in their immaculate purity a -perfection that we had supposed beyond the reach of mortal attainment. -M. Hollydorf, who was of us all the most sensitively mindful in holding -himself amenable to the Heraclean example in personal purity, scarcely -ventured to cross the threshold, for among the hand-maidens Luocuratia -had taken her place, but with her thoughtful face tinged with blushes -shadowed from the dawning realm of unrevealed emotions. Her side- -glances, timidly regardful in wondering perplexity, surveyed the object -of her newborn attraction in thoughtful search for the evidences of -reciprocal impression. But the educated society sophistications of M. -Hollydorf’s instinctive self clouded the frankness of his expression -with the turmoil of impulsive excitement, that rendered him -unintelligible and diffident in bearing. This sensitive shield of -instinct baffled her longing search for the current impressions of -assimilation, imparting to her hands a trembling uncertainty, plainly -indicating that her devotions were not fully enlisted for the -ritualistic perfection required for the shapely modeling of the oracular -cakes intrusted to her leavening touch of purity. To our less enamored -vision her touch seemed to impart chaste consecration, for not the -slightest stain or discoloration from edible crudity, in preparation for -the elaboration of fire, was retained by her hands, so that in contrast -we were again inclined to revolt from ourselves. But with all our -opposition, intrusive memory forced upon us, with prompted aid, the -contrast of swinish priests administering their wafers of dough -desecrated by their filthy hands for the unthinking drove specialities -of the common herd. In verification of the common impression, the padre -whispered to Mr. Welson, “I wish to goodness I dared receive one of -those crumpets from her hands, for upon my soul I believe it would -shrive me for a taste of purity?” - -M. Hollydorf overhearing the padre’s supplication cast upon him a -grateful look of appreciation. Admonished by our feelings of grossness, -we with reverence retreated beyond the charmed circle, but lingered -within view screened by a hedge of rose and honeysuckle, through which -our eyes paid worshipful devotion to the digital service of the kitchen -nymphs. Without the aid of mystic conjurations, the scene seemed -invested with a refinement of purity that exceeded the compass of -instinct, raising our capacities for the realization of beauty, with a -halcyon blending, for the perception of an enduring affection. Spell- -bound within our enclosure, delightfully absorbed with our thoughtful -contemplations, and nectarious impressions, varied with occasional -voiceful melodies, concerted in time to the movements of busy hands and -feet, we were startled from our reveries, and retranslated back to the -grossness of appetite, by the exclamation, “Oh, for a Tobias sausage, -well underlayed and flanked with gamey kraut, and a mug of foamy lager, -for I am as hungry as a bear.” - -The body of Dr. Baāhar appeared in the rear of this hungry ejaculation, -enveloped in flowers and cuttings bestowed by the teachers from the -garden growths cultivated by the pupils. In a moment the carols of the -kitchen celestas ceased, and sidelong glances were directed to the hedge -to detect the intruder whose guttural accents betrayed the profanity of -his petition. The effect produced by this interruption may be truthfully -likened to the hush imposed upon the twilight warblings of the water- -thrush, swayed in tuneful measure upon the spray by the evening zephyr, -and the rippling accompaniment of a flowing stream, when its evening -carols are suddenly checked and silenced, for the night, by the croaking -heralds of darkness from the sedgy confines of a neighboring bog. Even -the padre, whose stomach had many a time and oft remonstrated with -indigestive harshness against the introduction of crab salad,—saur- -kraut’s English and American cousin,—egg-nogs, brandy smashes, and like -poetical compounds for its disposal, stood aghast at this profanation of -the divinities’ edible incantations. Finding himself unexpectedly -subjected to an array of admonitory glances, his eyes sought through the -openings in the hedge the cause of his cool reception, and with its -revelation became aware of his invocation’s apostate grossness. As he -stood peering through the leafy screen, forgetful of his flowery -decorations, he looked like a satyr wood-god of ancient devisement, in -orchidean envelope, regaling his sight with a surreptitious view of the -grove nymphs while adorning their persons for the festal mysteries. - -Correliana, who came with the teachers to escort us to the refectory -colonnade, with the desire of the scholars that we would test the relish -of their food preparations, aided in disrobing the doctor of his flowery -dress; this accomplished we joined the parents and children who were -waiting to receive us in the vestibule. The tables were covered with -cloths of tinted white interwoven from the fibres of the plantain and -tree silk-floss, which produced a novel effect. This cloth was styled -Tapalmtræ, a web of lighter texture being used for raiment. When seated, -the Dosch addressing us from the platform of the tympano-microscope, -which had been transferred from the prætor’s table for the day, asked us -to bestow our critical attention upon the cloth, to detect its -conservative peculiarities for cleanly protection and rejection of -corrupt attaint. The brightness, purity, and softness of the fabric, had -not only attracted our attention as consonant with the characteristics -of Correliana, on the occasion of our first interview, although reduced -for the supply of others’ necessities, to the limits of modesty, in -extremity, but had with the scientific zest of curiosity been the -subject of speculative investigation after our arrival in Heraclea. But -since our introduction to the Manatitlans, it had only attracted our -attention, feeling well assured that all in accruance for mutual benefit -would in season be made known. “Its apparent peculiarities, in their -partial perfection, we have been enabled to bestow upon the Heracleans,” -explained the Dosch, “for their advantage during the trials of the -siege. Although, from the lack of material, and means of elaboration, -imperfect in comparison with our attainments in its illimitable -adaptation for the fulfillment of all material requirements for -protection, it has subserved with them for the supply of a protective -agent to their textile fabrics, conservative in transmissible durability -and sanitary purity. Its special adaptative qualities are the extremes -of mobility and immobility, and imponderability in degree sufficient for -relieving the impressions of weight. These, together with a non-adhesive -surface, with a capability for rendering it elastic and non-elastic to -either extreme, and indestructible from exposure to the elements, have -served as invaluable aids for comfort and their preservation. As an -effective aid for increasing the durability of textile fabrics, you can -judge when I state that the garments and cloths are heir-looms of -centuries’ transmission as well with the Heracleans as with our race; an -electrical current keeping them repulsively free from impurity, they are -to all intents new to each succeeding generation.” - -_Padre._ “Why, what a boon the art will prove to the world? especially -to the poor, who will esteem you their benefactors forevermore.” - -_Dosch._ “It has, with many other attainments, been achieved by goodness -for the perfection of purity; and as the miseries of your race are self- -inflicted from the stupidity of over-indulgence, its bestowal upon them, -in their present state, would prove an encouragement to evil, rather -than for its abatement. From this consideration we do not intend to hold -ourselves culpable by offering it as a premium for the cultivation of -selfish greed and luxurious indulgence. The scientific improvements of -your progressive race in the adaptation of vegetable, animal, and -metallic productions for the development of their tiger instincts, is -quite sufficient for the exemplification of their delusive aspirations, -without prostituting the labors of affection for the encouragement of -envious hatred.” - -_Padre._ “But do you arrogate to yourselves greater goodness in your -decrees than God, who bestows sun and rain on the good and evil alike?” - -_Dosch._ “Your distinction of Creative indications in the bestowal of -gifts, is, in delusive appeal an assumption characteristic with -sectarianism. It should be evident to perception, that Creative -benefactions extend to the whole creation, to the reptile, and monkey, -as well as to the higher grades of mankind. But the endowment of -humanity with powers of discernment to distinguish between good and -evil, is an indication of intention that directly implies the privilege -of choice for securing the results of happiness or misery. In other -words, if man prostitutes his privilege, and makes a brute of himself, -he must expect the living void of bestiality, and incapacity for present -happiness, with its affectionate premonitions of immortality.” - -When seated, the prætor, while acknowledging the superiority of knives -and forks, drew from his hand its transparent glove, offering it as an -apology for the use of their fingers in eating, by showing that it was -repellant to adhesive matter. Although instructed in the use of chop- -sticks, and knives and forks, they were not yet proficient in their use, -and would prefer the use of their fingers with their silicoth gloves if -the habit would not offend? This accorded, a maiden was self-assigned to -each guest who adjusted Mappas (napkins) to their necks. Luocuratia, -radiant with blushes and smiles, assumed the charge of M. Hollydorf, -assisted by an Indian maiden of singular beauty. Correliana observing -the curious interest excited by her presence and others of her race, -introduced her by the name of Toitla, as one of their foster sisters of -the Betongo tribe, taken when infants and adopted for a hostage -education; their parents visiting them whenever an opportunity offered -without attracting the notice of their savage allies, a swinging bridge -having been constructed for the northern basin of the falls to -facilitate their entrance and exit unobserved. “To their gratitude,” she -exclaimed with tearful eyes, “we are indebted for the food that -preserved us from starvation, when the malignant river savages sowed -caterpillars and other noxious grubs upon the wind, from the brink of -the precipice, which destroyed our means of subsistence.” - -After the first course of maize and banana-bread,—styled by the padre -crumpets, while under the moulding pressure of Luocuratia’s fair -hands,—the elder maidens seated themselves beside their parents, the -little ones taking their places, their busy eyes watchful for an -opportunity to render aid in supplying the wants of their parents and -guests. So well versed were they in the language of eyes, tongues were -rarely used. Our most skillful performer with the knife and fork caused -them to stand on tiptoe with wonder, in view of their rapid alternations -in the transfer of food to his mouth, although himself unmindful of -special notice. Whether the pantomimic expressions evoked from their -symmetrical hands, arms, and questioning eyes, were elicited from the -quantity or facile speed in the disposal of food, we could not judge. At -the close of the refection, the prætor remarked, that the impression of -their debt of gratitude was accumulating so fast from an increase in -happiness, they felt sensitively the poverty of their resources for -making suitable returns. “But if you will only wait with confidence, our -dispositions will find some method of recompense that will prove more -acceptable than metallic gold?” - -Mr. Welson assured him if true happiness could be considered a meed for -equivalent reciprocation, the Heracleans had conferred far more by their -example than they had received. - -_Dosch._ “Then you must fain remain content with each other, and bestow -your mutual aid upon the less favored for the recognition of your source -of happiness. As the day is drawing to a close, perhaps Dr. Baāhar will -favor us, and the other children, with his impressions and ideas derived -from his associations of the day?” - -The doctor, without apology, responded as follows: “During the day I -have been so enchanted with the harmonizing voices of the parents and -children, free from chiding, whining importunities and reproachful -bitterness, common to our schools, both male and female, that I was -often prompted to speak to you of the effect that has ever been accorded -to harmony in musical concord, from the remotest antiquity; but checked -myself from reverting to classical fables in view of the brighter -reality of your example, which has impressed me with the reflection of a -future, made glorious with the realization of your true affection, as -the only abiding source of happiness. We feel ourselves novices in -appreciation and capacity for reciprocation, as well as in the power of -self-command, but will treasure your loving example for a clearer -perception of our faults of omission and commission. Notwithstanding our -gratitude has but recently emerged from its cocoon of selfishness, we -feel that its rays are brighter, warmer, and more kindly in their -influence and extension, and truly hope that we shall be able to reflect -your example for the lasting good of the well disposed. If the -possibility or probability of reducing a woman’s tongue, young or old, -of any race, to the limits of useful, witty, or consoling speech, -dictated from thoughtful impressions for kindly reciprocation, had been -advocated in my presence by the members of the royal scientific -societies of London, Paris, or Berlin, I should have given less heed to -their arguments in support of feasibility, than to the babblings of a -brook. Or if in prophecy, the scenes of to-day had been foretold as a -probable event likely to occur by any transition, I should have -attributed its source to the fantastical chimeras of a fool. Moreover, -if in thought suggestion the Manatitlan auramentors had substituted the -idea that I could improve upon ancestral precedents, I should have -thought myself, when free from their influence, subject to the freaks of -insanity. Albeit not much given to respect in following advice, or -imitating parental example in my youth, still both law and gospel -forbade one to think himself wiser in his generation than his -antecedents; from this prevailing authority we expected that our men -would wield their swords, and the women their tongues, in opposition to -their own promulgated ways and means of salvation, to the end. From the -light of this morning’s example I can realize, in view of the past, that -inconsistency is the soul of instinctive selfishness, as well as the -‘substance’ of law and gospel, upon which we found our vaunted -civilization. In addition, your system of education founded upon the -practical adaptation of study to the requirements of life, makes me feel -that I have used my brain as a store-house for the vile and useless -lumber of past ages, which had better have been buried in the -instinctive grave of oblivion. In fact, I have hibernated in common with -the class styled learned men, in company with the corrupt bodies of a -dead ancestry; and while subject to the winter gloom of instinct, have -existed in ritualistic dependence upon the fancied nutriment derived -from sucking my mental paws, while in truth exhausting my resources of -vitality, and hopes of immortality. But whatever there is in me left of -rational appreciation, capable of being cultivated in diversion from the -baneful influence of the past, shall be devoted to the welfare of future -generations, for the abatement of selfish greed which seeks to -accumulate in excess of self-requirements to the detriment of others.” - -At the close of the doctor’s declaration of faith, the padre quietly -remarked to Mr. Welson, that he fully believed in the Manatitlans and -their power of thought substitution. Then, after even-song, Correliana -led in a hymn commemorative of Heraclean deliverance, of which the -following is an imperfect rendition:— - - “Father Supreme, our guide and stay, - When sore opprest for others’ wrongs, - In pity, Thou didst ope a way - To save; to Thee the praise belongs. - - “Guide those, to whom we owe the aid, - Under Thy sole direction sent, - That our paths of peace may be made - Through them the sign of great event. - - “That instead of war brings goodwill, - Preferring kindred love to self, - That others’ joy may prove their skill - In place of hoarding useless pelf. - - “Nor deem it ill, that they can learn - From Manatitlans peaceful sway, - Love’s power to bring like return, - And bear from hate the palm away.” - -After exacting a promise that we would accompany their parents on their -next monthly visit, we were permitted to depart, and, as the temple -gates closed, held in review, with thoughtful silence, the scenes of the -day, feeling within us that they were the index of future happiness for -our race. Our thoughtful revery was broken by Lindenhoff, the corps’ -genealogical curator of sound, who expostulated: “It is strange that the -Heracleans still continue to drone the old pæan cadences practiced by -the Greeks four thousand years ago, after hearing the Manatitlan -operatists; for they are really a wonderful people, and superior -musicians, notwithstanding their lack of power for the expression of the -deeper emotions of rage, love, and revenge, which are in reality the -vitality and soul of our great master’s compositions. They show but -little versatility in fugue movement, which expresses the gliding power -of musical intelligence; this certainly discovers a material lack of -appreciation, however accomplished they may be in other respects. In -fact, the Manatitlans would be esteemed as superior vocalists the world -over, if they could register a little more volume to their voices. I -would much rather undergo one of Mr. Welson’s practical jokes than -listen again to the droning of the Heracleans, for their execution was -perfectly shocking, and they have far less capacity in the lower scale -than the bumble-bee.” - -The music taster’s criticism provoked a hearty laugh, but the padre, -with warmth, exclaimed: “Upon my soul, for the life of me, I can’t see -any cause for fault finding with sound, when the words harmonized so -well with one’s feelings of grateful sympathy. A good heartfelt -invocation from such voices, which were as beautiful as their faces, -should not be questioned by our coarse natures! Why, man alive, if I had -had the voice of a nightingale, it would have choked with kindly -emotions from the harmony of their affectionate solicitations in our -behalf! Faugh, man, your opera tral-la-la yells are as empty as the -screechings of cockatoos and the croakings of frogs in comparison! The -chord of sympathy they touched is beyond the reach of your Norma -quirketizations.” - -All joined in hearty commendation of the padre’s strictures on the -hypercritical curator, Mr. Welson reminding him that the Maniculan -choristers would have failed to impress his sensitive ears with their -excellence without the magnifying aid of the tympanum. “In full chorus, -to the unassisted ear, their music would have sounded monotonous, hardly -reaching in volume the lisping chirrupings of an infantile cricket, -heard from its home in a distant cranny. As with your registrations of -impressions derived from its voice, the Heracleans would find Manatitlan -instruction wanting in volume for successful imitation. But,” he added, -as Correliana overtook them, “here is the offending composer; we will -now hear what she has to say in extenuation for neglect of opportunity -for improvement in the cultivation of fugue flights above the reach of -harmony.” - -Correliana, observing the quizzical expression of mirth that accompanied -this appeal, inquired the cause. In answer, Mr. Welson rehearsed the -criticism of the curator, to which she blushingly replied: “You will, I -hope, consider in our behalf, when I acknowledge the justness of your -criticism, that before your arrival we were constantly harrassed with -troubles which required the active employment of our people’s thoughts -in the devisement of expedients for preservation. These kept us occupied -with the full enlistment of our sympathies, so that we could only -exercise our musical inclinations in the transmitted current of our -original songs of thanksgiving. But in our greatest distress we longed -for a harmonized extension of capacity, that you have supplied with -adjuvantic aids, from which, in time, we hope that we may be able to -render you satisfaction, with the evidences of industrious application.” - -The curator of sound was too much abashed for an apologetic reply; and -the Dosch requested Mr. Welson to say, that for their evening’s -entertainment he would relate the circumstances that placed the -“dulcetina” in the hands of Captain Greenwood for disposal. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - - -After the evening song of salutation, on the day following the members -of the corps’ visit to the school of the “ninyetas” they accepted the -prætor’s invitation to join with his family in listening to the recital -of the Dosch, which we transcribe. - - * * * * * - -During the ravages of the “coast” and yellow fever in Rio Janeiro in the -year 18—, it made sad havoc among our provincial offshoots of Brazilian -parentage, owing to a lack of means for provisionary precautions, so -that I felt it a special duty and privilege devolving upon me to give my -personal supervision for its arrest. The joint efforts of our Manatitlan -corps of censors and nurses soon succeeded in rescuing our adherents -from the deadly influence of the pestilence, affording us leisure to -render succoring advice to the good of the Giga race. Among the -foreigners, one had attracted my particular attention from the fact that -he studiously avoided companionship with others, beyond the enforced -necessities required for business relations. This, together with other -singularities pertaining to his deportment, attracted a desire for an -auramental investigation of the cause of his non-alliance with the herd. -My first discovery after entering into auricular communication with his -thoughts was, that his preference for communion with himself arose from -a natural repugnance for association with men in form, whose instincts -were degraded below the bestial capacity of the lower orders of -animality. This, I soon learned, had its origin from the sympathetic -impression of the animus of goodness revealed in desire. While studying -his characteristics, as a key for after-thought substitution, I found -that the intrusion of an indelicate impression from his own instinctive -propensities, or in word reflection from others, gave him acute pain. Or -when from natural promptings, induced from a genial disposition, he had -been influenced to listen to or relate a humorous story, strongly -tinctured with the passionate rulings of instinctive induction, for days -afterwards he would subject himself to remorseful reproof. These -sensitive traits, indicating a desire for the attainment of instinctive -purity, although rare in the associations of Giga men, are by no means -singular or unrealistic with the conceptions of the thoughtful. But a -lack of discrimination in society association, subject to the arbitrary -rule of money, blunts the perceptions of intelligent refinement, under -the impress of the selfish policy it imposes for the successful -enlistment of patronage. Vulgarity impairs the powers of inclination for -refined perception, in like manner and degree with the action of foul -odors upon the sense of smell, which renders it obtuse for the delicate -appreciation of a well selected bouquet. - -With this reflective introduction of our auramentee, we will ask you to -picture him in meditative mood leaning against a huge pile of coffee- -filled bags, waiting in the shadow they cast upon the wharf to witness -the variegated effects of light imparted from the rays of the declining -sun upon the beautifully environed waters of the harbor bay of Rio de -Janeiro. The surface of the water, with its deeper blendings of green -and blue, were tinted with the yellow light, while the rippled wavelets, -gently moved by the waft of the evening breeze, sparkled in bright -effulgence as their crests toppled and broke in foamy succession. - -As the sierra peaks of the des Orgoaes began to cast their long shadows -over the distant foliaged and villa-fringed bay of Jurbajuba, he was -attracted from his reveried meditations by the distant strains of music, -in harmonious accord with his mood. The instrumental combination in trio -was so blended in harmony that he failed to recognize their individual -characteristics, until a near approach enabled him to distinguish the -movements of the performers. While yet distant his attention was -impressed with the beseeching undertone of melancholy that pervaded the -apparently improvised variations of familiar melodies, as if in wailing -supplication for sympathy. As the boat approached the wharf, within its -shadow, the awning was retroverted to admit of the upright position of a -harp, supported by a woman yet young, but the resemblance of her -features to a boy and girl, sitting upon either side of the stern -thwart, proclaimed the relationship of mother. The children were yet -within their first decade of years, but had advanced to the stage that -rules with its impressions the after course of Giga life, in act, for -good or evil. Their instrumental prelude had attracted all within -hearing to the wharf, for the unusual tones of sad sweetness proved -alike irresistible to the troglodyte negro and more insensate sea- -monster of brutality, the slave-ship’s captain. The eyes of the mother, -whose face was overshadowed by the broad brim of a Tuscan hat, moved -with a quick glance from face to face of the gathered assemblage upon -the wharf, while she directed the concerted movement of her children’s -musical appeal, from violin and dulcetina, by touching in timed lead the -strings of the harp. When all accessible to her sight had been passed in -review, her eyes became suffused with the sad mists of disappointment, -which were imparted to her children’s, upraised with hope. Drawing her -veil to screen her emotions, she commenced a plaintive refrain, her -fingers imparting to the strings of the harp an anguished tone of -petition, so evident in its pleadings, that the uncouth negroes -reverentially removed the turbaned bandas from their heads in -recognition of the woful strains, and for the moment were raised above -the grovelings of their debased condition. After the third repetition, -the instrumental air was changed into an accompaniment for their voices, -which in song preferred the following petition in Italian and English:— - - “Father dear, art thou near? - Then listen without fear; - We came not to reprove, - But erring steps to soothe. - - “Italy, dear land of our birth, - Though exiled, the choicest of earth, - Truly, thou wast cherished for love, - With only one object above. - - “But alas, how frail was my stay! - Beguiled by a wanton away, - These pledges of love now remain, - To haunt me with loss, and the stain. - - “To save, I have sought every trace, - A pilgrim to this distant place, - Hopeless, I have come in despair, - And now forlorn, breathe the last prayer.” - -When the refrain had been repeated for the fourth time without response, -or sign of recognition, the mother sank back on her seat; the harp -following, with its weight would have forced her backward into the -water, but for the timely arrest of the padrone. In a moment her neck -was encircled with the arms of her children, who bestowed, unabashed by -the curious presence of the assemblage, the spontaneous promptings of -their affection, in solace for the encouragement of hope. Never, in the -course of a life devoted to auramental association with the Giga race, -had I ever witnessed an influence that so quickly dispersed varied -evidences of brutality in human expression, as from these manifestations -of suffering in alliance with innocence, affection, and beauty, hallowed -in preluded expression of emotions by instrumental and vocal music. The -repulsive sensuality, so brutally prominent in the slave captain’s and -their “owner’s” visages, which exceeded in the loathsome vulgarity of -selfishness the hyena’s, gave place to the shadowy reflection of -sympathetic pity, as if from the impression of a reality retrieved from -the dim memories of childhood. In default of tears, to the moisture of -which their eyes had long been dead, they relieved their pockets of the -last representative coins of sympathy, for bestowal “in charity” upon -these wandering minstrels, who had recalled a flitting reminiscence of a -mother’s memory, which once entitled them to an alliance with -affectionate humanity. In contrast, the black faces of the negroes -glistened with moisture from eyes still open to the founts of primitive -sympathy; those acting as boatmen collecting the coins with scrupulous -honesty, deposited them in the sachels of the children. - -The mother, aroused with the continued sound of falling money, for, as -with the exampled impulse of panic fear in battle, and the gambler’s -reckless course in the downward path of fate, charity becomes heedless -of self under the associate impression of congregated bestowal, made an -effort to free her eyes from tears, that she might give expression to -her thankfulness and stay the uncalled-for gifts of money. Then making -known her desire to land, the padrone directed the boat to the stairway -of the pier, the eyes of the children the while being engaged in a -wandering search among the spectators, with a woful expression of loving -desire. Ascending the stairway from the water, the motley crowd opened a -free passage; the foreigners following the example of the negroes, -removed their hats in token of respect. My auramentee had been greatly -moved from the first sound of the instrumental prelude, but the -appealing sadness of their voiceful invocation enlisted his sympathetic -excitability beyond control. Unable, with his utmost exertions, to -approach within speaking distance, he followed in the wake of the -procession until he saw the padrone and boat’s crew deposit the harp and -baggage of the mother and children, at the street door of a house -occupied by an _attaché_ of the English consulate, in a court opening -upon the Rua da Dereita. As their entertainer proved to be an -acquaintance of the auramentee, he returned to his hotel well satisfied -with the assurance of their congenial safety, which had fulfilled his -kind intentions. On the second day after their arrival he obtained an -introduction, and with an unobtrusive offer of service gained their -confidence. When but partially recovered from the anxiety and fatigue of -the voyage, they commenced their street perambulations as musicians, -with a pecuniary success more than equal to the exalted expectations of -favorite opera singers, which to the credit of the Rioans was bestowed -from the enlistment of true sympathy in their behalf, rather than in -acknowledgment for their musical talent. The family of the emperor -became interested from the universal expression of sympathy bestowed in -recognition of their sufferings; although the cause was unknown, they -extended to them their protection. Failing in their endeavors to -dissuade them from the exposure of street concertizing, by the offer of -a less laborious and more pleasing method of rendering their talent -provident, they were content to aid them with their special protection -and patronage. A week later, in a private interview, she gave them such -reasons for the course she had chosen, that they used their power to -facilitate the attainment of her object. - -On the nineteenth day succeeding that of her landing, my auramentee was -detained until a late hour in the evening at his place of business, and -was hastening to pay a short visit to his _protégés_, when he was -intercepted by a messenger from a friend who had been suddenly -prostrated with an attack of the coast fever, who urged him to make -haste as the symptoms threatened a fatal issue. We found the doctor in -attendance on our arrival, who accepted a thought suggestion, and on the -supposition that it was his own, adopted the recommendation, which -served to relieve his patient from the fatal tendency, thereby relieving -my auramentee from his apprehensions, in time to fulfill his first -intentions. This fever scourge of Brazil differs from the yellow type of -northern latitudes; as in Rio, during the first stages of accession, it -is exceedingly erratic; suddenly appearing in one department to rage -with deadly vigor for a few days, and then in apparent transfer, -subsiding, to reënact in a remote district its fatal ravages. At a later -period of its sway, when the partially exhausted venom has become more -generally dispersed, it flits hither and thither with demon activity, -fastening upon its prey without premonitory symptoms, perceptible to -curative observation, devoted to empirical treatment, although -distinctly visible in inceptive cause to our censors. Even with -coincident cause and effect clearly exposed for detection in current -transfer, the Giga physicians utterly ignore ante-investigation, for -prevising the means of prevention. This observance of limits, -overleaping adjoining, to locate itself in remote districts, gives plain -indication of local infecting agency, and we discover that the -fermentable cause was overlooked, and allowed to exhaust itself in -putrefactive dissemination. With this hint, in recurring attestation of -the fatuous fatalism that will ever attend the curative devisements of -humanity, while they neglect the means of prevention, we will resume our -demonstration in narrative vindication of the axiom, that remedy is -inherent with the cause. - -But a few minutes had passed, after the auramentee had reached his -hotel, before he was summoned to the house of his Italian _protégés_. On -our arrival we found the mother in the height of the febrile stage of -the plague’s accession, but calm and resigned in thought, although -impressed with a premonition of the disease’s fatality, which with our -knowledge we felt that it was impossible to avert, still we suggested -remedies for transient relief. With the morning’s dawn, after soothing -the anxious fears of her children, she expressed to them her desire to -converse with the auramentee alone. Notwithstanding the unusual nature -of the request, it was cheerfully complied with. She then related to him -the cause of her husband’s estrangement and desertion, affirming that -her sole object in following him was for his rescue from self-inflicted -wretchedness, as she had brought with her a feeling of fatality, that -warned her that her own and children’s days were numbered. This feeling -had been confirmed in her mind by the strange sympathy which had been -shown in her behalf, as the source of her sorrows was only known to an -appreciative few. We used all our powers of persuasion to induce a more -hopeful mood, by endeavoring to convince her that she was yielding to -superstitious feelings unworthy of the courage which had sustained her -through the trials of desertion, and her long search which had been -continued in a manner humiliating to the affectionate pride of a mother -in behalf of her children, exhorting her to bear up bravely until she -had achieved the object of her mission. With a wailing sigh, quickly -suppressed, she averted her face, while with choked utterance, scarcely -raised above a whisper, she despairingly murmured, “I have seen him.” - -Surprise, mingled with an oppressive sorrow, held us speechless; for -words of sympathy, however pure in expression, would have added to the -pangs of her agonized affection, which seemed already struggling for -liberation from the body, held back by her children’s love; but divided, -and bereaved of the sentient unity of her affection, grief overshadowed -and dimmed her assurance of a happy immortality. A silence of many -minutes followed, unbroken save by convulsed sobs, which she vainly -tried to suppress; at last a flood from the fount of tears enabled her -to regain self-command, but only to be borne back for the realization of -deeper woe. Her children, with anxious solicitation for the revival of -fond memories, had caught the reflection of their mother’s lullaby, with -which she had soothed them in dawning infancy, when with undimmed eyes -she had breathed her affection in song. Then no cloud had arisen to -darken with its gloom the joys of her wedded life. The daughter had been -encouraged, with guided hands, to touch the strings of the harp during -the period of toddling babyhood, when from feeble, faltering incertitude -an answering response came to the mother’s leading song. Soon her tiny -fingers, instructed by a retentive memory, enabled her to render with -remarkable accuracy the most difficult compositions within the compass -of her reach. The sadly harmonious memorial that had opened with renewed -anguish the fount of the mother’s tears, was the sleep requiem early -impressed on the daughter’s dawning memory. Commencing with an imitative -prelude, suggestive of childhood’s hesitating touch, accompanied with -her brother’s violin, the various canzanatas were modulated with the -far-off lisp of invocation, as if from dawning perception, intuitively -increasing in volume until it reached the flowing harmony of present -maturity. From the joyous expression of childhood’s buoyancy, the strain -suddenly changed into the sad wailing of uncertainty, improvised with -mournful variations descriptive of their wanderings and disappointments. -Again, in renewal, as if led by some inspiration beyond their control, -they reached their present source of sorrow. The burden of the plaintive -strains was frequently interrupted with sobbing outbursts, rendering -their touch tremulous and uncertain, the efforts made for suppression -being easily detected by hesitations, which they endeavored to cover -with bolder movements. Recovering, as if with the sudden impression of -hopeful assurance, there came a stream of melody of inconceivable -purity, as from an echo of futurity bearing in waft joyful gladness. -This change caused the mother to whisper, with tears fresh flowing over -a sadly joyous expression, “I would have so, it is our requiem.” - -With the lullaby, that was improvised in quick succession, the mother -again clasped her hands convulsively, while the spasmodic workings of -her compressed lips and trembling eyelids bespoke the inward struggle -made to suppress the gathering strength of her emotions. But with the -rehearsal of the melodious symphonies of the halcyon days of united -love, grief found vent in an abundant flow of tears, which called forth -from the auramentee stifled throbs of masculine sympathy. But while the -melodies were growing more earnest in the sad sweetness of their -expression, the strain suddenly ceased with the startled cry of, -“Father!” - -The mother sprang from the bed, but with tottering dizziness fell back, -still retaining her consciousness with a placid expression, which -despite the ashy paleness of the face bespoke the full consummation of -earthly hopes. The children gently opening the door led in the wretched -father, upon whose features were imprinted with haggard remorse the -interwoven lines of despair. Blind with the searing touch of hopeless -shame, he passed the auramentee unnoticed; then pressed down by the -remorseful revival of first affection, he knelt at the bedside and was -enfolded in his wife’s arms. Not a syllable had been spoken save the -word, father, and the auramentee feeling that his voice and presence -would prove alike embarrassing, quietly withdrew. - -Five hours later, while crossing the palace plaza on his return from a -walk on the Botofogian beach, we met the husband hastening back to his -house of refuge and partner in disgrace. Although evidently bracing -himself for the utmost exertion of his powers of resistance and speed, -in opposition to the foe whose seal was legibly visible in the ashy -paleness of his face, the wavering uncertainty of his steps betokened -speedy prostration. The natives, accustomed to the symptoms, detected -the cause of his swaying progress, and held their course as far to the -windward as possible, following his movements with eyes subject to the -instinctive fascination that a person under the doom of deadly infection -attracts. Becoming fully impressed with his condition from increasing -weakness, and the fixed stare of the passers-by, who avoided him, his -steps faltered and a momentary shadow of dismay caused a wavering of his -eyes and lips; but in quick revulsion he again braced himself, with a -determination that bespoke the energetic self-possession of the -Englishman in extremity. Leaning against the palace wall, which he had -reached, he hastily buttoned his coat to his throat, then drawing in his -breath resolutely, he again started forward with a defiant stride. But -he was in the deadly grasp of a foe who toyed with his mortal powers as -relentlessly in sacrificial oblation, as he had with the ties of -affection. This fact his tottering steps soon betrayed, for in despite -of his desperate struggles he sank back in a half kneeling and leaning -position against a pediment of stone, in transition for the tower of a -neighboring church, while its priest passed by on the other side hastily -crossing himself and muffling his face with aversion. - -The imploring language of his eyes, which he cast around with beseeching -entreaty for help, moved even the stolid pity of the natives to unwonted -activity, causing them to start in search of the brotherhood in charge -of the department. But the auramentee, forgetful of the unfortunate’s -great wrong, gave him supporting assistance, while urging with his voice -the necessity for the utmost exertion of self-determination. Pointing to -the Hotel des Estrangeiros he made an effort to take from his pocket a -card partially in view. Understanding his wish, the auramentee took it, -adding to its anticipated intention in his own handwriting, “sick with -the fever,” dispatched it by a kindly hand to its destination. Scarcely -five minutes elapsed before a female form darted from the portal and -directed her steps in wild dismay to the stricken one’s side, and -kneeling claimed the support of his head, while with a kiss she -supplicated, “Oh, Edward, what can I do?” A faint smile lighted his face -at this appeal, as he whispered the ever abiding talismanic word, -“home,” so dear to the honest attachments of instinct, however much -misused in collateral signification. The auramentee then entreated him -to muster all the energy possible in aid of their support. Raising him -with great difficulty to an upright position upon his feet, all his -efforts to walk proved abortive, but a kind-hearted Frenchman who was -passing, volunteered his aid to bear the doomed bodily to his hotel and -bed. By profession a nurse, the Frenchman undertook the patient’s -charge, after he was placed in bed, but gave no hopes of his recovery; -on the contrary, with the coolness of a physician, urged him to use -quick dispatch if he wished to dispose of anything by his will for the -living advantage of others, as it was impossible for him to live longer -than two or three hours. - -A smile, with the answering words, “It is well,” aroused the anguished -despair of the being, who still ministered with all absorbing thought -her tender care and caresses, bringing forth the expostulation, “Oh, -Edward, Edward, if you go, you must not leave me! for wherever you go, I -must go with you!” - -The dying man raised his eyes to hers with a look of unutterable -fondness, then, with mustered energy, whispered: “Julia, it is hard to -part from you, after so much suffering. But living, it would prove to us -both a continued scene of remorseful misery, without the possibility of -atonement, while dying, I have gloomy forebodings that there will be for -us no future. Yet, whatever may come after death, it is better that I -should die as the cause, than live as the renewed source of misery to -others.” - -Such a look of despairing desolation as she cast upon her expiring lover -I had never before seen depicted upon the face of Giga woman. Her -beauty, surpassing, in fair unblemishing complexion those of kindred -type, was refined by the hopeless anguish of its expression, which in -its passionless void betokened, as with him, a reviving hope struggling -for the bodily retrievement of an assured immortality. At the expiration -of an hour, her arm that supported his head grew lax and nerveless; but -his efforts to raise himself recalled her thoughts for his assistance. -Perceiving that it was his desire to be left alone with her, while he -yet retained his consciousness, the auramentee was prompted to inform -him of his kindly attentions bestowed upon his wife and children, as it -offered the opportunity of affording mutual consolation, by conveying to -his wife and children some affectionate token or message. The -announcement revived his energies, imparting to his “allovee” a kindred -impression of desire. Beckoning the auramentee nearer, in earnest, -whispered accents, he implored him to plead with his wife, Julia’s -forgiveness, as the “sin” of desertion was wholly his own. “Say to her,” -he continued, “that it was my own unencouraged infatuation; against -which she, loving, did all that she could to resist my entreaties, -striving earnestly in the toils to escape from me and ‘love’s’ -allurements. She is not wanton, but pure and devoted as a wife can be, -although misguided. It is my own ‘heart’ that is divided, even in death, -which makes me feel doubly thankful for its nearer rescue.” - -Charged with this message we left them, Julia courting the virulence of -the malady with an assiduous intention that plainly declared her -determination to share in death his grave, in opposition to his own and -the Frenchman’s vehement protestations. We reached the bedside of his -wife in time to receive her last recognition, who answered with a smile -and pressure of the hand her husband’s last petition, and while passing -away invoked, with the reviving spark of conscious vitality, the -auramentee’s guardian protection of her children, should they survive, -as she was aware that they had been seized with the fever in the -presence of their father, who had bestowed upon them his care with the -intention of returning. After bestowing upon the children his -affectionate care in the fulfillment of his accepted charge, he hastened -as speedily as possible to the bedside of the doomed husband, and found -the dying lovers supported in each other’s arms. For Julia, in the short -period of our absence, had excited the latent seeds of the infection, -and was already nearing the confines of her desire. The husband, -although speechless, still retained his consciousness, with the power of -making known, with grateful expression, the consolation imparted from -our tidings. Julia, in anticipation of death, placed her attendant in -charge of the auramentee, desiring him to send her back to Italy, as she -had followed her own misguided steps from affection. The auramentee -promised the faithful discharge of all their wishes in the event of his -own preservation. Then with a sorrowful farewell, in freedom from the -bitterness of our first impressions, we left them with a sure remedy at -hand for the cure of their self-inflicted unhappiness. Returning to the -children, we bestowed upon them our personal care and affection until -death relieved us of our charge; but the scenes that preceded their -final departure from life are too harrowing for recital. Let it suffice, -that on the morrow when the western hills cast their shadows over the -city, under the upward halo of the setting sun, the father, mother, and -children, with their cousin Julia, whose beauty was the sad cause of her -own and their misery, were borne together, in their bodies’ materiality, -for burial far beyond the city’s limits. The place of interment had been -granted as a special mark of interest by the emperor, whose family were -deeply affected by the tragic end of their _protégés_. The harp, violin, -and dulcetina were retained by Captain Greenwood, the auramentee, as -mementoes of the sad scenes described, and are held in “devout” -estimation as pledges of affectionate remembrance. - -Annette, the companion of Julia, while assisting in packing the -instruments for shipment to Montevideo, displayed versatile -accomplishments as a musician that astonished Captain Greenwood, and -while playing some airs found noted in the satchels of the children, she -was frequently moved to tears, and in explanation of the cause, it -transpired in revelation that she was the daughter of Signor Pozzuoli, -the inventor of the dulcetina, and early teacher of the children, a -majority of the preserved musical annotations being of her own -composition. On the day previous to the one appointed for the sailing of -the steamer for Montevideo the captain proposed to introduce Annette to -the consignee of a ship about to sail for Leghorn. She then declared her -desire to accompany him to Montevideo, as she felt a disinclination to -return to Italy, urging that her musical ability would prove amply -sufficient for her support, if he would assume the character of guardian -for her countenance and protection. From the mutual interest engendered -from the scenes through which they had passed, the captain encouraged -her decision, gladly assuming the charge of protector. In closing, the -Dosch said, I have related the history of the dulcetina, with desire of -enforcing the absolute necessity of the Manatitlan system of education, -if the Giga race really wish to bequeath happiness from unity in the -marriage alliance, as a memorial source of example to succeeding -generations. As scenes of the kind are constantly increasing in an -engendered series from degenerate inoculation, with thoughtful -consideration its practicability must be apparent to the meanest -capacity. The relation will also impress upon you the characteristic -value of your late companion, when relieved from the influence of habit, -as well as the discernment of Correliana, which penetrated beneath the -crisp asperities of his outer husk. In the exceptions we are about to -advise, you will recognize the prudence of our judgment. The “brides” -will surely afford an invincible security from their incorruptible -purity and goodness, which, with kindred beauty in personal endowment, -would insure constancy in defiance of all the temptations that could be -proffered by the most lauded belles of civilized society, even if the -ages of their intended husbands were less by two thirds. The countenance -of Correliana, during the recital of the Dosch, was a mirror of -reflection for the grateful expression of her thoughts. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - - -On the third morning after our visit to the school of the ninyetas, the -prætor and the tribune teachers with Correliana and her mother called at -the quarters of the corps, to escort M. Hollydorf to the prætorial -colonnades, as the husband elect of Luocuratia, for the fulfillment of -his probationary term. After receiving the congratulations of adoption -from the Heracleans, all joined in the matin song of thanksgiving in the -lower fora. While the prætor and his wife were absent, aiding Luocuratia -in her valedictory salutations, M. Hollydorf was entertained by -Correliana and the Doschessa. In order that he might perfectly -understand the premeditated process of transfer, and security achieved, -Correliana stated: “The Dosch had auramentally learned your -determination to make Heraclea your home three months ago, and suggested -the apt adoption of your peculiarities to her disposition; but until -convinced of your constancy to our customs he advised the course we have -pursued. The result of your trial has proved of happier import than we -anticipated, as well as of Luocuratia’s ready infilmentary adaptation -for the unity of impression; but now you can rest assured that her -thoughts have already become interwoven in desire with your own, so that -your example will be held paramount to ours. After the bewildering maze -your presence caused was dispelled, her thoughts were directed for the -shadowy investment of your image with her own as a prelude for more -perfect realization, with a success which imparted a trust free from -doubt or fear in question of its fulfillment; in this mood I left her, -promising to visit her in the evening. In keeping with my appointment, I -found her awaiting my coming in the garden, in full confidence that, -with my aid, whatever there might be of mystery to her veiled -comprehension would be cleared for her perception’s perfect -understanding. With an endearing caress, fluttering with the timidity of -a newborn joy, her eyes drooping in tremulous expectation, were filled -to fullness with happy anticipations, as she leaned her head upon my -shoulder, invoking with attentive silence my aid for the full -interpretation of her waking vision. That she might taste the cup of my -own realized joy, without tantalizing prelude, I rehearsed your confided -doubts and fears as the counterpart of her own, the while encircling her -waist with my arm, in support of her head’s nestling repose, that the -body’s medium of a sister’s affection might more fully open to her the -gates of revelation; then to the trama of her love I interwove, through -the shuttled impulses of her ear, the vibrating threads of your -affection, until they became involved with the stamina of your stronger -nature; then the rustling sigh of relief bespoke the double investment -complete in the unity of confiding reciprocation. This accomplished, -inasmuch as the agency of my influence could represent the responsive -source of sexual alliance, for the embodiment of affection, she became -so deeply absorbed with sweet meditative reflection that she was -unconscious of my departure. This ingraft of affection, in surety so -propitious, should engender solicitude, on your part, in behalf of your -race; for enjoyment ever lacks full maturity, when we feel that there -are others with the prestige of purity and goodness, who are denied our -privilege from the want of kindly direction.” - -To which supplication, M. Hollydorf replied:—“Truly thankful for your -pleading consideration, however little my faults merit your lenity, I -must ask your continued forbearance; as you can scarcely imagine from -the purity of your associations, the depth of insincerity that must ever -oppress and haunt me with the bitterness of reflection for my -unworthiness, in accepting the boon of an alliance that so far exceeds -my present capacity for just appreciation. But if the neglected germ of -good intention, brambled by evil example, can be redeemed to offer an -equivalent worthy of your acceptance, it shall be my constant study to -withhold your memory from the past, which is beyond the reach of -extenuation, by the integrity of an exampled affection.” - -_Correliana._ “That you may feel to the full extent the confidence -bestowed with Luocuratia, my father has left his written salutation for -presentation, which with your permission, I will read, that it may -convey to you the living warmth of a personal address. - - * * * * * - - “‘To M. HOLLYDORF, _Director of the Heraclean Deliverers_:— - -“_Carrissimus_, acting upon the information received with advice from -the Dosch and his advisers, and your own confidence imparted to my step- -daughter, Correliana Adinope, affording verification of our own -observations, that there exists a unity of attachment between you and -her twin sister Luocuratia, we offer you with unspeakable gladness our -joyful congratulations, with the sum of our united affection. In -bestowing our fullest sanction, we are truly happy in being able to -contribute, from our Heraclean resources, the means of perfecting our -ties of grateful reciprocation, and rejoice that we have achieved the -privilege of calling you by the endearing name of son, as you were in -anticipation wedded to our affection. In accepting our daughter for the -cultivation and solace of mutual affection, you will have our assurance -of her enduring devotion, which no mischance can abate; for with her the -animus of goodness exceeds in thoughtful intention the power of -expression. In her affection you will find an allied support all- -sufficient for happy sustenance, and in its overplus an index of the -homage outflowing in reciprocation from every Heraclean. In conformity -with the happy experience of our ancestors, we herewith, in addition to -our verbal invitation, proffer the formality of script, with the desire -that you will become a member of our household, in domiciliation, during -the three months allotted for probationary exemplification of -congeniality in habits necessary for unity in affectionate -reciprocation. Luocuratia will return to gladden our colonnades at the -approach of noontide, then with your presence our joy will overflow in -thanksgiving to the Source of direction, that devised the achievement of -our deliverance through your instrumentality. - - ADESTUS.” - -Correliana, while reading her father’s script welcome, watched with keen -interest its effect, and was recompensed to an extent exceeding her -expectations, by the warmth made manifest from the grateful emotions of -the respondent. Fully satisfied with his relief from the sensitive -reproaches of his disposition, for thoughtful diversion from his waiting -suspense, she appealed to the Doschessa for encouragement in behalf of -her meditated mission for the colonistic establishment of schools for -the educational intuition of self-legislation, among the civilized Giga -races. “Have you, in your auramental experience, which enables you to -reach and advise the thoughts of Giga women, found them all so abjectly -subservient to the trammels of society and its fashionable tyrannies?” - -_Doschessa._ “The exceptions are simply modified, all worship at the -same shrine of thoughtless fatuity, with a heedless tendency for the -utter extinction of purity and goodness.” - -_Correliana._ “Alieu, woe is with our hopes, if to such a depth of -desecration the animus of purity has befallen with our sex! Surely, she -must still retain the germ of her affectionate inheritance; and with the -lead of our example it must revive with the nourishing warmth of a -mother’s love.” - -_Doschessa._ “In truth, we have never failed to discover in women, when -free from the actual vices of corruption, the latent spark of goodness -that with exampled cultivation may be revived for truthful -reciprocation. Dependent as we have been upon auramentation for the -invocation of purity in thought, the impressions are as transient as the -conjurations of a dream, which give place to the more tangible waking -visions of sense. If the current of their superficial conversation could -be stayed, for the silent inception of thought, your mission would be -rendered easy. Perhaps the irresistible impression of your own and -companion’s beauty, will surprise from envious covetousness sufficient -thought for the detection of an inceptive source, with the desire for -its privileged bequeathment to their children? For often in selfish -lamentation we have heard Giga women supplicate in prayer for the -abatement of their own scandalous dispositions. One of their formulistic -invocations to the ‘throne of grace,’ offered as an oblation for the -“contrite heart,” I will repeat:— - - “‘Purge from me hypocrisy, ere I from life depart, - And all deceptions, that belong to the lying art. - Then purify love, from thoughts of material sense, - And make me feel that goodness responds to future tense.’” - -This accusative conviction is by no means rare, and the purity of your -personal appearance, in consonance with exampled goodness, might attract -thoughtful consideration from its contrast to the degrading attrition of -selfishness subject to the material influence of gold. Your example -might lead them in train to adopt our dress, which is light and -‘elegant,’ subserving all the requirements of bodily freedom, and purity -in protection; if so fortunate you would remove the embargo of -oppression from their bodies, and the curse of talkative frivolity from -their tongues.” - -Here the Doschessa was interrupted by the sound of light footsteps, -quickly followed by the voices and presence of Cleorita and Oviata, who -with an escort of Kyronese maidens came bounding into the triclinium -with the joyful announcement, “He’s coming!” Pale and breathless, -Correliana, without waiting for farther words of explanation, sped -forth, her feet with dainty touch kissing the earth with gladness, -passing with the swiftness of an arrow in its flight those already -hastening down the avenue of the latifundium, apprised of the near -approach of Captain Greenwood. First, she passed Mr. Welson and Dr. -Baāhar, then with graceful ease Mr. Dow, whose lank form and longer -strides had distanced his associates; even the mayorong, inured to an -active mountain life, and long journeys on foot, now fledged with the -grateful remembrance of his people’s preservation, was left behind. Then -as Captain Greenwood, urging his mule to its utmost speed, caught her -view as he entered the cinctus gate, the earth seemed to respond with -elasticity to the touch of her feet, and before he could dismount from -his quadrupedal conveyance, he was clasped in the frank embrace of her -arms, and had received her kiss of welcome, while her face, eloquent -with smiles and tears of joy, became radiant with beauty in contentful -expression. Her hushed silence, from the fullness of happy enjoyment, -was aroused from selfish indulgence, by the salutation of her father to -his already adopted step-son. Still in half embrace, as if loth to -relinquish the body temple animated with the shrine of her devotion, she -was not forgetful of the affectionate relation she held foreign to self. -Her parents and sister, who had followed with equal steps, but had held -anxious desire aloof, until the fullness of her first emotions of -gladness had subsided, were first made known to each other with -affectionate designations, newly fledged from the English idiom. In turn -the captain received embraces of welcome from each, which unloosed his -tongue from its accustomed reticent caution, Correliana’s still -encircling arm causing the grateful current of speech to flow in accord -with her own emotions. - -The family scene closed, M. Hollydorf, in freedom from rival jealousy, -gave his cordial salutations of welcome, which were followed by the -other members of the corps. Then the Heracleans and Kyronese claimed the -privilege of expressing their affectionate gratulations. The mayorong, -distrustful of his power for expressing the reverential emotions of his -gratitude, for the deliverance of his people from their extreme peril, -although second to the prætor’s family, in greeting with his presence -the captain’s entrance, had allowed all the precedence. Approaching the -captain, when beckoned by the prætor, hereditary impulse inclined him to -prostration, but the humiliating act was arrested by an energetic -embrace which relieved him from his embarrassment. While the prætor was -gratefully presenting the Betongese for the captain’s kindred -recognition, attention was attracted by the musical call of children -from his incoming train. Mr. Welson, recognizing the voices that were -making the name, Don Guillermo’s, melodious, on approaching, in quick -transition, found his neck enwreathed with the arms of his little -favorites, Lavoca and Lovieta, whose eager curiosity, after bestowing -their kisses of welcome, inquiringly asked, in whispered accents, who -the angel was that embraced the captain, and the other, and others? -Supporting with his arms, their bodies pendent from his neck, Mr. Welson -carried the children to Correliana and Luocuratia, “and the others,” to -receive from their lips the much coveted welcome; which was given with -such loving zest, that sweet surprise made dewy their jetty eyes, while -their cheeks glowed through the olive tint, embrowned from exposure, -with an exquisite blending that enhanced their rare infantile beauty. As -all the Heracleans and Kyronese matrons and maidens claimed the -privilege of surprised affection, in bestowing the salutation of -welcome, it was long before they were restored again to the full -possession of Don Guillermo, and then were so mazed with delightful -impressions, and wondering gladness, that they were unable to give -heedful answers to his inquiries. At length, after an apologetic round -of besitos beneath his grizzled moustache, which caused him, laughingly, -to utter the interjectional expostulation “bas-tan-te,” they in rambling -relation commenced the rehearsal of events which led to their transfer -from parental care and their natural home. - -Observing his inquiring gaze directed to a young woman, whose eyes were -occupied with curious admiration in following the changing variations in -the scene enactment from the loving outflow of affection evoked by the -captain’s advent, Lovieta and Lavoca exclaimed with united voices, “Oh, -that’s Annette, our governante, we love her very much.” - -Then with childlike simplicity, peculiar to Spanish infantas, they -informed him that she was a nice beautiful teacher of music, and -everything else, and Captain Greenwood’s sister, but not in the regular -way, although they were very fond of each other. “Father loves them very -much, and when the captain told him he was coming to live here for good, -she said, that with his permission she would go wherever he went, and -make his home hers. This made him very glad. Then father seemed to be -sad with thinking, and then he loved us so much while shedding tears, -that when we could speak, we asked what made him so triste? He said, he -wanted them to take us to Heraclea that we might be educated so that we -would be always good, and could be present with him and mamma although -absent in body, which would keep them from feeling sad and lonely. But -we could see that mamma and he were very, very triste. This made us -sorry. So he talked to us of all you had written of the happiness of the -people here, because they were truly good and pure in their love toward -each other, without selfish concealments; then we were glad and wanted -to be with you. The mammatits you sent, who have been with us all the -way, told us all about the school, and how loving the children were -toward each other, which made them always very beautiful; but you, nor -they, didn’t tell us that there were angels here. Then they said that -there were no dolls here, for the larger nines helped to care for the -ninaquillas,—how very, very beautiful they are,—do they never grow old -and ugly here, so that they have to paint their faces, and scold like -grandma, because people don’t like them? Then, as we were a going to -say, mother don’t feel exactly safe with herself, and becomes fearful, -when grandma talks to her of her soul’s perdition, which we can’t well -understand, only that it’s padre Molinero’s doings. So she wanted us to -come here before we were too old to enter the school, that she and papa -might visit us and learn how to be truly affectionate without talking -too much; but we don’t see, now, how that can be; ay, ay, pobre mamma -and papa! But they said it was for our happiness that they wished to -send us, which we can now see. How beautiful, nice, and clean everything -looks! Is it always so? And papa said, that without us his home would be -desolate. Then mamma looked at him wild like, but so pitiable, and -choked so, then looked so sorrowful, that we hugged and kissed her and -whispered we wouldn’t go away and leave her; then she said, ‘Pedro?’ -soft like, and papa took her in his arms, and we all cried together; but -so happy, it didn’t seem like crying, and couldn’t speak for ever so -long a time, but then we felt so content, when we thought so lovingly, -and said nothing. Then when mamma could speak, she said whisperingly and -softly, so that we could scarcely hear her for our crying, ‘Pedro, it is -better they should go, and I will try to make you feel that your house -and home are not desolate.’ Then he kissed her and we all cried again -for joy. But grandma made us feel so unpleasantly by saying that it was -as good as throwing our souls away to send us where there were no -priests and churches, we didn’t feel any sorrow when we bid her good- -bye. So we have come away from bad example to get souls that will make -us live as though we had no bodies, for we were very much afraid of -death. The mammatits said the Heracleans lived to make each other happy, -so that each one was loved by all the rest, and in caring for one they -cared for all the rest, so that there could be no grief and repentance -for wrong-doing, for all were good, and cared more for others than -themselves; and we can now see that you are all gladness, and were -sometimes so triste when you were with us. We love father a little more -than we do you, because you see we have always known him, and we haven’t -known you so long. But the gente pequenézas said you were so much -changed in disposition we should hardly know you; and to be sure, now -that we see you when you smile, we feel so glad; and sometimes, when you -lived with us, your smile made us feel sad, as though we’d rather you -would not.” - -_Lavoca._ “Yes Lovieta, just think, didn’t his smile at home remind you -of the rose blossoms that look out from the old grated window of the -claustro San Jaun; which seemed for all the world as though they wished -to come out into the sunlight, but couldn’t, because they wouldn’t -confess it was sinful? But they say you never speak cross words here, -for in loving to do so much for others, without money, you have nothing -to scold for. You see we never told mamma all what the Manatitlans could -do to make us good, as they said the priests would persuade her mother -that we had dealings with the devil. Señor Arbitrator, the one that used -to talk with father most, told him all about the schools, and how you -live here. How queer it is that you can hear them talk when you listen -to what they say in your ear, and can scarcely see them on your hand, -let it be ever so clean, for they are very particular. Then their voices -are so very small and chirrupy. But father says, that they are louder in -proportion to size than the cicada’s. Mother was very loving and -cheerful after they came, but very much frightened; then we knew the -gentle pequenézas had talked to her. So you see that we are here with -Annette Pozzuoli, who has come to teach the Heracleans music, which you -said in your letter they are fond of, and we have heard the mammatits -chant their morning and evening songs of praise. Are you really and -truly glad to see us, now that you are so good! Oh dear, what queer -dresses, now that we see them! But how nice, sweet and clean they look! -How very, very, beautiful! Do you think that they will love us if we are -truly good?” - -Mr. Welson, with the opportunity assured them that he was truly glad to -see them, as he was certain that they would be loved and happy, and he -was sure that mamma and papa would soon follow the lead of their -affection, and in Heraclea forget that they had ever been unhappy. - -The prætor and family had listened unobserved to the prattling relation -of the diminutive maidens, and at its close bestowed upon them the much -coveted caresses, then placing them in charge of Cleorita and Oviata, -who could converse with them in their own language, they were subjected -to the rights of the Kyronese bath, which excited their wincing but -mirthful admiration; and their comfortable contentment was well assured -when they found themselves invested in Heraclean raiment, which -impressed them with the feeling of purified adoption. - -After they had been placed in charge of the Kyronese maidens, the -assemblage moved up the avenue toward the city. Mr. Welson, who had -devoted himself to Annette, after his introduction by the children, was -pleased to learn in more direct language the events which had transpired -in Don Pedro’s family, from the period of her return from a visit in the -country, a few days subsequent to his departure on board of the -_Tortuga_. From the description she gave of the children’s thoughtful -endurance and self-dependence during the river voyage, and journey from -Amelcoy, it was evident that they had already entered upon their -novitiate under Manatitlan direction; for they expressed a decided -determination to take care of themselves for the relief of others, and -exhibited so many traits of prudential foresight that they were a help -rather than a burden. At the commencement of the voyage, she said, that -Captain Greenwood and herself had felt great solicitude for the -children, and was half inclined to look upon their exile as an -inexcusable act of indifference on the part of Don Pedro. “But on the -third day, when the poignancy of their grief had become consolable, they -immediately evinced a desire to relieve us from anxiety. With permission -and encouragement they took charge of their own clothes and personal -purity, submitting themselves to our inspection for approval and -direction; and have improved so much in foresight that we have found it -hard to excel them in neatness. As you have seen them this morning, they -have appeared throughout the journey, causing by their example a -constant desire for cleanly renovation on the part of the muleteers, who -were ashamed to appear in negligent garbs, of doubtful purity, to -subject themselves to the reproving contrast. If you remarked their -appearance, you must have observed that they are wonderfully clean and -tidy in their department, and have been unusually attentive in rendering -assistance to all, so that the trip has been one of unalloyed pleasure, -from the exampled influence of the children. When we started from -Amelcoy the captain took Lovieta before him on the saddle-bow, and I -took charge of Lavoca; but on the second day they insisted that they -could ride unsupported on the led mules, and their prudence had so -completely inspired our confidence that they were allowed to make the -trial, with such success that the mules on the fourth day exhibited such -a manifest preference, that jointly with the children they declared -their independence from the arrieros, and have since been recognized by -mules and muleteers as especial favorites.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - - -The process of ablution having been completed, before the sun reached -its meridian, not only the new arrivals, with resident intention, but -the members of the corps, appeared in the lower fora dressed in -Manatitlan costume, which had been prepared for the occasion by the -Heracleans in commemoration of full adoption. The effect produced by the -change can be comprehensively expressed in the whispered announcement of -Lovieta and Lavoca as they regarded with admiring eyes the improvement -made in the _personnel_ of Don Guillermo when raised in his arms for -affectionate congratulation. “Oh! Don Guillermo, you look, and we feel -so nice and light, we could almost fly back to mamma and papa to make -them glad with happiness.” Then pointing to a group of Heraclean matrons -they asked, “Do they ever fly?” - -_Don Guillermo._ “Oh yes, in thought to make others happy, they are -always in flight, and it is that which makes you feel so light and -joyous.” - -_Lovieta._ “But shall we always feel so good, and grow to be like them?” - -_Don G._ “Yes, we are certain that you will, because you are disposed to -be glad for the happiness of others, and measure your desires with the -wish that you may be useful in contributing to the welfare of others for -the return of their affection.” - -_Lavoca_ (thoughtfully). “But will it last, Querido Don Guillermo? At -home we were sometimes so glad, and then [sadly] so very, very -miserable.” - -_Don G._ “But you see before you those whose examples never change, but -to grow brighter and happier. When you grow more thoughtfully -considerate, you will feel that what you lack in attainment, others -older and more experienced will impart from their affection. Then in -grateful transfer you can assist those more inexperienced than yourself. -Of one thing you can be certain, there will be no Padre Molineros here -to mar your happiness with bead-prayers, exactions, and penances.” - -_Lovieta._ “Of course, we can’t now understand all that you wish to have -us know, but we shall try hard to learn, with thought, how to make -others happy, that their love may teach us more than we know ourselves, -so that you can see when you come to visit us that we have neither been -idle or naughty. But now we can’t make much of ourselves, we do so many -things without thinking, and then are sorry after it can’t be helped. -But look, what are they bringing that table with the queer thing on the -end of it, out here for?” - -_Don G._ “The instrument that excites your curiosity, enables us to see -and converse with the Manatitlans; but farther than that I am as much in -the dark as you are. We shall soon see, however.” - -After a short pause occupied in arranging the tympano-microscope, the -Dosch from the auricular platform said, “According to our custom, -practiced from time immemorial, the sanction of parents in confirmation -of the marriage unity of their children, has been deemed and proved -sufficient for the affectionate realization of unity in fact. But as -your race of enlightened progressives have substituted shadow for -substance, as an act of conformity, in the lack of anointed priestcraft -I have volunteered to act as an officiating sponsor. If the prætor -sanctions my assumption, he can, with his wife, first bestow their -daughters according to our custom, and then I will duplicate the gift -with formulistic rites, so that there can be no question with regard to -the ‘orthodoxy’ of the union.” - -To the glad surprise of M. Hollydorf, the parents bestowed Luocuratia to -his keeping, and Correliana to Captain Greenwood’s, in the same breath. -Then, when the sun had entered upon its meridian radius of ascension, -free from shadow, in the still hour of noontide when all nature was -hushed for repose, without inductive explanation, after the prætor had -placed his children in position, Manito and his choristers, in full -chorus chanted the nuptial ceremony with impressive effect, the -Heracleans joining in response. - - “Here beneath the vertical sun, - Without shadow, you are plighted, - And with us now, in love are one, - And forever, ‘soul’ united. - - “With Creative sanction, this, we ever pray, - May prove your present joy, and immortal stay. - Hail, glorious noon! these, our notes of love prolong, - And echo back with joy, this our nuptial song.” - -Although arranged by the Dosch and prætor as a surprise, known to all -except the espoused, they quickly, with blissful perception discovered -the intention, and joined with thrillful zest Manito’s choristers, who -made the tympanum reverberate with the following hopeful prophecy and -refrain:— - - “‘Old Lang Syne,’ in bloody record rules the past; - In the future, love and peace are now forecast. - Blessings have source, and flow from power Supreme, - Goodwill to all, now sounds the glorious theme. - Through the smallest of the human race, - Was delegated this act of ‘grace.’” - -At the close of the marriage ceremony, the Dosch with his family quickly -regained the fossæ of Mr. Welson’s ears, the sinuosities of which were -made to resound with the prophetic responses, causing the eyes of the -owner thereof to turn with an instinctive strabism toward the organ -subject to the impression of Manatitlan vocalism. While his eyes were in -their retroverted position they attracted the attention of Lovieta and -Lavoca, who had recalled their wondering gaze for curious inquiry, -causing them to exclaim in a voice: “O Don Guillermo, what makes you -squint so?” Then, without waiting for an answer, they continued, -glancing at the reflected figures of the Manatitlans in the microscopic -field, “How much larger your little folks are than ours, and how -beautifully they sing.” - -But Mr. Welson’s attention was too strongly diverted to give more than -an abstracted answer to his pets. At the close of the prophetic jubilee, -the Dosch answered, from the interpretation of Mr. Welson’s thoughts: -“We do certainly feel, from the docility shown by the leading members of -the corps, as if the wedge of rational thought had opened a passage -through the cycled round of folly for the ejection of the many self- -inflicted causes of misery, which have made life with your race a penal -infliction. The educated substitution of thought for impulsive -impression from the senses, which at present holds ruling sway, would -interpose a shield to prevent the emblematic union of head and tail, for -the vortex extinction of material civilization, and degradation for the -reënactment of savage barbarism through a long series of dark ages. -There is certainly a happy forecast inaugurated by this union, which -reminds us of our provincial success in raising human Animalculans to -become in reality Animalcumans; a distinction which our neophytes are -emulous of having conferred from self-approving merit. If it was not for -the selfish fighting disposition of Christian nations and sects, which -inclines them to instinctive patriotism and holy wars, advantage might -be taken of their superstitious reverence for things ancient, to attract -them hitherward as pilgrims, for their own behoof.” - -Here the ears of the Dosch caught the subdued tones of familiar voices, -which from their peculiar method of construing terms he quickly -recognized, causing him to expostulate in this wise: “I hear the voices -of your old sailor companions, Jack and Bill; is it fitting that their -honest sincerity should alone be welcomed by their Kyronese admirers? If -their quaint, unsophisticated bluntness has been able to recognize the -truthful simplicity of Heraclean example, it will prove a greater -acquisition for the encouragement of hope than your own; as they -represent a class embalmed with the stupidity of erratic animal -indulgence, which subjects them to the vilest servitude ever imposed by -the arbitrary few upon the unthinking masses of humanity. Indeed, with -the exception of the self-imposed penalties of your Giga women’s vanity, -they suffer more abjectly from the fiat of hereditary usage than the -veriest slave that ever winced under the lash of the taskmaster.” - -Mr. Welson and Dow soon added a glow of grateful contentment to the -weather-beaten faces of the two sailors, by extending to them a cordial -welcome, which was increased to manifestations of “weakness,” from the -warmth of the Heracleans’ affectionate reception. There was something so -uniquely attractive in the instinctive attachment of these strange -beings, who had wandered away from their element, that they had enlisted -a strong interest long before the possible existence of a human -Animalcuman had been conjectured; or an idea of the practicability of a -preferred affection had been suggested, in exaltation above the -instinctive type rendered “famous” by the fabled “friendship” of the -legendary Damon and Pythias. Mr. Welson had tested the fealty of their -attachment in a variety of ways on board of the _Tortuga_, with a -constant result in confirmation of its disinterested integrity. - -Finding themselves the centre of attraction, which was seasoned with -manifold tokens of affectionate sincerity, they were fain to have -recourse to their “pocket-swabs, to clear the leakage from the run on -scuppers of their eyes,” with an occasional sounding of their nostril -pumps, to divert the emotional overflow from its natural course. -Correliana, in a transparent glow of radiant joy, for the relief of -their “filling condition, that water-logged” the speech of the “honest -tars,” asked Jack in good English, if he did not prefer his present -success in “drawing fire,” to the method he adopted with the Indians? -The question produced a sudden revulsion, which Bill seconded with a -nudge and a whisper, that could have been heard in a gale: “Say, Jack, -her leddyship had you there with the pint of a marlin.” - -Taken aback, Jack gave a short, subdued hitch to his waistband and -mouth, and then replied, with the latter reefed into a smile: “You see, -m’rm, your leddyship, w’re now on a peaceful tack, for w’ve come to sign -the articles and enter our name as landsmen, if he cares to ship us at a -venture, and take us in tow for the v’yage of life, and mayhap for t’ -other.” Then hesitating, to gather courage, which was gained by an extra -hitch of his waistband, he resumed: “You see, m’rm, if so be your father -would ‘low us to splice, we’d like to port our helm in Heraclea for -life.” - -Understanding the tenor of the sailor’s petition, by the fond glances -exchanged by himself and mate, with the two Kyronese maidens, who had -attended upon them while acting as guards or gate-keepers, she addressed -the Dosch in Latin, asking if it was agreeable to his judgment to have -their request complied with; pleading her own assurance of their -constancy from the disinterested affection they had shown toward each -other. The Dosch not only expressed his full approbation, but desire -that they should be immediately united. This decision receiving the -prætor’s sanction, and willing approval of the maiden’s parents, and, -above all, the blushing self-bestowal of the affiants, whose -inclinations were consulted by Cleorita and Oviata, it was resolved to -consummate the union at once, if the sun had not declined in its arc -sufficient for the casting of a shadow. Placing them in position as -quickly as possible, it was found that, with haste, the emblematic -ceremony could be accomplished in a union without shadow. But when the -sailors were asked for their family names, it was found that from long -habit in using only their “Christian” names in addressing each other, -they were at a loss in deciding to which of the surnames, Smith or -Jones, they were personally entitled from parental endowment, although -aware that one or the other had been inherited as a nominal adjunct to -Jack and Bill. As they could not recollect to which they were separately -entitled, the Dosch, from the urgency of the emergency, was fain to -accept the only alternative of the dilemma, and in the formulistic -style, peculiar to Giga understanding, consummated the ties by -propounding: “You, Bill Smith or Jones, in mutual troth do plight your -vows in constancy for life to Anonymosimia Doycymba, and you, Jack Jones -or Smith, yours to Meerisia Abdosia?” - -The hearty “aye, aye, sir” of the male respondents, and the softer -modulated, but firmly expressed “ai toi” of dames Jones or Smith, closed -the involved nomenclature of the ceremony. The Dosch remarked, after -regaining the ear of Mr. Welson, that although the courtship had been -conducted in the entire absence of an understanding speech -communication, their auramentors were fully assured that there existed a -stronger instinctive attachment, in nearer approach to an independence -from bodily influence, than is usually attained by civilized -reciprocants from the advantage of a common language, inasmuch as it -restrained the tongue from its “yarned” propensity for exaggeration, -peculiar to its use with sailors, and the more decided truthful negation -by the votaries of fashionable society. The assembly, at the conclusion -of the second improvised marriage scene, joined in the recitative -invocation and song of thanksgiving sub-transcribed:— - - “In gladness we to our Creator raise - This grateful song, in everlasting praise, - That through Manatitla’s atomic life - He has ope’d a way to end human strife, - That in ‘wedlock,’ domestic joy - Shall brighter glow and never cloy.” - -At the close of the hymn of invocation the Dosch dictated the advisory -sanction adopted by the Manatitlans, which we give as rendered by the -prætor: “In the full belief of your loving sincerity, we joyfully -confirm this union with that of our children, hopefully believing that -your affection will increase in fervor until death relieves you of your -bodies’ encumbrance for the full consummation of a joyous immortality.” - -The buzz and genealogical curators of sound were highly delighted with -the harmony of the musical composition, declaring that its peculiar -adaptation attested to the affectionate talent of a master spirit. The -former, in enthusiastic approval, offered his warmest commendations to -Manito, the Maniculan prætor; at the same time congratulating the -Manatitlans in having possession of a musician of such eminent ability. -Great was his chagrin and surprise, when Manito not only disclaimed the -authorship, but stated that the merit of the poetical composition and -musical adaptation belonged solely to his pupil, Mistress Correliana, of -whose advancement and talent he was justly proud. The perturbed -expression of Pettynose bespoke the revived memory of his former -criticism, causing the padre to chuckle audibly from the recollection of -the dogmatic snap he had received, when his suggested variation had -abruptly closed the dulcetina improvisation. The blushing attention of -Correliana was too much absorbed with the admiring surprise of her -husband to heed the professor’s confusion. In explanation to him, she -whispered that Manito had taught her how to use the dulcetina with the -aid of the tympano-microscope, unbeknown to the members of the corps, -and had also instructed her in the art of composition. Captain Greenwood -had a strong passion for music, without vocal capacity for its -expression. To compensate for his own deficiency, it had been his -abiding desire to possess a wife with the talent he lacked, that she -might impart its sympathetic solace for the relief of anxious care. This -desire Correliana had intuitively discovered, which added a strong -incentive for application, with the purpose of imparting her improvement -to her people. - -After the marriage confirmation by the prætor, Manito, through Mr. -Welson, proposed to adjourn from the fora to the auriculum. On the way -the Dosch passed to the ear of Captain Greenwood; his salutation caused -a sudden start, with the motion of raising his hand, which Correliana -detained; aware of the cause from the divergence of his eyes, she asked: -“Do you recognize the voice of an old familiar?” - -Her husband’s puzzled expression declared the nature of the -communication, aside from his voiced expression as if in repetition, -“Annette, harp, violin, dulcetina!” Correliana added to the sum of his -perplexity by asking if the young woman having Don Pedro’s children in -charge was the sole survivor of the unfortunates who received his -assisting sympathy while in the extremity of their distress in Rio? -Startled by a question that implied her knowledge of a secret which he -supposed was only known to Annette and himself, he answered, -inquiringly, “Yes?” Receiving from his wife a fond kiss of benediction, -she asked: “Do you wonder that I discovered the source that gained you -Manatitlan approval, with an affection so fearless in its sympathy while -imparting its succoring rays of goodness? You wonder at my ready -acquisition of your language and the source of my information? Do you -suppose, with an innate perception of the unselfish sympathy which -prompted you to solace the sufferings of those forlorn beings, who had -afforded me protection at the cost of their kinsfolk’s lives, that I -could remain content without perfecting myself for the full enjoyment of -a languaged communion with your thoughts? The voice that startled your -memory, was the prompting familiar’s, who attended you in Rio through -the sad scenes, that in termination bequeathed the harp, violin, and -dulcetina, as mementos to stimulate your unselfish affection for the -devisement of means for the future relief of your race from the cause of -such calamitous hereditaments.” - -Tears glistened in the eyes of her husband as her loving sympathy -brought back with graphic effect the scenes indelibly impressed upon his -memory. Recovering from his emotions, he beckoned to Annette, who, -attended by Mr. Welson, had held herself aloof from the newly wedded; -quickly answering to his signal, she was introduced to his wife, who -bestowed upon her a warm embrace as a prelude to more affectionate -communion. Then in answer to his desire to listen in judgment of her -proficiency, Cleorita and Oviata volunteered their service with Kyronese -aids to bring the dulcetina, harp, and violin from the hospidoræ. When -the harp was attuned to the dulcetina, Annette, with ready ear and touch -improvised an accompaniment to the simple air of an anthem of -Correliana’s composition, at the same time watching her supposed self- -taught success in the management of her father’s instrumental -conception. From the first Annette’s pleasure became manifest, for -Correliana retained the tenor of her composition independent of the -harp. At the close of the instrumental duo, Annette highly commended her -proficiency, giving her the desired assurance of capability for the -attainment of unusual skill, both in vocal and instrumental music. -Annette’s skillful instrumentation and melodious vocalization caused Dr. -Baāhar to observe, naturalistically, that there was a sensible -diminution in the length of the buzz and genealogical curators of -sound’s musical horns. The prætor Manito was in ecstasies with the -successful rendition of his pupil, and declared to his wife his -intention of extending to Annette a kiss of welcome, out of his -abounding love for her musical talent. Disappearing from our Giga eyes -on the instant, but not from those of his wife, whose face mantled with -a blush when she saw him in the very act of imprinting a kiss upon her -lips, the recipient, with a vague impression, raised her hand and -brushed it away. The Dosch remarking the effect produced upon Manito’s -wife, said, that it was an apt illustration of jealousy, for it never -considered the relative disproportion of the exciting objects. Manito’s -next appearance upon the stage was under the lead of his wife’s thumb -and forefinger, attached to his ear, while with assumed tartness, in -strong Giga accent, she upbraided him for the impudent infidelity of the -act. But her curiosity getting the better of her assumed indifference, -she tauntingly exclaimed, “I suppose you found the unreciprocated stolen -kiss from a single Giga lip more than equal in sweetness to two of ours -prompted by conscious affection?” Slipping from her finger’s hold, he -gave the flying answer: “Yes, truly, I found her lip as full in volume -as the tones of her voice!” - -Lovieta and Lavoca, who had witnessed this playful episode, whisperingly -asked Mr. Welson: “Are these large ones related to the ear Manatitlans, -and will they grow larger when they grow older?” But as his answer -failed to satisfy their comprehension, they asked him, if they looked as -pretty as the Manatitlans now that they were dressed like them? A -caressing hand upon their heads proving a satisfactory reply, they -declared it a _moda linda, facil, y agradable a la vista_, and in the -Heraclean school, so nicely clothed, they felt sure that they should -become good, graciosa, and would try to be as affectionate as the -brides! In benediction, for the success of their good intentions, Mr. -Welson bestowed commendatory kisses, and again placed them in charge of -Cleorita and Oviata. - -Anxious to read his letters, he, with the Dosch, retired to the quarters -of the corps. After glancing at his formulistic letters of “friendship” -and business,—which were closely interwoven,—under the supervision of -the Dosch, who kept up a running commentary, in which he pointed out the -prospective selfishness of each correspondent, in a manner so legible, -their insincerity became so disgusting to the receiver that he laid them -aside, wondering how he had allowed himself to be beguiled for a -lifetime with such shadowy pretexts. The letter of Don Pedro Garcia, -which he had reserved for the last, revived his hopeful trust in the -latent goodness of humanity. We offer its chapter transcript for the -benefit of the reader. - - - - - CHAPTER XXX. - - - BUENOS AYRES, _November 5th, 187-_. - -DEAR DON GUILLERMO: You will be very much surprised, notwithstanding the -forewarning of intention, to find yourself unexpectedly greeted in -Heraclea by your little favorites Lovieta and Lavoca. It has cost us a -painful struggle to part with them; but we should have been unmindful of -our privilege and duty as conservators for their future welfare, in -joyous transmission, if we had consulted the disposition of our selfish -feelings. Even if our household was of the most suitable description -known to civilization for rearing children, I should not have hesitated -a moment in imploring your influence for their admission into the -Heraclean school. Consolata, with unprejudiced consideration, fully -appreciates the advantages of the protective course, for conferring -present and future happiness. - -Realmente, the evidence appeals so directly to the affectionate -understanding, the niñas fully comprehend the advantages that it will -afford, which in thoughtful mood they expressed, by asking us if we did -not think the Manatitlans and Heracleans from having such nice parents -for so long a time were better than good? I am free to confess that I -felt a wince at the touch palpable the question conveyed; tears -glistened in the eyes of Consolata, as she enfolded the unconscious -challengers in her arms, with a languaged embrace that impressed them -with affirmative conviction, while it imparted a desire for their -forgiveness, which trebly admonished me of my own unworthiness. It is -strange how little use we now have for voiced words to give expression -to our thoughts. This silent source of happy intercourse bespeaks with -increasing flow our current perception of a joyous unity in affection, -including in its circle of communion M. Baudois and our neighborly -confluents. In our morning and evening walks for the exampled -demonstration of happy regeneration, that in practice its source may be -made known to others, reflections from objects are so similar in -impression that a glance is sufficient for the conveyance of coincident -thought comparisons. Last evening, while on our way to visit the -“industrial” establishments of our foreign “citizens” (by invitation), -who are constantly begging for governmental concessions for the -encouragement of their enterprising “undertakings,” we passed many of -our black priestly scentipedes, and it was with conscious emotions of -joy that I felt the confiding pressure of Consolata’s arm, as she -averted her face to avoid the necessity of hypocritical salutation. As -my governmental position had evoked from Mr. Hogg an invitation to visit -his distillery, I proposed to M. Baudois the advisability of taking the -family, that we might observe the effect produced by the improvements, -upon my wife and children. With his approval they were taken; and while -we were cautiously picking our path along the causeway crossing of the -slough that separates the brewery premises of Von Guzzledorf from those -of the distillery, Mr. Hogg, in his obsequious desire to honor our visit -with propitious attention, hastened to meet us with his ponderous body -and jowled cheeks and neck in jellied tremor from the emotions of a -waddling gait, in gloat of the expectant relish of selfish -gratification. After a wheezing prelude, with a cough that in fitful -gusts conveyed the foul odors of gamey engorgement, he lamented his -asthmatic affliction, that refused to yield to remedies, although he had -spared no expense to avail himself of the best talent that could be -secured for “love” or money. But recently, he said, he had obtained -great relief from the prescriptions of Dr. Bull, a member of the royal -college of surgeons, who had recently come out from London, at his -instigation; a man of eminent ability who had gained a great reputation -for his prophylactic pills, a box of which every family should keep in -their house, to be taken regular every morning. While engaged in this -preliminary detail of health and its providential means of preservation, -Lovieta and Lavoca with ill suppressed disdainful sniffs of comparison, -allowed their eyes to alternate between his person and a family of his -namesake’s, who, with a strong personal resemblance and odor, were -indulging in the luxurious contributions from the neighboring brewery -and kindred establishments bordering upon the slough. - -Our visits to the distillery and brewery were certainly not propitious -for securing the desired grant of land, for the enlargement of their -industrial facilities, notwithstanding the sacrificial offering of a box -of Wolf’s Scheidam Schnapps and a dozen of old London Dock Sherry, of -1824. When leaving, Mr. Hogg begged me for the welfare of myself and -family, not to forget that Dr. Bull was for the present stopping at the -Hotel del Mundo. On our return home, a bath was held in requisition for -purification from the attaint of the visit. Under these contrasted -impressions, our thoughts have withheld us from instinctive -gratification by the force of repulsive comparison. Of course, our -singularity has evoked the despiteful recognition of the evil disposed, -but we feel an enduring recompense in the loving reciprocations of our -household; for we no longer suffer from those transitions which of old -subjected us in a day to mutations, that realized within the zones of -affection, tropical heats, with terror motor accompaniments of tornado, -thunder gusts, and intermediate alternations to the frosty stillness of -the frigid. - -With realized happiness, we are encouraged with the approving -commendations of our Manatitlan sojourners to believe that a perfect -eradication of the parental past will be accomplished in the memories of -our children, under Heraclean tuition, for in the change they already -recognize the happy cause. When a sufficient time has elapsed for the -fulfillment of an end so desirable, we shall, with the prætor’s -permission, make Heraclea our permanent home. Then, with the privilege -of monthly visits to our daughters, we shall enter upon an era of -happiness that we feel assured will outlast the records of time; for we -have already tested the efficacy of purity and goodness, in sufficient -degree for an initial impression of immortality. In companionship with -you and the members of the corps, under the direction of the Dosch, and -the example of the Heracleans, I shall endeavor to amend my own -crotchety humors, which, if we except the superstitious devotion of -instinct to rites and ceremonies, and herding predilections, are in no -great degree above those I affect to despise, in the matter of -stability. But I am fully impressed with the belief, that Creative -wisdom devised purity and goodness, as the simple creed of self -legislation and approving test of immortality. - -I will now offer for your remorseful consideration, a counterblast. Have -you reflected upon the responsibility you have incurred in leading us -astray from the glorious system of rewards and punishments offered for -the encouragement and correction of indulgences, by the “good” old -mother church? Why did you not leave us in ignorance of the audacious -Manatitlan system of education, that dares usurp with self legislation -the infallible promulgations of law and gospel for the correction of -excessive indulgences. The substitution of direct responsibility for -salvation by saving grace, deprives instinctive humanity of its barter -privilege of using the gold of its god as a compromising compensation -for indulgence, and the consolations of confession and absolution, -causing us, especially, to hold them in extreme contempt as subterfuges -begot from the vileness of hereditary cause and effect. The instinctive -reverence we once paid to priestly mediums of heavenly assurance against -the devices of hell, you have turned into the bitterness of shame, from -the reflection of past humiliation imposed by their impudent assumptions -of delegated divine authority. - -Our present feeling of responsibility for perfection in purity and -goodness, revolts at the thought that our perceptions were ever so weak -as to believe there ever existed in the pampered bodies of priests, -other than a swinish divinity endowed with an instinctive audacity that -prefers deception to honest labor. We now avoid church and street -mummeries of host processions and masses, as a profanation of good -instinctive common sense, as our presence would implicate us in the -blasphemous degradation. To our chance acquaintance with you, fostered -with affectionate sympathy, I must charge this defection, also the -retrospective pangs of shame engendered from sensitive regrets for my -stupidity, which suffers from revival with every rattling peal of church -bells. Not content with casting these heretical shadows across our path, -you have devised to rob us of our niñas, our abiding source of love. -Bethink you of the accountability you have incurred, with your chances -of self-forgiveness. - -With a falcon script in acknowledgment we shall feel assured that you -will bestow upon our niñétas a father’s care and love.... P. G. - - * * * * * - -Mr. Welson joyfully exclaimed, as he closed the letter, “It is really -reviving to hope, to hear a provincial, of Spanish descent, express -himself with such perceptive clearness, in freedom from the thraldom of -sensual embargo, which has rendered our race the phantasmal victims of -stomach indulgence, from time out of date!” - -The Dosch, in confirmation of Mr. Welson’s train of thought, urged, “It -has required our utmost efforts to hold our feelings of contempt subdued -that they might not altogether usurp the rule of discreet generosity, in -view of the obstinate stupidity of civilized Giga races; who, with star -gazing, and moon conjectures, forget their preservative accountability -to Creative indications designed for the attainment of a living -realization of immortality. How it has been possible for the races of -civilized humanity to exist in individual communion with self, and the -advantage it affords for deductive comparison, aside from the mutations -of attrition, through so many cycles of re-degradation, without -discovering the active cause and remedial source, puzzles our -comprehension. The ridiculous abstractions of your philosophers, which -in thoughtless aberration leads them to lose the substance while -pursuing the shadow, was aptly illustrated by some of our frolicsome -dames, who decoyed Dr. Baāhar, in successful test of his lack of -discernment, to follow the shadow, more vehemently, from its supposed -evasions, than he had previously bestowed upon the gossamer substance of -a butterfly. While amusing themselves with a morning volant airing upon -a beautiful azure-tinted specimen of the L. Matutinal in its wafting -sips from the flowers of the latifundium, it caught the covetous gaze of -the doctor, who was on his way with his net for a hunt beyond the walls. -After pursuing its doubling variations in flight, which from graceful -composure seemed void of evasive intention, to the verge of vexatious -anxiety, while his back was to the sun, it suddenly soared, substituting -its shadow, which the dames made still more attractive by prismatic -colors rayed from their silicoth mantles. His efforts grew more frantic -from the apparently miraculous escape of the coveted prize through the -meshes of the net; which caused the infatuated pursuer to suppose that -its illusive power indicated a new species. To our surprise the illusive -chase continued with increased avidity as the prismatic colors were -varied, the shadow being kept just in advance of the net’s swoop, until -after an hour’s pursuit, the excited naturalist fell exhausted upon his -knees in the formulistic attitude of prayer. In this position, with -upraised eyes and hands, he watched imploringly the lessening shadow of -his morning’s devotions. Although surrounded with evidences, which -should have led to an impulsive detection of the cause of the -tantalizing movements, previous to substitution, there never was for a -moment the least hesitation that indicated suspicion or doubt of the -limn’s substance reality.” - -In character, nothing has surprised us more than the insensibility of -Gigas, who claim the disciplined aid of collegiate education, to the -effects evolved from their own experience. Yet, notwithstanding the -contempt you personally feel for the selfish enactments of your past -life, your relapse, in partial degree, would not appear strange if -subjected to reversed example. But with the Heracleans, from hereditary -usage the impression has become immutable. The contrast will lead you to -realize the great difficulties that will attend the inceptive stages -required for reversing the progressive position of your people; as they -have been accustomed to advance with their backs to the future from time -immemorial, the change will prove embarrassing for many generations. -These contrasted facts, which expose in extremity the habits of usage, -with the inveteracy incurred for good or evil, has caused us to view the -act of self-denial on the part of the parents of your pets, as a -trustful deviation that exceeds any in our former experience, and it -will certainly insure a harmonious transmission. If the mother’s -affection had been void of delusive infatuation, permitting her to act -in accordance with the promptings of its natural expression, the -devisement of the children to the Heraclean school would not have -appeared strange, as unprejudiced by delusive agency and its evil -tendencies the love of maternity extends to the future. In -exemplification of the evil tendencies of your delusive legendary book -of creeds, that has defied the efforts of ninety-five thousand human -commentators to render it comprehensible, with accumulating legions of -preaching expounders, I will relate an event that transpired during the -inceptive period of my auramental labors. - -The dramatis personæ in the triangular scriptural duel I am about to -relate, for exemplifying the utter perversion of intelligent affection, -wrought by this precedental tramway to discord, were in scenic -representation, a grandmother of Scotch extraction, derived from the -amiable clan McGregor, her daughter, and granddaughter, who in -passionate exacerbation occupied counter positions in domestic -antagonism. The _locale_ of the scenic enactment, for your more perfect -understanding of its mouthpat _entente cordiale_, we will award to -Londonderry, Ireland. Having, by a strange fatality peculiar to -auramentation in youth, been led by diverse circumstances to become a -member of the household, I was forced to witness the repulsive drama in -all the progressive stages to culmination. When in the morning -avocations the three “fell out” to disagree, from a flux of hereditary -passion, they would exhaust their store of word provocations, and then -have recourse to prayer, after the mid-mother had read a formal -challenge from the creed “omnium gatherum.” These formulistic rites -concluded, and the male members dispersed to their employments foreign -to the house, the three antagonists would enter the “sitting-room” to -decide their quarrel, each taking a corner of the room with their book -of missals in hand. With the room appropriately darkened, they would -each, with hasty avidity, hurriedly search for some virulent passage of -“scripture” of innuendic import, and when found it would be hurled in -venomous recital against her adversaries. Often the voices of the three -would be intermingled in the combined discharge of offensive -similitudes, each vying in the melée encounter for ascendancy in -loudness of report, and precision in the diabolic aim of their -denunciations. Slight wounds, of Jezabelic imputation, were borne -heroically, but the grandam of eighty when severely hurt by thrusts into -old wounds rankling with the personal reflection of her accountability -for whatever was amiss from lack of amiability in the tempers of -daughter and granddaughter, would seize her plaid, and, in defiance of -weather, would seek an asylum in the house of her son, distant two miles -from the scene of action. The flight of the grandam would add new vigor -to the vituperative discharge of invective quotation between mother and -daughter, which generally resulted in a drawn battle, leaving the -envenomed cause to smoulder in belligerent tendency, until their -magazines were replenished with holy war munitions, sufficient for the -adventure of another trial of anathematizing strength. When one of these -encounters had proved fatal to the grandam, from a severe cold caught -from wading through the snaw broo in her retreat from the battle-field, -her grandsons invoked from day the fall of darkness, to stay the -portended renewal of hostilities, in opposition to the commands of -Joshua, but coincident with the prayer of the modern battle hero of -Waterloo, for Blucher or night. These belligerent domestic -inconsistencies incited by creed incongruities, and indigestible food, -and lack of bodily exercise, are by no means rare among the civilized -peoples of the old and new world. As with the Scotch, singed sheep’s -head, haggis, and whiskey, were the inciting cause of religious -intolerance and border warfare, it will be found that like causes rule -as a source of provocation for distempered aberrations of every kind. - -“We will now seek your infantile protégés, and see how it fares with the -newly united.” - -“First resolve me of my doubts with regard to your consistency,” urged -Mr. Welson. “How do you reconcile the hasty unions you have sanctioned, -with your ‘invariable custom,’ that requires three months probationary -test of compatibility before the full consummation of unity.” - -“You should be aware of a distinction that it would be impossible for us -to reconcile in your marriage adoption,” replied the Dosch. “You are -strangers to our system of education, so that we are obliged to accept -an alternative for your tests; as you must realize that the quarantine -of a lifetime would not render you compatible according to our -acceptation. But nominally all have complied with the probationary -requirements; even M. Hollydorf, as Correliana proxied her twin sister. -Still our chief dependence is in the incomparable beauty and goodness of -the bride, which will render disagreement impossible. But I perceive -that you have still another indigestible example that you would have -reconciled. We have claimed that our ‘system’ of education renders the -unity of affection between the marriage affiants indivisible; yet in -seeming contradiction, your thoughts refer to the second marriage of the -prætor with Correliana’s mother. We could have explained to you this -apparent discrepancy, but for our wish that you might discover from the -promptings of your own perception the admissibility of an association -designed for mutual solace and companionship in bodily representation. -The prætor Adinope when premonized of death’s approach, preferred the -tribune Adestus, who had lost his wife, to the prætorship, as the chosen -companion of his wife, under the temporal privilege of correlative -correspondence in the body. With the dying prætor’s sanction, Adestus -assumed the charge of the household and prætorial advisorship while the -husband yet lived. You have in thought questioned this as an impeachment -of the unity we profess in the assimilative fulfillment of our first -affection. But I can assure you there is neither divorce or abatement in -the troth unity of the first allegiance. In fact, they become more -perfectly wedded in thought with those who have preceded them to the -current realms of immortality; and in vicarious communion, commend -without stint or prevarication the ever present manifestations they -enjoy with their beatific spouses, and longings for the speedy -consummation of a disembodied reunion. If Heraclea could furnish wives -for Giga representatives, as well endowed with reason and as free from -prejudicial taint as you are, the labor of educational induction in its -inceptive stage would soon be accomplished. For in wifely Heraclean -example, the joyous brightness would be reflected with such purity that -it would irresistibly attract assimilative reciprocation, in thought, -from all within reach of its influence, causing vanity, with its -promptings for adornment, to become an exile beyond the reach of -material redemption. With the current of your women’s affections once -emancipated from the shallows of personal ornamentation, the clear depth -of the stream would purify itself from the undertow of man’s grosser -instincts, casting the refuse of precedental habits and customs back -upon themselves, and the cycle shores of the past, with their memorial -odors of instinctive corruption.” - -_Mr. Welson._ “As you have answered these problems, which opposed -themselves to our understandings, as stumbling blocks preventing our -full appreciation of your wisdom’s infallibility, in a manner so -practically agreeable, will you apprise me of the method you propose for -reducing the appetites and passions of Giga humanity to an initial -accord with the Heraclean standard? This request I proffer under the -privilege conferred by your maxim, ‘that we should never cavil or -criticise without being practically able to amend.’” - -_Dosch._ “Although our maxim in application to your race lacks, or has -hitherto lacked, the secondary power of example required for practical -efficiency, we will answer your inquiry by holding your example as our -prospective means of introduction. As an initiatory step for reciprocal -purification, in prefatory advisement for the introduction of our -protective system of education, and its inauguration of self-control and -legislation, we shall auramentally propose an international dietary -congress, for the studied adaptation of food in quality and quantity, -for the healthy requirements of the body. With this as a basis for -thought direction, we shall propose a method for the inductive -substitution of a common language, free from sectional prejudices, by -the introduction of international schools, kindred to our own, which in -hostage reciprocation will eradicate the seeds of instinctive jealousy. -Husband and wife are to be held as a unity for representative expression -in congress; with the special proviso that the voice of the man shall -alone bespeak the unity of intention in public assembly. Under the -ruling of the dietary congress, stomach codes could be established for -the mouth rejection of all indigestible and incompatible compounds, in -solid or liquid form. This would emancipate the stomach from the -arbitrary tyranny of individual hodge-podgery, relieving the body and -brain from the incubus imposed by the unreason of ages. The prestige of -a single generation’s restful rendering of these intuitive examples of -reason would result in the utter abolishment of such songs as the ‘Watch -on the Rhine,’ so characteristic in guttural expression of the -indigestible philosophy of a German diet, and the more musical, battle- -inspiring Marsellaise, instinct with the lighter French national régime, -suited to the Zouave accompaniment of ‘Leap on, leap on!’ while in -substitution there would arise blendings of song, and salutations -replete with joyful gladness in the new-fledged accents of affectionate -reciprocations. This innovation would effectually liberate the German -language from the bondage of nose and stomach, and the French from the -frothy sibilations of vanity, causing them to harmonize in peaceful -goodwill, with contributions from every tongue, until special idiomatism -would become involved in the sympathy of universal accord.” - -The discourse of the Dosch was here interrupted by the voices of Lovieta -and Lavoca, calling for Don Guillermo, who gave an answering invitation -for them to come in and see where he lived. This brought them to his -knees in full chorus for the rehearsal of the marvelous impressions they -had received. But in the rapid scan their eyes gave to the alcoved -apartment they caught a view of the Dosch and Doschessa, with other -Manatitlans reflected in the field of the table tympano-microscope, -which hushed their voiced exuberance into regardful silence. The Dosch, -after watching for a few moments their curious awe, reminded Mr. Welson -that his wife was specially anxious for a personal introduction to his -children in trust. This given, the Doschessa soon won their confidence, -and imparted to the eager germ of Giga curiosity some of the winning -traits of affectionate reciprocation encouraged in the Manatitlan -schools for the enlightenment of thought perception. Her success was -soon evident from the gathering mists that sparkled in rayed mementos of -affection from their eyelashes to be resolved into tears, as an -accompaniment to the plaintive vocals, “mamma, papa.” As the dew of -inborn memories yielded to soothing direction, natural affection -expanded, until it included, with the “extreme unction” of goodness, the -infantile query of possibility for the redemption of Padre Molinero from -self. In questioning expression, from the impressions of memory, they -asked with a toddling perception of cause and effect, if it would not -change him if he ate and drank less, so that his mouth would not make a -noise so porcuno? Then, as if in thought consultation tracing the effect -of renovation, they asked if a priest could be made as loving and -respectable as Mr. Welson and Captain Greenwood by removing his hat, -gown, and fat? - -The Dosch laughingly replied, that if he and his kind would adopt the -first restrictions mentioned, it would certainly indicate a desire to -become respectable in self-estimation, and show a disposition to merit -the confidence of others. - -When well ingratiated in their affection, the Doschessa asked by what -token they wished to be made sensible of her watchful care? This seemed -to puzzle their ingenuity for the devisement of a tangible method of -communication. But Lavoca, after demure consideration, said, that she -thought it would be easy to kiss and embrace, if she could manage to -continue as large as she then appeared. - -The Dosch then explained to their ready comprehension, that their -reflection in the field of the microscope was like the vanity of -personal adornment shadowed in a mirror, which when removed left nothing -but its vague impression for the delusive gratification of self. But the -Doschessa said, if they wished to retain a lasting impression of her as -she then appeared, they must keep themselves free from passion by -bestowing their thoughts upon others; then she would be ever present -with them to be kissed and embraced in thought, which was a reality that -with goodness would last forever. They promised that they would always -try to be good, but hoped if they sometimes forgot, she and the teachers -would forgive, and let them try again. “Because,” Lavoca urged, “our -people have not been good like yours, and we haven’t learned how to be -always the same.” She assured them, that with all their disadvantages, -if they tried to make their associates and teachers happy, they would -forget their own selfishness, and feel that the merited affection of -others would always make them joyous with gladness. Perceiving that they -were still anxious in thought for an intuitive token of her affection -conveyed in the language of a kiss, she proposed to comply with their -wish, but cautioned them to be gentle in their reciprocation when they -felt her pressure upon their lips. First to Lovieta, and then with an -ear premonition to the more impetuous Lavoca, she imparted the loving -thrill that ever attends the reciprocal blending of instinctive sense -with the animus of goodness. Both were exultant in declaring that her -kiss, although exceedingly small and tiny in its touch, was larger in -making them feel more happy everywhere than any they had ever felt of -their own kind, and were certain they should know whenever they were -kissed by a Manatitlan. After this happy introduction of the novecetas -to the Manatitlans, the Dosch and Doschessa accepted Mr. Welson’s -invitation, and occupied their accustomed seats on the tragus of his -ear; and then with the escort of Cleorita, Oviata, Lovieta, and Lavoca, -started in search of the newly unionized, who were found enjoying the -cool shade of the tamarisks on the terraced descent from the summit to -the basin of the falls. - -The Dosch, while the presence of Mr. Welson’s party was yet -undiscovered, called his attention to the unity of expression exhibited -by their faces as they gazed in thoughtfully silent meditation upon the -fantastic sprays of falling water, whose misty vapor, bearing perennial -freshness in dispersion to air and vegetation, represented in similitude -their own thoughtful desires for the extension of their glad happiness -to others. Mr. Welson’s face became subject to regretful shadows, as he -passed in review the instinctive follies recalled to his memory in -contrast by the constantly recurring variations in manifestation of the -happy influence transmitted from hereditary self legislation. In thought -he expressed thankful praise that his life had been spared to witness -scenes which in truthful representation realized more of bliss than had -ever entered into his most sanguine conceptions. In thoughtful -admiration of the unionized beatitude expressed in the silent flow of -current reciprocations, stimulated by the stentorian promptings of the -Dosch in the lulls of the wind waft, he resolved to avail himself, -without delay, of an example so pregnant with current joy. With -lingering desire he motioned away his escort, then withdrawing himself -without disturbing the mystic harmony of the wafting ingraft of -affection, he sought within himself for an assurance of hopes that had -surprised him while visiting the school for nynetas. - -At the descending junction of the avenue with those of the basin and -incrematium he met the prætor and his wife, who were accustomed on the -occasion of a marriage to visit its sweet scented groves for communion -with their current selves in purification from the body’s probation. -They were quick to detect in the subdued but hopefully eloquent -expression of Mr. Welson’s face, an undefined longing, and were not -surprised when he unburthened to them his desire for their censorial -consultation, and judgment after an explanatory intercession with the -object of his premised thoughtful affection. With warm commendations in -support of the wisdom of his choice, from her special adaptability, they -immediately entered upon the eliminary negotiations required for a -verdict of relief; the result of which will be detailed in a subsequent -chapter. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - - -Cleorita and Oviata, with intuitive susceptibility, detected the new -phase of attraction to which Mr. Welson had become subject, and assumed -the entertainment of his adopted children until evening song, although -they were inclined to hold padre carita in attendance on the plea that -they should not see him from to-morrow for a whole month. With the -canopied shadows cast by the sun’s decline over the city, the eyes of -Lovieta and Lavoca, under the reactive weight of unusual excitement, -began to flicker, and they were dismissed to their beds while expressing -in drowsy accents the happiness they anticipated from the warmth of -their adoption by the niñétas de escuela. The twilight chirps of the -suffragian court sparrows from trellis-vine perches, in preparation for -their song of praise, had scarce betokened the break of day, before -Cleorita and Oviata aroused with fondlings their nycephas from their -deep sleep into the dreamful slumbers that precede with herald prelude -the instinctive mood of ruling impression. While yet hovering with -suspended wings in the balance of sleeping and waking impressions, -conscious affection murmured in pleading accents, “Mamma, papa, poco mas -suéño?” But with the renewal of the rosy salutations, the waking -twilight of perception began to dawn, and then, with the first sunlight -rays of memory, their eyes quickly opened to receive the fond greetings -of the Kyronese maids with tokens of kindred affection. - -After a responsive mediation with arms and lips, in grateful -acknowledgment for the service rendered by their loving monitors, who -were self-delegated aids for dress adjustment, in preparation for -joining in the morning song of praise, they made quick dispatch, and, -unassisted by the proffered hands of the maids, accomplished their first -self-introduction into Heraclean costume. - -At the conclusion of the matin salutation of praise, offered from all -the thresholds of the inhabited homes of the city and latifundium, in -which they enthusiastically joined with infantile zest, they exclaimed, -“How beautiful and neighborly kind!” Then joyfully asked, “Why, padre -carita, how did you learn to sing? Will papa learn when he comes? It -will be so nice for him and mamma to join together in the cantata viva -of morning and evening, when all is right, without a wrong, to make them -unhappy.” - -After the morning meal, Lovieta and Lavoca, with Annette in special -charge, under the care of Correliana and Luocuratia, were escorted by -the Heracleans, Kyronese, and members of the corps to the gate of the -nymphatasium, and were there fondly received in the matriculating arms -of the teachers and censors, and their future associates, with such -tokens of affectionate sympathy that home longings lost their poignancy, -causing their eyes to overflow with genial joy, watering the smiles -evoked from greetings of self-forgetfulness, with the balm of affection. -Annette’s reception was one of equal warmth, but timed for the Giga -reserve of dignity conferred with the distinctions of age. Before her -entrance, she had gratefully accepted the proffered adoption of -childless Heraclean parents, so that she could look forward to the -forthcoming monthly day of visitation, with the certainty of receiving -their unselfish endearments. - -In the farewell greetings were mingled the novecetas’ assurances of -their determination to merit warm approval for their improvement at the -next monthly visitation; of this all felt assured; for with other -adaptive regulations the hours of sleep were so well timed for the -requirements of healthy recuperation, that even the dream shadows of -morning liberation were curtailed of their precedental phantasmagoric -impressions of instinctive hallucination. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII. - - -For some weeks subsequent to the arrival of Captain Greenwood, the daily -avocations of the corps were assimilated with those of the Heracleans, -if we except the erratic disposition of Dr. Baāhar, which seemed to have -become more enamored with entomological pursuits. In apology, he said, -that the great beauty and ephemeral existence of the butterfly declared -its special intention for the accomplishment of a transient purpose; and -as angels’ terrestrial visits were few and far between, he had come to -the theoretical conclusion that they were intended as relief vehicles -for their conveyance during their earthly visits. For the verification -of this theory he had increased his vigilance, with the hopes of -catching an angel napping, which would recompense his trials from the -jeers of an unbelieving world. - -After the morning salutations, four hours were passed in the cultivation -of the garden allotments in the latifundium, by all except the padre, -curators, and artist, the former assisting the Kyronese in renovation in -his vocation of carpenter; the latter named preferring pastoral -occupations as more consonant with their instinctive affinities. From -nine to eleven the time was occupied in the auriculum in conversational -consultation for the exposition of Manatitlan usages, applicable for -initiatory adoption by the Giga races. Thenceforward until the noon-day -hours of meridian heat, devoted to repose in the shady colonnades, each -individual employed his or her time in rendering neighborly aid or -solace. When the shimmering heat shadows were reflected in gleams from -the falling water indicating the sun’s decline, a slight refection was -served. - -From thence until evening song the time was occupied in associate -consultations contributing to amusement and projective goodwill, -embracing in scope devices for penetrating the armadillo shell of -civilized vanity and selfishness. The ever changing novelty of -thoughtful inventions suggested by these associations, were in moments -of reflection a fruitful source of wonder to the members of the corps, -from the constant increase of real enjoyment afforded, in contrast with -the vague pursuits of instinctive pleasure followed with the routine -regularity of the kitten’s pastime, by the civilized races. In the -cultivation of associate worth they derived such abiding satisfaction -from the increasing reach of happy perception, they were at times -inclined to doubt their real identity as personal actors in the delusive -scenes reflected from memory. - -The self-imposed absurdities reflected from the accumulative worriments -of business pursuits, and sensual gratifications were truthfully -illustrated by Jack and Bill, in the quaint relation of their -experience; who declared that their bodies had been launched and shipped -with just sconce enough to eat, drink, scrub, chew, splice, smoke, and -reef, under the old gaff, without the flutter of a sky-sail’s worth of -thought more than what they were bid to do. “But thanks to Captain -Greenwood, we’ve been saved from a dive into Davy Jones’ locker, where -we once expected to be keelhauled in brimstone scaldings by Old Nick, -without ever being able to take a squint beyond. Homsoever, now with the -Dosch for a skipper, we’ve taken soundings, and know our bearings, so -with a clear look ahead we can see a smooth surface in the channel -without a ripple, or a scud aloft to take us aback from our portage.” - -Notwithstanding the constancy of the sailor’s ruder perceptions, the -thoughts of the padre and Dr. Baāhar were often auramentally caught -revelling in past visions of instinctive indulgence, so that it became -necessary for the auramentors to remind one of his medical society, -which held its stated meetings for the correction of ethical -correspondence between its members in a beer cellar; and the other of a -condition, in which he argued with his wife the propriety of retiring -for the night with his boots on. Mr. Dow would, in like manner, be -occasionally surprised in a mood of covetous calculation in anticipation -of conferred honors and titles likely to be bestowed by potentates and -societies in reward for his persevering merit, which had led to the -discovery of the Kyronese, Heraclean, and Manatitlan races. But the -slightest lisp of his first honors obtained for the discovery of a new -species of crab, which was christened “Cancer Doweri,” restored him to a -conscious appreciation of Heraclean example. M. Hollydorf and Captain -Greenwood were proof to the lure of selfish thought. - -The visit to the nymphatasium had been eventful, under the direction of -the Dosch and Doschessa, in attracting an assimilative sympathy between -Mr. Welson and a maiden teacher, Cæluiformia by name, the daughter of -the pastor Corycebæus; this, through the intercession, or mediation, of -the prætor and wife, had been matured for a surprise. The pastor had set -his house in order for the return of his daughter, and the probationary -reception of Mr. Welson. When the arrangements were perfected, the -unwitting brides-wick was greeted at the portals of his thalmia when -emerging for matin salutation, by the prætor, tribune censors, Kyronese, -and Betongese, who escorted him after the morning song of praise, -accompanied by the entire population to the pastoriza. At the portal the -happy mentor received the embrace of welcome from the pastor, and one of -equal zest in the expression of sincerity from the prospective “mother- -in-law,” who introduced the blushing Cæluiformia, radiant with -affectionate anticipations, to the arms of her betrothed. - -This consummation was the signal for the waiting choir of Manito, who -made the tympanum resound with an anthem prepared for the characteristic -expression of the Scotch instinctive type. Correliana, initiated into -the proemic espousal dedication, directed the measure from Manatitlan -lead. We give a rendering of the words in translation below:— - - “From Scotia’s lock’d inlet shores, - Rough highland crags, and sombre glens, - Where heather glints o’er boggy fens, - And shivering, sighs lonely plaint; - In misty tears the lowland saint, - Of bracken braes, that rise from moors. - - “With love, we hail the herald sage, - Who dares disdain the bogle chain, - Of myth-bound sects and all their train, - Whose fenny thoughts in muirk arise, - To obscure love’s creative skies, - With miasmatic hate and rage. - - “All hail to his love’s perpetual vows, - That Cæluiformia’s now espouse.” - -At the close of the salutatory greeting, the parents bestowed upon the -current unity of affection, in espoused accession, their joyful -benediction, introducing them with a glad welcome to the freedom of -their household colonnades. After their installation the assemblage -dispersed to their daily avocations. - -With Mr. Welson’s departure, the “quarters” of the corps seemed to have -lost its active principle of vitality, and its members were to be seen -in daily attendance at the house of Corycebæus, after the morning -salutations. Indeed, the transfer was so complete that the tympano- -microscope followed in train, from the proposed consent of all, the -Dosch remarking, that in their course they followed the universal “law” -of attraction, that recognized the lead of strength, for self-control, -as the predominating source of power for the control of others. This -axiom you will find amply verified in all the motor relations of animate -and inanimate matter, as well as in all the votive enactments of life. -The sun, as the supreme source of effulgence and heat, attracts the -lesser luminaries within the pale of its orbit, and as the revivifying -source of vitality, force, and motion, it receives from instinct -worshipful reverence; while in mundane expression, its effects are -instinctively preëminent in the attractive power of the preacher, -lecturer, and democratic leader, for the control of the unthinking herd, -as the oratorical expositors of sound. In your own relations you were -controlled among your own people by precedental habits and customs, -accepting them, without a questioning thought, as well approved by the -ordeal of time. Away from your precedental theorisms, in enactment by -the controlling majority, you were attracted by the influence of -Correliana’s happy example over the Kyronese, and for the first time, -with the majority, your thoughts were directed to facts for deduction -and analytical comparison, which with the leading influence of Heraclean -example has happily called forth into active life your latent -appreciation of goodness. Following in its lead, after liberation, it -has harmonized and rendered subservient your instinctive tempers, so -that with the ascendant portion precedental argument is unknown, and -politic prudence controls the less appreciative minority, even when -opposed by the aggravations of material rebuttal. In apt illustration of -the power of self command achieved by the pastoral members of the corps, -while engaged in Olympic sports with the herd under the lead of the -pastor Corycebæus, Dr. Baāhar, the most pertinacious, politic, and -irascible imitator of antiquarian revelations among you, having unwarily -allowed his stronger passion for butterfly hunting to intrude upon the -portion of the day set apart for the entertainment of the flocks in -field gymnastics, was surprised while stooping to disengage a gaudy -victim from the meshes of his net, by a disjunctive butt, in the rear, -from the censorial horns and head of a precedental guanaco, which caused -a cycle revolution of his body. Regaining his feet, he in wrath -unthinkingly opposed himself to the sportive cause of his mishap, who -was collecting his energies with blind zeal for the renewal of his “good -old times salutation.” But with quick perception the doctor subdued his -reactive wrath, and while the sportive ram was poising his head to -follow up the advantage he had gained in reversing precedental ideas of -naturalistic progression, he wisely concluded that diplomatic discretion -would, for the occasion, be the better part of valor; acting upon the -suggestion, with bipedal advantage, he dodged instead of opposing his -body fatuistically with the adaged shield, “what has been, will be.” -Notwithstanding his “presence of mind,” shown upon this occasion, he -obstinately continued to pursue his predilection for fly catching, with -increased zeal. Often in the midst of the most alluring conversation, -devised for the reciprocation of instruction by Correliana, with a -refrain of notes from woodland songsters to the musical tones of her -voice, he would start wildly up, with his net raised “rampant” for the -catch, with his eyes absorbed for the detection of the species and order -of a butterfly attraction. When assured of rarity, he would rush forth -with eyes and net upraised for the capture of the tempting lure. Gentle -expedient, and every form of pleading inducement had been exhausted, -that could be suggested for exampled persuasion, when an incident -occurred which appeared in coincident similitude, like a conjunctive -interposition, for the cure of his malady. - -On a morning which had been freshened with night showers, betokening the -approach of the winter solstice, Corycebæus led forth his flocks, -attended by all whose inclinations were not stayed with the occupations -of gardening and household employments. Conspicuous above the happy -throng, whose voices were melodious with song and mirthful repartee, -made vivacious with bantering chase, was raised the pennon net of Dr. -Baāhar. But for the contrasting halo of exuberant gladness, the bevied -groups, as they passed beneath the cinctus portal, might have been taken -for actors in some memorial scene enactment, expressive of festive -gayety in historic commemoration of ancient ceremonial rites. Nathless, -upon nearer inspection it would have been readily discovered that -instinctive pleasure, from anticipated indulgence, bore no part in the -joyous emotions that flowed in sportive current from affectionate -association. Even the pennon net, borne aloft in naturalistic ardor by -the enthusiastic fly hunter, had received its characteristic “fields” of -red, scarlet, blue, and yellow, from a peaceful Kyronese dye pot, under -the baptismal hands of the mirth loving sisters Cleorita and Oviata. -After their arrival and dispersion among the hill glades, selected for -the grazing of their flocks, Dr. Baāhar, apparently forgetful of the net -staff, supported on his shoulder, was imparting to a bevy of matrons the -secrets of vegetative propagation and fruition, when his words were -suddenly arrested by the shadow of a butterfly of large dimensions cast -by its interception of the sun’s rays upon the flower of his speech -demonstration. A glance upward, with an exclamation of enraptured -covetousness, and all his impressions and energies were concentrated for -the capture of the resplendent andean queen of butterflies. Bushing from -among his pupils, heedless of apologies, instinctive gallantry, and -masculine courtesies bestowed in deference to the weaker privileges of -the sex, he started under queenly lead down the incline of the hillock, -with eyes upturned, fixed upon the rainbow glints reflected from the -swaying waft of the andean regina’s wings, which were radiant with -cerulean tints, as if in blending to proclaim her ethereal source. Like -the ancient falconer, who with frantic gesticulation was accustomed to -wave his luring staff to attract the attention of an eyas gaffling, who -in freedom soared after striking his quarry, the doctor, with -outstretched arms, pursued the tantalizing evolutions of his intended -prize, which were sustained just beyond the reach of his net,—when, lo! -while in full career, from an opposite direction, the king appeared, and -a sudden concussion followed in quick succession, causing the doctor to -drop his net staff, and in reciprocation enclose with his arms the -object he had encountered, which, with the impulsive instinct of woman’s -self-possession in dangerous emergency, embraced with her arms his neck. -With faces in near approximation, the objects of this strange -conjunction in wondering surprise held emotional consultation; then, in -freedom from the reflection of modest embarrassment, which would have -caused sudden release, the right shoulder of the doctor became clothed -in raven tresses, intermingling with his own flowing locks, his right -arm having fallen instinctively to the waist for the support of the fair -possessor’s yielding form. - -Forgetful of his net, and the vanished object of his first pursuit, -he, in “good” Germanic Latin, free from the guttural ingesta -inflection of saur-kraut, lager bier, sausage, and tobacco, offered -apologetic consolation for the shock he had unwittingly occasioned, to -which she replied in equally good English, “Pray, don’t mention it;” -while with lingering fondness, her sighs and steps were made eloquent -in responsive continuation, as he led her back in half-reclining mood -to her parents. The prætor, who had witnessed the scene with a -peculiar smile of satisfaction, explained the predisposing cause of -the encounter,—inasmuch as it was appreciable to ordinary -observation,—that it might not be thought an act of premeditation on -the part of the female respondent, or her relatives. - -“Our Heraclean marriage alliance is so closely interwoven with -instinctive impression, hallowed by the unity of an affection -independent of the body, that the rupture by death of either of the -coaptive sexual individualities, leaves a void, from the material -deprivation of functional reciprocation, so desolate to the female in -its impression of lonely isolation, that instinct conjures some gentle -hallucination, to supply the broken threads of sympathy in the weftage -of the severed ties. This illusive visionary substitution is held as a -consecrated indication of continued affectionate unity, for the -survivor’s material direction in the body. Indeed, all our bereaved -experience in some form this impression, in translation to some memorial -object presented to view in the agony of instinctive disseveration. -Isolita, the daughter of our cremator, who is now reclining in the -support of Dr. Baāhar’s arm, had her attention attracted, while in the -anguish of separation, by a superb andean butterfly, which floated over -the body of her expiring husband, and with his last sigh settled for a -moment on her head with wafting wings, as if by invocation to inspire -her hopes in bereavement of a material emblematic source of -communication and direction; then, from the court colonnades, soared -directly upward until lost to view in the blending tints of ethereal -azure. This scene impressed us all with its omenic signification, so -that we could scarcely wonder that Isolita in her great sorrow received -it as a presage of vehicular translation, to be treasured as a token of -animus visitations from her departed unity in the flesh. Without doubt, -she will hold the conjunctive act you have witnessed this morning as an -intimated sign of direction for the selection of a scocius, or -companion, for the completion of her earthly term of sojourn. The -confiding trust, evinced from her retained position, already betokens -her belief in the consummated fulfillment of delegated substitution. In -like verification, you will observe that the doctor has abandoned his -net, and the winged vanity of his pursuit, for the realization of a more -happy and abiding achievement.” - -In confirmation of the prætor’s prognostication, but a few moments had -been numbered with the past ere a procession had formed headed by the -cremator’s family, in hopeful conformity with the ceremonious rites they -were disposed to accord in recognition of the instinctive liberalisms of -sense which had been fostered by the doctor’s precedental education. -Being obliged to pass the scene of encounter in their passage up the -dale, the prætor’s face grew anxious as they approached the discarded -net, but assumed an expression of gladness when the doctor passed it -within the measure of a footfall, and without wincing saw it trodden -under foot by the mother of his prospective affiancee. Relieved of his -fears by the disdainful look cast upon it by the captured fly hunter, -the family group of the prætor moved downward to meet the symbolical -procession, and greet the advancing victor of self. While bestowing -their congratulations, the fanatical fatuity, inherent with the -expression of the doctor’s face, became broken and dissipated, as with -mist clouds under the genial rays of the morning sun. In answer to the -doctor’s application for the required sanction of his betrothal with -Isolita, the prætor expressed his warm approval, with the hope that he -would soon be able to derive his happiness from the prospective good his -example would confer upon future generations. - -“Still,” he continued, “without a clear knowledge of Manatitlan -coöperation, in directing the wisdom of the ‘choice,’ I might have -questioned the prudent propriety of the betrothal, from your -pertinacious adherence to precedental habits, in defiance of the -constant increase of self-inflicted misery. Especially, as I have -learned from auramental source, that it has been the custom of the -Germans, practiced from time immemorial, to render their wives servitas -of convenience, rather than for the fulfillment of Creative intention, -designed for the perfection of unity. From this isolating peculiarity of -self-indulgent German instinct, it might be well for me to question, -even now, whether in thought you treasure selfish desire that would -detract by indulgence from the socius companionship of bereaved -affection. Although naturally endowed with a strong instinctive -predisposition, Isolita is in no way derelict in her full appreciation -of an affection, matured in purity, independent of the body’s functions. -Bethink you, in answering, of your deposed net?” - -In reply, the doctor said, “My net has subserved its purpose, in -fulfilling its destiny of prestige; for, as you well know, I have -expressed my full belief in the especial design of the butterfly’s -vocation, from the unrivaled beauty of its embellishments, which -indicate the celestial transport, in previsemental aid of angelic -visits. This morning I have received satisfactory evidence of the fact, -and for the future have no farther object for its use; or, as we might -say in quotation, ‘sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.’ If you -can assure me of Heraclean reciprocation in the bestowal of the angelic -capture I have made this morning, I will endeavor to discard, with my -net, precedental pursuits.” - -The ingenuity of the insect savan’s reply bespeaking the sanity of his -self-possession, the prætor repeated to him the peculiarities of -Isolita’s widowed hallucination. - -Still himself, the doctor replied, “I feel confirmed in my impressions -of her angelic nature, from your acknowledgment of the fact, that as a -woman she harbors but one hallucination, and that I have been preferred -as an equal for association with her, a privilege which has yet afore -been awarded, in civilized society, solely, to her sex’s insatiate -unabridged vanity by the cajoleries of man.” - -With this additional evidence of the doctor’s consciously sane -appreciation of the happy conjunction his morning’s encounter -“foreboded,” the espousal received general approbation. The prætor -suggesting the efficient aid Isolita would be able to confer in -systematizing his botanical labors, from the thorough knowledge of her -acquirements necessary for fruitful vegetation, they departed upon their -first united essay in botanical research, and were not seen again until -the herdsmen sounded their calls for their return to the city; they then -appeared crowned with floral decorations in overture anticipation of -united reciprocations. - -Of all the returning train the padre’s face alone remained subject to -the fitful indications of thoughtful sadness. The conjurations of the -day had separated him from his last mythological hold upon instinct, -raising a happy barrier between him and the familiar conviviality of -genial gossipings in the language of talk. Returning to the desolate -quarters of the corps, after indulging freely in chirimoya and milk, he -became subject to the indigestive broodings of instinct, barren of -thoughtful resources for occupation. In this condition, disconsolate, he -paced the deserted colonnades long after Mr. Dow and the curators of -sound had retired to rest. But the Kyronese, with sympathetic -consideration for his lonely plight, busied themselves in the court and -cochina, ostensibly in preparation for the duties of the morrow, until, -with the impression that he would prefer solitude for the melancholy -nursing of his ruminations, they yielded to the drowsy influence evoked -by the approaching midnight hour; and unaccustomed to the vigil unrest -of anxiety, begot by the dismal forebodings of dread from a belief in -mythological rewards and punishments, their eyes were sealed with such -sudden surprise that little choice was permitted for the selection of -easy positions for repose. Of late, mindful of others’ comfort, he saw -these sympathetic vigilantes overcome with sleep unheeded. Even Corycæus -intermitted his thought auramentations with the solace of an occasional -nap, and with the padre still waking, and walking in a mood of -increasing nervous excitement, he at length sank into a dreamless sleep. - -The darkness which gathers its deeper pall of blackness, in reversion to -the brightness in vivid glow of the dying spark, had merged from the -palpable coldness of its impression into the murky gray of the shadowy -dawn, when there came a change so sudden and peculiar in the outward -sway of the hammacas of the auramentor’s family,—suspended from the -vibrillæ of the tragus across the fossæ to the ante-tragus,—that the -forward lurch awoke the occupants. Curious to know the cause of a motion -so unusual, Corycæus hastened, with the recollection of the padre’s -condition, to take an observation, in which his wife joined with -sympathetic alacrity. They found the padre kneeling and bowing before a -rough-hewn statue of an ancient Heraclean mother, with a child, which -she supported in her arms, the while counting with a “vociferous” -whisper the beads of the rosary presented to him by Fraile Gallagato, -alternating his devotional manipulations by cross “cuts” on his forehead -and breast with his index finger. The scene was so ludicrously absurd, -in evidence of the superstitious revival of his religious instincts, -that the auramentors passed to a neighboring branch to watch his motions -and hear his prayers engendered from selfish fears, wrought by -indigestion and sleepless innervation, aided by the changes of the -night. The image had been closely veiled with a vine embossure of -iriditrope, which had been noted for its close resemblance to the -sculptured statues of the immaculate virgin, without being aware of the -model beneath. By some coincident freak, combined with fear, mist, and -muirk, confounding with the incertitude of vision-fancied resemblance, -he had discovered the statue beneath, which tended to raise his -phantasmic emotions to a pitch of fanatical devotion. Impressed with the -belief that it was a special revelation, designed as a reproof for his -“backsliding” departure from grace, and neglect of his opportunities for -the conversion of the Heracleans, he ventured to unveil the miraculous -discovery, before seeking inspiration through the celestial gates of -bead prayer. Notwithstanding the impression made upon the family of -Corycæus by the ridiculous farce, there was a weird instinctive effect -that reminded them sadly of the benighted condition of his race, who -still made themselves blindly miserable with selfish labor, to the utter -perversion of affectionate ease imparted from the current equality of -self-legislation to the Heracleans. - -After an hour’s devotional exercise with hands, and mumbling prayer -dronings and enumerations, wearied nature closed the scene with sleep, -and he sank forward with his body and face prone upon the virgin bed of -vine, in dreamless oblivion. In this condition he was found, as the -ruddy beams of day began to dispel the lingering misty light of dawn, by -the mayorong, who in sad fright made the courts and colonnades resound -to his calls for assistance. Fearing that the vital spark had forever -fled from the prostrate form of the kind-hearted padre, who, in despite -of his incertitude, begot from his thoughtless reliance upon instinctive -impressions, was alike the cherished favorite of the Heracleans, -Kyronese, and Betongese, the mayorong made no effort for his -resuscitation. The shrill, wailing cry, reverberating in anguished -appeal, reached not only his own people who were preparing for morning -salutation, but the Heracleans, who hurried in the greatest -consternation to the quarters of the corps to learn the cause of the -fearful outcry. Proof to the mayorong’s mournful cry, hastening -footsteps, and exclamations of the excited throng, the padre continued -unconscious, the gathering assemblage regarding his prostrate body with -blanched faces and horror-struck gaze. When at length their surprised -emotions had subsided into thoughtful sadness, “presence of mind” -revived under the impression of regretful sympathy, which caused -Cleorita and Oviata to kneel and raise the padre’s head, and with the -assistance of their grandfather to turn him upon his back. As gentle -hands withdrew the dank hair that enshrouded his eyes, the fall of tears -upon his face brought forth a deep sigh, as if conscious of the source -from whence they came; this, with a muttered ave, was followed by a -quivering stretch for relief from the stiffness of his limbs, -significant alike of retained vitality and reviving consciousness. Then, -as if under the herald impulse of a dream of dread, he, with a spasmodic -start, suddenly raised his head from the pillowed lap of Cleorita, -bringing his nose in abrupt contact with the toe of the figure that -projected over the pediment of the statue. This brought forth, with -tears, his accustomed ejaculation, “My goodness gracious!” while he -administered to it extreme unction with the soothing touch of his hand. -The grimaced accompaniment, in revulsion, brought forth, in contrast -from the depth of sadness, an irresistible outburst of laughter, from -the late mourners whose eyes were yet moist with the tears of sorrow. - -Starting up, amazed at his own unaccountable position, and the -assemblage of faces that bestowed upon him their gaze, with mingled -expressions of grief and mirth, the padre’s fingers sought his hair for -the disentanglement of his bewildered impressions. Failing in his -attempt to recall the causeful events, his looks appealed to Cleorita -and Oviata, whose eyes were glistening with gladness through their misty -veil of tears, like the sun’s rays through the cilium of rosebuds -sparkling with dew drops; but the anxious inquiries of new arrivals -diverted explanation from them. Evil tidings are ever quick in spreading -when borne by the scandalous impulse of gossiping tongues intent upon -marvelous impression, but with sad sympathy the alarm had spread from -portal to portal, with tongueless celerity, heralding the source of -affectionate bereavement. - -Among the nearest, and earliest to be apprised of the padre’s supposed -demise, was a young widow named Madonnasta, who resided with her parents -without the oppidum gate, in the racept of the latifundium. Her husband -had been taken by the savage besiegers when returning from a forage -sortie; their hatred against the whites had been embittered by cruelties -practiced for intimidation while the Jesuits were endeavoring to found -missions among them for subjective utilization and the ruling advance of -instinctive religion and civilization. In woful ignorance, they -accredited their civilized foes with a united faith in a common form of -worship, designed for the immolation of all unbelievers. Prompted by -revengeful defiance, the unfortunate captive had been stretched and -bound to a cross, the sacrificial emblem of Christian faith; and in that -condition had been suspended over the brink of the precipice, in view of -the besieged, who were forced to witness his agonized struggles, under -the scorching heat of the sun, increased by the absorption and -reflection of the basaltic rock, aggravated by the pain of his bonds, -and the gnawings of hunger and thirst; but not without witnessing the -desperate sallies made by sympathy for his rescue, in which with a -wife’s devotion Madonnasta had engaged. When at length death relieved -his mortal torments, and the vultures, with time and the elements, had -severed the cords that bound the bleached skeleton to the crucial -framework, and it to the precipice, it fell to a resting place beneath; -then a successful sortie was made for their recovery, and they were -cremated with the wood of crucifixion; but a portion was retained by the -widowed wife, who with great care and ingenuity formed it into an -emblematic cross, corresponding in memorial form with the one upon which -her husband had suffered; this she suspended from her neck, as an -instinctive memento of the sad scene of her mortal bereavement. Her -devotion to the relic soon imparted to sorrowing emotions the hallucid -impression that the crossed pieces of wood were enacting the part of a -spiritualized medium of communication with the animus of her departed -husband, and were consulted at certain hours of the day for direction. -As the hallowed memories clustered around the waking hours of the -morning, when from repose the grateful impressions of thanksgiving had -been revived for affectionate reciprocation, she was ever the first in -readiness for the orison hour of morning greeting. In these moods, the -fervor evinced by her reverential endearments plainly indicated the -instinctive lapse of her faith into the implied belief of material -transubstantiation eucharistic for imparting the hallucination of actual -presence for the renewal of connubial felicity. These impressions, which -from their sincerity involved consolation, in no wise impaired the -sanity of her thoughts and acts in matters pertaining to the rational -employments of her bodily existence in purity of intention. On the -contrary, it strengthened the outflowing tide of her affection, so that -its tangibility was imparted with a perceptible thrill from touch, -voice, and presence, to all within the sway of purity and goodness. - -It was the good fortune of the padre, on the morning succeeding to that -of his first Heraclean advent, while yet subject to the relict baneful -effects of whiskey, tobacco, and their habitual hereditaments of -impurity, to be attracted by the beneficent fervor of the widowed -Madonnasta’s pitying glances of sympathy, while passing the portals of -her father’s house. The effect of these interviewing glances became -immediately reformatory, for he sought a retired spot, where he -“devoted” himself for an hour to the rapid chewing of his remaining -tobacco,—supplied from the limited store of his friend the doctor, for a -stipulated butterfly consideration,—the while ruminating upon the -incomparable charms of his inconuistic discovery. After fully expressing -its narcotic power to the offaled dregs, he, in the vernacular phrase of -instinct, incontinently swore off, while from a fountain in the -crematium he thoroughly abluted his mouth; then returning past the house -of Madonnasta, he paid her his reverence free from the actual impression -of defilement. Afterwards, whenever he contemplated a visit to the -predisposed object of his adoration, he subjected his mouth to a -thorough purification with the chloride of lime, recommended by his -“friend” as an excellent deodorizer for the correction of effluviums. -This politic course partook of in advisorial advocacy, and exampled -acceptance, the ostrich’s fatuity, who in closing or concealing the eyes -to self-reflection “supposes” its material body is rendered invisible to -others. With the passage of time and his reproof pilgrimage to Amelcoy, -he gradually became impressed with the mishaps attendant upon self- -indulgence, and under the direction of goodwill he had obtained with her -greetings manifestations of affectionate approval, which inclined her to -study his language with rapid achievement and understanding success. -These inter-allusions will afford the reader an understanding impression -of antecedent and subsequent passages, elicited from the eventful -singularities of the morning’s transpositions. - -When the padre’s forlorn or dead estate was announced by the mournful -cadences of the mayorong’s call, Madonnasta was among the first of her -people who had flown upon the wings of sympathy, to realize with her own -eyes the truth of the startling rumor that knelled the second -bereavement of her hopes. - -The padre, at the moment of her approach, was endeavoring, with his -right hand in his hair, to establish an equilibrium for the use of -reflective thought, while his eyes wandered from face to face in search -for the cause of their congregated anxiety, manifested in his behalf. -Observing the roseate flush of gladness that quickly succeeded the -pallor of dread anticipation in Madonnasta’s face, when she found that -he still lived, the padre essayed to address her in his own language, -but upon the instant of his first articulation she caught sight of the -cross dangling from his neck suspended by its chain of beads. Suddenly -raising her hands in the clasped attitude of thankful surprise, she -uttered the exclamation, “Al han espousita directicio!” (It is by thy -fond direction!) and springing forward fondly clasped his neck in a -joyfully conscious swoon. This episode proved fortunate, else she would -have discovered his great trepidation and lack of glad reciprocation, -which would have sadly chilled the realization of her transubstantial -vision of predilected reunion dedicated for enactment through the -padre’s substituted mortality. With his usual tardy perception, dulled -from the renewal of superstitious impression, he gave only mechanical -support to the form of Madonnasta, resplendent with the charms premised -from prospective reduplication in the body. - -Cleorita observing his perplexity and evident abashment, pointed to the -cross of Madonnasta, and his own, then with eucharistical fervor he -bestowed upon her lips a baptismal kiss, while with a blush of shame he -concealed the pendent emblem, suspended from his own neck, beneath his -vest. This devotional exercise and symbol, recalled to his memory the -events of the night, with a circumstantial impression that Madonnasta -had by miraculous interposition been converted to the Christian faith, -which led him to exclaim with enthusiastic ardor, “Upon my conscience’ -sake, it’s a miracle, how she has kept the faith among pagans!” With -pity and admiration, he again administered the baptismal rite of -instinctive communion, which served to revive the lapsed faculties of -his incumbent burthen. As his somewhat tardy tenderness revived the -waiting perceptions of his angelic godsend herald, sighs, like the -rustling flutter of leaves stirred in the stillness of noon-day by the -advance of a shower, betokened the restoration of vital energy, with the -genial accompaniment of joyful tears. When at length the rosy eyelids of -Madonnasta began with trembling vibrations to unfold, the padre’s -features in waiting expectation flickered with the _ignis-fatuus_ -expression of catholic zeal, in the full belief of miraculous -intervention for the preservation of the ordinances of revealed religion -under the fructifying influence of saving grace. As with a convulsive -shudder the full orbs of Madonnasta’s wondering eyes were unveiled, and -made glorious with the expression of delegated affection, the padre’s -face became illuminated with the propagandic light of zealotry, causing -him to seize and bestow upon her cross an emblematic kiss of reverence. -This act fully revived the pervading strength of Madonnasta’s -hallucination, causing her, with a look of fond recollection, peculiar -to widowed grief, to embrace his neck, while with her lips she realized -to his fanatical zeal the confirmation of faith. - -The wonderingly amused spectators of this pantomimically enacted scene -of mutual hallucination, with this act of consummation opened a passage -for Mr. Welson and the prætor, who had been attracted from the house of -Corycebæus by the hurrying excitement within the city portal. A glance -sufficed for the assurance of a provisional “wedding” crisis, and the -prætor was about to add his sanction, but the moment the padre observed -his intention, he started back objuringly in the greatest alarm, -muttering an interposing exorcism, at the same time exposing his own and -Madonnasta’s crosses as shields of protection. His impetuous array -startled the prætor with the fear that the padre was in reality -instinctively mad. But M. Hollydorf explained to his adopted father that -the padre’s disarray of thought had undoubtedly been occasioned by an -unusual conjunction of circumstances, recommending an adjournment to the -ordinarium of the corps for an investigation of facts, and a mutual -understanding, under the sanction of advisement. When convened Corycæus -related all that had transpired within the scope of his waking -knowledge, which extended through the devotional vigil of the padre. It -was easy to trace from subsequent events the source of Madonnasta’s and -the padre’s coincident delusions. She had recognized in him the -transubstantiated form preferred as a substitute by her crucified -husband, from the cross attachment to his rosary; and he, from the bias -of an instinctive Christian education, had supposed from coincident -impressions that she was a miraculous convert appealing to him for a -husband’s protection. The Dosch advised that the padre should be made -acquainted with the circumstances attending the death of Madonnasta’s -husband, and her consequent monumental delusion from the derangement of -her instinctive perceptions occasioned by affectionate solicitude. Then, -if he chose, in prospect of their incurability, to solace her with his -companionship during their allotted terms of mortal sojourn, their union -should receive Heraclean approval, upon the plea of like illusive -adaptation. - -The padre was greatly abashed when the facts in plain demonstration were -confirmed by Correliana and her mother. Mr. Welson then urged him to -accept the coincidence as an omen of happy premonition. He then -gratefully received the rites of sanctioned betrothal without demurring, -after Madonnasta had been offered a like privilege of revocal by a -statement of his mythological delusions derived from the ghostly -precepts of a Christian education. Both with firm adhesion retained the -bias of first impressions, and were escorted with joyful mirth to the -house of Madonnasta’s parents, where, with parental welcome, the padre -assured the assemblage that he felt himself proof against lonely relapse -into the mythological haunts of instinct. After the padre’s betrothal -and domiciliation, Mr. Welson with the Dosch returned to the house of -Corycebæus. - -While the prominent eccentricities of the last two conjunctions were the -subjects of mirthful explication, Mr. Welson abruptly addressed the -Dosch and Doschessa with an inquiry, which, like the shadow of a cloud -passing over a landscape made humorous by man’s instinctive invention, -caused gleams of joyous transition from the reflection of absurdity, -which, with authority, we are permitted to report. - -_Mr. Welson._ “You have found it necessary in coupling the doctor and -padre with yoke mates, to adjust their ruling infatuations with like -characteristic hallucinations of will-o’-wisp affinity! will you now -expound to me my own, that led to the direction of my choice? For I will -frankly acknowledge, that with studied aid afforded by Cæluiformia’s -reflection, I have only been able to discover a lack of equality from my -own instinctive imperfections.” - -_Dosch_ (with a joyous accompaniment of laughter). “You have an old -ritualistic proverb of more than ordinary worth, recorded among your -mythological oddities and traditional ‘saws,’ for the expression of Giga -infatuation, which we will reverse for your especial benefit in aid of -perception for the explication of the enigma you ask us to solve. The -reading your experience confirms, in quotation, should be rendered, -Sufficient for the day is the good thereof! and with us, Sufficient for -the day is the exampled proof thereof!” - -Their mirthful inclinations were stayed by the entrance of the padre and -Madonnasta; the countenance of the former having reassumed the vacuity -of expression peculiar to the fanatical rule of instinctive fear and -prejudice, which in language we will allow him to express. - -_Padre_ (addressing the Manatitlans). “You must know that it is not my -wish or intention to be ungrateful; but then one must have a care for -the preservation of his soul; for what is the whole world to a man if he -loses his own soul. I am certain you could not have failed to see by my -actions, all along, that I had qualms of conscience that all was not -right with me. Not that I would wish for a moment to question the -motives of Heraclean example, or ever have, for I know that in purity -it’s above my reach. But works, you know, are as nothing in the balance -with one’s soul without faith, which works wonders. Neither can I blame -you in any way, except that you reject the light, confident in your own -good works; and I greatly fear that the sources of happiness you suppose -to be real are the delusions of the devil, who goes about like a roaring -lion seeking whom he may devour. For what says Father Jaen, ‘Good works -are of no effect without saving grace administered under the seal of -confession!’ Well, after the strange marriages of Captain Greenwood, M. -Hollydorf, Jack and Bill, with the sun overhead,—which I suppose is a -pagan fashion,—and begging your pardon for expressing the truth of my -mind, were no marriages at all, being extraordinary, without the -sanction of the holy rites of the church, anointed under priestly seal, -in sign manual of registry in heaven, which prevents divorce. -(Addressing Mr. Welson.) Then you were espoused in another strange way, -which shows that there is no regular sanctified method, as there should -be. But yesterday, when Dr. Baāhar and Mrs. Isolita came together in -such an extraordinary way, my eyes were opened, and I could not sleep, -so I prayed to the virgin and her child fervently, which led to the -miraculous discovery of her image, and only begotten son, just as the -light was dawning, and while praying to her I was suddenly overcome with -a slumber so peacefully sweet and deep, that I awoke to find myself dead -in the belief of you all, at least those that saw me in that condition. -In my vision I saw angels in tears, who seemed to express sorrow for the -death of my body without the salvation of my soul by confession. Now, -perhaps I was dead, for I found Cleorita and Oviata and the mayorong and -his people and the Heracleans weeping, and felt uncomfortable in my -body, as though I had just risen. Hardly had I begun to think, and had -just bethought myself how I was overtaken, when I heard caress me -(carissima!) spoken in an imploring way, at the same time found that -Madonnasta had fainted in my arms, in an embarrassing way, which again -bewildered me, until Cleorita and Oviata pointed to our crosses; then a -light burst upon me, for I saw that she was a Christian among pagans, -miraculously interposed for my reproof and her salvation, before I had -sinned away the day of grace! All that I have said is true, and much -more, if I could recollect it, which you would have seen if you had had -faith like a grain of mustard seed. At any rate, I feel that the -immaculate virgin and her holy son are my guardian angels, and the -Manatitlans acknowledge that they are human, and depend upon good works -for happiness, which is against the fathers and Scriptures, and I -cannot, upon second thought, bring my mind to submit to your rites of -marriage, which I fear are but little better than concubinage, that -would endanger my soul and that of Madonnasta. From this you must know -how anxious I am to depart, that Madonnasta may receive the rites of -baptism and consecration for adoption into the bosom of our holy mother -church. Then, after our regular marriage, we may return to assist in -your conversion, if I am found worthy of confirmation in holy orders.” - -It would be hard to express in language the mixed emotions of those of -the assemblage who understood the padre’s interpretation of his waking -visions of the morning, bred in emergence from sleep to the impressions -of reality. The face of Mr. Welson assumed an expression of humorous -admiration, seemingly gratified with the padre’s revived superstitious -simplicity, which gave encouragement to his playful disposition for -quizzing inquiry. The microscopic reflections in like manner appeared to -enjoy, for the moment, the “tutored” dismay evinced by the rambling -impressions of the padre’s rehearsal, incoherent with the precedental -intuition of faith expressed in his memory of words. Madonnasta’s face, -although apprised of the padre’s mythological delusions, “underwent” the -varied changes of curiosity, puzzled for the want of a clear -interpretation of emotions so foreign to the affectionate current of -sympathy. Mr. Welson and the Dosch were alike dreaded by the padre, when -the tenets of his religion and its instinctive incongruities, supported -by faith in impossibilities, were rendered farcical by the contradictory -absurdities of his questioned exposition of the law, prophets, and -revelation; for, with a few interrogations, they invariably made him -feel the ridiculous mist of his self-involvement. His incoherency had -been increased by the proboscidial waggish indications of Mr. Welson’s -nose, which he felt was searching for a tender point beneath the -superficial flow of his religious faith; so he mustered all the -dignified acerbity possible for repelling attacks made for the exposure -of his gullibility. - -_Mr. Welson._ “You have preferred your former desire to leave Heraclea, -and propose to take Madonnasta with you for sacramental confirmation and -marriage. After the explanation you have heard of the cause that led her -to adopt the memorial emblem, would it not be well to question her -farther, that you may learn whether her disposition inclines her to the -course you propose?” - -_Padre._ “You know very well, Mr. Welson, that I cannot speak the Latin -language, neither can she understand the English sufficiently well for -the full comprehension of my wish. But what is there under the sun more -evident than the common language of the cross, commemorative of our -Saviour’s crucifixion? Why, my goodness gracious, man, can’t you see -that its use in her husband’s death, was the inscrutable means used for -her conversion? Then what led me to discover the virgin and her -child,—which you had passed hundreds of times without noticing,—when I -was in the greatest need for their intercession from the want of sleep? -I know that you say it is the statue of an ancient mother of the -household, reverenced for her “virtues,” but this, as you well know, -would not account for the effect produced on me, when my prayers were -directly supplicating repose?” - -_Mr. Welson._ “Our faces undoubtedly show what we cannot deny. But our -smiles are not provoked by a scoffing disposition; on the contrary they -are more inclined to sadness than derision, for it is hard for us to -conceive the incomprehensible nature of an obstinacy so void in -perceptive appreciation, although by the reflection it forces upon -memory the perverse insensibility and difference of our past lives to -the true source of happiness. That you, of us all the most highly -endowed with the natural manifestations of goodness, should prove so -dull as not to realize the source from which the happiness you really -feel is derived, bespeaks an infatuation that exceeds the measure of our -comprehension. But as you have determined to leave us, it is proper for -you to understand the true interpretation of your betrothed’s feelings -in prospect of her removal from home.” - -_Dosch._ “Before she is questioned, I would have the padre fully -comprehend the true nature of the alliance he would assume with -Madonnasta, for she, in common with the Heracleans, has a realizing -perception of the unity still existing between herself and former -respondent in the flesh. Her true impressions, excited by the symbol in -your possession, were that your sympathies flowed in unison with hers -toward the severed reflection of her own identity, and that you were the -preferred successor chosen for the representative solace of her sojourn -in mortality. To disabuse her of this gentle hallucination, imparted -from the severed ties of instinctive association, would, if possible, be -cruel. Still if your prejudices are over strong against soothing her -partial preference in the interchange of proxied solace, it would be -better for you to depart alone. If, on the contrary, you can reciprocate -in substitution her instinctive affection, you will find her a constant -source of happiness, that will advance your perception to an earthly -realization of the joys imparted from a foretaste of immortality, -through the current reciprocation of goodness. Now that my wife has -explained to her your multiplied delusions, founded upon the sounding -words, faith and saving grace, with their attendant instinctive -inducements for the patronage of gross indulgences, I will state to her -the motives of your intention which prompt you to leave Heraclea, also -your desire to have her body undergo the ritualistic manipulations of -the priests of your sect, for the salvation of its instinctive soul, and -recommend that you bestow upon her during the relation your regardful -attention.” - -Madonnasta, during the recital, devoted her attention to the close study -of the padre’s personal peculiarities, which were described to her as a -prevailing index of corrupting effect with the Giga civilized races. -With the mention of tobacco and distilled liquors, that could not be -disguised to his ear, his face assumed the scarlet hue of shame, while -with downcast eyes and tremulous folding of hands, he pleaded in thought -parental example and the encouragement afforded by priestly absolution. -Quick to appreciate his regretful sufferings, she was attracted to his -side, and with the soothing action of her hands imparted sympathy for -his self-inflicted misery. Shamefaced from the constantly recurring -examples of his heedless lack of purpose, he made no attempt to renew -his promises of constancy, but remained silently submissive to the -reprehensive admonition of the Dosch. “If,” continued the Dosch, “you -and your race would give heed to the warning impressions of your bodily -functions when oppressed, your perceptions from memory would soon act as -a guard against incompatibles and excess. Functional experience as an -example for good and evil, in provisional guard for the welfare of -digestion and healthy assimilation, is better by far than the -theoretical tests of chemical analysis and the empirical counter-actives -of the doctor, which only serve to exhaust vitality, distempering in the -process protective mental power designed for the corresponding -elimination of instinctive purity and goodness. Our bodily perfection, -which ignores in age the artificial aids of plaster and paint, for the -concealment of living depreciation from unnatural causes, has been -attained by the thoughtful provision of ancestral example, which -constantly held in view, with themselves, their responsibility to future -generations, with reactive profit to their own happy correspondence with -material self. It should appear, from the example of your last -experience, which has rendered you phantasmally mad, that judgment -should be trained individually and collectively to recognize in -representation the adaptability of food in quality and quantity for -healthy support. The cherimoyer as a fruit, and milk as a vegetable -production from animal elaboration, are each separately, with a -recognition of time and quantity, well adapted for the nutriment of the -human body. But you, as with your race, have paid the penalty of -heedlessness, and in relative degrees can realize from self-experience -the origin of war, gospel, law, and medicine, with their legions of -phantasmal abettors, which renders life a waking nightmare of miserable -variations in opposition to happy realization. In the calm quiet of -Heraclean life, with associate correspondence in purity and goodness, -your impressions and desires have been so occupied with happy realities, -that even in reflection, from memory, the gala day celebrations that -attracted your instinctive passions of sense with evanescent beguilement -have proved an aversion to thought. Picture in impression your emotions, -if in the distance you can imagine a scene so abhorrent to the -realizations of affection, you saw a procession passing up the now -peaceful avenue of the latifundium, heralded with deafening shouts, -cannon, Chinese crackers, bombas, the clangor of cymbals, obstreperous -shrillness of fifes, screechings, groanings, and dronings of bagpipes, -the monotonous boom and clattering roll of drums, a procession with -banners borne by soldiers in the popinjay “uniforms,” glittering swords, -bayonets, and like paraphernalia of vanity and death! Or the horror that -would suffocate your tender hopes inspired for the increasing purity and -goodness of future generations, if the temple schools of germination -should be usurped to give place to the stable ritualisms of priestly -compostors! When, with the study of your personal requirements, you seek -to make your habits inoffensive and agreeable to purity and goodness, -you will be able to avoid the humiliating impressions evoked by your -morning’s exposure, which were solely attributable to a heedless lack of -attention to your former experience and advice of Anticipator, who -warned you of the effects you provoked. From the effect produced upon -your involuntary powers from indigestion, you can judge of the living -nightmare freaks of insanity which have been provoked from ages of -conceptive indulgence to give birth to hallucinations of your present -progressive civilizations. Once entered upon the realities of self- -legislation, in its current form of affectionate solicitation for the -welfare of others, the germ of goodness will expand for reciprocation, -until in revivication it embraces not only the human race, but in -instinctive effect and degree the lower orders of animality.” - -The padre feeling the justness of the direction, and kindly sympathy -manifested by the Manatitlans and Heracleans, could not withhold his -eyes from giving misty manifestation of emotional appreciation. This -“weakness” caused Dr. Baāhar, who had with politic diplomacy conformed, -in outward appearance, to Heraclean usage, to become cynically provoked, -openly urging that his childish tears accounted for his mistaking the -rough-hewn Heraclean statues for the Christian prototypes of his creed. -Notwithstanding the padre’s regretful humiliations, from a lack of -thoughtful consideration, he could not withhold a retortful reminder -from his old noli me tangere opponent, of his more flagrant assumption; -after a moment’s hesitation, he replied, “I claim but a limited -knowledge in genealogical matters pertaining to mythology, but I think I -was not more daft in my judgment when I mistook the statue in the misty -morning light, for the virgin mother and child, than you was in judging -the Heracleans politic worshipers of one of your old Sclavo-vendic -deities, because you found a statue garlanded with vine-disguised -Kyronese mousetraps.” - -This ever ready repartee, and apt for the occasion, served to dispel the -reproachful shadows, that in impression hung over the padre from his -listless predisposition to lapse into his old fatuous rulings of -instinct. The admonitions of the Dosch had also aroused in him a -reproachful fear that his example would serve to impair the confidence -of new arrivals in the effective permanency of Heraclean example; which -awakened in him a determination in his own mind “to make his calling and -election sure,” by a thoughtful avoidance of precedental inclinations. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - - -Dr. Baāhar, acting in accordance with the suggestion of the Dosch, given -a few months previous, had devoted his attention to the cultivation of -fruit-bearing plants, shrubs, and trees, but his success from a lack of -objective constancy and discriminative judgment, was inclined to be -enigmatical in practical results. Instead of studying the practical -adaptation of productive vegetation for the requirements of healthful -subsistence, he was quite content with transplanting rare growths, -obtained from the surrounding country in the latifundium, without -anxious regard for the development of fruitful utility, often -introducing those that it had required the labor of years to -exterminate, when sowed upon the wind from the brink of the precipice by -the Indian besiegers. Fortunately his democratic ideas, which reverenced -the rights of naturalization in freedom from adaptability, and rapid -succession in office, gave his citizen plants but little time to take -root, except those of the most worthless description that live upon the -blight of the fruitfully good. Yet with all his inadvertencies, accident -occasionally favored a useful result, as many of the fugitive growths -which had in seed-flight adapted themselves to congenial soil proclaimed -their transatlantic origin and capability for life sustaining -reproduction with provident forethought in cultivation. His botanical -ambition found ample satisfaction in tracing their genealogical -relationship without testing their fruitful capacity, except in -chimerical conjecture, founded upon precedental arguments advanced by -the most ancient writers. - -Under the affectionate tuition of necessity, Isolita’s instincts had -been trained for the consistent conservation and advancement of -vitality, and her knowledge, despite the disadvantages of siege, had -extended with a wide reach beyond the cinctus walls. With cultivated -attainments for the discernment of cause and effect, she had with the -dependent emergency of her people upon a continued supply of vegetable -products become a practical botanist, capable of tracing at sight the -natural life-sustaining affinities of fruits and roots, although -ignorant of their technical classification into generas, orders, and -species. Visiting the embryotic garden of the doctor, shortly after -their espousal, she was surprised to find the only thriving plant the -noxious venoseminata, the evil genius of fruitful vegetation, which when -once allowed to take root, in new soil, offered hydra resistance to the -efforts bestowed for its eradication. With her quick perception she -discovered the danger incurred from its heedless cultivation, not only -to the plot of her adopted Socius, but to the neighboring plantations, -which with full exampled growth would become subject to its contagious -encroachments. Quick in preservative action she seized a dibble, and -before the technical precedentalist could arrest her practical -intention, the malignant parasite was uprooted, and hung dependent from -the branch of a tree exposed to the full rays of the sun. Too late for -expostulation, the theorist stood aghast at her audacity, but kept -silence lest from her skillful use of the dibble she should trace the -noxious thrift of the plant to his jesuitical cultivation, despite the -warnings of his neighbors. Recovering, when he saw her raise plant after -plant, consigning them to the same fate, and in process exposing others -to remove from their roots the fatal tentacles, he remonstrated; but she -still continued her labor, the while congratulating him when she -discovered that none of the diffusia had trespassed beyond his limits. -At length convinced that no stray fibre remained, she carefully gathered -every leaf, branch, and tendril to be united in the fate of the parent -stalk. Completing her search for the garroting quirls of the -venoseminata, that strangulated above the surface with an effect as -deadly as the wide spreading roots beneath the surface, she silently -replaced those promising fruition worthy of cultivation, then standing -in a smilingly questioning attitude of graceful solicitation, she waited -to learn the measure of her Socius’ approval. To which he answered in -words, with eyes fitfully glancing askance, half with shame, inwrought -with furtive displeasure, “To be sure I understood the nature of the -plant, but I wished for the others to grow in company with it, that they -might improve upon its evil example, in vindication of our theatrical -enactments which portray sensational evil, that they may show the shadow -of a surviving moral, for it is the duty of the good to shame the evil; -for what says one of your old Roman poets? - - “‘In evil company you should ever show, - That purity can protect itself, and ever grow.’” - -_Isolita._ “But did you not see that it was destroying all within its -reach?” - -_Socius._ “But as in war, evil eventually exhausts itself; and by -furnishing more hardy growths I should have overcome it in time.” - -_Isolita._ “But it would have soon extended itself beyond your limits. -Besides, of what avail the cultivation of your ground if your useful -plants were condemned to be constantly devoured by this parasite without -reaching fruition. In permitting evil to grow and expand under your hand -for neighborly infliction, when in the beginning you have the power of -suppressing it at ease, to perfect extinction, would make you miserably -culpable as an abettor.” - -_Socius._ “But your Manatitlan advisers advocate the practical good of -their school of hypocrisy, that their scholars may be fore-armed by -being forewarned.” - -_Isolita._ “Yes, but the professors are as harmless for evil and injury -as those that I have hung in the sun to endure the scorching noon-day -heat, with the fruitful soil beyond their reach. Besides the human -venoseminatas serve as a warning to their kind, and in their -professorial speciality of ingratitude are detained from propagating -their deadly example.” - -_Socius._ “But your Manatitlan advisers advocate the practical good that -comes from exposing hypocrisy; and their arguments sustained by example, -are equivalent to preaching, and our theatrical entertainments founded -upon precedental enactments, which appears to be a distinction without a -difference in reality.” - -_Isolita._ “As you are aware, the Manatitlan school of hypocrisy was an -ulterior resort, forced upon them by the ritualistic duplicity of their -Mouthpat neighbors; which, aside from the beneficial result derived from -exposing the deceptive incongruities that entailed constantly increasing -misery upon the races of mankind, afforded thoughtful stimulus to the -graduating novices for suggesting the means of auramental direction, in -their aural correspondence with the civilized Giga races.” - -_Socius._ “You are speaking as a Manatitlan, under direction. Is it well -for you to submit to the prompting of third parties in your intercourse -with me? I have been taught that the marriage alliance should be held -sacred as a body corporate united in its parts for communion with self.” - -_Isolita._ “If we consult our mutual advantage, it is not from extending -injury but help to others, and with the flow of recurrent reciprocation, -we in turn are filled to overflowing with grateful emotions of joy. We -certainly should not disdain good instruction from any source, which -offers experienced advantage for aiding our endeavors in perfecting the -attainment of a happy union. As with us of Heraclean lineage, you have -acknowledged the near approach of the Manatitlans to happy perfection, -and should unite with us in grateful expressions of joy that they are -pleased to devote their experience for our advancement in happiness. -Their exampled experience in goodly purity, revived in current -reciprocation from disembodied affection, affords us a more perfect -realization of Creative intention, through the indications of perceptive -endowment. If we live dependent upon the vitality of others, without -reciprocation, to the exclusion of confidence imparted from the joyous -trust of unselfish goodness, we should in fact enact the part of the -venoseminata that destroys useful vegetation with the growth of its own -grasping evil propensities, which yields to itself a destructive -existence in compensation for the injury it inflicts upon the fruitful -beneficence of its neighbors.” - -_Socius._ “Your language betrays the Manatitlan philosopher, rather than -the wife; who according to our creed should obey her husband in all -things. We have a proverb in Germany, that says ‘Two literary -philosophers can never agree in a common household;’ and another that -reads, ‘It is better to have a wife submissively weak in intellect, than -strong in mind.’ So you will perceive that in sequence it logically -follows that children born from united strength will become heterodox to -ancestral faith, unless left early to the example and correction of a -surviving parent.” - -_Isolita._ “With the indwelling sanction of purity and goodness, we -accord to the Manatitlans a better interpretation of Creative -indications from practical knowledge, and are grateful for their aid -prompted by well tested experience devoted to an enduring perception of -our immortal privilege of living in life away from the gross control of -instinctive desires, which in confluence with united parental example -lives ever with us proof to bereavement.” - -_Socius._ “I certainly wish to understand you, and better still, I would -have you comprehend me without other aid than I am able to impart. For -as I have been taught, it is esteemed absolutely necessary for a wife to -reverence her husband as a director from acknowledged superiority, with -a submissive affection contentfully obedient in affording a guarantee -for the peaceful assurance of the household. Law and order, under the -ruling control of the husband, are as essential for the preservation of -domestic discipline as public.” - -_Isolita_ (smiling sadly). “Can union abide with the superiority of one -part above another, that with assumption dictates subserviency in the -place of equality? To love, with us, is to be loved; and, as you have -experienced, we have no jarring discords from selfish indulgence, for in -recognition of the unprivileged specialities of brute instinct, in -contradistinction we are enabled to consult the body’s requirements for -healthy support, in appropriate degree for the healthy manifestation of -affectionate equality, in check of the cravings for excessive -gratification that with material clog is the pampering source of all the -woes of the Giga race.” - -_Socius._ “So, so, I see that a Heraclean wife includes the dictation of -a Manatitlan bride.” - -_Isolita._ “It is not our wish to ‘dictate or argue,’ for we have been -well informed of the dissentious meaning of the words in exampled use -with the Gigas. But you must be well aware, that unless confidingly -united in sympathy our union is void, and our example would impart evil -rather than good. It is from the consciousness of grateful appreciation -derived from imparted affection that we obtain our impressions of -happiness, and in extension of immortality.” - -_Socius_ (abashed). “You make me feel from your affectionate -solicitation, in self-reproof, for my repellance, like a father who has -dictated to his children, by recommendation and example, politic -hypocrisy, sword exercise, and dancing, as passports for the enjoyment -of life, with the expectation of affectionate reciprocation; but will -honestly acknowledge that the prepossessions of my instinct oppose -concessions; still will try to make myself subservient to your -affectionate direction in all things, for I am fully impressed with the -fallacious follies incubated from my conceptions.” - -_Isolita._ “It is not my desire’s wish to have you subservient in any -respect, but affectionate in the reciprocation of purity and goodness, -so that our companionship may never admit of selfish deviation, but -experience in daily appraisement the novelty of new ardor in loving -returns.” - -The voice of the padre, tremulous with mirthful enjoyment, interrupted -the doctor’s grateful reply to Isolita, by calling upon him to act as -umpire in deciding a question that had arisen between him and Madonnasta -with regard to the germination of the bean. In answer to his call the -doctor and Isolita advanced to his plot, where they joined in the -voiceful mirth of Madonnasta, who had surprised her espoused while -engaged in reversing the supposed resurrection of some Indian beans he -had planted, which in germination had been forced in division above the -surface. The first salutation of Madonnasta, when she discovered his -unnatural occupation, was a look of startled inquiry directed to his -face, to detect whether his employment was prompted by humorous -suggestion from the delusive effects of his Christian education, which -inculcated a material resurrection of the interred body, or simplicity. -His pantomimic expression of disgust, at the supposed trifling of -vegetation in returning to him his labors in material bifurcation, put -to flight her first impressions that he was facetiously endeavoring to -show his willingness to uproot old prejudices founded upon precedental -habits and customs. His ludicrously despiteful gesticulations, evoked -from nature’s supposed practical joke, quickly dispelled her shudder of -dread by making apparent the real cause of the reversion. The simplicity -of his ignorance caused a depreciating flow of mirth, as she stayed his -hands from farther sacrilege. Readily understanding from her movements -and facial indications, the cause of her remonstrance, he expostulated -with her by signs and words to respect his judgment. But unable to stem -the current of her mirthful resistance to his labors, he appealed to Dr. -Baāhar for judgment upon the cause of the bean’s bodily resurrection. -Upon learning the cause of the doctor’s summons, Isolita was unable to -resist her inclination to join in the mirthful peals of Madonnasta. But -her socius with dignified seriousness, natural to the scientific -professor, proceeded to give an elaborate opinion from authenticated -authority founded upon the technicalities of order, genera, and species, -in conjunction with a supposititious analysis of the soil; which caused -the padre to interrupt him with the exclamation, “My goodness gracious, -doctor, I called for light, and you give me darkness! The fact is we -might as well acknowledge our ignorance at once, and submit gracefully -to our betrothed’s Heraclean direction; for even your maiden aunt, upon -whom you was mainly dependent for your theoretical ideas, illustrated -the virtue of necessity in like emergency, by an example of celibacy, -and the value of our opinions tend to the same end.” - -To which the doctor replied, “If you are to be made the pons asinorum -for the passage of Manatitlan wit, we had better adjourn to the -auriculum where we can have a more direct rendering.” - -In response to an implied allusion to his brogue, the padre, in retort, -urged that the doctor’s name gave indication of an instinctive alliance -equally remote with his own, although more simple and less prolonged in -vocalization. These repartees, although civilized in evolution, were -void in chivalrous results, as each party held themselves amenable to -kindly goodwill in the revival of their ancient badinage in the presence -of their betrothed. - - - - - CONCLUSION. - - -Having, with advisorial aid, completed the historical part of my -delegated labor, designed for the initial elaboration of Manatitlan -habits and customs in design for Giga adoption, I am directed to urge -for any lack of perspicuity, in addition to my own defects, the limited -variety of words and terms embodied in the languages and idioms of -civilized races, for the expression of affectionate purity and goodness, -with the impress of reality, independent of the selfish distinctions -imposed by the arbitrary rule of meum and tuum. As a reflecting pharos -for the Manatitlan rays of affection, I have endeavored to render from -their dictation with truthful impartiality, rarely offering comments or -suggestions of my own. Still, I am fully aware, that, as the medium, I -shall subject myself, as a target, to the defilements of instinctive -stigmas, which so abundantly replenish in Giga vocabularies the lack of -words endowed with affectionate expression; but feel myself so well -protected by the initiatory silicoth-garment of Manatitlan adoption, -that the omniscentiferous capacity of humanity for the ejection of odors -from mouth and pen, will prove as harmless in effect as if in aim -directed to my dictators. - -With the assurance of affectionate reciprocation from the good of septs -and nationalities, I shall, with the grateful solace of their sympathy, -rest content in freedom from annoyance, although assailed with odors, -grunts, and growls vented from mouthpat instinct. If, peradventure, the -future of Giga races may be withheld by the adoption of the Manatitlan -system of education, in devisement for the attainment of legislative -self-control, from thoughtless submission to the mouthed and written -precedentalisms, which have served to render misery the chief object of -life rather than happiness, it will prove an ample source of recompense -for the untoward contributions bestowed in opposition to creative -indications by progressive instinct. - -Yet with all the hoped for joy anticipated from the grateful confluent -reciprocations of goodness, we acknowledge a selfish grief foreboded in -our exile from Heraclea into the civilized world of instinctive strife, -although consoled with the auramental presence of our Manatitlan -familiars. - - R. ELTON SMILE, _Proscriptor_. - -In testimony of joyful authenticity, we the undersigned members of the -Teutonic corps of the R. H. B. Society subscribe our names in -verification of the Historiographer’s correct interpretation of the -events transpiring under our observation. - - GIGANTEO XL., ADESTUS, - _Dosch of Manatitla_. _Prætor of Heraclea of the Falls_. - - M. HOLLYDORF, - _Director of the Corps_. - - LEPIDOPTERUS BAĀHAR, - _Entomologist_. - - OCTAVE PETTYNOSE, - _Buzz Curator of Sound_. - - FALSETTO LINDENHOFF, - _Stridential Curator and Recorder of - Genealogical Sounds_. - - Honorary Addendas: GUILLERMO WELSON, - _Mentor_. - - DIEGO DOW, - _Naturalist_. - - TRULY RURAL GREENWOOD, - _Expeditionary Aid_. - - PADRE SIMON, - (_Under protest_) _Mythological - Curator of Souls_. - - JACK AND BILL SMITH OR JONES, - _Sons of Neptune, and volunteer Aids_. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Added CONTENTS. - 2. There was no CHAPTER numbered IV in the book. Renumbered remaining - chapters accordingly. - 3. Changed ‘of recent’ to ‘of a recent’ on p. 187. - 4. French paragraph beginning at the bottom of p. 256 was sans accents. - 5. Changed ‘throughly dried’ to ‘thoroughly dried’ on p. 273. - 6. Changed ‘you was’ to ‘you were’ on p. 298. - 7. Silently corrected typographical errors. - 8. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - 9. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Manatitlans, by R. 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Elton Smile - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Manatitlans - or, A record of recent scientific explorations in the - Andean La Plata, S.A. - -Author: R. Elton Smile - -Release Date: May 16, 2017 [EBook #54733] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MANATITLANS *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber's Note:</strong></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>THE MANATITLANS;<br /> <span class='small'>OR A</span><br /> <span class='large'>RECORD</span><br /> <span class='small'>OF</span><br /> <span class='large'>SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATIONS</span><br /> <span class='small'>IN THE</span><br /> <span class='xlarge'>ANDEAN LA PLATA, S. A.</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='large'><span class='sc'>R. Elton Smile</span>,</span></div> - <div class='c003'>PRO-SCRIPTOR.</div> - <div class='c002'><span class='large'>Buenos Ayres:</span></div> - <div><span class='small'><i><span lang="es" xml:lang="es">Calla Derécho, Imprenta De Razon</span></i>,</span></div> - <div>1877.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>U. S. Copyright</div> - <div class='c003'>BY</div> - <div class='c003'>ELTON R. SMILE.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>DEDICATED</div> - <div class='c003'>AS A</div> - <div class='c003'>MEMORIAL TRIBUTE OF AFFECTION</div> - <div class='c003'>TO THE EVER PRESENT ANIMUS OF MY</div> - <div class='c003'>PARENTS, SISTERS, MRS. HIRAM HOLLY, AND</div> - <div>MRS. SOPHIA VISCHER.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='CONTENTS' class='c005'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> -<div class='lg-container-b c002'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><a href='#INTRODUCTION'>PREFATORY INTRODUCTION. BY THE HISTORIOGRAPHER</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#I'>CHAPTER I.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#II'>CHAPTER II.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#III'>CHAPTER III.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#IV'>CHAPTER IV.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#V'>CHAPTER V.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#VI'>CHAPTER VI.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#VII'>CHAPTER VII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#VIII'>CHAPTER VIII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#IX'>CHAPTER IX.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#X'>CHAPTER X.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XI'>CHAPTER XI.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XII'>CHAPTER XII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XIII'>CHAPTER XIII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XIV'>CHAPTER XIV.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XV'>CHAPTER XV.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XVI'>CHAPTER XVI.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XVII'>CHAPTER XVII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XVIII'>CHAPTER XVIII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XIX'>CHAPTER XIX.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XX'>CHAPTER XX.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXI'>CHAPTER XXI.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXII'>CHAPTER XXII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXIII'>CHAPTER XXIII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXIV'>CHAPTER XXIV.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXV'>CHAPTER XXV.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXVI'>CHAPTER XXVI.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXVII'>CHAPTER XXVII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXVIII'>CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXIX'>CHAPTER XXIX.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXX'>CHAPTER XXX.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXXI'>CHAPTER XXXI.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXXII'>CHAPTER XXXII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#XXXIII'>CHAPTER XXXIII.</a></div> - <div class='line'><a href='#CONCLUSION'>CONCLUSION.</a></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span> - <h2 id='INTRODUCTION' class='c005'>PREFATORY INTRODUCTION.<br /> <span class='large'>BY THE HISTORIOGRAPHER</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In the following record of the explorations of the -Teutonic corps of the R. H. B. Society of Berlin, -dispatched for the classification of parasitical animalculæ -peculiar to the vegetable productions of the -tropics, I shall confine myself exclusively to the revelations -of the day until the culmination of the corps -discoveries, and then to Manatitlan dictation, either -direct or through the medium of thought dictation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The discoveries, as verified, will undoubtedly tax -“public credulity” to its utmost stretch; but as the -absorptive power of human instinct for the marvelous -is unlimited in its superstitious gullibility, it will -peradventure receive—with perhaps an awkward -spasm from the novelty of goodness—the practical -experience adduced as worthy of disputatious consideration. -Still we feel assured that there is a reasonable -minority who will adopt the practical suggestions -with joyful avidity. The facts related—although -at present stranger than the instinctive fictions -projected from the unreason of the stomach’s -rule—will prove, to the affectionately disposed, of -easy reconciliation with healthy digestion, and in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_vi'>vi</span>every respect worthy of universal adoption by our -race. Assuming the privilege of narrative relation -in recording the progressive events, I shall only advert -to the leading adventures of the scientific corps -while en route toward their ultimate field of exploitation. -But while in progress shall endeavor to render -the characteristic peculiarities of the members sufficiently -conspicuous for the clear exposition of their -national traits, that the reader may realize the obstacles -opposed, in degree, to their assimilation with the -practical teachings of the Manatitlans demonstrated -by Heraclean example.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Lucenhouck, in prophetic forecast, says, “Man, in -the arrogance of his pride, believes that he is of a -race separate and distinct from the lower orders of -the animal creation. Assuming attributes of deity -he has constituted himself arbitrator of his own -destiny. Yet, with all his affectation of superiority, -there is an approximation in his form and physical -conformation that distinctly declares his relationship -to the simia species; among which there is as great -a variety in form and racial intelligence as with those -of the genus to which he stands confessed. With -the full development of microscopical power, future -generations will learn that the wonders of Creation -are beyond present conception, and that well defined -organic humanity may yet be revealed on the utmost -verge of atomic divisibility.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> - -<div class='ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>THE MANATITLANS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>BOOK FIRST.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> - <h2 id='I' class='c005'>CHAPTER I.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In the month of January, 187-, M. Hollydorf was -selected to conduct an exploring corps of the R. H. -B. Society to the head waters of the Paraguay and its -tributaries, for the purpose of observing the habits -and classifying the different species of animalcular -life native to the trees and plants appertaining to those -regions. The Royal Society had supplied him with -able assistants, and the most complete set of instruments -ever constructed for botanical or other research -in the fields of natural science. Among the instruments -of recent invention, was one of Lutsenwitz’s -solar reflecting microscopes, especially designed for -field explorations. This was of the highest concentrated -power yet attempted by that artist,—the intensity -of its magnifying capacity being capable of showing -the facial contortions of the most minute animalculæ. -Attached to the focal platform was one of -Phlegmonhau’s highest grade of responsive tympanums, -with reflecting auricle for magnifying the articulation -of sound. The corps arrived at Montevideo -on the first day of April, and was fortunate in finding -a small trading steamer, under neutral colors, -ready with quick despatch for a barter voyage up the -Paraguay and its tributaries, without a specified port -of final destination.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>The captain was sole owner, and proved to be a -man of rare intelligence, which had been cultivated by -travel and study. To his love of adventure was added -a strong amateur predisposition for the pursuits of -natural history. These qualifications led to a speedy -agreement, with conditional arrangements for a charter -of the steamer open to variations suited to the requirements -of the corps.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>On the 15th of April the members of the corps, -instruments, camp utensils, and travelling gear, were -safely stowed on board the little steamer <em>Tortuga</em>,—a -name that implied slow progress, which to our satisfaction -her speed decried. At eleven <span class='sc'><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">A. M.</span></span>, having -bid farewell to our newly acquired friends, we left the -anchorage with their “Good speed,” and after threading -her way among the vessels in the roadstead the -little steamer puffed her way up the broad expanse of -the La Plata estuary. The balance of the day was -occupied in arranging instruments for river observations, -the while listening to praises lavished by the -captain upon the “worthy” qualities of his little propeller, -of which he was the architect and builder. -During the evening he regaled us with incidents of -his life in California and the East Indies. His adventures -in California received occasional illustrations -from a genial individual introduced as Padre Simon, -the prefix having been conferred—as we afterwards -learned—from his zealous support of the Catholic -dogmas, theoretically. As the padre was eventually -enlisted in our corps, we will foreshadow some of his -peculiar characteristics. In form he was of medium -height, with a rotund outline visibly inclining to jovial -obesity; his face was in-dyed with a complexion blending -with the Roman auburn of his hair, which gave a -warm glow to his expression when lighted with a -smile. In the first generation of descent from Irish -parentage, he retained the full impression of inconsistency -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>in the practical adaptation of his habits to -the faithful index of goodness ingrafted from the maternal -stock. Guileless in thought, when free from -temptation, he possessed a ready facility of excusing -his habits of excess with the plea of saving grace administered -under the seal of confession. With this -hint, in forecast of development, we will proceed in -the relation of events transpiring during the river -voyage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the morning of the 21st of May, after having -been subjected to our full share of vexatious delays, -incident to the provincial <i><span lang="es" xml:lang="es">poco pocoism</span></i> of the guarda -and custom-house officials, the steamer gained the -river post of Santa Anna on the Pilcomayo, two miles -above its mouth. At Santa Anna they found the -well-known American naturalist, Diego Dow, waiting -for an opportunity to obtain sufficient aid to attempt -the exploration of the Pilcomayo as far as the reputed -settlement of Tenedos, which rumor located on a confluent -stream rising and flowing eastward through the -valleys of the Andean spur that reached into central -La Plata.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The ultra-savage disposition of the wandering -tribes on the banks of these rivers, having defeated -every previous attempt made to establish trading-posts, -but few had been found willing to incur the -hazard proposed by Mr. Dow. Even the indomitable -Jesuits had been foiled in all their endeavors to conciliate -the Indians in degree sufficient for the establishment -of missions preliminary to their subjugation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The magnet of Mr. Dow’s desire had been drawn -thitherward by the reputed existence of a walled city -inhabited by a white race of great beauty. He considered -the report sufficiently well authenticated to -warrant the adventure of his life for its discovery and -relief from the constant siege to which it had been -subjected by the savage tribes from time beyond date. -His chief authority, which had incited him to engage -<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>in the emprise, was his Auraucanian servant, who had, -in his wanderings and progress northward, served in -an Indian marauding expedition, which invaded the -valley of the city for the purpose of lifting the cattle -of the inhabitants, who were in seasons of drought -obliged to protect them while feeding beyond the walls. -As Indian forays were expected, the herds were well -guarded by shepherd escorts, whose persons were -safely protected with defensive armor, so that with -the exception of the face the other parts of the body -were proof to the poisoned arrows. In addition they -were armed with a bow which in their practiced hands -sent the arrow sure to its mark far beyond the range -of their savage foes’ weapons, so that in the open valley -they were safe. Besides, their tactics embraced -so many precautionary variations that the Indians -were almost invariably decoyed and blinded from real -intention. These feints caused the savages to become -over wary, never venturing an attack unless with the -advantage of overwhelming numbers. The party -with which Aabrawa, Mr. Dow’s servant, was engaged, -met with a severe repulse that indisposed them to renew -the attempt, notwithstanding an opportunity was -offered on the succeeding day. So well managed were -the citizens’ plans of protection that they rarely lost -either men or cattle, and without being aggressive -frequently administered well merited punishment upon -their foes, who were inspired with wholesome fear from -a superiority so manifest in deadly effect. Unable to -cope with their white antagonists in the open field, -they, with constant wariness peculiar to the savage, -neglected no opportunity to harass, hoping at some -time with constant worrying to catch them off their -guard. The cause of this implacable hatred was -hereditary, reaching, as Aabrawa learned, far back to -a time when the forefathers of the citizens abused -their supremacy by enslaving their Indian benefactors. -The Indians having surprised and overcome their oppressors, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>a remnant of the whites obtained refuge in -the present city, which had since been kept under -constant espial. As the city was overlooked from an -adjacent height, but little passed in the streets unknown -to the besiegers, who were quick to discover -any relaxation of vigilance; and whenever from pestilence -or other cause it did occur, couriers were dispatched -to summon aid from distant tribes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Curiosity and love of exciting adventure had enlisted -the members of the corps in favor of aiding -Mr. Dow’s projected enterprise, and through their -continued solicitation, M. Hollydorf consented to -waive the strict interpretation of his commission, designating -a particular field of operation, by using his -discretionary power in favor of the proposed scheme -for raising the siege of the beleaguered city. Captain -Greenwood without hesitation tendered the aid of his -steamer, and being one of those peculiar persons who -are accustomed to take the head of time by the forelock, -he immediately commenced the precautionary -labors to protect his vessel from the wily tricks of -surprise practiced by the savages. The commandante -of Santa Anna, being well acquainted with the methods -of attack that led to the defeat of the various expeditions -directed against the Chacas, proved of great use -in suggesting precautions. The chief dread arose -from the poisoned arrows of the savages, which inflicted -incurable wounds, adding to death the horrors -of lingering putrefaction. The fears anticipated from -this source were relieved by the confidence inspired -through the energetic character of the captain, whose -experience with the superior cunning of the North -American Indians prepared him to cope with the lower -instincts of their southern congeners.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>On the morning of the 23d of May the <em>Tortuga’s</em> -bow was turned against the swift middle current of -the Pilcomayo’s bayou expanse, then at its height -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>from the copious contributions of the rainy season in -the high lands and mountain sources of its tributaries. -Night still found us in the broad sea of waters, baffled -in search of the interior mouth which was made more -difficult from the confluent branches uniting with it -near its Paraguayan embouchure. The commandante, -anticipating the difficulty likely to be encountered, had -been particular in giving directions; but although -strictly followed, from a calculation of the steamer’s -speed, twice the distance had been run without discovering -the described landmarks. Uncertainty was -rendered still more uncomfortable by the shallowing -of the water, showing plainly that we were inland -from the river’s channel. At midnight, while anchored, -a hurricane, heralded by a thunder-storm, -made the waters seethe with its force, causing our -little craft to careen and bob with a politeness to the -gusts that impaired our confidence in its self reliance. -Padre Simon declared that the lightning set his teeth -on edge, prompting him from its dazzling flashes to -pray, but that the thunder so startled and confused -him that he was unable to think, and as a <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dernier -ressort</span> was obliged to drink. This remedy finally -rendered him proof to the best efforts of Jupiter -Tonans; but on waking in the morning he complained -that he could still hear the roll of the thunder -in his head.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the morning of the 24th the sun rose bright and -clear in a cloudless sky, compensating with its splendor -the discomforts of the night; its reflected light -glancing upon the waters discovered far to the south -a broad ripple, indicating the sought-for channel. The -river’s stream was soon gained, and followed in a southwesterly -course until the river’s limits were defined by -partially submerged trees growing upon its banks. -Having at Santa Anna filled every available portion -of the vessel with fuel, sufficient for a run of four -days, the boat was enabled to keep on her course -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>under a full head of steam, without anxiety from the -dull prospect offered for replenishing.</p> - -<p class='c000'>May 25th, at sunrise, after a good night’s run, we -discovered a headland above the surface of the water -covered with fire-scathed trees, from which the captain, -for a surety, concluded to add to his diminished supply -of fuel. The labor of taking in wood from this -source was by no means pleasant, but the sailors with -good-will made the “virtue of necessity” cheerful with -songs and jokes, the “passengers,” suitably clothed, -contributing with the zest of energy their labor for -its stowage, so that by eight o’clock we were again -under way. With the exception of this wooded bluff -nothing but sky, water, and foliage had met our eyes -since leaving Santa Anna, the monotonous compound -making us well content with cabin associations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the 28th at sunrise, our ears were gladdened -with the cry of “Land ho!” Rushing on deck, with the -expectation of a greeting from well defined banks, we -were disappointed, as the contrasted elements of the -previous day still prevailed. Seeing that we were a -little inclined to be vexed, at what we considered to -be an ill-timed joke, the man at the wheel, an old -river navigator, pointed to a mud bank that closed -our view with the bend of the river, at the same time -directing our attention to the eddy cast from it far -out toward a line of trees on the opposite shore. From -these indications he assured us that in a half hour’s -time we should hear the songs of birds to make us -lively. Doubling the muddy cape we were greeted -with the screams of parrots, while other birds of gay -plumage were crossing and recrossing the river singly -and in flocks, causing, in apparent salutation, a lively -line of demarcation between the land enclosed current -and the smooth waters of the flood below. The welcome -sight raised our spirits into a sympathetic mood -of song, which was unfortunately too nearly allied to -the screaming discord of the parrots to evoke other -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>than a mirthful disposition for repartee which expended -itself in humorous comparisons, favoring the -advent of genial omens.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson, a prominent official of the Panama -Railroad Company, had accepted the freedom proffered -by the steamship lines plying between the maritime -cities of the eastern coast of South America, for -his recuperative vacation of three months, and on his -arrival in Montevideo had been induced by Captain -Greenwood to extend his voyage up the river.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A Scotsman by birth, he possessed in an eminent -degree the predilection of his people for dry, caustic -humor; and in his position of commercial agent had -cultivated the art of extracting fun from the vagaries -of migrating humanity in their transit across the isthmus. -Scientific whimsies were especially adapted to -his quizzical vein, and a happier combination of material -could scarcely have been conjured for his entertainment, -than he found on board of the <em>Tortuga</em>. -Padre Simon was his especial favorite as a stimulating -provocative. Won by his naïve simplicity, he -had soon interested himself to learn the object of his -river voyage, with the intention of rendering him assistance. -Greatly to his surprise the padre informed -him that he had no other expectations in visiting -Entre Rios than the chance one “of hitting an opportunity -to make a strike.” Amused with his vernacular, -and the easy carelessness of his manner, which -seemed to defy disappointment, he was delighted to -discover his growing fondness for polemical disputations, -which was gratified by a kindred disposition -cultivated by Dr. Baāhar, the naturalist of the corps. -On the steamer’s arrival at Entre Rios, the port of -his destination, the padre’s thoughts were absorbed in -the dogmatic discussion of the soul’s material identity -with the body after the resurrection, so that he gave -no heed to the frequent repetition of the name of -the town. Aware of his total abstraction from all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>thoughts and anxieties connected with the business -responsibilities of life, necessary for material sustenance, -Mr. Welson connived with the doctor to hold -him in argument until after the steamer’s departure, -well assured that no material harm could arise from -the derangement of plans so lightly impressed as to -give place to chimerical argument. For a characteristic -illustration of the disputants’ peculiarities we -will give the burden of their colloquial subjects of exposition.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “My conscience’ sake alive, man! Why, -you might as well set us down as beasts at once, as -to argue that in resurrection we shall assume the -form of animals whose habits we most affect in life! -Surely your naturalistic learning has run mad with -your orthodox catholic ideas, for, upon my soul, they -are rank with transmigration, and if confessed, you -would be denied absolution by every ecclesiastic in -the Christian world. Look you! the very fact, if -admitted, would controvert all that we hold sacred. -Why, man, it would render absurd our reliquary -faith in the efficacy of sainted bones and vestments -for healing the sick and lame, for the marrow-bones -of swine and the hair of dogs would hardly serve to -enlist belief in the Christian doctrine of divine transubstantiation?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dr. B.</em> “As we claim that reason has been bestowed -as an endowment to distinguish us in reality from the -brute creation, its possession presupposes preordination -of intention in decree for its use. Now, if you will -devote your share of this human endowment to the -demonstration I am about to give of cause and effect, -you will not fail to perceive the distinctions upon -which our faith is founded. Humanity possesses omnivorously, -in its varieties of genera and species, all -the habits of the lower orders of the animal creation in -their separate representation! But superadded to this -resemblance in the community of instinct, man has a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>discretionary power inherent with his endowment of -reason, which enables him to profit by experience in -shaping his course for the avoidance of consequent -evils which follow from the transgression of natural -laws. This power presupposes accountability that directs -itself to Creative Cause. Upon this innate feeling -of responsibility, impressed by repentance from -transgressions, and joys imparted from adherence to -the monitor indications of our superiority, man has -founded his religious distinctions of vice and virtue. -In furtherance of this natural division man has volunteered -to represent vice, and woman, unprejudiced by -his influence, would have naturally assumed the role -of virtue in truthful vindication of her vocation as -the mother of our race. Now, as you well know, it -is impossible to harmonize vice and virtue, even with -the instinctive coalescence of the sexes? Hence, as -you must acknowledge, there will be a constant -struggle for ascendency. Man as the stronger of the -two, in representative selfish determination, and the -moral force of muscular strength, is as full of devices -for the beguilement of woman from her sacred trust -as the variations of his ability admit.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “Yes, all that may be true; but you don’t -talk at all like yourself, and I can’t see what you -have said has to do with revealed religion.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dr. B.</em> “Why, its connection is self suggestive; -virtue and vice in sexual array, for the supremacy of -example, naturally oppose to each other their attractions -and temptations. Fortunately, the harmonizing -beauty of woman, with loving affection, impressed on -the rude selfishness of man the preferred happiness of -a home subject to graceful refinements, and with her -sex in the majority held his passions and appetites of -instinct in abeyance. To overcome this tacit rule -man devised a series of temptations to hold her in -subjugation to his control. These were addressed to -her vanity and envy, incited by the jealous instigations -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>of man’s preferment on the score of beauty. -This led to artificial adornment, which placed the -means of temptation in the hands of man. Then, as -a plea for the encouragement of virtue, religious revelations -were instituted under the conjurations of -mystery to control, with fear, superstitious simplicity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “Perhaps I don’t quite understand you, -for I can scarcely account for my own thoughts as -they seem to be so mixed with new impressions; but -if I understand what you express in words, I will answer -for myself that the revealed way of salvation is -to use all the blessings of life with moderation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> (Amused.) “With the doctor’s permission, -you will perhaps appreciate an illustration -that occurs to me? Woman’s naturally unselfish affection, -unbiased by the temptations of vanity and -envious curiosity, exerts with gentle forbearance a -restraint upon the more brutal appetites of man, -softening asperities provoked by over indulgence. -Theodosius, the emperor champion of Christianity, -opened a way for the incursions of northern barbarians -by patronizing the intolerant sway it usurped -over the more primitive and lenient rites of paganism, -as it weakened, by the introduction of effeminate luxuries -which allied the sexes for degeneration.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “I have never been much of a book-worm, -but it appears to me if man, as Dr. Baāhar says, represents -vice and woman virtue, your college learning -directly tends to the cultivation of a vicious course by -keeping before the people the barbarous acts of the -ancients derived from their own language, which -gives the scholar a directing power, from a studied -understanding of the corruptions practiced in past -ages. So you see, it’s far better for woman, and the -world at large, that she’s denied the means of classical -study; for from your own admissions, her curiosity -and envious vanity rages so greatly at the present -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>day she’d be more likely to play the part of a -Cleopatra than a Zenobia. As the world runs, I -think the less we know of the past the better it will -be for our salvation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. W.</em> “But you forget church history, padre, -from the record of which you derive your knowledge -of the fathers?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “Well, but that is different from profane, -for it teaches us the way of salvation by saving -grace.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. W.</em> “Yes, through the tender mercies of the -Inquisition.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Dow.</em> “As a listener I must acknowledge that -you have each with good arguments strangely confounded -your former selves.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The above colloquial rejoinders will serve as an -illustration of the attraction that beguiled the padre’s -attention until the second day after he had passed his -port of destination. Then inquiring of the captain the -distance that still “intervened,” the supposed number -of miles being given, he relapsed into his usual routine -without suspecting that it was calculated from -the stern instead of the bow. When informed at the -port of Rosas that the town of “Three Rivers” had -been passed some days previous, he exclaimed, “My -goodness gracious, there was where I wished to stop; -my conscience’ sake alive, what shall I do?” The captain, -to whom he appealed, answered by asking, “What -did you intend to do at Entre Rios, padre?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “A brokerage business of some sort, real -estate or sugar, whichever offered the best opening.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Captain.</em> “But, padre, you cannot speak the language, -which would render your expectations abortive, -for a bargain is never closed in these countries -without a great deal of word chaffering. A clear understanding -of the language is absolutely necessary, -for the inhabitants of the river towns are very apt to -“fly” from a bad bargain when they find themselves -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>caught and lightly held, so that the only safe way to -secure them is to clip their wings and hood-wink -them in black and white. But I can send you back -without cost when we meet the next downward bound -steamer; then you will have the advice and assistance -of Mr. Welson, who perfectly understands the -habits and customs of the people.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “Well, I declare to gracious, I hardly know -what to do?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Captain.</em> “Would you like employment on board? -I think that there is a berth that would suit you! Besides -it will afford you an opportunity to convince Dr. -Baāhar of his errors; at the same time you can perfect -yourself in speaking Spanish.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Notwithstanding the captain’s quizzical looks and -speech the padre thankfully accepted the proffered -position of second officer, with the expressed hope -that he might perform its duties in an acceptable -manner. Captain Greenwood, although somewhat -crispy in speech and austere in address, had a strong -undertow of humorous appreciation when the shafts -of irony were not directed against himself. His disinterested -disposition, prompted by the padre’s kindly -<i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">vis inertiæ</span></i>, had suggested the offer; nevertheless he -really desired a person capable of superintending -small matters that would relieve him from a responsibility -not greatly to his relish. The duties imposed -by the captain were as follows: “You must be the -first up in the morning and the last in bed at night. -While on duty, see that everything in the way of -labor is well done, and never interfere with advice -when a helping hand is required. Lastly, never report -to me necessary changes until after they have -been made.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “But, captain, if I am never to speak how -am I to improve or correct to suit you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Captain.</em> “With the moral influence of your head -and hands, when you see anything necessary to be -done!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>This settled the question of the padre’s new vocation, -and he was forthwith introduced to the crew, who -greeted his installation with marked approbation. At -night, when he became genial in confessional overflow -and dogmatic in argument, he was the source of humorous -repartee and good-will among the passengers -on the quarter-deck. His American birth having -toned down the quarrelsome disposition legitimate as -an inheritance to the native-born Irishman, when -under the influence of whiskey, he indulged in quaint -disputations, peculiar to his Yankee ingraft, in freedom -from ill humor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With this insight descriptive of mood foreign to the -members of the corps, we will now resume our narration -of events transpiring in the daily progress of the -steamer’s river voyage.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>May 28.</em>—The banks of the river are now clearly -defined, but the water still submerges the undergrowth -that margins its lower stages in the season of drought; -the more matured growths are already peopled with -the smaller species of birds delighting in the bushy -retreats overhanging the waters. Our naturalists’ -eyes are now greedily engaged in busy search for new -specimens of the feathered species.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>May 29.</em>—This morning we reached a sand-spit -formed by a confluent stream, upon which the receding -waters had left a wood-drift well suited for the -steamer’s use, having been forced by the jam of flood-tide -high out of the current. The eddies and backwater -of the Pilcomayo’s stronger flow had carried the -raft and lodged it high up above the mouth of the -lesser stream, leaving an extension inter-stayed by the -roots that reached into deep water; alongside of the -raft, in the smaller stream, the steamer moored. The -axes of the firemen and sailors were soon busy, wakening -for the first time the forest echoes to the chucking -sound of their strokes. The more active members of -the corps volunteered their services in aid for speedy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>replenishment, deriving in recompense the invigorating -novelty of exercise. While actively engaged with -ready hands and merry voices they were suddenly -startled with the scream of the steamer’s whistle, -simultaneously accompanied with a flight of arrows -from the ambush of the forest screen above the raft. -Fortunately distance and trepidation from the unearthly -screech of the whistle rendered their aim -harmless; the check it afforded enabled the woodcutters -to scramble up the sides of the steamer before -the savages recovered from their surprise. When -they realized that the shriek was harmless in effect, -the Indians rushed forth from their concealment to -secure the axes which had been abandoned by the -men in their sudden fright, but were again momentarily -intimidated by the rumbling sound of the gong, -which Antonio, the steward, had seized to increase with -concerted din the scream of the whistle. The savages’ -hesitation was but momentary, seeing that like the -former the steward’s overture was harmless in effect, -then with a counter whoop of defiance they sprang -forward to secure the coveted prizes. But the second -diversion brought with it presence of mind and time -for the use of more effective weapons than empty -sound. One of the two howitzers, which had been -taken as freight to Santa Anna, the commandante -loaned to Captain Greenwood for the voyage; this -had been loaded as a precautionary measure the day -previous, and intrusted to the charge of Jack and -Bill, two sailors who had “shipped” on the river voyage -for a “lark.” With thoughts trained to the duty -of their charge they were the first that reached the -steamer’s deck, and before the savages recovered from -their second hesitation sighted the gun and answered -their whoop with a discharge of grape, with an effect -that left five of their number stretched on the logs, -killed outright, the others in quick retreat leaving a -trail of blood showing from its copious flow the infliction -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>of dangerous wounds. The retreating savages -in their turn dropped clubs, spears, blow-pipes, and -arrows, so that there was but little danger of their -return. But the premonition caused the captain to -place a guard in a position to command the isthmus, -accompanied by two hounds belonging to Mr. Dow. -The dogs following the bloody trail soon gave intimation -that they had discovered the wounded savages. -Proceeding cautiously into the thicket beyond the -abattis they found near together, an elderly savage -and a boy of seventeen or eighteen years, both severely -wounded. The padre, with heedless but kindly intention, -attempted to raise the head of the old Indian -upon his arm to relieve his uncomfortable position, -while the others stanched his wounds. In a second -from the time the padre’s arm came within reach of -the savage, his teeth were fastened upon the arm -above the elbow, while with working tenacity he used -his utmost energy to penetrate the sleeve of his coat. -His intention was evident from the greenish slaver -that oozed from the corners of his mouth, betraying -in appearance the characteristics of the dreaded poison. -Bill, who was near at hand, relieved the padre from -the danger of poisonous inoculation, before the teeth -of the savage had penetrated the cloth, by the introduction -of a marlin-spike with a decisive force that -showed but little care for their preservation. The -boy was more tractable, permitting his captors to -handle him as they pleased. Two other savages were -overtaken dragging themselves from bush to bush. -When surrounded they were still defiant, threatening -all who approached with spear-heads attached to short -staffs; these were finally struck out of their hands, -but they still repelled peaceful overtures, making a -formidable show of resistance with teeth and nails. -We had been specially warned against coming into -close quarters with them by an old trader, who had -frequently encountered their ferocious tendencies in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>his travels. Finding all our conciliatory attempts -futile the wounded savages were left to their fate. -Adopting the padre’s suggestion, the young Indian and -his savage companion were taken on board, with the -intention of trying the effect of kind treatment, but -a lasso in the practiced hands of a guacho was required -to persuade the latter to accept the proffered -hospitality of the boat. Aside from the comparative -docility of the boy, his lack of resemblance in feature -and general conformation plainly declared that his -subserviency to the will of his companion did not -arise from parental affection. Shackling them to the -windlass they were placed under the guardianship of -the dogs, whose favorite lounge was on either side of -the bowsprit heel beneath the shadow of the chocks. -After they were secured, all hands, with the exception -of the engineer, steward, and cooks, resumed their -labors on the raft. As the padre insisted that it was -a barbarous shame to throw the bodies of the dead -savages into the water to become the food of alligators, -when a few minutes’ labor would make them -a decent grave in the sand, he was allowed the privilege -of extending to the defuncts the rites of burial. -As the spade in his hands had not been a favorite -specialty during the more elastic periods of his existence -under the benign influence of temperate heat, -the torrid glow of the morning acting in concert with -a stimulant he had taken to steady his nerves, caused -a sweltering perspiration that in no way accelerated -the progress of his pious undertaking. The sands -having become quick from recent saturation were -constantly caving, so that in addition to aggravation -he was in danger of becoming a victim to his sextonic -benevolence. While trying to extricate himself from -the caving sand, the while vainly pleading for assistance -from the laughing spectators of his disaster, his -attention became fixed upon an array of yellow nuggets -which he had overlooked when thrown from their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>bed with the sand. His silence and curious investigation -with hands and eyes extorted the inquiry, -“What is it, padre?” The laconic answer, “Gold!” -brought the whole party to his rescue, including -the sentinels from the logs above, while the engineer, -steward, and cook deserted their posts in greedy haste. -When the truth of his announcement was verified -they with some difficulty dragged him from his grave, -then oblivious to thoughts of savage surprise and -poisoned arrows, they consigned the dead to the river, -without remonstrance from the padre, and with flushed -avidity commenced with spade and pan to unearth the -precious metal. Mid-day, with its heat, found them -still engaged, heedless of danger from the sun’s rays -and the miasmic current converging upon the spit -from the confluent streams. Silence alternating with -wild bursts of hilarity, caused the captive savages, -chained to the steamer’s windlass, to gaze with wondering -looks of amazement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Through the day, until darkness precluded the possibility -of detecting the golden grains, the wild search -continued, then when collected on the steamer’s deck -they bethought themselves of the dangers to which -they had been exposed. Although resolved to be -more cautious in future while gathering their golden -trove, its tangible presence banished fear; still as a -thoughtful precaution the steamer was dropped into -the stream as a guard against surprise.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span> - <h2 id='II' class='c005'>CHAPTER II.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>At early dawn on the 29th all were on the alert, anxious -to recommence their gold-gathering labor, but -obedient to the captain’s request the steamer was first -supplied with its full allotment of wood. This was accomplished -with a despatch that betokened an earnest -desire to resume their yesterday’s toil in the sands. -The captain and padre explained the most approved -methods for the economical saving of the smaller particles, -which brought into requisition the steward’s and -cook’s wares. The tableau of the second day, although -lacking in the wilder excitement of the previous, incident -to the impressions of first discovery, would have -afforded a novelty unparalleled in scenic variety for -the study of an artist, but unfortunately our own was -too much engrossed with interest to heed the rare advantages -of the absurd comicalities of selfishness. In -truth all were so moved by an acquisitive spirit, but -little thought was given to the ludicrous groupings of -the parties engaged, or the solitary wildness of the -surrounding scenery, contrasting so vividly with the -pretentious civilization of the laborers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the morning of June 3, the spit was left in the -wake of the steamer, exhausted of its free surface gold, -and much to the surprise of all there was a general -expression of relief when it was lost to view, and the -discomfort it had caused began to disappear with the -revival of order. But a still greater surprise was in -store, which removed all the barriers of distinction -bred by the pride of birth and station from the standard -of laboring vocation, inasmuch as they debarred -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>in exchange kindly equality in reciprocation. Unusual -alacrity and kindliness of feeling had been observed -in “putting” the vessel to rights by the hands, -which was explained, when accomplished, by Jack -and Bill, who came aft with hats in hand. After -bowing all round, Bill the prompter nudged Jack the -spokesman to give way, which he essayed to do, but -from confusion was unable to get a running bight of -phrase, until aided by the captain’s inquiry, “Well, -what is it, my man?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Jack.</em> “You see, Bill and I started up the river to -freshen our joints, which had grown stiff and creaky -with salt junk and hard tack. Well, after we had -loosened our barnacles with the treacle of a Spanish -skipper we took French leave and laid low until you -hove in sight. Now you see after we entered with -you it took us some time to get the run of the fair -weather you made for all hands. Expecting to be -taken aback with a sharp squall we kept our eyes well -to the wind’ard, for you see on this river with cannibals -on the lookout and no vessels there was no chance -of skulking on shore for a down-river craft. To be -sure, we soon found that we were out and wide in our -calculations, so when brought to our bearings we began -to take kindly to the lay of our watches in scrubbing -and wooding, as there was no hand-spike snubbing -or squeak of hard words. Then comes this gold -lay, and when you says, ‘Boys, here’s your chance, -pitch in, every man for himself without envy,’ we were -taken aback with a fair wind. When we came on -board to empty our hats we began to take our bearings, -and says Bill to me, after an observation, ‘We’ve -shipped and signed the papers, and this gold is way -freight, so you see it’s not right to tap the cargo on -full rations.’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There was the p’int clear, and we said ‘Never a -bit!’ So you see after the flurry was over we put the -question to the others and they took the bearings at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>once; so you see that we’ve concluded that we’re only -‘titled to prize money at most, just as you valer the -danger we run with the savages.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This construction, regulated by the sea usage of -man-of-war’s men, who had grown gray and poverty -stricken in “service,” was so generous in the sincerity -of honest proposition for revoking the captain’s liberality -that he asked time for consideration. In submission -the procession, headed by the two honest tars, -retreated to the “for’ard” hatch, on which they placed -their well-filled hats to await the captain’s decision. -A consultation with the members of the corps was immediately -held to decide upon a method to insure an -equitable division of the gold suited to the emergency. -After a variety of propositions had been made and -rejected, the padre advanced one that proved the most -acceptable. His suggestion was that the passengers -and officers should abide contented with their own -gatherings, as they were proportionately less than those -of the crew; but that an equal division of theirs should -be made to avoid envy. When this equitable measure -was made known to the men, Jack, with the advice -of Bill, objected that the most important persons -had been left out, which in their opinion were the vessel -and captain. As this amended consideration met -with general approval, it was adopted. Then Antonio, -the steward, said, that the men for’ard, from being accustomed -to work, had gathered so much more in proportion -than those aft, he would propose to “lump” -the whole for an equal division, after one fifth had -been deducted for the vessel’s and captain’s share. -This was acted upon, notwithstanding the captain’s -protest that all should share alike. The division accomplished, -there was a hearty shaking of hands that -opened a sympathetic current of reciprocation void of -selfish envy, which as an omen heralded a happy result -for their adventurous voyage. After the parties -to this happy arbitration had resumed their usual avocations, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>Jack and Bill—to whom had been assigned -the duty of “freshening up” the trimmings of capstan, -binnacle, and other extras aft, usually attended -to in their watch below, to save time—entered upon -their duty during the siesta hour of the day. While -engaged they ruminated in silence until the deck was -cleared of chance listeners, then the rapid change of -tobacco quids from side to side of their mouths, and -an unusual flow of the green ooze from the corners -gave indication of thought’s supremacy. At length -when they “supposed” the coast was clear, Jack gave -an expressive tug at his waistband, then after blowing -his nose with a clarion note, he sputtered, “Blast -my buttons, Bill, if this fresh-water turtle of a captain -hain’t sounded and found a salt-water leak in the -water run of my eyes!” Bill without answering, except -with a suppressed sniffle, found it necessary to expectorate -and blow his nose over the bulwark nettings. -A prolonged effort having relieved his emotions he -shuffled back, and shyly exclaimed, with a whispering -sob, “Don’t, Jack.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Woman’s distress, from the period of youth and -beauty, through all the gradation of cause, to its decline -with the influence of age and ugliness, when -haggish distemper engendered from selfish disappointment -makes it repulsively loathsome, I have felt with -impulsive variations, but never experienced the like -choking sensations of affectionate sympathy, from the -evidences of gratitude, that held me bound during the -enactment of this short scene, so truthful in expression. -Probably during their long term of service -they had never felt a like cause, foreign to themselves, -for the revival of emotions so nearly allied to affectionate -reciprocation; for it was evident that the gold -of itself occupied a minor impression in the ruling of -their thoughts. Indeed, in the after detached rehearsal -of their sea-faring experience, they declared -that a glass of grog was the only compensation they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>had ever known a sea captain to bestow upon his -sailors for extra labor. The representatives of tropical -countries, of which a majority of the crew was -composed, were more open and volatile in their expressions -of gratitude; but like the English sailors -attested that the self-denial of Captain Greenwood -was the only exception in their experience in which -the master of a vessel had failed to exact to the uttermost -the fruits of their labor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the Tortugian era of the third of June Captain -Greenwood became a deity of adoration to his -crew, who offered daily sacrifice of labor for kindly -propitiation, which from promptness in anticipation -rendered the padre’s official vocation a sinecure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The sun of June 4 found the <em>Tortuga’s</em> decks neatly -scrubbed and washed in readiness for its rays; the -two savages having participated in the cleanly overture, -the elder receiving his somewhat copious douche -with a grateful show of teeth; but the younger’s eyes -were used with such an evident desire for pitying sympathy -that Antonio volunteered his tonsorial service -as an initiatory introduction to civilized habits. This -act won the young savage’s first love; while it added -another count to the special hatreds of the old, who -bestowed upon Antonio a toothful longing to recompense -his civilized barbarity. The improvement of -the young savage was so marked from the use of soap, -sand, and scissors, with the grateful expression produced, -that Antonio was fain to crown his morning’s -missionary labor, and his neophyte’s satisfaction, with -a hat.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span> - <h2 id='III' class='c005'>CHAPTER III.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>While the events related in the preceding chapter -were in progress, which gave advent to the new era, -the manacled savages would have fared poorly but for -the ever mindful benevolence of Padre Simon, who -ministered to their relief after depositing with his -traps his godsend, which he averred came from the -source of their misfortunes. His arm warned him to -be cautious in his approach to the old savage, but he -could not refrain from the pitying exclamation “It’s -a shame,” when he saw him bound to the links of -the cable with its coils for his bed. Placing the food -he had brought cautiously within reach, he left with -intention of pleading for some aid in mitigation of -their painful position, but the question of an equitable -division of the gold trove diverted his thoughts. -But after the ablutions of the succeeding morning, -and Antonio’s improvement of the younger savage, -his dereliction occurred to his thoughts under the -stimulating inspiration of a somewhat copious oblation -to memory, which served to render the sincerity -of his repentant remorse heedless. Under the sacrificial -impression he hastened forward to make amends -for his forgetful inhumanity. Without observing the -change already made for the ease of the savage, he -attempted to place an oakum fender between his back -and the cable. Exposing his arm the brute again -seized it with a vicious energy that bespoke his determination -of obtaining recompense for his morning’s -aggravations. With the pain, caused by the working -teeth of the savage, the padre’s terror of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>deadly poison was revived, which caused him to cry -for help in frenzied accents, alarming all on board. -Again English Jack was the first to reach the struggling -victim of misplaced pity. With a sailor’s -promptness he forced his sheath knife between the -back teeth of the cannibal with a delicacy peculiar to -the tar when called upon to repel boarders; working -the blade, with a prying motion, hither and thither -with the edge directed toward the ear the backward -capacity of the mouth was insensibly enlarged, which -produced a diminution of muscular tenacity and consequent -release of the padre’s arm. His release was not -effected until the teeth of the savage had penetrated -through his linen coat and sleeve of his shirt, inflicting -bruised punctures beneath the skin sufficient for -the absorption of virus. The general consternation -was greatly increased by the exultant gleams darted -from the eyes of the bleeding savage. Dr. Baāhar -had just prescribed whiskey to be taken in copious -draughts for <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">ad deliquium</span></i> effect, which the padre, with -a sense of relief, said he had premised, when the -young savage attracted attention by pantomimic gesticulation, -at the same time producing from his mouth -a small sac of an acorn’s size and shape. From the -pleased honesty of his expression and the scowls of -the old savage, it was apparent that it contained an -antidote for the poison. Aabrawa having caught -some familiar words, he was soon able to add his assurance -in verification of the boy’s ability to counteract -the effects of the poison with a sure antidote. The -padre with fear hesitatingly submitted his arm to the -boy’s mouth, the old savage regarding the operation -with looks that boded ill to the savior and saved if by -accident they should come within his reach for injury. -The padre, when impressed with the kindly intention -of the boy, apostrophized the old wretch in this wise: -“You ungrateful venomous old serpent, upon my conscience -you ought to be made to crawl on your belly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>all the days of your life with a rattle tied to your—well -if you haven’t a tail, you are a vile reptile all -the same, and I don’t believe all the purgatories in -creation can change you! Upon my soul, it’s a shame -and an imposition for you to pretend to be a man -with a soul to be saved!” Here the padre observing -the smiles provoked by the earnestness of his address -to an object as incapable of appreciating as he was of -understanding the language in which the anathematizing -sentence was couched, apologetically appealed to -his auditors, “You know that what I have said is -as true as there is a day of salvation for man to sin -away.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are you not assuming,” asked Mr. Welson, “the -privilege and understanding of a judge without knowledge -sufficient for the condemnatory sentence you have -pronounced as a penalty against this savage?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By their works ye shall know them,” replied the -padre, looking wofully at his arm.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This retort placed the padre’s star in the ascendant, -and it was immediately proposed that the mouth of -the old savage should be rid of its poison, a task which -Jack and Bill volunteered to accomplish. Preparing -a running noose they slipped it over his arms, pinioning -them to his side, and then proceeded with sheath -knife and marline-spike to open his mouth for investigation, -but not without strenuous efforts on the part -of the subject for revengeful retaliation. Beneath his -tongue they found two sacs, or bladders of the river -whiting, attached to the cuspid teeth, which by the -tongue’s pressure could be made to eject their contents -into wounds inflicted with the sharpened teeth, -which were pointed like fangs, verifying the padre’s -estimate of his reptile instincts. Above, attached to -teeth upon either side, were the sacs containing the -antidote in position to be pressed by the cheeks. Rid -of these venomous appliances the nozzle of the steamer’s -hose played the part of a purifier by injecting a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>bountiful supply of water into his mouth, regardless -of the published restrictions of the humane Society for -the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>During the passage of the two days succeeding that -of the padre’s mishap, parties of savages were discovered -tracking the progress of the steamer, the -while with opportunity holding communication by -signs with the captive chief. As he did not appear -to be in the slightest degree amenable to kind treatment, -and his presence on board was neither safe, -agreeable, or ornamental, a consultation was held for -the best means to be used for his disposal. As no -feasible method appeared for his immediate transfer -to the shore with beneficial effect upon his kindred, -Mr. Welson asked the privilege of retaining him on -board as a subject for instinctive experiment. The -savage chief having, in the thoughtless zeal of the two -sailors,—bred from automatic education on board of -a “man of war,”—received gratuitous injury, they -lost caste in the captain’s favor, which caused them -to “overhaul” their thoughts for a restorative. Bill -sagely remarked that “What’s done’s done, but now -we see the drift to smooth water we must kedge for -the current and a fair wind; so we must try to make -the old shark as comfortable as we can.” This opinion -meeting with the hearty approval of his mate, they -at once “set about” rectifying the effects of their -brutality, without fully realizing in thought the extent -of their own culpability. Still there was a vague -remonstrance that “loomed up” from youthful impression -which admonished them of the source of the -captain’s silent reproof. While engaged in their propitiatory -labors the Indian boy, or “cub” as they -styled him, watched, and apparently detected the -source of the kindly influence wrought in the mood -of the sailors. His looks of grateful appreciation attracted -the sailors’ attention, which caused Jack to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>exclaim, “I say Bill, the young un’s throwing out -signals of distress; odds, we were too hard on the old -brute. P’raps we can take the young un in tow; suppose -we give him an outfit, he seems to take kindly -to his head-gear.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Bill bestowed an “observation” on the boy, and -became convinced that no treachery was meditated, -but that all was fair and above board, so they resolved -to rig him out ship-shape in their watch below. Their -intention being discovered while in progress, there -was a general overhauling of kits, so that the originators -were obliged to accept contributions in excess -of their requirements. Aabrawa, while the metamorphosis -was in progress, discovered that he was an -adopted prisoner of the old savage, and that his name -with his own tribe was Waantha. To all the trial -changes in the process of clothing him, Waantha submitted -with unmistakable evidences of gratification; -and when fully dressed to the satisfaction of his impromptu -guardians he was escorted by Antonio and -the sailors aft for the captain’s inspection and approval. -The pleasing expression of his joyfully bewildered -face won the kindly confidence of all, and -he was voted his liberty. When asked by the captain -if he would like to be employed, he expressed his -desire to help Antonio, who with permission cordially -adopted him as an apprentice in the culinary department. -When duly installed, as a dish-washer, the -concentrated ire of the old chief was fully aroused, -causing his eyes to fairly scintillate with fury as he -readily understood that his plans would be exposed. -The sailors’ thoughtful endeavors to win back the -captain’s favor gradually proved successful, and when -fully reinstated showed a careful regard for its retention.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dow in his naturalistic wanderings had acquired -a keenness of perception for the detection of danger -from premonitory indications that exceeded, from his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>natural endowments, the sagacity of the veteran trappers -of the North American wilds, so that with -Aabrawa and his two well trained dogs he had felt -himself proof from surprisal. In proof of his cultivated -superiority he instructed the members of the -corps in the various causes inciting the flight of birds -along the banks of the river and over the distant forests, -which invariably proved to be correct in inception. -The flight of water-fowl disturbed by alligators or -other causes, birds by serpents or monkeys, or like -inimical foes, he could detect the intruding species -with unerring certainty while distant to the utmost -reach of the eye. Early in the afternoon a flight of -parrots rose over a distant headland, settling again in -the same place; this was repeated frequently with -upward impetuosity, which with irregularity in rise -and descent indicated some vengeful cause. In explanation, -Mr. Dow said, “You will find on rounding the -headland a settlement of Brazilian apes, of a different -species from any you have yet seen, also in the -neighborhood a plantation of sugar bananas. These -the natives believe the apes plant, as the spot selected -is always adapted in a special way to their growth, -and in close proximity to a grove of trees suited in -spread of limbs for their arboreal habitations. The -parrots have likewise a great fondness for the luscious -fruit, which is known as the ape banana, and gather -in flocks for poaching depredations, in which large -numbers lose their lives, for they are no match in -quickness of flight for the nimble quadrumanal defenders -of the rights of freehold proprietorship, who -have acquired considerable skill in the use of projectile -weapons. When we reach the plantation you will -find them engaged in defending ‘the fruits of their -labor,’ unless the unusual appearance of the steamer -alarms both parties.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Doubling the headland a well protected cove opened -to view with a crescent shaped hill sloping to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>southwest, enclosing in its semi-amphitheatre a tamarisk -grove with a banana patch upon the rise of the -hillside. As the parrots had taken flight on the approach -of the boat, and there were no signs of Indians -or apes, the members of the corps proposed an exploring -party for the verification of Mr. Dow’s descriptive -sagacity. Mr. Dow excused himself from joining the -exploring party, on the plea that he had once visited -a settlement on one of the tributaries of the Amazon, -of which he still retained a vivid impression, that was -too recent to require revival. His ambiguity in describing -the peculiarities of their domestic economy -and defensive resources we had occasion to recollect. -After precautionary measures had been taken to avoid -surprise from the tracking savages, we landed, directing -our steps in the first instance to the banana plantation. -Its appearance well sustained the popular -traditions of the Indians, as the plants were separated -by well defined paths, and around their stalks not a -weed or spear of grass was to be detected. This at -least denoted care in grubbing, which of itself is an -initiatory indication of cultivation. The plat was -continued within the slope of the hillock; at one time -the bluff bank of an inlet from the river which had -been filled up by the drift debris and alluvial deposit -caught in its curve, intermixed with the wash from -the highlands. After completing our survey of the -banana garden, and in our progress selecting and cutting -unbidden the ripest bunches of the golden fruit, -which were sent on board, we descended into the basin -of the tamarisk grove to inspect the community habitations -of the apes. Supposing, from the universal -silence, that the inhabitants had fled in alarm on the -steamer’s approach, we were admiring the high order -of architecture displayed in the arrangement of their -habitations, at the same time questioning with wonder -their unnatural desertion despite the prevailing curiosity -of the species in the presence of mankind, when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>a guttural challenge was reëchoed from hundreds of -mouths in answer to our query. In a moment the -branches above were alive with the hosts we had excluded -from our reckoning, who in chattering response -tendered us the hospitalities of their aerial city in a -shower of cocoanuts, stones, clubs, and other missiles -rank with the “reverence” of ordure, prostrating three -of our number outright, while they bewrayed all with -an unendurable odor, that would have rendered the -stink-pots of ancient Greece worthy of being esteemed -pouncet-boxes for relief. These tokens of high admiration, -designed for the distinguished reception of -allied humanity, were accompanied with a jabbering -outburst which could only be likened to an explosion -of Chinese tongues. To save ourselves was impossible, -for in a moment after they had discharged their weapons, -pendant from every branch above was an ape -ready to fall upon us. At this threatened juncture, -when our lives depended upon the drop, the screech -of the steam-whistle saved us. Some of our late assailants, -paralyzed with the fearful shriek, dropped -nerveless to the ground; others upon us, and clinging -to our persons grinned beseechingly for protection. -But the majority swung themselves from limb to -limb in wild panic, disappearing over the brow of the -hill. Without waiting to test the permanency of -their fears, or courage for a rally, we shook off our -personal attachments, and assisted the wounded on -board, under cover of the still sounding whistle. In -candor I must confess that our reception by those who -remained on board ill accorded, from a lack of pitying -sympathy, with our narrow escape from imminent peril. -Yet I will as frankly acknowledge that there was -ample cause for the levity of their manifest disgust at -our approach; but when the old savage added his grin -to the measure of our disgrace it was more than human -nature could bear, and we thankfully accepted a -warm bath, in our clothes, proffered by the engineer, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>while standing on the outjutting portion of the gangway -plank, which he administered through the nozzle -of the deck hose. Even Jack, who had received an -ugly gash which had sounded the depth of his scalp, -was obliged to submit to purification before Doctor -Baāhar would bestow upon him the rites of absolution -conferred by adhesive plaster, notwithstanding -his plight was equally abnormal. But the sailor, in -the spirit of his invincible good humor, provoked by -the novelty of the encounter, declared that he knew -the fellow who had barked his head-piece, and would -have his revenge. Although we failed to appreciate -the mirth of our scathless “friends,” we were exceedingly -thankful for our escape, for we realized in the -cool moments of reflection the peril we had encountered -too vividly for the capital of a laugh at our own -expense. Neither did we wish for a second trial of -Mr. Dow’s skill in aping practical jokes. Bill, in -expressing his gratitude for his friend’s escape, said, -“There you lay, Jack, knocked on the head, and them -fellows just ready to drop on us tooth and nail; well, -I can tell you our lives weren’t worth the flutter of a -gaff to’sel in a gale of wind, when the whistle brought -them up with a sharp turn. But what’s food for -one’s fun for another; the squall just took the wild -ones aback like the wink of a gib in a luff, so they -turned tail and scuttled away, and we hauled off for -repairs, mighty glad they didn’t grapple.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>While the explorers’ ablutions were in progress -ape sentinels were seen in the tree tops above their -habitations, in which position they continued until a -curve of the river concealed them from view.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>June 8.</em>—Large parties of Indians have been seen -inland on both banks of the river during the day. -The swiftness of the river’s current has greatly increased, -giving indication of an upward incline to a -more elevated plateau. Open glades reaching to the -river are now of frequent occurrence. The left or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>eastern bank is less defined than the western, and -bears stronger evidences of alluvial deposits in its -arboreal growths.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'><em>June 10.</em>—Our redeemed captive boy begins to -show many pleasing traits, among which grateful fidelity -is not the least. His attachment to Antonio, who -first bestowed upon him pitying kindness, is prominently -manifest and touching in the simplicity of its -promptings. He desired Aabrawa to ask the captain -to allow him to remain on board, promising that he -would try and speak and make himself useful when -recovered from his wound. The captain received his -professions of attachment with a warmth that made -his eyes glisten with joy. Mr. Welson suggested that -it would be necessary to christen him, proposing that -Padre Simon should officiate in administering baptismal -rites. But the padre objected that he was not in -orders, and for a layman to assume the solemn responsibility -of baptizing was in his opinion but a grade less -than presumptuous blasphemy. M. Hollydorf referred -him to the example of John the Baptist when in a -similar position, exhorting him to do his duty fearlessly, -as the act of consummating the conversion of -a heathen would be esteemed a meritorious service by -the most bigoted of the sects. The padre still urged, -“He does not understand our language, and consequently -the effect of redeeming grace necessary for -the consecrational rites of Christian adoption fulfilled -by baptism.” Mr. Welson said, he need have no scruples -on that score, for Xavier, Ricci, and other missionary -apostles of the Church boast, each, of the baptism -of five thousand and more heathen Chinese in -less than a month after their arrival in the country, -and without being able to communicate with their -catechumens by the aid of interpretation. Having a -strong reverence for the opinion of Mr. Welson, he reluctantly -consented to officiate. Antonio standing as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>godfather, he was christened “Tortuga Waantha.” -Scenes of this description were a source of renewed -vitality to Mr. Welson, as it afforded him special delight -to expose the vagaries of the three professions -founded upon theoretical science. In fact, the very -chairs of his Panamanian office were made available -for startling effects in support of his specialities; indeed, -his reputation had obtained such distant recognition, -that strangers en route preferred to stand isolated -in his presence. From these experimental -essays none of his friends escaped; sensitiveness, -dignity, and reserve, were in fact special invitations -for the exercise of his curative skill, if in the slightest -degree morbid in tendency. After meridian, when -his books had been laid aside for the day, it had been -his custom to indulge his quizzical humor in trolling -for fun, and it was a rare occasion that did not offer -a European or American gudgeon, isthmus bound, -ready to take his bait.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As before mentioned, it had been his intention to -return from his river voyage by a Brazilian steamer, -but the varied characteristics of the members of the -scientific corps, with the chance additions, made him -resolve to forego the obligations of his business relations -for the indulgence offered to his humorous inclinations. -Meeting unexpectedly with his old friend -Dow at Santa Anna, he eagerly seconded the exploring -adventure of the Pilcomayo, from the prospective -novelty it offered for the cultivation of his humorous -studies. In addition to the incompatible whimsies of -scientific association, the questionable reports of an -undiscovered inland city provoked a second incentive. -With this more explicit introduction of Mr. Welson, -who from accident and inclination became one of the -most important aids in directing and harmonizing the -attainable objects of the expedition, we will resume -the thread of our narrative.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span> - <h2 id='IV' class='c005'>CHAPTER IV.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Notwithstanding the confirmed assurance of the -sufficient efficacy of the antidote applied by Waantha -for counteracting the poisonous inoculation of the -padre’s arm, he still continued the use of whiskey -with the thoughtless lack of consideration that fosters -habits of indulgence and self-imposed penalties. In -verification of the advanced statement, that artificial -stimulation gave birth to war and the three curative -professions, the padre, in common with his paternal -ancestors, became polemically disposed when subject -to the influence of his imposed habits. Waantha’s -happy manifestations of “regeneration” caused him -to urge dogmatically, “You must acknowledge, Mr. -Welson, that the Jesuit fathers have done much good, -for of all nations and sects they alone have succeeded -in bringing tribes of Indians under the influence of -civilized control.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” replied Mr. Welson, but with the reprobating -clause, that “they have manifested in all their -missionary labors a paramount zeal for the selfish -aggrandizement of their partisan order in the extension -of its power for enforcing the control of a hypocritical -despotism; the real welfare of the heathen -converts being held as a blind of nominal consideration. -Indeed, the Jesuitical method enacts the part of -whiskey in its habitual rule over the faculties of civilized -society; in conjuring for the subjugation of -reason superstition for the supremacy of fanatical -instinct.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre startled, exclaimed, “Upon my conscience, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>Mr. Welson, I am afraid you are little better -than an infidel!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson left the padre with an ill-concealed -show of disdain. Finding M. Hollydorf engaged, -with the assistance of Mr. Dow, in removing a powerful -electro-magnetic battery—one of Shockwit’s -best—from its case, it occurred to him that amusement, -if not more permanent advantage, might be -derived in trying its effect upon the savage chief. -This proposition was readily adopted, with the resolve -that only those necessary for the working accomplishment -of their purpose should understand the nature -of their occupations. The experiment, under the experienced -management of Mr. Welson, promised some -rare developments of motor effects, in the production -of instinctive superstition, without committing an act -of cruelty beyond the wholesome excitement of animal -fear. As it was necessary to keep the instrument -out of sight to secure the full impression of supernatural -effect, the captain offered his stateroom as -the best adapted for the preservation of secrecy and -the effectual working of the instrument. With the -aid of the two sailors, the wires were passed out of -the port and run unobserved outside of the bulwarks, -and so arranged that the old savage could not escape -the full force of the electrical shock. When completed, -the connection of the circuit was tried in the -absence of persons from the neighborhood of the intended -victim. The result was a prolonged yell, that -not only surprised the uninitiated on board, but -brought inquiring heads forth from ambush on shore. -To the wonder and alarm of all on board excluded -from a participation in the secret, the old savage was -found writhing in an agony of fear entirely bereft of -stoicism. Various explanations were suggested to -account for the startling phenomena. The padre admonished -Mr. Welson that it was, without doubt, the -working of the spirit of repentant regeneration, as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>the Fathers had recorded numerous instances where -the self-convicted had cried out in anguish, “What -shall I do to be saved?”—the fact being made -known after they had acquired a knowledge of missionary -language. He averred that there could be -but little doubt that it was the workings of the spirit -of conviction, from the agony of his expression. Thereupon -he desired Aabrawa to inquire into the cause, -as it had all of the appearance of a miraculous conversion. -But the old chief stared at Aabrawa, helplessly -unable to speak through an excess of fear. Mr. -Welson then counter-admonished the padre, that as -a professed follower of the Church it was his evident -duty to point out to the convert the appointed way -of salvation. As all supported this suggestion, the -padre remonstrated, while looking wofully at his arm, -“I once offered him my sympathy and aid for his -relief, but he repulsed me so brutally, upon my conscience, -I am afraid to try him again.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>His attention being called to the helpless condition -of his late antagonist, he was finally persuaded to adventure -one of his hands upon the head of the savage in -the way of benediction. Answering to a given signal -the battery claimed the padre as a victim through the -chief, whose yell was accompanied with the exclamation, -“My conscience’ sake alive!”—then his fears -became as vivid in expression as those of his intended -convert. Mr. Welson, addressing himself somewhat -scornfully to the padre, said, “You accused me of -infidelity when I endeavored to use my privileged -endowment of reason bestowed by the Creator for -human direction; now you will see how much better -it serves as an exorcist than your faith in a religion -that ignores man’s duty for the fulfillment of intention -in its bestowal.” He then made a few passes -over the Indian, and when he had gained the full attraction -of fearful awe with mumbling incantations, -the padre was reluctantly induced to replace his hands -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>on the chief’s shoulders and remove them without -alarming impression. Then assuming an awful aspect -and tone, as if addressing the powers of air with -the spirit of invocation, he implored their aid to convict -the reptile savage, and civilized devotee of a -blind infatuation, of their willful errors alike dangerous -to the well-being of humanity. When made -sufficiently impressive he commanded the padre to -take the chief’s hands. Overawed by the majestic -impersonation of sublime authority enacted by Mr. -Welson, the two joined hands, both keeping their -eyes fastened in blank wonder upon his face and -movements. The conjuration having fixed their attention, -he pronounced in a loud voice the magic -word “Letonnow!” Immediately the two commenced -a series of contortionate grimaces, directed -toward each other, accompanied with spasmodic hand-jerking. -The actors were so engrossed with their -fears that the spectators were fain to have recourse -to a variety of succedaneum vents to suppress the -outburst of laughter, the sailors adopting the novel -expedient of revolving their quids around the tips of -their tongues, which ejected a jet of saturated decoction -from the corners of their mouths with every revolution. -But for Mr. Welson’s practiced command of -his emotions, subject to the control of judgment, the -ludicrous scene might have been continued to the extent -of injury, for his associates were, from spasmodic -action, to all intents speechless. When at length the -larger fraction of a minute had been exhausted in -husky attempts to command his voice, he managed -to stay proceedings with a sign evoked from head -and hand, faintly sustained with a vocal negative. -When the current was checked the last vestige of -ferocity had departed from the face of the savage, -leaving the vacuum unsupplied, as it was his sole dependence -for the facial expression of his emotions. -The padre’s face was confounded with a blending of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>superstitious dread and suspicion, for with all his -phantasmic nervousness provoked by the excessive -remedial use of whiskey and tobacco, he could not -fail to detect the covert effort of restraint that prevailed. -Indeed, with his natural powers of perception -free from their imposed embargo, he would have -detected the means employed for the production of -effects known to the most illiterate members of scientific -academies. To dissipate his suspicions the padre -had recourse to Doctor Baāhar, of whom he anxiously -inquired whether Mr. Welson derived his power from -a legitimate source compatible with the apostolic -faith inculcated by the tenets of the Church. The -doctor, as instinctively absurd when out of the scholastic -thrills of antiquity, found especial gratification -in teasing those subject to the common frailties of -his kind. So, taking his cue from the padre’s necromantic -suggestion, he explained that Eusebius, and -other Fathers of the primitive Church acquainted with -the practice of Egyptian astrology, had confirmed the -prevalent belief that in certain families, under peculiar -conditions, there was a power developed similar -to that exhibited by Mr. Welson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here Mr. Dow interrupted their conversation by -calling the attention of the padre to the savage, who -was following Mr. Welson with the docility of a -spaniel. Observing his emotions of superstition he -asked, “Are you in reality so blind, padre, that you -are unable to detect the agency of Mr. Welson’s -power over the savage? You seem to be impressed -with the belief that Mr. Welson has been enacting -the part of a magician in producing these effects -upon the savage, whose ignorance sympathizes with, -or rather reciprocates your superstitious delusions? -How is it possible for you to overlook, with thought, -an impression so familiar to your understanding, and -in fact, place yourself on a level with this savage from -a lack of intelligent perception? Really, padre, you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>confound me with astonishment. Time, place, and -circumstances, with certain abetting aids, have thrown -you off your guard.” A shake of Mr. Welson’s head -prevented Mr. Dow from revealing the means employed, -as he wished to confound the padre with -further evidences of his simplicity and heedlessness. -Beckoning the sailor satellites of the savage, he was -led back to his place of confinement, and secured in -contact with the wires of the battery; then, when -the padre’s attention was otherwise engaged, a glass -of whiskey from his bottle was administered by Mr. -Welson to his experimental victim. But a short -time had elapsed when attention was called to an unusual -disturbance forward, in which the fierce snarling -growl of the dogs was commingled with the -guttural “ughs” of the savage, whose face was contorted -with an expression of demoniac rage, causing -his mouth to froth, exposing through its slaver his -pointed teeth, while his eyes gleamed with a ferocity -that prompted the padre to flight. But when assured -that he was securely confined, the padre asked Mr. -Dow what he thought of the source of Mr. Welson’s -agency now! Mr. Dow led him to the captain’s -room; with a glance at the instrument the nature of -his ludicrous position began to dawn. But when his -whiskey bottle with diminished contents was produced -and proclaimed as the magician of ferocity, his face -mantled with the scarlet dismay of shame, which -with his ejaculation of “My goodness gracious, what -a fool I have been!” filled the cup of mirth to overflowing.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>Since the morning of the 9th the strength of the -current had increased so rapidly that the captain -feared we were approaching impassable rapids; but -at nightfall we entered into a broad expanse of water -resembling a lake. Keeping beyond the range of -arrows, Mr. Dow and Welson in the punt succeeded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>in killing sufficient wild fowl for a week’s supply. -Shortly after nightfall the dogs with their muzzles -primed over the chocks kept up a warning cry. -Waantha with a crutch, the gift of the carpenter, -hopped about the deck with eyes on the alert, and -ears primed for sounds from the water and shore. -Through the night his vigilance was sustained, until -in the darkness of the morning hours he aroused -Jack’s attention to floating objects on the water just -visible to his sight, but while peering the whiz of an -arrow interpreted the source of danger. The angle -of flight enabled him to judge with tolerable correctness -the position of the foe who discharged it; the -yells which answered the report of his escopeta loaded -with buckshot bespoke his success with others if not -the one whose intention provoked retaliation.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>June 11.</em>—Jack’s morning salute awoke all on board, -causing a general muster to learn the source of provocation. -While Mr. Dow was taking his coffee in -the dawning twilight, Waantha hobbled to the place -where he was sitting and after directing his attention -to an approaching swan, took one of the dead ducks -hanging under the awning and placed it on his head, -at the same time imitating the movements of a man -decoy. Understanding his meaning, Mr. Dow took -his rifle from the rack and sped a bullet with sure -aim; the unfortunate bird extended above the surface -a black pair of arms, then with a gurgling cry sunk -out of sight. Flocks of ducks which had been gradually -nearing the steamer on all sides made for the -shore without taking wing, showing by the wake the -nature of the fowl before the submerged Indians clambered -up the banks. The undaunted perseverance of -the savages in tracking the steamer, despite of our -superior weapons, showed an indomitable determination, -proof to danger and disappointment, which detracted -greatly from our prospective feelings of safety -when exposed to the disadvantages of land travel.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>The steam-whistle and gong had startled them at -first, but they had tested their harmless natures, and -evidently thought the howitzers relatives, whose destructiveness -could be avoided as easily as the poison -of their arrows when they had obtained a knowledge -of the antidote. The forbearance of the captain had -favored this impression, and it was determined in -consultation to use our weapons to the full extent of -their destructiveness. An opportunity was soon offered, -for in passing a raft lodged on the eastern shore -Waantha pointed out a rampart of logs ready poised -for an overthrow, with interstices between in which -were seen the protruding muzzles of their blow-pipes. -One of the mountain howitzers loaded with solid shot -was discharged point-blank against the upper tier -causing it to fall inward, catching the lurking savages -in their own trap, while it exposed those in the rear -to the full effect of grape and our small arms, which -caused the river echoes to resound with the yells of -the wounded. Without stopping to learn the extent -of the slaughter, the steamer kept on her course. In -passing a glade reaching to the water the plain was -seen covered with panic-stricken savages on foot and -horseback, directing their course to the foot-hills. Although -surprised at the large number collected, we -felt safe with the impression that the wood rafts of -the left bank would be left free for our acceptance -thereafter.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>June 14.</em>—While collecting wood from the scattered -lodgments of the western bank, parties of mounted -Indians watched our movements from the opposite -plain. These Waantha informed us were of his own -tribe. When asked if he would like to be set on shore -to rejoin them, he expressed, with signs, a reproachful -negative, blended with fear and sorrow. After a -moment’s hesitation he seemed to understand that the -proposal was made to test his feelings, then with a -pleased look of Indian cunning he pointed to the old -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>chief, who had been regarding him with a revengeful -look of ferocity. Understanding his meaning as a -proposal of substitution, Mr. Welson asked, through -Aabrawa, if they would kill the old chief if set on -shore? This was answered with a decided negative, -and the pantomimic addenda of labor as a substitute -for death. As the captive was sufficiently recovered -from his wounds to control his own movements, Mr. -Welson took him in charge for initiatory preparation -in presage for association with his foes on shore. That -it might not, in form, be considered an arbitrary expedient -for riddance, after Mr. Parry had fitted to -his neck a brass collar, proof to Indian appliances for -removal, he was freed from his bonds under the supervision -of Mr. Welson, who offered him his choice between -the continued hospitalities of the steamer, or -liberty, such as he might be able to secure from his -congeners on either bank of the river? The speedy -announcement of his choice was urged by three strong -shocks of the battery. When his agitating consternation -had sufficiently subsided from the last talismanic -touch to his neck decoration, his head disappeared -over the bulwarks with his heels in reversion, -giving farewell nods to his civilized entertainers. -When last seen beneath the water’s surface he was -making for the eastern shore with a frog’s exampled -despatch.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The kind-hearted readers will be unnecessarily excited, -if from the foregoing relation they are inclined -to think our enactments were dictated solely for the -gratification of instinctive mirth. Mr. Welson’s object -was to obtain a clear demonstration of instinct in -the rudimentary foundation of habit as the source of -progressive inclination in its bearings upon the present -standard of civilization. The participation of the -padre in the vague terrors of the savage from a reciprocation -in kind, from the two extremes of cultivated -progression, offered absolute evidence of a common -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>origin and source of provocation, the variations in expression -being dependent upon practiced habits and -customs. The padre attempted to offer his own experience -to subvert the ferocious testimony of the old -savage while under the effects of whiskey, pleading -that it had ever exerted an opposite influence with -him, exciting in its action a genial flow of sympathy. -This partial testimony was overruled by the acknowledgment -that in social whiskey bouts, indulged in -as night passatempos, he had invariably been obliged -to act as a peaceful arbitrator. With the impression -made from the effects of whiskey on the savage, all -our habits of indulgence were curtailed, greatly to -the advantage of kindly reciprocation which had often -been chilled by theoretical disputations that ended as -they began, in the void of instinctive mutation.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span> - <h2 id='V' class='c005'>CHAPTER V.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The constantly increasing perils of the voyage from -the pertinacity of our savage foes, recalled the warning -words of an old priest of Santa Anna who had -engaged in one of the Jesuitical expeditions. He advised -us to keep at a safe distance from the shore, -and never attempt to hold friendly intercourse with -the savages, or endeavor to conciliate them with presents, -as it would expose us to their deadly treachery. -“You must be constant in your guard or they will -board you in the night, for they are as familiar with -darkness and water as the land. If they come within -reach of your guns kill and spare not, for fear, if you -can inspire it, will be your only source of safety.” -Our daily experience had thus far confirmed the prudence -of his advice, and it was yet a question of extreme -hazard if we should attempt to land. Each -day afforded additional evidence that the tribes were -banded together in a defensive alliance against the -whites, with a politic foresight that made intertribal -jealousies secondary to their exclusion. When partisan -ferocity, so deadly in manifestation with the aboriginal -races of America, could be made to coalesce for -protection against the aggressive tendencies of a race -in customs and habits inimical to their own, it seemed -an act of desperation to attempt the farther prosecution -of our Quixotic enterprise. This feeling had -perceptibly gained strength while the ferocious characteristics -of the old savage remained unsubdued, -under the impression that our vitality was held with -a lease as precarious as his own. The padre’s exhibition -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>of fear had established him in the belief that in -stoical courage we were inferior to his own race. This -impression he had evidently found means to convey -to his tribe. But Mr. Welson had, by a seemingly -chance train of humorous experiment, dissipated his -reliance upon the savage hypothesis of instinctive sagacity. -The fancied superiority of his exaltation realized -to the old chief the attributes of deity, while the -padre became reduced, in his estimation, to a kindred -caste with his tribe. In train the gyved circlet of his -neck, as a talismanic badge of investment, would be -likely to afford material evidence in proof of Mr. -Welson’s deistical power. These impressions, which -it would be natural for him to impart, would prove -ominous as a prestige of awe, similar in effect to -that afforded by Moses to the Israelites. The contrast -between the old chief and Waantha discovered -a marked distinction in tribal caste, dependent upon -the miasmatic influence exerted by local impressions -derived from degrees of purity in the sources of exhalation -that gave birth to kindred habits and customs. -The former devoted his attention to engendered -animosity, while the latter eagerly searched for -some token of kindly sympathy, and when it was bestowed -his whole being became instinct with grateful -pleasure. Even the dogs evinced an inherent perception -of Waantha’s higher grade by fawning acknowledgment, -while with the old chief the defiant acrimony -increased rather than diminished. In habits the same -characteristic features prevailed. In eating the old -savage used as little ceremony as the dogs, and far -less in the modest observance of the other requirements -of nature; while the younger seemed to derive -intense pleasure from cleanly imitations. With these -instinctive demonstrations we will resume our descriptive -course.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'><em>June 17.</em>—The three previous days passed without -any active indications on the part of our tracking foes, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>but during the twilight dawn of this morning Waantha -discovered parties crossing the river in advance from -the right to the left bank. With every safe opportunity -fuel was renewed to guard against unforeseen -emergencies. At noon large bodies of Indians were -seen watching our progress from eminences inland, -and the trees of either shore. Their appearance -caused M. Hollydorf to question his duty in opposition -to the prospect the adventure offered for the fulfillment -of his commission. All, with the exception -of Mr. Dow, expressed themselves in terms of discouragement. -Dr. Baāhar depicted the horrors of a -death from putrefactive poison, which entailed in life -the lingering corruption of bodily decomposition, -which even the vultures would disdain to hasten. -Mr. Dow was obliged to acknowledge that the preoccupation -of their thoughts, while engaged in field -avocations, would expose them to certain surprise, and -inevitable extermination. But he had set his heart -upon the venture and pleaded the advantage that -would accrue from the river’s exploration, hoping for -some chance interposition for the furtherance of his -enterprise. Captain Greenwood, for the relief of -Mr. Dow, proposed that the exploration of the river -should be continued as far as admissible for the -safety of the steamer. M. Hollydorf accepted this -proviso, notwithstanding the loss of time it would -cause.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>June 19.</em>—While the captain and M. Hollydorf were -engaged with the calculation of their meridian observations, -just as the steamer was closing a long reach, -Waantha hobbled aft in great excitement, pointing -with energetic gesticulation to a headland we were -approaching, and then to our guns on the forecastle -deck. Interpreting some new emprise on the part of -our savage foes, the boat was kept in the centre of the -current, until the view opened beyond the headland, -when in melée encounter were seen parties on horseback. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>On nearer approach women and children were -discovered huddled together within a barrier of mules -and horses. Parry, the engineer, always prompt -with his weapon, sounded a parley, which caused a -momentary cessation of hostilities, allowing the boat -to gain a position commanding a full view of the parties -engaged. A glance, aided by the imploring gestures -of the women, whose garments and other indications -bespoke an approach to civilized origin, at -once enlisted the inclination of our sympathy. The -novelty of a scene so unexpected, rendered us for a -moment undecided how to act, but the sound of Antonio’s -Chinese weapon restored our presence of mind. -The Indians quickly recovering from the momentary -panic, caused by the shriek of the whistle and clangor -of the gong, engaged in a renewed charge upon the -unfortunates, who were defending their families with -the desperation of despair, and in numbers seemed -scarcely one to ten of their foes. The charge of the -Indians was accompanied with a derisive whoop, this -was almost simultaneously echoed back by the bray -of the mules opposed in forlorn hope, which revived -Mr. Dow’s with a realizing perception of the ways -and means for the achievement of his ambitious project. -His rifle had reported the death of four Indians -before a general volley put the survivors to flight. -The rescued, when they saw the Indians fall and -themselves spared, hastened down the bank that they -might not interpose their bodies as shields to the savages. -The panic of the Indians who were in flight -over the pampa was increased by a shell, the report -of the gun startling from the western shore a party -lying in wait for the issue of the battle on the eastern, -with the probable hopes of a chance advantage to -themselves. Acting upon the hint that there were -among them those who had witnessed the effect of -shot and shell on a former occasion, the opportunity -was embraced for reviving the impression. When -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>satisfied that all able to molest had carried their -bodies out of range, preparations were made for landing -to succor the rescued with food and raiment, for -they appeared to be in a deplorable condition.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Before landing for the personal expression of sympathy, -the punt was loaded with provisions and dispatched -to allay the immediate cravings of hunger. -The steamer in the meantime was moored to a wood-rift, -from which the captain and members of the -corps gained the shore. They were received by a -man past the middle age, whose face was exceedingly -attractive, although wan with fatigue and anxiety. -Momentarily embarrassed, as if with doubt of his -capacity to make his emotions of gratitude intelligible, -he bowed himself down with the intention -of prostrating himself at the feet of the captain, but -this act of humiliation was arrested by the grasp -and hearty shake of his hands. As distress evokes -compassionate emotions with the kind-hearted, the -captain’s eyes were not alone mindful in the reciprocation -of the stranger’s outburst of grateful tears. -Quick in demonstration, when his generous impulses -were aroused, the captain exceeded the cautious discretion -that usually guarded his movements, from fear -of imposition, by bestowing a hearty embrace of sympathy -upon the careworn guardian of the rescued -flock. This act caused, with one exception, a general -prostration accompanied with a grateful outburst of -tears. The exception to this indicative act of eastern -humiliation, bestowed alike in reverence to the tyrant -and benefactor, was a maiden who had probably -numbered eighteen seasons. Tall and erect in stature, -she stood unmindful of the prostrate throng, but not -unmoved by the scene enacted between the representative -leaders of the rescuers and rescued. The clear -transparency of her skin, with the healthy purity of -its texture, combined with a graceful form, exceeding -in height those with whom she was associated, declared -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>her at once alien to them by birth. Seemingly -aware that grateful expressions confined to pantomimic -enactment would at the close of the introductory -scene prove embarrassing, she advanced, after -securing with touch the companionship of two young -maidens who had prostrated themselves beside her. -Approaching Captain Greenwood, she addressed him -in an unknown tongue, which M. Hollydorf with surprise -recognized as an idiom of the Latin language. -His wonder was augmented by her confident assumption -that there were among us some who would be -able to converse with her, and through her interpretation -would be enabled to hold communication with -her protectors, her companions speaking a dialect in -remote correspondence with her own. The captain, -although gratefully recompensed for his lack of language -by the eyes of the fair vision, felt himself unaccountably -moved in his isolation, notwithstanding -she continued to bestow upon him from those members -sympathetic admiration exceeding the compass -of speech. The maiden announced herself as a -native of Heraclea of the Falls, a walled city but a -few days’ travel remote.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My name,” she continued, “is Correliana Adinope, -daughter of the Prætor Adinope, in body deceased, -and step-daughter to Adestus the present -Prætor. The city has sustained a constant siege for -centuries by the savages in revenge for the wrongs -committed against them by our ancestors. Its inhabitants -are at the present time in the extremity of -distress from pestilence engendered by famine. While -endeavoring to obtain remedial plants without the -city walls I was made prisoner by a band of our besiegers, -and was rescued immediately by these fugitives, -whom in turn you have saved from destruction.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having satisfied in outline the curiosity of M. Hollydorf, -she begged that safe means of rest might be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>afforded her protectors, for they had been constantly -harassed for weeks without an hour’s undisturbed -sleep. But long before the preparations were completed -for a comfortable resting place, Correliana -and the wounded were the only ones that remained -awake.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Waantha, assisted by the guacâcioes of the crew, -collected from the hair and mouths of the dead Indians -antidotes, and from the growths of the river bank -counteractive remedies, which relieved the excruciating -pain of the wounded, and stayed the progress of gangrenous -putrefaction. At sunset all the rescued were -in a deep lethargic sleep, and as the night was pleasant, -and the glade where they lay was open to the -river, with a day draught that freed it from miasm, -but little fear was apprehended from their exposure, -notwithstanding the tattered condition of their clothing. -Fortunately, before the evening was far advanced, -the captain bethought himself of his trading -stock, from which he soon obtained fabrics well -adapted for their protection. Mr. Dow, restored to -the full vigor of ambitious vitality, busied himself in -organizing a guard for the protection of the mules -and horses, listening the while to Aabrawa’s relation -of their owner’s source, for he had recognized them -as belonging to a colony located far to the eastward -of his place of nativity, who were known to his people -by the name of Bamboyles. Mr. Dow viewing his -night charge as the keys destined to unlock the -gates of his New Jerusalem, he picketed them in the -most verdant portion of the glade. When morning -dawned his fears were startled to find them still -prone with scarcely a sign of vitality; and as his attempts -to arouse them failed to elicit more than a -drowsy snort he feared that with all his vigilance they -had been poisoned, but was reassured by Dr. Baāhar, -who pronounced their immobile condition as lethargic, -induced from hunger and fatigue.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>While the night dew was still on the foliage Waantha -pointed to a long line of animals approaching -the river from the plain, which proved to be llamas. -Upon this hint the three marksmen took the steamer’s -boat to find their “toch,” or path to the river, and -were successful in securing a supply of game sufficient -for several days’ consumption. Before his guests -awoke the captain had prepared a tent for the reception -of the women and children, and an abundance -of food for all. In addition he was able to furnish -from his trading stock dresses, which, with a little alteration, -would supply the requirements of the women.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The mayorong, or chief of the Bamboyles, and -Correliana were the first to awake in the morning; -the latter, with her two companions, were conducted -to the tent and there presented with the means of renewing -their garments. In communicating the kindly -expressions bestowed, with the gifts, her companions, -in returning thanks, used the Spanish idiom, which -startled Mr. Welson with pleasurable surprise, as it -opened to him a direct avenue of speaking intercourse, -for its varied provincialisms were as familiar -to him as his patrial mother tongue. After the -agreeable confusion, occasioned by Mr. Welson addressing -them in Spanish, had subsided, the eldest introduced -herself as Cleorita and her sister as Oviata -Arcos, daughters of Don Santiago Arcos, a native of -Madrid, the chief city of Spain. On hearing this announcement -he became joyfully elated, bestowing -upon both a fond recognition, as they were the -daughters of a personal friend of former years. After -a long conversation, in which they gave him an outline -history of their people, and the cause that forced -them to become wandering exiles from their loved -country, with the distressful mishaps which had attended -their search for a new home, they separated -reluctantly for the day. In answer to Mr. Welson’s -sympathetic desire to render burial assistance in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>regretful disposal of their dead relatives, the mayorong -replied, that unless their preservers especially -wished to be present they would prefer to indulge in -their sorrows alone. Readily understanding the motive, -Mr. Welson and associates returned to the -steamer while the ceremonies were in progress.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As Waantha had discovered Indian scouts lurking -above and below upon either bank of the river, Mr. -Dow exercised his engineering skill in forming on the -pampa a defensive redoubt for the night protection of -the horses and mules. Dr. Baāhar theoretically explained -the Latin nomenclature of the different departments -of the Roman castrum, which possessed -from his natural and cultivated innocence from mechanical -attaint the supreme “virtue” of novelty. -Mr. Dow submitted to his classical dictations, but -stoutly refused to adopt his method of fortification, -which the doctor styled <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">fossa cingere internus</span></i>, or -moating inside of the redoubt, notwithstanding the -strongly urged advantage of its strategic intention -of concealment, that would lead the savages, on gaining -the summit of the embankment, to take a blind -leap into it. Fortunately the padre was present to divert -the argument, which enabled him to render practical -assistance to his Bamboyle aids for the completion -of the inclosure in time for the night’s occupation. -The absence of the doctor and padre from the supper -table caused the captain to inquire where they were? -Mr. Dow said that he had left them but a short time -previous seated on the sods of the embankment engaged -in a dogmatic discussion of the feasibility of -the various methods adopted by the ancients and moderns -for citadel defense, the doctor quoting from “Plutarch’s -Lives” and the padre from Bunyan’s “Holy -War” as the best English authority. Aggravated by -the heedless lack of sympathy shown in the use of -their tongues, the while withholding the useful aid of -their hands, the captain, on their appearance, reprimanded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>the doctor over the padre’s shoulders with -tart severity, which caused both to give heed to the -practical suggestions of Mr. Welson in train for the -outfit of the overland expedition. From the direction -of Correliana, who seemed to have an innate perception -of her entertainers’ dispositions, the captain concluded -to continue the voyage up the river to a point -she described as more favorable for debarkation, as it -was nearer the southern passes of the mountains that -opened a way to the city of Heraclea.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>June 21.</em>—After the morning meal a majority of the -women and children were brought on board of the -steamer, and of the males all that would be likely to -impede the progress of the land party having in -charge the horses and mules. When ready for the -start, the doctor joined the shore party equipped in -naturalistic costume, which, in defiance of the recent -sad experiences of the Bamboyle women, excited a -mirthful inclination; even the more sedate demeanor -of Correliana was moved in despite of her efforts to -suppress her risible emotions. With his nether bifurcations -disappearing, in extremity, within the capacious -leg receptacles of boots, a blouse surcoat, or -smock frock, elaborately supplied with Sanskrit labeled -pockets, depended loosely from his shoulders, -reaching to his knees, his head being surmounted with -a bell-crowned hat, bestudded with impaling pins, -technically called the kaleidoscope. Protruding from -the larger pockets were seen the mouths of a pistol -barrel, powder and drinking horns, with various articles -for insect preservation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Aware of his uncouth presentment, he pleaded that -its adoption combined usefulness with policy, for he -had noted in his travels that all tribes and nations -bowed down in reverential worship and awe to ugliness; -and he felt certain that he had often been -indebted to the contributions of his costume for -the preservation of his life, while sojourning among -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>the natives of the Polynesian and Ladrone Islands. -When fairly mounted upon a mule, who seemed to -be affected with emotions peculiar to his species, but -seemingly averse to awe and worshipful respect, Mr. -Welson could not refrain from commending the happy -conjunction as talismanic for the rider’s preservation -from savage attacks.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It required much coaxing on the part of the mayorong -to reconcile the mule to the novel eccentricities of -its rider, but in the course of the forenoon he seemed -to enter into the humor of his direction with unusual -zest. When fully reconciled to the swaying of the doctor’s -net, with the sharp turns and checks to which he -was subjected in the chase of insects, the Bamboyles -left them to the full sway of their own moods. Fortunately -the saddle was well adapted to secure the safety -of its occupant. As they were crossing the opening of -a glade, when the day was well advanced, a splendid -specimen of the pampa <em>Nyctaloide</em> hovered over the -cavalada long enough to attract the doctor’s attention, -then floated away, leisurely, over the plain. In a -moment the insect-hunter’s net was in hand and, -before he could be checked with warning caution, -was under full headway in pursuit, and, when fully -engaged in following the doublings of his quarry, he -became deaf to the mayorong’s calls. Feeling secure -in being able to keep within hail of the boat, the erratic -movements of the doctor had been a source of -amusement to the Bamboyles, but as the distance was -narrowing between the foot-hills and the river, and -withal hummocky, his danger increased. Still he was -armed, and little fear was entertained for his safety, -for while within call his mule could be brought -back with a whistle. As he still kept heedlessly on, -the mayorong sent a party of young men to bring him -back. They had scarcely started, when a shrill shout -from the mayorong urged them on, he and Mr. Dow -following at full speed. The cause of these movements -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>was a pursuing Indian close in the wake of the -doctor. Unheedful of the danger, the doctor and his -mule—who seemed to enjoy the novelty of the -chase with his rider’s gusto—neared the foot-hills, -where a band of Indians were seen watching the -strange scene. His frantic gesticulations had undoubtedly -impressed them with the belief that he -was bestraught with madness; a condition held in -especial reverence by aboriginals,—as they continued -to regard the movements of the Indian in pursuit -with negligent indifference; indeed, from his frequent -hesitations, when within the cast of a spear, he -seemed to be subject to the restraining influence of -the same fear. The mayorong, who had allowed Mr. -Dow to overtake him, had twice discharged his rifle -in hopes that the report would apprise the doctor of -his danger, so that he might use his pistol. But these -offensive demonstrations only aggravated his danger, -for the band of Indians moved rapidly forward for the -rescue of their scout; he at the same time, warned by -the rifle reports, cast a calculating glance backward to -determine the extent of his own danger. At this -juncture the butterfly rose and doubled just without -the range of the distracted enthusiast’s net, then coquetted -backward and forward with all the instinctive -blandishments of its human type, showing as little -concern for threatened danger as its pursuer. This -tack brought the doctor face to face with his foe, who -had sprung upright upon the croup of his horse, holding -his spear poised ready for the cast. The cool indifference -of the doctor to this offensive act, although -within reach of the spear’s thrust, caused the savage -to pause, backing his horse out of the way, as if still -doubting the sanity of his meditated victim’s self-possession. -In this act a bullet with the mayorong’s -novice aim startled the savage from the close proximity -of its whizz, as he started suddenly aside. A -quick glance turned toward us determined the doctor’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>fate just as he succeeded in capturing the tantalizing -object of his chase. While in the act of lowering the -staff of his net to remove his prize, he received the -blow from the cast of the spear aimed at the unprotected -portion of his head; the point glancing upward -upon the skull divided the scalp on the forehead, reflecting -it backward over the crown. The blow -forced him backward from the saddle to the ground; -at this stage Mr. Dow brought his rifle to bear, which -caused the savage to bite the dust, just as he was -about to finish his victim with a spear thrust. The -blow and report brought back the doctor’s scattered -senses in time to anticipate with his pistol an attempt -upon his throat from the teeth of the Indian’s no less -savage horse, for the completion of his dead master’s -unfinished work. This instinctive impulse of self-preservation -announced the presence of the doctor’s -mind, and that he still survived, but the horse, deprived -of life, fell forward over his prostrate body, as -if to accomplish in death his defunct master’s intention. -When dragged from beneath the horse Dr. -Baāhar looked as if he had been resurrected from a -slaughter-house, but he was a naturalist still, for his -first thoughts were directed to his captured butterfly. -A more striking contrast could scarcely be imagined -than that presented by the captor and captured, the -former being clothed in blood and the latter in beauty, -for it had escaped injury in the conflict. After the -doctor had examined the condition of his hat with its -contents and garnish of insects, he submitted his head -to the mayorong’s treatment, with the proviso that -his restored scalp should be swathed without washing. -When mounted on his mule his appearance was as -fruitful of humorous mirth as those attending the most -ludicrous mishaps of the valorous knight of La Mancha. -The Indians, after the mayorong’s party left, held a -consultation over the dead body of their scout, which -seemed to result in a determination to avenge his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>death, for the main body, which outnumbered ours in -the ratio of three to one, followed, standing on croup -in a menacing attitude, occasionally making a dash -forward, and as suddenly retreating. These maneuvers -were continued for an hour or more, serving to -retard the progress of the cavalada, until Mr. Dow, -our rear guard, getting out of patience with their annoyance, -proposed a long shot with his Spencer rifle -which in effect astonished the Indians by dismounting -one of the most defiant. This caused evident -dismay, for they immediately retreated with all speed -to the foot-hills, leaving us unmolested for the rest of -the day’s stage. Notwithstanding the delays of the -land party, they were obliged to wait at the first open -glade until night-fall for the arrival of the steamer. -After the doctor had submitted to a thorough ablution -of body and head, administered by the Bamboyle -women, the cause of the steamer’s delay was explained.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The steamer, after an hour’s progress from her -night’s moorage, entered a broad expanse of water of -lake-like dimensions formed by a confluent tributary -from the west. The strong eddy caused by the making -out of a spit from the eastern bank forced the -boat to the opposite shore covered with the rank -growths common to extensive alluvial deposits in -semi-tropical latitudes. While the engine was exerting -its utmost power to stem the current and cross -the walled strength of the combined streams, Waantha, -who was at his post with his canine friends, called -Mr. Welson’s attention by signs to a broad spreading -mangrove banian peculiar to the tributary deltas of -the large South American rivers, which bear a strong -resemblance to kindred growths in India. Among -the pendant hybrid limbs, which had taken root in the -muddy deposit, there appeared one that seemed to vibrate -to and fro, coiling upon itself. With the glass -the captain discovered that it was a huge amphibious -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>anaconda hanging pendant from one of the horizontal -branches by the prehensile attachment of its tail. -The waving excitement of its corrugations and swaying -reflection of its head from side to side, within circumscribed -limits, aroused the spectators’ curiosity to -learn the nature of its attraction. A nearer approach -discovered, prone upon the interwoven platform of -mangrove branches, a huge alligator with his head inward -from the river. The reptile relation of the -parties foreboded an instinctive encounter of sagacity -and strength, which excited in Mr. Welson a strong -repulsive desire to witness, as a comparative study, -the result of a duel between individual representatives -of species so nearly allied on the cold blooded verge -of vitality. The captain, in order to afford him the -privilege of recording the result for future reference, -directed the bow of the boat cautiously toward the -scene of encounter.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When sufficiently near to witness the movements of -the monsters, who were engaged in preliminary tactics, -one to prevent insinuating surprise; for the alligator, -from his shrinking contractions, was evidently aware -of the impending danger, if his foe was allowed to gain -his object, and the other to excite the advantage he -wished to gain, the headway of the boat was checked. -As the distance intervening was shortened, the scaly -tail, back, and immense snout of the alligator, were exposed -to view in sidelong reflection within the umbrageous -shadow, proclaiming him the patriarchal champion -of his species, and well matched in strength to contend -with his ophidian foe, should he, from tantalizing -banter, proceed to actual hostilities. Gradually the -serpent’s curves and retractions grew more energetic -in gliding movement as its head darted hither and -thither, now disappearing on one side of the saurian, -then retracting over his back for an investigation of -the opposite side, with the evident object of seeking a -passage beneath. The alligator, although passive in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>his defensive movements, was observed to crouch -closer to the underlying branches whenever the head -of his foe touched a part beneath the scales of his -armor, his apprehension being made manifest by a -nervous twitching of his tail, as if aware of the fatal -vantage sought.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The captain had requested the engineer to keep -the steamer in position until the victor in the duelistic -contest was determined; but the wariness of the alligator, -who was not in a position to accept the wager -of battle, made the result of the siege doubtful, as it -might be prolonged until they had tested their respective -powers of total abstinence to the extent of -endurance. With the thought of his own culpability -should the gratification of Mr. Welson’s curiosity -prove fatal to the hopes of Correliana, who had placed -her reliance in his direction for the relief of her kindred, -he was about to request the engineer, who acted -as pilot, to proceed, when the pagan exclamation -proh Jupiter! from the object of his thoughts called -attention to the cause. The alligator had attempted -to gain the advantage of his preferred element by a -backward movement, this act had opened to the head -of his foe the sought for advantage, which had already -passed underneath his body between his dwarfed legs -before his hind quarters reached the water. In a -twinkling two coils had involved the saurian’s body -just behind his fore legs, the part most susceptible to -wounds and compression. Then came a fearful struggle -that swayed the tree attachments through the -wide expanse of its reach, causing in the minds of the -beholders a loathsome interest devoid of sympathy, -offering the test of instinctive strength and endurance -as a meagre source of gratification. Still, to Mr. -Welson, the contest was not altogether devoid of useful -application for parallel deduction when compared -with the animal traits of human instinct. The tightening -of the prehensile coil of the anaconda’s tail on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>the limb of its attachment, and upward retractile corrugations -of his body with corresponding attenuation, -disclosed the difficulty he encountered from the elasticity -of his leverage, which prevented the concentration -of muscular strength necessary for the strangulation -of his victim. To the elasticity of the limb the -alligator owed his prolonged existence and chance of -advantageous retrieval. At this stage of doubtful -emergency the instinctive “wisdom” of the serpent -became meditatively apparent in the darting movements -of his head and gleam of his watchful eyes, -which were engaged in alert study to advantage his -position, while guarding his straining body from the -frantic strokes of the tail and distended jaws of his -antagonist. The anaconda’s intention was soon made -manifest, for we could plainly see his corkscrew tail -traveling with insidious progress toward one of the -main trunks of the tree; this once gained the moments -of the saurian’s existence could be numbered, for it -would afford the required resistance for crushing his -body in its armor of proof. The “spectators” had -watched the conflict with a superlative degree of indifference, -inasmuch as favor for either of the contestants -was concerned, hoping that both would be -fatally disabled. But the moment the alligator began -to manifest symptoms of exhaustion in the weakened -strokes of its tail, and gasping throes, the human -instinct of a guacho fireman sided with the weaker -party in the struggle. Yet the object of his championship -was scarcely a shade less repulsive than the -symbolic cause of man’s squirming meanness and disposition -to involve in his folds of treachery all that -adventure within the reach of his cupidity. The -alligator’s champion, born and nursed in the saddle -with the lariat and bola for his rattle, asked the captain, -in an undertone, for the skiff, with permission to -terminate the combat. This granted he soon gained -a footing upon the mangrove thicket and in a few -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>seconds the quick gleam of a machéte was seen, then -with the accompaniment of a prolonged hiss the serpent’s -writhing body fell separated from its tail. Relaxing -the portion inclosing his nearly lifeless victim, -he strove with instinctive energy to release his folds, -but his efforts were vain, for the retractile power of -his muscles had departed with his tail. Helplessly -retained by the dead weight of the alligator’s body, -the serpent seemed at a loss to account for the futile -result of his efforts, for he continued to retract his -bereaved stump, while investigating with darting head -the progress effected by vermicular contraction beneath. -The reviving spasms of the alligator increased -the anxious rapidity of the anaconda’s movements, but -as with the fabled flight of Samson’s strength shorn of -his locks, he was held for sacrifice bound in the toils -of his own instinctive intention. His helpless condition -was aggravated by the guacho, who, after cutting -away the intervening branches, was seen struggling -with the writhing tail until he had drawn it to an -overreaching limb, from which he dropped it within -reach of the head of its late owner. Its detached appearance -seemed to impress upon the majority, of the -relict anaconda, the diminished extent of his misfortune, -for it was seized with its late mouth and bitten -with impotent rage. While engaged in inflicting -punishment upon its supposed traitorous tail, instinctive -caution was made blind with rage, and its coils, -released by the recovered consciousness of the alligator, -convolved athwart between his open jaws which -seized and severed the serpent’s body while its head -was endeavoring to execute ultimate vengeance by -swallowing its recreant tail. M. Hollydorf and Mr. -Welson closed the scene and the alligator’s repast -with their rifles, the bullets taking effect in the soft -parts which were exposed in his endeavors to regain -the water. With this humane addenda to the reptile -duel, the serpent’s head was left to shuffle off from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>its mortal coil. Correliana Adinope and the Bamboyle -women had screened themselves from the revolting -sight under the awning aft, from which they -could not be induced to look backward until the scene -of the duel was left far behind. The steamer, to -make good the time lost, was urged to her best speed. -With the relation of these retarding incidents of the -day, Antonio announced his readiness to serve the -evening meal.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span> - <h2 id='VI' class='c005'>CHAPTER VI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Cleorita Arcos, at the request of her grandfather, -the mayorong, gave the following relation of -the causes that led to their exile:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“As Aabrawa has informed you, our people have -received the name of Bamboyles from the Aurancanoes. -This was derived from the noise of our workmen’s -hammers in mending their utensils. But our -transmitted, and more pleasing name of designation, -which we hold in reverence as an evidence of remote -ancestry, is Kyronese. Our late place of residence is -called Pompolio, which is also of remote hereditary -origin. Mendoza was said to have been founded by -our ancestors, from which their more recent descendants -were driven by the Spanish half-breeds who -coveted their vineyards, which produced excellent -grapes for the manufacture of wine, of which they -were fond to excess. Their envious hatred followed -the victims of displacement to Pompolio, their new -home, and still continues. Our ancestors were also -beset by wandering tribes of savages in their new -home, as determined for our destruction as those from -which we were rescued by your timely arrival. But -as they were constantly at war among themselves it -gave our people an opportunity to build walls and -gates to defend the passes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Aurancanians were always friendly, for our -people never exacted more for their labors than their -employers were pleased to give in exchange; and until -the event occurred that caused us to become outcasts -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>from our dearly loved homes, they were ever more -ready to bestow than we were to accept. But the same -cause, from the same source, has reduced them to a condition -worse than our own, for they can no longer command -themselves in their own country, being constantly -at variance in their own households. We are so unlike -our neighbors, and their visitors from other nations, in -personal appearance, habits, and customs, our curiosity -has labored long and patiently with the transmitted -emblems, but they refuse to unravel the secrets of the -past.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My father gave our people much information, -which they supposed to be reliable. First, he said -that Kyron, from which our name was derived, was an -ancient Assyrian department, which gave birth to the -city of Sidon, famed in its day for the boldness and -enterprise of its navigators; and that the vessels portrayed -by our ancestors were similar to theirs. But -he said that our short bows, and spears, as well as our -defensive armor, afforded the strongest confirmation -of Assyrian origin. In addition, he found utensils -designed for household use which corresponded exactly -with pictures in the books he obtained from -Europe; and furthermore, he made a journey to Peru -and brought back vessels of pottery exactly similar. -From these evidences he naturally concluded that our -ancestry, and those that inter-married with the aboriginal -inhabitants of Peru, were derived from the same -source. However, you will understand all these -things better than ourselves; for he said your learned -men devoted their lives to the study of the past, and -were skilled in tracing vestiges, and conjectural probabilities.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“From what I have related, you can judge of the -past, and from what I shall now relate, whether -we have acted prudently, and are worthy of the interest -you are disposed to take in our welfare. We -lived happily according to our knowledge, neither -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>eating or drinking what we considered to be impure, -or indulging to excess beyond the body’s requirements -for the gratification of taste. Our amusements were -harmless and serving as a vivacious warmth for affectionate -love. Those who visited us, like my father, -were kindly entertained, and not one of the few has -disdained to accept our friendship. The cause of my -father’s departure was not that he loved us less, but -the wish to induce his father and brother to come and -see that he had succeeded in finding a people who -were content to live without money, in freedom from -want and envy, with the security of a common affection -to make them realize a more perfect existence -after the separation of vitality from the body. It -was our misfortune to lose him when his advice was -most needed, for we feel assured, if he had remained, -he would have averted our calamities, for he claimed -that our goodness and simplicity invited imposition, -which we had not the diplomatic skill to avoid.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson, with a humorous twinkle of the eye, -interrupted Cleorita, questioning whether her father -explained the meaning of the word diplomatic. To -which she replied with blushing trepidation, “My -father gave his own version, but he was so chioptic -(jocose) in his way, and inclined to speak disparagingly -of his people’s sincerity, we did not press him -to <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">asservate</span> the truth of his interpretation, for we -could not wish to believe that civilization consisted -in the art of successful deception. As you knew him -well in former years, I will not withhold his exact -definition. He said the word was a comprehensive -cover for all the variations of lying evasion practiced -in the adjustment of national encroachments, as a -pretext for more extended impositions. The immediate -cause of our exile was the reappearance of a -tribe of Indians who had been expelled by the Aurancanians -for their atrocious acts. The return of the -Abacknas (marauders) was announced by their sack -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>of the settlement of Guaspe. When pursued by an -avenging party they fled to the mountains. Their -leader, named O’Grady, a sailor who had escaped -from a vessel in the straits of Magellan, betrayed -them to the vengeance of their pursuers, so that few -escaped. By this act of treachery he gained admittance -into Aurancania for the introduction of a destructive -cause more insidious in its perfidy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In all the valleys of Aurancania the apple and pear -grow to perfection, and, as with us, those bordering -the countries on the north and east are well adapted -for the culture of the grape and fruits kindred to the -peach. The extracted juice of these had been used -as a pleasant and harmless drink. O’Grady, although -mistrusted, proposed to make the juice more pleasing -in its effects if suitable vessels could be procured. As -these were to be made of copper, of which we had an -abundance, and were skilled in reducing it for the -manufacture of utensils, he was referred to us. Unfortunately, -on his way to visit us, he met one of our -most ingenious workers of the metals at Muloa, who -comprehended the kind of vessels and attachments he -wanted. Insisting upon accompanying our brother -to oversee his labors, he gave him abundant reason on -the way to regret the chance that made him responsible -for the stranger’s introduction to our people. On -their arrival within the gates of the pass, he would -not accept the hospitality provided for strangers, on -trial,—outside of our Douang, or walled town of defense, -but insisted that he should be received as a -guest within. This act of aggressive presumption -was firmly but politely opposed by his sponsor, which -from his slight stature led to a trial of strength, with -a result seriously unfavorable to O’Grady, who was -glad to accept assistance from his antagonist and a -bed in the strangers’ quarters, which he kept for a -month, until a fractured leg and an arm were again -serviceable. Nevertheless, he was kindly attended; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>and after his recovery never attempted to overawe any -of our people with threatening overtures provoking -personal encounter, having seemingly lost confidence -in the accounted advantages of superior size; but the -revengeful leer of his eyes boded us ill if the opportunity -of exacting it should ever occur. The vessel, -with our troublesome visitor, were transported back -to Muloa as soon as he was able to travel; he neither -offering, or his conductor requiring aught for the labor -or material bestowed, other than the desire, on the -part of our people, never to see him again. But the -hopes entertained that our parting would be final, -were void; and in view of the calamity which the heedless -fulfillment of our brother’s stipulation wrought -upon the friendly Aurancanians, we have questioned -whether our own misfortunes were not justly merited.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Were you aware,” inquired Mr. Welson, “that -the vessels your artizans were fabricating were intended -for the transformation of a beverage juice into -a fiery distillation, that in product would reduce your -friends to the condition of enemies to you, by the introduction -of ‘civil’ discord into their own households?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The only information our people had upon the -subject was derived from my father,” replied Cleorita, -“who had often described the misery it had -caused among your people. But his habits were abstemious, -and his example prevented the full impression -of the danger, for we did not forethink that -others lacked his discretion, and would pervert actual -blessings for their own destruction. Alas, we soon -found that the track of our heedless labor was marked -with the blight of provident affection. To controvert -our own agency in the misery inflicted upon the -families of our ever kind neighbors, the mayorong -sent those abroad who mingled substances with the -ashes beneath the vessels that in burning destroyed -the metal. But the O’Grady had gained the means -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>before this was effected, of obtaining others from -Mendoza of larger size, after we had refused to supply -his loss. These we also felt warranted in destroying, -which aroused his suspicions and his third -enterprise was carefully guarded. When its product -exceeded the demand, he sent a still over to Pompolio -and seized our fruit for its use, which caused our -people to destroy it openly, expelling his aids. This -provoked his bitter enmity, and he swore that he -would exterminate our people root and branch.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Two years passed without cause for alarm, when, -with a morning’s dawn, we were aroused by the boom -of a great gun and a loud crash in the midst of our -houses. When rushing forth to learn the cause the -gatekeeper gave the mayorong a letter written in -Mendozean Spanish which I translated. The missive -was a demand for the immediate surrender of the -Douang, unconditionally. In the event of refusal, the -lives of all the males were to be sacrificed. This was -signed, ‘Patrick O’Grady, Commander-in-chief.’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Of course, without hesitation, our people put on -a bold face and sent him back a defiant answer. In -less than an hour our gate became a mark for the -cannon. This we had anticipated, and a second gate -prepared for an emergency of the kind, was closed -inside of the outer, the interspace being filled with -faggots of osiers and tough mountain moss. So that -our second gate was well protected, for they kept -prudently out of reach of our spring-engines which -were almost as effectual as their guns, but could not -be directed as easily. But our people were sorely -disheartened, for he had brought with him a large -band of the guachos and Indians of the plains, who -had often attempted similar enterprises. Finding, -after many days, that their guns were breaking -through our strong walls, our people determined to -conceal in the mountain caves all that was held valuable, -leaving in charge of a band of our young men -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>the old and infirm, with our cattle; while the mayorong, -with the majority of the able-bodied of both -sexes, should set forth to seek a new home farther -north. When all the arrangements were completed -a passage was opened in the southern wall opposite -and in concealment from the besiegers’ encampment, -for the outgoing of our cattle, through the heap of -litter that had accumulated from our stables overthrown -from the wall. After our departure for the -mountain strongholds, the way of escape was again -closed and concealed as before. When everything -was made ready for the departure of the mayorong’s -party northward, they resolved upon another night -attack upon their foes for intimidation, that they -might not seek to molest the mountain party in reserve; -but with such precautions as could be used to -prevent the loss of life on our part. The success of -our people, if it had been followed up, promised a -complete rout, so great was the panic they caused, but -it sufficed to render their guns useless, with the destruction -of their munitions, and such other damage -as we could accomplish without hazard to ourselves.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With a sad farewell we set forth in search for a -new place of habitation. Encountering many hardships, -we finally succeeded in reaching the fruitful -valleys to the north of Mendoza without the loss of -life, where a new race of foes have driven us hither -and thither as relentlessly determined upon our destruction -as the O’Grady. When we started, our -men numbered an hundred and eighty, and our -women and children two hundred; these have been -reduced by death and capture in our long wanderings -among savage foes, to ninety men, and an hundred -and twenty women and children. Twenty days ago -we rescued our loved companion, Correliana, in sight -of her city, while her guards were fighting bravely -for her defense against overwhelming odds. For -many days we hovered in sight of the city, hoping to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>regain for her an entrance into the gates; her friends -understanding our intention endeavored to render us -all possible assistance, but it availed naught for her -advantage, but caused us great distress. Yet that she -has been the means of our preservation we doubt not; -for without the support of her undaunted courage and -device, we should scarcely have been able to elude the -many schemes planned for our destruction and her -capture. When she found it was impossible to gain -an entrance into the city, and we were fainting for -the want of food, she led us by devious ways to -Indian villages, left in charge of old men and women, -where we obtained an abundance of food without -causing other injury. From that time we have had -no rest, except what we gained in the sillia while our -horses were moving. Her desire to keep the river in -view has been so urgent that we saw clearly she expected -succor from it in some way. Although her -language corresponds with Spanish so closely as to -furnish me with a ready understanding in other -matters, she was not disposed to impart the nature -of her hopes from this source. We are not greatly -given to superstition, nevertheless, we cannot rid -ourselves of the grateful belief that you were in some -way overruled for our rescue.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>When Cleorita closed her relation the Kyronese -women bowed themselves down in grateful acknowledgment -for their preservation. This act of humility -caused the padre to utter a remonstrance coupled -with the declaration that prostrate humbleness for -human aid seemed to him an affectation that smacked -strongly of hypocrisy. But when reminded of the -obeisance paid to the pope’s toe, and similar absurd -acts inculcated by Christian doctrine in the education -of youth subject to the bias of sectarian supremacy, -he was silenced. But all joined in expressing their -strong sympathy and proffers of aid in solace for the -unmerited sufferings of the Kyronese.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span> - <h2 id='VII' class='c005'>CHAPTER VII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>While Mr. Welson was engaged in listening to -the rehearsal of the proposed plans of Correliana for -the speedy rescue of her people, a falcon in the act -of stooping from its poise attracted the quick eyes of -Mr. Dow, who raised his rifle, but before he could secure -his aim the Heraclean maid uttered an exclamation -of alarm which arrested his destructive purpose. -In explanation and apology for her impetuous words -and act, the falcon settled from his waft upon her -shoulder with a flutter of glad recognition, coaxingly -pecking at her ear with side glances for accustomed -caresses. In a few moments the fair perch became -so abstracted with varying emotions hovering between -sorrow and gladness, that her pet was fain to -stoop to her wrist for the mechanical recognition of -the right hand; yet, as if unmindful of neglect, it -plumed itself in the pride of feathery vanity, seemingly -confident notwithstanding the reserved affection -of its mistress.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At length, as if suddenly made aware of her preoccupation -from the silence that prevailed, she asked -the privilege of retiring to the cabin for a few minutes -for the recovery of her composure. During her -absence Cleorita said that she had been similarly affected -on several previous occasions from falcon visits. -Nearly an hour passed before Correliana reappeared, -then, with the pleading animation of anxiety, she requested -M. Hollydorf to urge all warrantable haste -in preparation for the overland journey from that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>point, if they proposed to rescue her people, as they -were in extremity from the increased virulence of the -pestilence aggravated by famine, of which the besieging -savages were preparing to take speedy advantage. -Naturally supposing that the bird was the carrier -medium of communication, all their energies were exerted -for the accomplishment of her affectionate solicitation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dow, with Jack’s and Bill’s assistance, drilled -the Kyronese in the art of loading and discharging -the howitzer, with effective aim, also in the use of -rifles and pistols. During the day hampers were -filled with prepared munitions and rations, and the -party selected for the expedition. Having assisted, -with wonderful tact, during the process of packing, -just before night-fall Correliana dispatched the falcon -in homeward flight, with encouraging promises of -speedy relief. When with the approach of darkness, -and fatigue, the labors of the day were suspended, -she pronounced herself anxious that we should become -acquainted with the history of her people, that -we might judge of their worth before venturing the -hazard of our promised aid. With an assurance of -unwavering determination to adventure their lives -for the rescue of her kindred by all, she commenced -her narration.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The transmitted written history of our people, -derived from our ancestors of old Heraclea, has not -been esteemed reliable by the later renewed generations -of our present City of the Falls, inasmuch -as the historians, of the middle period, were invariably -inclined to ascribe the partial prejudices of degeneration -as evidences of progression in their assumptive -decisions of right and wrong. With self exaltation -they did not hesitate to extol the most arbitrary and -licentious acts of persons in power, which in accommodation -for the selfish retention of favor were constantly -subject to reversion. These sources of selfish -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>contradiction, serve to impeach the veracity of the -whole, so that from the adventitious impressions of -truth we have been obliged to make conjectural deductions -to subserve our desire for the preservation -of a probable outline record of the causeful events -that led to ancestral translation from the Pontine to -the Iberian Heraclea. However, in my prompted -relation I shall endeavor to give a simple rendering -agreeable to the expressed judgment of our advisors, -without attempting to force your concurrence with -reasoning similitudes. Your knowledge pertaining -to coincident history will certainly attest to the correctness -of the alleged source from which our remote -ancestors were derived.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Our original stock, in translation, might well be -represented in the variations of caste by the contingent -elements with which I am at present surrounded; -for the place from which our ancestors embarked was -a central point for the fermenting commixture of the -peoples and septs of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Our -patrician historian states that the original stock were -all derived from noble Roman families who were emigrating, -with collateral provincial branches, from the -Euxine Heraclea, in a Macedonian ship, to an Iberian -city of the same name, situated a short distance inland -from the ocean opening of the straits of Gades. -After touching at the African port of Rusander Gaditarius -for supplies necessary for support during the -interval of planting and harvest, they set sail for their -port of destination.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“When in sight of the landmarks of Heraclea, -while offering sacrifice to the gods of their worship, -for the prosperous termination of their voyage, a sudden -tempest arose which forced their vessel out into -the broad Atlantic. For days the storm raged, while -before it their bark was driven heedless of mortal -control, every moment threatening destruction. At -length, after hopeless despair had held them bound in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>shadowy darkness through a lapse of time unmarked -by the full distinctions of day and night, the sun rose -clear over a limitless expanse of waters. Still they -feared to offer thankful oblations, for they were drifting -they knew not whither. In the listless inactivity -of despair they had allowed the waters of heaven to -accumulate in their vessel mixed with the briny wash -of the ocean. As the sun rose in the firmament to its -meridian, the heat parched their mouths with thirst, -then they recognized the providence of heaven for the -supply of water tempered with salt to make it unpalatable -for excess.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘Again hope began to dawn, which was strengthened -on the following night by a flight of fish seemingly -attracted by the altar fire, which had continued -to burn through the fearful tossings of the vessel when -impelled by the merciless tempest urged by the god -of the ocean. Revived, with the second sun, the sailors -spread the vessel’s sails to a favoring waft of the -ocean wind, showing their recognition and resignation -to the decrees its providence had ordained. There -was no lack of food, for the supply obtained at Rusador -for anticipated wants between seedtime and harvest, -more than sufficed for prospective requirements, -unless the ocean proved boundless. Of luxuries there -was also a bountiful supply; dates, dried figs, grapes, -and Chian wine. Strange as it may appear, with the -revival of our hopes, a large portion of the wine was -sacrificed to furnish vessels for treasuring the water -preserved by the ship. But with the rising of the -eleventh visible sun all the supply of water having -been exhausted,—for there were many mouths and -great thirst,—despair, which dried up the moisture, -began its reign of terror, from the moans of mothers -who freely offered their tears to still the wailing cries -of their children.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘In this condition, when all coveted death to relieve -the tortures of thirst, there came on the sixteenth -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>of its rise upon our forlorn hopes at sundown, a waft -that made all murmur thanks in their weakness. -This was followed with genial showers which brought -a reviving consciousness of an overruling presence inspiring -a love of life and the blessings of kindred affection. -When the clouds, to whose timely benefactions -we were beholden for our preservation, were dispersed -by the rising sun, our eyes and hearts were -gladdened with the sight of land, which called forth -tears with whispered rejoicings, and wan smiles of -congratulation bestowed with embraces, and hand -pressures in thankful praise that we had been once -more permitted to see the element from which we had -been so long divorced by cruel fate.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘Borne onward by a gentle wind from the ocean, -we entered a broad estuary whose banks, or shores, -were bordered with a forest verdure of trees exceeding -in magnitude our previous conceptions. Far off -in the interior, as the sun declined, were seen mountains -whose summits were clothed in fleecy mists -while beneath the varied descent appeared dressed in -rainbow tints of moving light and shadow. The -banks of the mighty river, or arm of the ocean, became -more distinct in the approaching twilight, until -darkness with its pall withheld them from view. -Again another day dawned; refreshed with the dews -of the night we bethought ourselves how we might -bring the vessel to land where we could obtain water -to quench our thirst, when lo, with the first feeble dip -of the oars the trickle of the water inward discovered -to a child its freshness. The faint struggles of the -oarsmen strengthened with the fear of again being -carried out into the ocean, for the current was forcing -the vessel backward, were at length rewarded with -the stranding of its keel beneath the steep bank of -an inlet.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘In vain our eyes, from the mast, searched the -shore for evidences of man’s habitation; neither -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>smoke from hamlets or signs of cultivation could be -traced. Weary and weak, but composed in spirit, -from our now secure attachment to land, which, although -foreign, seemed afar off fruitful, all sank into -a deep and refreshing slumber, lulled by the familiar -sound of the cicada’s shrill vibrations, which continued -unbroken until the dawn of another day, when we -were awakened by the sound of strange voices speaking -an unknown tongue. Surprised, but not alarmed, -when we discovered that the utterances were from a -collection of human beings who were viewing us and -our vessel from the bank that overlooked the transtra, -our own curiosity was in like manner attracted by -the novelty of their appearance. In stature they exceeded -in height our own, but were gracefully formed, -with expressive features inclined in color to a brownish -red. With eyes of vivid blackness they seemed -capable of giving intensity to the two extremes of -passion—expressed by revengeful anger and dalliant -softness. The covering of their bodies was so slight -that it failed to afford the shadow of concealment or -restraint to their persons.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘While we were sleeping they had drawn our -vessel into the inlet so far that with slight assistance -we could raise ourselves to a footing upon the bank, -this with signs they proffered and we accepted. When -seated upon the grassy plain, the women with native -grace prepared in shell a thick paste compounded of -milk and fruits, exceedingly palatable and refreshing. -For a drink they pierced the eyes of large nuts from -which flowed a milky fluid that found special favor -with our women and children. These tokens of kindly -regard were presented with timid gentleness and solicitude -that won our confidence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘When our appetites were appeased in their craving -for the <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">novus res</span></i> in freedom from the ocean’s -savor of salt, signs of mutual curiosity began to flow -in pantomimic gesture. First, they questioned from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>whence we came? We answered by pointing over the -ocean. But when they pointed to the sky in its descent -to the horizon, we saw that they would ask -whether we were descended from the gods. Humoring -their implied belief, we answered truly by uprooting -a stalk of grass, then holding its seed filled -follicles dependent we in addressing the roots to heaven -shook the semina from their receptacles to the earth, -therewith, to their apprehension, acknowledging our -heavenly origin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘Communing among themselves, with a deferential -review of our persons they seemingly acknowledged -the superiority of our pretensions, while questioning -the cause of our forlorn condition when found. -At length in their doubt they appealed to an aged -man whose appearance augured wisdom, who answered -sagely by addressing, for our comprehension -and approval, his symbolic exposition of the cause. -Selecting two tall spears of grass, overtopping the -heads of their kind, he pointed to the eldest parents -of our group, then reversing the stalks with the roots -upward, he forced the symbols apart by introducing -a younger female blade between, adherent to the tendrils -of the paternal branch, causing the mother and -her seed to fall to the earth. This disruptive demonstration -so clearly defined his knowledge of the human -passions, in accordance with the experienced injustice -of our own race, that a blush of shame suffused, with -its evidence of conviction, the faces of some of our -elders whose withers of frailty had been touched. -Taking these symptoms of assent as evidences of conviction, -the oracle, with a self-complacent air, relapsed -into silence, his kindred mingling their admiration -for his ability in prescientia with reverence for our -supposed paternity. Having arrived at the Ultima -Thule of their curiosity we endeavored to satisfy ours -without lessening the kindly reverence we inspired -from our presumed descent from the gods. But -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>learned nothing beyond the impression that the land -extended, in the three opposed directions to the ocean, -to the horizon, and that their country was the full of -a moon nearer the setting sun, to which they invited -us warmly to accompany them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘Although still fancying that we were in a remote -division of our own land, yet hopeless of regaining -our homes, or intelligence of our people, we concluded -to avail ourselves of their invitation, for an attempt -to return by the ocean augured sure destruction. -Nourished with fruits and wild game, which nature -furnished and sustained without the aid of human -labor, and nursed with the tenderest care we soon regained -our strength. Signifying our readiness to accompany -them, and desire to take with us our household -lares, utensils, harvest, and fruit seeds, they -brought, after the lapse of days, diminutive beasts of -burden, which seemed united in equal relationship -to the camel and goat. When the day of departure -came, we bid tearful farewell to our vessel, then with -the ready aid of our benefactors buried it from vision -that it might escape desecration from wandering -tribes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘Many days were occupied in our inland journey -before we reached the valley of our destination. When -at length, after surmounting many difficulties, it -opened to our view we were overjoyed with its beauty -and the bounteous prospect it afforded for the fruitful -recompense of our mischance in original intention. -In the sincerity of our joy we could not withhold our -thanksgiving for the divine direction that had conducted -us through so many perils to a land, where, as -demi-gods, we could live in freedom from the dread of -invasion and corrupt oppression of imposed tyrants. -Our advent brought peace to our benefactors, who -had been forced into wandering exile by the neighboring -tribes; who instead of opposing their return -solicited the privilege of bestowing their labor as a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>willing sacrifice in atonement for their injustice in -expelling the Betongo tribes from their lands while -under the favor of the ruling spirit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘Season after season followed the advent and propagation -of our Latin generations in the Betongo valleys, -each more bountiful than its predecessor, until -years were multiplied into centuries. The reproduction -of the exotic grains, fruits, and vegetables yielded -tenfold returns in excess of their rates from native -soil; and while our people preserved their original -prestige as a race of superior beings, dealing with arbitrary -justice free from forced oppression, they prospered -and were reverenced by the aboriginals for the -happiness they conferred by kindly example. During -the first century, the castaways and their descendants -did not disdain to give instruction to the natives with -the exampled labor of their own hands; and through -the adoption of their children in allied direction with -those of the Latin race, easy communication in language -was held.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana here remarked, that in the first part she -had adhered closely to the rendering of her Latin ancestor, -Marcus Adinope, the Prætor of the castaways -in their first settlement of the Betongo valleys. “I -will now,” she said, “append his apology for practicing -duplicity in accepting the homage of the aboriginals -as their due in the assumed character of demi-gods.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘In the first instance, we felt constrained to accept -their proffered reverence paid in fealty to our -supposed descent from the gods, not from the feeling -that the assumption would offer us the means of practicing -arbitrary oppression in safety; but as a necessary -composition for an exampled restraint of gentleness -in association among ourselves, as a secure hostage -for imparting its godlike virtues to our trusting -neophytic benefactors. Aided with the harmless reverential -impression, we were able the better to control -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>the plebiscite democracy incorporated with our element -of self command over the thoughtless impulses of the -subservient oarsmen and hinds of our vessel. Our -memories were kept on the alert with the monitorial -revival of insurrections and massacres, which had -their origin from impositions exacted in the conquered -Roman provinces by plebeian officials who had paid a -price for their promotion. Indeed, the cause of our -transmigration had had its birth from that illegitimate -source of instability.’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“After the passage of many centuries, another of our -family has recorded the result of the democratic majority’s -usurpation of the power of equalizing self-command, -evidently in re-admonition of his predecessor’s -apology:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘How void of self enduring forethought are the -uncontrolled instincts of youth, when reckless of experienced -premonitions! It is with painful emotions -that I am obliged to record that the descendants of -the aboriginals who succored our forefathers in their -castaway distress, and preferred them to their own -hereditaments, with the reverent homage accorded to -the gods, are now subject to the cruel exactions of -the taskmaster. The hardships to which they are now -subjected by the multiplied progeny of the sailor,—who -in thoughtless frenzy attributed their thirst upon -the ocean to exact equalization in water distribution,—will -prove the sure precursor of our common destruction. -The frailty of our godhead assumption has -been long since exposed, engendering hatred from the -enslaved in abhorrence of their own submissive weakness, -so that with the opportunity they will destroy -every vestige of their humiliation.’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This prophecy indicates the period when the defense -of a walled city was required for sustaining the -exactions of the taskmaster. The traditionary scenes -enacted by the old Heracleans, as the inhabitants of -the first city were styled, would be as painfully oppressive -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>to your kind-hearted generosity as they would -be to me as relator. It will be sufficient for me to -state, that the ‘City of the Falls’ was built by Indian -labor, enforced by the cruelty of the taskmaster, as a -place of recreative resort during the heated solstice, -for the old Heracleans. When remonstrance failed -to abate the oppressive exactions enforced from the -accumulating slaves, and stay the wild orgies enacted -by the democratic rule of the city’s majority, the kind-hearted -stipulated for the cession of the new city for -their seceding occupation, subject to their own governmental -rule. In less than a decade of years, after -the separation, the inhabitants of the old city were -surprised, during the celebration of nocturnal orgies, -dedicated to mythical patronage, by the uprising of -their slaves; and with the exception of a few, who -had been forewarned, an hour previous, in time to -make good their escape to the City of the Falls, all -were massacred, and the old city has continued a -tenantless ruin to the present day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Unsatisfied with the partial success of their -vengeful retribution, the Indians entailed upon their -successors the unlimited enforcement of a constant -siege, until the inhabitants of the new city were exterminated, -a result that without your effective interposition -in our behalf would be well nigh accomplished.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span> - <h2 id='VIII' class='c005'>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Long before daylight on the morning succeeding -the narration of Correliana Adinope, the busy sound -of preparation was heard on board of the <em>Tortuga</em>, -and on shore. Food and clothes for raiment were bestowed -in hampers and bales, by the Kyronese, in -quantity sufficient for the easy carriage of the mules; -while Captain Dow and his subalterns, Jack and Bill, -marshaled the Kyronese guard in preparation for -rifle, pistol, and howitzer, defensive and offensive -practice. At sunrise, when nearly ready for the start, -Correliana clapped her hands with a joyful exclamation, -and, in a moment after a messenger falcon -stooped in perch upon her wrist. This was of the -species <em>Falco peregrinus</em> of the pampas, but much -improved in size and plumage from culture. Its -greeting, as with the first, was replete with pleasurable -animation, extending its wings in impulsive -sway to the voluntary and involuntary action of its -talons, peculiar to birds and beasts of prey, when -subject to intensified sensual gratification. As with -the cat kind, who make their “friendly” satisfaction -manifest by extending and contracting the sheath -muscles of the claws, the falcon unconsciously closed -its talons upon the wrist of its mistress, causing her -to utter, with the painful punctures, “<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Soh, soh, Merlin, -mon brachiale!</span>” Captain Greenwood, observing -the flow of blood from her wrist, quickly supplied her -with a pair of gauntlets. Merlin, when again restored -to her wrist, seemed to understand the intention -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>of the buckskin proviso, for he used his talons in -the expressive ruffling and extending of his wings; -succeeding with his coquetry in attracting her attention -from the train of meditation in which she appeared -to be engaged, he raised his wings upright, -exposing beneath parchment scripts; these removed -he leisurely commenced a survey of his surroundings. -After their perusal she wrote a few words in reply -upon some French tissue paper furnished by M. -Hollydorf; this secured in Merlin’s sacks, he desired -Captain Dow to take note of the bird’s course, before -it rose to its poise, as it would guide him to the -opening of the pass in the foot-hills. After the bird -in floating flight had reached the point of designation, -it soared to its poise and in descent quickly disappeared -from view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the train was fully in motion, Correliana -beckoned Captain Greenwood apart, and then to his -surprise addressed him in English, with slow, measured -enunciation the involumed supplication “Will-you-come-to-us-if-we-are-successful? -We-are-happy-among-ourselves,-and-if-you-love-happiness-as-we-enjoy-it-in-our-simplicity,-and-your-educated-habits-will-permit-you-to-love-me,-without-regret-from-other-cause-than-my-own-demerits,-there-will-be-great-joy-in-store-for-us.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The captain’s faculties, notwithstanding his bewildered -amazement caused by her sudden acquisition -of power to express her thoughts in English, and with -such clearness his most coveted desire, in terms so -agreeable to his perception of her worth, answered -with prompt energy, in quick imitation of her method, -“If-my-life-is-spared-I-will-visit-you-soon!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After a moment’s hesitation, as if to realize the full -comprehension of his reply, she, with a sudden flush -of joyful animation, exclaimed, “I-am-certain-you-feel-that-my-happiness-depends-upon-the-consummation-of-our-love-in-Heraclea!” -Then with the proffer -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>of salutation, she answered to the hastening call of -Captain Dow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This parting scene between Captain Greenwood -and Correliana caused M. Hollydorf’s countenance to -become overcast with a rueful shadow of dismay. At -nine o’clock the train reached the foot-hills where they -exchanged their last farewell signals with those left -under Tortugan protection. On the fifth day after -their departure from the anchorage of the <em>Tortuga</em>, -the train had gained the eastern slope of the highest -mountain pass that opened to their view the Betongo -valleys, with but one interruption to their progress -from Indian opposition, which was quickly turned -aside.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the first of July, while in midway descent to the -valley, the falcons returned after a short flight over -a wooded district to the left of their course, which -was interpreted by Correliana as an indication of -danger from an approaching party of Indians. This -startling news caused the greatest activity. While -Captain Dow reconnoitred with his glass the descent -for a point of advantage for their reception, his two -cannoniers prepared the howitzer charges for immediate -action. Fortunately they were able to reach a -comparatively level plat that offered for their train’s -protection the vantage of a natural rampart, which -was improved for the reception of the gun with a -wall of stones serving as a mask. When the defensive -preparations were completed, the pack train, -under its guard of women, was sheltered behind it as -far in the rear as possible.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While yet engaged in strengthening our position -for their reception, a large body of Indians on horseback -debouched from a wooden pass upon the plateau -below. It was evident from their movements, when -collected for consultation, that they were aware of -our near approach, and when discovered would be set -upon immediately. That the crisis might be hastened, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>and the obstruction to our progress removed -as speedily as possible, the weakness of our party in -numbers was exposed outside of the temporary walls -of the fortification as a temptation for speedy onset. -Their eyes were soon directed toward us, at first with -silent curiosity, then after a short consultation they -sprang upright upon the croups of their horses, and -commenced brandishing their spears and clubs, with -the evident intention of intimidation. Accessions to -their number were constantly appearing from different -quarters showing that our progress had been -watched. Nearly an hour elapsed before a forward -movement was attempted. Their waiting delay enabled -us to strengthen our position. They commenced -their approach with feats of equitation that would -have delighted a circus audience, seemingly determined -to entertain us to the death. Indeed, their -evolutions, which were timed to a war song and dance -with a display of acrobatic agility as they advanced -at a gallop, attracted our admiration. When within -six or seven hundred yards they came to a sudden halt, -then after a short “palaver” they reformed in sections, -which commenced an involved circle dance, the -horses performing their parts without prompting from -bridle or lash. The object of the entertainment was -soon apparent in the narrowing space between the -outer circle and our rubble stone wall. Jack, although -amused with the nearing foes’ tactics, nursed the fuse -fire of his linstock with watchful care, Bill keeping -the howitzer in range with their rising advance to -the point intended for the discharge of their spears. -While yet without the bounds of their spears’ range, -quick as thought the whole band were in full career -toward our cover, the foremost launching their spears -at everything human exposed. The ducking and -dodging on our side was naturally and skillfully executed, -but not in every instance gracefully. Jack -reached the ground in the style of turtles sunning -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>themselves on a water log, when surprised by urchins -with a flight of stones, but in his descent did not lose -his presence of mind, for the report of the howitzer -was simultaneous with the report of the rifles. The -massing of the horses in the onset caused a fearful -havoc. The effect produced upon the survivors, -from the turmoil of bewilderment, subjected them to -a second and third discharge of the cannon and rifles; -then in view of the slaughter the mayorong’s pity was -excited, and with imploring signs he petitioned Captain -Dow to withhold the fire of his men. The cessation -allowed the Indians to recover from their daze, -but panic succeeding, they dispersed wildly in flight, -giving expression to the tumultuous effect of fear in -attitudinal variations, which, in equestrian display, exceeded -in diversity those improvised as a prelude to -the battle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the last of the fugitives had disappeared, it -was discovered that Correliana had sustained the only -injury inflicted from the cast of spears. Fearing that -her protectors, in amused scorn for the unwarlike antics -of the foe, would allow them to attain their intention -of securing, with the impetus of onset, an effective -range for their weapons, she had risen to caution -Captain Dow, when in the act a spear grazed her -shoulder inflicting a flesh wound. This had been immediately -cared for by the Kyronese women, and her -anxiety and pain were so slight that she rallied the -two sailors, who were sincerely affected with sympathy -for her safety, on the speedy methods they adopted -in avoidance of the spears.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Jack with a humorous smile, rendered comical by -the perceptible movement of his tongue, as if in the -act of revolving a quid from side to side of his mouth, -replied: “To be sure it was sum’ut lubberish to your -ledyship’s eyes, but it’s a way we learned at sea to -draw the enemy’s fire.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The effect of our arms had been terrible, the dead -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>and wounded Indians greatly outnumbering the shots -fired; the predominance of the latter bespoke in plain -terms either the unpracticed skill of the Kyronese in -the use of firearms, or their more probable instinctive -humanity. Captain Dow, anxious to retrieve lost -time, had the wounded and dead bodies of the Indians -removed for the passage of the train. The mayorong -caused the former to be tenderly carried into the inclosure, -and when the train had passed beyond the -human obstructions, he requested permission to remain -with the elder matrons that they might bestow -some relief upon the suffering until their companions -recovered from their panic, promising to overtake -them before they encamped for the night. Although -the objects of his delay received but little sympathy -from the members of the corps, and its male adjuncts, -they could not refuse the request, but insisted that -he should retain a sufficient number of his men as a -guard for their safety. When the moon rose we had -gained the valley of the Betongo, and the rare beauty -of the scenery, under its resplendent light, invited -us onward; but the mayorong’s party had not overtaken -us, which caused some anxiety, but this was -soon dissipated by their appearance. Urged on by the -delightful prospect, heralding the speedy attainment -of our journey’s object, we were enabled to encamp in -a shaded nook upon the banks of the Betongo river. -Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, the Kyronese -added game and fresh fish to our delayed repast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With the morning’s dawn we moved onward over -a paved causeway, with its massive stones still intact -after untold centuries of wear from Time’s detrite -usage. Inland from this shaded causeway, we passed -Indian villages at intervals of a few miles, pleasantly -located upon knolls surrounded with banana, corn, -and vegetable plantations. One of the largest we -entered, but found it deserted; there were, however, -abundant evidences of its recent occupation. Finding -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>an abundant supply of roasted corn, dried fish, and -other edibles, an equal quantity was taken from each -house, the hampers of the mules furnishing cloths in -exchange. The site of each village was connected -by a branch causeway with that of the river’s bank, -confirming the relation of Correliana.</p> - -<p class='c000'>To kill, rout, and destroy, is the orthodox inculcation -of civilized progression; so in view of relieving -the inhabitants of the besieged city from the besiegers’ -stores of provision, we resolved to visit all the villages -in our route, and mulct from their abundance as much -food as we could transport with our limited means of -carriage, leaving with each an equivalent. Dr. Baāhar -advocated the total destruction not only of the provision -left, but of the plantations and villages, in opposition -to the mayorong’s pleading expostulations for -their preservation. But the doctor urged the curative -plan of extirpation of the sources of vitality, as the -only authorized means sustained by classical experience -for rendering the enemy’s efforts nugatory. -“For,” said he, “it will be neither consistent or prudent -to leave your enemies the means of prosecuting -their unrelenting siege of Heraclea.” The mayorong, -with sad deprecation, pleaded that acts of revengeful -destruction would only enrage, and in naught avail -the beleaguered; as they would increase the inveteracy -of hatred, with justice, against the white race, -that so not only the lives and peaceful happiness of -the Heracleans would be sacrificed, but others with -like kindly intentions. For in making others suffer -needlessly, we cannot hope through futile intimidation -to be spared ourselves, if an opportunity for -revengeful reprisal should occur? This half soliloquized -questioning appeal of the mayorong, seemed -to be addressed to all, and from the impression conveyed -by his intonations in speaking, its truthfulness, -when interpreted, was sanctioned with general approval. -Still, although manifestly grateful for the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>appreciation of the majority, his countenance lacked -the fullness of satisfaction that the hearty concurrence -of Dr. Baāhar would have afforded. But the -doctor, with the proverbial fatuity of the precedentalist, -substituted for the required solace the revised -saw, “they thought themselves wiser in their generation -than their forefathers,” evidently with the intention -of reproving his associates for their defection -from the transmitted creed of warful usage. That -there might be no lack in the practical support of the -mayorong’s behest, Correliana left as equivalents, in -exchange for food, a large proportion of the cherished -gifts bestowed by Captain Greenwood.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Determined to reach the besieged city before midday -on the morrow, we did not halt until the dividing -range of hills, that separated the upper and lower -valleys of old Heraclea, had been surmounted. Upon -the shaded summit overlooking the vegas we encamped -for the night. The cool refreshing breeze -that swept over the hill, and an abundant supply of -sweet grass for recruiting the strength of the horses -and mules, lured us to delay our start on the following -morning, until the sun had dispersed the mists -from the valleys. When the fleecy veil was at length -dissipated, an enchanting view was presented upon -either hand extending as far as the eye could reach. -Paved roads or causeways followed the windings of -the river and canals through all the alluvial districts. -These were of easy detection from the checkered overgrowth -of brambled weeds, which ever delight to erect -their prickly domes and spires above the ruins of -palaces, churches, monumental tombs, and the most -splendid mechanical achievements of man, as if in -derision of his instinctive claims to immortality, after -a life spent in arrogant oppressions, and thorny -assumptions, opposed to the kindred sympathy of reciprocal -goodness. While the Kyronese were bestowing -their kindly attention upon the animals, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>M. Hollydorf, with barometrical aid, calculated the -altitude of the valley above the plain of the Tortuga, -and found that its elevation exceeded four thousand -and nine hundred feet. But with heat lessened by -only a few degrees from the tropical zenith, the valley, -from its still continued facilities for irrigation, -appeared to be the scene of perpetual verdure. Its -altitude gave a climate, from mountain inclosure, -especially adapted for the cultivation of exotic fruits -and cereals, of which, in wild growth, there were -abundant specimens.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While Correliana was in thoughtful meditation, -overlooking the beautiful scene, her attention was attracted -to the labors of Mr. Welson, who was engaged -in writing out his diuretic observations upon the developed -phases of instinct. With Dr. Baāhar’s aid, -he, at her request, imparted in outline the result of -his labors, which he styled, “A Relative Exposition -of Instinctive Traits Common to Animal Life.” -Under this head he had classified those common to -savage and civilized humanity, in the following order. -Poison, Material and Immaterial. The lowest grades -of savage life use material poison almost exclusively, -as a destructive agent in their intercourse with each -other. Representatives of civilized nations compound -with speech vituperative venom, which is as deadly in -its effect upon happiness, as material poison upon the -body. Its insinuating use, in language, is a speciality -of women who have suffered in reputation from its -taint, and in turn, to conceal their own frailties, use it -as an imperative means of counter irritation to blind -the censure of their kind. Illustrative examples of -savage and civilized superstition, compared by an experiment -upon savage and civilized representatives of -the human family. Both submissive to instinctive -fear. The savage is dubbed a knight with the collar -and conferred order of Bath. His departure, after the -ceremony of consecration, in pursuit of adventures. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>Reptile duel between a Boisdean serpent and an Alligator. -Instinctive tactics of displayed strategy. -Guacho “sympathy” enlisted for the weaker party. -Reverse. Result of civilized arbitration. Correliana -readily interpreted the satirical import of Mr. Welson’s -comprehensive method of illustration; but questioned -if the women of civilized society had ever in -fact given truthful cause for the expressed venom of -his satire. In answer, he referred her to M. Hollydorf, -as a more ready exponent, who would truthfully -inform her whether he had by insinuation libeled the -market value of female “virtue” as a negotiable article -of appraisement in the gossiping marts of fashionable -society? Still puzzled, in the absence of the -referee, she applied to Dr. Baāhar for a direct elucidation -of the word “virtue,” which she had so often -heard him make use of in conversation. The doctor in -explanation said, that in the highest caste relations -of female association, termed fashionable society, the -word virtue was used as a compendious cloak for the -concealment of instinctive gratification, which remained -unblemished in its sanctity of expression, -while it remained impenetrable to the searching eye -of scandal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this stage of her sophistic bewilderment, the -mayorong directed their attention to the nearest village. -The Indian women having discovered their -encampment, were waving their trophies, obtained -from involuntary exchange, with jubilant manifestations -of happy elation. At this exhibition, after a -suitable recognition had been made by Jack and Bill, -who waved aloft, from their gun carriage, bunches of -bananas, all turned with thankful expression to the -mayorong, who had so earnestly advocated the conciliatory -means adopted, so that he was fain to have recourse -to his animal charges to conceal his emotions. -Dr. Baāhar, however, could not withhold a disdainful -expression of chagrin, that the chief of a wandering -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>tribe, without a pedigree, or a home, should presume -to plume himself upon his approved controversion of -national usage that had been revered from time immemorial -as the sanctified source of wisdom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana turning to the two sailors, whose countenances -were moved with joyful emotions from the -Indian women’s grateful demonstrations of pleasure, -asked how it happened that they were able to retain -their destructive presence of mind when forced to evade -the Indians’ spears by a disordered movement? Her -slow enunciation of English gave Jack time to work -up his “reckoning” for an answer, which he gave -with the blush of shamefacedness peculiar to the British -sailor when accosted by a “lady,” deepened by -the reminder, that to his sensitiveness implied the -“white feather.” “You see, your ladyship, those -Indian chaps had been cutting up their antics so -long, we sort o’ lost our lay, but they brought us too -with their spears, so we returned the compliments of -the season in our fashion. Th’of as Bill says, we’d -much rather had the dig of the spear than it should -have touched you by our ducking.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This new source of sensitiveness they had conjured -through self-reproof, from the impression that their -bodies might have averted the course of the spear. -But when assured that she was out of their range -when she received the wound, they were greatly comforted. -Jack expressing his relief in the phrase, -“things being as they were, it couldn’t be helped!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>As we proceeded on our way, along the eastern -margin of the broad southeastern valley, our progress -was overlooked by the women and children of the -villages, who waved as we passed, our “forage” exchanges -of yesterday, with an evident civilized interpretation -of gratitude expressed in favor of their -neighbors. But our supply of provisions being accommodated -to our means of transportation, we could -not gratify the desire that prompted the acceptance of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>their overtures. Evidently interpreting the cause, -we found upon rounding a hill in advance a herd of -cows panniered with bunches of bananas, plantains, -and other edibles waiting for our acceptance, the -donors watching us from the leafy screens of the hill -plantations. The contraband gift—for their male -protectors were evidently absent—was too acceptable, -for the prospective relief of want, to be refused, and -the recompense was suited to the full gratification of -the womanly promptings suggesting bestowal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In descending from a hill in advance, the valley -proper of old Heraclea opened to our view. The -plain, under the golden light of the morning sun, -exceeded in beauty of variegation as in extent the -famed vega of Granada, when clothed in the productive -vestments of Moorish culture. At nine o’clock -we passed the field fortalice commanding a view of -the valley, and through the river gate those below. -It had evidently been designed for a signal station -and barracks for those employed to guard the ripening -crops; the necessity for its erection bespeaking -the inaugurated reign of oppression. The rock used -in its construction, as well as of the bridges, dykes, -and bank supports of the canals, was basaltic. Unlike -granite, marble, and other stones used for building, -it had withstood the disintegration of friction -and chemical action through the lapse of ages with -scarcely perceptible change. The style of architecture -bore a strong resemblance to that inaugurated -by Cestius, and introduced some sixty years before -the Christian era. Our way from the tower to the -hill city of old Heraclea, was a paved roadway overshadowed -with relict growths of trees, whose ancestry -had probably “ennobled” it with shade as an avenue -of recreation for the citizens. Reaching the headland -of the city esplanade, its level was gained by a zigzag -ascent of the same breadth with its connecting -avenue, its gradations being easy and of curious construction. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>Gaining the esplanade we were surprised -to find its dimensions so extensive, as from below we -scarcely conceived its plain would exceed an acre in -area, whereas in reality it afforded a promenade that -appeared to approach in length and breadth a half of -a mile. As in the avenue below, the remains of parapet -seats, and protected spaces for trees, were everywhere -apparent. Entering from the esplanade, which -extended in narrowed proportion to the gateway, -through the single broad street of the first walled -inclosure built for its protection, we passed to the -fora, around which were the houses of those preferred -to its distinctive advantages from the ruling qualifications -reverenced, as godlike, from the fluent flow of -speech. Built in an amphitheatre its walled defense -could be made certain against the united tribes of -the aboriginal race without, while the system of construction -combined economy in space and in labor, -giving evidence of emergency from doubtful crisis. -The first inclosure had probably furnished ample -space for the accommodation of its founders. Passing -from the nucleus by the nether street of the fora, we -entered the second surrounding, which corresponded -in breadth with the original. The third and last, -bespoke the disruptive reign of sensual gratification, -heralding dissolution. Its expanded breadth from -wall of circumvallation to nucleus, must have exceeded -the distance of a mile, the palaces being detached -from it by gardens and outhouses, the latter -subserving the purpose devised from original intention. -The structures retained, almost unimpaired, -their original perfection; while within many of the -heavier household utensils were found in place, touched -lightly, from the comparative dryness of the climate, -by an age of centuries’ duration. These indications -proclaiming the sudden calamity of successful insurrection, -and extermination, were to be seen in every -direction.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>Leaving this city solitude, once peopled by the instinctively -thoughtless and “gay,” we gained the summit -of the dividing ridge separating the Betongo from -the Vermejo valley. A glance sufficed in answer for -the question of causes that led to the selection of the -“New City’s” site as a safe place for recreative resort. -Limited in extent, and remote from the larger -cultivated district, it could not be made available as -a permanent place of residence for the guard of growing -crops; but was naturally adapted for the indulgence -of luxurious ease in a revoltful country, as its -walls inclosed sufficient arable land for the support -of a limited number of inhabitants, while its natural -and artificial aids for defense rendered it impregnable -against aboriginal weapons, without taxing the energies -of the citizens. Our introductory glances of admiration -were arrested by tokens of recognition which -greeted us from the citizens, who had assembled along -the guard walk of the southern parapet in waiting -expectation of our appearance. Their signals soon informed -us of the enemy’s position, which was in a -grove surrounding a temple, and reaching from it to -the road of descent at its escarped junction with the -level avenue leading to the city gate.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In consultation for the devisement of means for dislodging -them, Dr. Baāhar, and the curators of sound, -still urged the precedent of classical experience, which -advocated the greatest possible destruction of life when -engaged in war with barbarous nations and tribes. -Notwithstanding the pleading appeal inspired by the -sight of her distressed relatives, Correliana manifested -strong emotions of repugnance against the wanton -destruction of life, even when the advocates strengthened -their advice by quoting the padre’s experience -on board of the <em>Tortuga</em>. Turning to Mr. Welson -and the mayorong for their support, she was relieved -by the former’s humorous expression, as he asked Dr. -Baāhar to enumerate the number of generations that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>had passed, since his ancestors could urge equally well -merited judgment for their own destruction? Then -turning to Mr. Dow he asked whether he would prefer -to seal the fruition of his hopes with slaughter, -or the more lasting effect that would be insured by -arousing their superstitious fears. Although urgently -impatient of any delay to the full realization of his -historical source of fame, his respect for the pungent -elements of his questioner’s resources caused him to -offer his willing acquiescence if an effectual plan could -be suggested for insuring their dispersion. Correliana -asked the sailors through Mr. Welson if they could -not think of some way to frighten the Indians without -injury, as she could not bear the thought of exposing -to death and mutilation the husbands, fathers -and brothers of the women who had bestowed so -gratefully of their means for the relief of those who -were descended from their oppressors. After the two -sailors had “put their heads together to overhaul -their lockers,” Jack said, if he knew exactly where -the enemy lay, he could in a giffin fix a shell so that -it would scream like a broadside of devils before it -burst; and th’of they were civilized, and not up to -the thing, they would scud like swallows caught in a -gale at sea. The sailors’ invention was adopted, and -when everything was in readiness for all the emergencies -that could be anticipated, the descent was -commenced; but notwithstanding the eminency of -danger, admiration gained the sway, attracted by the -natural beauties developed at every turn in our downward -course. The skill displayed for the artificial -improvement of the natural advantages, would also -have received like commendation if the means employed -had not excited emotions of abhorrence. For -the Indians who accomplished these labors of Heraclean -devisement were in fact the benefactors of their -oppressors.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having arrived at the desired position for the essay -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>of Jack’s “devilish experiment” the shell was belched -forth from the howitzer upon its frightful mission. -Its screaming powers had not been overrated by the -projectors, but it exploded before it had accomplished -half of its intended distance, seemingly in the very -midst of the concealed foe, for the grove became -swayingly alive from the panic imparted to its wooded -growths. Moving rapidly forward, a second shell, -true to its intention, accelerated the flight into a rout -as wild with dismay as was ever enacted by congeneric -warriors with civilized instincts.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Advancing to the bridge spanning the river moats -to either bank of their conjoined stream, the city gates -were open and the parents of Correliana stood upon -the threshold waiting to bestow with tearful gratitude -their acknowledgments for opportune deliverance -from the manifold perils to which they had been -subject. After they had bestowed upon their daughter -tokens of affectionate welcome, in which all present -joined with kindred sympathy, we were ushered -in and made the centre of grateful attraction. It -soon became painfully apparent from their wan features -and tottering steps, that their vital energies were -reduced to the lowest ebb from over anxiety and the -want of suitable nourishment; so we at once mustered -our prepared resources, and became their directing -entertainers. Even the saturnine dignity of Mr. -Dow, and the patronizing sagery of Dr. Baāhar, relaxed -under the beneficent influence imparted from -their ministering attentions. When the prætor and -tribunes requested an introduction to the patriarch -of the Kyronese, his absence was first noticed by the -members of the corps, Correliana, and his granddaughters; -when in the act of apologizing for his absence -and the elder matrons, they were seen issuing -from the temple grove; with their welcome the gates -were closed and the sailors placed in charge. Then the -Heracleans were placed upon the sillias of the horses -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>and mules,—notwithstanding their earnest protests -of ability to walk,—while each, as they proceeded up -the avenue of the latifundium, was attended with the -sympathetic support of the Kyronese and members -of the corps. At the oppidum vera gates, nearly a -mile distant from the cinctus, or outer wall gates, the -Heracleans insisted upon dismounting, thankfully accepting -the Kyronese proffers of assistance in rendering -service to the sick. Correliana then directed us -to the quarters prepared for our use, expressing the -hope that the condition of her people would afford -ample explanation for whatever was found lacking or -amiss for the assurance of comfort in their accommodations? -Having unpacked and disposed of our instruments -and personalities in the house prepared for -us, an evening consultation was held to devise means -for the purveyance of supplies for the nearly famished -inhabitants. Feeling certain that the besiegers were -effectually dispersed, the hunting of wild game was -proposed as a dernier for present support.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span> - <h2 id='IX' class='c005'>CHAPTER IX.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>At daybreak, of the morning following our entry -into Heraclea, the prætor and Correliana paid us a -visit. After salutations of renewed welcome the -prætor addressed us, in substance, as follows:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You are already partially aware of the means of -communication which have been employed to advise -us of your presence, and the deliverance of our daughters’ -rescuers from their extreme peril! Through -the same source we have been advised of your daily -progress for our relief, now happily consummated. -When the health of our families shall have ceased to -tax your anxious care, we will then endeavor to make -you sensible of our gratitude through the warmth of -affectionate reciprocation. For the present we will -ask you to assume the responsibility of your own -entertainment, for we are utterly powerless for the -fulfillment of that duty so inseparably imposed by our -obligations. But with our energies restored we shall -claim the gratification of reassuming the privileges of -our natural charge. Until this sum total of our past -indebtedness shall have been fulfilled, please accept -the keys of our city in token of our submission to -your direction?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In reply to this tender, M. Hollydorf said, “We -will accept the keys, but only in the light of a necessary -facility to render our sympathetic aid more -readily effectual, and will certainly feel more sincere -gratification when your own, and the health of your -associate citizens, will admit of their restoration. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>Until then we shall rely upon your advice for direction, -for we have already learned to prize its transmitted -agency beyond measure, as it exceeds the -power of material recompense.” Then taking the -prætor’s hands, he continued with glowing warmth -and tearful emotions: “Indeed we feel assured, beyond -the possibility of selfish reflection, that in preserving -your people, we have acted as agents for the -opening of a way through which the children of our -race may exalt themselves above the gregarious instincts -of animality. We have already realized premonitory -emotions, which bespeak an assured glimpse -of immortality, albeit our habits and customs intrude -their practiced grossness to mar the beatific visions -inspired from the influence of your exampled reflection.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here the tremulous cadences of a pæan hymn -caused the prætor to beckon us beyond the threshold, -and from thence we saw gathered in groups, before -the portals of each door, the residents uniting in the -choral anthem of thanksgiving to the Creator for -blessings vouchsafed with deliverance. At its close, -we were apprised that it was their morning and -evening custom to offer grateful salutations of praise -with the rising and declining sun. Then, in the fullness -of their grateful joy, they left to engage in the -nursing avocations of the day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After their departure we engaged in preparation -for our first hunting expedition; when nearly ready -the mayorong appeared accompanied by three Indians -whose bearing proclaimed them upland chiefs. -With their introduction, he stated that they had -visited him while he was attending the wounded of -their tribe in the temple of the grove; and as they -evinced kindly emotions while endeavoring to make -him understand the chief object of their visit, he -followed them to the margin of the wooded growth, -and he there beheld a train of horses loaded with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>panniers containing a plentiful supply of grain, so -much needed by the famishing Heracleans. “Unable -to withhold the elation of joyful surprise I embraced -them, and could not resist the pleasure of bringing -them to receive your personal acknowledgments for -their timely supply of food.” The prætor and tribunes, -having been informed of the Betonges chiefs’ -introduction into the city by the mayorong, with the -supply of food they had brought as a voluntary peace -offering, hastened first to the hospitium, and then to -the quarters of the corps to give them a fitting reception. -To the surprise of all, Correliana, who accompanied -her father, addressed the chiefs in their own -language, with expressions of such grateful warmth -that the eyes of the savages became tremulous with -tokens foreshadowing the impressions of a moisture -as nourishing to unselfish sympathy as dew to plants. -When these exotic emotions had subsided, the Indians -in turn tersely expressed their regrets for the -unmerited sufferings their tribes had caused from the -remote acts committed by the old Heracleans, who -paid the penalty of death for their oppressions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana, in explication of what appeared mysterious -in her ready use of the Betongese idiom of the -Quichua language, said that she had learned it from -children taken from the Indian villages, and adopted -as hostages to be educated with those of Heraclea. -“You have been puzzled,” she continued, “with -many mysterious passages since our first introduction, -which have appeared more unaccountable to reasonable -suggestion than this, still in due time they will -be as readily solved.” After a lengthened conversation -with the Indian deputation, Correliana proposed -that the gates of the cinctus wall should thereafter -be left open for the free ingress and egress of their -Indian allies, in trustful confidence as leal as though -mutual faith had been kept from the beginning.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson suggestingly asked, if the river Indians, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>or in more truthful expression, the reptile savages, -would not avail themselves of this open invitation -to wreak their poisonous vengeance? To which -Correliana smilingly replied: “Our benefactors have -informed me that the river Indians, when in dismayed -flight from their repulse, met the old chief who had -been retained as a prisoner on board of the <em>Tortuga</em>. -Holding them in check while he described the power -you had exercised over him, and one of your own -kind, he urged that any further attempt against the -city would result as in the battle they had just -fought. His collar investment was, in their panic, a -sufficient verification of authority, and although a victim -to your sorceries they proclaimed him an embogator, -or prophet itinerator of the tribes. His description -of the effects you produced upon him, conjoined -with the padre’s fears, has established your reputation -as a magician capable of filling their bodies with tormenting -scrouls, or demons; this increased their -panic, causing the tribe to disperse in all haste to -their swamp feudalities. We are fully assured from -the Betongese recital,—and they are not altogether -free from the fear you have inspired,—that your -presence will prove ample security for their absence -from the highland valleys, as well as a protection to -the <em>Tortuga</em> on her downward passage. In pledge of -their fidelity, the Betongese have volunteered an -escort for the Kyronese remaining at the anchorage -of the <em>Tortuga</em>.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the chiefs had partaken of food prepared by -the Kyronese matrons, they were escorted without -the cinctus gates, by all within the city able to walk. -When the gate keepers, Jack and Bill, were notified -that from thenceforward the gates were to be left -unclosed, they fired a salvo of a single discharge, then -limbering up the howitzer stowed it, with munitions, -in the keep of the gate tower; but asked permission -to retain their quarters, with the more than probable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>inducement of having their rations brought and dispensed -by two Kyronese maidens, with whom they -had been on “signal” terms from the day of their -rescue.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Cleorita, after the Indians’ departure, expressed to -Correliana the hope that her grandfather had not -been by her judged over-presuming in caring for the -wounded Indians, or bold in assuming the responsibility -of introducing the Indian chiefs into the city? -“For with truth, he says,”—she urged, “he would -not have hazarded the venture, if he had not felt certain -that they were trustworthy. Indeed we have -seen many worse who have been grateful for kindness!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Say to your grandfather,” returned Correliana, -“that we justly merit the punishment he has inflicted, -and I feel more sincerely indebted to him for the last -service than the first. I will own frankly in self-reprobation, -with the belief that the self-reproof includes -all except your own kindred, that my thoughts were -altogether diverted from the possible sufferings of our -wounded foes; and I will not pretend to assume even -the merit of feeling sufficient solicitude to inquire -whether any were injured.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The mayorong, who, with Mr. Welson, had overheard -this plea of his granddaughter in his behalf, and -understood its import, said to Cleorita, “you have -spoken according to my desire, but you must not forget -that the members of the corps were fewer in numbers -than ourselves, and were expected as the sponsors -of the expedition to present themselves for the -relief of the famished citizens, so we each acted the -parts of our allotment.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Mr. Welson expostulated: “You need not attempt -to say anything in our extenuation, for we -turned a deaf ear to the groans of the wounded, and -passed them with as much indifference as we left the -severed serpent. Now that we have seen the effects -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>of your unselfish sympathy, we cannot withhold from -ourselves the fact that you are the real deliverer of -Heraclea. You have merited and will receive the untutored -homage of the Indians.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You forget,” replied Cleorita, prompted by her -grandfather, “the eminent services of the most favored -of the magicians, who has controlled the savage ‘instincts’ -of the river Indians?” With Correliana’s -asservation, that the Heracleans were so universally -indebted to the united members of the corps, and its -adjuncts, the personal distinction of preference was -resolved into the grades of adaptation for the parts -enacted, they separated, with mutual congratulations, -to engage in the allotted avocations of the day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In view of their peaceful prospects, enhanced with -food bestowed by their late foes, the Heracleans recovered -rapidly from the pestilential flux, so that in a -few weeks they were able to enjoy the liberty of the -open country, and enter upon the reënjoyment of the -boon of self dependence. The households enlivened -by their reappearance, assumed the renovated impression -of a happy vitality breathing outward for the -kindred invocation of reciprocal goodwill. Correliana, -with renewed vivacity and mysterious facility, had -conjured the ability for conducting her own correspondence -with Captain Greenwood in English, also for -ready communication with the members of the corps. -Her Kyronese companions, Cleorita and Oviata, had -with her revived a speaking impression of the language -derived from their father.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the morning of the 7th of October, after the -journey had been prolonged far beyond the time set -for its accomplishment, from the grateful desire of the -valley Indians to honor the people of the mayorong, -the Kyronese remainder arrived under the conduct of -Abdul, his grandson, and padre Simon. Their reunion -and reception was joyful in the extreme. The -compendic ejaculation of the padre, in sanction of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>corps’ expressions of happy satisfaction, will prove -ample for the exposition of the prevailing impressions -of renewed goodwill. “By my soul’s salvation,” he -exclaimed, “I have by the same tokens come to a belike -conclusion! For surely I would have as soon -thought to see the lion and lamb lay down peaceably -together, as to have been entertained as I have been -by these same Indians. It was so unnatural, for you -know the delegations from the tribes brought on to -Washington are exhibited as specimens of wild beasts -indigenous to the soil? But I can tell you, I never -was treated more kindly in my life, bating I could not -speak their language, nor they mine.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson inquired, whether in the item schedule -of good treatment they asked him to take something, -or smoke a weed? The padre happily averred, with -a blush, that he had neither tasted of spirit or tobacco -since his departure from the <em>Tortuga</em>. In testimony -of the improvement from his abstinence all bore witness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But,” asked Mr. Welson, “had you no fear of -being bitten again?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre smilingly expostulated, “I see that you -have not left off all your bad habits, yet, notwithstanding -the good example of the Heracleans! Why -not let bygones be bygones? My own thoughts are a -sufficient torment, without having my friends poke fun -at my lameness.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is from no ill intention that we keep the crutch -in view, but rather to prevent the necessity of its -future use,” suggested Mr. Welson. The padre closed -the sally port of banter, by quoting the saw, “Sufficient -for the day is the evil thereof.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span> - <h2 id='X' class='c005'>CHAPTER X.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>While the chiefs of the valley tribes of Indians -were entertained in the city, one from the Vermejo -petitioned the prætor for permission to settle with -his tribe on the vega of the lake expanse of the Boetis -below the temple grove. This petition awakened a -pleasing smile in the expression of the prætor’s face, -who, without consulting his associates, requested his -daughter to proffer his fealty to the united chiefs and -their tribes of the valleys, in behalf of the citizens of -Heraclea, with the hope that they would trustfully -extend their permission for the continued occupation -of lands alienated by the cruel oppressions of their -ancestors of old Heraclea. When, with some difficulty, -Correliana was able to make them understand -the nature of this request, they pondered, and looked -upon each other in bewildered silence. At length, -one of the oldest Betongese chiefs, “saw the approaching -ends of the long severed thread of unity that had -caused the siege of hatred, and the concession offered -by the prætor for uniting it with the durable bonds -of privileged equality.” His explanation was received -by his compadric chiefs with smiling assent, assured -that it was for mutual behoofment. With united -sanction, evidences of mutual understanding were -passed in tokens of goodwill, until the rays of the sun, -in decline, were cast aslant from the brink of the -precipice of the falls, covering with its bright canopy -the shadows that enveloped the city beneath, then in -strengthened concord the pæan hymn of thanksgiving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>rose in unison from every Heraclean threshold, and -after it a responsive refrain repeated in swelling harmony -from group to group. Of its import M. Hollydorf -gave the following rendition,—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Neighbors good-night, good-night;</div> - <div class='line in2'>A day of right,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Without a wrong,</div> - <div class='line'>Hallows our evening song.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>At an early hour of the day, succeeding the arrival of -the Kyronese detachment, Indian women brought -fresh fish and fruits as presents, then volunteered their -service for clearing the houses, colonnades, and patios -of the accumulations consequent upon the sickness of -the Heracleans, and were made happy by the acceptance -of their proffered aid. Gradually the cheerless -gloom which had held sway in the depopulated portions -of the city for ages, from the harassed anxiety -of its defenders, passed away under the active hands -of the Kyronese and their Indian aids. Fountains, -whose conduits had become choked, were opened and -cleaned, causing the house gardens and latifundium -to rejoice in primal gladness from water distribution -above and below the surface of the ground. The loving -sympathy of the Heracleans made manifest in the -tender care bestowed upon the reviving sick, brought -forth the latent gentleness of the corps, which had -been suppressed from childhood by the civilized decrees -of fashionable folly and vanity, begot from the -precedental inoculation of habits and customs derived -from the heroic ages of classical brutality. Indeed -the members of the corps were so often moved to express -genial emotions with glistening tears commingled -with smiles, they seemed to have developed -a new inherent combination as necessary for the joyful -expression of happiness, as sun and showers for -the behests of fruitful vegetation. The padre, in -his quaint emphatic style, expressed the prevailing -influence in an evening salutation addressed to his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>compadre Dr. Baāhar after even song, in this wise: -“Well I declare, doctor, upon my soul, I have passed -such a happy day in useful labor that it seems as if I -had just emerged from a life’s nightmare of torpid inactivity. -Really, upon my hopes of salvation, I believe -that I could live and thrive upon the joys of -others, without material food.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But the doctor, who was impaling the insect game -obtained from his day’s hunting excursion, replied -sneeringly. “So, so, h-m—I see, you are taken in, -with the others, by this humdrum life of these Heracleans, -with their puling, wishee-washy affectations -of caring more for others than they do for themselves. -The long and short of the matter is, that you are all -subject to an unnatural influence, and if it is not -thrown off immediately, from whatever source derived, -you will shortly forswear manliness, and your -hopes of heaven.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This baited injunction caused the padre to exclaim, -“My goodness gracious, doctor, you frighten me! I -hope you don’t truly think there’s anything like -magic or sorcery used upon us here? To be sure, -now that I remember, I have had strange thoughts, -to which I have never been accustomed to before! -But they have been in motive pure, urging the necessity -of controlling the appetites and passions, if we -would attain the abiding confidence of a trustful -affection, that outreaches self. But then, as you -know, the devil can preach, and practice too, if it so -minds him, self-condemnation?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certes, the fact is,” replied the doctor, “you are -subject to vagaries when your stomach is empty, and -require to feel the force of sound German philosophy -that urges substantial fullness as the source of generous -impressions, eloquence, and heroic deeds, and for -exorcism thorough fumigation with tobacco smoke.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>M. Hollydorf, from the intervention of multiplied -causes, had procrastinated the inauguration of his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>scientific explorations, until compelled to enter upon -the duties of his commission through fear that inquiries -would be instituted to learn the cause of his long -silence. Fully aware that the manifold attractions of -Correliana had served to abate his professional enthusiasm, -and urgency of his desire to fulfill the trust reposed -in his discretion, he resolved to make a test of -his naturalistic occupation for the diversion of his -thoughts from an object of hopeless attainment. -Notwithstanding his knowledge that her affections -were irrevocably fixed, he could not withhold the -manifestation of a hopeful desire in her presence, -within the limits of reverential respect. Correliana, -on her part, seemed to fully understand the import of -his attentions, but was in no way embarrassed by -their indulgence, which with her frankness appeared -inexplicable. When he expressed his intention of -commencing his microscopical field investigations, she -asked the privilege of assisting him when free from -the indispensable duties of the household; promising, -if her request was granted, to be diligent for advancement -in scientific knowledge. She was promptly -accepted as a catechumenic aid, notwithstanding the -promptings of his judgment which suggested that -with the ever present cause of his disquietude, his -remedy would prove of little avail for relief. But he -determined, with a lover’s infatuation, to converse -with her as an abstract divested of material embodiment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the first day of November, while engaged in -preparing his instruments after evening song, M. -Hollydorf was surprised with a visit from the prætor -and family. Observing that the unusual hour caused -fear that some mishap had occurred, Correliana hastened -to relieve the anticipation of evil tidings by -stating the object of the visit. “My father,” she -said, “has been delegated to proffer you the perpetual -hospitality of Heraclea. Not, however, with the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>design that you should hold it as an acknowledgment -of service rendered, but rather as the promptings -of affectionate esteem for your companionship. -As you are aware, we have no practical knowledge of -the world beyond our city walls, and feel that in -winning from you a reciprocation of our affection, we -shall be advised of a course that will avail us as a -protection against the grasping cupidity you have -described as the inherent motive power of civilization. -To be forced to adopt habits of corruption, in defiance -of local option, because your enlightened civilization -holds that the power to enforce their arbitrary despotisms -with brute strength, aided by destructive -mechanical adjuncts, is right; would, with the introduction -of ‘luxurious’ poisons which frenzy and degrade -the human instincts, make us regret with anguish -our liberation from the deadly intent of our -savage foes. For their speedy poison, with its putrefactive -torments, does not degrade the animus of -goodness, but relieves it from material bondage in -purity for immortal association with those who have -gone before. We feel self-conscious that we are in -intention pure and free from cupidity, which assures -us that we merit the affectionate interest that you -have bestowed for our liberation and welfare. This -much we will advance for initiation without infringing -upon the more matured wisdom in store for your -direction. With the full development of our loving resources, -we feel confident in securing your permanent -residence among us, as advisors, in warding off those -who would, for the gratification of craving instinctive -cupidity, sacrifice our well-assured happiness, from -which we realize in life a foretaste of immortality -(<em>smiling</em>). Fortunately, the sage suggestion which -led Mr. Welson to confer the honor of knighthood -upon the savage for the indomitable bravery of his -instinctive propensity to inflict deadly wounds with -his teeth, has relieved us from anxiety from his kindred; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>and if we can persuade the grand master -‘Lobscounster’ to take up his abode in our midst, his -influence may extend to the orders of civilization, for -our protection in the enjoyment of affectionate association. -If he will but exert his power to protect us -from the forced invasions of trade, that would palm -upon our weakness noxious devices, which in naught -would advantage the invaders, but make us wretched -beyond measure, he will insure our eternal gratitude.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson in response said,—The eminent Lobscounster, -if insured from increasing merit a continuance -of Heraclean favor, he cannot be forced from his -allegiance, and in earnest of his intention thankfully -accepted the extended privilege of becoming their -permanent guest. But would most devoutly beg to -decline acceptance of the cognomic title bestowed -upon him by the savage embogator; as to the English -ear it was euphonious with smack of a descent -from an ancient sea cook, and in no way likely to insure -reverence among sea-faring men. Indeed, the -individual referred to would have strongly suspected -collusive substitution if the interpreter had been well -versed in the aquatic lore of ocean English.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the visitors were about leaving, M. Hollydorf -announced his intention of entering upon his -microscopical investigations on the morrow, reminding -Correliana of her promise to render him assistance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With life and health I shall most assuredly be -present,” replied Correliana, “for I have a woman’s -curiosity to test the wonderful magnifying powers of -your instruments, which so far exceed our untutored -conceptions of mechanical refinement. As we have -some practical knowledge derived from the observations -of animalculan life, we hope that our assistance -in your department of science may eventuate in relieving -your anxiety, occasioned by the delay incurred -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>from the aid you have rendered our people.” With -this enigmatical proposition, bespoken with the earnest -zest of sincerity peculiar to all her variations, -Correliana and her parents bade the members of the -corps good-night. Long after the departure of their -visitors, the members of the corps, puzzled and perplexed -by Correliana’s seemingly frank intention, -commingled with implied reservations, and a knowledge -of the world incompatible with the complete -isolation to which their people had been subjected for -ages, endeavored to unravel the clew to her powers of -premonition.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After listening in silence for a long time to the -various suggestive expositions of others, the padre -suddenly exclaimed, “You may reason and think what -you please, but for my own part I know that I have -not been myself since <em>she</em> first came on board of the -<em>Tortuga</em>; and if everything was fair and above board, -as they would have us believe by their words and actions, -they would speak out at once, and not hold anything -back to make us feel doubtful of our souls’ safety. -For by the mouths of a cloud of witnesses, we know -that the powers of darkness have wrought from the -beginning of the world their designs for the temptation -of souls, through the agency of woman’s allurements; -and for myself I can truly say, that I can’t -avoid doing as <em>she</em> wishes to have me without a word -of direction. Besides I am altogether too happy to -have it natural or lasting; and the method of educating -their children separate from each other, and away -from the example of their parents, is barbarous and -unnatural.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the completion of this impulsive padric, Mr. -Welson quietly observed,—“If we are to judge from -appearances, we could not question the source of your -improvement. But as appearances are deceptive, and -the evil-disposed seek solitude for indulgence, the -cloud of a witness rose from beneath the skirt of your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>coat, with the odor of tobacco from your suddenly -concealed pipe, to confirm your shame in the presence -of purity. If your soul has been tempted, it has been -from gross indulgence to purity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre abashed relapsed into silence. But Dr. -Baāhar, who had for a butterfly consideration furnished -him with the means of indulgence, undertook -his vindication, which he commenced with the syllogistic -proposition: “We will certainly admit that -your spasmodic sarcasms are poetical refinements upon -fact, but I contend that you are neither scientific or -logical in your deductions. If God created man with -reasoning instincts, they were undoubtedly intended -for invention and indulgence. Again, in depriving -children of their natural protectors’ care and example, -is in open controversion of Divine will. As for me, I -do not assume to be more wise in my day, than my -ancestors were in theirs. By the assumptions of your -theory, founded upon the partial knowledge of these -egotistical Heracleans, who have been shut out from -a knowledge of the world from time immemorial, we -should repudiate the transmitted experience of our -ancestors. I shall not be guilty of so gross an act of -ingratitude; my father the counselor, and his progenitors, -ate their saur-kraut and sausages, drank -their beer, smoked their pipes, and were excellent -swordmen and genealogists, and I intend to do honor -to the habits they inculcated.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Pettynose the buzz recorder of sound, and Lindenhoff -the genealogical curator of sound, with Viscouswitzs -the photographic artist, sided with Dr. -Baāhar, the latter sensuously remarking: “The -women may be accounted puritanically beautiful, but -they lack the bouquet of civilization, as well as the -natural flavor peculiar to the creole variations; and as -to pleasure, I could derive as much by an association -with marble busts in the atélier of a sculptor. There -is an air of repulsiveness about them that repels geniality, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>so that I never feel comfortable in their presence, -and but for the encampment of the Vermejo Indians -on the lake, I would, with the first opportunity, throw -up my engagement and return to the haunts of civilization; -for of all things I abhor pedantry in men and -puritanism in women.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We are as yet novices in the ways of the Heracleans,” -urged Mr. Dow, “and but imperfectly understand -their motives of action or system of self government. -To judge them from our partial impressions, -which your personal opinions bespeak, is proof -positive that the cavils of surmise, peculiar to individuals, -originated the prejudices to which you have -given voice. To me the addenda to their morning -salutation and evening anthem of praise, as rendered -by M. Hollydorf, bore advisory reference to the -source of their happiness.” M. Hollydorf fully endorsed -Mr. Dow’s views.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span> - <h2 id='XI' class='c005'>CHAPTER XI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>M. Hollydorf after morning salutation mustered -his assistants for the inauguration of the legitimate -duties entailed by his commission; as he had become -fully impressed with the necessity of “working up” -a sufficient number of experimental proofs for the -basis of a preliminary despatch of intention. Selecting -a retired portion of the latifundium for his field of -operations they commenced their labors in good -earnest. Of all the civilized nations of the world, we -can claim for the Germans a just preëminence in -those departments of science devoted to the investigations -of the habits and associations of insect life. -In truth, the enthusiasm shown for insect explorations -has extended itself to every department of their -national existence; from the palace to the cabin particular -attention is devoted to hunting, impaling, and -preserving their cadavers, arranged in order, genera, -and species, in mausoleum cabinets for mummified exhibition -as shrines for the enraptured gaze of Teutonic -devotees. Even the mediæval Gael of the Scottish -Highlands never possessed, in living endowment, an -attritive iota of the associate luxurious zest imparted -from their joint stock investments, or the Egyptian, -of yore, in his necropolitan collections, a source of -such vain-glorious gratification.</p> - -<p class='c000'>M. Hollydorf’s first day’s investigations were rewarded -with the discovery of old species, familiar to -his eye, under new and strange combinations, affording -conclusive evidence of exotic transfusion in propagation -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>at some remote period. In semi-meditation, -with a disinclination for food and midday rest, he -continued his preparatory investigations while his assistants -refreshed themselves with their accustomed -rations and siesta. Availing themselves of his invitation -and leisure, the prætor, Correliana, Mr. Welson, -and Dow made their appearance. Apologizing for -interrupting his studies, Correliana requested the -privilege of subjecting a flower from her garden to -the magnifying power of the tympano-microscope? -Assuring him, with its presentation, that she felt -certain, from its extreme beauty and purity of fragrance, -that it would attract a high order of animalculan -existence capable of appreciating its rare combinations. -After a close examination with his unaided -eyes, he declared it to be of an unknown species and -as peculiar in its rare beauty, novelty of its perfume, -and delicate pungency of its impression, as the Heraclean -representatives of woman kind were superior -and distinct from their civilized genera in the purity -of their habits and customs. With this combined -pronunciamento of comparison as a vent to his enthusiastic -admiration, he placed the flower in the field -receptacle of the tympano-microscope for focal magnifying -reflection of its parasitic habituary residents, -for inspection and classification in substance and -sound. With an exclamation of surprise, compounded -of fear and amazement, he started back from the instrument -exposing to view the petals and pistils -peopled with a multitude of diminutive human beings, -who were convulsed with sneezing spasms of laughter, -which they tried in vain to suppress with expedients -in common use by our kind. The tympanum in sound -articulation reverberated their tiny cachinnations and -sternutatory explosions with such comical effect, that -the prætor and Correliana were compelled, notwithstanding -all their efforts to avoid the impulsive sympathy -of contagion, to join issue with this mirthful introduction -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>of our savans to a kindred animalculan -representation of our race. While equally subject to -the uncontrollable spasms of mirthful laughter and -dumb amazement, the spectators to this scene of apparent -conjurement were held speechless.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The leader of the diminutive apparitions at length -leaped lightly, as if propelled by a sneeze, upon the -stage within the reflecting compass of the tympano-microscope. -Then, after a few ineffectual attempts -to regain his composure, he finally succeeded in obtaining -sufficient control to offer the following apologetic -address, which gradually recalled us to our -senses; but not in sufficient degree for a realization -of their actual existence as human beings, free from -the magic attaint of fears conjured from superstitious -instinct. He thrice repeated to attract our attention -from the stupor of amazement: “Men of science, and -deliverers of the Heracleans, our protogean affinities!” -Our partial attention secured, he continued. -“If through the disability of our Dosch, or chief advisor, -our selection as Manatitlan ambassadors to welcome -you, in our people’s behalf as the preservers of -our co-affinities in affection, should prove a source of -discredit from our undignified appearance on presentment, -it would prove a source of lasting sorrow. But -we feel certain that you will extend to us the favor of -believing that we are not inclined to untimely mirth, -notwithstanding the example we have given to the -contrary. With the concerted desire to impress you -at a suitable moment with the reality of our existence -as a race, Mistress Correliana probably forgot the -keen sensitiveness of our schneiderian membranes to -pungent odors, and with the intention of giving as -much eclat as possible to our introduction, selected -from her garden the most beautiful and fragrant -flower of its parterres. The novelty of our emprise -withheld our attention from the flower until it was -placed in your hand for examination, then too late -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>to effect an exchange, we braced ourselves to resist -its effects. Hence our humiliating condition when exposed -to your view and hearing! Thrown off our -guard by the transformation effected in our size and -sound of our voices, and above all by the consternation -manifested in the expression of your faces, we -could not resist the impulse of our naturally mirthful -dispositions. That the infection should reach and -overpower the more staid humor of our cousins, you -will not wonder, when you recall your own and our -disordered extremes. If you will control your perturbed -emotions for a moment’s reflection you will be -able to realize the irresistible nature of our impressions -under these combined effects. Withal, when -our existence and presence in auramentation becomes -familiar as a recognized reality, you will find in our -joyous dispositions a ready explanation for these ante -phases of our first personal introduction.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Upon this hint, Correliana conquered sufficient composure -to introduce the speaker as Manito, the Prætor -of Maniculæ, the chief city of Manatitla. Then -with the accompaniment of a spasmodic inclination to -sneeze, as they leaned over the serrated edges of the -petals, the tribunes were introduced individually by -name. This process was lengthened by occasional -suppressed tendencies to mirthful outbreaks, which -gave M. Hollydorf and his companions an opportunity -for partial recovery from their dazed state of -amazement. When sufficiently restored for intelligent -comprehension, the flower was changed for one -of less pungent odor, and Manito from the rostrum -point of a petal continued his address.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“From our diminutive size we willingly subscribe -to the designation your nomenclature bestows upon -insect animalities which are but partially visible to -your unaided eyes. Still we do not disdain our size, -for with the Manatitlans it has received the compensating -privilege of a perception that enabled them to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>distinguish the evident object of mankind’s intelligent -endowment above the instincts of associate animality.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Like individuals of your race, ours vary in size. -Some among the Manatitlans have reached in stature -a height approximating in a remote degree to your -well formed dwarfs of a standard monstrosity in the -diminutive extreme sufficient for the excitement of -wondering surprise. Our own divisions are expressed -in terms rating from the smallest in stature, which -are called tits; these form the masses, but with a -sensible diminution in numbers from an upward tendency -to the second degree of elevation from the -majority. The middle class are styled mediums. -With every generation this grade has been increased -in proportion with the decrease of the tits, and ranks -in status with your “well to do” money grade of -merchants and speculators. The giantesco enjoys -the highest statutory standing in the ranks of size, -representing your titled duke commanders, and subalterns -of lordly and knightly degree. But these -distinctions are only perceptible to the eye, and in no -way arbitrary in the assumption of prerogative stature -rights above those below. As our scholastic -term of education commences with the infant at the -age of two years: the first stage that directs and controls -the infantile perceptions and cravings of instinct -is styled pupillage, and is under the supervision of -the censor and nurse, who hold the instinctive exaggerations -of parental fondness in check from birth. -This habilitative stage of matriculation is the most -trying for direction, as upon it depends the matriculant’s -after power of self-control. The second stage -of nonage commences at seven, when the self-devising -perceptions begin to expand into individuality, that -require educated direction, and leading encouragement. -At fourteen, or the pubertal stage, the first -indications appear for the premonitory inauguration -of status rank established for the distinctions of size. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>The initiatory discipline of the scholar entering upon -his senior term, induces the tractor disposition of the -censorial advisor, in association with his juniors; in -place of your form system of “bullying” the nether -“fag,” whose weakness makes submission a virtue, -when subject to the classical distinctions of arbitrary -power. The seniors become assistant tutors to the -censors and teachers from the age of fourteen until -the close of their twenty-third year, when they -graduate; and after a probationary term of three -months’ “courtship,” with the connubial censors’ selection -of affiances, are married. This cursory glance -will serve for an introductory insight into our natural -system of education designed for the direction of -our immortal endowment in perceptive flight above -the body’s ephemeral gratification of instinctive -desire.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Of other matters, pertaining to our actual realization -of an enduring happiness, you will be advised -by our advisors; as our interview was designed solely -for your recognition and realization of our existence -as a race in diminuendo alliance with your own. -Our associations with your race are of a privileged -description, which from the concentrated acuteness -of our sensitive perceptions, enables us to divine -your thoughts by auramental espionage. If you will -give a moment’s investigation to the impressions of -thought, when free from the turmoil of suspicious -doubts, which now assail and render your efforts for -reasonable perception void, you will find that they -are all distinctly enunciated in the thalmus auditorium, -which is the focal centre for maturing sensorial -observations. Our size, and practical knowledge of -the sensitive departments of your ears, enables our -giantescoes to gain the aural sinus without provoking -titillation, and its proximity to the vibrating portal, -or vellum auditorium, permits our sensitive perceptions -of sound to realize your thought articulations -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>before they are matured for retentive comparison, -or the vocalized utterances of speech communication. -So that in reality, we hold the gigas (the name word -we use for the designation of your race in contradistinction -to our own) subject to our direction, when -free from the ruling habits of instinctive indulgence, -which defy control. As the previous knowledge of our -advisers has preferred you to their confidence, I will -state that our means of direction are through thought -substitution, which the giantesco is able to modulate -with ventriloquial variations of voice for the receptive -nullification of those derived from their own sensoriums. -Of course, the effects vary with the intensity -of the subject’s command over his own sensorium, and -the absorbing influence of educated impressions imparted -from habits and customs. As an example, I -will now state that M. Hollydorf, in his turmoil of -doubts, feels that Mistress Correliana has in some way -imposed upon his confidence; but my informer says -that his impressions are in no wise capable of assuming -the power of self control, so that upon our own -responsibility we will exonerate Correliana from all -deceptive intentions; as she was subject to our control -in withholding from you a knowledge of our -presence, as the mysterious source of her guiding premonitions, -and means of obtaining information of -human affairs in the world beyond the inclosing walls -of their isolated city. Now, in turn, we ask you to -withhold from your companions the result of your -day’s explorations, that you may observe the influence -we are able to exert for their mystification, and the -development of the intangible resources of instinct, -which subserve for the delusive beguilement of reason -from the intelligent direction of creative indications. -This much, will prove sufficient for your night’s cogitations, -but to-morrow the Dosch and his advisors will -instruct you in the weightier matters pertaining to -our educating system devised for self control. As -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>you are still hovering in the clouds of doubt, we will -regale your senses, for composure, with a musical -olio. M. Hollydorf, at the period of our first introduction, -was considered an excellent judge of music, -and at times amused himself with amateur compositions, -one of which pleased me, and on my return to -Manatitla I presented it to our musical censor, who -adopted and incorporated it with our salutations. -We will now render it, that you may pass censure or -commendation upon the accuracy of our version; for -of all the selfish kleptomanias, that of stealing musical -compositions, and mutilating them in transposition -for an author’s reputation founded upon a lie, is -the most contemptible within the range of barren instinct. -Fortunately, only the younger branches of -the Mouthpat tribes of our species have ever been -guilty of a witless invention base enough to seek -gratification from so mean a subterfuge.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>With this apologetic prelude Manito marshaled -his choristers along the borders of the dependent -curves of the petals facing his bewildered auditors -and rendered the following stanzas with an effect -that revived them from their superstitious fears:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“From darkness dread, the dawn appears!</div> - <div class='line'>Mother of day, whose dewy tears,</div> - <div class='line'>Distilled from the labors of the night,</div> - <div class='line'>Greet with joy, the sun birth of light.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Hail, glorious mother of morn!</div> - <div class='line'>Beautiful type of woman’s form,</div> - <div class='line'>When hallowed from instinctive night,</div> - <div class='line'>She hails, at birth, a son of light.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>M. Hollydorf recalling the occasion and source of inspiration, -glanced at Correliana with a furtive look -of anguish. For the prompting source of the stanzas, -was a longing desire that woman’s beauty should be -adorned with more lasting “graces” than those -bestowed by the fashionable dressmaker, dancing -master, and boarding-school mistress, in hopeful premonition -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>of an immortality with joys exceeding the -gossiping allurements of a heaven of sense. The -look of sympathy he received in return banished from -his thoughts doubts, and suspicions of supernatural -agency. Manito, observing the confidence expressed -in his glance, and the more ready belief of Mr. Welson -and Dow, that the Manatitlans in reality represented -a diminutive department of human mortality, -said, that as his mission for the day had been fulfilled -in degree beyond expectation, they would not prejudice -their success by prolonging the interview, but -would leave them with a new zest for the transmission -of one of their best melodies. He then rearranged -his choristers and rendered “Home, sweet -home,” with an effect that caused them to join in -thought sympathy with the affectionate harmony of -Manatitlan expression. At the close the prætor and -tribunes of Maniculæ bid their first giga audience -good-by, and disappeared from view. Correliana -then signaled the stoop of her favorite falcon Merlin -from his circling wafts above the latifundium; after -a short perch of a few moments upon her wrist, he -was despatched, as she announced, to Maniculæ, bearing -back the prætor, Manito, and tribunes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson was the first to break silence after their -departure, with a long drawn,—“Whew,” as a prelude -to the exclamation, “Ah, ha! mistress Correliana, -we have the secret now to all your mysterious enactments, -which inclined those the least superstitiously -prejudiced to credit you with an inheritance tinctured -with the pretensions of your sibylline ancestry. But -our wondering amazement is scarcely less than it -would have been under the superstitious impression -that you really possessed the power invoked by the -ancient sibyl. Still the manifestation of a visible -source, however small, is far more agreeable to our -perceptions.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana answered, with a pleading smile, “You -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>will surely forgive, and pardon me for retaining a -secret of such importance, in the face of all your kind -and confiding acts, now that you have learned that I -received it in trust from a source so well qualified -with the essentials of prudent direction? The Dosch, -however, will more fully state the many causes that -rendered its retention desirable. But of this you can -rest assured, the Manatitlans are <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">bonâ fide</span></i> representatives -of animalculan humanity; and when I state -that we are solely indebted to them for our redemption -from the bondage of instinct, you will understand -the nature of our trust in their direction.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Beckoning the stoop of a falcon, it alighted upon -her wrist. She then exposed, beneath what they had -supposed to be an ornamental attachment of designation, -a howdah. Then taking from her pocket pouch -a reel of filmy thread,—attenuated to a degree that -rendered it almost imperceptible to the eye, she -wound the free end around Mr. Welson’s finger, then -asked him to try its strength. With his utmost exertion, -tried with many devices for its separation, the -thread remained unparted. She then explained that -the materials, from which, in perfect combination, it -was drawn, were mineralized with flexile and vis inertia -substances in adaptation for a great variety of -purposes, subserving for the protective furtherance of -health, comfort, and personal purity. Also for protective -defense, “as it is impenetrable to the swiftest -fledged missiles when wrought into textile fabrics.” -But its most esteemed peculiarities are repulsive resistance -to uncleanly cohesion, combined with a nonconducting -neutrality in the transmission of cold and -heat, causing the refuse excretions of the body to -evaporate without obstructing the rejecting orifices of -the ducts, when used in its adaptation for raiment. -In part, we have been able to imitate this valuable -acquisition for the protective preservation of our persons -from decomposing agencies, which are constantly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>in a fermentable and putrefactive state of conceptive -action for the production of renewed vitality varied -in degenerative series. But of these matters the -Manatitlans will advise you in due time. In your -present state of perturbation it will but little avail to -extend our conversation into details that require for a -complete understanding consecutive exposition.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After Correliana and her father had taken their -leave of the four favored witnesses of the new grade -revelation in the status of humanity, they remained -standing in the same position, absorbed with contending -emotions of doubt and belief, until aroused by -the approach of Dr. Baāhar and the padre. Then, -with a forced recovery, M. Hollydorf announced his -intention of discontinuing his explorations for the -time being; which afforded his assistants a desired -relief, for with their few hours’ occupation they had -discovered in themselves an unwonted dislike for the -professional details of their occupation. While on -their way to deposit the tympano-microscope in the -house designated by Correliana as the one intended -for the reception of the Dosch, the four maintained -their thoughtful silence until after they had bestowed -upon the instrument of revelation a careful disposal. -Then M. Hollydorf sententiously remarked, “Although -still perplexed, I am confident in the full integrity -of Correliana’s assurance that these Manatitlans -are <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">bonâ fide</span></i> embodiments of humanity, with -intelligent capabilities superior to our own! But it -is hard to reconcile them with any of the preconceived -ideas of our race. They certainly advocate, with -practical demonstration, a more direct and reasonable -way for the attainment of present and prospective -happiness, than that of redemption from sin by saving -grace?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By all that there is in us, capable of assuming -the control of judgment, we cannot avoid their own, -Miss Correliana’s, and the confirmation of our own -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>senses in attestation of the fact of their real presence,” -added Mr. Welson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For my own part,” said Mr. Dow, “there is to -me nothing more strange in their discovery, than in -that of the Heracleans, now that we have recovered, -in a measure, from the first startling effects. It has -occurred to me frequently, of late, that there must -have been some interior creative object in the gradations -of instinct, and ultimate alliance of superhuman -intelligence with the highest grade? It is certainly -impossible for me to reason myself into the belief -that we have been endowed with a perception of -goodness, and the necessity of purity for its attainment, -to have them dispensed with in life for the -substitution of the instinctive greed of selfishness, -with the accommodating proviso of repurification by -an act of saving grace! Neither can we disguise the -fact, that we now think and act quite unlike our -former selves, with a sensible improvement in happiness, -in freedom from the selfish accessories we formerly -thought necessary for its assurance.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this point they were interrupted by the entrance -of the prætor with his wife and daughter, who came -to inquire if M. Hollydorf wished to suggest any -change for the better accommodation of his instrument -with regard to light? In the expression of his -satisfaction, M. Hollydorf alluded not only to the -wonderful preservation of the buildings, but furniture, -which appeared, in style, to have been coeval in -manufacture with the remnants seen in old Heraclea. -In explanation the prætor said that it was -much easier to preserve from decay than to restore -ruins. But the means of preservation had been bestowed -by Giganteo XVI., Dosch of the Manatitlans, -as a legacy to the sons of Indegatus, associate prætors -of Heraclea, who were the first of our race that became -personally acquainted with animalculan humanity. -“You will find all of the unoccupied houses of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>the city in like good condition with this, and equally -free for your inspection and occupation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the occasion was opportune, M. Hollydorf consulted -with those present how he might prepare a -statement of the day’s developments sufficiently credible -for the acceptable belief of the Home Society? -The prætor advised him to defer his cause of perplexity -to the Dosch, who would resolve it readily, from -a personal knowledge of the characteristic peculiarities -of the members of the R. H. B. Society. Then -Mr. Dow preferred his petition for their united aid in -the advancement of his historical compendium of the -Heracleans. This all were pleased to accord, as it -was through his indomitable perseverance that the -discovery was accomplished, before the City of the -Falls had been reduced to the tenantless condition of -its senior counterpart. As he was referred to me for -special aid in compilation, from his lack of knowledge -in the constructive use of the Heraclean idiom,—which -was to us personally a source of mutual regret,—it -will be well to state in anticipation of a similarity -in diction of our separate labors, that I have been in -no way beholden to him for the style I have adopted -in recording the historiographical account of the corps -investigations. I trust that this egoistic explanation -will prove sufficient in efficacy to redeem me from -plagiaristic odium?</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span> - <h2 id='XII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The prætor and his family, including Cleorita and -Oviata Arcos, with the Four, awaited, on the morning -succeeding the eventful day of Manito’s animalculan -introduction, the coming of the Dosch of Manatitla -in the audience chamber of the house, dedicated by -Correliana in aptitude to the developing powers of the -tympano-microscope, “the auriculum.” After a short -delay of expectation, the courier falcon appeared at -poise, from which in swift descent it came in downward -incline direct to its perch on Correliana’s wrist. -But a second elapsed before the tympanum reëchoed -in cheery tones of salutation the voice of our expected -visitor. Our attention attracted to the field of magnifying -reflection, discovered a coterie of animalculans, -of nearly the same size, grouped about the -speaker. With the salutation, “<span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Afferens scientiam -errantes gigantes</span>,” he addressed us as follows:—</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>For ages untold, our race have waited in patient -expectation for the morning’s dawn when they could -salute yours face to face, and impart to you a source -of happiness that in life realizes communion with immortality. -To us has been vouchsafed this coveted -privilege, and it shall be our study to improve it to -your advantage. Notwithstanding the malapropos -accident—casting upon Correliana an arch glance -that wrought for her face a scarlet veil—of yesterday, -which detracted from the dignity of an introduction -so important to the regenerative welfare of your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>race, we were glad that auspicious mirth was the -trophy of the occasion, rather than tears of grief, of -which we shall be mindful in adjudging our censure -to the cause. Joyous mirth we have esteemed an -evidence of goodness, for it declares itself beyond the -reach of selfish impediment that breeds evil intention; -even when the foibles of our kind become the -subjects of humorous provocation. Mirth is ill timed, -when preconcerted with a knowledge that a portion -of those present will be unable to appreciate the humorous -incentive; as it opens wide the door of suspicion -with your peoples, who have been educated -under the partial sway of national habits and customs. -Dissimilarity in habits and customs, under national -patronage, begets from seeming incongruity a disposition -to gibe with missile retorts, fledged and tipped -with ironical sarcasms, as rankling in effect as the -pointed weapons in the mouth of Mr. Welson’s -knighted chief. To be frank, if the ludicrous scene -of yesterday had occurred with matured acquaintance, -I should not have spared the demure, but conscious -blushes of the fair medium. Our first acquaintance -with you, although not mutual in personal recognition, -is of older date than yesterday, and upon it has -been founded our predilections, which in train have -led to the many concurrent circumstances favoring -the happy issue of our more direct scheme, devised -for the liberation of your race from the pampering -trammels of instinct. It would have been quite easy -for our first giantescoes to have obtained an introduction -to your race, if they had emulated the desire of -being exhibited as an iotian monstrosity for the gratification -of giga greed and curiosity. But fortunately -for our present hoped-for issue, our system of education, -devised for the development of affectionate confidence, -encouraged the past generations of our race -to wait for an opening free from the entailment of -experimental disadvantage. A knowledge of our race -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>for the gratification of your scientific savants curiosity, -would have been as profitless for good, as their sight-seeing -acquaintance with the moon and stars. Our -Manatitlan sages have from the earliest period recommended -extreme caution to prevent the premature introduction -of our race to yours. The favorable indications -to be watched for in premonition of a successful -issue were those of extreme folly, heralding a closing -cycle; for the contrast afforded by the result of our -happy example would attract kindly imitation of those -inclined to affectionate goodness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Desideratus, one of our most approved prognosticators, -deposed that the affections of woman afford -the best test of a closing giga cycle. When frivolity -and the gossiping comparisons of vanity gain the ascendency -over natural affection, inherent as the -birthright of woman, then you may know that the -symbolic serpent’s tail has received its final circle inclination -for union with the mouth. This inclination -was foreshadowed in the eighteenth century, with -invention of power looms; which with the largely -increased acceleration of steam, fabricated in excess -of the world’s actual requirements for healthy protection -and comely adornment. With steam as an inductive -aid to civilized progression, the Eugenic era -was ushered in, when the frail mortal tenements of -women became subject to empirical vanity, and in -rivalry, the standard-bearers for cumbersome mechanical -products, to the utter perversion of healthy -elasticity, comfort, and their special vocation of fostering -for immortality affectionate goodness. This -dereliction of giga women from their manifest duty, -has brought in train domestic and dynastic miseries, -while from dreary self conviction their hopeless prospect -closes with the grave. As we have now adventured -the only opportunity that has ever occurred, -with a prospect of success, for extending the influence -of our happy experience to your race, we will with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>our introduction premise a description of <em>Our Country</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Manatitla is situated in the Andean district of La -Plata, with a southern aspect. It occupies a space -between the parallels of 20° 40˝ and 30° south latitude -and 40° 50° west longitude, embracing an area -of forty square furlongs, of Manatitlan measurement. -Its surface is diversified, combining in well-defined -variety mountains, hills, and vales, with their concomitant -streams, lakes, and brooks; affording with -arable advantages, prospects unrivaled in beauty, -which have been enhanced by the grateful labor of -its inhabitants in acknowledgment for the benefits -bestowed. The climate is salubrious and free from -the extremes of heat and cold, having a valley altitude -varying but little from six thousand feet above -the estuary of the La Plata. The adjacent country -is occupied by the giga and animalculan wild hordes. -The Minim is the largest river. Its source is derived -from Lake Areta, located in the Andean spur of Ultisimma; -flowing in a northeasterly direction it finally -becomes tributary to the Vermejo. On the northwestern -bank is situated our chief city, Maniculæ. Forty -of our miles below, on the same bank, is situated the -City of Iota, containing twenty thousand inhabitants. -Nearly opposite the last named city, is the town of -Speck, its inhabitants, in transition, being chiefly occupied -in the manufacture of auro-silicate for edificial -construction and textile fabrics, rendering them indestructible -and repulsive to cumulative adhesion. -The entire population of Manatitla is estimated at -eighteen millions, with a healthy tendency to a continued -rapid decrease in number, from causes which -will be described hereafter.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>The Traditional History of Manatitla</em>, is coeval -with the imaginary date of Mauna Che’s advent as a -deity from the La Plata into Alta Peru, reaching in -your time measurement to eleven thousand years, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>which probably embraces relics of truth, among others -a like origin with the Heracleans; as we are without -doubt descended from castaway parasites of gigas -from the eastern continent. But as it is a constant -repetition of acts of oppression, in kind with your -classical written history, we will not shock you with -their rehearsal.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>The Actual, or Written History of Manatitla</em>, was -commenced in the latter portion of the reign of King -Primus, from which dates our transition period, or -emancipation of our people from the instinctive rule -of the stomach and its engendered lusts. But from -its resemblance in factional disruptions to your own, -culminating in a parallel to their cycle condition, -we will only allude to the causes that immediately -preceded, and in tendency wrought the changes that -finally effected partition from old habits, and the -reverenced usages of instinct. Arbitrary, religious, -and civil exactions, seconded by compulsory persuasion -against all nonconformists, signalized the tendencies -of the period, and gave birth to an ultra instinctive -race, styled liberal democrats, who claimed -the inalienable right of suffragian equality bestowed -upon the lower orders of the animal creation, in the -exercise of their untrammeled state of field and -forest freedom. The regular national church, and -king, persecuted the nonconformists and schismatics -with dire vengeance, under the patronage of godhead -personification, translating the living heretics with -tortures, burnings, and repetitions of drowning suffocations -by resuscitations from a moribund state, -and like admonitory chastenings in transition for the -final judgment of their long enduring and merciful -godhead. The persecuted schismatics emigrated to -distant lands, in order that they might worship their -God of reformation in freedom from invidious restriction -of rites. When located, they in turn used -the same strenuous arguments to subvert the tribal -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>forms of worship. Gaining the ascendency, with destructive -agents, they deprived the aboriginals of local -option, forcing them to conform, with death and displacement, -until they had obliged the remnant descendants -of their benefactors to accept a conditional -exile on the outskirts of progressive civilization, in -transit for a grave ultimatum. The notable invention -of letters signalized the latter portion of the -reign of Primus, and to it he laid claim as king rief -discoverer; which in the law of entail declares the -subject a utensil to be used for the exaltation of -kingly prerogative; being identified with everything -that pertains to the glory of the throne and its legitimate -scionry, his assumptive appropriation was sustained -with ministerial affidavits and legal opinions, -in attestation of King Primus’s great literary and inventive -capacity, allied to clemency, justice, and generosity. -But after his death, there was found concealed -in the hut of a bard, who had disappeared just -anterior to the announcement of the king’s invention, -parchments inscribed with the newly introduced characters, -which set forth the bard’s adverse claims in -these terms:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>With symbolic signs, I have found,</div> - <div class='line'>The art of representing sound.</div> - <div class='line'>On distant business one can send,</div> - <div class='line'>Or with them greet a distant friend.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>From this scrap of post circumstantial testimony, it -is evident that he either intended to filch from the -king, or that the king did obtain his reputation for -literary invention from the fior’s or bard’s genius. -The latter presumption receives probable confirmation -from our aura-mention of similar pretentions to authorship -advanced by giga potentates of the past and -present age.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The rule of King Primus was of the most despotic -description ever enforced by an arbitrary will over -the weak subserviency of plodding human instinct, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>which in kindred affinity with the dogs, is content to -give vent to a growling yelp when the freedom of its -tail is ground by the heel of the oppressor. Whenever -these constitutional growls foreboded an insurrectionary -show of teeth, the gregarious spirit of -commune revolt was allayed by the grant of a new -charter of rights, but if this precedental sop failed to -lay the retaliative spirit engendered by oppression, -the current of their wrath was turned against their -neighbors, with arbitrary conjurations as the provocations, -of war. As an infallible test of his infallibility -death displaced him to make room for a successor. -The people put on sackcloth, and rolled in the dust -of humiliation, in mournful semblance of grief for -the loss of their demi-god, whose dealings had been -grievous and past finding out.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After public eulogistic exaltations, funereal orations -and lamentations had subsided, his only son was -proclaimed successor with jubilant rejoicings. But -Justinatus, the son, resolutely announced his determination -to reject the succession, recommending -the people to select from the wise men of the nation -a council to decide upon a form of government best -suited in adaptation for the requirements of the -people; but they with their faces and thoughts turned -to the rear, in reverence for past usage, clamored -for a king. But they found in Justinatus a man as -determined for the enforcement of right, as his father -had been for wrong. He commanded them to turn their -faces to the future, and act according to his direction, -not for themselves or their generation alone, but for -those who were to succeed them. Submissive to the -letter of his direction, but in conformity with precedental -creed, they elected eight men by ballot, and instructed -them to proclaim Justinatus king. With this -evidence of their precedental stupidity he assumed the -power of directing them for their own good, selecting -four men of as well approved wisdom as his judgment -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>could discover, he placed at their head his early -instructor as chief advisor, with the titled designation -of Dosch. After this inauguration of an advisorial -system, Justinatus, as a pupil, received from them instruction; -combining, with his advance in knowledge, -his aid in promoting the practical development -of means for insuring equality in thought and judgment, -necessary for the promotion of the common -welfare.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In consideration of the fluctuating variations incident -to common usage, their first endeavors were -directed for the devisement of a method that would -insure exampled conformity in act. The difficulty -of effecting uniform compatibility, in the then present -habits of the people, soon became apparent. As -a dernier of preparation, a division of labor was -enforced, according with the personal healthy capacity -of each individual. Under this system of -equalized industry for community support, the drones -were soon discovered, and subjected to the taskmaster -supervision of those capable of exercising -self control for the common good. Of course the -outcry of slavery and oppression became rampant -with the ill disposed and vicious; but compelled association -with the good soon wrought a happy change; -but not before many revolutionary schemes of revolt -had been planned by the democratic majority, and -nipped in the bud. The great bar to the full success -of the renovating process, was the all absorbing lust -for selfish gratification, procured from the sacrifice of -others’ welfare. Exhortations and demonstrations of -the evil effects and instability of pleasures having a -material dependency upon the appetites and passions -of the body were of no avail. Stimulating provocations, -for the production of inordinate appetites, had -held an increasing sway from time immemorial, and -the infatuation still continued to subvert the efforts -of the Doschate of advisors for the establishment of a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>rational source of happiness, that should extend its -blessings for the reciprocal appreciation of all. Laws -and penal restrictions proved of easy evasion, and -the local option of individuals native to Manatitla, -having a desire to establish in perpetuity the happiness -of their people, as a beacon light of example, -were openly defied by aliens. To restrict emigration, -which was claimed as a privileged right ordained as -an inherent instinct of animality, they did not dare! -as it was declared by the majority an assumption -that would directly controvert the rights of septs and -nationalities guaranteed by deity. The civilized progenitors -of the races represented by tribes and small -nationalities occupying the country adjacent to Manatitla, -had undoubtedly been parasitical attaches to -giga castaways like those of the Manatitlans. This -stumbling block of perversion, continued from generation -to generation for centuries; until the advent of -the Dosch Desiderata, who with the aid of his advisors, -turned the tide anarchy by the adoption of foreigners -as guests, withholding the privilege of citizenship for -bestowal upon their children’s children of the third -generation. This inaugurated an era memorable for -the change of precedental precept, based upon warlike -achievements, into a source of abhorrence with -the increasing minority. Thoughtful consideration -bestowed upon example for the transmitted improvement -of future generations in goodness, produced a -wonderful effect upon the actors of the then present -generation by the induction of harmony from reciprocal -goodwill. Through his wise deductions, that -clearly demonstrated the necessity of self government -in association with others, woman threw off her shroud -of vanity, and labored earnestly for the renewal of her -lost prestige of trust, bestowed for the transmission -of purity and goodness. The incipient struggles of -the minority, under the direction of Desiderata, were -short and decisive; but for the time being evoked -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>with groveling bitterness fierce invective from the -majority. A memorial address of remonstrance, from -the democratic majority, against the abrogation of the -rights of citizenship, in the first and second degree of -alien residence, set forth, that God had created all -men free and equal without respect to color or habits, -with the command that they should work out their -own way of salvation, and that each individual was -guaranteed an inalienable right to participate in the -government of his fellow man. “And that, whereas, -as hereinafter stated,” the citizens of Manatitla represent -different nationalities, it was but just and right -that they should have a voice in the council of advisors, -in order that they might guard and protect -their own liberties and safety. With this preamble, -imitated from giga precept, the contest can be realized -without repeating the stale platitudes of democratic -subterfuge. The promulgated reply was as follows:——</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Dosch of Manatitla and his advisors, to the -alien guests (heretofore, in acceptation, adopted citizens) -of their people and country, greeting! We -have received your petition, and have reviewed with -care the requests you have proffered. Our answer is -set forth in the subjoined proclamation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘To the residents of Manatitla of foreign birth! -As it is our matured desire to emancipate the people -native to our country from their own degrading habits, -and the deleterious example of those derived from extraneous -source, we herewith announce the corrective -enactments we have devised for the collective well -being and happiness of all within our advisorial control. -As it is manifest, from the conclusive evidence -of creative design, that mankind are in bodily -and functional alliance with all the different grades -of animality, through the representative agency of -omnivorous instinct; it is also as clearly evident that -his endowed superiority resides in his privileged capacity -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>for self control, with an ultimate intention -equally apparent. For a rational realization of this -saving clause, an easy estimate can be made of all the -tangible sources of happiness held by human kind independent -of the body’s instincts. As upon these -depend our hopes of happiness in life, in premonition -of immortality, it is imperative with all to hold them -in reciprocal cultivation for the confluent control—in -subjection—of the passions inherent with the -vital functions of animality. As woman, the endowed -source and mother of our race, when free from the -attaint of man’s selfish invention, expresses a natural -repugnance to everything opposed to purity and -goodness, and in the full fruition of her endowment -is reverenced as the germ ideal of immortality; we -have through her a direct indication of the immortal -source of happiness bestowed with creative intention -for the local option of mankind. In negative assurance, -that purity and goodness is the endowed source -of happiness; woman when lost to their sustenance, -becomes hopelessly degraded, sinking with loathsome -taint below the vilest brute, and utterly lost to the -instinctive ties of affection, will not hesitate to sacrifice -mother, husband, sister, and child to the poisonous -lust of her reptile selfishness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘That the cause of this ferocious degeneration, -which has the power of transforming woman from the -glorious ideal of immortality, into an object too repulsive -for her destroyer to find in his vocabulary words -of beastly vulgarity sufficiently strong in the odor of -putrefactive designation for expressing in comparison -the foulness of his scorn, is derived from man’s insatiate -devisement, cannot be denied! For the exampled -amendment of this woful cause of degeneration, we -have provided family censors, and nurses, in sufficient -number for present requirement, whose duty it will -be to hold in check parental indiscretions, and mutations -incited from the instinctive variations of fondness -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>and petulance. With the close of the second -year, the provisorial charge of the family censor and -nurse will be transferred with the infant to the national -school of the department in which they reside, -their guardian duties continuing until the seventh -year, at the commencement of which the child is matriculated -as a pupil, with full scholastic adoption by -the censors and teachers. For the additional furtherance -of our system, subserving for the vindication of -creative indications for the elimination of our immortal -endowment, we have separated the sexes that in the -process of educational attainment they may remain -free from the natural temptations inherent with instinct.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘The benefits conferred by our national system of -education you have realized in the peaceful confidence -and unity imparted in after association; also the sequent -inseparable unity of our marriage conjunctions. -In truth, they are happily too apparent to be gainsaid. -So that in accepting our hospitality as guests, -you cannot avoid, in courtesy, a willing recognition -of our rights of freehold preëmption, for preserving -our habits and customs of purity and goodness, intact -from the infringements of foreign attaint; or question -the justice of our privilege of enforcing their -observance; or in default, question our corrective enactments -devised for the culprit’s realization of practical -liabilities incurred by the transgressor. These -will be strictly enforced. But that there may be no -cavilings, with the hue and cry of barbarous excess -in punishment, we have provided accommodations -adapted to the specie degradation of the lower orders -of animal instinct, of sufficient capacity for associate -occupation by human emulators of bestiality in kind; -through all the gradations from the <em>omnium gatherum</em> -‘swine,’ blood thirsty ‘tiger,’ down to the reptile -conservators of poison. For the correction of women -who have lapsed from their vocation of conservators -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>of purity and goodness, into the incipient stages of gadding -and gossiping detraction, we have provided cage -apartments for their mutual accommodation with -birds representing their kind, in the hopping vent of -thoughtless words. We have provided for initiatory -correction pavonias (animalculan peacocks) for the -exemplar admonition of the vain-glorious; and jab-boracidas -(jackdaws and magpies) for the likeness of -gossipping repeaters; for the loud mouthed and strepitant -clackitas (parrots and cockatoos), and for the -‘fashionable’ imitators, simia curios (female monkeys). -These, as occasion may require, will extend invitations -to their ‘likes’ of the human sex to attend -their <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">levées</span>, which will be subject to the auditorial -outside inspection of the public, if morbid curiosity -should prompt witnesses to the ordeal of misery. -These provisos and corrective conceptions have been -devised for, and proved to be of universal benefit, -with the evidence of well attested experience; and -we desire your coöperation, as guests, for the perfection -of our system designed for the advancement -of purity and goodness. But shall strenuously insist -that your children shall become participants in the -privileges conferred by our system of education.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'>As you will readily conceive, this proclamation of -Desiderata and his associates caused the fulmination -of bitter invectives and threats of vengeance, which -served to vindicate the wisdom of the predicated precautions. -But the writers of the period state that in -a few generations the influence for good extended to -savage tribes, who petitioned for admission of their -children into our national schools. The improvement -was so marked in its demonstration of a realizing -source of happiness, that but three centuries elapsed -from the period of organization, before the foreign -nationalities were peacefully absorbed, their subjects -becoming educated citizens of Manatitla.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With the illustrative sketch that I have given of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>Manatitla’s transition period of extension, you, and -the readers of the historiographer’s transcript, will -readily understand the inceptive source and stages -that premised the establishment of our practical system -of education. But owing to the limited number -of words and terms for the expression of purity and -goodness, with their practical variations, in your languages, -we are of necessity obliged to use them in -frequent repetition.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span> - <h2 id='XIII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>At this stage, M. Hollydorf interrupted the Dosch, -with the assurance that he was fully convinced not -only of the actual existence of animalculan humanity, -but of the tangible wisdom of Manatitlan providence, -shown in their inauguration of rational system for -educational discernment, necessary for the fulfillment -in life of happy intention. “But the difficulty of -making the home society realize by letter the multiplying -wonders in the course of our discoveries, puzzles -my invention for a credible method of imparting -the information without subjecting my sanity and integrity -to impeachment. If you can, in your wisdom, -resolve me how I may absolve myself with credit in -my official correspondence, I shall certainly feel grateful.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dosch smilingly assured him that he had no -occasion for fear, as the sensational novelty of truthful -record, with a little auramental aid rendered by -the Manatitlans in the substitution of thought, would -suffice for the ready adoption and belief of his report, -as a marvelous indication of the age, in evidence of -rapid progression under German lead. With this -closing advisorial suggestion the Dosch and his companions -departed for Maniculæ.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The abstracted mood, fitful and irrelevant conversation, -with the daily convocations of the four conservators -of the Manatitlan secret, in the house under -the northern temple’s eastern wall, did not fail to attract -the wondering curiosity of their associates. But -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>as M. Hollydorf had emancipated the members of -the corps from field duty, they found no lack of pleasing -occupation in rendering useful aid to the Heracleans. -Doctor Baāhar had enlisted the padre, for a -quid pro quo, in the pursuit of butterflies; the two -curators of sound engaged in herding and woodland -pursuits; Jack and Bill, under Heraclean and Kyronese -instruction, engaged in “navigating” a small -garden plot in the latifundium, with amusing success, -while Viscouswitzs, the artist, wooed the Indian maids -of the Vermejo tribe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dosch, in continuation of his historical sketch -of the Manatitlans, passed to the period noted as the -Heraclean epoch.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>The third century of your Christian era was well -advanced before they were aware that there was a -race of white gigas occupying a city not far remote -from Maniculæ. At that period distance was measured -by the time occupied in conveyance by the insects -then in use for transportation; but as the vitality -of their bodies was subject to deciduous tenure, travelers -were obliged to confine their researches within the -limits of populated districts, between which adventitious -paths were well defined. The defective means -of communication with remote Manatitlan provinces -had ever been a source of sincere regret. Still the -lack of advancement in the art of locomotion had -never interfered with the actual realization of happiness. -The wood roach and beetle were used as insects -of draught in the preparation of the soil for cultivation, -and the flea for equisaltation, it being the favorite -mount for distant journeys and pleasure excursions. -The first innovation upon these time honored extra -locomotive adjuncts, was effected by the persevering -ingenuity and daring courage of a medium named -Bussee. He had from an early age devoted his -thoughts to natural history with the practical intention -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>of improving the native stock which was too diminutive -to be made available for transportation. As -a boy he had been noted for a quick practical judgment, -displayed in his ability to eke out from scant -means the fulfillment of a desired end. Many of his -improved domestic utensils are still in use, in evidence -of an inventive genius in advance of his age. His -habits were erratic, showing an impatience that disdained -restraint within the bounds of precedental -usage. Still his affectionate desire to confer public -benefits attracted a grateful solicitude whenever his -absence was unusually prolonged. But as he rarely -returned without some valuable acquisition, confidence -in his ability for self-protection waived anxiety. At -length an absence of two months without communicating -with his family, aroused public sympathy to such -a pitch that a search was decided upon. In preparation -the citizens of Maniculæ had collected in the anthemique -to consult upon the most feasible means of -conducting the search.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the direction was decided upon, and they -were issuing forth for its prosecution, they were -startled by the gyrations of an <span lang="it" xml:lang="it">apis isolata</span> (solitary -bee) in close proximity to their heads. After a few -eccentric evolutions which excited a commensurate -degree of alarm, their fears were relieved by a shout -of laughter in the jovial tones of the absentee, who, -by a skillful direction, caused the bee to alight in their -midst. When sufficiently assured of freedom from -danger, his parents and the Dosch approached near -enough to obtain a view of his mechanical appliances -for guiding his prize. Between the wings of the bee, -upon his back, a net with latticed films, supported in -dome shape by stiff fibres, was attached. This turret -was retained in place by filaments, which passed beneath -his body, in the articulation between the body -and thorax, so that his movements and winged action -were not impeded. To the antennæ, on either side, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>were attached filamental guides, or reins, for directing -his course, the proximal extremities being coupled -within the pilot cone. When assured of the strength -and security of the attachments, the Dosch and parents -of Buzzee ventured on a short experimental flight. -As the insect circled, in company with his mate, to -gain a bee line, the daring volantaph caused him to -execute a variety of intricate evolutions, which at first -alarmed his passengers, who expostulated with him in -reproof for his temerity. But when he explained his -wish to show them how completely the movements of -the bee were under his control, they no longer offered -objections, their fears being turned to admiration. -When satisfied that air flights could be conducted -with more ease, safety, and swiftness, beyond the most -sanguine expectations of ancient or modern Manatitlan -prognosticators, his enterprise was highly commended. -When landed the Dosch and advisors expressed a desire, -in behalf of the people, to listen to a relation of -his adventures in the anthemique, as it would be the -means of avoiding rehearsals from hearsay, with the -defects that of necessity were attendant upon individual -versions. An hour before evening song the -anthemique was thronged with the citizens of Maniculæ -anxious to hear Buzzee’s relation of the expedients -used for a capture so important in its prospective -bearings to the people of Manatitla. To enhance the -clearness of his demonstration, and at the same time -show the dazed docility of the bee, Buzzee directed -his flight to the cantilor’s rostrum, and after he had -settled addressed the assemblage from the pilot cone, -in substance, as follows:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Although no stranger to your manifestations of -affection, I am well aware that in appearance I have -been remiss in rendering you suitable returns; but -am certain that your confidence in the integrity of -my intentions will exculpate me from meditated indifference. -I am now happy in being able to bring -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>you tangible proof that my wanderings were not -prompted from motives of selfishness or disdain. From -my childhood I have listened in silence to the oft -repeated regrets that our extraneous means of locomotion -were limited to insects so lacking in the instincts -of intelligence necessary for successful direction. -Those available for locomotion were too ephemeral in -their term of existence to be trusted for conveyance -far beyond the habitable limits of our country, which -from the illimitable firmament seemed to be but a -mere speck upon the earth’s surface. With a curious -desire to learn the wonders of creation overshadowed -by the starry canopy, my earliest thoughts were directed -to the acquirement of the means necessary for -safe transportation above the earth’s surface. My -thoughts were at first naturally directed to artificial -wings as the indicated means of progressive transposition -from earth to atmospheric space, without giving -thought to the consideration of ponderable adaptability. -Human mortality, which requires omnivorous -support, declares itself ponderable in the vis inertia -of earth, in contrast with the airy attenuations that -bespeak adaptative intention in creating the tenants -of space. In addition, with the successful achievement -of working wings, there would be inevitable friction -with the uncertainties of wear and derangement -in flight, with awkward position of ponderable suspension -in space for repairs. So my inventive genius -was fain to hold itself convinced of the futility of subverting -the order of elementary adaptation, designed -by the Creator for the perfection of His intentions. -Self convicted with the foolish audacity of my labors -to safely suspend with motion, and locomote with -facility ponderable humanity in space, I bethought -myself of man’s privilege of making subordinate organic -vitality, with legitimate kindly motive, subservient -to his desired facilitations. For the elucidation -of my thought suggestions I directed my investigations -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>to insects of flight, to select from their varied -species one suited to our requirements. The primary -qualifications necessary were sagacity, supporting wing -expanse, strength, longevity, and equal motion in -flight, with instinctive perception of individuality -sufficient for submission to our kindly direction. The -efficient qualities indicated for the selection of a -winged conveyance, were first, size, with an adaptation -for control, in combination with a supporting -buoyancy in excess of its individual requirements. In -the second degree intelligence, with a longevity sufficient -for compensative training, and memory capable -of retaining the imposed impressions, subject to -the recognition of personal direction foreign to their -own volition. Added to these essential qualifications, -it was desirable that the insect should be naturally -inclined to sustain a long and swift flight. Bees had -early attracted my attention, but there were many -objections to their adoption that seemed insurmountable. -Multitudinous in association, and individually -aggressive, were primary defects in disposition; while -in industrious habits and vocation they were subject -to routine enactments, which together with the tenacious -nature and method of collecting and disposing -of their food threatened to end my ambitious projects, -in trial with them, in death from suffocation, or waxed -adhesion to their bodies or cells. The fear of being -stalled and borne to their cells for living incorporation, -raised an insuperable dread, that prevented me -from coveting an experimental acquaintance with the -working orders of their kind. Often in my wanderings -I have passed beyond the boundaries of Manatitla -in search of a locomotive desideratum, which I -had supposed necessary for the welfare of our race, as -well as a gratuitous vehicle for the gratification of my -covetous desire to rise into the realms of space, to -survey beneath our terrestrial place of abode. A -month since I was returning homeward sad and dispirited -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>with continued disappointments, when at the -close of day, while the glowing tints of the setting -sun still lingered in the glory of their parting adornment -to foliage and flowers, I was attracted by the -swift whirr of strange insect wings. In a moment -my attention was drawn with intent desire toward a -pair of insects bearing a hybrid resemblance to the bee -family. After a careful reconnoitering inspection, -seemingly directed, first, to the quality of the flowers -of a tropical honeysuckle, and secondly, to see if they -contained insect occupants, they alighted upon the -petals of the fairest. Unlike the hoarding selfish instincts -of their congeners of the bee kind, they premised -their labors with playful dalliance, partly upon -wing and with sprightly pedal evolutions, while darting -in chase and counter chase in and out from the -petaled cups of the flowers. In a few minutes their -playful antics and fondlings ceased, then the male -with an autocratic appearance of gallantry assisted his -spouse to load herself with the sweets and waxy exudations -of the flowers, this accomplished he sent her -unescorted away, evidently to unload in their store -house. During her absence he devoted his time to -a general inspection of the flowers, with the evident -intention of selecting the best. In one he found a belated -droniva (a tropical representative of the bumble-bee -family) who was ejected without ceremony, although -double the size of the audacious usurper. His -activity, independence, and cleanly regard for his own -person, disposed me to excuse his cavalier exaction of -service drudgery from his mate, as the duty seemed -to afford her pleasure. In fact the pair impressed me -so favorably, that I determined to avail myself of the -opportunity to secure a permanent attachment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Years anterior, as you are aware, I perfected a -harness in anticipation of the fulfillment of my hopes -of being able to make a capture suited for our locomotive -requirements. This I had carried with me in all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>my excursions, and while my coveted prize was engaged -in his erratic flights, I placed myself in ambush -in the fairest flower of his selection, and had the gratification -of securing him in leash before the return -of his mate. He soon became aware of unusual restraint, -and curious to learn its cause made experimental -flights which gave me an opportunity to test -the success of my invention, and I was delighted to find -that I could direct his course with ease. Seemingly -puzzled at the loss of his voluntary power of direction, -he made every available effort to learn the cause -of his sudden bereavement, and was pursuing his investigations -when his spouse returned. With mandibulations -he quickly communicated to her the restraint -that had been placed upon his movements -during her absence. With evident anxiety she commenced -a search for the impedimental cause. In a -few moments she discovered the filamental guides -that I had attached to his antennæ beneath the carapace, -but failing in her attempts to remove them, -after a short consultation, they rose in flight from the -flower to the bee line of their home with a marked -show of anxiety, which made me feel a glow of regret -that my selfishness had been the cause of their disquietude. -Once only, in homeward flight, did I attempt -to subject him to a variation in course, but it -caused such a trepidation in his mate that it was with -difficulty that she recovered the balance movement -of her wings. Reaching their cell, which was in a -fissured ledge of basaltic formation, they held another -consultation and investigation, during which my turret -cone was subjected to a close examination, but the -tough silicothed filaments were too strong for removal -by her feeble efforts. Finding his strange investment -inevitable, and attended with but slight inconvenience, -he, at last, with cheerful philosophy, soothed -the anxiety of his spouse with endearments, abated of -their autocratic patronizing air of superiority. This -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>show of appreciation for his mate’s solicitude, at once -bespoke a high degree of sympathetic intelligence -attained by a union of instinctive equality. In contrasted -proof of the evident assumption, I will adduce -the ants, and our neighbors of the human species, who -live in a state of concubinage, to show that sexual -gregation begets a condition of brutal selfishness in -the males, causing them to use physical strength for -the reduction of their females to serve as bond slaves -of passion and labor for multitudinous production in -kind. From their continued dalliance after nightfall, -I was pleased to learn that their habits were -semi-nocturnal in perceptive activity. When they -finally retired for the night to the shelter within their -cell, I suffered retributive spasms from the powerful -mellific odors that pervaded the cell, which caused -protracted coughing and general relaxation, so that -in my extremity I was prompted to make my escape -into the open air, but the intense darkness and my -weakness prevented me. As my air passages became -accustomed to the acrid irritation, I in sequence suffered -from mellific narcotism, and fell into a stuporic -medium between waking impressions and fantastic -visions of instinct that precede the waking dawn from -sleep. These variations continued until the bees’ -emergence into the open air, in the morning, revived -me. After their matutinal salutations they rose in -flight circles to their bee line, but winged their course -in an opposite direction from the honeysuckle plot so -memorable in their previous day’s experience, probably -attributing the cause of restraint to some inherent -property of the flowers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My elevation and swift passage through the air, -reminded me, with its bracing effect, that I had not -taken food for a donsenack, so feeling at ease I unstrapped -my script and made a hearty meal, with a -zest that the words of our language will fail to express. -Shortly after I had closed my morning meal, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>the bees commenced their circlings in downward descent, -and ere long I discovered below, on the rocky -declivity of a hillside a growth of honeysuckles, the -goal of their attraction. In the circling support of -their buzzing wings they remained suspended over -the flowers for some time, until their safety had been -tested by dronivas and humming-birds, then with caution -they ventured to settle upon the petals, and after -some hesitation, the female was loaded and dispatched -with her first cargo to the cell. The male, as on the -previous day, employed his time during her absence -in an investigation of the floral resources of the hillside, -with an occasional essay of his belligerent propensities -directed against humming-birds and other -collectors of sweets. This disposition, which seemed -to have received an aggravated accession, in the vigorous -temerity of daring assaults, from the restraints -I had imposed, was treated with a gentle admonition -to test their directing efficacy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The first essay provoked a display of resistance, -but without avail in thwarting the changes I meditated, -except for the production of a marked degree -of discomfort, as the tension of the filamental bonds -from opposing obstinacy caused a spasmodic action of -the wings from axillary compression. Disconcerted, -after frequent trials of his voluntary powers in opposition -to my guiding mechanical appliances, he settled -upon a petal for reflection. Then, seemingly, after -mature consideration, an instinctive impulse would -cause him to dart away in flight as if to test anew his -strength in controlling volition, but only to be turned -back before reaching the object of his destination. -When successful, after frequent failures, he seemed -to be quite as much disturbed as with the contrary -results of his trials. I soon found in these practical -essays, that my studied calculations for his direction -fell far short of the absolute requirements of necessity -and safety. In his short flights I discovered a power -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>of resistance that baffled my attempts to direct his rise -and descent, which was evidently independent of head -and wings. Looking backward, when making a short -tack, the resisting part was made manifest by the -movements of the cartilaginous rings of the body. -In studying the changing results in controlling direction, -I found that the body acted as a rudder in flight -for upward and downward inclination, and until I -could obtain its concerted action with head and wings, -instinctive volition would oppose my usurpation of its -natural rights. With the view of effecting temporary -control I rove a ring with a line attached to the four -terminal quarters of its circumference, to act, when -adjusted, as a tip to the body. This I confined in -place without much difficulty, and passing the lines -through corresponding guides to the carapace reflected -them through pulleys back to the cone. These additions -to my managing devices, met with no decided -opposition, but the victim kept my movements under -the watchful supervision of his eyes, but more in curiosity -than in fear or anger. On the return of his -mate, an antennæ inspection was improvised for tracing -the new additions, but as their labors were quickly -resumed, I interpreted their quiet resignation as an -act of submission. After the departure of his spouse -on her second homeward trip, he engaged in a flight -trial to learn the extent of the new vetoes that I had -placed upon his volition correspondence with members -of his body corporate. His diminished lack of self-control -begot a vengeful desire to retrieve compensation -by inflicting retributive discomfort and stings -upon the innocent. After his test trials had convinced -him, that in movement he was no longer capable -of commanding himself, but subject to a mysterious -power, he fought two rounds with dronivas, the -odds being four to one in favor of his opponents, each -exceeding his weight by two thirds; after sustaining -his preëmption right to the sole occupation of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>flowers with them, he matched his vengeful speed and -tactics against a score of humming-birds, proving himself -equal to his undertaking. Besides these emprises -of valor and speed, I subjected him to a test of my -guiding improvements to which he not only submitted -in freedom from irritability, but seemed to recognize -the new sensations and eccentric effects as a pleasing -supplement to his involuntary powers, superseding in -part the necessity of volition. Desiring that he might -become accustomed to my guiding presence, and familiar -with my person, I exposed myself as often as possible -to his own and consort’s eyes, and on their return -to the cell at nightfall, I felt certain that they had accepted -me as an attached presage for good. As in -oft repeated subjection to deleterious influences, the -narcotic effluvia of the cell was far less offensive than -on the previous night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With the dawn of the third morning the bees rose -to their line and settled in descent upon the flowers -in bloom on the vines subject to the previous day’s -levy. As if in anticipation of my intention, the usual -four cargoes were dispatched in less than an hour, -then both circled upward to the line for homeward -flight, when, to their astonishment, I turned the lead -of the male to the westward. This deviation from -ancestral custom, and sequent habits, aroused the -most obstinate resistance, which after several pseudo -starts succeeded in baffling my intention, and but for -the fortunate discovery of the cause, which was the -fouling of the sinister guiding line, I should have -been obliged to succumb to the instinctive obstinacy -transmitted for the preservation of formalistic routine. -With hazardous determination I succeeded in righting -it, notwithstanding the increased velocity of their -homeward flight, accelerated by the instinctive impetus -from the imparted zest of their return to the -line of old habits. When again subject to my control, -the course of the male was changed to a northwesterly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>direction, but the female coaxingly endeavored -to turn him back with the voice of her wings, as -she kept abreast in equal flight. Finding it impossible, -she reluctantly resumed her station in the rear, yielding -protestingly to his lead. At first a natural feeling -deterred me from casting a look below through -fear of being surprised with giddiness, but gradually -this passed away under the exhilarating elasticity of -the air, which appeared to raise my spirits to an equality -with my ambitious aspirations. Presumptuous -mortality even ventured to cast a scornful glance upon -things mundane; when lo! in advance, rising to the -bee line I discovered a meroptic bee-eater which dissolved -in fear my exultations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Luckily my naturalistic studies enabled me to -disappoint him of his premeditated tid-bit gratification, -as I should have been included in his bill of -fare, with a vale for the improved means of locomotion -I had obtained for my people. Grateful for -the presence of mind which in great emergencies -baffles instinct, I abruptly changed the course of the -bee northward. But the pursuing merop was not to -be disappointed without an extra effort to secure his -prize, for he immediately tried his chances in chase; -but as he was soon distanced he gave up pursuit, still -soaring above the trees to intercept those which he -expected in train, but for once, at least, he was foiled -in following the transmitted impressions of ancestral -instinct. The curved flight of the merop, even with -the advantage of superior swiftness, would have been -quickly distanced by the undeviating line of the bees’ -air trail when once in advance of their pursuer, unless -retarded by the greed of an overload; of this fact the -instinct of the bird is apprised, but hunger sets at -variance all rules, and if he fails in intercepting, he -often pursues. The apiaster, after his first capture, -if his prize proves to be a honey bee, builds his nest -beneath the line, for the purpose of surprising the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>homeward flight of the workers when loaded with his -coveted sweets. My escape from sudden death, although -easily avoided from seasonable discovery of -the danger, served as a timely warning, which kept -me in careful watch for unknown perils.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Only a short space of time had elapsed from the -start, when in advance I discovered a beautiful and -highly cultivated valley. The giga laborers were Indians -who were under white taskmasters. Passing -over the valley, which extended to the northwest as -far as the eye could reach, I changed our course to -the northeast; rising to a line above the mountains -two cities opened to my view, both inclosed with -walls for protection. The largest city was built in -the basin of an amphitheatre of surrounding hills, -with an opening, and corresponding gate of the city, -looking out upon the valley we had overflown. The -second city was beautifully located upon the summit -of a hill, overshadowed by the spray of a large waterfall -that flowed over the brink of a precipice, which -extended its barrier for miles north and south, its -perpendicular descent being only broken by a zigzag -roadway cut in its face for communication between -the two cities. The wall of circumvallation around -the City of the Falls was not fully completed, for -thousands of workmen were still engaged upon the -portion inclosing the large plain that sloped from the -summit in broad expanse to the limits of the walled -stream that flowed from the basin of the falls, without -the foundation of the walls, to unite again without -the cinctus gates. From the circling lash in the -hands of the taskmasters, it was easy to comprehend -that the laborers were bondsmen, their color indicating -aboriginal birth.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In homeward flight the bees were allowed to take -their own course, which, from the accelerated rapidity -in the motion of their wings, declared a nostalgic haste -to enjoy the hospitalities of their sweet home. After -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>the morning’s labor of the bees was completed on the -succeeding day, I directed their flight over Maniculæ -to discover whether you were over anxious on my account, -but as my family appeared to be free from disquiet -I again turned my bees westward for new explorations. -Alighting at midday on an island in a -lake, south of the valley discoveries of the previous -day, I found it unsettled with an animalculan race of -tits, whose sole occupation seemed to be devoted to -sociable potations of a fluid that excited amicable -quarrels, in which the families engaged with wild enthusiasm, -without respect to age or infirmities. The -domestic amusements were varied with cockroach -racings, worshiping, drinking, dancing, fighting, and -hunting pediculas, in the latter sport the women and -children engaged with peculiar zest. In verification -of our sages demonstrations of instinctive cause and -effect, when subject to gregarious association in folds, -in freedom from the directing intelligence of Creative -endowment, their bodies gave sure indication of reactive -bestiality. Disgusted with the extremes they -exhibited of wailings and vociferous jabberings, as -the product of instinct bewrayed with madness, I was -glad with grateful relief when my cleanly transport -bore me again into the pure atmosphere beyond the -sound reach of the reviling pretexts of these ape -libels upon Creative intention. Assuming the privilege -of a sub-lunary discoverer, I named the island -Greenpat, from the emerald beauty of its tints, and -the inhabitants Mouthpats, from their unthinking -volubility, bespeaking the unkempt scragginess of -their natures.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Having tested the ready sagacity of my transport -acquisition, and applicability for quick conveyance, I -now propose to make use of it to obtain others of its -kind, with a view to propagation, as I feel certain that -it can be domesticated for mutual advantage, as both -male and female evince an increasing confidence in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>the controlling influence of my presence; and of the -enduring longevity of the species I feel equally certain.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The assemblage, at the conclusion of the narration, -enthusiastically congratulated Buzzee upon the result -of his successful perseverance, saluting him as a public -benefactor, with the title of apiamaster. In the -course of a century there was not a family in Manatitla -without a pair or more of the apis isolatas, -which became known in common usage as the bee -phaeton. Their introduction as locomotive facilitations -contributed greatly to extended sociability, as -they were able to bear with ease twenty giantescoes, -forty mediums, or their equivalents in tits, and we -have evident reason to believe that they instinctively -enjoy their domestication with us better than in a -wild state, for in our pleasure parties they harmonize -the voice vibrations of their wings with our songs. -To Buzzee’s inventive skill we are also indebted for -the imperishable combination used in building, and -the preparation of our textile fabrics.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the discovery of the Heraclean cities, with -the increase of our people’s means of communication, -they were visited daily for the purpose of influencing -the citizens to bestow more kindly treatment upon -their aboriginal benefactors. Evoce (quick perception), -a giantesco, had gained the ear of a cruel taskmaster, -for the purpose of using his voice in expostulation, -when to his surprise, he distinctly heard -vengeful denunciations without the utterance of words -of speech from the mouth of the brutal auramentee. -Satisfied after frequent experimental repetitions that -the enunciations were vocalized impressions heralding -audited words of speech that could be suppressed or -spoken, he made known the nature of his discovery -to the Dosch and his advisers. The coincident impression -of their own thought enunciations, confirmed -Evoce’s suggestion that thought enunciation, and also -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>instinctive mental impressions, were vocalized by an -enunciator in proximity with the ear, and in communication -with the combined organs of sense. Upon -these suggestive conclusions was founded an experimental -course of investigation, which resulted, not -only in the full verification of their deductive anticipations, -but with the development of the power of -substituting extraneous impressions for adoption by -the giga auramentee, through the modulated induction -of the giantesco voice to an accord with the mood -of the subject. Great care was required in the ventriloquial -modulations of the auramentor’s voice for -exact correspondence with the characteristic peculiarities -of the auramentee’s; for any remarkable deviation -was sure to alarm their superstitious fears. For the -acquirement of facility in the substitution of ideas -and thoughts, it was necessary to obtain humoristic -ease in the detail expression of idiomatic phrase peculiar -to the auramentee’s use of language. With the -naturally good, we were soon able, with the mutual -incitement of novelty, to evoke and cultivate the germ -of pity, while with the instinctively bad our efforts -served to arouse superstitious fears for the negative -advancement of our object, through retributive apprehensions -of vengeance in return for their cruelties. -These, with strange inconsistency, caused sacrificial -oblations, with deputized prayers, to be offered in -commutation for the continued gratification of their -evil habits and passions. Yet, with all the perversity -of ruling instinct we have been able to accomplish -much good through the means of thought substitution -with your race.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span> - <h2 id='XIV' class='c005'>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Having given you, by quotation from our chroniclers, -a synoptical view of two important discoveries -which facilitated our communication with your race, I -will now, continued the Dosch, refer you to your own -impressions, and the eccentricities of the uninitiated -from thought substitution, for the clear demonstration -of our auramental powers. Or if, in review, you can -recall examples of instinctive spiritual manifestations, -you will be able to judge of our method in dealing -with the instinctively stupid, partly with hopes of -reflecting the extremes of absurdity, and in sub-part -for our humorous gratification in tracing the commotional -hubbub of selfish instinct in its search for the -means of saving grace to rescue folly from its own -attaint. You will soon be able to judge of the limits -that we are confined to in auramentation. With the -instinctively evil, our efforts excite fear and ritualistic -prayers for propitiation, and exorcism of supposed -inimical agencies foreign to self. But with the good -we are able to impart happy encouragement. Selfish -excess, in all of its forms, bespeaks a material agency -and end, and as this is the god of realization with the -gregarious democracy of the gigas, the influence of -our auramental efforts—if their source was known—would -be denounced with bell and book, as heretically -pedantic and puritanical. But goodness imparts -an animus joy that affords in life tangible impressions -of immortality.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We now will pass to our fourth important epoch, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>noted for the personal introduction of the Dosch -Giganteo to Indegatus, Prætor of the present City of -the Falls. In the process of rehearsal we shall allude -to the third or falcon era.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Indegatus, Prætor of New Heraclea or more properly -Heraclea of the Falls, was a man of indefatigable -energy, and at the period of Giganteo’s introduction -had just rescued the city from great peril. The peril -from the besiegers was in fact less dangerous than the -factious dissensions of the populace within the city -walls. Aware that idleness was the mother of envy -and turmoil, he had caused the latifundium to be -divided into garden plots apportioned to the size of -each family, for the cultivation of edible roots and -cereals. While engaged with his two sons, Unipho -and Gnipho, in the cultivation of their land, a bee -alighted on the father’s shoulder, attracting his attention -from the singularity of its appearance and fearless -confidence. Apparently satisfied with the attention -it had received it flew to a neighboring flower -occupied by a companion. Shortly after he felt a -sharp sting on the back of his hand; a quick glance -discovered a speck variegated with dark and shining -particles, which he was about to brush away, supposing -it to be an insect; when something peculiar in -its movements attracted a more minute inspection, -this resulted in the recognition of a little body -possessing the dressed outline of the human form. -Startled with superstitious fear from an apparition so -manifestly supernal, he called his sons that their -stronger eyes might confirm or dispel the impression -of his more attenuated sight. After an inspection of -a few seconds they burst into a merry peal of laughter, -exclaiming in a breath, “It’s a little man in Heraclean -armor and sagum, flourishing his sword and -spear as if he wished us to understand his signs!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My sons,” urged the father with anxious fears, -“give more reverend heed! He appears in a guise that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>betokens admonition from the regions of the nether -world. Give earnest attention to his direction that -the import of his visit may be revealed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> “The little stranger points to one of my -ears as if he wished to be admitted to a hearing?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “My son, must I admonish you a -second time to be more reverend in speech when addressing -a being bearing tidings, you know not from -whom, or from whence?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> “You have advised us, father, to follow -the example of our superiors, and this stranger phantom -appears to be in no serious mood, for he laughs -at your fears. But I will admit him to an audience, -that he may declare the object of his visit!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “Presume not to take advantage of -his levity, for as you are well instructed, and know -that when I advised, it was for your dealings with -mortality?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> “Now he laughs outright, and my ear -resounds with his mirth, as if filled with the infantile -chirping of a joyous cricket. But now he speaks!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “Listen?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> “Yes father. He asks if I can hear him -distinctly.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “Then in virtue of my office as prætor -and augur, I will address him. Speak Nuntius: -What tidings bear you from the spirit world? and -from whose realm do you come in this disguise?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> “Again I hear his small voice in the -chuckling check of merriment, as if he would fain -speak in reply.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “Then listen, my child, to the message -he bears? It surely cannot presage ill if he is in -merry mood!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> (Listening.) “He says he is not a spirit, -but of mortal birth, like ourselves. But I will repeat -his own words. ‘Say to your father, that I have been -long acquainted with his goodness, and desire to relieve -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>his anxiety for the self-imposed misery of his -people. Also to render him other efficient aid in a -small way!’”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “Ask him, with grateful thanks, his -name, and from whence he came?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> (Laughing.) “He says his name is Giganteo, -the Dosch or patriarch of the Manatitlans, a race -of animalculans whose country lies six hundred stadia -to the southeast of the deserted city of Heraclea.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “Ask him how he proposes to help -us?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> “He says by adding to your knowledge, -in a privileged way that enables the small to help the -great! He expresses a wish for us to retire with -him to the parapet steps of the northern wall, where -we shall be comparatively free from the shrill vibrations -of the cicada’s winged notes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “We will move as he directs.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> “Now that we have complied with his -request, he charges me to listen, and treasure all that -I hear, that I may repeat it to you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “We will keep silence that your attention -may not be distracted.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After an hour’s close attention, Gnipho rehearsed to -his father and brother, The Admonitory Request of -Giganteo, Dosch of Manatitla. “Your ancestors of old -Heraclea trained falcons for hunting, and through -their borrowed use the Manatitlans obtained a knowledge -of giga and animalculan nations beyond the -ocean. We wished to recompense the service by imparting -the source of our happiness to the people of -Heraclea in return. But tyrannous ingratitude had -so blunted affectionate sympathy, that your immediate -ancestors alone listened to our warnings. But -even they would have shared the common fate, if -we had not found among the slaves those capable of -judging between the good and evil. The majority of -the enslaved were as relentless, as the doomed were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>blind to their impending fate. They had determined -that none of their hated oppressors of either city -should be spared; but the Manatitlans through the -same means that I propose to offer for your aid, foiled -the deadly intention of the slaves. While the old -Heracleans were reveling in the height of their prosperity, -falconry, as with all the pontine races coeval -with their transatlantic progenitors, was their favorite -pastime. Aeriolus, a worthy successor of Buzzee, -visited the mews of old Heraclea, and with equally -well devised skill in preparation, conceived the idea of -utilizing the swift flight of the falcons and powers of -abstinent endurance for crossing the ocean, the shores -of which he had visited with the limited powers of the -bee volant. Adventuring, with associate volantaphs, -trials for their control in hunting, he soon perfected -guiding attachments as efficient for directing their -movements in flight as those devised for the bee. -Selecting the swiftest and strongest he gradually -accustomed them to long sustained flights over the -ocean, insuring their welcome back to the mews by -increased docility—under direction—to the will and -lures of the falconer, when in the field. The anticipated -difficulties from opposing wind currents, and -means of obtaining food sustenance, and disposing of -it while in flight, had been successfully overcome by -prolonged observations verified with tests. Food was -obtained by directing the falcons’ attention to flying -fish as objects of prey, which, with parachute aid, they -were able, after a little practice under the stimulus of -hunger, to devour in mid air.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In memorial of his success Aeriolus gives in testimony -the transcribed after observation. ‘The transition -from meat to fish, for a “fasting” flight of instinct, -was adopted with far greater avidity than in -human acts of ritualistic conformity to mythical injunctions, -which we have seen practiced by the sectarian -devotees to creeds, as negative compensations -for over indulgence of the carnal affections.’</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>“When the arrangements of Aeriolus were fully -perfected, he and thirty associates, with their wives, -bade a hopeful farewell to the people of Manatitla, -and started from the lochia (plaza) of Maniculæ upon -their adventurous air voyage of discovery, with a -leading falcon and three followers. Studying to aid -the falcons by every possible means they, to their -joyful surprise, discovered land on the morning of -the fourth day from the start, and, at an early hour -thereafter, alighted upon the lofty peak of an island -mountain, since known as the Corcovado, a mountain -summit of Corvo, one of the Azorean Isles. After -regaling the falcons in relief from their lenten diet, -they, of their own accord, continued their flight to -the mainland. Our joy was much depressed, while -passing over the beautiful land scenes, by the fierce -cries of giga hosts engaged in battle encounter. In -our course eastward, to a country of colored races -resembling the aboriginals of our own, not a day -passed without our forced observation of a battle -scene, with fields and smoking ruins that bespoke the -devastation of warful rage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sick and despairing from the constant recurrence -of murderous acts of despoliation, we at last reached, -in returning, a cluster of islands in the western ocean -to the northward of our point of arrival. On the -largest island we found a hardy species of falcon, and, -with the lure of our own, obtained four. After a few -days’ training of our transport addition we returned -to the island where we first landed. Anxious to return -to our people, and the cheering welcome of loving -affection, we only tarried upon the island a sufficient -time to accustom our newly acquired birds to -devour their food while sustained by the parachute -and their wings in mid-rest. Starting, homeward -bound, on the morning of the sixtieth sun from the -date of our departure from Maniculæ, we reached it -again on the third day with the first notes of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>evening anthem of thanksgiving, in which we gratefully -joined in our descent to perch.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Some days were occupied in the public rehearsal -of the events and discoveries transpiring in the progress -of our voyage; the resulting issue proving a -source of congratulation, nathless, our disappointment -from the unfavorable prospect afforded for an affectionate -reception by the animalculan residents of the -many countries over which we passed, from the effect -of giga example. After many repetitions of the voyage, -it was decided that colonization in the chief cities -of Europe and Asia offered the only means for the -effectual regeneration of the animalculan races for a -happy appreciation of our exampled resources of loving -affection. When the proposition for colonistic -volunteers was proclaimed it received such a general -sympathetic prompting of affectionate obligation, that -every Manatitlan held himself and family in readiness -for the service. As it was necessary, for self-defense, -to have a majority of giantescoes and mediums, to -overawe treacherous designs, the required number for -colonizing Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem, were -obtained by lot. When, on the eve of departure, the -Dosch advised them to live apart from the natives of -the cities, and in self dependence upon their own exertions -for support; but to receive all healthy children -of the required age, placed at their disposal for -the Manatitlan term of education. The emigrants -numbered among their volunteers representatives of -all the mechanical branches of artisan labor, and especially -those well instructed in the departments of -indestructible house building and defensible vestments. -So that little fear was entertained for their -safety, as they could with ease repel the largest armies -of tits that could be mustered. But their chief -reliance was upon a sturdy adherence to their native -habits and customs, yet ever open for the reciprocation -of affectionate goodness. They were also admonished -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>to make all possible application for the speedy -acquisition of lingual idioms spoken in the different -countries of their sojourn for future availment. Also, -whenever favorable opportunity offered for the cultivation -of giga goodness, to use their privilege of auramentation -and thought substitution for encouragement -and fruition. These general directions were -improvised more for encouragement than from actual -knowledge of the process best adapted for the controversion -of habits and customs opposed to affectionate -association and self-government.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The first appearance of the Manatitlans in the -cities of their destination attracted universal awe and -curiosity on the part of the resident animalculan tits; -for but few of the natives reached in stature the medium -size. Their sudden and mysterious advent, -gigantic size, quiet demeanor, and the great affection -that they manifested towards each other, and in all -the relations of life, proved a source of emulous wonder -and admiration with the good, and a rankling, -envious source of disdain to the evil minded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Selecting their sites for residence from the advantages -of inaccessibility to giga approach, arable soil, -and capabilities for irrigation, their habitations were -quickly constructed, with a cleanly elegance of adornment -that added a new element of wonder to the lazy -imaginations of instinct, in the superstitious belief -that they were visitors under the patronage of divine -agency. With these introductory advantages, which -the colonists disclaimed to be other than those within -the reach of all grades of mortality, which their appearance -and vocation were intended to impart, the -schools were organized, and flooded to overflowing -with applications for admission. The monthly visitations -of the children’s parents confirmed the belief -that mission was under the special direction of the -Godhead.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The unselfish warmth of their children’s affection -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>opened to their view a source of realized happiness -that truly bespoke the impressions of immortality, -from the continued joy imparted in anticipation of -renewal. The reputation of our advent, from the -representative example of our neophytes, soon extended -our influence to remote animalculan dependencies, -so that the extension of our colonistic schools -well nigh drained Manatitla of its effective resources -of vitality. In the course of a few centuries, dating -from the Manatitlan colonistic advent in the countries -of the eastern continent, the system of education -introduced had been generally adopted, under -our supervision, by the animalculan races; notwithstanding -the instinctive opposition of the chivalric -portion, who followed the ancestral prestige derived -from the preferred imitation of giga military school -organizations, designed for the classical attraction of -the senses with tinsel display, and ‘glorious’ din of -martial music.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Meanwhile your Heraclean ancestors had completed -their third wall of circumvallation, and had -extended their predatory excursions to the nether -ocean beyond the dominions of the Yunka Machicas -(Alta Peruvians) into those under the rule of Mauna -Chusoes (children of the sun), whose women were -esteemed very beautiful, being compared by a Heraclean -chronicler of the period, ‘to all that was lovely -in person, with a complexion that blended upon a surface -of white, the reflected rays of burnished copper -and gold.’ This comparison conveys the rich expression -of metallic voluptuousness so much coveted by -your Roman ancestry. These ravishing toys of passion -heralded the end. Your immediate ancestors -had obtained an asylum in your present City of the -Falls. ‘The end came and with it our hopes of communication -with our colonies beyond the ocean.’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Although aware of the approaching catastrophe, -we had supposed the falcons would be spared, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>the Indians included everything living in the sum of -their hatred that had contributed in any way to the -oppressive pleasures of their taskmasters, unfortunately -including all but eight of the falcons in the -massacre, sacrificing with them some of our best volantaphs. -The eight were employed in transporting -our Mouthpat neighbors to Rome, Gaul, and Iberian -Asturias; but it was hard to keep in advance of -their reproductive tendencies with so small a fleet.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There was, however, a slight improvement in getting -rid of the old stock, but the Dosch little thought -of the possible injurious effect the Mouthpats were -likely to exert in retarding the progressive prosperity -of our colonists. But when, in the course of a few -years they were deprived of their last falcon, the -Manatitlans were led by the troublesome dispositions -of their neighbors to reflect upon the evil ingraft -they had imposed upon the labors of their people -abroad. This source of anxiety has been so greatly -magnified in the course of centuries which have passed -since the loss of our last falcon, that, in our distress, -we now appeal to your suffering sympathies for aid -in reclaiming those of the descendants of our carrier -breed who have, from ancestral habits of association -with your race, made their eryemews within the -circuit of your cinctus walls. In like return, when -your sons and daughters have redeemed for us the -means of more safe and long sustained flight, we shall -be better able to render you service against your enemies.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “I have listened to my son’s transmission -of your request, and we will thankfully comply -with your desire!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Giganteo.</em> “That you may be enabled to effect the -good I contemplate, it will be necessary for you to -restrict your confidence to those of your family who -have arrived at the understanding age of discretion. -For with your people’s knowledge of our existence and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>communication with you, our efforts would be rendered -void.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “We can readily understand the many -ways in which its publicity would compromise your -endeavors to render us aid, and you can rely upon our -watchful discretion and submission to your direction. -But I would wish to be resolved upon a subject all -important for the fulfillment of our higher responsibility? -Your discursive narration of events in your -locomotive attainments, has implied a reliance upon a -higher source of aid than our gods. It would appear -that you claim for creation a sole Creator, who has -bestowed upon mankind a duality, compounded of instinct -for the support and prompting of material manifestations -of the body, with an affectionate guide in -readiness for an alliance to perfect individuality for a -happy earthly initiation of the animus into the blissful -current of immortality? This has reflected through -the darkness of our customary usages a path of light, -most cheering in prospect of immortality! Do you -deny the existence of Gods whose favors are to be -propitiated with acceptable prayers and sacrifices?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Giganteo.</em> “We have within ourselves all sufficient -evidence of a supreme Creator, who has created mankind -with a privileged superiority from an alliance -with affectionate purity and goodness. A knowledge -of this optional endowment we have derived from its -practical observance in exampled association, founded -upon an educated preference above, and for the affectionate -direction of our bodies self-sustaining instincts. -Of our method of education, which adapts the -body’s instincts for the allied entertainment of animus -purity and goodness for affectionate anticipations of -immortality, we will practically instruct you in season -for adoption.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “Then you not only deny the existence -of our Gods, but erect an altar within the body for -the sacrifice of animal passions, in purification for the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>reception of a proffered alliance with affectionate -goodness?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Giganteo.</em> “Your quick comprehension surprises -me! It will, however, lead you to a ready appreciation -of our system of education for insuring allied -reciprocation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “The cause of my augur sight is that -my parents offered with example a happy impression -of attainments in kind with those you describe. But -as the hour of reflection approaches I will ask you to -join us, that you may be refreshed, for the continuation -of your suggestive history, with its application -to our needs under the direction of your people!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Giganteo.</em> “Gratias, for your kind proffer! But -I must not allow my appetite to act the parasite in -your famishing need. My wife occupies the howdah -of the phaeton, and has brought at least a month’s -provision, so that in our plenty we are better able to -share with you, and I should, at least in the form of -courtesy, have asked you to test Leoptilea’s skill in -the culinary art; for I can assure you, she has an excellent -reputation in the art of appetizing food combinations.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Gnipho and his brother, with all their restraining -efforts, could not refrain from a hearty outburst -of merriment at this courteous sally of the -Dosch, whose commissary stores for a month’s supply -for himself, wife, companions, and volantaphs, were -the scarcely perceptible burden of a bee. Indegatus -catching the infection, the trio startled the hereditary -silence of the latifundium with the unusual echoes of -jocund laughter, causing the distant laborers to suspend -their occupations in wondering surprise at the -vent of emotions which had been so long suppressed -with the rule of discontent and anxiety. The cause -of this ebullition lent his mitey chirrup to swell -the chorus, and incite its continuance with Gnipho. -Changing to the ear of Indegatus after the more urgent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>emotions had subsided, the Dosch complimented -him for his well preserved sympathetic mirthful tones -of voice, expressing in commendation his surprise that -the long disuse of mirth provocatives had not caused -the resonance of his intonations to become dry and -wheezy. Then, in continuation, he said, “Now that I -have gained your kindly appreciation seasoned with -the genial sympathy of a hearty laugh, I will rejoin -my family while you are absent with yours during -the heat of noontide.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span> - <h2 id='XV' class='c005'>CHAPTER XV.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>While Gnipho was rehearsing the wonders of his -marvelous interview with the Dosch of Manatitla, to -his mother and sisters, as he was about closing he became -suddenly silent, with his eyes drawn attentively -to his right ear. The strabismic impulse startled his -mother and sisters, but a bright smile on Gnipho’s -face relieved their fears. In a few seconds he held -out his hand, and presented, with an introduction, the -Dosch and his wife, with their companions. When -female curiosity had subsided the Doschessa intimated -her desire to hold an auramental interview with the -eldest daughter! Her compliance was accompanied -with evidences of trepidation, but after a few minutes -these subsided giving place to an expression of vivacious -interest, indicating a discussion of matters pertaining -to female economy. The Dosch observing -these symptoms of female confluency, reminded the -prætor that the confidence of the sex was formalistic, -and never free in the presence of males! Acting -upon this hint Indegatus with the Dosch, Gnipho, and -brother withdrew to the thalmus auditorium. The -renewed interview of the Dosch with Indegatus and -sons was opened by Gnipho, who petitioned his father, -“May I question the Dosch to obtain further knowledge -of this power of self control? It appears so natural -and free from the delusions of our worship, in which -we are constantly supplicating for what we neglect to -obtain from our own endowed resources, it must insure -happy contentment in life, and as he says, a pro-realizing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>foretaste of immortality. Indeed, father, I -have before felt that there was within my control a -peaceful joy that would serve as a shield from self-deception -and the wiles of hypocrisy, which, in grateful -thankfulness, I have wished to impart for others’ benefit.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Indegatus.</em> “My son, I have looked back with reverence -upon the ceremonial forms of worship practiced -by our ancestors, relying upon their efficacy -without questioning the authenticity of their divine -origin. Even on the appearance of the Dosch, as a -stranger, in a form so questionable, and in accordance -with my preconceived ideas of disembodied spirits, I -did not doubt but that he was a nuncio of some special -admonition, in answer to my supplications for aid -in controlling the disaffected Heracleans, who have so -greatly increased the misery of our position. But -since he has convinced us that he is in reality a diminutive -impersonation of our mortality, and has spoken -so directly to our understanding, my eyes have been -opened to the profane delusions of our long practiced -ritualistic rites, addressed from and to an instinctive -void, in evasion of our privileged endowment of goodness, -which should direct our grateful thanksgivings -to the Supreme Creator. We are surrounded with -sad realities, which require self reliance for their correction, -and from the source of goodness we can -alone hope for directing aid. The discourse of the -Dosch harmonizes with a host of new thoughts, which -convict me, from past admonitions, of willful infatuation -and stupidity in avoiding the animus impressions -of my better nature. In the sincerity of truthful -surprise, we can now look forward, my sons, with the -confident hope of inaugurating for future generations -a source of happiness that will reflect the current rays -of immortality. But we should address our grateful -emotions to the Dosch, who has interested himself for -the redemption of our race from selfish infatuation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span><em>Giganteo.</em> “I must again express my astonishment -for the apt perception you have shown in discovering -the means premised for rendering the Heracleans -amenable to self control, and offer grateful acknowledgments -to ancestral auramentors for the presage they -bestowed for the easy enhancement of my success. The -volantaphs will now describe to Gnipho and his brother -the position where the nest mews of the falcons can -be found, and when transferred to those in the house -adjoining the one you occupy, you will receive the -necessary instruction for rendering them serviceable.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After a few quotations from the old volantaphs -with reference to the treatment and training of eyasses -they returned to the apartment where the Doschessa -and her companions were entertained by the -family of the prætor. The mother and daughters -were so deeply engaged in curious inquiries that the -return of her husband and sons remained for some -time unnoticed. When listening had become tedious -to the Dosch, he requested Gnipho to congratulate -his mother and sisters upon their freedom from awe -in conversing with disembodied spirits, as their -hoarseness gave evidence of a busy, if not a clear, -occupation; which, from the sequel they had been -privileged to hear, seemed to be devoted to the worship -of a doubtful divinity. The mother replied, that -they had been taught that appearances were deceptive, -and he could have but little reason to wonder, from -his own and people’s extraordinary size, if first impressions -seemed to verify the adage in a most remarkable -way. Especially when they reflected that the -whole race of Manatitlans, consolidated, would but -little exceed in size a single Heraclean. “But the -moment we became accustomed to the pipeleo voices -of your wives, and could understand what they said, -why bless you, we knew at once they were mortal -women, for every word and accent of their tongues -bespoke the nature of our sex, and we acknowledged -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>without thinking the reality of their minute personalities. -But then, they expressed themselves so wisely -in the unity of their affection, that we again doubted; -for it appeared so far beyond the reach of mortal attainment, -in the power and reciprocation of individual -control, that we felt within ourselves the impossibility -of a near approach to their sympathies in -genial merit. But quickly perceiving our new source -of regretful dismay, they described to us how they -had been educated, and what was proposed for the -benefit of our people; so we were consoled that the -difference in attainment was only in the degree of -perfection, which we should realize in progressive ratio -from the grateful reciprocation of future generations. -Our children appreciate the advantages, and are determined -to act in consonance with your directions, -but we cannot hope for a near approach to a love as -disinterested as your people’s, who have never known -the misery entailed from the ranklings of envious detraction. -If the impression you wish to make on -those of our citizens who are hardened in their conspirations -for misrule, prove successful, although, for -the time being, it ministers for good through the superstitious -vagaries of their perverse blindness, we -will bless you in their behalf for the legacy of affection -that will return to them through their children’s -dutiful love. Indeed, they will be ignorantly grateful, -that your people made them subserve as bridges -for the safe passage of their children over the slough -of accumulations that flow from the sewerage gratifications -of sensuality. Yesterday, we worshiped, with -them, gods of man’s creation, bearing the kindred impress -of decay, and, with our authority, would have -punished with death those subject to a defection like -our own of to-day. Yet, we have often been led, from -the exampled enactments of our parents, to question -the happiness of a heaven where the aggravating fluctuations -of our earthly associations would be continued. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>For, with even less faith than my husband, -I could not realize the wisdom of a divine economy -that designed, in defiance of original intention, to -elevate brute mortality, in human shape, to the privileges -of purity self-refused by earthly election. To -our great relief, you have resolved this trying source -of perplexity conformably with our wished-for reverence, -sanctioned from an endowment of purity. -Thankful to the source of our enlightened preservation, -we can now clearly discern, through Creative -indications, the path to immortality, purified from -the adventurous impositions of superstitious instinct. -Grateful that the realizing perfection, in the increase -of attainment, will be reflected back from generation -to generation, in recompense for the interest of our -indebtedness to you, we now proffer it, with the involving -title it confers of reducing past and future to -present embodiment.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Giganteo.</em> (In whispered enthusiasm to Gnipho.) -“Your mother is an oracle of giga understanding, and -the wisdom of her responses has proved an heirloom -to her children which should cause you to be ever -grateful with thankful manifestations in songs of -praise to the Supreme Source of all good.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Gnipho.</em> (In enunciated thought) “We are truly -grateful, and love her beyond expression.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here Gnipho raised his hand impulsively to his -ear, before thought, from loving engrossment, could -check the movement from the impression of cause.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Giganteo.</em> “Pardon me! In my nervous desire to -reach the tragus, that I might witness the expression -of your mother’s face as my wife imparted your testimony -for the increase of her joy, I trusted my whole -weight, with the impetus of a catch, to one of the -vibbrilæ in a tender portion of your ear. The twinge -of pain I caused was well repaid with the glance I -caught of the radiant joy that suffused her face.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Gnipho laughingly explained the cause of his sudden -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>grimace, cautioning his mother to be more guarded -in exciting the admiration of her guests while they -were tenants of others’ ears! Before she could reply a -number of the leading conspirators, with others of the -disaffected, called with terror-stricken faces, imploring -Gnipho, who received them in the audience chamber, -to intercede with his father for their forgiveness. -Gnipho from auramental dictation replied: “My -father will receive your acknowledgments of treasonable -designs against your own happy preservation in -the temple fora when overshadowed in the sun’s -decline from the brink of the falls!” With “repentant” -fear and its prompted “sorrow” they -humbled themselves with submissive servility, beseeching -the son to present to his father their humble -duty, with the hope that he would forgive their past -transgressions. Gnipho promised that he would deliver -their message to his father, with the assurance -of his forgiveness, if in token of their sincerity they -would endeavor to controvert the injury they had inflicted -upon the community by casting a suspicion -upon the integrity of his family, when, as they were -well aware, his family had been devoted to the public -welfare. They departed, upon receiving this admonition, -giving voice to those abject terms of submission, -common to democratic expression when detected -in acts of base ingratitude. This interview, -with others that followed in quick succession, gave -evidence that the promised leaven of Manatitlan aid -was working, which caused the prætor’s family to express -in the warmest terms their grateful admiration. -After a few weeks, employment of Manatitlan -talent in the revived art of auramental thought-substitution, -with the addenda revelation of secrets in -embryo, from presumed miraculous intervention of -divine power exercised through the prætor, the citizens, -without exception, were brought into subjection -to his direction.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>This led to the immediate inauguration of the -Manatitlan system of education. The transformation -of the temples of the foræ, for the reception of the -children, inspired a feeling of instinctive awe from -the audacity of the undertaking, which was heightened -by the humorous devisements of auramentation -practiced by the volantaphs engaged in directing -the education of the brothers and sisters in the art -of falconry. With the completion of the temples for -the reception of the children, the families of the -prætor’s nearest relatives and adherents supplied the -schools with teachers and censors, and in a few years -all the citizens became warm supporters of the new -system, fully impressed with its manifold benefactions -from an increase in affectionate confidence. The -children of Indegatus soon became proficients in the -successful training of falcons, and were then able to -place a large fleet of birds at the disposal of their benefactors. -Since the time of Indegatus, the daughters -of the prætors have assumed the charge of the mews -as an hereditary heirloom.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>At this stage of the historical relation M. Hollydorf, -with the suggestive aid of the Dosch, completed -his summary of the events that had transpired from -the commencement of their river explorations to -date, which was addressed to the secretary of the -R. H. B. Society. Afterwards, Mr. Welson, with the -same aid, directed letters of inquiry to his “friend” -M. Baudois, a French scientific gentleman, resident -correspondent of the R. H. B. A. of Paris, at Montevideo, -who employed his time in fishing, for the -classification of the inhabitants of the La Plata estuary, -with the intention of comparing them with -the fishes of the Mediterranean Sea, to determine the -migratory tendencies effected by variations in the -current monsoon, to and from the Strait of Gibraltar. -He had also traced the glacial indications of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>neighborhood, in search of transition tracks of rocks -in the diluvial currents of the prehistoric periods of -the earth’s immersion, before its surface extension -regulated with its axis movements, the winds, and -tides. He wrote a second letter, of like import, to -Don Pedro Garcia of Buenos Ayres, an antiquarian -of note, expressing a desire for his coöperation with -M. Baudois for elucidating the probable origin of the -Kyronese; and in the collection of all available collateral -evidence for substantiating the approximate -period of the Heracleans’ advent upon the Mauna -Luna shore (American); urging him to separate and -classify his proofs so that there might be no Mandevillian -interweaving of facts with traditions and conjecture, -as they were intended for Mr. Dow’s use in -his elaboration of Heraclean history. With the desire -expressed for their aid in behalf of Mr. Dow’s -undertaking, he did not forget to advise them of the -essential advantages he had derived from the discovery -of the representative remnants of humanity descended -from castaway exiles of the eastern continent. -In illustration of the effect produced he described, for -the benefit of Don Pedro’s family, the impression of -Correliana Adinope’s presence upon the wife of one -the Vermejo chiefs, who was of Spanish birth, having -been kidnapped in girlhood from the settlement of -Amelcoy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You, and yours, will become more perfectly impressed -with the comparative effect produced upon me -from intercourse with the Heracleans, under Manatitlan -direction, by repeating, in your own language, the -testimony of a mother of your own race who has been -subjected to the wifely use of a savage chief of the -Vermejo tribe since her abduction at the age of -twelve years. ‘<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Ay moi!</span>’ she exclaimed, after a visit -from the Heraclean maiden we rescued. ‘When Correliana -comes there is something new and good in my -body that comes forth to meet her, for I feel no -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>longer like myself, I am so happy. Then I talk to -her in a way quite unknown to myself; ay me, how -placid my heart grows with the light of her presence, -and love, which makes me feel and forget how much -I have lost. But when she goes away the darkness -returns, and I am a beast again; then my children -ask wonderingly. “Mamma what makes you so -good when she comes, and then scold so badly when -the men come back?” I try to tell them of the light -that comes with her, and the darkness that my people -bring to put out the light of my love; for when the -hombres talk the good leaves me, and feel that I am -lodo again. If she could always be with me, what a -source of joy I could be for my children. Yet, she -says, that my children, who are nurslings, will be -permitted, by their fathers, to attend the Heraclean -schools, to learn how to comfort me when I am old, -with a love like hers. If this should come to pass, -what love there will be in store for me? But we are -not like you!’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With my comforting assurance, that her children, -if intrusted to the charge of the Heracleans before -they became accustomed to the ways of her people, -would be taught by exampled association the same -soothing sympathy that had proved so grateful from -its influence imparted by Correliana, she anxiously -asked, after a few moments of thoughtful meditation, -whether her children would not love their teachers -better than their mother, for their goodness was constant -in its brightness, and prefer to live with them -to her neglect? When I was able to make her understand -that the object of the school was to encourage -an undying love in children for all that was -good in their parents, so that its brightness would -extend with increased strength beyond the present -life, her mind became enraptured with the thought -of increasing her own worth to merit the fulfillment -of my promise.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span> - <h2 id='XVI' class='c005'>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>During the interim of letter writing in readiness -for the anticipated opening of courier communication -with St. Lucia and Anelcoy, Captain Greenwood had -advised Correliana of his wish that the padre and -sailors Jack and Bill should meet the steamer at the -latter place. His despatch urged haste, as he was -about to leave the gold spit, which they were then -working; its deposits had become nearly exhausted. -When she made the wishes of the captain known, -Abdul Nycaster, the son of the mayorong, volunteered -to act as courier under the conduct of a party of lower -river Indians. These Indians, called by the Mestizoes, -Vermojotes, ranked next to those of the upper valleys -in trustworthy intelligence, so that no fears were entertained -for the safety of those intrusted to their care.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A few mornings after the despatch of the courier -and his party, the Dosch resumed the historical -thread of his narration.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>You can well imagine, the chronicler exclaims, the -enthusiastic admiration of the Prætor Indegatus’s children -for the Manatitlans, when they saw the anxious -expression of their parents’ faces give place to an unspeakable -joy, which imparted its radiance alike to his -former adherents and foes. In evidence of their grateful -sincerity they were unremitting in their endeavors -to perfect themselves for the duties of censors and -teachers, as well as in the more direct returns of material -aid to their benefactors’ affections, from their success -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>in raising and training falcons, which promised -the means for the speedy accomplishment of a reunion -with colonistic correlatives. A year and a half had -scarcely passed before the volantaphs were able to extend -their flights a day and a third’s distance in stretch -over the ocean, for their own instruction in the management -of the birds free from exhausting irritation, -as well as to accustom them to devour their food while -sustained with parachute and outstretched wings. The -volantaphs, while disengaged from the active duties -of their profession, kept the democratic instincts of -the Heracleans in mindful dread of harboring thoughts -of disaffection, held in legacy from hypocrisy, the -progenitorial mother of hatred and misrule, as they -had been taught, with lessons of chagrin, that their -thoughts were no longer their own. The result of -this knowledge enforced sincerity, which begat cheerful -confidence in association, an effect that soon became -manifest to the besiegers. Elasticity of thought, -unprejudiced by suspicion, soon imparted its health-giving -impression to the movements of the body, and -action of the senses, directing them to the cultivation -of useful occupations devoted to the common welfare. -This freedom, in surcease from the treacherous -enactments of suspicion, produced symptoms of reviving -alacrity in the unanimity of action, which the -savages detected from their perch on the brink of the -falls’ precipice, with puzzled surprise, evinced by the -changing increase of numbers, and curious gaze of -the watchers. The first practical use made of the -falcons had been devoted to watching the Indians to -learn their projected intentions, with the purpose of -defeating them by anticipation without loss to the -Heracleans. The unaccountable improvement in the -condition and cordiality of the citizens made the -savages more wary and watchful. The river savages, -suspicious of the valley Indians, kept a large body of -their number constantly before the gates to prevent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>treachery. From couriers, which had been sent to -the most distant of the river tribes, it was evident -that some new and more energetic scheme was in -progress to bring the siege to a close. While the -valley harvesting was in progress, the volantaphs had -observed long trains of loaded llamas proceeding up -the Lepula and Vermejo valleys, and their destination -was traced to a cave in the basaltic continuation of the -falls’ precipice, about a mile to the north of the city. -Giganteo explored the cave, and found that it contained -extensive stores of dried fish, squillated meats, -(hardened by the combined action of heat, pressure, -and smoke), corn and maize parched, ready -for grinding, in preparation for their favorite murmiel, -also dried fruits in abundance. As the extent of the -hoard foreboded large auxiliary accessions he was -alarmed, and only thought of adding to the defenses -of the city. While in flight around the city to examine -if there was in the walls an accessible foothold -for the savages, an accidental discovery suggested the -idea of appropriating the stores of the cave for the -benefit of the Heracleans. Satisfied that the moats -and walls were free from adventitious aids of encouragement -for savage emprise, his attention was attracted -by a jetty of basaltic rock that projected into the -northern basin of the falls from the outward shore. -Measuring its distance from the terminus of the wall -and base of the precipice, he found that the space -would admit of the circuit swing of a bridge sufficiently -long for secure lodgment against the jetty. His -brother, an engineer of ability, had a model of a -bridge with the required measurements prepared for -the prætor with a descriptive statement of its object. -Great was the joy of the prætor’s family when -this projected source of relief was explained with the -assurance of its working practicability, which promised -to render nugatory the designs of the leaguers, -by depriving them of their ready means of subsistence, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>thereby provoking suspicion of treachery, -with the probable result of disruption and dispersion. -The prætor immediately paid a visit to this loophole -of promised good fortune, accompanied by the -most skillful Heraclean artisans, who declared, after -consulting the measurements, that with the floating -material the plan was not only feasible, but the -bridge could be quickly constructed. The Dosch -recommended that the northern crematorial temple -should be dismantled, as its timbers were well suited -in length and seasoned lightness for the purpose. -But this proposed act of desecration created a momentary -impression of dismay in the mind of Indegatus, -to which was added his fears of reviving the -citizens’ superstitious prejudices, as it would be held -as an open defiance of the avenging gods. The Dosch -appeased his misgivings, with the promise of anticipating -religious objections. This was accomplished, -but it required skillful substitution of thought, -notwithstanding the prospect of plenty offered in the -event of success. The labor imposed, in the quick -execution of the work, aided in subduing the conjurations -of danger, while the veil of mist rising -from the spray of the waterfall effectually screened -from the eyes of the Indian sentinels the work in -progress.</p> - -<p class='c000'>By the time the valley Indians had gathered and -garnered their crops, adding their quota to the stores -of the cave, the bridge was launched for trial, and from -the buoyancy of the timber was found to be portably -light and strong, so that in reversed movement -against the current it could be easily managed. -Gnipho was its sole occupant in trial essay, guiding -with a rope the safe lodgment of its distal extremity -against the jetty. When well tested in all -of its working movements it was drawn back with -comparative ease; but not before the adventurous -Gnipho had reached and reconnoitered the entrance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>of the cave. For the prætor’s reassurance of the -favorable acception of the enterprise by the citizens, -the leaders of those who were formerly disaffected -made a public acknowledgment of their transgressions, -at the same time tendering their full submission -to his direction. Although greatly shocked with -the atrocity of their meditated treachery he forgave -them without reproach.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The river savages, feeling secure against surprise -from the watchful care of the guards before the cinctus -gates, and sentinels upon the brink of the precipice -overlooking the city, left but few of their number to -guard the cave. When sufficiently dark to screen their -movements, on the night set for the fruition of their -enterprise, the men, women, and children of Heraclea -were astir, and ready to use the utmost of their -strength for the success of their foraging expedition. -When the Indian camp before the gates had become -quiet the party selected to surprise the keepers of the -cave started and without difficulty effected their purpose. -The prætor leading the surprise party had ordered -that the Indian guards should be secured without -the loss of life, if it could be effected without -endangering the success of the undertaking. But their -savage desperation in using their teeth rendered the -destruction of life necessary. This was effected by suffocation, -advised by the Dosch that marks of violence -might be avoided, hoping thereby to involve with -mysterious dread the cause of death; as the river -savages were known to hold as strong a belief in the -agency of evil spirits, as the Heracleans in the vengeful -ire of their gods. While the bodies of the savage -guards were being placed in imposing attitudes to -excite the awe of their companions when discovered, -the work of transporting the stores of the cave had -already commenced, great care being taken that no -vestige should be dropped by the way to indicate the -course, or from whence, in identification, the despoilers -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>came. The llamas, after the transportation of -the stores was accomplished, were stabled in the -southern crematorial temple, under the screen of the -cloud mist of the falls, which had formerly subserved, -under the ritualistic ceremonies of priestcraft, to -mystify the superstitious of the Heracleans.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With the first gleam of the sun on the dial brink -of the falls, on the succeeding morning, the Heracleans -offered their first pæan song of thanksgiving, -before the open portals of their houses, in gratitude -for the inauguration of an era of plenty; the first in -the provisionary record of centuries. After their -morning meal they engaged in their usual avocations -with wonted composure; at least in as much as the -savages could detect from their perch on the brink of -the precipice; but to the close observer there was an -elation in the expression of their faces that gave sure -indication of a<a id='t187'></a> recent event of extraordinary import, -proclaiming a happy emancipation from anxiety. At -the suggestion of the Dosch the volantaphs watched -the movements of the different tribes to observe the -effect produced by the discovery of their loss. Until -after the meridian hour had passed the vicinity of the -grotto granary gave no indications of life, then a -heavy rain set in, that served to still further delay -visits of inquiry prompted by the non-appearance of -the store guards. But early on the following morning -the wildest commotion prevailed, the tribes in -scattered bands were seen hastening from every -quarter toward the cave. For the first time panic -fear, in attraction, made them forget the objects of -their undying vengeance, for the camps were deserted -on every side, leaving the city to its own guard. -This opportunity offered for a second sally was not -neglected. A large amount of forage was collected -from the deserted camps; but from the signaled report -of a retrograde movement, still more disordered -in the haste of fright, the Heracleans were about to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>abandon it to the flames, when they fortunately recollected -that they held in possession the arms of the -savages, so they easily turned the current aside and -garnered their second trove safely within the city -gates.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A bee phaeton had been held in requisition by the -Dosch to observe the effect of Gnipho’s ghastly array -of dead savages, in pantomimic postures, with eyes distended, -and outspread hands as if to guard them from -a sight of horror, while their backs were half turned -as if deprived of life in the act of escaping. When the -Dosch arrived the savages were collected around the -mouth of the cave, none having the courage to enter, -but all, in act, were seemingly desirous of obtaining -the intervention of his neighbor’s body as a shield of -protection from apprehended danger. But at last -the luskols (Indian priests) were forced into the cave, -the lesser grades being used as a wall of protection -for the higher. The Dosch described the scene as -horribly ludicrous when viewed from their interior -position. “The fearful contortions of the diviners, as -they were pushed forward with their unwilling features -half exposed to the light from the mouth of the -cave, in contrast with the dead dramatis personæ, -furnished a study that we had no desire to prolong -with the concurrent evidence of fear derived from -auramentation. It was a hideous sight to behold -these otherwise untamable brutes in human form, so -abjectly appalled by the dead bodies of their late -companions, simply from an arrangement in posture -at variance with their traditional ideas of cadaverous -propriety. Bewildered with the first glance, -they became, of themselves, immovable with fright, -until the reactive alarm from the cavernous sound -reëchoing the breathing catches and grunts of the -struggling mass behind, caused a frantic effort of -wild desperation to regain the freedom of the open -air. This contagious spasm of fear relaxed the energies -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>of those obstructing the entrance so that they -were held intact, a helpless mass immovably impacted -over which those from the interior made their way in -scrambling disregard to the means used in effecting -their liberation. Paralyzed in voice utterance, the -only sounds heard were shuffling struggles accompanied -by a succession of ucks from the by no means -gentle action of elbows upon opposing bodies. When -at length the blockading mass crawled forth, bruised -to the necessity of quadrumanal progression, their -luskols had disappeared in flight. After the cave -was cleared we took a high bee-line, from which we -were able to see at a glance the many curious scenes -enacted in their flight from the self pursuit of fear, -which in variation kept us constantly convulsed with -laughter.” The day was well advanced before all the -stragglers regained their despoiled camps; then, without -apparent regard for their loss, they commenced a -second exodus to a grove under the precipice to the -south of the city, with the evident intention of being -as far from the reach of the cave’s scroul influence as -possible. With the certainty that fear would prevent -the savages from trespassing within the prescribed -boundaries to the north of the city, Giganteo assured -the prætor that the citizens need have no fear of -using the pasture and arable land, accessible by the -basin bridge, in the night time, if they would only -take the precaution to dress in white, as that was esteemed -by the superstitious of all tribes and nations -as the favorite color of spirits blest and damned. -The besiegers soon became aware of a marked improvement -in the physical condition of the besieged. -This they attributed to the unfitness of their luskols, -who were deposed and sacrificed upon their own -altars.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dosch, relator, here remarked that instinctive -fear excited from variations in natural cause and -effect from accustomed routine was alike common to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>all the grades of animality. The dogs howl in dread -from the sun’s eclipse; the cattle of the plain, and -swine, the omnivorous congeners of mankind, will -pass unheeded the dead of their species when the -cadavers are natural in position, but when suspended -from the branches of trees they become affected with -the impulse of dismay, and like the savages endeavor -to escape from the scene without the motive power -of direction. The birds of the air are paralyzed with -the same impulse of instinctive terror when warned -of the earthquake’s shock by the herald hush of preternatural -silence. Taking advantage of these controlling -fears of instinct, that prey upon themselves -in retributive reprisal, “philosophic” and designing -mythologists have conjured creed distinctions of imaginary -attributes, which in combination are unitized -under the style of soul. Upon this mythical assumption -of attributive materialization, they have founded -a system of compensation for its salvation, in a mazy -labyrinthine series with a graceless cordon of conditional -graces under the signs manual of saving, efficacious, -sufficient, and redeeming privilege. In contradistinction -to this undefinable process of instinctive -soul elaboration in the scale of rewards, follows -the retributive punishments, but so inextricably intermixed -in chaotic confusion that ritualistic words of -lunatic designation are used in substitution for the -intelligent expression of thought. The priesthood of -the sects, or herds, that become adherents to the formalistic -use of words and material rites administered -for instinctive regeneration, talk in public discourse -to distract attention from the peaceful meditation of -goodness. Notwithstanding the multiplication of -these most daring and glaring inconsistencies, which -have banished with truth, sincerity, and confiding affection, -the masses of humanity are still held in blind -subserviency to the fantastic rules and rulers of instinct -in kind. You will scarcely wonder at the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>slight impression that we have made with auramental -thought substitution, while the instincts of your race -are constantly distracted with the bellowing exhortations -of sectarian recruiting preachers, in combination -with inebriate oaths of the passers-by in derisive -profanation of the worshiper’s selfish deity. Perversion -and prostitution have so degraded the legitimate -powers of perception, that the pleasures of instinct -have become a source of misery from nauseating excess -in over-indulgence. Indeed, from sheer disgust, -we have been inclined to discontinue auramentation -altogether; for your pretentious civilization, and enlightened -progression, is in fact nothing more than -savagery refined with art inventions for the morbid -gratification of instinctive sensuality; which in recurring -product have given birth to toil and turmoil, -greedy vexations, strife, hatred, and kindred passionate -distempers cultivated in infatuated expectation that -they will yield in reversion, after death, instinctive -soul purification and a heaven of peaceful rest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Betongese, although accounted savages, would -disdain to acknowledge ancestors who had tried in -ecclesiastical courts of luskol diviners, dogs and swine -for murder and witchcraft, with the farcical appointment -of civil pleaders of the legal fraternity for their -defense! notwithstanding the special qualifications of -the latter for clearing the defendants. From your -ready appreciation of the higher dispensations of purity -and goodness, in exampled enactment, the Heracleans -can scarcely realize that you ever participated -in the ruling delusions of your race. Your physical -comfort, and freedom from insect plagues, in Heraclea, -are derived in legacy bestowal from ancestral purity, -devised in healthy enactment by the Heracleans to fulfill -present attainment. By following these corrective -indications your race would forefend their kind from -the imposed penalties of curative professional plagues, -who flourish from maladies bred in the flesh from over -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>indulgence, in reckless regard of the certain recurrence -of like from like. Our falcons in their three days passage -across the ocean emit the osprey’s fishy odor; -and with assimilation the English, French, and Germans -exhibit in national crudities the instinctive effects -of diet. These are inevitable facts that admit -of no palliative variation in deterioration in the process -of hereditary transmission; this an observer of a -single generation cannot fail to discover if possessed -with ordinary powers for comparative discernment. -With this deviation from our historical path, designed -for Mr. Welson’s analytical aid in the classification -of evidences pertaining to the gradation developments -of instinct, we will now continue our relation by quoting -from the chronicler Titview’s record of the 2d -Falcon Era.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span> - <h2 id='XVII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The sons and daughters of Indegatus had become -so well instructed in the art of propagating and training -falcons, and withal so much interested under the -direction of the volantaphs, that little danger was apprehended -of another interruption in the supply. -When all the preliminaries required for the voyage -across the Atlantic had been well matured, Soartus, -with a fleet of five well equipped falcons, and fifty -giantesco companions with their families started from -Maniculæ on their adventurous flight, and on the evening -of the third day arrived at Corvo without accident, -and were overjoyed, in their descent to perch on -the Corcovado, to observe signals of welcome as if -their coming had been anticipated by premonition. -In explanation, after a joyful welcome, the Corcovadians -said, that a watch had been kept constantly on -the alert in expectation of their reappearance, during -the interval of the many centuries which had elapsed -since the last falcon departure. From whatever cause -the delay, their confidence had grown in strength, -that it would be overcome in time by the enterprise -of their parentcedors.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This reunion of the Manatitlans with their Corcovadian -colonistic outposts occurred on or about the -17th day of August, 1071 of your era. The voyage -had been well sustained by the novice falcons, notwithstanding -their recently acquired art of taking flying -fish, and feeding while beating support with their -wings under the favoring aid of the parachute. But -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>hunger is an apt teacher of method with available -means for its appeasement. The first warning the aeronauts -received of their near approach to the land of -their destination was the invasion from the windward -of a suffocating odor, of the most disgusting taint, -that pervaded the howdahs and assailed their olfactories, -causing a violent retching, that made them apprehend -pending calamity. But the pilots, when sufficiently -recovered from the sudden invasion, consulted -their charts of odor currents “laid down” by old -navigators, and found that the nauseating cause of -alarm proceeded from the confluent waft of Celtic and -Congo exhalations from humanity, with the conjunctive -loom of garlic odor in eructation from the inhabitants -of Portugal, Spain, and south of France conveyed -seaward by the evening land breeze, marked -<i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Fœdisima allium exhalata ab homine</span></i>. After giving -vent to humorous instinctive comparisons referring to -the gross habits necessary for the production of odors -so foul in their distant waft, the old peak of rendezvous -on the island of Corvo saluted their glad vision.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Our reception by the Corcovadians was affectionate -beyond comparison, fully enlisting our utmost resources -in reciprocation. When the exuberance of -our mingled congratulations had subsided into the -calm current of sympathetic inquiry, we soon became -aware of their loving troth to Manatitlan habits -and customs. In evidence of the lealty of their alliance -they had diminished a third in numbers, as they -averred, with a marked improvement in all the essentials -of affectionate purity and goodness, manifest -alike in the conservation of physical and thoughtful -development. In answer to our solicitous inquiries -with regard to the welfare of the Animalculan and -Giga population of the islands and mainland, they answered -that the inhabitants of the islands had become -more barbarously enlightened and destructive in tendency -than they were in our ancestors’ time; our -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>Mouthpat deportations having added fuel to the degenerative -tendency of the islanders. Still the good -example of the colonists had attracted a desire on -the part of parents that their children should be educated -under their instruction.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After a week’s sojourn with the Corcovadians, Soartus -continued his flight to Rome, taking with him as -many of the islanders as the howdahs could accommodate. -“Soaring to our first poise above the peaks of -the Asturian mountains, we hailed with matin song -of praise the broad disc of the sun as it reflected, in -ascendency from the horizon, the inequalities of the -countries beneath in panoramic light and shadow. As -it rose in the full splendor of its mellowed morning -beams, dispelling with sparkling reflection the dewy -mists of night, a scene of surpassing beauty greeted -our vision. From north to south, on the western confines -of the Iberian peninsula, a lofty range of intervaled -mountains formed an inviting attraction for the -mist clouds, which dispensed their moisture as an ever -replenishing source of rivers and streams, that in descent -received tributary contributions rendering with -their water supply the valleys fertile. In continuation -from the extreme south, a sea-coast range of lesser -height formed an interior basin, by circle inclosure -to the east and north. Within this, cities and hamlets -were scattered with seeming indications of peaceful -repose. Our eyes were held entranced with the -beautiful scene; and we wondered how man, gifted -with rational powers of discernment, could fail to discover -in the lovely blendings Creative indications -designed for his direction in the paths of peace and -purity. The falcons, left to the guidance of their own -pleasurable instincts, just cleared the topmost sprays -of the trees in their gliding circuits, but in soaring -above villages and cities the volantaphs raised their -flight beyond the reach of missile weapons. While -passing over the city of Leon from north to south, we -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>saw men, women, and children, flocking in crowds to -the western gate. Curious to learn the cause of this -early commotion, so unwonted from the descriptions -we had read of Iberian habits, the falcons were directed -over the point of attraction. Clearing in circling -descent the spires and towers of the cathedral -church, our ears were saluted with the mingled bellowings -of a seemingly enraged animal, and loud -shouts arising from a multitudinous collection of -voices pitched in range from the shrill stridency of -childhood, through the medium grades of maturity, to -the vacuous piping tones of senility. Over-reaching -the gate towers, we beheld collected in an amphitheatre -within wooden barriers, a large concourse of people, -intently gazing with boisterous plaudits upon an -encounter between a horned animal of the quadruped -species and armed men with garments covered with -tinsel. The sides of the enraged beast were dabbled -and trickling with gore, from the many wounds inflicted -by the knives and spears of the “sportsmen.” -In quick apprehension of the effect of this cruel pastime, -which had caused our wives to give utterance to -a cry of pitying horror, the volantaphs suddenly depressed -the falcon’s tail from the “bishop’s run to the -pope’s nose” causing it to fan-spread, intercepting the -view of objects beneath from the howdah; then soaring -to a poise, soon left the revolting scene and arbiters -of cruel instinct beyond the compass of eyes and -ears. One of our Corcovadian correlatives then explained -the nature and origin of the amusement. He -said that it was styled by the Spanish a taurista, and -when it commenced at sunrise it was styled “<span lang="es" xml:lang="es">taurista -hiquete para almuerzo</span>.” The practice was said to -have been derived originally from a race inhabiting an -island in the northern ocean, who utilized the flesh of -the slain brutes, and as a sequence assimilated their -pugnacious characteristics.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Here the volantaph directed our attention to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>cultivated beauties of the Apuljarras of the Sierra -Constantina, glowing in the morning sun with the -brightest tints of verdure. Wooded and vine-covered -slopes in ever varying contrast with the colored -transitions of Moslem taste in the adornment of their -dwellings, offered the strongest evidence of peaceful -desire, notwithstanding minarets indicating fanatical -worship abounded in cities, villages, and hamlets. As -we neared these scenes, citizens and busy cultivators -were seen engaged in their varied occupations, their -forms reduced by distance from giga size to tits, reminded -us of our own happy Manatitlan homes. The -swift flight of the falcons conveyed the impression, -from change in perspective, of gliding transitions of -the same persons into varied employments, as if endowed -with illimitable versatility. These pleasing illusions, -which in slower flight, and nearer approach, -would have truthfully depicted the miserable realities -of servile selfishness, so much dreaded in foreboded -encounter with the Giga races of Europe and Asia, -caused Uffea, the wife of Soartus, to exclaim, with -a long drawn sigh—“If they could only see and -know us, I am sure they could not resist our happy -example that would make this scene a reality? They -surely would not refuse a joyous boon that would -make these blooming valleys and verdant hills echo -with songs of gladness raised in morning and evening -praise? What joy for the future Manatitlan voyagers -while floating over these lovely creations, if our -people could be made the means of making these -groves and hill-sides resound with songs of praise to -unite in their fullness, with our peoples, in mid air -responses?” Our hopeful sighs united with the desire -that her vision might prove prophetic. But alas, our -falcons had scarce attained their poise for descent to -the Valentinian shore, when fierce human cries, and -the loud clangor and blasts from cymbals and trumpets, -resounded from the plain below. The volantaphs -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>reverse in the direction of the falcons for descent, -brought into view two hosts engaged in battle encounter, -each in defiant utterance shouting their war -cries, one, “Dios y Santiago,” and the opposed “Allah -é Profeta.” No persuasion could induce our wives -to venture a glance toward the fearful scene, and at -their request the volantaphs changed the falcon’s -course to shut out the view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Our Corcovadian correlative in defining the <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">casus -belli</span>, said, that those fighting under the standard that -bore the device of a grotesque head covering, supported -by crossed keys, were styled Christians, and -the words, God and Saint James, which they ejaculated -with their blows, were the names of the alleged -author and favorite supporter of their creed, which -theoretically inculcated peace and goodwill among -men. While those arrayed under the crescent banner, -who were as vehemently calling upon their god -and prophet, were enjoined by their creed to destroy -all who denied the divinity of the prophet. Both -alike, in practice, upheld the absurd inconsistency of -their creeds with the destructive fanaticism of instinctive -passion. “As you will in Rome be forced to -give heed to the brutal enactments practiced under the -style of religion, and opposing variations in Constantinople -and Jerusalem, it will be well to advise you -of the texts that are quoted in train by the Christian -sect, who are exhorted, in the battle cry, to strike for -the God of Israel, and Saint James,—kill and spare -not! The grateful teeth of the saws read in this -wise, Do good to those who despitefully treat thee! -He that smiteth thee on one cheek turn to him the -other also! He that gives to the poor, lendeth to -the Lord. Cast your bread upon the waters, and -after many days it will return to you increased an -hundred fold. These renderings of implied selfishness -in mild vapory language, you have seen exemplified -in enactments this morning; but you have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>still to undergo the painful infliction of sympathy for -physical torments that priestcraft imposes, with the -anticipation of ‘hellish’ power, for the punishment -of dissenting heretics. The Moslems, who are fighting -under the crescent standard, advocate sensual lunacy, -with the prescribed belief in a heavenly haram -peopled with houri,—a name that they bestow upon -sensuously beatific women, who in Christian terms are -styled angels,—these are used as lures for inciting -the lusts of the faithful in blind subserviency to the -commands of their leaders. Like their Christian opponents, -the masses depend solely upon priestly interpretation -for the reconciliation of contradictory -passages in their creed, openly bestowing their reverential -fealty upon the sensually mad, who are called -saints or santons, esteeming the touch of their lewd -filthiness as a vise for heavenly reward. Their priests, -who are styled dervishes, wear the same hermaphrodite -vestments in ceremonial enactments that distinguish -their Christian counterparts, deriving oracular -inspiration from dizziness invoked by rapid whirling -gyrations. But as I see that you are oppressed with -sorrowful disgust, in view of the rank stupidity you -are about to encounter, we will allow you, with these -premonitions, to verify the construction we give of -the ancient giga Roman senator’s apothegm, which -should have been, ‘whom the gods wish to destroy, -they first make sensually mad.’ With the instinctive -example of destructive hatred inculcated as a morning -lesson for appetizing the kindred germ of children’s -passions, in the bloody struggle between inhuman -art aids and brute strength, exhibited in the -bull’s blind rage, we can easily fill the intervening -space in life with occupations in qualification for the -battle enactments of the meridian.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>With the volantaph’s announcement that he was -about to bring the falcon to a poise which would afford -the occupants of the howdah an equidistant -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>view of the peninsulas of Spain and Italy, a retrospective -glance was cast backward. The keen Manatitlan -sight, intensified with ardent admiration for -the glowing beauties of the Iberian landscape, soon -became absorbed in tracing the rare combinations of -mountain and valley verdure, merging and varying -in blending tints from the sun’s declining cast of light -and shadow, until startled with Uffea’s sudden call, -Alew! (look!) Recalled by her startled cry, our attention -was attracted by her steadfast look, to the Valentian -shore, and there beheld the victorious Christians -in pursuit of the vanquished Moslems, vindicating the -cry of their priests, “Kill and spare not.” “Alas,” -tearfully sighed Uffea, “is it not enough that they -yield the victory? of what avail the bodies of the -flying, living or dead, that the victors still ruthlessly -pursue and slay?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Anxious to escape from even a distant view of the -carnage, the volantaph brought the falcon to a poise -and in descent opened to view the peninsula of Italy. -In anxious search for the abiding place of their colonistic -correlatives, their attention was soon attracted -to the largest collection of buildings, and as the falcon’s -circuits narrowed in near approach, their eyes -sought for signals of recognition. These, from a -“bird’s eye” view chart of the prominent buildings -in the vicinage of Rome, soon became visible, not only -from the coliseum, the chief settlement of their colonies, -but from every town and hamlet within the -reach of vision. With a near approach to the arcades -every available place in the Ionic range was filled to -overflowing with beaming faces and outstretched arms -in token of joyful welcome. But a few moments -elapsed before the falcons were safely moored in the -old “New Port,” and the howdahs thronged with -forms and faces that required no introduction by -speech for the test of nationality. Without words, -joyful tears, sighs, kisses, and embraces were not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>alone conceded as the special privilege of womanly -affection, but the interchange of these instinctive tokens -under the kindly promptings of gladness became -general. If there was hesitation indicating speech, -those on the outside pressed forward to interrupt the -useless waste of words. For at least a full half hour -this voiceless scene continued unabated, then the -prætor of Coliseo parleyed. “Citizens of Romelia, -forbear? What have these, of our kin, done in the -lapse of ages, that you suffocate them with kisses and -embraces? Are they, in the fullness of our joy, to be -denied the viaticum of welcome words? or do you -intend to despatch them with the silent interdiction -of tidings we have waited and longed for while yet -unborn to the world of mortality? Make way for -your prætor! Fie upon you, Oluissandra! that you, -the wife of the chief magister of Coliseo, should fail -to use your tongue in speech, when its words would -be welcome!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>With this laughing admonition a tall active giantesco -sprang into the howdah, and seizing a sprightly -medium woman by the shoulders, as she was about -to embrace Uffea, turned her briskly round, with the -exclamation, “Now for some system? I am ashamed -of you, Olui! Where is your boasted presence of -mind and pity? and voice, so easily aroused in gratuitous -sympathy for your Giga auramentees? Do -you suppose that this little handful of women can -withstand the battery of Coliseo’s thousands, softly -placable as they are, without having their lips and -faces flayed? Now Signorina Manatitliana, this is -my wife Oluissandra Peasiffea, of the twelfth generation -in descent from the Peasiffeas of Maniculæ,—that -is, I am, and she shares my loving pedigree, with -a worthy merit that exceeds my own.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Before the last clause, Uffea had embraced the wife -of the Coliseo prætor with cousinly warmth. The -husband laughingly thanked her for honoring his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>spouse with such affectionate returns upon the -strength of relationship, but hoped that the slight -deviation from the “giga lineal” would not prove a -bar to the full expression of loving confidence. This -diversion set the women’s tongues in motion, with -trills and fugues, which were followed by the men’s -deeper tones, in more measured accents of curious -inquiry. With the sun’s decline all united in a hymn -of thanksgiving. As the gathering shades of twilight -deepened, Oluissandra reminded her husband -that the Manatitlan howdahs were poorly adapted -for the reception of the prætor of Coliseo’s guests -upon an occasion so extraordinary? “If the public -records are to be trusted,” she said, “they will bear -testimony that it has been customary for the chief -magisters to offer their guests the hospitality of their -houses. It will hardly consort with precedent, if the -scribe should in record addenda state that the prætor -Peasiffea entertained his Manatitlan relatives in their -own howdahs, at the reunion of their peoples, after -centuries of separation. I am sorry,” she continued, -“that courtesy obliges me to give you this public -reproof, but your ‘head and heart’ should have -been on the alert to give a suitable welcome, as the -long delay might conjure sensitive doubts questioning -the sincerity of your joy.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The prætor gave his wife a look of quizzical gratitude -at this rejoinder couched in Giga style, reminding -the chief and his wife of the Dosch’s humorous -sallies. In like manner they were constantly reminded -of home faces and scenes by revived similitude -in impression. Among the Manatitlans, and -their Corcovadian correlatives, the questioning query -would pass, “Who does this or that person remind -you of?” or “How familiar that voice sounds.” -When the resemblance was mentioned, the likeness -was found to have been transmitted by collateral -branches. The prætor, acting upon his wife’s suggestion, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>our falcons received the attention they required -from Coliseo volantaphs, the mews having been kept -in readiness for their reception from generation to -generation, in constant expectation of their reappearance. -Our own apartments, which adjoined those of -the prætor, were in the foliated cyma of the capital -surmounting the second arch of the Corinthian -Arcade. On our way the prætor pointed out the -improvements devised and executed by his predecessors, -regretting that their comparatively indestructible -works should be ingrafted upon one of the perishable -follies of the Roman empire for its more -extended time durability.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At dawn, on the morning succeeding our arrival, -anxious throngs were awaiting to greet us with salutations -of joyful welcome. Many of these had come -from distant districts to participate in the rejoicings of -an occasion so auspicious for the united welfare of the -colonies. Among the visitors, there came from the -St. Angelo department the Dosch of Romalia. He -had started with the first announcement of the falcons, -and traversed the city of the gigas during the -height of one of their saturnalian feasts of flesh, -which precedes the lighter indulgences of fasting -upon a fish and lentil diet. After the morning salutations, -the falcons were employed in excursions for -the practical instruction of the native volantaphs. -On the third day after our arrival, the Dosch and -prætor consulted the chief of the Manatitlans upon a -subject that had been a source of disquietude to the -colonists.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We have deferred the unpleasant subject we are -about to introduce, to the latest possible moment -consistent with the responsibility of our charge,” said -the prætor of Coliseo, “that the impression of our -welcome might remain cheerful until you had fully -compared the extent of our worthiness with your -expectations. The sooner anxiety is dispelled with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>a knowledge of impending evil the better. The -Mouthpat seed our mutual ancestors sowed, just -before the close of the first falcon era, in taking root -assimilated with the native Animalculan races, and -in process imparted their own deleterious habits and -prejudices to their entertainers. With a wider scope -for the gratification of their sensual instincts, they -soon united with the democratic rabble of Rome in -opposing what they termed our pedantic puritanism. -With their coadjutive stimulation our allies in the -exampled practice of purity and goodness were -subjected to annoyances and persecutions and were -denied the right of local option, as natives, in selecting -for themselves a choice of education for their -children. As we could not extend our protection to -the good throughout the broad expanse of Rome, we -established self-supporting colonies in the country as -asylums of resort for the oppressed, so that in consolidated -association they might receive our more -effective support and aid. Still, in defiance of intimidation -and actual injuries, we had more applications -for the admission of Roman children to our schools -than we could accommodate. The deported Mouthpats, -from the first, became adherent imitators of Giga -habits and customs, and fanatically zealous in support -of the Catholic dogmas. Before their advent, -the Animalculans of Rome had been content that the -Giga priests should enact their parts in ceremonial -worship. But the Mouthpats urged that the practice -of vicarious worship through a race barred from direct -communication by mouth interlocution was a subterfuge -of the most damnable tendency. Their labors -for the reconstruction of the ritualistic tenets, and -regeneration of the Animalculans from proxied dependency -upon Giga religious administration, was -finally rewarded with the election of a pope of Mouthpat -descent. This pope, Innocent the First, in Mouthpat -designation, now occupies the silicoth residences -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>relinquished to the first cargo of his ancestors, by -ours on their removal to the Coliseum. In imitation -of Giga example, although he claims higher -merit from his strict administration of the ordinances -of the church, he has established a court of inquisition -for the trial and punishment of heretics.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“One of the first acts of the court was the proclamation -of an interdict prohibiting the Romans from -holding communication with the Coliseos under the -penalty of excommunication from the only true and -holy church. We well understood the term excommunication -in context, although the court was wary -in using threats of torture and death, against the -parents who had entrusted their children to our care, -until they had tested our disposition by overt acts of -intimidation. For this purpose they have arrested -the parents of our pupils on their return to Rome -after paying their monthly visits to their children. To-morrow -they celebrate a saint’s day, in the calendar -of the Mouthpat Church, and are erecting in the gutter-leads -of the church of San Lorenzo, lists with barriers -and the usual requisites necessary for the accommodation -of spectators, and actors that engage in the -barbarous follies of a tournament. But the real -object is the inauguration of an inquisitorial chapter. -The pomp and ceremonials only serving as an introductory -blind, that will hold pity in check by arousing -the passions with chivalric show in brutal enactment -as a placebo for the final catastrophe. In -order that the pomp might equal that of their Giga -exemplars, who are engaged in preparing for a like -celebration, they in anticipation sent challenges to -the most celebrated and valorous representatives of -Animalculan knighthood throughout the courts of -Europe, subject to a like defiance from their Giga -contemporaries; whose heralds acted as the locomotive -beasts of burden for the transportation of their -parasitic knights errant. To prevent imposition, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>field kings of all the countries in Christendom, subject -to Animalculan sway, were requested to add -their attest to the order and standing of the knight -applicants, also to the service reputation of esquires -emulous of achieving the honorable distinction of -wearing golden spurs. The requirements of those -desirous of contending for love and honor in the lists, -on roachback with spear and sword, were—to be of -pure lineage, of not less than three generations, in -affirmed descent, free from the attaint of mesalliance. -The squires were to be second sons of a parentage -alike eligible for the distinctions of knighthood. -That the trains of each knight should be well satisfied -with their allotment, the third day was set apart -for their contention with arms suited to their stations -in life; ample means were to be furnished for the eating -and drinking entertainment of all comers. The -knights summoned had already arrived in train with -the Gigas who had been cited for the tournament in -preparation for the first crusade designed for the redemption -of the holy sepulchre from the possession of -the infidel Saracens, in which the Animalculans will -also engage. The first course, in this tournament of -human instinct, will be inaugurated after a grand -high mass, to be held in conjunction with the Gigas, -the priests of both races joining in the ceremonial administration -of the rites. After the grand ‘entre’ the -first course will be run between Count Marceroni, -the Roman champion, and any knight bold enough -to accept his challenge. The first encounters are -to be on roachback with spears, in support of the -affirmed superiority, in beauty, of the contestant’s -countrywomen, or “ladies,” in the style of the challenge. -The proclamation sets forth that the encounter -will be conducted in freedom from the slights of -incantation, or other surreptitious advantages, in fair -and open battle, The first unroached will be declared -vanquished, yielding to the victor the right -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>of heralding the supremacy of his countrywomen’s -beauty, with the privilege of selecting from them a -queen to reign during the continuance of the jousts, -as the empress paramount of love, honor, and beauty. -The second day’s joust will be a contention with -axes, maces, and thorn sticks; the victor will be -awarded the privilege of selecting a lady to preside -over the distribution of prizes to the successful in the -melée, or herd encounters of third day’s strife.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This sketch of the announced proceedings, will -give you an idea of the amusements patronized by -the Gigas under the ‘angelic’ supervision of women, -with the sounding style of chivalric. But with both -races, the preliminary amusements are devised as -placebos to invite in transition awe, rather than indignation -and horror for the final tragedy of human -sacrifice. Your opportune arrival will, with falcon -aid, render our service effectual in baffling their intended -murderous enactment, if our emprise meets -with your approval.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The chief and his associates warmly approved of -the course proposed, offering to undertake alone the -hazard of its successful issue, that the reproof might -be in effect more significant of intention in the event -of future transgressions. The scenes enacted at the -tournament, the Dosch said he would relate in quotation -from the chronicler Titview’s letter to Giganteo.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span> - <h2 id='XVIII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-r c009'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Coliseo</span>, departmental colonial settlement, or chief city of Romalia, <em>on the fifth of Ratu, of the one hundred and eighth century of the Manatitlan era, decio multiplex</em>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>Revered Advisor</span>:—In accordance with your -request, I send you an account of a visit, which in -company with the chief and our associates, was made -to the temporal dominions of the Mouthpat pope, -Innocent First, for the rescue of Roman tits, who had -been kidnapped on their return from the monthly -visitation of the Coliseo schools. The object of the -pope, prompting this human theft, was to effect intimidation -by offering them as a public sacrifice, or -burnt offering to the god of their worship, after the -manner of the Tenockitlans, Manchees, and other -civilized nations of Mauna Luna. The vatican, or -stronghold of this Animalculan sect, styled Christians, -is situated on the leads of the Giga church San -Lorenzo, formerly occupied by our colonists, and by -them transferred to the Mouthpats as a leasehold to -be secured in perpetuation for the consideration of -reciprocal good will. The church of San Lorenzo, as -it is now called, was remodeled by the present Giga -Christian dynasty, from the temple of Faustina, by -Antoninus, surnamed the Pious, as a distinctive memorial -of regard for his wife. In the process of renovation -required for the new form of mythological worship, -the outer walls, with their architectural ornaments, -were left unmolested above the entablature of the -cornice, which upon the inner face, looking out upon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>the leads, contained the sacred dove-cotes or cells. -These the Manatitlan colonists had appropriated by -ejecting the unbaptized usurpers of the pagan oracles, -which in turn they relinquished to the Mouthpat sympathizers -of the new ritualists succeeding to the interior -of the edifice. The roof was accessible to the -Animalculans by a jutting rear X buttress erected for -the support of the inner incline of the lateral walls. -For a long time the cells were jointly occupied by the -Manatitlans and dove descendants of the legitimate -Giga divinity of the church, who found themselves -controlled in flight by a mysterious power adverse to -their natural inclinations and gregarious flock associations. -These could have been made excellent substitutes -for falcons, but like all of the animal species -that congregate in flocks and herds, they were subject -to unclean parasites, rendering them obnoxious to -purity, which caused their ejection by a process as -mysterious to their comprehension, as that which had -previously controlled their flight. Ten months previous -to our arrival the Giga pope had announced a -tourney, or ‘passage-at-arms,’ upon a scale of unprecedented -magnificence, for the advancement of a crusade -against a race of Moslems, who exacted tribute -from Christian pilgrims on their way to the holy sepulchre -of their creed. The chief honor to be awarded -the victor, was the command of the forces levied for -the holy war. But each of the contestants was -obliged to offer for the acceptance of the king herald, -irrefragable proof of his blood nobility, and faith in -the immaculate conception, pope’s infallibility, and -Catholic efficacy of saving grace. We arrived in -Rome four days previous to the one designated for -the grand ceremonial opening of the Animalculan -court of valor, which, as a special distinction, was to -be honored with the pope’s presence and arbitration. -As the descendants of the Mouthpats have not improved -in the industrial habits of self-devisement in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>the economy of time for useful purposes, we were -able to secure our position on the roof balance of the -portico without being observed. Directly opposite is -the vatican, or oracular palace of the Pope Innocent. -This is one of the larger dove-cotes which had been -finished in silicoth by the Manatitlan colonists as an -anthemeque, or place of public assemblage, and is -now occupied by his “holiness” as the dove successor -divinity of the roof. An hour or more after our arrival, -the familiars with their working aids commenced -the labors of preparation, and from the character of -their employments it is evident that there will be no -cooing notes of sympathy expended in behalf of suffering -victims.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the northern gutter of the leads the lists are -erected. The galleries rise in backward ascent from -the arena. The terraced gradations are adapted to -rank founded upon material possessions; the lowest -are intended for the nobility, or landed proprietors; -the next grade is allotted to the rich in gold and silver, -or materials in trade, these are styled merchant commoners; -the highest or galley, the tribune informs -me, is destined for the gods, as the rabble are facetiously -called. If the terms of expression interest -you, their generic source can be traced in the Chinese -and Babylonish manuscripts of Animalculans deposited -by our old travelers in the archives of Maniculæ; -from them you will be able to judge of the progressive -attainments of the Romans. Our position will -enable us to see and hear all that passes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The canopy of the ladies gallery is of richly woven -material, contributed by a kabulistanee convert to the -papal creed; as you will not find an equivalent for the -word “lady” and its co-appellative “gentleman” in -any of our indigenous writings, I will give you the -Coliseo tribune’s version. “A lady in Giga acceptation, -is a woman who employs, not only her own, but -the time of her servants in the adornment of her body -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>with cumbersome material, greatly in excess of her requirements -for comfort and comeliness; in addition -she does not hesitate to apply pigments to her face. -These aids are only limited by the metallic means of -supply; and, as your judgment will decide, they detract -not alone from personal purity, but render the -persons of the Giga females, in fact, repulsive. Still -auramentation, with the confirmation of the senses in -support of our labors, has proved utterly powerless for -the successful stay of the fantastic follies that follow -in train from the gratification of woman’s envious -rivalry. The term chevalier, or gentleman, is still -more vague in acceptation, and application with the -Gigas. Like virtue, conscience, morality, and saving -grace, the meaning depends upon arbitrary intonations -of the voice in application, without true intrinsic -value for the expression of means or substance realization. -If you, or at least a tit, should ascend to the -tier that will be occupied by the gods, and suddenly -accost one of the meanest and most blasphemous of -the noisy rabble, with the words, “You are no chevalier, -or gentleman,” you would be saluted in return -with a blow or volley of vile epithets too horrible for -exampled utterance.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was about to give farther proofs of the illusive -beguilements of Giga usage in word conversation, but -was interrupted by the blasts of sackbuts, and rumble -of kettle-drums, from the tents of the challengers, -which were partially concealed by a flowery bosque, -which had its source from soil and seeds deposited by -the doves. These signals quickened the movements -of some blackamoors who were decorating the canopied -galleries set apart for the ladies, the pope and -his apostolic cardinals. Soon a living stream of Animalculans -began to deploy in descent from the buttress -turrets of the parapets, and when within hail -commenced a series of pantomimic imitations of the -blacks’ deformities, accompanied with gibing words, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>as if in cruel preparation for the scenes of the day. -Notwithstanding the serious nature of our mission, -enhanced with the fear of after self-censure, we could -not withhold our instinctive sympathy when the Ethiopians -discomfited their democratic Mouthpat assailants, -who showed themselves in every respect inferior -to their swarthy opponents. The tilting touches of -the blackamoors’ tongues, often caused the Mouthpats -to wince and brandish their thorn sticks with the well -known hereditary twirl, as if they desired to relieve -the smart with customary material arguments. The -arrival of the higher orders of Animalculan life, -mounted on gayly caparisoned blatidean roaches, -beetles, and ants, created a diversion with less freedom -in expression, yet the democratic tendency of -crowds to turbulence was still apparent, for the -knights in their turn became subject to the natural flow -of depreciation, but in tones subdued in measured -prominence to a comparison within and without the -reach of the subject’s lance. Finally the ladies were -passed in review with rabberly freedom, but ever -mindful of the length of the knight attendants’ spears. -And lastly, after the beauty, dress, and palfrey management -of the ants by the ladies, had been freely discussed, -the squires and grooms in livery, received the -dredged overplus of scurrilous scoffs and taunts. -When the flourish of trumpets and beadle cries -reminded them of the more important calls of selfishness -for the rival displacement of early comers, we -had the disagreeable opportunity of witnessing a scene -of uproar that baffles description. During the struggle -for places the bailiffs’ staffs were used with a freedom -that denoted the lowest degree of servile subjection -on the part of the herd.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While forced to listen to the vile language of the -“plebs,” we were constrained to hold in the balance -of thought the questionable advantage of speech for -the advancement of purity and goodness, for as yet, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>an affectionate word, or one of sympathy had not been -spoken within my hearing. The Coliseo tribune, who -acted as my mentor, informed me that the Giga children -of Rome lisped oaths with the first impressions of -speech, and with the adventure of sentences used -them for anathematizing imprecations in demands for -selfish gratification. The pursuivants’ calls, “<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Aller -laisser!</span>” Gallic Latin, of imperative command for -space, again attracted our attention to the lists, and -from the commotion, it was easy to perceive that the -curiosity of the vast assemblage was on the tiptoe of -expectation. The prolonged flourish of trumpets, -with the clashing rattle and rumble of cymbals and -kettle-drums, prepared us for the heralded announcement -of the approach of the accredited knights who -were to lead as challengers and challenged in the -jousts for the awards of honor. While passing in review -before the ladies’ and popes’ pavilions, we had -an excellent opportunity for comparing the relative -intelligence of those representing the different nationalities -and septs.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The first group were Austro-Germans; these were -large in size and heavy in feature and form, with a -pervading vis inertia in their sluggish movements. -But to my surprise, the tribune informed me that in -ritualistic gymnastry, spear, and sword exercise, they -were esteemed the leading nation, although rarely -successful in their encounters, as they were too slow -and methodical in delivering their blows, and as a -general result, they were unroached while deciding -upon their point of attack. Calling my attention to -their movements, I could not fail to observe the sluggish -halo that seemed to invest both riders and cockroach -steeds; the latter, he said, grew to an enormous -size in Germany, as in omnivorous habits they -assimilated with their national contemporaries of the -human species, whose intelligence was an instinctive -reflection from stomach distention to the brain. Notwithstanding -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>the swinish cast of their eyes, and sodden -dullness of facial expression, there was out-shadowed -a nucleus reflection, through the gross embargo of -fungous flesh, that bespoke with its oppressed rays -the still existence of the animus of goodness; but it -was so faintly luminous that it failed to make its -source self-apparent. From the remarks of the tribune, -it appeared that the composite peculiarities of -the German septs had been derived from a dietetic -source, dependent upon the digestive energy of the -stomach, and powers of distension for the disposal of -sectional ingesta, selected for the expression of divisional -patriotism. The mental effect produced was -graduated from the wrangling source of irritation, to -the philosophic effect of over-distension, conjoined -with an owlish expression of vacuity in the region of -the eyes. Although in outward expression ritualistically -Christian, their mouths and stomachs were -infidel in observance on fast-days, strenuously advocating -the future resurrection of the body in the stomach. -The females belonging to the family of the -Count Palatine Von Lushmywitzs, possessed the elements -of physical beauty, but there was a subdued -expression of the eyes, with a pervading depression -of deportment, exhibiting the guardian effects of discipline -administered in their male sponsors’ philosophic -moods; also in combination, a settled, disgustful -despondency, emanating from an association with -their lords after they had become filled to repletion -with philosophic wisdom. It was easy, however, to -perceive the struggling elasticity of purity and goodness -in outreaching desire for kindred association, and -hopeful deliverance from an entombed death of corruption. -Pointing out several knights and ladies of -more compact physical attainments, and vivacious -movements in the expression of thought correspondence -with features, the tribune stated that their improved -appearance was solely dependent upon an admixture -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>of foreign blood, opposed to swilling barley -mead, and coarse gluttony. Many of these had sent -their infants to Manatitlan colonistic schools, and, by -the after adoption of their children’s example, had -raised themselves to a comparative appreciation of -the privileges bestowed for the elevation of humanity -above the coarser instincts of its sub-alliance with the -lower orders of animality.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next train, in the knightly roachalvacade, embraced -in the retinues of its leaders the representative -extremes of humanity in the British Isles. They had -bluff apetital features, with but a slight remnant predisposition -to the philosophical swinishness that enveloped -with fatty folds the direct descendants of -their Saxo-German antecedents. In the place of -jowled lethargy, they presented bold taural fronts, -with a canine expression of tenacity about their -mouths, that would cause you to involuntarily shrink -from a collision with their heads and teeth. Indeed, -their general aspect was stout and still in manifestation, -indicating strong bodily self-reliance. The -women exhibited a robust air of independence, with -the pleasing accompaniment of rosy complexions, in -strong contrast with the pale, inanimative features of -their German cousins, which declared at sight their -freedom from servility, with the exhibition of a coexistent -power that could turn or tame the obstinate -fronts of the males, when within the circle of their -domestic domain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Following close in the rear of English lead, came -the Gallic French, who with chattering volubility and -grimace, more than supplied the paucity of words used -by those in advance. In personal characteristics they -were in every respect foreign to their preceding neighbors. -Without listening or replying they all talked -in medley, which impressed me with the conviction -that they had no definite ideas beyond the present -evidences of their existence, or hopes of a future free -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>from the predominating influence of their bodies’ -frivolous selfishness. This impression was confirmed -by the tribune, who said that sympathy with, and -confidence in their kind, were alike ignored, each -holding that the gratification afforded by the passing -moment, was the only happiness and real hope, life -afforded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In accordance with these assumptions, which -they verify in act, we have found them loquaciously -factious, and quite as unsettled as their Giga countrymen -and exemplars; expressing in a breath the -strongest terms of wordy affection and hatred for the -same person, and in their constantly recurring civil -feuds, destroying their rulers and relatives with less -compunction than individuals of an opposing race. -In verity from frivolous habits in thought and act, -they have become despicable examples of the disorganizing -effect of infidelity to Creative indications designed -for our self-control. The French women, as -you observe in the boldness of their public demeanor, -are as vivaciously apt for the illustration of the opposite -gender’s instinctive ideas of happiness in domestic -association, as the German are submissive.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Spanish knightly representatives next passed -in review. As roach cavaliers, they were far above -their predecessors in graceful bearing and dignity of -deportment; but their thoughts were inwardly disposed -to the sole devotion of self-contemplation, looking -down from the lofty pinnacle with supercilious -complacency and condescension on all alike, expecting -from others the deferential consideration they -paid to themselves. The women were veiled and demure -in bearing, but the instinctive sparkle of their -eyes defied the gauzy fabric’s concealment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Italians came next, yielding, as entertainers, -precedence to the four leading nations. The Mouthpat -descendants of Italian nativity, as is the wont -of the stocks derived from their audacious ingraft, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>assumed the lead. Closing the roachavalcade were -knight adventurers from lesser nationalities, lacking -in numbers sufficient for separate display. Alas, for -my own and companion’s vaunted power of self-control -over our instinctive passions, when exposed from inexperience -to human acts of cruelty committed from -the wantonness of power. As these human novelties -passed under our curious inspection, panoplied and -strangely garbed in glittering armour, one of the -sturdy knights attached to the rear, in mere wantonness -for the exhibition of his prowess without the -risk of rebuttal, with the pretext of a gibing inquiry -with regard to the health of his maternal parent, suspended -an unoffending tit dwarf by thrusting his spear -through his jerkin, holding him aloft, while the blood -from a flesh wound trickled over his hose. It was -well for the successful issue of our undertaking that a -kindly disposed herald not only relieved him from his -uncomfortable plight but gave him the wherewith for -the purchase of another garment with the largesse he -had received from the other knights, and in retribution -ejecting the offender with disgrace from the lists. -This justly merited punishment pacified our irate desire -to call the aggressor to an account for his wanton -cruelty. The warmth of our sympathetic pity caused -the Coliseos, with a smile, to warn us that if we -attempted to redress all the wanton and cruel aggressions -that would be forced upon our notice, with the -infliction of bodily punishment, we should be obliged -to forego the benefits of peaceful example altogether. -“We are powerless to stay the barbarous cruelties they -practice among themselves, and our interference would -only serve to aggravate the spirit of retaliation. From -the beginning, the course pursued by our people has -been beset with many temptations provoking arbitrary -interference for the redress of wrongs. But -they have managed to escape free from serious difficulty -up to the present time, and our presence here -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>to-day was compelled by affectionate sympathy to -save the lives of well disposed parents whose children -have been intrusted to our charge. With your aid -we can now make a lasting impression that will prevent -future aggressions, for they have a hereditary -dread of the actual presence of the unadulterated -Manatitlans.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The trumpets sounding a parley for the announcement -of the regulations of the day, and terms of the -challengers, caused us to give hasty thanks to the -tribune for his timely admonitions, with the promise -that we would try and hold our feelings aloof from -passionate excitement in behalf of all except those in -whose aid we had enlisted. The lull that succeeded -the herald’s call permitted us to hear the alheu of -the pursuivant, but the special conditions of the challengers -were drowned by the renewed buzz of voices. -Gathering strength from personal retorts, they gave -birth to sounds ranging from the high nasal to the -low guttural of the German dialects, accommodating -themselves to fragmentary enunciations of words, and -the most dissonant syllabic combinations possible in -conjuration from the rumbling intonations of indigestion. -These crudities were jargonized with the curt -unconsolidated English, the fustian croak of the Dutch, -Gallic flippancy, slipshod Irish, and the nasal bagpipe -drone or burr of the Scotch; to which was added the -quavering Italian, the soft flow of the Spanish, with -cadenced harmony of intonation, and the horrible -rasping cartilaginous utterances of the Jewish nose, -so repulsively selfish that endurance shudders in memory -of the infliction. The tumult of tongues intercepted -and confused the herald’s announcement, so -that we were dependent upon the pantomimic acts of -the stewards and beadles for an interpretation of the -decrees regulating the combat. The Coliseos were in -no way anxious to witness the medlarious enactments, -so we were preferred to the most eligible positions for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>the gratification of our newly fledged curiosity, which -I am ashamed to confess was over eager, and for the -occasion must have lowered us in the estimation of -our cousins. Our position exposed to us, in side view, -the entire multitude in its caste gradations, from the -canopied pope and cardinals and their created nobility, -with the “fair ladyes” occupying the pavilion -opposite, upward through the terraced ascent to the -“strident gods,” who worried each other with true -mythological zest when disengaged from the supervision -of those below. When eager expectation was at -its height, attention was diverted from the lists by -solemn long drawn blasts of sackbuts accompanied -with the roll of drums. This new phase closed the -mouths of yelping instinct, and with the awed hush, -the object cause of the doleful braying made its appearance -from the gates of a dovecot abbey. This -was a priestly procession moving with slow cadenced -steps to the sound of an anthemed dirge. The tribune, -who seemed to be intuitively apprized of all the -movements in the routine phases of priestcraft, informed -me that the procession preceded by the palled -bier indicated a judicial combat, which was instituted -for the final decision by the judgment of God of right -and wrong in argument, as well as the guilt and innocence -of persons accused of crimes. Farther exposition -was anticipated by the entrance of a herald -into the arena, who proclaimed, with an alheu,—“Whereas, -it has occurred,—to the extreme mortification -of his holiness,—that certain of the consistorial -incumbents,—to wit, the holy brothers Bonefacio -and Buenaventura, have differed in their estimate -concerning the preferred essentials of sufficient and -efficacious grace; giving rise to the implied accusations -of perjury, with taunts, that in the warmth -of expression exceeded the bounds of Christian forbearance,—it -has been determined by our holy father, -that they shall have extended to them the privilege -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>of deciding a question so important to their respective -personalities, and the general welfare of souls, by -the ordeal of battle. In referring the detection of the -perjured to the judgment of God, the doom pronounced -upon the convicted,—in vindication of the -just and holy laws instituted by the gracious clemency -of our holy father,—it hath been adjudged that the -respondents be awarded the benefit of knight champions, -who for the love and sustenance of truth, in -devotion to the holy mother church, shall offer, in -willing submission, their bodies with arms for the -decision of the question at issue, using their utmost -exertion in skillful encounter, that the perjured may -suffer merited punishment.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The instinctive elements of humanity, like those -which hold irruptive sway from excessive accumulation -in the earth’s interior, involve anticipatory emotions -of coming events. As, with the vacuum lull of -the forest that heralds the tornado; or, in the ocean -calm, the bubbling ripple crests which warn the volantaph -of an approaching tempest; and the dread silence -that precedes the earthquake’s convulsive throes,—the -congregated multitude in counterpart had anticipated -from the dirge the startling premonition of -some horrible gratification. From suppressed respiratory -gaze, unbroken except from an occasional Jewish -croak, or belching eructations from uncircumcised barbarians -unaccustomed to the suppressed control of -reverential awe, the multitude, when the cause for the -sombre prelude was announced, burst the bonds of -thoughtless silence with deafening shouts for champions. -The knights no less prompt offered their service -in mass, so that it became necessary for the interdicted -prelates to make selection of champions; in -aid the heralds sounded their call for a parade procession. -As the squires brought in the knightly equipments -for their masters, the grooms led in the panoplied -war-roaches. When mounted the knights passed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>in review before the consistorial pavilion. Exposed -to the searching glances of spiritual and temporal -criticism they exerted all their dexterity in the management -of the roach-steeds and in the changing exercise -of sword and spear to win the favor of an election. -Cardinal Bonefacio had with other accomplishments -acquired the reputation of being an expert -roach equitator, as well as a skillful artist in the use -of arms, in his temporal days. Buenaventura, his -polemical adversary, aware of these advantages, and -his own defective judgment, sought by the chicanery -of his eyes to detect Cardinal Bonefacio’s preference, -as in casting lots he had won the first choice, which -would enable him to secure the champion of his opponent’s -election. Among the knights there was one -from Tipperary, a county shire in the Island of Hibernation, -a dependency of Albion. This knight bore -the title and name of Sir O’Ham Ill Tong, of Scythio-Mongolian -extraction. His brogue, and quaint peculiarities -of speaking in reversion, had attracted the -tribune’s attention, who was familiar with the derivation -of his sept and lingual idiom. He informed me -that the literal meaning of his name was bad pork, -as it was customary with the Mongolian tribes to -name those outlawed from the hereditary cognomen -of Kan Avan, or John, the son of the tribe, with the -cause of defection; which in his case might have -been inherited from ancestral resemblance, exchanging -a bad article for good, or stealing from his own -tribe, as each of these crimes were punished with -bestowal of a name referring to the cause of attaint. -His squire still bore the tribal name, and for economy -enacted the part of roach-groom. This unique pair -had attracted mirthful attention, and were the especial -favorites of the gods; the knight for correspondence -with name, and Kan Avan, his squire, for successful -apish imitation of his master’s traits; but -both were so blinded with boastful vanity that even -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>the scoffing plaudits of the hinds ministered to its inflation. -Cardinal Bonefacio, being in disposition humorously -inclined, could not divert his eyes from the -combined comicalities of their forms, pretensions, and -clownish movements. This marked interest at once -decided the choice of Cardinal Buenaventura. The -wisdom of his selection was confirmed when the generosity -of Bonefacio suggested a more prudent election. -Finding that his colleague’s determination could -not be changed, Bonefacio made Don Bacalao his -proxy, a Spanish knight who depended upon his dignity -and purity of lineage for success.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The cardinals having selected their champions, the -lists were cleared for the encounter, the beadles remaining -to enforce the ritualistic regulations. When -the champions had assumed their positions, the barrier -gates were opened to admit the judicial brotherhood, -who while chanting their dirge proceeded to -the centre of the arena and there deposited the bier -with its palled coffin, upon which had been placed a -skull and crossed bones of the human leg; over these -as a dividing barrier the two champions would be -required to thrust their lances in closing career. With -this sable wall interposed, gravely premonitory with -its relict escutcheon, of sepulchral entertainment, Sir -O’Ham’s face became blanched, while the point of -his spear directed heavenward described in trembling -movements a geometrical medley of circles with acute -triangles, as if engaged in calculating his chances of -being elected a tenant. The face of the Spaniard, -more intelligent in expression, but with deeper set -fanatical lines, became overshadowed with fitful gloom -as he intently watched the ominous proceedings of -the cortege. Even the “gods” became silent with -awe, in the presence of these foreboding evidences of -the end of mortality, involuntarily crossing their foreheads -and breasts with their fingers, as if to exorcise -inevitable fate. With the sound of the trumpets for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>the charge, the perturbation of Sir O’Ham Ill Tong -caused him to lose all control over himself and spear, -the latter in its fall to rest encountered the beadle’s -head. The blow was as free from the attaint of misdirection -as it would have been in the most skillful -hands with the intention of producing the prostrate -result which it accomplished with the beadle. Although -reduced to an attitude of supplication, the victim -of this mishap gave voice to language widely at -variance with the formulistic words used in Catholic -prayer. The beadle’s uncontrollable anger, and the -increased confusion of the champion, were of that -humorous cast that renders mirth irresistible, even -under the impression of imposing solemnities, and the -restraining presence of those high in worshipful -authority. In the present instance, the pope was constrained -to turn his head aside, but his jowls shook -and vibrated with jellied throbs that absolved even -the ladies, in the opposite pavilion, from the painful -effort that would have been required to conceal their -mirthful emotions. The contagious effect of boisterous -laughter would have made irresistible headway -with the democratic elements of the godhead, but for -the timely forethought of the heralds, and the mettlesome -impatience of the roaches, which seconded with -spirit the trumpet’s sound to charge. This the disgraced -beadle, with aching head, encouraged with a -smart kick applied to a sensitive part of O’Ham’s -steed, causing it to start in its career with an impetus -that nearly unseated the worthy knight. Losing his -stirrups at the start the champion of Cardinal Buenaventura -was obliged to exercise all the presence of -mind within his reach to restrain his fiery roach from -the dreaded encounter over the sable barrier; but fed -at the table of the Giga pontiff, restraint was impossible. -Notwithstanding the mad career of the high-fed -roach, the knight with instinctive bravery clutched -his spear, and would have directed it with his usual -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>skill to the barret bars of Don Bacalao’s visor (recorded -from his after confession) had not the doomed -(by after intention) knight anticipated delayed design -by the then present achievement of the same purpose -with successful effect; his spear’s point catching in -the slits of O’Ham’s visor he was hurled from his -saddle a perjured man. His dangling spear having -wounded one of the judicial brotherhood that was -added to the sum of his day’s disgrace. Hisses, and -contemptuous words of scorn saluted the knight’s -highly sensitive instincts from the mouths of high -and low degree when raised from his grovelings in the -dust. To his discomfiture was added the pains and -penalties of knightly disgrace that condemned his -memory to infamy. Stripped of his armor by the -beadles and grooms, his spurs were hacked from the -heels of his brogans. The tribune informs me, that the -name of the shoe is derived from the resemblance of its -creak to the Hibernian’s brogue. His roach steed, and -squire, participating in their master’s disgrace, were -stripped of their housings, but the former, apparently -less sensitive in the appreciation of his perjured condition, -shook his blattidial wings with relieved satisfaction, -in lively contrast with the crooning wirra of -his companions. Then the three unfortunates were -reduced as nearly to a state of nature as the regulations -of modesty permitted; the knight and squire -were haltered and placed upon the roach in a reversed -position and led from the arena amid the jeers of the -multitude. The heartless lack of pitying sympathy -shown to the knight and his companions in misfortune, -aroused in our breasts emotions akin to indignation, -but we were again warned that we must not be -prodigal with our kindly instincts unless we wished -to bankrupt them in utter disgust. Finding ourselves -constantly astray with the kindly yearnings of our -inexperience in the ways of worldly human instinct, -we resolved to set aside the integrity of our home -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>impressions and abide by the direction of the Coliseo’s -example.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the judicial ordeal closed, his holiness and -consistorials left the lists, that the people might enjoy -their more profane amusements free from the embarrassment -imposed by their sacred presence, Cardinal -Buenaventura showing especial chagrin in being -obliged to acknowledge that effectual grace was not -sufficient. The only representatives of the priesthood -remaining in the lists, who were not in the -actual charge of souls, were abbots and priors, with -their canons of inferior calibre, none of the Episcopal -diocesans venturing to remain, although many -cast longing and critical glances to the appointments -and bearings of the knights through whose arrayed -ranks they filed out of the lists on their way to the -vatican. The judicial brotherhood with their dismal -bar to joviality, and prisoners, disappeared within the -gates of their sanctuary.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The relief from the combined influence of the -departed became immediately manifest in the bantering -freedom of all the gradations of the assemblage; -the clergy leading in the display of wit and gallantry, -but in a manner that frequently trenched upon -the laity’s interested sense of propriety. <em>The Joust</em>, -from the delay occasioned by the judicial combat, -was now hastened, and the two processions were but -shortly housed before the first two lances were splintered. -Count San Pietro Marceroni, Captain of the -Papal Guard, was the Italian’s Mouthpat champion, -and had succeeded in gaining a slight advantage in -bearing off the cockscomb that surmounted the -helmet of Count Saint Poll de Parrote, a French -knight of great renown, as an adept in the chivalric -accomplishments of the age, as well as in the gastronomic -art, having been elected by the Pope chief of -cuisine, esteemed the most important office within -his gift. Between the two knights there had been a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>warm rivalry for the favors of Princessa Idolisima -Canonica, a niece of the pope, after his election to -the Papal chair. As upon the result of the encounter -the pope’s favor depended, the friends of Count -Parrote, confident in his successful prowess, had presented -him the helmet he wore as a presage of victory. -This was surmounted with a cock’s head, neck, -wings, tail, and comb, all in exultant elevation, as if -sounding the highest octave in the clarion notes of -victory. His countrymen, with still greater assurance, -had caused the artist to execute a wreath composed -of hearts, spear-heads, and trefoil, worked in gold; -this circled and was attached to the cock’s crest. -When this was borne off by the well directed aim of -Count Marceroni’s spear point, I will acknowledge -that I felt an instinctive thrill of elation. Still if -his signal skill had resulted otherwise than in a -bloodless victory, notwithstanding the flippant presumption -of Count Parrote, I am assured that I -should have felt a tremor of dismayed horror. In -sustaining the reputation he had won Count Marceroni -successively overthrew the stalwart son of Baron -Biermywitzs, a young knight with an excellent German -reputation for capacity. Baron Brainoff, a Muscovite -with a heavy animal cast of countenance, -theoretically accomplished in the Tartar tactics of -thrust, run, and come again, which he displayed; -but the arena was too contracted for their successful -evolution, for he was overtaken and overthrown, his -roach participating in his fall. His last encounter -was with Baron von Wolfenstein, an Austrian knight -with a powerful phlegmatic physique of vis inertia. -At the start he placed his lance in rest over the carapace -of his roach with the hopeful expectation of -finding his opponent impaled thereon after the course -had been run. When, from a defect in his calculation -of his foe’s condescension, he found himself a -prostrate companion with his steed, he did not exhibit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>in his movements the least symptom of chagrin, -although saluted with the derisive jests of the democratic -plebs, who appeared to enjoy with intense satisfaction -the privilege of jousting their superiors with -revilings, when temporarily reduced to their own -groveling level. After a leisurely survey of his situation -he slowly, by easy stages, regained his upright -position without the proffered aid of the beadles; -then with sluggish movements unlaced his beaver, -and raising his visor, showed a face wreathed in torpid -smiles that seemed to have had their rise from -the recognition of the scoffing taunts as plaudits for -the execution of some knightly achievement that had -escaped his memory. This innocent act of mazy -stupidity was taken by the spectators as a witty assumption -in burlesque of victory, and vividly impressed -with his supposed humorous aptness they -made the welkin echo with their shouts of applause, -until he had bowed himself out of the lists. Count -Marceroni, by this democratic misapprehension of cause -and effect, was completely robbed of the merited zest -due to his adroit exhibition of skill in the precise use -of weapons, and the Austrian Baron, the least worthy -of his antagonists, was established as the prime -favorite of the worshipful gods.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Turning to the tribune a look of inquiry, I observed -with surprise that his face, for the first time, -was suffused with a pleased expression. In explanation, -he said that the scene I had just witnessed was -a truthful exposition of the source from which a majority -of the Gigas and Animalculans derived their -reputations for wisdom, wit, and invention; in truth, -he continued, musingly, you can take it as a fair demonstration -of the substance of their living realities. -Embracing the opportunity, he again advised us not -to let our Manatitlan natures interpose their sensitive -perceptions for the gratuitous bestowal of praise or -pity, as they would serve to mar the relish of comical -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>effects afforded by the hap-hazard novelties in -store from the heterogeneous imitations of Giga habits -and customs.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While the “fun” provoked by the suppositious -humor of the Austrian baron, Wolfenstein, was at its -height, the heralds announced the melée. The arena, -in this promiscuous scene of antagonism, was so -completely filled with knights and their roach steeds -that the space between the challengers and challenged -only afforded a limited movement, short spears having -been substituted for the longer and more cumbersome -couch-lance, but the favorite weapons were -clubs, swords, and battle-axes. As the combatants -were so nearly in contact with each other when unroached, -they discarded all weapons save the short -dagger, and it was fearful to behold the fierce blows -dealt with it, for instead of men the combatants appeared -like enraged beasts who used knives, and other -weapons, in the place of claws. But as the horrible -scene progressed, we were often obliged to turn our -faces aside from dizzy faintness. The roaches imitating -the fierce example of their riders became infuriate, -seizing with their mandibles opposing legs -and antennæ, so that many were disabled by mutilating -attacks both in front and rear, for in the melée -they showed as little regard for honorable usage of -the parts exposed as their riders. It was gratifying -to see that a majority of the ladies’ heads were bowed -down, with their hands tightly pressed upon their -ears, and it was long after all the evidences of the -bloody fray had been removed that they again assumed -an upright position. This evidence of sensitive repugnance, -on the part of women personally known to -them, produced a congratulatory revulsion with the -Coliseos, who hailed it as a favorable omen, with -the hope that its influence had turned aside the fanatical -intentions that meditated the sacrifice of the -kidnapped tits upon the altars of superstition. In the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>enthusiasm of the moment, my mentor exclaimed: “I -firmly believe that there is not a Giga or Animalculan -mother in Italy, who, in freedom from bias, would -refuse the privilege of having their children educated -in accordance with the Manatitlan system!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the sand had been renewed in the lists to -cover the unsightly stains, a light and joyous rondalen -was sounded, and the commingled challengers and -challenged were seen issuing from their tents in the -wooded bosque, and mounting fresh roaches, newly -caparisoned with gay trappings, they again entered -the lists. When the roachavalcade reached the barrier -vestibule, the heralds proclaimed: “Count San -Pietro Marceroni, the elected king champion of the -lists, in whom is vested absolute authority, and honors -that will remain inviolate, until in an approved -tourney a worthy successor can be found. Salute -your champion king!” The trumpets then sounded -the crowning tan-tarra, while the count, assisted by -twelve knights-of-honor, dismounted and was invested -with the kingly robes of love and honor, then kneeling -upon a richly wrought carpet he was crowned by the -master of ceremonies with the consecrated chaplet of -Mars. As he rose the vast assemblage saluted him -with the exclamations: “Long live the noble Count -San Pietro Marceroni, king champion of the lists!” -the mouthed concussions of boisterous adulation causing -the canopies to vibrate with the echoing sound of -noisy and noisome breath.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Again the braying of trumpets and clash of cymbals -overpowered the tumultuous shouts of the multitude, -and when sufficiently hushed for a single voice -to be heard, the grand master gave utterance in proclamation -to the maxim: “It is not good for man -to rule alone! And, in obedience to well approved -custom, and the chivalric gallantry of brave hearts, it -hath been adjudged that after his own installation -the king champion shall, from his own choice, elect a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>queen of love and beauty to preside in public at feast -and festival during the term of his regality. In accordance -with this imperative decree our salutations -await his choice!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mounting his richly caparisoned blattidean roach -with a graceful vault, Count Marceroni caused him to -execute a variety of changes in pace of the most difficult -posing gaits imaginable; and, while passing -from a demi-amble to a demi-cavolt, raised from its -cushion in the hands of his squire the chaplet designed -for his queen upon the point of his lance, allowing -it to rest in loop upon its cross-check. This -adroit feat was greeted with shouts of applause, which -stimulated him to enact a great variety of euphuistic -attitudes,—a species of pantomimic male coquetry -then much in vogue with the Giga nobility,—which -the tribune said would express, with the scenes of the -day, how ritualistically void in enactment, the exemplar -and imitator were for the real attainment of -happy impressions. There was certainly for the instinctive -worshipper, much to admire in the studied -adroitness of the count’s acquirements, as they bespoke -disciplined perseverance; but when I reflected that -his manly capabilities had been expended upon frivolous -expertness to grace a brutal pastime, I found -cause for self-reprobation for the sympathy of my admiration. -Of the count’s predilection all seemed to -be aware, but, withal, held their breathing subdued -with expectation to gather force for a new outburst -of applause when his acceptance was confirmed. Arriving -in front of the Princessa Idolisima’s pavilion, -by the longest circuit, with doublings, that the effect -of his euphuistic mimicries might be fully appreciated, -he with an obeisance that enveloped the caput-shield -of his roach with the plumes of his casque, -petitioned with his voice; “Will the most noble -Princessa Idolisima Canonica deign to share the brief -rule of her humble subject, Count San Pietro Marceroni, -as the queen of love, beauty, and harmony?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>With a blush of equivocal import, she nodded her -acceptance. Then, while her eyes were yet concealed -under the latticed veil of their long, silken lashes, the -count, with infinite grace, conveyed the coronet with a -“<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">coup de lance</span></i>” to its proper position on her head -without disturbing a ringlet with its steel. Plaudits in -salvos rose in deafening succession with the successful -accomplishment of this dexterous feat, which bespoke -long and patient practice with a living model. The -princessa represents through ——, her uncle, the pope, -one of the original Mouthpat families of Greenpat, -with blood variations from European ingraft, which -had produced a remarkable improvement, by blending -and mellowing with distance the animal traits -into an expression, that might with propriety be -termed instinctive idealization. Her eyes are black -with a shadowy impression of azure softening the -snaky brilliancy of the Italian into a sympathetic -hue, free from the luric reflection of vengeful passions. -When free from exciting emotions, they beam forth -an expression of calm dignity, above the sway of lust, -vanity, and envy, that gave birth to the cruel frivolities -of the day, which she evidently patronizes from -compulsion. The composition, in outline, of her other -features, corresponds in expression with her eyes, bespeaking -the struggling emergence of her thoughts -from sensual control, although, from relative association, -obliged to conform to the usages that hold ruling -sway. But, withal, there is apparent to our eyes -an underlying consciousness of purity and goodness, -with her responsibility for their cultivation and preservation -for transmission. We were so strongly impressed -with her longing desire for more substantial -attainments than the illusive vanities with which she -was surrounded, that we could not refrain from giving -voice to our thoughts, which brought a succession of -grateful flushes to the tribune’s face, foretokening an -interest of deeper import than our observation had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>previously detected. Frankly acknowledging the -predisposition his emotions indicated he begged to be -excused from an explanation while subject to so many -counter enactments. A request that delicacy conceded -without voiced assurance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While the northern portion of the lists was in the -process of transformation into a sectional amphitheatre -for the exhibition of an ant and tarantula -fight,—which unfortunately our position overlooked,—Count -Marceroni led his queen with her maids of -honor into a pavilion erected for her reception at the -extreme southern portion of the arena, which in construction -had received his special supervision. When -this, after occupation, was exposed to view, the splendor -of its appointments in tinsel adornment received -the prayerful adoration of the assemblage. Seated -in front of the pavilion on its extended platform, just -without the shadow of its dais, were two celebrated -improvisorial troubadours of Provence, a small kingdom -in the south of France. These were to contend -in verse and song for prizes to be awarded by the -queen of beauty, love, and harmony, to the adjudged -successful superiority of the competitors in their -varied styles of adventurous composition. A laurel -wreath, or chaplet, had been prepared for the queen’s -crowning disposal, with the title of laureate; the -recipient holding with the emblematic token the conferred -privilege of supremacy in his vocation through -all the Animalculan courts of Christendom, until a -greater star should appear in the musical firmament, -for his eclipse, under the like sanction of infallible -approval. When the congregation were fully separated -for the suitable enjoyment of their tastes in the -contrasted extremities of the lists,—the northern -having the relative preponderance of eight to one -of the southern audience,—a screen was drawn to -intercept the boisterous freedom of the borealian -sphere.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>When the arrangements were fully completed, a -maiden herald pronounced in silvery tones, “Alheu!” -Then Penny Song with tuneful rebeck essayed his -overture with reverent eyes upturned in conceptive -supplication to the ruling goddess of love and harmony. -To the symphony of murmuring strings in -soft prelude to a rippling vision from the fountain of -musical poesy, he began his lay. Gradually, with -the accession of tributary streams, the current tones -increased from the smooth still voiced streamlet, until -it merged into the rapid flow of the pebbly brook, -combining in sound cascade variations with rippling -flow over shallow inequalities into the bubbling -depths of a pool, and from thence onward with accumulating -force into the deep volume of the river’s -tide. His voice in harmonious movement, tremulous -with emotions reinvoked from passionate recitative -thought, rehearsed in song the Songs of Solomon. -Floating with the gilded wings of sensual taste, he -fluttered over the luscious lisp of lips united in their -sip of virgin nectar from the fount of instinctive love; -at first chaste and free from guile in the sparkling -depths of pure desire,—but, anon, overflowing in -contemplation of the wide expanse of flowery meads, -until satiated with its profligate deviation from the -legitimate boundaries of its course, he discovers with -lamentation the muddy defilement that exceeds his -hopes of purification. The song of the bard was -wildly descriptive of the longings of instinctive desire, -until the hero had embraced with his wisdom -the fairest and loveliest daughters of Israel; then -imbecile with sensual gratification, he utters in his -senility the wailing cry: “Vanity, all is vanity!” -and is gathered to his father’s dust. The Princessa -Idolisima, when the theme became expressive in sensual -development, perused attentively the countenances -of all within reach of her eyes, but seeing how -eagerly engrossed they were with the voluptuous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>portrayals of the poet bard, she with her selected companions -bowed their heads upon their hands with a -sorrowful blush of shame. This mood the bard observing, -with the cause, introduced into his lamentations -strong reproof of himself for the selection of a -subject so replete with infamous suggestion. His -sarcasm eloquent in self-condemnation aroused the -lascivious from their enraptured fancies, causing -them, from shame, to break the spell; and when -they saw the princessa and her maids with their -heads bowed down, many from self-conviction gave -evidence that within themselves they felt the cause. -Among these was Count San Pietro Marceroni. The -bard approved himself to be in the possession of extraordinary -imitative powers, for in his recitative picture -he held his hearers, of subject kind, entranced -and as quickly aroused them with the pungency of -his addenda to the dirged lamentations of instinctive -wisdom, which would have startled the old hero to a -more energetic renunciation of his follies than the -vapid exclamation, that his experience was vanity -and vexation of spirit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The prelude of his competitor, Long Bow, was far -more primitive in its characteristic portrayal, being -timed to irregular cadences of barbaric import. The -plaintive melody evoked by his touch from a stringed -gourd was in consonance with the strains of his song-theme, -which depicted the wild erratic love of savage -life, but with far less instinctive merit in recitative -description than the love ditties of our Betongese -neighbors. At times the savage devotion of the -lovers seemed to rise above the animal instincts of -sense, but only to sink deeper into the mythical -regions of hopeful doubt and despair. The butt at -which Long Bow aimed was a rhythmic measure -adapted to savage nomenclature and the improvised -harmony of his gourd.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the conclusion of his recitative the herald -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>maiden called: “Give ear, lovers of the gay and -joyous science,—attend! while the queen of love, -beauty, and harmony approves with her commendation -and award the happy victor in the joust of improvised -song?” The count champion offered his -hand to assist Idolisima in her descent to the balcony -erected for the bestowal of awards, but his bearing -was abashed with the conscious self-reflection of unworthiness. -Idolisima, the queen, without assistance -stepped self-reliantly forward to her position, and -then, without ceremonious prelude, beckoned Long -Bow to advance. Approaching he knelt in accordance -with the prescribed euphuistic forms of chivalric -obeisance in the presence of royalty. Placing the -chaplet upon his brow she bid him rise. Then calling -Penny Song forward she presented him with a zithern, -the prize for the victor in song. The assemblage, -disappointed in her award of the laureate’s -chaplet, were appeased by the more substantial gift -of the zithern to their favorite, recognizing in its -material worth a preference for their choice. This -material appeal to their senses opened the only -avenue to their appreciation, but their partial murmurs -of approval were stilled by a look and disdainful -wave of the hand. When subjected to silence, -she addressed Long Bow in terms adapted to the -usage of chivalry, although manifestly at variance -with expectation in expression:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sir minstrel, we have esteemed your claims to -the title of laureate as best sustained in the court -of fair ladies; inasmuch as you have been pleased -to acknowledge with our presence a comparative respect -for purity, by which, in fact, you have honored -the worth of your own, as well as the common name -of mother. By endeavoring to exalt with your muse -the instinctive purity and fidelity of your savage -heroine, the fair High Water, you have admitted that -it is our duty and privilege to excel her untutored -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>example. Still you have paid to ourselves and -maternity of our race an equivocal compliment for -worth in your far-fetched search for a heroine example -of constancy in love and purity. Notwithstanding -the implied lack of living examples worthy of -imitation for the inspiration of your songful muse, -we have preferred your savage precedent to your competitor’s -glossing embellishment of his hero’s vices. -With the hope that you may discover, during your -adventurous residence in Rome, an Animalculan or -Giga representative that will honor your mother’s sex -with worth sufficient to inspire your commendation -in song, we would urge the undertaking as one deserving -your earnest attention. In the event of success -it will save your muse many weary pilgrimages -into deserts and the waste places of earth for the -achievement of consolation from savage example. -That the emprise may not lack direction I will recommend -you to visit the Manatitlan colony of Coliseo. -For with them, when convinced of your sincerity, -you will find in woman an exaltation of loving affection -that will by far exceed your highest conceptions.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>She would have extended her reproof, but as she -was in the act of addressing Penny Song, her commendation -of the Manatitlan colonists brought such an -overwhelming “answering sibilation” in denouncement -that her brothers, in fear of an outbreak, hurried -her away. The minstrels during the excitement approached -near enough for whispered communication, -the purport of which brought a smile of gratification -to her face. They then as a diversion commenced -a roundelay of spirited movement, uniting their voices -in bluff concert to the sound of the zithernas. As -with enraged wild beasts when surprised with the -sound of music, the factious instincts of the spectators -were stilled. The Coliseos were rejoiced at the -steadfast adherence of Idolisima to the inculcations -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>of her Manatitlan education, for the tribune now informed -us that she had served her full term in the -Coliseo school, promising to relate at a convenient -season the cause of her apparent defection.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although fearfully repugnant to our feelings, we -turned our attention to the democratic amusements -in the northern sectional arena, within the vestibule -of the barriers; as you cautioned us of the necessity -of seeing for ourselves all the enactments that we -recorded for advisorial judgment. The “pit,” as it -was aptly termed, was a miniature imitation of the -large arena of the lists; but the contestants for the -honors of mutilation were ants of the white, red, and -black species, and their antagonists were tarantulas -distinguished by the same order and variation of colors. -But with naturally a higher object in view than their -human Animalculan and Giga exemplars, and controllers -of the lists, they fought without the artificial -weapons that man’s superior intelligence has devised -for kindred destruction, in direct controversion of the -manifest designs of Creative intention. The instinctive -impressions of a blind man could have detected -without the aid of thought, the tangible distinctions -that had furnished the motive attractions for the -northern and southern divisions of divertisement predilections. -The ants and the spiders engaged in -mutilating encounter, were to us, in reality, more attractive -objects to contemplate in their active ferocity, -than their human spectator instigators, who combined -with controlling intelligence the visual evidences of -the most abject passions within sphere of animal and -its reptile grade of expression. The patrons of the -southern pavilion had been held in dalliance with the -soft pleasures of amorous sensuality, which unopposed -called forth the highest expression of instinctive -refinement; but the current tendencies from -multifarious indulgence were to the fall and deep -whirlpool abyss of passion, hate, and deadly revenge.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>The colored specie distinctions of the ants and -spiders appeared to be as great a source of inveterate -hatred between its caste representatives, as the antagonisms -of race in form. This necessitated the separation -of the white from the red, and the red from -the black ants, with a like disposal of the tarantulas -from specie representatives of opposing colors. The -first encounter that we witnessed was between white -and red ants; the former being universally successful -with the odds of nine to one against them, and with -the blacks twenty to one. The cause of this concentration -of multiplied ability in the white, to cope with -red and black antagonism, became soon apparent from -their studied aforethought for the serried separation -and disposal of their foes before they could effect -united opposition. The deadly devices of the whites -to lure their foes, with the stupid blindness of the -red and black ants in accepting the proffered baits -without consideration, afforded a relative study for -detecting the cause of the instinctive superiority that -rules with white humanity. When the whites in an -encounter against overwhelming odds had gained decisive -advantage, the cathedral bells of Saint Peter -sounded from the chief dovecot beneath our place of -concealment; its funeral peals announced a new phase -in the strange enactments of the day, which had appeared -to us so perverse as sources of amusement that -we were at no loss to discover the Giga creed origin -of hell. Fearful that the long-waited-for crisis was -approaching, our eyes were upon the alert.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the yellow tints from the sun’s fading rays grew -hazy with the twilight heraldings of darkness, the -folding doors of a large building of ominous appearance -opened, and from its portals issued a procession -of Dominican friars. In the midst of these inquisitorial -representatives of the human sacrificial order, -were the unfortunate tits supported by familiars of -the Holy Office, with their limbs dragging helplessly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>upon the pavement, and their heads half revolving -on their shoulders without the power of muscular -control. The sight aroused the indignation of the -tribune and his companions, who with difficulty restrained -us from extending to them our immediate -aid and sympathy. This was no slight undertaking -on their part, for we were unused to a knowledge of -the existence of such heartlessness, and would have -adventured their deliverance if the odds had been an -hundred fold greater; but we finally yielded to the -wisdom of their discretion.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the arrival of the sad cortege at the knight’s -encampment they joined the procession escort of the -doomed, among which were Sir O’Ham Ill Tong, and -his squire, Kan Avan, who had been evidently condemned -to the stake. As the gates of the northern -barrier were obstructed by the occupation of the vestibule -arena, in which the ants and spiders were engaged -in an instinctive joust, the inquisitors in deference -to the multitude awaited the decision of the -contest; the latter, with reverence, giving place for -them to witness the result of the sportive entertainment, -as a prelude to their premeditated enactments. -At the conclusion of the melée fight of the ants, in -which the white champions had proved victorious, a -large, whitish gray tarantula spider had been “pitted” -against five mottled white ants, both parties having -been subjected to a training abstinence from food to -increase their ferocity. For a time the battle had -been equally sustained, but a bold venture cost two -of the ants their lives; in the feat the tarantula was -maimed with the partial rupture of a carapace and -the loss of the distal joints of two legs. Two of the -remaining ants having a firm mandibular hold on the -round carapace leg, the greatest excitement prevailed -among the spectators, wagers being bantered between -high and low; all distinctions of caste, for the -time being, were banished by the talismanic greed for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>gold and silver. It soon became evident the auto-da-fe -rites would be deferred until the result of the ant-fight -was determined, for the order of procession was -broken, the familiars with their human burdens crowding -to gain a favorable position to witness the closing -struggle. While the ants gnawed and swayed in -hold upon the tarantula’s leg, he struggled to bring -them within reach of his mandibles. The partial -success of the assailants and assailed was greeted -with vociferous shouts by the wager partisans, unabashed -by the presence of the inquisitorial brotherhood -and archiepiscopal dignitaries of the church. -The tribune sadly reminded us, that the brutality of -the scene was the tested ægis of democratic equality -based upon individual or associate physical strength -adroitly used,—chance advantages, or in massed subjection -to the rule of selfish partisanship, as with ants -in attacking the spider whose habits and interests in -life interfered in no way with their own. But as you -perceive, the hinds are so stupid in the dullness of -their perceptions, that with the clear analogy of the -cause and result of their own condition, in demonstration -from the arbitrary power of physical strength -that captured and forced the ants and spider into antagonistic -collision, they fail to detect in the caste -orders of priestcraft and knighthood the same motor -influence in mental combination.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With our attention called so directly to the resemblance,—from -the pitiable condition of the poor tit -victims, who had been tortured into the vestibule of -death, and were awaiting the ordeal of fire to recall -from their bodies the vital spark,—we could not fail -to admire the comprehensive quickness of our Coliseo -cousins’ detective acumen for analyzing the relations -and gradations of instinctive responsibility. Indeed, -it would be impossible for you to imagine a more discordant -or disgusting scene, or a baser use of language -than these bloodthirsty humans used at every -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>disjuncture effected by the combatants. That you -may obtain an inkling of this pandemonic scene of -instinctive madness, I will adventure a sketch.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Prominent among the representatives of foreign -nations was a Scotch abbot of the abbey of Saint -Maythedielscratch-me on the Tweed. In person and -language he was tall and lank. Although engaged in -“amusement” with an English prior, the incumbent -of Goddamnmee on the Tyne, just over the border, -they “staked” fearful invectives with their metallic -coin. But the English canon was evidently no favorite, -and required all the bluffness he had attained by -a long course of dominant rule over a submissive -brotherhood, as well as a full purse of tithes, for he -was bantered with wagers on every side. But with -bellowing disdain in the short and curt Durham dialect, -he was ready with horned alternatives to oppose -all comers. Chief among his secondary challengers, -with coined words, was the abbe of Mortdieu, who -mingled frothy gibes with his wager temptations. -The ants were at length vanquished, to the great chagrin -of the English abbot’s debtors, who tried all -sorts of evasions to escape payment. Oncleslydenbet, -the German prior of the priory of Shufflehausen, repudiated -the payment of his forfeited wager in the -concise terms, “Not a bit of it!” The Irish abbot -of Fivewounds said, “To be sure I have bet and lost, -but it was the understanding that I should never pay -unless I won!” The Dutch incumbent of Dunderandblixen, -the Welsh of Sweatmyleeks, and French paid -theirs; the first with fearful imprecations and sputterings, -the second with an abundant flow of perspiration, -and the last with strings of sacres.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But for your injunction, I should have withheld -the incidents of a scene so horribly repulsive in its -ferocious combinations of speaking inhumanity. Especially -as it implies distracted attention from the -wretched condition of the dislocated tits; but in direction -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>we submitted to the ulterior intention of the -Coliseos. The tribune, whose aid you will recognize, -said, that you required an exact index of the real condition -of the Giga and Animalculan races under the -instinctive rule of the stomach and senses, that you -might compare the evidences with those of the first -falcon era, to judge of the cycle changes. The task, -with his assistance, is by no means pleasant, as with -increasing familiarity the scenes of brutality become -more repulsive, so that you need have no fears that -they will affect us otherwise than as a ferment to -clarify the instincts of our bodies from corrupt humors -and indwelling passions. Much time was exhausted -in wrangling before the ant circus was removed to -admit the papal and inquisitorial trains into the lists. -The arrival of the former, while the battle of the ants -and spider was pending, was exceedingly fortunate -for Cardinal Buenaventura, as by wagering with the -pope an equivalent, with the spider for his champion, -he was exorcised of his perjury, and by remitting to -his holiness certain pecuniary obligations, received -absolution to date. Our sympathy for the tarantula’s -loss of his carapace legs, with the extreme division -of the fourth, was not strongly excited, as in -excess of his pope contemporary’s alleged stigmatic -attributes of infliction and redemption, from instinctive -woes, he in reality possesses the “miraculous” -power of material reproduction of lost limbs.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The arena of the lists had been rearranged for the -final enactment, and furnished with stakes and faggots -for the sacrificial ordeal of fire, as a purgatorial -agent for the purification of the body from heretical -sins. These altars were raised between the two pavilions; -and the ladies’, I am obliged with sadness to -relate, was filled with representatives of the sex, yet -they were of a class whose gratifications were solely -dependent upon the organs of sense. During the -converting labors of the confessors with the San Benitos -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>the inquisitorial monks, dignitaries of the church, -and knights, chanted a grand high mass to ritualistic -ceremonial accompaniments. This was pronounced -to be more affecting, by the occupants of the ladies -pavilion, from the sobbing wails and lamentations of -the doomed Irish knight, Sir O’Ham Ill Tong, and -his squire, Kan Avan, who unceasingly proclaimed -their innocence from perjury after they were tied to -the stakes, thus adding contumacy to the ordeal and -decisions of the judges. As their winnings disgraced -the order of knighthood they were gagged with -clouts.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When these preliminary preparations were nearly -completed, the tribune gave the longed for signal of -rescue. In a twinkling our Manatitlans were in the -midst of the inquisitors and ecclesiastics, upsetting -them in a confused pile with the knights. We liberated -the tits by the time the Coliseo aids arrived, who -placed the rescued in the arms of their relatives. The -panic we created could not have been greater if we -had been gigas instead of giantescoes. The women, -who had looked calmly on the preparations for human -sacrifice by the tortures of a slow fire, screamed and -fainted at our appearance, their attendant knights -surrendering without opposition. The pope and cardinals -were in as much fear as the unsanctified until -the tribune made known the source from whence we -came. Then relieved from his apprehensions of bodily -danger, he commenced crossing himself furiously, -muttering the while anathemas against the Coliseos -and their followers for the sacrilegious invasion, and -interference with the sacred offices of the church. -Counting upon our intimidation through the enactment -of prestigious mummeries, he would have left -with his satellites; but the tribune detained him by -laying his hand upon his shoulder with an inflection -that made the burly little head of the church understand -that it had forced a crisis, from which mumbling -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>ritual cant could not extricate it without the -assurance of a strict regard for the personal independence -of all Animalculans from religious restrictions. -We will give you the terms of the tribune’s injunction:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now Canonicus, that there may be no more acts -of treachery on your part, or through the instigations -of those subject to your direction, I shall dictate to -you terms in behalf of our Manatitlan colonies that -you must keep inviolate, for if they are infringed -upon in the least degree we shall hold you and your -associates personally responsible. We have heretofore -offered you good will, but you have taken advantage -of it to impose upon our communities and inflict -personal injuries upon our adherents; showing that -you are alike destitute of gratitude, and the disposition -that inclines to honorable and just reciprocation. -In the first place, you are to respect the privileges of -all claiming a desire for our protection, whether an -Animalculan of Mouthpat birth, or of other nationality. -In the second place we shall hold you personally -responsible for any acts of cruelty perpetrated by -Animalculans under your control upon animal or insect; -and for the honor of instinctive humanity we -especially interdict all barbarous amusements between -man and man. Fortunately, communication has -again been opened with our motherland, and by the -timely arrival of our cousins, we have been able to -avail ourselves of their counsel when most needed. -From the enactments of to-day, which have borne -witness to the steadfast goodness of your daughter, -Idolisima, in her adherence to the inculcations of her -Coliseo education, we shall hereafter require that all -the Animalculan children of Rome shall from henceforth -be submitted to our censorial and educational -charge. We are aware that in assuming the charge -we undertake an immense and arduous responsibility -from the fecundity of your animal propensities. But -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>in time our inauguration will effect the substitution -of improved quality for quantity with an affectionate -compensation that with cultivation and reciprocation -you have the means of realizing in fatherly association -with your daughter.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here he was interrupted by Sir O’Ham Ill Tong,—from -whose mouth the clout had been removed,—with -the ejaculation: “An sure, by our holy mother, -what your honor is plased to say is all gospel truth, -and by the same token, if there is any more, I believe -it on my shoul! But if your honor will be so obbleeging -as to order one of your giants to remove this gorget -that binds my throat to the stake, and set me free, if -yees have closed what ye are going to say, I can hear -the rest more comfortably, and ye’ll save from fire -as good a Christian as ever was burnt for pargary,—an -for the life of me, I can’t just see how that can -be, for I niver spoke a blissed word in the matter at -all!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This characteristic wordy appeal of the Irishman -was complied with on the moment, and when released -he fell on his knees at the feet of the tribune, invoking -upon his head the blessings of all the saints in the -Irish calendar, offering to serve him to the end of his -days, on foot, or on roachback, for nothing at all -save fair wages, hursts, perquisites, pickings, and the -run of the kitchen, and sich likes! The ludicrous -fall, in the use of words, from knightly inflation -caused a smile notwithstanding the embarrassments -imposed by our interruption. But the flow of his -tongued gratitude to the ascendant party, having -reference to future benefits, could with difficulty be -stayed. When accomplished he was advised to return -with all speed to the place of his birth before a worse -evil befell his body than purification by fire.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The pope and his cardinals, while subject to the -tribune’s reprehensions, became as servile in their bearing -as they had before been arrogant. The pope’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>offer of entertainment for the night we could not accept, -after witnessing the barbarous proceedings of the -day, as we preferred the protection of our silicoth tapas -under the cornice to the lair hospitality of human -wolves. After the crowd dispersed a messenger was -despatched to apprise the Coliseans of the successful -result of our enterprise, with the desire that a falcon -might be sent for us at early dawn. In accordance -with our request a falcon appeared with the earliest -light on the following morning, and on alighting, to -our great surprise, Idolisima Canonica, in company -with the tribune’s parents and other representatives -of Coliseo to the howdah’s full capacity for entertainment, -descended to receive our salutations. It appeared, -from the relation of the tribune’s sister, that -Idolisima after leaving the lists had sought protection -under the escort of Penny Song and Long Bow, at -the coliseum, well knowing that the ties of daughter -and sister would not save her from the dungeons of -the Inquisition, recently built by the pope, her uncle. -From the greeting she gave the tribune, it required -no prompting of speech to apprise us that a stronger -motive than fear of the dungeons caused her to seek -an asylum with her foster guardians of childhood.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Without teasing our curious interest in her welfare -she appealed to the tribune: “Your Manatitlan -cousins, Novuotus, would scarcely feel satisfied with -your interest in my behalf, if I should allow you to -hold me silently exculpated from your abiding confidence -in the wisdom that dictated our betrothal. -As we are united, yet single, in the fulfillment of our -marital alliance, I am anxiously desirous of having -the affectionate sanction of their approbation, which -could not be conceded if they thought me capable of -participating otherwise than by form, in the cruel -enactments of yesterday. In speaking, it is my wish -to vindicate myself from voluntary conformity with -the chivalric usages in which I engaged, as they were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>then, as they ever have been, sadly repugnant to my -conceptions of love and affection, which vividly impress -me with the reality of an existence independent -of the body’s mortality. That your cousins may -realize in what measure they are entitled to bestow -upon me their lenity and sympathy, I will relate to -them the cause that influenced my introduction to -the guardianship of your people. Of my ancestral -origin, I am certain that the events of yesterday will -better inform you than I am able from my own -knowledge. In my fourth year, when my perceptions -were only advanced in the bud sufficient for impression, -without enlisting the maturing aid of thoughtful -judgment derived from comparison, my father, mother, -and two brothers, became very sick with the plague, -alike destructive to the Giga and Animalculan races. -The harrowing scenes of bereavement daily recounted -in my presence aroused impressions of fear for myself, -and when my parents became sick, I added anxiety -to my aunt’s responsibility, to whose sole charge we -had been left by the servants and neighbors. One -day, despairing and hopeless, my aunt had enfolded -me in her arms, and while wofully lamenting threatened -desolation from the death of my parents and -brother, I was trying to solace her with endearments, -my arms were around her neck, with my lips -to her ear and face turned backward, when the door -softly opened and my voice was stilled by the surprise -of my eyes at the entrance of a very large -and beautiful woman. [Here Idolisima fondly embraced, -with caresses, the neck of the Doschessa of -Romelia.] My silence and fixed attention attracted -my aunt’s eyes to the door, and when she discovered -the stranger, who appeared to be well known to her, -she was much abashed that she had been surprised -in useless lamentation. This made me gladly hope -that the visitor was an angel sent to help us; so, -growing bold with the feeling of hope, I gently withdrew -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>myself from my aunt’s embrace and approached -the stranger imploring her aid for my parents and -brothers! In a moment I was in her arms; then I -became so quickly changed, I no longer feared, for -her voice and touch made me feel so secure that I -was sure she came from heaven to help us. But I -have since experienced that she came from a far better -place beyond the reach of gold and its selfish attractions. -Urging my aunt to take new courage, she -went out, still holding me in her arms, and meeting -a censor, with others of her people, she returned, -and soon our house became quite changed, for they -brought with them your clothes that remain clean, so -that from being dismal and sad everything looked -nice and cheerful. Then mother reviving, she also -knew the angel, who asked her if she could take me -to her Coliseo home? Oh, how gladly my mother -smiled with her whispered yes, so faintly and pleadingly -grateful in earnest expression it has ever been -present since. Striving to speak, my mother fell asleep -without breathing, but still she smiled, until it paled -to a shadow in the moonlight, then we were taken to -the Coliseo, for my aunt required rest, where we were -bathed and dressed with the care of so many sweet -faced persons, that we became quite bewildered with -love and slept. In the morning we were wakened -with sunlight and song, so harmonious with gladness, -my aunt touched me to be sure, for we both thought -alike. I was placed in school where there were so -many that in love we were counted as one, for we -were so united in affection that tears of vexation and -sadness never flowed. Then as I grew in years, -I learned to grow emulous in the personal requirements -of purity, and with the care of myself, was -able to assist others, for the grateful meed of love. -Much more I could say, but I feel that you do not -require it. When my father became my uncle, Pope -Innocent I., I had reached my eighteenth year, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>had been betrothed to Novuotus, and we were enjoying -the hospitality of my foster parents, the Dosch and -Doschessa of Romelia, during our term of probation, -when my father, after his election, demanded that my -aunt and myself should be restored to his care. The -Dosch, after a long consultation with his advisors, -for he was very sorry to part with us, concluded that -it was best for us to return. This was a very sad -decision for us, but we were assured that if we found -ourselves unhappy from being unable to do good, we -could come back. We were then taken to my ‘uncle’s’ -temporal court, but none were truly glad to see us, -for we were strangers, even to my father, for he -would not accept the monthly invitation to visit me -at the Coliseo school. Yet we were constantly surrounded -with a throng of servants and people of condition, -so that with them, we were mere puppets, and -felt very unclean, for we could do nothing for ourselves. -But all were very profuse in the utterance -of complimentary formalities, which made us feel -like exiles from real affection. The first process to -which we were subjected was purification from -heresy; in preparation our silicoth garments were removed, -and our persons were redressed with woven -stuffs, that in their newness smelt animally earthy, and -soon became irksome in weight, and rankly unendurable, -notwithstanding they had been sprinkled with -holy water at the time we were baptized. Then, my -aunt was made, or created, queen of Rome, and I -was christened Princess Idolisima Canonica by the -same process. A few days since my aunt escaped -and went back to unite with her Coliseo affections; -since than I have been closely guarded, as I had attempted -to leave with her, but was foiled by accident. -So with my father turned uncle, I became -the puppet, or bone and flesh of contention for the -strongest and best trained brute in the lists, and was -seemingly obliged to conform to the dictated usages; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>but with the determination to escape if an opportunity -offered. In this relation I have traced my childish -impressions in the language I have been accustomed -to impart them to my loved school associates; -to remodel them to suit my present perceptions would -detract from memorial pledges of affection. That -you saw me in the lists yesterday, came not through -my own volition, as you will concede; but perhaps, -from a wise wish on the part of the Dosch and his -advisors to test in what I lacked for the power of -resisting the wordy flatteries and material vanities to -which I would be exposed in the papal court of my -uncle. For I had exceeded in years your period of -matriculation, as my instinctive impressions are still -retained in memory, with the infantile desires perpetuated -in assumed motherhood of artificial productions -in baby likeness. But if you can only see me as I -feel, and have felt, in pity for the barren love of the -mothers of Rome, who are content with the pride of -hope in the advancement of their children to material -possessions, and the empty honors conferred by my -uncle, the pope, you must know that with all my imperfections -I am, in the current love of purity and -goodness, free from my body’s instinctive taint. -Knowing my earnest yearning for purified worth, in -my desire for the welfare of others, you will, I am -sure, lend me your aid for the higher attainments -achieved in realization by your primitive people for -loving perception.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This appeal of Idolisima received the sanction of -our affections with a warmth of genial outflow confirmed -in baptismal attestation from our eyes. The -Doschessa in reciprocating the fond caresses of Idolisima -said that she and her aunt had nobly sustained -the venture, showing that with woman love’s perception, -when free from selfishness, is in a measure independent -of age, when subject to the constant lead -of example. In closing it will be well to state that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>the union of Novuotus with Idolisima was consummated -with her father’s consent. The event was -celebrated by Penny Song, with an improvisation -styled the Epoch Ardens, Long Bow assisting with a -transposition of High Water to Fair Water. But -from their lack of precedental knowledge pertaining -to Manatitlan history, and of love independent of the -body’s instinctive materialism for the bombastic usury -of imagination in word portrayal, their poetical ovations -would have been deemed tame unaided by their -skillful rendition in the well timed measure of song -with the instrumental accompaniment of zithern and -gourd. This transcript, of an event so varied in its -bearings, will afford you a more correct insight into -the condition of our Roman colonists, than tracings -from historical records, and statistical accounts, of -which you will be advised at our earliest leisure.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Titview.</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><em>Nota Bene.</em>—Our wives have not been idle, but -under the direction of Oluisandria have auramented -many of the Giga women of Rome, who with silent -example emulate the family of Indegatus.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>At the conclusion of Titview’s letter, the Dosch -stated that the initial voyagers of the second falcon -era found the colonists of Constantinople and Jerusalem -in a still more prosperous condition than those -of Rome, and equally rejoiced in the fulfillment of -expectant waiting. But as they presented the same -characteristic features of dogmatic rule, with caste -variations, having their origin in the degree of control -exercised by individuals over their own habits, -for the control of the masses, the opposition to colonistic -example was in the main the same. “Now, in -company of Mr. Welson, I will leave you to meditate -upon the examples I have adduced of Giga and Animalculan -humanity under the rule of instinctive habits -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>and customs engendered from the unreason of the -stomach in its control of the brain, until your letters -arrive from the other side of the precedental gulph -to strengthen the contrast between your past and -present thoughts. In the meantime you can study, -with our auramental aid, the habits of professional -instinct cultivated by the adjunct members of the -corps, in adverse defiance of Heraclean example and -our thought substitutions. Although formalistically -influenced to habits of outward conformity, neither -Dr. Baāhar or the curators of sound, and artist, have -changed in thought from precedental routine; and in -their present mood, would relate the events which -have transpired as surface matters of fact, for publication, -or scientific gossip, and the excitement of -wonder and surprise in the gaping multitude who -throng with open ears lyceums and public lecture -rooms, for drum impressions. Your college and scientific -professors can be truthfully likened to your railroad -locomotives, which swiftly progress forwards -and backwards on their rails, but once off their tracks -are helpless, from their own resources, to move themselves -or their trains. But with the stage gradations -of instinct now open to your view, you can readily -discover and test the animus source of present happiness -with the realities of its impression as an assurance -of immortality.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span> - <h2 id='XIX' class='c005'>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>After matin song on the morning of the 9th of -December, Correliana announced the near approach -of couriers with letters. At noon the train arrived -having in charge Padre Simon as a special envoy from -Captain Greenwood. His convoy brought letters from -Europe and Montevideo in answer to those despatched -by M. Hollydorf and Mr. Welson, also to the other -members of the corps. The padre, although looking -jaded with fatigue, was in his usual happy state of -mental confusion, to which the affectionate greetings -of the Heracleans and Kyronese greatly added, causing -him to exclaim: “Well, I truly declare upon the -soul of my conscience, I believe you are truly glad to -see me!” His mental perplexity was increased by -the nature of his mission, which will be gradually developed -in progressive relation. Mr. Welson received -a large budget of letters, many of which were from -his correspondents in Panama, who were anxious to -learn the cause of his long delayed return. Those -relating to his business engagements were quickly -despatched, his interest being more directly enlisted -in the perusal of letters from his Montevidean and -Buenos Ayrean correspondents. We will first offer -the transcript of M. Baudois’s letter.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Buenos Ayres</span>, <em>November 19, 182-</em>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>To Señor Don Guillermo Welson</span>:</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-r c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><em>Heraclea of the Falls, Andean La Plata.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><em>My Dear Sir</em>,—Your letter was duly received, and -I can truly say that its contents taxed my credulity -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>to its utmost stretch. The discovery of remnant -Latin and Asiatic races was quite sufficient for the -rational digestion of wondering admiration! But the -revelation of Animalculan representatives of humanity -quite staggered and mazed my powers of marvelous -conception, until reason had with cool reflection -weighed your written evidences of sanity. Then, -quite convinced that you did not design to test the -extent of my gullibility with the conjurations of your -imagination, I found within myself evidences of sustaining -approval that confirmed my believing reliance -in the sincerity of your imparted happiness. If the -extinct Giga animal species are represented by living -Animalculan, it appears quite reasonable that the order -of continuation should embrace the human. With -these deductive considerations my reason became reconciled -for the recognition of your Manatitlans as real -negotiable representatives of humanity. Again my -wondering admiration expanded from your description -of their habits and educated power of self control -for the exampled reciprocation of good will. It is but -natural to conceive that affectionate confidence must -result from self government, for purity and goodness -are the parents of unselfishness. In comparative degree -we have seen that the children of our race, who -from necessity have been trained for the exercise of -self denial, are reliable and affectionate in contributing -to the associate happiness of others. It is impossible -for me to find adequate words suited for the expression -of the relief afforded from the light that -dawned upon my perception through the vista opened -for the realization of Creative intention! Dull, indeed, -must be the faculties of a person unable to -realize, upon the moment, the certain effect that would -result from cultivating the germ of goodness for the -control of instinctive animality. In deference to the -Manatitlans’ loving perspicacity, which has enabled -them almost innately to discover the impression of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>design in cultivating from infancy the germ of goodness, -my body seemed to shrink with shame from its -distended growth of fungus, emblematical of stupidity, -under the influence of their imparted intelligence. -But with a knowledge of cause my efforts for relief -were attended with an instinctive oppression from -animality, so apparent in its selfishness, that with -my utmost effort I could only obtain partial relief, -with the resolve of affording, at most, an imperfect -example for the benefit of future generations. Under -the presaged reality of the Heracleans’ affectionate -and enduring sympathy, my hereditary infidelity, begot -from the adverse fatuity of sectarian delusions, -faded like the Pampa mists before the brightness and -genial warmth of the morning sun. Now that the -Manatitlan system of education has revived my hopes, -I look forward with trustful desire that my life may -be prolonged to witness the full inauguration of self-legislation, -for time and eternity, in freedom from -the proxied impositions of instinctive priestcraft, and -politic statesmen.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With regard to the search you wished to have me -make for relic information: I have succeeded in unearthing -collateral evidence which proves beyond a -doubt that many galleys from the interior waters of -the eastern continent, connecting through the Mediterranean -Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, reached the -shores of the La Plata estuary before the advent of -our Christian era. At different dates during the last -two centuries rumors have been rife attesting to the -existence of a walled city inhabited by a white race, -situated in an Andean valley that gives rise to the -river Vermejo, or its tributary source. The reports, -at different periods, caused the Jesuits to make several -attempts to negotiate a favorable disposition on -the part of the Indians to impart knowledge in verification; -but all their overtures were treated with an -evasive skill that involved the question of its real -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>existence in greater mystery. Their missionary attempts -to penetrate the country of the wild hordes, -beyond the river chacas, were opposed with determined -and successful hostility. The community of -Pompolio has been an acknowledged fact for centuries. -The ancestors of your Kyronese were the reputed -founders of Mendoza, from which they were -driven by the mongrel progenitors of the present -inhabitants.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The remains of vessels of undoubted Phœnician, -Egyptian, and Roman construction have been found -imbedded in the preserving guanic and alluvial deposits -that have filled with their accumulations the inlets -where they were moored. Of these Don Pedro Garcia -will give you a succinct written account. The following -notice of a relict discovery I have copied in -translation from an old number of the “Gazette de -Bogota”:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><a id='t256'></a>Voice le passage tel qui le donnent les Nouvelles -Annals des Voyages, 1st Tome, page 393, anne 1832. -Au village de Dolores deux lieus de Montevideo un -plantuer decouvrier une pierre tumuliare des caracteres -inconuus. Relevant cette pierre il trouve un -caceau de briques renfermant, deux sabres antique -bronze, un casque, et un boucler, tres amphoræ par -le huile, et une in terre de grand dimensions. Tout -ces debris emporter au savant pere Martinez Garcia, -il est parvenir a lire la pierre ces mots in caracteres -grec. Voir ton Phillipi * * * * *. Alexand fils to -Macedon * * *. Vasi epi tes execui * * * *. k * * ty -* * * en * to * * top * * Pelatin. Ca est dire completement -les mots. Alexander fils de Phillipe etait -de Macedon, vers la 63 Olimpiade in ces lieux. Petolemie -les reste manque. Sur le poignee des epies est -grave un portrait que commun etre celui de Alexandre, -sur le casque on remarque un circulure representant -Achille trainant le cadavre Hector ante de murs Troie. -Fait il conclure de cette decouverte de contemporaire -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>de Aristotle a fouile de du sol Bresil. Est il probable -que Ptolemie ce clef bein conu de la plotte de Alexandre -entraine par un tempte an milieu dece las enciens -appelaient les grand mur ait ete jette les cotes du La -Plata et y ait marque son passage pax ce memorial -monument fait dans trois les ces fort curieux les archeoloques.</span>”—<cite><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Gazette -Universelle de Bogota.</span></cite></p> - -<p class='c000'>At the period this relic discovery indicates, the -proximate swiftness of the current stream setting to -and from the Strait of Gibraltar to the La Plata -estuary can be estimated by present calculation, which -has been rated at twenty miles an hour during the -height of a monsoon gale. This would give a surface -speed to a floating object of four or five miles an hour, -under direct impetus; and with a due allowance for -counter slips from eddies, lack of direction, and other -causes, a chance voyage might be accomplished in -from twenty to thirty days. With the square sails -used in Ptolomic vessels, with shallow prows made to -imitate the breasts and necks of water fowls, a swift -passage could have been made with intention and a -favoring wind; but it was the superstitious custom of -the ancient mariners to rely upon the direction of fate. -M. Hollydorf or Dr. Baāhar could arrive at a proximate -conjecture of the derivative source of the Kyronese -from the Syriac root and terminals, and by like -tests, if of Beberi or Morisco extraction. The fourth -wonder of your Arabian Knights’ discoveries is the -fact that a savage of the wild hordes can be favorably -influenced by exampled goodness, or in any way hold -himself amenable to either reason or kindness. Yet -I would urge the necessity of impressing them with a -knowledge of good and evil, with a detective perception -sufficient for your protection against their revengeful -instincts, that you may not become the -victims of misplaced confidence for the malicious -injuries inflicted by our race.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In closing my epistle I will truthfully declare that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>I envy the meanest capacity of your party his privilege -of contributing to your common fund of enjoyment. -How I have longed, waited, and despaired, -for the irresistible charm of affectionate sincerity, -that betokens in its reach immortality. A note from -Don Pedro advised me of his family’s desire that I -would visit them as a consulting aid in your behalf. -You are but too well aware of his past source of disquietude. -Greatly to my relief I found him with his -two daughters, your little favorites, Lovieta and -Lavoca, filled to overflowing with an affectionate appreciation -of the manifold resources of your discovery. -As our meeting, under the circumstances, was characteristic, -I will endeavor to render the mutual impressions -of the scene in enactment. In the place of the -Teutonic custodian, with the forbidding Cyclopean -visage, Don Pedro received me at the open puerta, -evidently in waiting expectation of my arrival. Confronting -each other at the entrance we stood for a -second regarding each the other with the mutual reflection -of wistful eyes, until the rising flush of our united -emotions bespoke like impressions; then with an impulsive -disregard for formalistic dignity, and greatly -to the surprise of watchful neighbors, we embraced -with the allied warmth of our new role of sympathy. -Shrinking from the curious gaze of strangers we entered, -Don Pedro surrendering his post to the portress -who received from me, for the first time, a courteous -greeting, which was returned in kind. In the patio -we were met by Lovieta and Lavoca who, with the -quick interpretation of infantile affection, discovered -the prompted source of our unusual cordiality. Receiving -permission from their father they at once -commenced to unravel the tale of Don Guillermo’s -wonderful discoveries, with frequent halting questions -for elucidation, and commentaries upon the startling -information imparted from your letter to them, which -was premised with the confidential acknowledgement: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>“Why, M. Baudois, it’s queer we love you so much -this morning, and were so afraid of you before, which -kept us from liking you!” Then for an hour or more -they prattled of affection with such a clear perception -of the Manatitlan rendering, that I felt acutely the -poverty of my own resources. In testimony of affection’s -inexhaustible attractions, I remained with them -three days before the prime object of the visit engaged -our attention, and then, with reluctance, we -turned our vision back to trace with our material -guide-posts the progenitorial evidences of Heraclean -advent.</p> - -<p class='c000'>You urge me to visit Heraclea. I can assure you -that there is not in the wide range of thought a prospect -that would afford me a tithe of the pleasure; -but I am ashamed to acknowledge that I feel within -me the old leaven of instinctive dislike for the members -of the corps, from nationality. For personally, -as you are aware, I have no acquaintance with them. -From this cause I am so doubtful of self control -within that I cannot with sincerity venture the experiment -of voluntary association with them, even -under Heraclean auspices. My feelings, as a Frenchman, -are still instinctively patriotic, notwithstanding -the reproof administered in every sentence of your -letter. I am well aware of all you would urge in -favor of the trial, and my reason sanctions with desire -all you could say; and it is with humiliation that -I am candidly obliged to avow myself unfit for an association -with the German members of the corps, -although they have received the prestige of Heraclean -adoption. If my disposition would allow me to enact -the part of affectionate sympathy, the treacherous -disguise of hypocrisy would not shield me from Manatitlan -auramentation, with whom I would fain hold -myself, in sincerity, worthy, to the extent of my freedom -from instinctive disability. However much you -may regret my lack of the noble qualities, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>allow your unbiased passions the privilege of repose, I -am certain that your native Gallic infusion of clannish -prejudice, will, even with your new light, appreciate -the honesty of my motives. To merit the esteem of -the Manatitlans, I will use every possible means for -the subjugation of my sectional prejudices; having -already been obliged to acknowledge to myself, from -the revolting impression still retained of the commune -massacres of Paris, that with the murderous spirit in -train, we should scarcely have shown as merciful a -record as the Germans, if we had been victorious. -With better generals as players, in the deadly game -of war, the weak movements of our imbeciles were -forestalled and checkmated. This causes a furious undercurrent -for reprisal, especially as the war was precipitated -by a tyrant without the provisionary tact -to foresee and provide for the tottering destiny of his -throne. Of course, the disastrous results of war reflect -from the ruler to the subjects, alike in imbecility -and determined intelligence. Our soldiers were driven -like sheep to the slaughter. In fact, there was no -real cause for the war on either side, and great reason -why it should have been firmly opposed on the part -of the French people, who have in the game enacted -the part of pawns and are paying the penalty. The -victorious can afford the dole of generosity to the defeated. -This retrospective glance I offer as a specimen -of my instinctive forbearance, and until I feel -the sincerity of my self-control, I must avoid temptation -likely to arouse hatred and revenge, the chief -constituents of patriotism. With sincere gratitude -for the happiness I have enjoyed from your intuition, -you can rest assured of its strong impression in reciprocation.</p> -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>H. Baudois</span>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>N. B. Since the above conclusion of my letter, I -have visited and opened a tumulus raised over the remains -of a Roman woman. The inscription engraved -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>upon a stone covered by the mound, had been rendered -nearly illegible from detrition, but we were enabled -to decipher, with an approach to certainty, the -following detached words: <span class='sc'><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Cor</span></span>. * * * *, * * * <span class='sc'><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Augusta</span></span> -* *. <span class='sc'><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Ib uxor</span></span> <img src='images/flag.png' height='20' alt='' /> * * * * * * *. <span class='sc'>Allissuis</span>. -* * *. The distaff was an emblem used for the commemoration -of industrious habits when graved in an -upright position, but when trailed from a spun thread, -it indicated a gad-about reputation. Don Pedro will -write you a particular description of our joint labors. -I will now stay my still overburdened pen, to give -my thoughts maturity for better expression. H. B.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>As Mr. Welson read M. Baudois’s letter aloud with -a slow, clear, and distinct accentuation, it was intelligible -to all, and elicited warm encomiums, with a -strong desire to listen to the reading of Don Pedro -Garcia’s, which we transcribe.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Buenos Ayres</span>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='sc'>Querido Don Guillermo</span>,—Since we received -your letters describing your marvelous adventures -(which we believed, because we could not doubt the -truthful sincerity of your affection), we have been in -a constant flutter of joyous exhilaration, which has -served to clear the murky atmosphere of our household -from its time-honored odors and rites of instinctive -religion. While bestirring ourselves for the relief -of our bodies with the labors of purification for -domestic entertainment, we (M. Baudois is now a -member of our family) have employed our thoughts -in trying to anticipate the effect of your revelation -in stemming the tide of ritual selfishness. Also in -measuring the extent of opposition and consternation -it will cause among the ceremonial adherents of -sects congregating for the worship of self-preservation -while preying upon each other. We have already -felt a foreboding of its practical effect, in demonstration, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>from our family incubus, Padre Molinero. By -depriving sects of their material heaven and hell,—upon -which in positive and negative entrance fee -priestcraft has issued policies of insurance for the soul -of instinct from time out of date,—you will lay an -eternal embargo upon their selfish schemes of praying -premiums. Indeed, in sanguine forecast we can now -see the gasping flutterings of saving grace in its last -ritualistic struggles for salvation from inevitable oblivion, -giving place to the glorious effulgence of an -affectionate immortality. As you can well imagine, -I have but little to say in extenuation for my past -infatuation, other than that my reason and reverence -halted with the dullness of indifference, causing -me to accept forms, from the fact that my veneration -could find no hopeful resting place. We can now -scarcely endure the reflection, that through life we -have remained so dull of apprehension, as not to -have discovered from self-intuition, that purity and -goodness could alone fulfill the indications of Creative -intention for the assurance, in life, of an affectionate -immortality. From the moment I read your letter I -became subject to an awakening translation from -self, and in relief from the dread incubus, become -overjoyed with the prospect of affording aid to -others. That you may more fully realize the effect -of the transition, it was quickly discovered by the -watchful expectancy of your chiquita favorites Lovieta -and Lavoca, who were waiting for the confections -of love they knew you would not fail to send for their -affectionate regalement. When the rays of gladness -began to dawn in my face, they interrupted my reading -by nestling their arms about my neck, while -they whispered, as if fearful of disturbing the joyful -emotions, “O father, how happy you look, there -must be something good for us,—do let us kiss -you and then read it for we long to hear what Querido -Don Guillermo has written to make you look -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>so alegre.” With this appeal, seconded by an affectionate -assault, I commenced from the beginning of -your letter,—but half unfolded to my own view,—and -as I read explained to their wondering comprehension -the marvelous transitions of your experience. -With the introduction of Correliana my reading -became interjectional from the staccato inflection of -kisses telegraphed to her goodness, with the exclamations, -“How beautiful,” “Marvilloso!” “Oh, if”—but -the wish remained unfinished in voiceful expression, -yet the conscious flush of momentary sadness -plainly interpreted the burden of their thoughts in -hopeful appeal. These emotions, advocated in truthful -sincerity the sway of goodness, during the infantile -period, if unprejudiced by deleterious example,—when -my unfortunates have retained its impression -so perfectly, notwithstanding their exposure to its -adverse influence. With the ready perception of -such youthful neophytes the Manatitlans’ demonstration -of exampled direction in purity and goodness -must succeed with our race. For older appreciation, -how could its truthful impression be more clearly -defined for the comprehension of common sense, or -more agreeable to loving veneration directed to the -Supreme Source of all good, than through the attractive -avenue of infantile perception? Practical, or -exampled purity and goodness in attainment, are in -substance, to my understanding, the length and -breadth of Manatitlan “theology,” if I may be permitted -to use a word so devoid of intrinsic meaning, -for the expression of the highest possible conceptions -of realized achievement. I feel certain that I have -not misconstrued the Manatitlan “Code” from the -enthusiastic approval of the above named theologists -known to your loving sympathy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>How the sectaries will dispose of the Manatitlan -method of perfecting their children in loving affection -cannot be solved by anticipation. But my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>household has been “blessed” with a partial solution -of the Catholic method that will be adopted, by a -demonstrative denunciation of you and your Manatitlan -exemplars as infernal innovators, by your old -“friend” Padre Molinero. Forgetting in his wrathful -displeasure that anathemas were vicarious oaths -in fiendish transposition for priestly cursing, he dispensed -them freely for the final disposal of all innovators, -and in personal designation included those -that I hold most dear in my affectionate esteem. -With a self-control, that made me feel for a moment -exultant, in view of my former frailties of temper, I -coolly reminded him of the formulistic rites established -by society for association; assuring him that I -should sustain the sanctuary privileges, and stable -rights of my roof, recognized by civilized humanity, -against the intrusion of any and all persons refusing -to hold themselves amenable to the unobtrusive rules -of instinctive propriety. This admonition so enraged -him, that his malignant intolerance burst forth in -demoniacal ebullition, heedless of my direct hints that -he was overstepping the limits of patient endurance. -But as he continued to inveigh, I with authority -withheld his further speech, with a determination -that overawed him, and then, while directing his way -to the outer gates, stated in plain terms my desire to -hear him express a determination to absent himself -from my house henceforth and forever. This final -ultimatum, after years of undisputed sway, caused -his former expression of vengeful hate to appear, in -comparison, like the mild gleams of summer electricity, -in contrast with the fierce flashes uttered with the -deep mutterings of the full charged thunder cloud. -Indeed, when the portera discharged him with her -absolution, his visage became visibly expanded with -a toadish expression of ire, and his throat with a sack -constriction resembling the cobra’s when about to -strike for venomed injection. Failing in speech to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>intimidate, he had recourse to the fierce ritually -crossings of excommunication, which formerly caused -kings and emperors to tremble with instinctive fear. -This impotent effort must have summoned to my face -a contemptuous expression, for Teudschen, the portera, -made a significant gesture of questioning inquiry -with her foot, as he passed over the threshold, which -I negatived with a decisive shake of the head, else, I -should now have to bear the stigma of sanctioning -an act of celerity she was desirous of communicating -to Padre Molinero to expedite his exit. Instead of -denying her impulsive intention of rendering pedal -acceleration to the padre’s outward movement, when -I reproved her for the meditated unfeminine act, -which in consummation would have given rise to -great scandal, she innocently asked, “what else could -a woman do when there was no broom handy?” Then -she continued, in extenuation, “If men come into the -houses of good peoples, dressed like women in petticoats, -and don’t behave properly, as they ought, it’s -right that they should be served by a woman as a -man would treat them if he dared!” This Hibernic -style of pleading, with its touch upon the mild nature -and lack of decision in my exercise of authority, at -once dispelled my ill humor; and I questioned her, -whether as a good Lutheran she was familiar with -the text that taught the returns that were to be made -for despiteful treatment? After a little thoughtful -hesitation, she said, “I don’t exactly remember, but I -believe they were kicked out of the house.” This -answer closed my catechismal interview, but however -remote its orthodoxy was from the inculcation of -the text, its validity was loyal in the sound doctrinal -expression of instinct. For the humorous method of -Teudschen’s style of speaking, with the broken wabbling -tones of her voice, in variation from Low Dutch -guttural to the harsh grating rasp of High German, I -will refer you to your memory of the gratification -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>you derived from conversing with her. Leaving the -patio with my feelings of anger unruffled by Teudschen’s -patriotic simplicity, which had long been -aggravated by Padre Molinero’s French sympathies, -I returned falteringly to the salon, fearing that the -mother of my children might view the expulsion of -her confessor as an unpardonable sin; still I could -not help congratulating myself upon the manner in -which I had rid my household of the traitorous -fomenter of misrule and family discord. Entering -her apartment fully prepared to meet her scornful -and defiant glances, ill masked under the disguise of -indifference, I was startled out of my assumed composure -by the unexpected greeting of tearful eyes, -and soft pleading glances bespeaking self-deprecation. -These premonitions of repentant affection brought -back, with the loving glow of gladness, the happy impressions -of our early wedded life when I was all -sufficient as a confessor without the aid of priest or -mother-in-law. Determined to make good the step I -had taken for freeing my family from the prying -curiosity and dictation of droning priests, I met her -advances with affectionate warmth; but after listening -to her expressions of revived sympathy, I with -conscious power, never before realized, asked her if -she was willing to seek another priestly adviser; if -she still considered it necessary to bar her husband -from his affectionate privilege? Feeling a sympathetic -tremor in full assent with my wishes, as she -silently embraced me, I expressed, with endearments, -the hope that I had proved myself worthy of her -love and confidence, except from occasional displays -of temper provoked by the influence that had caused -her estrangement. An answering sob, with its regretful -pressure, confirming the favorable advantage -of the moment, I questioned whether her unbiased -perception had ever discovered in me a willful deficiency, -or one of indifference, that I could correct for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>enhancing her present happiness, or advancing her -preparation for a future state. If I had been so unfortunate -or neglectful in my intention, with her -affectionate reciprocation, I would make it my constant -text for amendment. In vain she tried to give -expression in words to the welling revival of loving -emotions, but, although in voiceful effort she failed, -her lips with truthful impression absolved me. Blinded -with repentant tears she indicated her desire to -be left alone; obedient to the unexpressed wish I left -her.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Lovieta and Lavoca, who had witnessed the scene -of happy reconciliation, sat with arms entwined about -each other’s necks, mingling their tears in grateful -sympathy, otherwise holding themselves aloof with -wonderful discretion, as if with the understanding -that their participation would divert the full measure -of love’s revived reciprocation. But as the door -closed upon their mother, I felt their hands caressingly -raise mine to their lips, while in relieved vent -of consolation and childish dislike, they exclaimed in -sobbing accents, first Lovieta, “The—the—ugly—o—old -zopilote!” [carrion vulture] to which Lavoca -appended, “Who—who—comes—to—to—our—house,—when—he—he—knows—we—we—ain’t -dead.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Upon you, my dear Don Guillermo, rests this irreverent -title, and knowledge of vocation in application, -and as you see the retentive rendering my children -have made of it, I hope that you will not sin away -the day of grace offered for repentance! If you, a -stranger, found yourself unable to resist the pleadings -of their affectionate natures, you can judge of a fond -father’s partiality, and will excuse his frequent introduction -of their quaint comparisons, especially as they -are largely indebted to you for their capital ideas? -They have proved the choicest of our blessings, and -in love’s arbitrations have ever been the pure mediums -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>of affectionate reunion. After a sufficient season had -been allowed from my anxious desire, the children -were sent to add their weight to the favoring balance -of their mother’s affection. Quickly returning, with -guarded steps prompted for affectionate surprise, they -approached silently,—as I sat with bowed head, hopefully -musing, with the desire that Consolata might -be changed into unwavering semblance of your Heraclean -matrons,—and the velvety wreath of their arms -again encircled my neck, while Lovieta and Lavoca’s -Manatitlan voices whispered, in joyous emulation, -“Go to mamma!” Dear Don Guillermo, you will -rejoice to know that she met me at the door with a -fond embrace, and the sobbing supplication, “Pedro, -can you forgive me? If you can, and will let me -love you again, your desires shall ever be mine!” -The coveted appeal required no repetition, for there -was in her words an expression of anguished regret, -that surprised conviction with the assurance of our -mutual amendment. You will, I am sure, forgive me -for obtruding my uxorious prolixity, in giving vent to -the expression of our united happiness, a boon long -coveted without the hopeful expectation of realization. -Consolata (I trust that I shall never again have occasion -to revive the old name of Malaspina, as a -household term of endearment addressed to my wife, -once so painfully familiar to your ears), rejoices that -your forced adventure has terminated so happily, for -she insists that her willful vagaries caused you to accept -Captain Greenwood’s invitation. In delegating -our representative pen to ask your forgiveness for -the discomfort she caused, she promises an amendment -that shall be addressed in requital to the comfort -of others. Should you return, you will be surprised -with the change wrought in the appearance of -our household, even with the advantage this will -afford you for anticipation. Could you but note the -placid enjoyment of Lovieta and Lavoca, imparted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>from the blending and calm repose of parental example, -your present joys would be greatly enhanced. -Even Teudschen, in the wondering admiration of her -phlegmatic stolidity, clasps her hands with surprised -inertia, while subject to the active direction of Consolata -in the busy avocations that ever delight the -tidy housekeeper. In truth, there is a strange mystery, -which puzzles us in accounting for her inventive -resources, and their apt adaptability for the conservation -of purity and comfort. In the style of her -own and childrens’ dresses, which in apparent devisement -originated within herself, we discover prompted -aid, as well as in the selection and preparation of material. -But for comfort, cleanliness, and beauty of -adaptation, they are a constant source of congratulatory -admiration, although <em>outrê</em> in regard to the prevailing -fashions; but as they bear a strong resemblance -to the Heraclean costumes, description would -prove gratuitous. If this great change in Consolata -has been wrought through the reproving self conviction -of the unlovely contrast she presented to the description -you gave of Correliana Adinope, I can almost -feel grateful that her ill temper, under the sway of -her confessor, was carried to the extremity of forcing -upon itself a remedy that has proved so salutary in -effect; and the fear of a relapse, which was at first -entertained, is gradually passing away. M. Baudois, -without hesitation, suggests Manatitlan influence. If -it is possible that they have vouchsafed us direction, -as guides and instructors in our extremity, they are -certainly aware of our grateful emotions. Impressed -with this belief, without fully understanding the process -by which auramental thought-substitution is -effected, Lovieta and Lavoca, when subject to transient -scintillations of temper, will firmly close their -mouths to guard against the utterance of words -prompted by anger. The change in M. Baudois -presents many features equally remarkable with those -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>of Consolata. You will recollect that he excelled as -a pianist, but of that class whose talent resides in the -mechanical use of the fingers and eyes in execution; -now he holds you enrapt with the pathos of harmonized -sympathy. He often exclaims that his seemingly -impromptu compositions are a marvel to himself. -Has it not amazed you greatly, from the ready -realization of immortal impressions through the avenue -of unselfish goodness, that humanity has continued -heedless through the lapse of so many ages, blinded -with will o’wisp infatuations? Although still full to -overflowing with grateful reciprocations of happy experience, -we will forego their written expression for -the present, to give place for the description of our -discoveries of relict mementoes brought by the ocean -currents and wind wafts from the Eastern continent, -decades of centuries ago. They will certainly afford -Mr. Dow material aid upon which to found his conjectural -history.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While dredging the Laguna Fecal in the year 1852, -for ammoniacal guano in its crystalized and mixed -combinations, the sieve grapnel brought to the surface -several pieces of fashioned wood of remarkable appearance. -From their shape and peculiar method of -union, the curiosity of the laborers became excited; -and as my devotion to antiquarian research was -known to the Padrone, a message was sent to me -expressing the desire that I would attend personally -and direct the labors of the workmen in accordance -with my judgment. Before my arrival, an anchor -of hard copper alloy was raised. After carefully -removing the ammoniacal incrustations, a clear impress -of its form was found stamped on the shank -beneath the ring. This indenture was the maritime -seal of the early Phœnician cities. Knowing the -high scientific value that I placed upon the relict -vestiges of past ages, the Padrone and workmen -voluntarily surrendered all that had been recovered.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>After carefully sounding to obtain a knowledge of -the imbedded extent of the detached portions, and to -learn the dimensions of the vessel, if its planks and -timbers were yet retained in position by their fastenings, -it was inclosed in a coffer-dam, and the retained -guanic admixture with water was pumped out for -evaporation. When cleared, the trove, with the aid -of dredge and shovels, was in a few days fully exposed -to view. As we had anticipated, the prize -proved to be the remains of an ancient galley. Calculating -from the keel, which remained nearly entire, -the extreme length from its heel to the stem of the -prow must have exceeded, free from overworks, seventy -feet. The keel was stepped for prow, main, and -stern masts. The former and latter were respectively -placed within a few feet of the extreme ends of -the keelson, or its semblance, which strengthened the -true step in the keel. The septum support of the -main-mast united the after and forward decks, separating -the banks of oarsmen, with ample space between -for passage fore and aft. Beneath the lower -bank-pits a portion of the deck remained, showing the -foot-wear of the rowers in their forward and backward -steps of reach. The hold beneath was of sufficient capacity -for the storage of provisions for a long voyage. -The run-planking on the starboard side was sufficiently -well preserved to show the columbares for a -single bank of eight oars, as well as those in the stern -designed for the rudder blades. The fact of there -being only a single bank of oars in the true planking, -afforded presumptive evidence of commercial intention, -as in a vessel so large their propelling power -would have proved insufficient for ordinary progression, -but as adjuvantic aids to the sails, in light -winds, they would prove valuable. The seams between -the planks still retained the papyrus with -which they had been caulked; this had been introduced -with pitch or melted resin; the combined effects -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>of age and ammonia had changed the paying -substance, so that in appearance it resembled amber. -The remains of the galley presented for the study of -the antiquarian a double interest, historical and mechanical, -the latter, with its material indications of -skill in art adaptation, affording a clue to the periodic -stages of progression as the head and hand mark of -coeval intelligence. The wood used in its construction -was the red, aromatic cedar of Lebanon, which -gave indications of large growth, many of the planks -reaching the entire length of the hull, perhaps determining -at the time the size of the vessel. During the -early ascendancy of Roman rule, the Appenine pine, -or fir, was brought into requisition for ship building; -but the cedar of Lebanon still retained its reputation -founded upon intrinsic value, as it exceeded all other -woods in elastic toughness, lightness, durability, and -unattractive freedom from parasitic accumulations peculiar -to the Mediterranean and ocean. The rostrum -or beak had been detached from the prow and set upon -an altar aft, among other memorial lares. In form it -blended the graceful curve of the swan’s neck with the -repulsive rugæ of the serpent’s expansive skin, characteristically -sustained with the mythical “figure-head” -of a dragon. In addition to the holes mortised in the -true keel for the reception of the ribs, they were secured -in place and rendered steadfast by a clamp attachment -to an overlaying substitute for the modern -keelson, to which they were firmly bolted, with a -workmanlike precision that had defied the lapse of -time, and decomposing agency of salts and exposure, -a chance portion only of the metal being exposed. -But to the lost art of hardening copper with a non-erosive -alloy, its preservation was chiefly to be attributed. -The larboard portion of the prow’s planking -still retained the eye, consecrated as the watchful -guardian of course and detector of danger.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the hull was raised from its long repose in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>the bed of the lagoon, which had formerly been an -inlet of the La Plata, and thoroughly<a id='t273'></a> dried, it was restored, -in a measure, to its former lightness, from -which it was easy to conceive its swift progress over -the waters when impelled by oars or a favoring gale, -as it but slightly taxed the strength of twenty men -to bear it upon their shoulders to its present resting -place, in the outer patio of my museum built for its -reception.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Your description of the Kyronese lineaments favors -a descent from the primal union of the Phœnician -with the North African races. I have relics exhumed -remote from the shores of the La Plata, of undoubted -Morisco fabrication, some of which bear a date corresponding -with the second century of our era. From -these material evidences, we have conclusive proof -that the currents evoked from the disgorgements of -the Mediterranean’s tidal surplus, through the Strait -of Gibraltar, and the large river-drains of South -America, by the La Plata estuary, in monsoon reciprocation, -have proved the accidental highway of tempest-sped -vessels, from the period when they were -first built with a carrying capacity sufficient for the -transportation of merchandise, and the free navigation -of the inland seas with sails. The diversity of -color, facial contour, and structural art of fabrication, -plainly bespeak an intermixture of European, Asiatic, -and African races with the aborigines of America. -That the supply was accidental, and limited to the -recurrence of causes happening after the lapse of long -intervals, is apparent from the numerous depopulated -cities, whose inhabitants, like those of old Heraclea, -presumed upon their ritual intelligence to enslave -the natives and barbarously treat them, until the arrogance -of folly and over-indulgence opened a way for -retributive judgment in total annihilation. Hence -the mottled appearance of the natives in the neighborhood -of the ruined cities of Mexico and Yucatan, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>derived from a relapse after a sparse inoculation of -the lighter shades of color. The same effects are apparent -in all the coast eddies confluent with the inter-oceanic -currents from the disemboguement of large -rivers, as in the fruitful valleys of their interior tributaries, -ruins indicating exotic races are generally -found.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As all these conjectural evolutions of deductive -thought, relative to the transition events of the past, -are unprofitable, in comparison with the cultivation -of the conscious elements of goodness, for the prospective -happiness of future generations, through the -avenue of educated self-legislation, you must excuse -the little attention that I have devoted to research for -the elucidation of Heraclean derivation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Our desire to see you, under the impressions imparted -from Heraclean example, has increased with -our happiness, until it has become almost irresistible. -Strange as it may appear to you, Consolata consulted -me this morning upon the feasibility of making a -trip to Heraclea. The idea was an infinite source of -pleasure to us all, M. Baudois alone expressing regretful -sorrow that there was a prejudiced obstacle in the -way over which he held doubtful control, and until -he had reduced it to kindly subjugation he would not -adventure himself as the possible cause of a lack of -freedom to the genial flow of sincerity. The nature -of this “lion,” still at large, barring his way to Heraclean -enjoyment, we can surmise, but we think from -the present cordial relations existing between him and -Teudschen that it would prove a whimsical prejudice -rather than a reality. Lovieta and Lavoca have set -their little heads together in council, with our consent -and approval, to solicit your aid and intercession for -their admission into the Heraclean school. Notwithstanding -our children are to us the solacing light and -warmth of affection in personification, we wish to advance -their happiness, for transmission, upon a sure -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>basis, even if we shall be obliged to defer our own -visit for a season; for we have full faith in their increasing -love, and shall find ample consolation for our -temporary bereavement in the prospect of a joyful reunion. -In the meantime,—if our petition should -prove agreeable to the prætor and tribunes,—while -waiting for Captain Greenwood, the children specially -desire that you will extend to the Manatitlan volantaphs -an invitation for them to make our house their -abiding place whenever they visit Buenos Ayres. M. -Baudois is now engaged in devising means for their -accommodation on our roof, having already completed -the architectural designs for the falcon mews, and -colemena for the phaeton bees. As yet his invention -halts in calculating the furnishing requirements suited -in capacity for the size of our anticipated guests. -Lovieta and Lavoca jointly solicit one or more of the -Manatitlan donecellita giantescoes to act as auramental -governantes in preparation for their entrance into -the Heraclean school, if the Dosch approves and will -favor them with a suspension of their school regulations. -“If the request is granted, they promise to attend -personally to their comfort, and will try to prove -obedient to their direction in everything.” Consolata -hopes that your present powers of self-control -will enable you to banish from your memory the remembrance -of her unworthiness, promising, with the -opportunity, to give full expression to the sincerity -of her supplication with practical evidences of her -amendment. Our endeavors to impress “our little -folks” with the relative size of the Manatitlan giantescoes, -mediums, and tits, has been but partially successful, -from our own deficiency of subject comprehension. -At present they seize upon representative -minutiæ, in suggestive similitude, for mental comparison. -For the material illustration of head capacity, -pins of different sizes have been brought into requisition, -and for the eyes those of needles; still there is a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>lingering vagueness in all of our conceptions of Manatitlan -proportions in bodily endowment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>If consistent with Manatitlan propriety, in the -economy of time, it would afford us great satisfaction -if they would permit us to entertain a sufficient number -of their people to keep us well directed, for we -have become vividly conscious of our instinctive frailties. -In anticipation of a favorable answer to our -joint requests I have had a flag-staff raised upon our -roof surmounted with the letters P. G. In closing -we wish to inquire if, as with us, in our household -association, you, in your intercourse with the Heracleans -are disinclined to speak unless you have something -useful, solacing, or mirthful to say? We have -certainly grown chary in speech, but with a flowing -increase in the current of loving communication, with -the prospect of reducing language to a nearer approximation -to the truthful intention of its manifest devisement. -With gratitude for the inexpressible happiness -you have been the means of conferring, we shall -ever esteem it a favor if you will permit us to supply -your material wants, foreign to the resources of Heraclea.</p> -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'><span class='sc'>Pedro Garcia</span>,</div> - <div class='line'><em>for household adherents</em>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>P. S. Will it surprise you to learn that Pedro -Garcia, whose vanity delighted in being esteemed -learned in past usages under the patronizing titles -conferred by the garnered wisdom of colleges and -societies, and M. Baudois, the corresponding savan of -the French Academy, have consigned to the elementary -combustion of fire all their theoretical works? -On the 27th prox. the uniformly bound works of my -library, expatiating upon the theory and practice of -theology, medicine, and law, in company with those -of M. Baudois treating on glacial and other theories -of the earth’s transitions and destiny, were carted to -my quinta and consigned to the flames. P. G.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span> - <h2 id='XX' class='c005'>CHAPTER XX.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>After the letters of M. Baudois and Don Pedro -had been read aloud to the Prætor’s family, the Dosch -remarked that the Animalculan Mouthpats furnished -confirmatory evidence of the provincialism of the Asiatic -Heraclean emigrants, as they were undoubtedly -parasitic companions of the involuntary voyage across -the ocean. Their Scythio-Celtic jargonic idiom corresponds -with the Latins’ incursive invasions into the -Klappish and Celtic territories, while in habits and -customs they show the marked impression of instinctive -traits peculiar to the old Heracleans in their irruptive -stages of progression. With the classical tendency -of history to transmit evil, the Mouthpats have -retained the traditional impressions of their ancestors’ -instinctive association with the Gigas, in addition to -those derived from direct inheritance in kind.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In compliance with Don Pedro’s request for Manatitlan -aid and protection, the Dosch announced his -intention of sending two giantescoes to act as auramental -governantes for Lovieta and Lavoca, preparatory -to their entrance into the Heraclean school, which -were to be selected from the reserve maiden fund for -the relief of widowers. In answer to Mr. Welson’s -inquiry with regard to their age, the Dosch assured -him that there was no need of anxiety on that score, -for the funded maidens were not of the soured acrimonious -kind represented as “old maids” by Giga -bruits, whose passionate instincts of affection had -been denied marriageable reciprocation, but of matured -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>kindly dispositions to whom the controlling -influence of animal passion was unknown. “Yet,” -he continued, “they possess the common inheritance -of womankind, which delights in making the tongue -vocalize thoughtful inspirations of affection; but with -our Manatitlan matrons and maidens its use for detraction -is also unknown.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana’s usually quiet composure had shown evidences -of happy transition to fluttering excitement, -after an interview with the padre, which was heightened -when the Dosch, after the preliminaries for -Manatitlan correspondence with the family of Don -Pedro had been arranged, asked her to show the -material cause of her gratefully glad perturbation. -Upon this hint she produced from her bosom the photographic -likeness of Captain Greenwood. This he -had presented to her on board of the <em>Tortuga</em>; but -while engaged in packing, the day before their departure -for Heraclea, it had mysteriously disappeared, -and after thorough search it was supposed to be irretrievably -lost. The wind was charged with its abstraction, -and the waters of the river as its receiver, -but Correliana was confident in the belief of their -innocence from the absence of the first party, as the -day was perfectly calm, and she recollected of placing -it beneath a book when the Captain required the aid -of her hands. The book, unfortunately, was the -“Art of Confession Made Easy,” by Fray Manuel -de Jaen; and belonged to Padre Simon, who in one -of his “fits” of abstraction recovered it, and used -the photograph as a mark, unobserved by Correliana; -and as it contained his polemical stock of knowledge -for quotation, he was guarded in withholding it from -others, and immediately placed it in the transom -locker of his stateroom, where it remained lost to his -own memory until found by Antonio on the boat’s -passage down the river. As the loss of the photograph -had been the cause of continued anxiety to all, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>from the inconsolable regrets of the loser, the Captain -determined to summons the padre to appear with the -couriers at Amelcoy, to bear the treasure back to its -owner, in penance for the sorrow he had caused by -his heedlessness. Correliana’s conscious blush of happiness, -as the semblance of her chosen was passed in -review, imparted its impression to the invisible as -well as the visible, for the Doschavita with her -coterie of companions were anxious to judge of the -selection made by their favorite.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dosch remarked that the odd fancy of the -premeditated surroundings, was in kind characteristic -of the jumble of gold, charity, and redeeming -grace, as the barter conditions of salvation in the -Giga mythology. Professional craftsmen, and mechanical -members of societies and orders, parade -their badges and insignia as the vain-glorious emblems -of exclusive selfishness, while they preach a universal -heaven free to all without distinction of persons. -Your democratic orators, styled the “heaven born,” -assume attitudes for portraiture suited to their special -assumptions of vanity for self-inflation; but with the -evident fear that the beholder’s perception will fail to -engross the reflection of their eloquent ability, they -hold in their hands appropriately labeled books or -manuscripts. The doctor’s idiosyncratic pose is defiant, -as if he recognized death in a successful rival. -With his nose scornfully upturned he consults vacancy -with his eyes, in search of prognostic symptoms -for diagnostic antagonism; his left hand advanced, is -raised aloft inclosing a vial wand labeled Nostratic -Viaticum, while his right with feeling expression triumphantly -grasps the skull of a patient who had -tested the value of his prescriptive vise. The lawyer, -brigand, and priest, assume attitudes as characteristically -expressive of professional vanity. The vanity -of the fashionable “lady,” with the mythological signification -of intention, adverse to her impressions, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>rests with her hand, in studied negligence, placed -upon a volume of popular sermons, allowing the gilt -label, “Christian Virtues,” to appear with an array of -ringed jewels upon her fingers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Greenwood in keeping with the advertising -disposition of selfish vanity, in emblematic signification -of vocation, but with a humorous variation, -has perched himself upon a pile of bagged paddy -(the Siamese apply the term paddy to everything unclean), -while a companion with the evident design of -expressing the gambling tendency of speculation, is -engaged in dealing “hands” from a pack of cards. In -the background of the photograph the religious view -exposes a pagoda and mill for cleaning paddy. The -face of the captain expresses an impression of saturnine -and cynical appreciation of the rare combinations -entering into the tout ensemble of the picture. -His dress, of Siamese fashion, is also in alliance with -the counterparts of the scene, and his cognomic designation -of Truly Rural Greenwood. The portrait -reveals, with all its incongruous constituents, the -“sterling” qualities concealed beneath the acrid asperities -of the outer husk. These were discovered -by our waiftly Heraclean cousin; and her amused -study of his germ, divested of the rough externals -imposed by customary habits, attracted his attention -to the cause, which led him to intrust the Kyronese -to the care and direction of Mr. Dow, and the vessel -to his subordinates, while he devoted himself to the -removal of his civilized artificials, for the weft of his -thoughts with the proffer of her own. His quick -appreciation of her artless worth and purity directed -his thoughts to self investigation, with a perceptible -improvement in all that pertained to the ruling -power of her influence. Notwithstanding the growing -strength of the attraction was open for the observance -of all, not a word of surprise was uttered, or -a quizzical manifestation of instinct to insinuate motives -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>other than those of the purest nature expressed -in an alliance of the sexes. Even the “hands” and -sailors’ tongues found no prompting encouragement -for gossip, each rendering homage to her power with -imposed reverence suited to their capabilities of perception, -while in evidence of the controlling influence -of her example, there was a marked change in their -habits in all the essentials of purity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana submitted to the retrospective review of -the Dosch, as a matter of fact relation, in freedom -from other emotions than those of joyful gladness for -the recovery of her treasure, and the appreciation -bestowed by the Manatitlan matrons upon the wisdom -of her choice. Then Mr. Dow smilingly offered -the Dosch and Doschessa the privilege of reading the -letter of his wife and children; but as it was one of -reproof we will simply state, that in writing home he -had been so much absorbed in the prospective grandeur -of his elevation as the precentor of the discovery, -that the remarkable traits of the Heracleans and -Manatitlans had scarcely been noticed, but in a sufficient -degree for the excitement of intense curiosity. -This unpardonable oversight had caused, in the -place of congratulations, a letter filled to overflowing -with catechistic questions relating to the habits and -customs of the Animalculans, to the entire exclusion -of a remark touching his agency in the discovery, -inasmuch as it would contribute to his personal fame. -The reflex action of Mr. Dow’s omission greatly -amused the Dosch and his wife. After the mirth had -subsided, occasioned by the reading of Mr. Dow’s -family letter, which left him as void of home information -as he had left them in his letter communication -with regard to the habits and customs of the Manatitlans, -M. Hollydorf proposed to read aloud the reply -of the R. H. B. Society to his letter.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span> - <h2 id='XXI' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-r c002'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Berlin</span>, <em>September 3d, 187-.</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='sc'>To M. Hollydorf</span>, <em>Director of the Animalculan -Corps of the R. H. B. Society, at present conducting -their explorations in the newly discovered city of Heraclea -Doweri, in the country of the wild hordes in -the Andean region of La Plata.</em>—Greeting, in behalf -of our patrons and members of the Society, with -personal congratulations! Wonder and surprised -amazement are terms of too weak invention to express -the emotional excitement caused by your letter -of discovery, which reached us with unaccountable -despatch. The introduction,—although conducted -with consummate skill, that our credulity might not be -overstrained by the relation of concurring events in -a manner too abrupt,—was of a character so startling -that our mouths unconsciously retained the -smoke of our pipes, to be emitted in the full volume -of accumulation with an involumed sigh of relief, -when impressed with the conviction of your sanity. -It appears from your relation, that your progress was -attended by concurrent events of the most surprising -description, which by a conjunction of circumstances, -when subject to opposition, were readily overcome, -with an effect that tended to the final development -of the Animalculan race of humanity. The train with -the slightest descriptive discrepancy would have consigned -your letter to the basket as a maniacal production. -As it was, with the first announcement, -all eyes became fixed upon the reader in mute astonishment, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>too deeply impressed for skeptical thought, -or incredulous comparison; the valves of respiratory -emotion continued closed to voluntary exercise, with -singular endurance, until the last sentence of your -letter opened their vent with a prolonged whe-w accompanied -with a volume of condensed smoke commensurate -with the capacity of each member for -marvelous inflation. Before proceeding to the theoretical -discussion, and precedental comparison of -your revelations with those of past ages, the members -indulged in a variety of extra-scientific ejaculations -decidedly foreign to your Manatitlan code of educational -ethics.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In discursive consultation after the members had -become sufficiently restored for the exercise of their -wonted mental equilibrium, by potations obnoxious -to the cultivated habits of your exemplars, the discovery -was subjected to an analytico-cosmogenerical -evolution of ideas. During the discussion a variety -of theories were advanced by the prominent members, -embracing involution and evolution, to account for -the infinitesimal size of the Animalculan race of -humanity, and causes of reduction. Some advocated -psychological condensation of the souls of our race -after death, the degrees of perfection being indicated -by the gradations of size distinguishing the castes of -giantesco, medium, and tit. Others that they were -the concentrated essences of our human vitality in -happy translation exonerated from the corruptions of -organic support. But a majority were inclined to -subject you and your associates to a thorough test -upon the score of optical illusion; a few, however, -contended that you were subject to necromantic -agency. In fact, your mental and physical condition -was analyzed with the nicest tests of scrutiny that -could be brought to bear from the manifestations developed -in the composition of your letter. From the -extremes of experience, and extensive resources of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>members for tracing the influences of climate, with -the moral effect of the eventful transitions through -which you passed, they soon arrived at the definite -conclusion that your discoveries were legitimately -compatible with a sound mind, notwithstanding the -precedental lack of parallel examples for comparison. -But before final adoption, the effects likely to be -wrought in mental, moral, and theological philosophy -were elaborately discussed. But from a lack of data -to establish the fact of their complete and separate existence -as a race, or whether they are representative -soul iotas of our own race undergoing the process of -refinement, the question was held in suspension for -the bias of well attested information. The discovery, -however, was unanimously indorsed as an unprecedented -matter of fact, tangible to your own and the -initiated senses of your associates, and in no way improbable, -although reduced to the extreme limits of -believing divisibility.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the insatiable desire of your personal friends, -and the few court magnates admitted to the secret, -to see and read your letter, in proof of the reality of -the discovery, it has become extremely dilapidated; -besides, the encroachments of memento clippings have -in some parts reached the text. From the almost -realized probability of its becoming illegible it is the -general wish of the members, expressed in a series of -resolutions, that you should retain the duplicate to be -filed in the recorded transactions of the Society on -your return. Of this you may be sure, from the -reverence bestowed upon the one received, in after -years it will be esteemed as a relic of attraction sufficient -for the liquidation of any emergency to which -the Society may become subject from revolution or -invasion. By the adoption of this advisable precaution -the discovery will be preserved for the perpetual -honor and benefit of the Society, as an index of its -preëminent claims above those of rival societies and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>associations in foreign countries. We shall not for -the future presume to offer you advice for the direction -of your investigations, but in your next communication -the Society would be pleased to learn from -the Manatitlan naturalists the number and species of -the Giga animals that are at present represented in -Animalculan life. If your researches have developed -other racial peculiarities in the interim they will -serve as a digestive stimulant to the doubtful.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The society has elected, by a unanimous vote, Mr. -Welson, Mr. Dow, and Captain Greenwood, corresponding -members, and the Padre Simon, Jack, and -Bill (you neglected to write the names of the last -mentioned in full), honorary fellows. This is a step -toward liberalism quite unprecedented in the annals -of the Society. Their election, however, was held as -a politic necessity to prevent them from advancing -claims of priority under the patronage of foreign societies, -as Prussia now intends to maintain her position -as a—if not the—leading nation of Europe, which -the reputation of her Krupp’s cannon have gained. I -am recommended to hint the necessity of precaution -in keeping watch over their movements, lest by surreptitious -publication of the discovery, the honors of -the Society dependent upon priority might be imperiled. -Your personal friends send three household -tympano-microscopes, suited for dining-room entertainment -and post-prandial speeches. Herr Dollynitzen, -the eminent toy architect, to whom the discovery -was communicated as a state secret, has exercised -his utmost skill in the erection and adornment -of the palaces intended for the Manatitlan Dosch -and his advisors; also in the arrangement of the Court -suites for the production of magnificent effects. The -appointments of the lesser buildings and accommodations -for attache’s attendants, are in admirable keeping -with the grandeur of the design. The buildings -are supplied with all the modern improvements and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>appliances for the distribution of gas and water, for -illumination and lavatory purposes. The brewery, -stables, and distillery, are without the chief inclosure -in the rear. The punch bowls, bier glasses, and state -table service of plate, if found too cumbersome for -use, will serve as monuments for the memorial attestation -of our artistic skill. In fact, you will be surprised -with the skill exhibited in the accomplishment -of the undertaking, in all that appertains to durability -and finished taste, when you consider the short space -of time allowed for its completion. Imperial majesty, -and the prince of diplomats, have promised to find time -to offer you their autographical greetings for the honors -you have conferred upon the crown by your important -discoveries, which will be sanctioned in acceptance -with the double approval of our august bird of prey, -as token of recognized merit.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Yours truly,</div> - <div class='line in4'>Per order of the R. H. B. Society,</div> - <div class='line in18'><span class='sc'>Bugwitzs</span>, <em>Sec</em>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>N. B. (Entre nous.) If you can send us (liberals) -a codified formula of the Manatitlan system of education -(under cover to me), it might be used as a -reformatory basis for a revolutionary movement to -effect the rescue of governmental power from the arbitrary -sway of the legitimate few. Anything new, -with the reputation of an experienced trial of six or -seven thousand years, would serve as a subject for -public speaking and talk; for as the Manatitlans say, -the liberal and radical democracy of our race are attracted -by the sonorous bellowings of the physically -strong lunged leaders of herd, and amused in dalliance -with the softly toned melody of the lowing kine. B.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>M. Hollydorf, after reading the secretary’s letter, -would have suppressed the autographic missive; but -the Dosch called his attention to it,—laughingly adding, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>that he had been advised of the contents by a -third party, who was present during the process of -dictation. Observing the flush that mounted to M. -Hollydorf’s face, he said, “I perceive that our system -of espionage is not fully sanctioned by your thoughts. -But as our object is devoid of instinctive curiosity and -malice, and solely devoted to the emancipation of -your race from the impositions of selfishness, you will -upon mature consideration approve of our course. -We are fully aware of the difficulty you experience -in divesting yourselves of the reverential awe inspired -by the sounding appellations of king, emperor, prince, -and other titles bestowed for self-gratulation in the -flights of vanity. But if you will analyze the charter -privileges conferred with these vapory titles, you -will find that patents of nobility are the real talons -of your standard emblem of nationality, which allows -the grantee to become a participator with the imperial -or kingly beak, in rending the spoils of oppression. -In truth, the whole structure of your mythological -and classical literature, upon which the anointed -supremacy of kingly and noble power rests, is as -vague and shadowy in its reflection, as a source of -awe, as the sun photograph of an ass’s ears upon the -ground for the intimidation of their owner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The privileged follies of the upper ranks, rather -than their wisdom, is, from the contrasted meanness -of self, the instinctive cause of reverential fear with -the poverty stricken. The man who will accept the -direction of others, when obliged to dissemble his -own follies, not only contravenes the manifest indications -of Creative intention, but demeans the natural -honesty of his instinct below brute capacity. It is -also equally evident that a man who will not deal honestly -with himself, is not only unworthy, but will betray -the trust reposed in him by others, and as an -apostate to his human privilege demeans his instinct -as far below the reach of the lower orders as his capabilities -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>are above. With this class, who ape the privilege -of ruling others when lacking the will for self-control, -our espionage is no treason, but the study of -instinct, devoted to selfish gratification, in search of -means for emancipation. The craft of the diplomat, -whose foxy instinct endeavors to fix the incentive -stigma of a causeless war upon neighboring nations, -as the precursor of slaughtered millions, for the absorption -of coveted territory, should prove a source of -reprobation, rather than praise, to the peaceful perceptions -of instinct.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In illustration of the covetous nature of the letter, -which from the patriotic sympathy of shame you -would withhold, we will state from the basis of auramental -experience, that the victory of Germany over -her Gallic neighbor, who lacked the leading energies -of a man capable of controlling with inspired confidence -her armies, will prove far worse than a defeat -for the continued prosperity of the country. This is -especially evident to our perceptions, as it has stimulated -the policy of preparing the means while lying in -wait for a pretext to absorb the coveted northern seaboard, -under the present national control of Belgium, -Holland, Denmark, and Russia. Flattered by the -prestige she has gained from consolidation, she forgets -that her Gallic achievement was solely dependent -upon fortuitous circumstances. With a mind capable -of commanding unity of action, France would -prove more than her equal in the battle field, of -which the elder Bonaparte gave evidence in controlling -the powers of Europe. You will perceive by the -tendency of this prelude that we are fully prepared -for the propositions contained in your autographic -letter, which will of itself attest to our protective -right of espionage, and will render it:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span><span class='sc'>Kaiserlant</span>, <em>Aug.</em>, 187-.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='sc'>My dear Hollydorf</span>, you will be pleased to hear -that we hold the French disposition still handsomely -in check, by fomentations skillfully applied by our -prince of diplomats. But his mind is too expansive -for the frivolity of cultivating the natural mushroom -tendency of the Celt for intestine irruption. More -anon! we have a conception in the womb of the -future! Your discovery is truly astonishing! Many -of the scientific scarcely credit it! Why not? It’s -easy to believe if you only think so. A glance at -Alsace and Lorraine for instance. Will the Manatitlans -acknowledge fealty to Prussia in recognition -of our rights of priority? Push the Dosch gently on -the subject. It will be of advantage to the Dosch to -subscribe for our protection, as we shall soon assume -the leading role of Europe, which England can’t -gainsay. You are authorized to act as our vice-imperator -for the execution of a protectorate annexation. -In case of obduracy how large a force of our -veterans would you require for their subjugation? -Answer in your next. The prince advises expectant -treatment, with such placebos as your better knowledge -of the characteristics of their blind side may -suggest. As the giantescoes could be made especially -useful in diplomacy and warlike operations, -which with our progressive enterprise may soon -occur, the enlistment of two or more corps would -enable us to anticipate the moves of the enemy. The -prince thinks it advisable to enlist a corps that understands -the French language, as we are obliged to -keep a sharp eye in that direction. We have also -thought it advisable to keep the discovery a secret -among ourselves for the present. Ask the Dosch if -he can approximate in calculation the number of our -animalculan subjects in Prussia, and learn where -their chief cities are located! Would it not be well -to have an animalculan survey of the empire, under -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>Manatitlan engineers, for its topographical division -into departments? You have, by the advice of the -prince, been enrolled as a candidate for the honors of -knighthood, and will hereafter be designated as the -Count Palatine of Heraclea, and Viceroy of Manatitla. -The king herald of the royal commandery only -awaits the transmission of their national escutcheons -for incorporation with the Prussian, and quarterings -of your family, before the announcement of your full -investment and title will be proclaimed. The prince -of diplomats advises gentle dissimulation in the inceptive -stages of your negotiations with the Manatitlans; -and in the second insinuations with non-committal or -evasive attachments; and boldness when fully prepared -to offer your ultimatum. This plan worked -admirably with the French, who are probably far -more accomplished in the diplomatic art than the -Manatitlans. If you had experienced the advantages -of a married life, you could better appreciate the -benefits of the preparatory stages proposed, from -their successful adaptability for the quiet management -of domestic affairs. We shall anticipate with increased -interest the arrival of your next letters. -Please present the Kaiser pipe to Dr. Baāhar with -its accompanying sack of Latakia and Shiraz ammunition, -as its smoke will aid him in resurrecting many -interesting items from the ruins of old Heraclea. -The gift you can render more acceptable by an appropriate -presentation speech, at the close of a public -banquet given at our expense. If you think it will -enhance the acceptability of the gift, you can allude -to its dedication by my own and the lips of the -prince, which will be sure to impart to him a politic -shrewdness that will outwit the Jesuits.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Your Kaiser.</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>M. Hollydorf acknowledged with a flush of shame -the correctness of the Dosch’s verbatim rendering of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>the Kaiser letter. But the Dosch rallied him with the -assurance that the effort was above the general average -of the kind, and really acceptable as an aid in -demonstrating the indifference of potentates for the -real welfare of their subjects. “If,” he urged, -“Newton, Humboldt, Arago, and other scientific celebrities, -had occupied but half of the time in study for -the practical relief of their race from the potential -rule of selfishness, that they devoted to theories -strained from debris gleanings of earth’s attritions, -from counter elementary action, they would have secured -in grateful reciprocation an ever enduring immortality, -that would have lived with the endowment -of their living impression, in the current of affection, -to the garnered end of the allotted term of mortal representation. -Instead of using their gigantic endowments -for the development of man’s knowledge of -himself, in privileged relation to creative design, for -the fulfillment of indications vouchsafed for his affectionate -direction, they endeavored to illuminate the -precedental path of irrational delusions, and left their -immense labors, under the seal of acknowledged greatness, -as barren of sympathy for immortal direction, as -the sands of Sahara are for the support of the Arab -wanderer. We do not disclaim the collateral benefits -to be derived from the cultivation of practical -“science,” but to devote one’s energies to exhuming -relics, tracing glacial tracks, chasing butterflies and -other insects, for capture, without other motive than -for classification and the gratification of curiosity, is -as void of beneficial result as the youthful Gigas’ antiquarian -search for postage stamps. The obstinate -perseverance of the Scotch Animalculans in imitating -the fanatical absurdities of their Giga exemplars, -has become proverbial with our Manatitlan colonists, -who render it “scratching for miracles to cure evils -of easy prevention.” A reputation founded solely -upon entomological pursuits will deservedly prove as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>short lived, and lack-worthy of sympathy, as the ancient -family hunts of the Gaels, who left a breeding -cause for wasted time spent in the pursuit of their -bodies’ parasitic foes, when with ease they could have -rid themselves of the pests, and added to their comfort -by cleanliness. In our aerial study of botanical -adaptation, we have observed the date palm, indigenous -to the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, growing -at the mouths of all the large American rivers of -tropical latitudes, corresponding with the current -streams of the ocean setting from the Strait of Gibraltar. -In Mexico and Yucatan, the date palm grows -as luxuriantly, and yields as abundantly in exotic -transplantation as under the favoring influences of -native soil and climate. Even in the latifundium -with its exalted altitude, you will observe that with -cultivation it yields fruit of a quality far superior to -the Egyptian, and has in reality proved the bread of -life to the Heracleans. Now if the scientific of your -race would but study these vicarious indications of -nature for transplanting increase, and cultivate them -in extension with intelligent zeal for affectionate bestowal, -war, and its indigent charity sequence of -doles, would forever pass away from the surplant of -confiding love. But your race are now so wedded to -the fruits of precedentalism, that if you, on your return -to the haunts of civilization, should attempt to -promulgate your present happy thoughts, without -forestalling them with the substantial relation of -your animalculan discovery of the Manatitlan race, -your own relatives would denounce you as lunatic -Utopiasts.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span> - <h2 id='XXII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>As the four were returning from the auriculum to -the quarters of the corps, a week or more after the -padre’s return, he overtook them and listened to their -conversation unperceived. As each entertained one -or two Manatitlan aura-lists in his ear, the conversation -was strangely diversified in irrelevancy, which -would have caused a stranger to the events transpiring, -possessed with the least taint of superstition, to -have supposed them insane or bewitched. The -padre listened with wondering attraction to catch the -drift of their mirthful sallies, hoping to learn the -cause, or obtain a clew to their mysterious convocations. -Their incoherent address of questions, which -although unanswered, appeared to provoke outbursts -of merriment, in one, without attracting the least -notice from the others, caused him at first to think it -was the prelude to one of Mr. Welson’s practical -essays of humor designed to entrap him. But the -earnest manner in which the conversation was conducted, -and the unmistakable evidences of genuine -mirth, put this conjecture to flight. His next suggestive -impression was ushered in with a shudder; -could it be possible that they were subject to a spell -of enchantment, and that the seeming city of Heraclea -was the abode of enchanters, the spirits of -darkness against which the fathers had especially -warned the heedless? This frightful ghost of a suspicion -received such evident confirmation that he -immediately had recourse to his rosary that had been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>bestowed by Fraile Gallagato, of Amelcoy, for numbering -exorcising prayers. The rattling of the beads, -with the muttering sound of his Ave Marias, attracted -the attention of Mr. Welson, as he turned -aside to allow the others to enter the puerta in advance, -and he for the first time became aware of the -padre’s presence. The anxious dismay of the padre’s -countenance revealed the source of his emotions, -prompting Mr. Welson to play upon his fears, but the -Dosch auramented the inquiry:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well padre, what is it that causes you to look -so frightened?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “Wha-wha-what does it all mean, I should -like to know? Are you bewitched or leagued with -the devil [crossing himself], or what are you doing -at any rate? I wish to goodness I had gone back to -Montevideo!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “Are you not comfortable, padre? -Just tell us what you lack, and we will endeavor to -supply your wants. The prætor has within an hour -made particular inquires for your welfare.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “It’s not that, I have everything my body -requires,—but my conscience,—my mind,—I declare -upon the welfare of my soul, I can’t endure the -thoughts of subjecting myself any longer to the -temptations of the evil one.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “Why padre, there is nothing to my -knowledge that should alarm your conscience, or -soul, for we are only holding intercourse with human -beings, and as you must feel from your own thoughts, -we are farther from evil than ever in our lives before. -Ease your mind from alarm, and suspicious fears, for -in good and seasonable time everything that now appears -mysterious will be explained for your privileged -understanding. For your assurance and relief from -imaginary fears, you have only to turn your thoughts -to your own improvement, both mental and physical; -which should convince you that from whatever source -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>derived, the influence is good. Do we not appear -far more happy here, than on board of the <em>Tortuga</em>? -If you would but think, and give heed to the promptings -of your thoughts, you could not fail to realize -that the source of your happiness is derived from an -example of purity and goodness, and of necessity, in -direct opposition to evil.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “But I have had warnings clear and distinct, -as from the voice of a spirit, in a still small -voice, as if coming from afar. Then at another time, -I felt like one possessed with thoughts that were not -his own, and could not do as I had been taught, -without self-reproof, and was lead away from parental -instruction, and my Christian education. In fact, as -it were, I have been prevented from keeping company -with my own conscience, and could not pray -and do as I liked.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson</em> (losing his prompted direction). -“But you did attempt to do as you liked, when the -viper offered visible objection to your taking the -dried tobacco leaves in the garden of the old mission -of Amyntas, in passing on your way to Amelcoy.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre’s consternation when exposed to the -reared head of the viper,—which had in fact darted -from its coil upon a leaf beneath the one the padre’s -hand was approaching, and struck its fangs into the -loose sleeve of his coat,—was not greater than from -this display of “second sight,” on the part of Mr. Welson, -which revealed a scene that he felt confident was -only known to himself and Fraile Gallagato, to whom -he confessed in Amelcoy. Staring upon Mr. Welson -with eyes aghast, he staggered backward with hands -upraised, in repellant attitude, as if deprecatingly -warding off some dangerous influence that had possessed -itself of his personal embodiment.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson</em> (laughing). “There now, you have -tempted me to play with your superstitions, or rather -I have been tempted. Be content for the present, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>and in time all will be revealed to you in freedom -from supernatural agency.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>With this parting admonition Mr. Welson entered -the house. The padre, after he had sufficiently recovered -the use of his faculties, uttered in self-defense -an abjuring protest of two Marias, kissing in -addenda the beads and cross with transubstantial -desire for their seal of effectual grace, then soliloquized: -“They can’t convince me that they are not -leagued with the spirit of darkness; and if I live to -see the morrow’s sun I’ll shake the dust,—well, if -they had any,—off the soles of my feet, if I am -obliged to traverse the paths of the wilderness that -separates me from civilization alone.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>As if to put his intention into immediate execution -he walked rapidly down the avenue of the latifundium -and out of the gate; but when skirting the -copse of the temple grove he met the Heraclean -herdsmen and their wives. Their jocund mirth, -sportive with songs and gladness, withdrew his -thoughts from self by their grateful tokens of affection -bestowed in the full outflow of joyful greeting, -which caused him to forget his impressions of their -enchantment from supernatural agency, and he was -soon engaged, with Manatitlan aid, in the laughing -exchange of Latin and English terms of idiomatic -phrase. On his return to the quarters of the corps -suspicion had been banished from his memory; but -his doubts and fears were again revived, when on -entering the dining-room he encountered the same -mysterious impression of a communion with the presence -of unseen spirits. The entrance of Dr. Baāhar, -with the buzz and genealogical curators of sound, -dispelled the influence, but they, as well as the padre, -had questioned the source of its power. After the -evening meal the padre sought the opportunity of -renewing his petition for permission to depart in the -morning; anointing it with grateful acknowledgments -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>for their kindness to him personally, while in -the style of exorcism he urged the necessity with the -quotation, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the -whole world and lose his own soul?” The effect of -this appeal, for instinctive self-preservation, was so -comical in its misplaced application that the four -were obliged to join the auriculars in giving gleeful -vent to their mirth; this, however, was as suddenly -checked, when their supposed derisive lack of sympathy -affected the padre to the extent of producing -tears. Unable to restrain his contempt for the selfimposed -shallowness of the padre’s perception, Mr. -Welson,—under the auricular direction of Corycæus, -the familiar who attended him on his journey,—gave -a final touch to his victim’s superstitious fears, by -asking: “Did your conscience or soul find themselves -in a purer atmosphere, or in less suspicious -companionship, when subjected by Fraile Gallagato -to the sacramental spirits of a Rosario punch, and -the fumes of tobacco, than with us who have abjured -their use? You need not answer upon the impulse -of the moment; but if, after a night’s reflection, your -fears for your soul’s safety still prompt you to leave -us, and the affectionate interest enlisted in your behalf -on the part of the Heracleans and Kyronese, the -means for your conveyance to Amelcoy and deliverance -into the keeping of your noble compadre shall -not be wanting. But in bidding you a personal -farewell, from your self-will in adhering to delusions -that require proxied aid granted from confession and -absolution administered by a being so manifestly corrupt -as the Fraile Gallagato, we shall be obliged to -forego the hopeful retaining interest that we feel in -your welfare, unless by the contrast, your thoughtful -eyes are opened to see and feel the great loss you -will have sustained in the sacrifice of truthful and -affectionate sincerity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “But why, Mr. Welson, have you kept -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>from me anything that it was proper and useful for -the rest of you to know.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “In the first place, you were<a id='t298'></a> not particularly -interested in scientific investigations, or book -lore, else you would have participated in the discovery -that has puzzled and alarmed you. In the second -place, as you represented the instinctive class of ritualistic -habit and creed followers, who believe in what -they have been taught without questioning palpable -absurdities, you have been exhibited to us as an -illustration of the unthinking characteristics of our -race. As you have subserved the purpose of showing -the irrational subterfuges of sectarianism for shirking -the responsibilities of honest example, for the delusive -indulgence of instinctive desire in excess of -reasonable gratification, I will now inform you that -shortly after our arrival in Heraclea we were introduced, -through the reflecting aid of the tympano-microscope, -to a race of human Animalculans, by -Mistress Correliana. These had been known to her -Heraclean ancestors for many centuries, and were the -originators of their system of education. The largest, -or giantescoes as they are called, are perceptible in -form to our unaided eyes; but, with a few exceptions, -they belong solely to the Manatitlans, the race to -which we were introduced. But the lower grades, -which are styled mediums and tits, are in human -resemblance indistinctly visible to the naked eye. -The falcons, that visited Mistress Correliana on -board of the <em>Tortuga</em>, were guided by individuals of -this race, which accounts for their wonderful sagacity, -and the mysterious intelligence which she had gained -of the transactions of our race while immured within -the walls of Heraclea. When M. Hollydorf commenced -his investigations for tracing the relation of -the dry, animalculan species with the representatives -of our gigantic orders, the thought never occurred to -his imagination that by any possibility the initial -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>type of humanity would be discovered. You will -now be able to judge, from your impressions, our -emotions when we were obliged to recognize under -the powerful reflection of the tympano-microscope -our own representative embodiment in minute miniature; -but with a perfection in beauty that put the -pretensions of our race to shame. The object of the -R. H. B. Society, was, as you have heard explained,—to -obtain a knowledge of aboriginal animalculan -dryad life for comparison with kindred species within -the influence of civilization to judge of its progressive -effects. As Dr. Baāhar was too much occupied with -his naturalistic pursuits to attend on the day of discovery, -he with the other members were held in probationary -ignorance of the new race for experimental -effects, allied to those to which you have been subject. -You can now ponder for the night upon the -revelation I have given you, and if to-morrow you -wish for tangible evidence of its truth you can accompany -us to the auriculum.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre had directed his attention chiefly to Mr. -Welson during his admonitory explanation, with eyes -amazedly questioning the faces of the others for confirmation, -and mouth agape, which at certain passages -of the rehearsal contracted with grimaced efforts to -swallow; but with the closing invitation he relapsed -into a ruminating mood of fitful cogitation. In this -condition he remained, scarcely noticing the return of -Dr. Baāhar and curators of sound, notwithstanding -they were subjected to auramental impression for his -especial detection, and proof edification, from the incongruous -lack of method shown in their conversation, -which the doctor, with aptness, styled the languaged -lowing salutations of the herd at nightfall. Corycæus, -the padre’s auramental familiar, reported his ruminations -at the hour of retiring to Mr. Welson, who -sought the opportunity to give them direction by reading -to him a postscript of Captain Greenwood’s letter, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>containing information that he was too much vexed to -give him by word of mouth at Amelcoy. Calling the -padre into the colonnade, after the other members of -the corps had retired, he read the captain’s announcement -to him by moonlight, which we will render -verbatim:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“P. S. The padre’s appearance, with the knowledge -that he had passed the major portion of the night in -drinking, smoking, and chewing, with Fraile Gallagato, -who conducted him in a state of inebriation to -the house of a woman of unmentionable fame, so annoyed -me that I held no communication with him, -and write that which it would have afforded me unalloyed -pleasure to have imparted to him, by word of -mouth, if he had been in a worthy condition. Please -inform him that our success in collecting gold on the -spits of the Pilcomayo, during our return trip down -the river, so far exceeded our personal requirements, -after equally sharing with the absent in Heraclea, -that we have, at the suggestion of Jack and Bill,—who -rightfully aver that he was the discoverer,—set -aside a sufficient amount for insuring his family an -ample token of his fatherly remembrance and desire -for their welfare. The amount will be forwarded to -the address of any reliable person he may name, subject -to his childrens’ order.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>T. R. G.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The padre at the close of the message gave one -audible gulp of choking shame, and sank down upon -the pavement in groveling attitude, exclaiming in -broken accents of woful misery, “unworthy brute that -I am!” In this condition Mr. Welson left him, with -a simple parting salutation. Corycæus, in the morning, -reported that he continued prone and imbecile in -thought, until lunar impression caused his scattered -faculties to become wild in intention, causing him to -utter vehemently the talismanic Giga word, Reform! -But as its suggestions encouraged moderation, as the -source of saving grace, he wandered forth into the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>herald darkness of the morning’s dawn. Directing his -steps in the gray light to the summit fora, his thoughts -were led to view,—in the emergence of day, from -the chill sombre darkness of night, as the first radiant -rays of sunlight appeared above the horizon,—the -bright perspective of Heraclean affection which began -to dawn with its warmth and purity, beckoning him -from the gloom of the past, with the determination -that his example should contrast with it, as a day of -light for the guidance of future generations in the path -of happiness. As he stood in the rolling mist wafted -by the air current of the falls, on its nourishing mission -to the latifundium, Mr. Welson joined the prætor’s -family to unite with them in their morning salutations. -In turning their eyes upward to catch the -first rays of the sun on the brink of the falls, the head -of the padre appeared enveloped in a cloud of mist. -When first discovered, his attention seemed to be attracted -to objects beyond the walls; but with the first -strains of the morning anthem he removed his hat -and united his voice in the song of praise. At its -close, he beckoned them to join him on the summit -terrace. The prætor understanding the invitation, -challenged Mr. Welson and Dr. Baāhar to a trial of -speed, with his wife and daughter, up the ascent. -Accepting the gage they started, the civilized competitors -taking the shorter and direct avenue from the -city gate. At the word, up the crescent avenue Correliana -and her mother sped with equal steps, gliding -upward in the pathway with graceful motions, and -swiftness rivaling the fabled Camilla’s, the prætor -following with a steady movement of practiced ease, -content to hold his starting distance good. The -padre’s past and future, as umpire of this novel race, -quickly merged into the present. With jubilant -mirth he urged the doctor, with hand and hat, to -greater speed for the honor of the corps. But from -the weissich of the falling water his words of encouragement -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>failed to reach the object of his admonition. -In the abandon of momentary excitement, his -gestures were of that comical cast that we should -expect from a man who had been aroused from a -slumber that had continued from youth to age, and -installed, when suddenly awakened, to preside as umpire -over a scene like the one in review, without comprehending -his growth in stature. On all, except the -toiling object of his exhortations, his pantomimic -gesticulations served as brakes to stay their speed. -The diminution in speed of the prætorial family became -quite apparent from their mirthful checks; and -Mr. Welson, who had for a time maintained an increasing -distance in advance of the doctor, came to a -full stop at the foot of the summit incline, where the -latter passed him, attributing his disability to shortness -of breath from overhaste in the beginning. Congratulating -himself upon his own prudence in reserving -his strength for the last stretch, the doctor reached -the summit, but was chagrined to find the prætor and -family awaiting his arrival at the goal. The padre, -forgetful of his night’s vigil, and the cause, bantered -Dr. Baāhar upon his signal defeat; but an inquiring -look from Mr. Welson reminded him of his petition, -and he became silent until asked, when descending, -why he had beckoned them to the summit fora?</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, I declare,” he replied, “your race put it out -of my mind altogether; but I wanted you to see what -a beautiful effect the morning sun had upon the -scenery.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana referred him to the visit he had paid to -the summit in company with Cleorita and Oviata on -the morning after his return from Amelcoy; a reference -that caused him to become blushingly silent. -Mr. Welson then informed the prætor and family -that the padre and Dr. Baāhar had already been -initiated into the object of their secret convocations, -and that from henceforth there would be no reservations -in conversation.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span> - <h2 id='XXIII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The padre on his return to the quarters of the -corps, found Mr. Dow alone, and questioned him upon -the sincerity of Mr. Welson’s revelation. “You -know,” he said, “that I am a sort of orphan waif -among you, in the matter of science, which Mr. Welson, -Dr. Baāhar, and others, with the exception of -yourself, have taken advantage for their amusement; -not that they have treated me unkindly or disrespectfully; -but when they saw me really anxious from -fear, which they could have relieved, it was hard that -they should tease and add to my perplexity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dow assured him that the revelations of Mr. -Welson were strictly true, and that whatever was at -variance with their former selves had been effected by -Manatitlan wisdom. He then asked Corycæus, if -present, to give a joint pull upon the most sensitive -vibrilla in the padre’s ear. His sudden start, with -the tearful winking of his eyes, gave evidence that -the Manatitlans were still there. Seeing that the old -mythical idea of spirit possession still lingered, he -asked them to sing in chorus Old Lang Syne, as that -was the only tune the padre could recognize. This -was so well rendered in sympathetic harmony that -the padre beat time with both hands, and at its close -exclaimed, “My goodness gracious, I never heard such -music; why it thrilled me through and through, yet -the voices seemed small, and far off, as if they came -from the heavenly realms of bliss!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the morning meal the padre was escorted to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>the auriculum by all the initiated, including the -mayorong and his family. The padre having been -placed in a favorable position for hearing and seeing, -at an appointed signal a large number of giantescoes, -mediums, and tits, suddenly appeared on the reflecting -platform of the tympano-microscope, with a movement -so quick that neither action or source of emergence -could be detected. The suddenness of their -appearance caused the quick adjournment of the -padre’s hand to his hair, its usual place of resort -when his faculties were surprised with doubts requiring -the aid of counter-irritation for elucidation. The -Dosch and Doschessa advanced to the front of the -platform, and after a reciprocal introduction to the -padre, the former plainly stated the reason why a -portion had been excluded from a knowledge of their -existence. It was not, however, until a full hour had -passed in the discussion of various topics relating to -Manatitlan influence, that the padre ventured to -speak. He then timidly inquired of the Dosch, “Do -you and your wife and the rest of the Manatitlans -feel quite like men and comfortable?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “You can rest assured that we all feel like -men,—except our women,—and really comfortable!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “Are your women in being smaller less -comfortable than the men?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “As you perceive, they hold the same relative -proportion with regard to size as the females of -your own race. But if they were larger, perhaps the -men would feel less comfortable. You know from -experience that women wield a strong influence upon -whichever side they lend their weight.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “Do you cook your food or eat it raw?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “We are, like your own race, omnivorous, -but select and adapt our food to the healthy requirements -of our bodies, using fire for its preparation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “But how can you make such small fires?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span><em>Dosch.</em> “We hold ourselves in advance of your race -in that respect, as we are not dependent upon material -combustion for our fires. You are, of course, laboring -under the impression that our small size must -embarrass the organic functions. But in the intensity -of the spark you will find an apt illustration of -the vital energy that we have been enabled to preserve -in the purity of its brightness. Although you -may esteem it a spark of egoism, we can, with truth, -assert that we feel free from the vagaries of appetite -and lust, and an infinitesimal concentration of vitality -that imparts purity to our impressions. This exemption -from the ills to which you are subject in the -flesh, we have obtained by the consistent cultivation -of our perceptive endowments bestowed by the Creator -as an heirloom independent of the body’s material -tenement. For your enlightenment with reference -to the physical coöperation of our educated -perceptions with the body, I will say that we possess, -from transmitted cultivation, a nervous and muscular -energy, with a sensitive perception, that enables us to -detect and guard against dangers while yet distant. -In sudden emergency, by our agile presence of mind, -we can, without extraordinary effort, avoid impending -danger, that would inevitably prove fatal to your -slower faculties of apprehension. That you may appreciate, -in a measure, the quickness of our movements, -Corycæus, the padre’s familiar, will pass from -the platform to his ear.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Corycæus.</em> “Yes, and he may catch me if he can.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Quick as our eyes were turned on the padre, the -change in direction was anticipated by Corycæus, for -he was back on the platform in time to see with -laughing glee the padre’s hand reach his ear with a -clap that jarred his head. But certain of his capture, -the padre, without noticing the return of Corycæus -to the stage, cautiously introduced his forefinger into -the cavity of his ear, with his thumb on the alert to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>secure his prisoner when raised to the surface. So -certainly intent was he of the capture, that he was -deaf to the suppressed laughter provoked by his -movements, until after the removal and cautious separation -of his thumb and finger; then his surprise was -greeted by a genial outburst. Discovering Corycæus -on the platform, one of his old furtive glances -of superstition crossed the bridge of his nose, the -laughing jeers causing him to exclaim, “Well you -can think what you like, but the devil’s in it!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Corycæus.</em> “If you mean in your ear, the compliment -is not intended for me!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The rejoinder, and mirth, caused the padre to propose -a second trial; this proving as unsuccessful as -the first, he exclaimed, “You are altogether too spry -for my catching; I’d sooner try to catch a flea on the -watch! But the fact is, I can’t quite make you out -to my mind. You seem to be what you say you are; -still there is neither sacred or profane authority for -your existence, unless we take the Fathers’ assurance -that it’s possible for evil spirits to assume any form, -or shape, or preach any doctrine they choose, for the -purpose of temptation, of which numerous instances -have been recorded by Frey Manuel Jaen, and other -sacred authors.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson</em> (impatiently). “The fact is apparent, -padre, that you are either stupidly incorrigible or -there is a prompted method in your mythological -vagaries, to show us how loath your kind are to give -up animal indulgences that can be absolved by confession. -Once for all! Why is it that you have been -endowed with the power of discernment, which you -style conscience, to judge between right and wrong, -except to assert your probationary privilege to a -higher destiny than sensually begot animal life that -is subject to compostic defilement and corruption? -Or why should you be preferred to a material heaven -above the beasts of the field, who have lived in accordance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>with their special capacities, while you have -defiled yours with beastly indulgences? Like yourself -we have been subject to auramentation, but have -thankfully accepted the promptings bestowed for the -enlightenment and correction of our perceptions. -We feel that although bodily present, you are not -with us.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “It was yourself, Mr. Welson, that made -me cautious! If I have doubted the evidences of my -senses, your deceptions have placed the stumbling -block in my way. Since we have been in Heraclea -your mysteries whenever I was present kept me on -the lookout that I might not be caught napping. -Besides all the Kyronese children had disappeared, -except the infants, and those over ten years of age. -While among the Heracleans there was not a miss or -master, except Correliana; or a married man or -woman less than twenty-four years of age. When I -inquired the cause, you said they were at school, -which did not seem consistent, for I could find no -signs of one within the walls. Then as there were -no churches or signs of religious worship, my fears -were excited; for you rose with the sun and welcomed -its rising with songs, something you had never -attempted to do before; for even after a jovial night, -spent in drinking, playing poker, and lansquenet, you -appeared more sorry than glad to see it. After -breakfast you avoided me and betook yourselves to -some strange place, so that through the day I scarcely -saw you. These and many other strange freaks -made me feel as though I had really strayed into an -enchanted city; which impression was strengthened -by my own contradictory thoughts. (Looking curiously -at Corycæus.) Often a distinct small voice, -but as plain as my own, would dispute the number of -my Ave Marias, although I had numbered them on -my rosary—there, now, is the same voice asking me -from what the beads were made. Well as there can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>be no secrets kept here, I might as well own, that -plug tobacco was the easiest thing that I could make -them of. Indeed I scarcely knew the half that I was -thinking, I became so confused and bewildered. -Sometimes I thought my impressions were caused by -your scientific tricks, played upon me when asleep; -but then there was no authority for that; so you will -see from all that I have said, I am hardly in a condition -to give credit to my senses, upon the question of -these apparitions, that you call Manatitlan Animalculans, -as to whether they are real humans, or spirits of -evil conjured by the devil to betray souls to damnation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Corycæus.</em> “But you know, padre, you tried all -sorts of exorcisms to get rid of me without effect, -until you traced my exhortations to your ears, and -supposing they might arise from defect, you smeared -your ears with tobacco spittle, which proved an effectual -remedy.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre</em> (laughing). “You must allow then that -tobacco is good for ridding one of an annoyance?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Corycæus.</em> “If you call good advice an annoyance!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dr. Baāhar.</em> “He is wedded to his delusions, and -with eyes and ears, refuses to see and hear.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “You may call my religion a delusion, -and a budget of traditional superstitions, or whatever -you like, but I shall never become an apostate until -I can find a better, under proof to supply its place.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “It is better that he should be left to draw -his own inferences from our example and teachings, -as words of reason will prove futile to disabuse him of -his bead ritualism. Possibly, Corycæus may have -yielded overmuch to his humor from the obstinacy of -the padre’s infatuations.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Corcyra</em> (wife of Corycæus). “With permission, it -would please me to suggest in behalf of our auramental -labors with the padre, that we had not the power -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>of controlling him with the privilege of exampled -pleadings, so we were obliged to have recourse to -stratagem to rescue him from the toils of Fraile Gallagato -and his own weakness.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre</em> (gaspingly). “Wa-wa-was—”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Corcyra.</em> “Yes, we always attend our husbands, as -our bonds of affection are inseparable, and independent -of bodily duality. But you need not be so much -alarmed, although we are free to acknowledge that -we were greatly shocked to see your kindly nature -self-betrayed for its own degradation, in a manner so -revolting to our impressions of purity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre bowed his head to conceal his face, -flushed with shameful self-reproaches. The Dosch diverted -attention from the padre by introducing Codecio, -who proposed to give a synoptical description of -the advantages imparted from their system of education, -which would be exemplified by a visit to the -Heraclean schools.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In rendering our homage of grateful affection to -Inovatus Desiderata for the inestimable boon of an -educated power of self-control over the body’s instincts, -founded upon unselfish reciprocation, we also -with equal fervency correspond with Analogius, his -successor, who perfected the founder’s system with -the censor’s safeguard.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>The Censor’s</em> duty commences immediately after -birth, at the completion of the nurse’s midwife assistance -rendered to the mother, as upon her this aid -naturally devolves. In no instance has there ever occurred -the necessity of man’s intervention with this -function, which innate delicacy declares repugnant to -modest purity. The censor then in conjunction with -the nurse, who remains as a constant guard, directs -the parents for the adaptation of affectionate solicitation -for the welfare of the child. With constant -study the natural inclinations of the child are led and -trained for the healthy reciprocation of purity and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>goodness; also for the recognition of cause and effect -in progressive degree sufficient for the enlistment of -truthful confidence. But a few generations passed -after the censorship was matured by Analogius before -the querulous whimperings of infancy had ceased -altogether. When at the close of the second year -they entered the nursery department of the national -schools, the children were as self-capable and independent -of aid for the adjustment of dress to their -persons as though they had been to the manner born. -In like respect their practical appreciation of cleanliness -was as actively demonstrated in purity of intention, -as with their more experienced elders. Your -people have been taught to believe from precedental -prejudice, founded upon the selfish arrogance of ancient -exemplars, that the word censor signifies an arbitrary -agent for the restriction of liberty under the -rulings of tyrannical power. But as with the tribunes -of Heraclea, who act as censors under the direction of -the prætor, our privileges extend in an advisorial capacity -through all the gradations of life, from the -child to parents, and in their collective capacity, -styled the people. As the censor’s vocation is to -study and cultivate, for good, the mental and physical -capacity of the child from birth, you will readily -understand the advantage we obtain for direction in -all that pertains to health and the unselfish display of -goodness and purity. From the same source in reciprocation -our cultivated knowledge obtains a clue to the -predilections of instinct for vocations and variations -of employment necessary for the supply of food, and -the sustaining comforts in currency for the reciprocation -of affection. But, above all, we are enabled to -perfect the union of the marriage ties by the selection -of compatible respondents. You will, however, better -comprehend the method of attainment by the rehearsal -of our process of education.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>Our Manatitlan System of Education</em> commences -<span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>at birth, in giving direction to the dawning perceptions -of the nursling, that its desires may be toned to -its healthy requirements. For the achievement of this -important object the exaggerated and inconsiderate -fondness of the parents requires the close attention of -the nurse and censor, that the material attractions -may be strictly adapted for the development of the -child’s real necessities, in direction for its future mental -and physical welfare. At the age of two years -the child is placed in the infantile department of the -national school, but still continues under the special -care of its nurse and parental censor. When the -child reaches the age of five years full matriculation -takes place, as with the expiration of the infantile -term, self-care as well as self-control have become -sufficiently impressed for emulous improvement under -the exampled lead of their elders. With the full -accomplishment of ten years, the youthful term commences, -with an easy initiation into the life sustaining -responsibilities of community association. But -from the earliest stage the children are familiarized -with the pastime labors of vocation. These never -assume the repugnant features of tasks, but are -adopted as useful amusements, from choice, as compulsion -and disciplined correction have no part in our -exampled system of education. This electic plan of -imitation enables them in after life to render needed -assistance in association, without no-vitiation, which -would embarrass the continued uniformity of household -regulations, rather than aid in their easy dispensation. -Within the inclosures, of both the male and -female schools, all the appliances required in the pursuits -of vocation, and the conduction of domestic -affairs, are self-supplied after the first installment of -foundation. Indeed, from youthful invention in the -school departments we are often indebted for the enhanced -comforts of affection. As the mercenary selfishness -of morbid craving is unknown, there is an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>affectionate solicitude with each for the others’ welfare -in joyous reciprocation. Our grade distinctions -of giantesco, medium, and tit, which are usually -determined in the seventeenth year, although in premonition -from the age of ten, are those of confiding -reliance and mutual aid, in freedom from instinctive -envy and arrogance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“At the age of twenty-three the male graduates -from the school inclosure into the active degrees -of life’s associate coöperation. In premonition, the -connubial censors have studied and kept a record of -instinctive traits, and characteristic blendings of affection, -of the male and female matriculants, for -comparison and the selection of coaptives in the unity -of predisposition for the fulfillment of marriage intention. -On the morning of the day that accomplishes -the full term of school graduation, the man is introduced -to his future wife, who has been returned to -her parent’s charge for the three month’s probationary -test of full compatibility, during which her intended -enjoys their hospitality. The adjudged unity of -these marriage selections has been so perfect in conception, -that there has not been a single instance of -misapprehension, or one that failed in fulfilling the -complete assimilation of affection for sole representation, -independent of attaint from the lustful vagrancy -of desire. A day of visitation for each school is set -apart for the monthly reunion of parents and children. -The happiness imparted in anticipation and realization -from these visits exceeds by far the utmost capacity -of word description; but once enjoyed they -give maturity to conception for the full assurance of -an affectionate immortality.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“After your visit to the Heraclean schools, we feel -assured that ‘argument’ will not be required to -establish the all powerful efficiency of the system in -securing affectionate coöperation for the perfection of -self-legislation. Your governments for the compulsion -<span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>of untutored instinct, by arbitrary enactments -surprised from the impulsive vagaries begot from excessive -indulgence, will then appear self condemned -as lunatic monstrosities conjured from and transmitted -by hereditary indigestion.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the close of Codecio’s exposition the padre, who -had listened attentively, could not withhold his approval, -which he characteristically expressed. “I declare -to conscience, upon my soul, I believe you are -right! But how are we to get on with our national -mixtures, when the stronger prey upon the weaker, -without laws and government? If we are not able to -govern ourselves just now, individually and collectively, -I think you must allow that it would be hard to -find a better constitution than that of the United -States for liberty?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Codecio.</em> “In answer to your inquiry, a clear demonstration -of facts, derived from auramentation, will -prove all sufficient for your comprehension of the real -governmental status of the republic in question. We -have traced the progress of the United States from -their earliest date; at first with the hope of influencing -the adverse experience of the Spanish, French, -Dutch, and English colonists for lenient consolidation, -despite their religious tenets, which had been the -cause of counter oppressions and expatriation. This -was attempted with the ulterior intention of effecting -a cohesive tendency from a united education, adapted -to their practical requirements for real progression in -freedom from precedental imitation. But the repulsive -elements of instinct continued, under the aggravations -of exile, to grow more rampantly rabid in -inveteracy, offering but little hope for the encouragement -of our efforts for kindly reconciliation. With -the one remarkable exception of the colony founded -by Penn,—who tested and proved the trustworthy -natures of the savages, when subject to honorable -treatment,—the labors of our auramentors were void -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>of effect. Of all the colonists those of New England -waged the most ruthlessly relentless war against their -aboriginal benefactors, seemingly intent upon offering -them as a grateful sacrifice for their selfish ‘freedom -to worship God.’ The next inevitable stage of instinctive -fanaticism, was the inauguration of sectarian -persecution, in direct rebuttal of their own claims for -sympathy, and freedom of privilege. But a few generations -passed before the old leaven of hereditary intolerance -flourished its sceptre of arbitrary compulsion -with renewed vengeful despite. Then a new bone of -contention for future generations was introduced by -the mother country, who bestowed the African troglodytes -as bond slaves to work out the heavenly salvation -of the colonists.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The northern section of the country was alternated -by seasons of extreme heat and cold, that rendered -the negro an incumbrance rather than an aid, so that -gradually the colonists with frugal policy emancipated -their slaves, as the second grateful sacrifice to God. -But the southern department with a semi-tropical -climate, and a vegetation spontaneously fruitful, requiring -for the production of cotton, rice, and sugar -but little cultivation in comparison with the labor -bestowed upon the detrite soil of the north, was well -adapted for the propagation of the physical inertia of -the negro. Also for the indulgence of their masters’ -<i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">otium cum dignitate</span></i> derivation from the English cavalier, -the buccaneers of the Spanish main, and subordinate -admixture of Huguenotic blood tainted with -the religious fanatic absolutism demonstrated by -Calvin in friendly bestowal upon Servetus. Under -these favoring auspices, the institution of slavery -flourished with the southern department, until the increasing -herds of mongrelized humanity, and a ready -market for their staple productions, brought into full -play the old leaven of arrogance. In demonstration -of our maxim, that indolence is the hatchment of vice -<span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>and hot-bed for the enforcement of evil, the southrons -began to plot for ruling supremacy, stigmatizing the -northern laboring classes with comparisons that discovered -in forecast the inveteracy of premeditated -hatred. In practical demonstration of intention, after -the republican era was well advanced in its first century, -they inaugurated the trial of brute force as an -argument in the national halls of legislation, not however, -with the chivalric challenge of the lion’s roar, -but with the sneaking approaches of the tigress who -dares not brook manly opposition. This overt act, -which plainly indicated the design of taking piratical -advantage of the supposed pusillanimity of the northerners, -for the purpose of subjecting them to dictation -as plebeians, set the doors of ‘Janus ajar,’ until with -opposing provocations, concessive on one side, and in -degree aggressive on the other, they were finally -opened wide for the inception of civil war. The comparatively -healthy stamina of the laborer gained the -victory, and the slaves were liberated. Then came -the problem, ‘What shall we do with them? They -are natives of the soil, and if we act consistently we -must extend to them the privileges of citizenship, and -a votive voice in governmental affairs.’ This was -accorded, without any initiatory proviso for raising -them from animal disability, to an instinctive perception -of the responsibilities incurred.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With this new element added to the antagonistic -contributions of Europe and Asia, the attraction of -cohesion became more widely separated. Yet with -blind infatuation, the progressive stability of a republic -of incompatibles was still proclaimed, in defiance -of your ‘sacred’ proverb, which says, that ‘a house -divided against itself cannot stand.’ In fact, we have -looked upon your country as a cosmopolitan insane -asylum, which naturalizes foreign lunatics for the -election of the most desperate bedlamites to office, -that in the confusion of governmental discord the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>kleptomaniac democracy may obtain its votive share -of the spoils. Whereas, if the foreign elements had -been treated as guest-patients, until their monomanias -had been reduced to a condition for the legitimate -appreciation of sane example, their children’s -children, of the third generation, would have realized -the benefits of votive unity. Or if the ‘pilgrim fathers’ -had not been blinded by the fanatical infatuation -which inculcates the doctrine ‘that it is not of -ourselves, but through the intangible labyrinth of redeeming -grace that a clue to salvation is to be obtained -for heavenly citizenship,’ they would have -extended to the children of their benefactors the -privilege of uniting with their own in the advantages -of a school education. This course which we have -adopted in our colonistic settlements in foreign countries -bespeaks for itself an abiding harmony. However -honest the infatuation, there should be few -sympathizers with the exterminating prayer of the -veteran Miles Standish, sighted over the barrel of -his musket, in voiced inflection to the report of powder-sped -bullet, in behalf of its victim, ‘May God -have mercy on your soul.’ This petition, which he -negatived in act, was raised in reverential gratitude -for a home with the privilege of worshiping God -according to the dictates of his own conscience. This -glance, in answer to your question, will enable you to -realize the impossibility of adverse elements abiding -in concord together, after instinctive habits and customs, -with their prejudices, have been confirmed in -practice by long usage.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “If I rightly understand your system of -education, it deprives the children of parental care -when most needed? This seems to me like refined -cruelty, approaching barbarism in its tendency. With -all your hopes I think you will find a decided opposition -from motherly affection against its adoption by -our race. Besides, it is opposed to sound doctrine, -which urges children to obey parents in all things.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span><em>Codecio.</em> “Bethink you of your wet nurses, and the -practical usage of your fashionable mothers, who intrust -their infant’s nursery education to hireling instinct, -and you will find your objections answered -conclusively. In addition to the mercenary example -of servants, follow the children of your race to the -formulistic teachings of your schools in which a majority -of your female teachers are yet in their teens, -with an experience founded upon precedental rehearsals -of the most repulsive description. Then for the -illustration of the sordid inconsistency and treachery -of your people toward their children, visit with your -knowledge the boards of education and you will find -ignorance the least objectionable trait, for they make -a mart of their influence with dealers in school books -that in the display of instinctive selfishness utterly -ignores the real advantages of your own system of -education. If you will, in addition, review the incidents -of your own infantile period, you will discover -that you was the cause of more anxiety than comfort -to your parents, from the constant rebellion of your -instinctive desires against what you then supposed to -be arbitrary restrictions. Remember this injunction -when you visit the Heraclean school; recall all the -events of your past life within the scope of memory -that you may be able to place them in the balance -opposed to our method for Heraclean behoof. But -if you do not make an avowal in commendation, as -frank in acknowledgment of the children’s contented -affection and the wisdom shown in their seclusion, as -you made of their parent’s worth to Fraile Gallagato, I -shall feel greatly disappointed in my estimate of your -perceptive goodness.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This allusion of Codecio, to the sacramental night -scene passed with Fraile Gallagato at Amelcoy, suffused -the padre’s face with the scarlet mantle of -shame, from which he was relieved when the Dosch -petitioned for his aid in adjusting the tympano-microscopes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>that had been presented by the members of -the R. H. B. Society to the Dosch and prætor. -Upon trial, when adjusted to the dining tables of the -corps and prætor, they were found to exceed in reflective -power the larger field instrument brought out by -M. Hollydorf. The avenues of the instruments, surrounding -the field platform of reflection, were margined -on the outer side with a façade of palatial -residences, appearing to the unassisted eye like a decorated -moulding, with cornice beads elaborately -carved, while with microscopic aid each building -stood out in bold relief, exhibiting, as a whole, the -grandeur of the architect’s conceptions. The minutiæ -was also clearly exposed, showing an adaptation of intention -for convenience and comfort that plainly -declared the superintendence of interested parties. -The convenient adjustment of the interiors, described -by the Doschessa, was a source of unthinking surprise -to the padre, until Fabricatus, a Manatitlan architect, -announced that he had been commissioned to superintend -the buildings while in the process of erection, -not only with thought substitution, but actual labor, -that in result surprised the superstitious awe of the -German workmen. “The palace of the prince -Dosch,” as it had been labeled in emblazoned advertisement, -occupied the obtuse curve of the centre, -midway between the tympano-auricular and microscopic -reflectors. Its resemblance in external configuration -to the ancient kingly palace of San Souci, was -immediately recognized by the members of the corps. -The Dosch enjoyed a hearty laugh when he read the -inscription emblazoned on the central shield surmounting -the architrave cornice of the portico. The arms -of Prussia were united with an empty shield, evidently -designed for the Manatitlan herald’s record, -over which, and anchoring both, was the banded -scroll of hope, with the legend, “In God we trust,” -while underneath was inscribed, Palace of Prince -Dosch of Manatitla.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>To M. Hollydorf and Dr. Baāhar it was a source -of special annoyance and chagrin, each urging that it -should be erased, notwithstanding the genealogical -curator of sound proved by quotation that it was -legitimately proper and well designed for the expression -of ancient usages. But the Manatitlans begged -that it might remain intact, as it would prove an -ungracious act to receive a present so apt and valuable -in aiding personal intercourse between the races, -and then mar it because the donor’s thoughts were -prompted by custom to give it a sounding dedication, -in ignorance of the recipient’s peculiarities.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It matters little,” the Dosch urged, “what formulistic -words are used in the bestowal of a gift, however -selfish the insinuation may prove, when void in -the possibility of attainment. But the implied arrogation -bodes ill for the future peace of Europe, in -despite of our auramental warnings, as it indicates a -disposition to seek a pretext for the absorption of -northern seaboard, adequate for the commercial representation -of the coveted reputation of the leading -continental power. As with Russia, who feels and -understands that her power will be ranked second or -third-rate, with its almost illimitable stretch of inland -empire, without a seaboard with harbors approachable -at all seasons, she covets the possibility of attainment. -But as fealty to a government enjoins -the adoption of laws and usages, the nominal bribe -of an empty title will prove hardly sufficient for the -encouragement of an instinctive adoption of a diet of -kraut, sausage, lager bier, and tobacco smoke, as a -viaticum of heavenly translation. However, we hope -in reciprocation to bestow upon diplomatic master and -pupil an impression that will induce them to aid in an -effort for the kindly consolidation of a universal government -of self legislation, under the sway of international -schools, for the inception of a common language, -and reciprocal interests in preliminary course -for the introduction of our code of education.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>The padre, after the conclusion of his labors, occupied -his eyes and newly aroused inception of thought -in watchful meditation upon the scene in progress, -endeavoring to believe the conjoined evidence of his -senses; but, as a test, was trying an exorcising Ave -Maria, when Manito and his choir added to his perplexity -by singing the following stanzas:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“From the maze of superstitions wild,</div> - <div class='line'>Behold the padre a new born child!</div> - <div class='line'>His thoughts from the body’s bondage free,</div> - <div class='line'>The viper’s fangs will no longer see.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“When he can without the ‘fathers’ think,</div> - <div class='line'>From the body’s grossness he will shrink.</div> - <div class='line'>Then his thoughts set free with joys supreme,</div> - <div class='line'>Gracious love will be his daily theme.</div> - <div class='line in4'>With goodness gracious we give him hail!</div> - <div class='line in4'>To immortal joys that never fail.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The padre could not help joining in the merriment -the song provoked, while his glowing face attested to -the aptness of the conception; still he offered the smiling -remonstrance, “According to your own creed, I -should be lacking in honesty if I pretended to believe -what I can’t understand. If the Dosch can explain -to me how a man’s soul can be saved that was lost by -transgression, without the efficacy of pardoning grace, -it would please me to learn how it is to be done.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “Well, padre, I am afraid Manito’s inspiration -was a little premature. But let us now dispense -with mythological themes for those from which -we can truly realize tangible impressions of happiness, -as we are now able to add to conversation facial -expression, and, in a limited degree, exampled effect.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “Pardon my interruption. I hope that -you do not think me willfully obstinate, for I had -much rather you would think me stupid in perception -and weak in determination. I know that habits contracted -in youth rule in age, but aside from my lack -of self control, I can appreciate the fact of the Heracleans’ -real happiness, and that it is derived in source -<span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>from purity and goodness. Indeed, I have wondered -how they could tolerate me; and can also see the vast -improvement made in the habits of Mr. Welson, Mr. -Dow, and the members of the corps. If I have been -beset with doubts, it cannot be strange to your experience. -If I waver again, I hope that you will pity, -rather than chide me with vexation; for I shall try to -act honestly, according to my impressions. It would -be presumptuous folly for me to uphold my frailties -and inconstancy against the clear evidence of my perceptions, -which cannot fail to realize the truthfulness -of all you advocate in the example of the Heracleans. -It was the transparent purity of your bodies that -made me think that you might represent in translation -“the souls of the just made perfect.””</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “We possibly expected more from your -perception than our experience warranted; but we -thought that your natural goodness could be revived -for an appreciation of the success we have obtained -with your companions, that would lead you to think, -instead of talking from the impression of your senses. -But the Heraclean parents have concluded to anticipate -the day appointed to visit the schools, and for -your advantage have set apart the morrow for the -monthly reunion with their “boys.””</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span> - <h2 id='XXIV' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The prætor and his family called at the quarters -of the corps shortly after breakfast on the following -morning, to escort the members to the Adolescentium. -Instead of proceeding up the foræ avenue to the temple -gate, the prætor conducted them to the <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">edificos sacerdotium</span>, -and from the court of the centre building led -them to an intermural stairway, that commanded the -only means of ascent to the temple walls, which were -higher and distinct from those of the cinctus enclosure. -The prætor in ascending explained that the -houses abutting the wall upon the inner and outer -faces, now occupied by the teachers, were designed in -building to facilitate the mysteries of the temple ceremonies. -Reaching the parapet we passed in its -walk to a septum wall of an elliptic form, uniting at -its distal extremity from the falls, with, but was in -altitude higher than the cinctus. The outer and inner -walls of the lower enclosure contained an oblong -piece of ground of considerable extent. The interspaces -between the walks were planted with fruit -trees and vines, the mist of the falls veiling it from -the brink of the precipice. The priests had undoubtedly -availed themselves of these natural aids for the -furtherance of their mysterious impositions; its counterpart -of the northern temple being subject to the -same interposed screen, which closed in the view to -all beyond the walls. The undulating upward lift of -the misty veil disclosed the familiar blossoms of the -apple, pear, peach, and apricot, with other exotics -<span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>of the temperate zones that the misty atmosphere -favored; discovering to us the flavoring source of preserves -which we had attributed to artificial production. -The prætor informed us that the germs of these were -of Manatitlan transportation. The fruitful view on -either hand—for the temple garden was also under -kindred cultivation—called forth expressions of admiration.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The prætor, addressing Dr. Baāhar, directed his -attention to a pyre in the centre of the orchard enclosure. -“That,” he said, “will answer your question -with reference to the disposal of our dead during -the siege; although it has been long disused for incineration, -we still continue the practice in a less objectionable -way. Opposite, at the extreme outer curve -of the wall, you observe turrets rising above the parapet; -these are the vents to ovens or chambers of incineration, -and the urns bordering the garden walks -are the family receptacles for the united ashes of the -deceased. Our present method is of Manatitlan devisement, -and it enables us to reduce the bodies to -their material ultimatum. The northern garden is -used for the same purpose, the alternation being dictated -by the direction of the wind draught in its waft -from the cinctus enclosure. We were advised by the -Manatitlans that your people practiced inhumation, -and supposing that you were prejudiced in favor of -the burial rites of your ancestors, with the padre’s -tenacity, we withheld our method of disposal until -your objections had been anticipated by Manatitlan -influence. As you have been impressed with the -body’s corruptibility in diseased materialism, and adjunct -manifestations of instinctive vitality, of voluntary -and involuntary source, you will now regard -with horror, akin to our own, the putrefactive process -of decomposition which of necessity imperils the well-being -of the living from the entombment of the dead. -How have you been able to escape the conviction that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>your practice of inhumation is cannibalism in a -double sense, as you virtually live on the products of -recomposition derived from the decomposition of a -dead ancestry, and are subject to corrupt inoculation -from the putrefactive emanations of decay. The very -fact of the festering incorporation of a dead ancestry -with the earth from which you derive sustenance, has -conveyed a shock to our sympathies, in your behalf, -that exceeds our powers of expression, as it is so directly -opposed to the current realization of purity. -Have you never thought of the material analogy sustained -by the bodies of the present generation’s reincorporation -with the future, in resemblance to the -ancient Egyptian theory of transmigration, which led -them to associate their embalmed relatives with the -bodies of reptiles similarly prepared? The bright -array of vessels you see arranged in the colonnades on -either side of the ovens are the body receptacles for -incineration, but they were designed for bath basins, -and used by the luxurious old Heracleans, when they -visited the City of the Falls, for recuperation from the -effects of excessive indulgence. Their massive thickness -and primitive design, with the resistant qualities -of the metal, has rendered them proof to wearing -attrition through the ages they have been in use. -The Dosch, on your first arrival, cautioned us not to -be over hasty in making known to you the extent of -our utensil resources in this metal, as he said you -worshiped it as the god of your salvation, the largest -possessors being esteemed the most godly, without -regard to the means used in obtaining it. But -what could we think of the sanity of your race, when -they averred that this god of their worship was the -inciter of envy, hate, and revenge, the ministering -demons of murder, and its tributary types of woe? -Still, with your ready appreciation of our affection, -we can scarcely imagine that you were ever ready to -sacrifice honor, honesty, and all the endearing ties of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>instinct to possess, as a devotee, its favors for aggregation, -in excess of the requirements enforced by -custom, which has made gold an equivalent for an -endurable life with your race.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre</em> (excitedly). “He doesn’t mean to say -that they are made of gold? Why there is enough -to make the Jews believe that Heraclea is the New -Jerusalem, and the prætor the promised Messiah!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Prætor.</em> “One would suppose from the padre’s -excitement that he had been a worshiper?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dr. Baāhar.</em> “A far off worshiper. His sympathy -was excited for the failings of a race who were -known in their prime as Hebrews. And it is recorded -in legendary lore, that one of their number, -named Judas, betrayed a person who declared himself -to be a son of their god; but they scoffed, derided, -and crucified him. He was the originator of the sect -to which we belonged. But with regard to your -process! are you able to reduce the bones as well as -the flesh, without trituration or chemical aids?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Prætor.</em> “We first eliminate with a slow desiccating -heat every evaporable compound of the body, restoring -to the air its contingent elements in comparative -purity. When desiccation is fully accomplished, the -heat is increased for reductive calcination. This -stage achieved, calcareous earth is placed in the niches -of the oven for residuum absorption of its vapor, then -the ovens are hermetically closed, until with the -gradual increase of heat complete degradation leaves -the organization of the body in ashen representation; -through which can be traced, in opaque outline, the -silvery white of the nerves, and all the corporate -elements, from variation in form and color; but when -gathered for the urn, the whole will scarcely exceed -a <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">deunx</span> in weight. The urns, as you perceive, -occupy allotted spaces beneath the trees of the -avenue, without tablets, or chiseled inscription in -memorial epitaph.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span><em>Dr. Baāhar.</em> “So, so,—certainly your method -as a sanitary precaution recommends itself for universal -adoption; while to the doctor of a sensitive disposition, -it would prove a great source of relief, as it -will abolish the useless investigations of the coroner, -founded upon the re-slaughter and ghastly exposure of -human remains to the gloating vision of the horribly -curious. Also the undertaker’s advertising exhibitions, -and processional pageantries, alike abhorrent -with the shambles of the coroner from the reek of -contagious odor. And last, but not least, the lying -addendas of eulogistic instinct, bestowed in sermons, -prayers, and epitaphs charged with heavenly recommendations -for the unworthy.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “Aside from the negatively politic -advantages suggested by the doctor, there is to me -something touchingly reverent in mingling the ashes -of the good in a family receptacle, common to all in -its memorial expression; and in safety from the desecration -of glacial selfishness in track of gold, that, -‘for improvement,’ substitutes living tenements for -those of the dead.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “But not in safety, Mr. Welson, if the -urns are of the same material as the furnace doors -and ovens?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “You are fearfully right, padre, in -your suggestive amendment, and a substitution must -be adopted before your thoughtless confessional exposure -to Fraile Gallagato elicits the prying espionage -of his order. Nay, but you need not color so deeply, -for we well know that in intention you were guiltless -of wrong. Nevertheless, you should learn from your -heedless dereliction, that the vagrant tongue of confession -is lost to judgment and discernment of the -rights of self, for you exposed the really good to -danger!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The silence of the padre showed that he sorrowfully -acknowledged the justice of Mr. Welson’s strictures.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span>Having made the circuit of the oblong enclosure -devoted to incineration, and the orchard cultivation -of vine and tree, our party descended into the school -enclosure, the garden of which was planted upon the -more abrupt incline of the temple hill. From thence -by an ascending avenue, we gained an esplanade overlooking -the “court of the foræ,” within the temple -gates, where the children were congregated with their -parents who had already arrived. The prætor and -Correliana, each holding in restraint an arm of the impatient -mother, whispered their desire that we should -remain silent, that unobserved we might witness the -unalloyed happiness of parents and children.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The eager impatience of the prætor and mother -of Correliana, in joyful manifestation, proclaimed that -they, in the protective solace of the second union, had -been blest with sons. Looking through the fissures -in the rudely constructed doors, two youths, one past, -and the other verging upon puberty, were seen standing -upon the pedestal plinth of one of the pillars of -the court colonnade, nearest to the gates, with eyes -fixed in expectant gaze upon the closing portals -through which had been admitted the groups of -happy parents around whose necks were clasped the -arms of loving children. In their appearance, as -they stood motionless in the trustful support of each -other’s arms, watching for the entrance of their primal -source of affection with eager eyes, we discovered -their relationship from the remarkable resemblance -they bore in likeness to Correliana. Although -strikingly preëminent in the distinctive halo that -becomes inbred from the hereditary impression of -matured judgment in parental bequeathment, they -did not greatly excel their companions in personal -beauty. Tall and graceful, they possessed in common -with their companions complexions of clear -transparency, which disclosed the movements of expression -under emotional control, in freedom from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>speck or taint. As the portals closed their eyes questioned -each other with a shadow of curious inquiry, -not in doubt or anxiety, for the welfare of their parents, -but for the cause of their unwonted delay. -Without being heedless or lacking in sympathy for -the happiness of their associates, or unmindful of the -cheering salutations of parents and children, it was -easy to trace in their faces emotional changes akin to -sorrowful disappointment. To restrain the mother’s -yearning longer was impossible; pushing wide apart -the inner gates she stood revealed, uttering the call, -“Plautus—Adestus!” But affection in premonition -had beckoned their eyes to the source before the words -reached them, and the eager parents had hardly overstepped -the threshold ere they were clasped in their -arms. The consummation of this greeting gave a -freer flow to the general expression of joy; the scholars, -old and young, soon clustered around us, eager -to become known and recognized in the current reciprocation -of affection by name, bestowing in love -such endearments, that for the moment, with sadness, -our own youthful impressions, barren of their cheer, -reappeared in contrasted desolation. But translated -back to the reality, by the warmth of glowing sympathy, -with its unspeakable thrill of tender emotions, -the void of our past lives was relieved of its selfish -regrets. The teachers we had frequently met, and -had found in them such worth garnered with experience -in the practical dispensation of exampled goodness, -that our nearest of kin stood afar off in comparison -with the reverent warmth of affection that these -guardian exemplars of youth attracted with the genial -current of their sympathy. Well did I interpret -from my own impressions the retrospective thoughts -that brought frequent flushes to the faces of my companions -when the mirrored past was contrasted with -the present.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After an hour spent in sweet communion with their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span>parents, the children were summoned by their teachers -to guide us through the school departments. The -culinary dependencies were first visited; in these the -morning’s quota of children were engaged in the -preparation of food for our entertainment, with such -cleanly decorum that our appetites were revived in -expectation. In the “workshops” and garden detachments -exhibited the useful combinations of labor, -exercise, and amusement, which practiced in communion, -gave a sportive air of cleanliness to their -employments. During the infantile period, educational -impression was intrusted to the nurses, who -while inculcating lessons of self-control over the appetites -and passions, attracted the affections above the -cravings of instinctive animality. Their assurance -that goodness was intuitive with the Heraclean children -was fully sustained, for in their intercourse they -were altogether free from the petulant exactions of -selfishness. The teachers informed us that the Kyronese -children, on their first introduction, felt the loss -of parental association, but were soon weaned by the -loving attention of censors and nurses, whose experience -enables them to attract, while increasing in -strength the ties of parental affection. After the first -monthly visit of their parents they became not only -reconciled to their association, but emulous of gaining -the loving influence that relieved the Heraclean children -from petulance and selfishness. This appeared -to us strange, as they resembled the children of our -own race, whose instinctive selfishness is ever on the -reach for more, from its first dawn to the dim vision -and palsied mumblings of extreme age. But in explanation, -the teachers said, that during the first -days, their cravings could only be satisfied by advancing -a peremptory claim to everything they saw -in the possession of the Heraclean children; who were -amused in supplying their insatiable wants, and wonderingly -curious in observing the effect produced by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span>their accumulations. When all the material resources -of the Heraclean children had been exhausted, the -Kyronese were scarcely able to move in their dormitories, -which were nearly filled with the miscellaneous -collections that had been contributed for the gratification -of their miserly dispositions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Our own, as well as the donor’s curiosity was -on the tiptoe of expectation, to learn the next phase -in this unexampled manifestation of greediness. For -a time, after they found that every portable article of -their entertainers had been transferred to their possession, -they employed their senses in handling, arranging, -and nibbling, until tired, satiated, and nauseated -with the changes and selfish gratification of -taste. Then they began to look about for some new -source of instinctive pleasure; a view of each other’s -treasures soon begot a covetous desire for counter possession; -this led to exchanges, and haggling endeavors -to overreach each other with infantile chicanery; this -practice soon led to squabbles that required our interference, -which in turn rendered the trading art unpopular. -Next, in course, they commenced purloining, -and when the loss was discovered they used disparaging -invectives which led to a trial of strength for the -recovery of lost articles. They next proceeded to -fortification, and constant guard, with occasional sallies -for reprisal, the skirmishing calling for our arbitration, -and restoration of the articles in dispute to -the original owner, caused this method of appropriation -to be discontinued, at least in non-edible articles, -that could not be disposed of by the mouth. But at -night their accumulations of eatables were subject to -each other’s encroachments, and from over eating, to -prevent robbery and discovery, they made themselves -sick, which called for the censor to enact the part of -doctor, with such success that food in excess of their -wants became decidedly distasteful. This diversion -produced a thoughtful stay of their selfish propensities, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>which in train caused them to look upon their accumulations -as incumbrances, and at first a somewhat -reluctant restoration of the least coveted articles to -Heraclean proprietorship. But as the kindly impression -of goodness in bestowal began to expand, the petals -of affection opened for the full clearance of vagrant -covetousness. The grateful impressions of reciprocation -soon brought into play, with the elder, their -hereditary mechanical resources, which have since -proved to them a revenue source of gladness. Of -course we aided in the advancement of the selfish fermentation -for the removal of the lees in the remedial -process of clarification, and reaction of covetousness -for the exemplification of its effects to the Heraclean -children, to whom its impressions were new.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre’s smiling face, already known to the -Kyronese children, soon ingratiated him as a particular -favorite with the Heracleans, and in their charge he -soon disappeared, and was afterwards found in the -workshop demonstrating the advantage of paneling -for strengthening and rendering doors less cumbersome, -the parents of the children regarding his handywork -with curious admiration. In the neighborhood -of twenty acres of land on the southern slope of the -hill enclosure were cultivated by the children as a -garden and orchard, as well as for the field growth of -cereals, with an emulous desire for parental commendation. -The distinctions in size being mainly dependent -upon age, the Manatitlan gradations were of -course impracticable, but the smaller children were -constantly under the supervision of their nurses and -censors, although not from necessity, as there was an -affectionate disposition on the part of the elder and -larger boys to offer their backs as steps, and hands as -aids to assist the young and weak whenever an opportunity -offered. Indeed, the effect of their example, -after a few weeks of arbitrary sway, effectually cured -the Kyronese children of their fagging dispositions.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>Having witnessed the children’s proficiency in a -variety of useful pastimes, we were invited to visit -the culinary department a second time, to see the -food in its prepared state ready to be served. The -prætor observing our admiring surprise at the ease -with which the various manipulations had been accomplished, -without bewraying with dust and adhesive -mixtures the persons and clothing of the youthful -principals and aids, said that each, with intuitive -perception, felt that purity within themselves was -necessary for the sanction of confidence in associate -reciprocation. To be not only cleanly, but pure, -without a questioning thought of subterfuge, was -clearly the motor influence of every enactment, with -the special desire that their personalities should reflect -the refinements of reality. “In all the departments -the children are taught by example, that their personal -individuality may become responsible to itself -for acceptable purity to others in current association; -so that in health all their wants of instinct are self -supplied, although rendered facile by household coöperation, -without unnatural exactions that would -beget impressions of mentality. From these exercises -of self dependence, the spirit of emulation has proved -an incentive to invention.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So you will perceive, that instead of the classical -renderings of murder and its congeneric inhumanities, -which the Dosch informs me obtains the highest grade -of your collegiate honors, our accomplishments and -refinements all aim to an increase in affectionate -purity, and confidence in association, for real perfection -in living assurance of immortality. He also -informs me, that this evidence of maturity in judgment -would be looked upon with superstitious awe, -as of supernal agency, indicating a moribund state of -precocity, while with the Manatitlans and Heracleans -it is esteemed as a necessary manifestation for the -fulfillment of Creative indications. But withal, it has -<span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span>been hard for us to conceive how you have been able -to avoid the impression of the absolute cause and tendency -of your misery; with the extremes of want -and superfluity in your midst, it should have warned -your people that they were receding from happiness. -In like manner we are puzzled to conceive upon what -they found their present and future hopes of happiness, -when they are constantly at variance with their -own kind.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>We were spared the full sum of his wondering -inquiries, by Plauto and Adestus, who came to -announce the hour of refection. In mustering, the -padre and Dr. Baāhar were missing. The padre was -found surrounded by the children and their parents -in the workshop, having just completed a drawing -shave, from a copper alloyed pruning knife, he was -in ecstasies from the keenness and permanency of its -edge. Looking up, in questioning appeal, to learn -the nature of its alloy, his eyes met the prætor’s, who -answered that all their cutting instruments and tools -were made from old Heraclean swords, spears, and -other warlike arms. “But of the metals entering -into their composition I cannot inform you, as all the -armorer’s records were destroyed in the sack of the -old city; but I am pleased if you have found them -serviceable.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Serviceable!” exclaimed the padre, with astonished -admiration, “why, man alive, if it will hold the edge -and work like this, you can make your city the richest -in the world, according to its size, by patenting -the combination, and live like princes upon the -royalty!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If it will prove serviceable in advancing the peaceful -prosperity of the world, I will endeavor to learn -the character of the metals and method of composition,” -answered the prætor; “but in the mean time -lay aside your implements, and join with us in partaking -of the refection prepared by the children.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>Joining in the search for Dr. Baāhar, he was discovered -in a natural grotto, engaged in sketching in -outline a statue garlanded with fresh vines. When -aroused from his penciling meditations, by Correliana, -he accosted her archly in the apostrophic style. “Ah, -ha! so, so, Mistress Correliana, I have caught you at -last? I see that your young gentlemen still pay -their garlanded respects to Sieba the Vendic goddess -of love! Moreover, in the future I shall claim a sort -of cousinship with you, for your Roman ancestors in -borrowing the Arconan goddess of Rugen isle to associate -with their Venus, accepted a German as well -as a Slavonian deity. But where are the associate -representatives of your borrowed Nemisa—Flyntz, -Zernbog, Iphabog, and others of the fraternal godhead—which -should be in company? I hope, for -relation’s sake, your people have not enacted the part -of iconoclastics? for they were wont to hold near association -in Vendic mythology.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The doctor’s illusive antiquarian nest was here -robbed of its cuckold eggs by a laughing exclamation -of the mayorong, who in apologizing explained, -that the supposed garlands were vine disguised Kyronese -mousetraps, which were woven with leaves and -flowers to prevent detection from the instinctive caution -of the little rodentian marauders. This revelation -collapsed the doctor’s enthusiasm for his discovery, -which he supposed to be a sure indication of the -Heraclean’s surreptitious worship of Pagan deities. -Upon questioning the lad who had fabricated them, -he stated that they were made to capture the destructive -pirates of the banana patch, and that he had -selected the head of the grotto image to keep the -leaves and flowers fresh until night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His denouement was a <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">bonne bouche</span> for the padre, -who was in feudal arrears with his Irish bulls begot -from hybrid mythology. His mirthful thrusts caused -in the doctor’s mood a show of testiness, until Correliana -<span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>reminded the exultant padre that it was -hardly generous to pursue his advantage before -strangers. With all his reverence and submissive -obedience to her will, he sottoriously muttered in -thought, “Does he think that a turban will make a -turk, or a wreath upon an image declare it to be an -object of worship?” The mirthful flashes of the -padre’s eyes from beneath the wreath of Kyronese and -Heraclean children surmounting his shoulders, with -the frequent checks he placed upon his tongue, enhanced -the humorous infection, to the evident discomfiture -of his snuborian foe. Naturally endowed -with the elements of strong affection, his habits had -stimulated misplaced confidence, which had placed -him at the beck of imposition and negotiable friendships. -Of genial warmth, when the object was present, -but with absence, his remembrance would relapse -into hibernating torpidity. These superficial -traits had subjected him to impositions without lessening -his susceptibility to repetition. The Dosch -had recommended Correliana and the prætor to observe -his peculiarities closely, as from his superficial -range of impressions they would obtain an idea of -the leading traits of representative democracy, peculiar -to the civilized races. Although in the manifestations -of innate goodness he was not only an exception -to the majority, but a rarity with the minority, -still the evanescent durability of his affectionate impressions, -depending upon the superficial current of -precedental routine, that delights in the sensational -excitement of the senses, was a typical reflection of -the masses. “You will find a majority of those who -patronize the legendary motto, ‘What shall I do to -be saved,’ like the padre’s original self, when first encountered -by Correliana. With a quid of tobacco in -their mouths, and a pipe projecting therefrom, and a -glass of demonizing spirits in their right hands, while -from the effect produced ‘they cry out in the anguish -<span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>of spirit, What shall I do to be saved from the wrath -to come?’”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The refection was dispensed by the children in the -garden colonnade, who waited upon the requirements -of their parents and guests with such joyful alacrity -that affectionate reciprocation reduced the limits of -food to an availing necessity, which caused the padre -to exclaim with impulsive fervor, “I wish to goodness -gracious Jimmy and all the rest were here!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The day was far advanced, when the chief censor, -in behalf of the children, expressed their gratitude -to the members of the corps for their deliverance -from the inveteracy of savage hatred. Then as a -closing memento, Correliana read the nuptial record -of the few that were about to graduate, that the -members of the corps might hold the traits in memory -for personal comparison and selection of candidates in -their next day’s visit to the female school. At our -departure, after evening song, in which it was the -children’s special delight to join with their parents, -we were made sensible of a grateful share in their -affectionate memories; but the padre’s kindlier, yet -vagrant disposition, had been discovered beneath its -artificial mask of entailed habit, so at parting he -attracted the warmer flow of their sympathies which -suffused his eyes with kindly moisture. When he -was finally permitted to overstep the foræ threshold -of the temple portals, he exclaimed with glistening -eyes, “My conscience sake alive, I feel as if every -soul of those boys had passed through me with gladness; -and I can truly and thankfully say, that I feel -in the purity of their loving goodness as if they had -offered me the only object worth living for. What -joy there would be, if our Sundays could be spent in -communion with parents and children free from the -alloy of selfishness?” The earnestness of the padre’s -implied petition met with a hearty response from all.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span> - <h2 id='XXV' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>On their way from the temple school, Correliana -invited the padre and members of the corps to pay a -twilight visit to her garden. Passing through her -father’s into her own garden, while yet the upward -slant of the sun’s rays reached above the Andean -peaks, the party were surprised and startled by the -winged hoverings of a cloud of birds of every feather, -accompanied with the vocal salutation,—“Well, my -goodness gracious, if here ain’t the padre! well, I declare, -aha, aha!”—pronounced in variations of tone -peculiar to the raven, starling, and parrot. With a -confused fluttering, twittering, and tonguester terms -of speech, they with encouraged familiarity, alighted -wherever a perch was offered. Correliana tried to -still their clamors by calling upon the leaders, but -only effected a change, all uniting in the word -“Musick!” To stay their noisy importunities she -beckoned her visitors to be seated, and then under -the escort of her feathered choristers she brought -forth an instrument of music which Captain Greenwood -had presented to her as a parting gift. On -opening the case she presented the instrument to the -curators of sound, who were known to be excellent -pianists. From its resemblance to an accordion they -started back with horror, without touching it, which -caused the beaming face of Correliana to become -overshadowed with disappointment. But the humorous -smiles of the others relieved her from sudden -apprehension, by suggesting, as the cause of their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_338'>338</span>dismay, some foregone amusing event. In explanation, -M. Hollydorf described the mechanical affinity of -the accordion with the primitive bagpipes, which to -the modern musician were a nightmare revelation of -the past ages of discord. “Except in its improved -capacity of breathing sweet harmony in the hands -of an experienced musician, the accordion has the -same monotonous drone of its ancestral relative. The -source of Signor Pettynose and Herr Lindenhoff’s -chagrin had its origin on our voyage hitherward from -the annoyance caused by one in the hands of the -<em>Tortuga’s</em> cook, which they purchased and threw -overboard, and its ghostly resuscitation in your hands -has given rise to their expressions of horror. I perceive -that the instrument in your hands only bears -an outward resemblance to the accordion, and the -moment its tones are revealed, I am sure my impressions -will be sustained, and the artists will be more -enthusiastically retentive in its praise, than they have -been in pantomimic rejection.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>While M. Hollydorf was soothing the wounded -enthusiasm of Correliana’s affection, the instinctively -sensitive curators passed the case, with its instrument, -from one to the other, with an expression, kindred -in acting translation, to the effect likely to be produced -upon two civilized or savage bachelors in the -armed disposal of an infant which had been subjected -to their inspection, for commendation, by a fond -mother. Finding that their former criticisms of Heraclean -music had placed them in a dilemma that -required vindication, they questioned each other’s ability -for extrication. Pettynose having used an accordion -in boyhood as a dernier Alma Mater for the -nursing of his musical faculties, offered in acknowledgment -of his debt of gratitude, with manifest -reluctance, the tribute of his experience in expiation -of his long neglect and indifference to the rudimentary -ties of affection. With the first out-breathings -<span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>of the foundling, as his fingers deftly caressed with -familiar touch the well known features, he became -conscious that the ties of relationship had been rendered -harmonious by a foreign marriage. Reassured -by this discovery the petulant asperities of his face -vanished; then after a short wandering prelude for -thoughtful familiarization, he lapsed into a musical -reverie of the past, that gradually caused his disembodiment -from the petty assumptions of instinct, -leaving his natural spirit of goodness to soar in flight -upon the wings of sympathy. In a few moments he -became lost to material impressions, other than from -the imposed invocation of his fingers, causing the -colonnades and courts to become tremulous with the -lulling concord of sweet sounds. Correliana with -hands reverentially folded over her breast leaned -against a vine-wreathed pillar, regarding his face and -fingers with her large luminous eyes overshadowed -with a misty veil of thoughtful inspiration, as if in -search for the mazy source of the mysterious influence -that held her entranced within the spell of inwrought -concord. But the motor spirit of memory in reviving -vision bore upon its talismanic wings the artist -far away from self to roam among scenes bright with -the revels of childhood in the land of his birth, on -the banks of the swift flowing Amaril, whose cascades -embowered by the tropical hill groves of Brazil had -inspired with the rippling flow of their echoes his love -for music. The reveried air of “Home, sweet home” -surprised his listeners with a responsive echo, that -held them immovable in hushed silence, with a controlling -power that banished self. Even the harsh -discordant screams of the parrots, calling for the vesper -notice of their mistress, were hushed, as if suddenly -made aware of their voiced defects; while birds -with voices attuned to song in cadenced time swayed -silently listening upon their sprayed perches, eying -askance as if in search of the new songster from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span>whom the sweet notes came. As minutes unheeded -winged their way into the current of the past, and -the night shades of twilight deepened, stronger grew -the charmed bondage that held Correliana and her -mother dumb and motionless, bound by the sweet -chords of melodious inspiration. But alas, as if to -typify the ephemeral pleasures of sense, the spell was -rudely broken by the grosser instinctive impressions -of the unfortunate padre, who recalled the wandering -spirit of Pettynose, by asking, “Can’t you play -Yankee Doodle, Jim Crow, God Save the Queen, or -something we know?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The reader has undoubtedly felt the chill of sudden -obscurity when the mellow light of a declining summer -sun had been intercepted by a thunder gust, and the -startling effect produced by the lightning’s dazzling -gleam that makes murky darkness palpable after its -transient blaze. This gleam the aroused Pettynose -darted on the padre, as he thundered with quavering -voice: “You soulless son of a paddy! are you so dead -to the divine influence of harmony that you could not -feel that I was moved by an inspiration beyond the -reach of the time-serving twaddle of national humbuggery -and the idol worship of sectarian selfishness?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the rumbling growl of the enraged musician -ceased, the soft expression of Correliana’s face was -for a moment lighted with an expression of reproach -directed to the reproved and reprover. The padre, -whose lack of thoughtful impression had invoked this -outburst, turned with flushing winces from face to -face, questioning the source of his error, but only met -frowns of pitying, or disdainful reproof, which prudently -inclined him to silence. Pettynose, restored -to his instinctive self, examined the instrument to -discover the attachment that had contributed by its -aid for the production of sounds of such pure accord, -in freedom from the drone of its prototype. Sliding -<span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>back the key-board his vision was introduced to a -novel mechanism, bearing but a slight resemblance to -that of the accordion, except in formulistic fabrication. -In the place of a reed-board of wood it had -one of glass. Covering the openings were reeds of -bamboo answering to the stops of the keys. Raising -the plate he discovered on its under side longitudinal -fossæ corresponding in length and form with -the string attachments of the harp, which it represented -in miniature; over this the peculiar strings were -strung. The wind in passing from the bellow’s font -through the open slots caused an æolian vibration, -which was increased in volume and sweetness of -sound by the vibrating accord of the reeds. The -spirits of the two curators of sound were highly elated -by the discovery of this rare musical waif; at the -same time were surprised to learn that it had been -the companion of their river voyage; but readily -accounted for its concealment with the supposition -that Captain Greenwood withheld it from the idea -that it was to them an object of aversion. Pettynose, -when leaving, would, in his heedless selfishness, -have taken the instrument with him, but M. Hollydorf, -anticipating Correliana’s anxiety, bade him recollect -that it was a gage of affection.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the music ceased, a raven and parrot, who -had perched upon the padre’s broad-brimmed hat, commenced -a gossiping promenade, backwards and forwards -upon the diametric extremes of its circumference, -alternating the rise and descent of its rim from -his nose to the back of his coat-collar, to his great -annoyance, which added to the comical effect. But -the padre continued silent, notwithstanding the birds’ -quotations of his familiar phrases, “Well, I declare! -my conscience’ sake!” and the like, which seemed to -be prompted by the changes wrought in the position -of his hat. At length Correliana became mindful of -their annoyance, and despatched them to their roosts; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_342'>342</span>then she apologized to the padre for the liberty she -had taken, by saying, that they had imitated her -when she was repeating his phrases to familiarize -her ear with the intonations of the English language. -“But I am not alone accountable,” she said, “for that -demure personage,” pointing to the prætor, “has -largely contributed by his patience and perseverance -to their proficiency. The Doschessa wishes to have -me remind you that their imitations are an apt example -of ritual observances, classical educations, and -fashionable accomplishments, which are styled the -progressive features of Giga civilization.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It pleases me to hear you try to make the padre -understand the difference between a practical education -and one of words,” patronizingly added Dr. -Baāhar.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This assumption of the doctor’s dispersed the depressing -cloud that weighed upon the padre’s spirits, -who replied, “Ah doctor, you forget that to-day you -were unable to make the material distinction between -an ancient goddess of your fathers, and a Heraclean -statue crowned with Kyronese mousetraps, even with -the advantage of your wordy education?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson laughingly commended Correliana and -the prætor for their successful essay in the professorial -art, offering to recommend their talents to the -Dominican College of Guatemala, or its Jesuitical -propagandic rival institution of Chinandagua of Nicaragua, -which were devoted to the education of parrots -for the dissemination of their tenets among the -people, if disposed to enlarge their sphere of usefulness. -Declining, in the same vein, his intercession -in their behalf, the members of the corps were invited -to join the family of the prætor at the table, -where they could have the advantage of seeing and -hearing the Manatitlans, as the Dosch was desirous -of joining in the conversation. The voice of Correliana -aroused chirping murmurs from the leafy coverts -<span class='pageno' id='Page_343'>343</span>of tree and bush, but with such drowsy pipes of recognition -it was easy to discover that the notes were -muffled in the head’s feathery couch beneath the -wings. When seated, the Dosch addressed the padre -as follows, “Your race claim that the chief object of -their lives is to obtain present and future happiness; -now I would like to ask you whether your ‘system of -education,’ founded upon the parotic rehearsal of -progenitorial self-inflicted woes, has any tendency for -the fulfillment of their hopes? Then answer, with -thoughtful consideration drawn from your day’s experience, -whether you have ever approached so near -the shrine of an enjoyment, so pure and unadulterated, -in joyful impression, as that of to-day?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padrex.</em> “I declare to gracious, never!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “But would you not relapse at the sight -of a priest, as the converted Jew did at the chink of -the shekels?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> (Scratching his head.) “Well, you know -it’s a hard thing for one to abjure his religion, altogether?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dr. Baāhar.</em> (Testily.) “He’s doomed to blind -martyrdom in defense of his idols!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “But I know those that belong to my own -creed, and am not willing to be caught with mousetraps! -Besides, when we were together on board of -the <em>Tortuga</em>, after our good luck, I asked you to advise -me about the education of my children; and you -replied, ‘Let them glean all the knowledge they can -from the schools of their country, until they arrive -at the age of twenty; then send them to Germany, -and they will then be able to appreciate the rudimentary -principles of our philosophical course of -study, if they are well posted in physical gymnastics -and sword exercise.’ Of course the Manatitlans are -well acquainted with the gigantic self-esteem of the -French ideas of education, which is expressed in the -proverb, ‘Live in Paris a year, and then die, content.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_344'>344</span><em>Dosch.</em> “The philosophical self-complacency of the -Germans with regard to the benefits of what they are -pleased to style their system of education, is dependant -upon habit rather than merit, even in the scale of -civilized estimation. But when reduced from its superflage -to reality, the course of study pursued in a -German university, of sufficient celebrity to attract -foreign students, commences with the majority,—from -the boasting authority of their own statements,—by -a test of the body’s capacity to hold beer, saur-kraut, -and sausage, seasoned with tobacco smoke, -for the encouragement of philosophical ruminations. -When the freshman devotee’s body has become adequately -distended, ethics and the art of disputatious -war are inaugurated, with the premeditated intention -of testing antagonistic skill in the gentle art of -tattooing. Although lacking in the graceful designs -of the more primitive races, the facial carvings in -these friendly encounters indicate a nosological taste -for depiction, characterized with boldness of touch on -the part of the successful aspirant for honors. After -having had his passions slaked by sword indenture -indemnification, for the aggravations of guttural opprobriums, -swilled at the collateral troughs of learning, -the candidate for high collegiate honors, with his -initiatory degree tattooed in autographic commendation -of his skillful attainments, enters upon his second -term. This completed, his body has become -seasoned to saturation with the constituent elements -of lager bier, schnapps, saur-kraut, pickled herring, -sausage, and like condimental retainers, which are incorporated -with tobacco-smoke in preparation for the -study of the Oriental languages. At the expiration -of three or more years employed in hard smoking, -drinking,—or lageration, as it is classically termed,—with -concomitant study, and wrangling, he reaches -the acme of Teutonic elaboration; becoming to all -intents and purposes as useless a casket of automatical -<span class='pageno' id='Page_345'>345</span>movements and articulate sounds, as the feathered -theologians educated in the Jesuit and Dominican -Colleges of Chinandagua and Guatemala. His sympathetic -impressibility can be truly likened to the -saw of the surgical sawyer, in feeling for the suffering -it imparts to the integuments and bone in separation. -The French proverb, which you quoted, is -certainly apt. For those who have engaged in the -follies of Paris for a year, of self accord, we have -found so utterly absorbed in the vanities of selfish -gratification, that even the legendary memory of an -instinctive soul has been lost, as well as all thoughts -of purity and goodness in devisement for reciprocation. -The real fact must now be apparent to your -impressions, that the generations of your race have -turned their backs to the realities of the future,—which -could be secured for those that are to succeed -them,—in pursuit of the will o’ wisp phantoms of -the past. To-morrow, you will be able to realize -how we preserve and improve the germs of purity -and goodness for transmission, in freedom from the -frivolous vanities of sense. In parting for the night -all united in expressing their appreciation of the -Dosch’s truthful portrayal.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_346'>346</span> - <h2 id='XXVI' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>When the family of the prætor called in the -morning to escort us to the scholia puellulitas, Correliana -received the attentions of M. Hollydorf with -marked pleasure; indeed, the happiness of the prætor -and her mother was so joyfully exultant, that it -attracted the attention of the Kyronese as well as our -own. The temple on the north, occupying the esplanade -of the second foræ, was the counterpart of -the southern in architectural design. But its site was -more commanding, embracing in the view obtained -from the parapet walk, the latifundium, the grove of -the temple beyond the cinctus gate, and the river expanse -in the Bœotian vale below. On the south the -terraced road could be traced in its upward windings -to the brink of the basaltic cliff. To the north the -view was in like manner circumscribed by the precipice -and its outjutting flank of wooded hills. Within -the enclosure of the temple walls the hill-slope to the -north was more abrupt and shaded, and from its -cooler temperature it was better adapted for the culture -of fruitful shrubs and trees. The weissich of -the falling water, and ring of the basaltic cubes, was -much more distinctly impressed in their ever varying -intonations, rendering hearing upon the parapet difficult, -while in the colonnades of the eastern courts -of the enclosure conversation became irksome and -wearying. These effects were produced by the larger -concavity in the southern face, by an inclination -given to the main body of the water, from a northern -<span class='pageno' id='Page_347'>347</span>curve in the direction of the river current above; -a jutting columnar screen, without the falling water, -formed a reverberating chamber that reflected the -sound northward. Mr. Welson, remarking the effort -required for speaking and hearing, asked the prætor -the reason of the founder’s preferring the shady courts -of the northern temple, for the tender female plants, -with its greater disadvantages from the louder sound -of the falls, when the warm mellow rays of the southern -were so much better adapted for the development -of the motherly germ of affection?</p> - -<p class='c000'>Before answering, the prætor turned his eyes upon -the questioner with a quizzical glance, then replied,—“What -you have observed is, from present appearances, -true, and we learned that the prætor Indegatus -made the selection in accordance with the judgment -your discernment has expressed. But, in referring -the reasons of his choice to the Dosch Giganteo, he -reversed his decision, sustaining his judgment by -urging the special adaptation of the supposed objections -for counteracting the then prevalent disposition -of the Heraclean women for invidious gossip, and -their initiation into a staid, thoughtful mood, necessary -for overcoming their hereditary inclinations for -tongue talk. As I perceive that the question of Mr. -Welson echoes your common curiosity to learn the -influence of the choice, I will notice some of the effects -in their course of development. Yesterday you -remarked, while upon the temple walls of the boys’ -enclosure, that the whirr of the falling water scarcely -interfered with conversation, after you became accustomed -to its counter resonance upon your voices, -while here we are obliged to seek the screen of a turret, -and then speak and hear with difficulty; not so -much from the overwhelming loudness, as the confused -blending of sound, that renders articulate modulation -tiresome. Although partially overcome when -the ear becomes accustomed to the impression, still -<span class='pageno' id='Page_348'>348</span>the monotonous replication of variations in kind, -without order in sequence, is too close, as the Dosch -informs me, in its resemblance to the unmeaning -plash of words, to distinguish in utterance those void -of affectionate sympathy. This toning influence imposes -a thoughtful silence upon those inclined to -speak in freedom from the sympathetic direction of -thought devisement, encouraging a mood for the -study of individuality. The Dosch advises me that -a prattling novice, from your race, would soon discover -that expressionless words became involved in -the wish-a-washy plash and whirr of the falling -waters; and with repetition would feel the reflection, -in burlesque effect, for the enlightenment of her understanding, -when fully sensible of the vague implication, -and of necessity would be obliged to limit her -speech to the honest expression of affectionate emotions. -This, he says, has rendered the cataracts of -your country unpopular with your fashionable ladies, -after the sight-seeing impression has been gratified; -still springs being preferred as a place of fashionable -sojourn, as they neither confuse or rival in noisy revel -their tongues. In proof of what I wish to convey to -your understanding, you will perceive that upon useful -subjects of enlightenment, the Manatitlan voice is -readily heard by our accustomed ears. But when I -pronounce fashionable dress, society, public opinion, -theatre, and like synonyms of multitudinous expression, -the sound becomes confused with the noisy repetitions -of the water, requiring labored and labiate -vocalization to make you comprehend their import. -Indeed, I perceive that your ears are at as great -a loss to recognize the familiar words, as I am to -judge of their meaning from the mimicry of sound. -But how quickly your perceptive attention is attracted -by the sympathetic tones of my voice when -attuned in approximation to an affectionate wish! -Our scholastic ninietas never turn a deaf ear, or a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_349'>349</span>void eye from an expression in word or emotion -prompted by kindly affection, during the heaviest -roar of the winter’s flood. But folly invested with -the blatant mechanism of Demosthenic oratory, or the -rhyming jointure of poetical numbers, could not be -distinguished in the faintest weish of a season of -drouth. You will perceive from these hints that the -elements favored the choice of Giganteo; and will -now be able to test the wisdom of the preference that -subjected our females to the restraining influence of -this water power, so effectual for the suppression of a -voiceful tongue, hollow in the resonant expression of -truthful sincerity. We have been informed by Manatitlan -auramentors, that your women are almost -universally afflicted with a gabbling epidemic of the -tongue, beyond which, and the ear, the impression of -their utterances rarely reaches; and we are truly -glad that you have an abundant supply of large -waterfalls provided as successful aids for the inauguration -of a thoughtfully silent era. The shades of -the northern colonnades and courts have, by the reflection -of this wise choice, been made luminous with -the rays of affectionate goodness, for woman’s sympathy -in its purity and brightness can illumine the -darkest night with enduring warmth proof to the vicissitudes -of time and place.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dr. Baāhar.</em> “Since the days of Archimedes there -has certainly never been a hydrostatic invention for -the practical use of water, that can compare with the -beneficial result you proclaim.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Prætor.</em> “The Dosch desires me to give you the -assurance that the hydraulic power of the cataract has -been so well tested for tempering in infancy and -youth a tendency to volubility, that with the least inclination -to fanatical superstition, the globular form of -the earth might be esteemed the result of providential -intention designed for the regulation of woman’s -tongue, as it necessitates the waterfall in the flow of -rivers.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_350'>350</span>This humorous interpretation of design excited a -smile; but Correliana assured the members of the -corps, that the effect produced by the sound of the -waterfall had been but little exaggerated, inasmuch -as it directly induced a thoughtful mood, and disinclination -to speak. After a moment’s thoughtful -silence, she asked her father if the selection had in -reality been made with the provised intention of inducting -thought by interrupting speech; and if the -women of Heraclea had at any anterior date given -cause for the constant reproof of falling water, to -chide them for the heedless use of the tongue? To -which question the father replied, “You must recollect, -Correliana, that many centuries have passed -since the temples were dedicated to educational direction. -Then, as you are aware, Indegatus had been -subjected to traitorous annoyances, from which the -Manatitlan Dosch of the period relieved him, enabling -him to cope successfully with disaffection which -had been fanned by woman’s tongue. The Dosch -also desires me to remind you of the lessons you have -been taught of the commune degradation of civilized -women in Giga countries.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “I have often heard of hydropathic treatment -of scolding and gadding women, but this is certainly -a great improvement, as it obviates by anticipation -the ducking-stool.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Descending from the temple walls into the garden -court, the necks of Correliana and her mother were -suddenly enclosed in the arms of a surpassingly beautiful -form, whose face was concealed by a profusion of -golden hair, which floated in glancing sheen, like the -floss of the silk-tree, over the heads of the united -three, closing from view the caresses, which seemed -to impart to the atmosphere a reciprocal flow of pervading -affection, causing each member of the corps to -stand transfixed with emotions transcending by far -the highest attainments of admiration. M. Hollydorf -<span class='pageno' id='Page_351'>351</span>stood like a statue fully enravished from self, -for he alone had caught a glimpse of the sunbeam’s -features, as its rays darted from their concealment, -animated with a glow of gladness, that had been lying -in wait for a joyful surprise. Bewildered with -amazement, he was seemingly lost to his personal -identity, for he remained heedless and motionless, -until recalled by the prætor’s salutation. “Luocuratia, -my evoce, you must not forget the presence of -our deliverers. This is M. Hollydorf, of whom your -mother and sister have so often spoken.” Then leaving -M. Hollydorf, with herself absorbed, he proceeded -to introduce the other members of the corps, individually, -the names of each Luocuratia pronounced -mechanically, in repetition, without even the accompaniment -of a furtive glance in diversion from the object -of her first attraction. With her arms still encircling -the neck of her mother and sister, she looked -out from the veil of her hair, regarding M. Hollydorf -with changing flushes of perplexed emotion coursing -beneath her transparent skin, like borealian flashes -beaming in a moonlit sky. Mr. Welson, whose quick -perception had caught the source of the spell’s inspiration -took the prætor’s arm, and then beckoning his -companions, they joined the happy parents, who -added to the fullness of their joy by introducing the -members of the corps to their daughters. After enjoying -the mutual flow of unbounded affection between -parents and children, for a short time, as the -centre of attraction, the prætor conducted them -through the gate alcove of the garden screen, to an -acacia hedge, through the interstices of which they -could observe, undetected, the scenes of affectionate -endearment, in animated, but silent flow, passing in -the conscious enactment of thoughtful impression, between -the clustering family groups.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the conclusion of a pæan song of thanksgiving, -they engaged in various pastimes, improvised from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_352'>352</span>the joyous promptings of the occasion, in which both -old and young participated. All their movements -were so replete with the affectionate expression of -gleesome mirth, song, and frolic wit, the paucity of -lingual accompaniments was scarcely noticed. The -impression of our own feelings, in unison, the padre -recognized, who declared, upon his conscience, that he -felt a brighter glow of conscious affection than words -could convey, imparted from their silent expression -of joyous reciprocation. He soon became so wrought -with the intensity of affectionate participation, that he -could not resist the attraction, but darted from ambush, -exclaiming, “Upon my soul, I know that I -shall be like a bull in a china shop, but I must be -with them,” and was soon in their midst, with face -aglow from smiling excitement. The young Kyronese -maidens, from toddling infancy to seven,—the -first stage in the course of instinctive life,—soon -took possession of the padre by the right of preëmption, -holding him captive from its conferred privileges -of priority in discovery; but permitted the -Heraclean parents and children to participate in their -joy, although holding him as a special bondsman to -their arbitrary sway. Detaining Cleorita and Oviata -as interpreters, they enlisted the padre as the representative -champion of his race in their pastimes. -But as an agile athlete his career was more successful -for the enlistment of mirth, than for either grace or -speed, for he fared worse than Dr. Baāhar in his trial -with the family of the prætor, as he was unable to -hold the shadows of an old man, of an hundred and -sixty years, and his wife. Indeed, his movements -and appearance indicated that he was their elder in -age, for with graceful steps of equal pace, they kept -their shadows from his feet, when in the eye of the -sun they were lengthened in the rise of the hill. The -merriment caused by his defeat cast no shadow over -his happy face, but with buoyant smiles he challenged -<span class='pageno' id='Page_353'>353</span>Dr. Baāhar’s badinage with the desire of testing his -right to criticise. This accepted, he was again defeated, -without other evidences of chagrin than the -frequent use of an apologetic if, in disjunctive evidence -of his ability to outrun the best, when free -from its restraint. The swift action and graceful -motions of the Heraclean women, maidens, and men -in running exceeded by far the highest descriptive -flights of poetical imagination devoted to wood-nymph -disportings upon the velvet sod, or those of -the sea upon its margin of sand, in derivation from -Grecian fable and song. While bestowing the warmest -encomiums in the honest expression of admiration, -the curiosity of the corps was excited to learn -the means by which the graceful uniformity of the -women had been preserved, in disengagement from -the ungainly inheritance derived from the impression, -supposed to be inherent with their first estate. For, -with our civilisation, a broad expansion of pelvic continuations, -with the angular articulation of the lower -extremities, are esteemed as a progenic provision for -ease in the functional speciality of procreation. The -prætor answered from the dictation of the Dosch: -“Our censorial guardians have, from the earliest date -of Manatitlan direction, recognized the body’s unlimited -capability for improvement, under the restrictive -advisement of an education devoted to the kindly -reciprocation of experience. Admonished by the -negative effects, described as the resulting cause, that -had produced with the women of your race unwieldy -obesity, with a consequent lack of animus -power for current communication independent of -language, they studied to perfect themselves in the -Manatitlan art of quality improvement, for increase -in affectionate transmission, from the impress of exampled -alliance, without words. The Doschessa invokes -you to conceive in imagination the impression -that would be made upon our women, if, without previous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_354'>354</span>description they should discover a flock of your -Giga belles swinging up the avenue of the latifundium, -with the longitude, latitude, and circumference -of their dresses in oscillating sway from the movements -of their limbs in semi-revolution, at an oblique -angle from their broad pelvic axis.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “Fear would certainly be the first -emotion, and I doubt if upon nearer acquaintance -they would be able to discover in them qualities of -merit sufficient for the stay of disgust. Unless, in -their kindly pity, they should look upon them as -samples of a female species of humans, who had in -penance for stupidity been made to assume the role -of jennies, self-condemned as beasts of burden to -bear the material emblems of folly. Indeed, when -fully impressed with the utter dearth of their conceptive -intelligence, beyond the formulistic rites of fashionable -instinct, and rote rehearsals of prayers for -selfish preservation, from the goading effects of self-immolation -styled conscience, even pity would be -likely to suffer in trembling hesitation upon the -verge of abhorrence.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>We will now leave the prætor and Dosch to entertain -their guests in the courts and colonnades, -while in reversion we complete our description of the -garden tableau. After the prætor’s departure with -his guests, Luocuratia, unmindful of aught else, gazed -through her flowing veil of hair upon the face of -M. Hollydorf, with the wondering daze of the fawn -when surprised in its leafy covert by the gentle -presence of woman. With one arm still encircling -her sister’s neck, yet seemingly unconscious of her -presence, she was recalled to herself, from the -dreamy maze of her vision, by the voice of her -mother. Then she asked with fluttering hesitation, -“What is it?” Correliana caressingly removed the -arm from her neck, then gathering her sister’s flowing -hair from her brow, bore it back from her face, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_355'>355</span>and while her mother bound it with a silicoth fillet, -whisperingly, with the prelude of a kiss, replied, -“It is yourself, Luocuratia, be calm, and to-night you -shall know.” M. Hollydorf, who had attended Correliana -like a doomed shadow, from the day they left -the <em>Tortuga</em>, thinking and acting from her prompting, -even in matters pertaining to his professional -avocations, had with the first glance that he caught -of her sister’s face, stood like one transfixed, his eyes -alternating from one to the other, until the attraction -of Luocuratia’s involved his own. Placing -Luocuratia in her mother’s charge, Correliana took -M. Hollydorf’s hand and directed him to a vine-covered -alcove in the lower garden walk. When -seated, she said, “We are so thankful, for we are now -saved from the inherent misery that broods like a pall -over your people. You will now be happy, but not -yourself again! If I should allow you to recover -from the amazement of your surprise, without an -explanation, you might think me lacking in truthful -sympathy, which we hold, under direction, as the -privileged source of our affection. Advised, from -the first, of the instability of instinctive ‘love’ founded -upon personal attractions, which is the ruling -incentive for marriage with your race, I withheld -from you a knowledge of my sister’s existence, -and our twin resemblance, that her affections might -not be invoked with peril; for as you have felt, we -are endowed with the censorial essentials of perception -in premonition of cause and effect. The long -delayed visit to our schools was deferred, for the -proof of your susceptibility to our current flow, and -constancy in affection; and we are happy in being -able to feel the assurance that the transfer of your -allegiance to her keeping will be free from regretful -reflection. Notwithstanding the long endurance to -which you have been subjected, and the severity of -the trial for the cure of your self-imposed humiliation, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_356'>356</span>the result not only compensates for your suffering, -but confirms the wisdom of the judgment that -prompted the restraint, by enhancing the zest with -the security of a happy fruition. The relief to me is -unspeakable, for in my assisted study of your peculiarities -we have learned that from your appreciation -of our unselfish affection the idea of returning to your -people has become repugnant beyond the endurance -of thought. Your sensitiveness so well corresponds -with Curatia’s in nature, that we are sure her influence -will aid you in transferring your sole reliance for -happiness to Heraclean keeping, but not in forgetfulness -of your responsibility for the welfare of your -people. But it is well for you to understand her -inability to cope with selfishness, which we are -informed, holds supreme control with your race. -Even my bolder nature that dared almost inevitable -capture by our savage foes, from the physical weakness -of our people, from want, shrinks with the -thought of incurring the instinctive abuse they are -said to heap upon the good and evil alike, who -oppose their gainful lusts.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>M. Hollydorf’s countenance was at first moved -with reflective embarrassment, from the self-impressed -accusation of inconstancy, but as Correliana made no -allusion to his defection, except for the expression in -grateful relief, his spirits gradually revived from selfimposed -oppression. Yet in attempting to express -his appreciation of the remarkable resemblance of -features, his tongue refused logical utterance. In -anticipation of what he wished to say, Correliana -bid him rest easy on the score of the past, as a full -relation of all that had transpired would in no way -impair the confidence of Luocuratia, but would rather -tend to increase the development of her affection -from the preference you have shown for her resemblance. -This tacit sanction, for the transfer, restored -M. Hollydorf’s grateful impressions, which raised his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_357'>357</span>spirits to an unwonted degree of elation. But a -serious shade of thought having settled upon the -brow of Correliana his apprehensions were again -startled. Observing the relapse she hastened to -reassure him, by asking, “How is it that you, and -Captain Greenwood, have remained so long under the -rule of selfishness, with natures so quick for the appreciation -of our example?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>M. Hollydorf thoughtfully replied: “It was undoubtedly -with us as with thousands of others, whose -thoughts in association were under the control of -evil example, in following the educated usages of the -past with unquestioning and reverential reliance, -expressed in the fatuous motto of society in all its -grades, which contends that ‘what has been, will be, -to all eternity.’ This willfully blind abrogation of -creative indications for self-reduction to brutality, has -been fostered by a religion that directly encourages -evil by offering the means of redemption to the vilest, -by rights and ceremonies which ignore the practical -evidences of purity and goodness. Offering in substitution, -vague terms which lure the stupid masses to -present misery and a hopeless material end. A modicum -of these prestigical word combinations, the padre -has furnished for the education of your tonguester -birds; but if you should pass through the streets of -our cities, with every step, your eyes, nose, and ears -would be saluted with defilements that would cause -you to shrink with shame from your kinship with -civilized humanity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Alue!” exclaimed Correliana, with sadness, “we -are so puzzled in our endeavors to understand the -source of the misleading infatuation; as the means of -happiness is so evident and easy, and their rejection -so labored, inconsistent, and unnatural, pardon my -sincerity, that we are constrained, from the testimony, -to believe that civilized enlightenment, with your -other vague terms, are in fact the wordy hallucinations -<span class='pageno' id='Page_358'>358</span>of precedental madness. In the review of our -past lives, under the impression of your example, we -have absolutely acknowledged the impeachment, replied -M. Hollydorf. Even Dr. Baāhar’s fantastical -ideas of precedental ‘virtue,’ derived from the vicarious -nursing of a maiden aunt, whose celebic worship -was devoted to the curative inspiration of a pill-box, -which imposed upon him the humors of medical -study, has at last in so far yielded to the affectionate -sincerity of Heraclean example that he secludes himself -when he worships, with the smoke offerings of -the pipe dedicated by imperial and princely lips, -as a reflection of worldly honors.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Correliana.</em> “But your women, M. Hollydorf? -Do they no longer feel within them the current affection -bestowed for transmission with an increase from -happy usage?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>M. Hollydorf.</em> “Here, in besieged seclusion, you -have had but little opportunity, even with Manatitlan -teachings, to learn with a realizing impression the -besetting temptations of envious vanity, which have -beguiled our women from their natural inheritance of -unselfish love; and if their more extended and practical -experience has failed to open for understanding -vision the vista of civilized woman’s folly, my efforts -will prove a bewildering aggravation to your already -puzzled perception. But if you persevere in your -colonistic intention, and are able to sustain the shock -imparted from the degradation of your sex from all -the hopeful endearments that should render life desirable -for transmission, you will, I fear, despondingly -lament the hopeless nature of your undertaking. -Then, you will, I doubt not, shed tears of bitterness -more acute from baffled sympathy, than those bestowed -in memorial tribute for your relatives when triply besieged -by savage foes, famine, and pestilence.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Correliana.</em> “But you have ruined cities, like old -Heraclea, scattered broadcast over the surface of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_359'>359</span>your continents, which bespeak in as plain language -the end of folly, envy, hate, and revenge?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>M. Hollydorf.</em> “These are visited by pilgrims of -curiosity, who in retailing their conjectural wares of -relic origin, give no practical heed to cause and effect -for the inauguration of an era of educated prevention. -Yea more, on their return to the haunts of civilization -jostle with indifference living memorials of a -misery as abject in servile dependence upon drones, -as the slaves who passed a laboring and starving existence -in rearing these ruined fanes of delusion for -the gratification of ambitious bigotry and despotism.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Correliana.</em> “But you, as men, represent the different -nationalities considered to be the most and least -susceptible to kindly intelligence; yet each of you, in -your degree, have held yourselves, from choice, with -few exceptions, amenable to our example. All of -your adherents have acknowledged themselves better -and happier than they ever expected to be in life. -Still, you doubt our ability to enlist, with the simplicity -and purity of our example, the affectionate -reciprocations of your women? Surely you speak in -riddles of enactment and theory, as perplexing as if -in discourse you should say, empty barns full of grain. -Are there not many others among your learned men -equally able to distinguish that purity and goodness -are in reality the source of happiness; and from their -own experience, that evil results in misery and woe? -Then why do your anticipations forbode for our -kindly sympathies a distress so dire?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>M. Hollydorf.</em> “There are undoubtedly many -thousands, if not millions, who would hold themselves -as gratefully amenable to your affectionate example -as the members of the corps, if they could be subjected -to the same experience. For we are in no way -better than the well disposed commonalty, and were -as heedless before we were attracted by your example, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_360'>360</span>as the generality. Speaking honestly, in my own -behalf, for my own disparagement, I rarely, if ever, -became disengaged in thought from the instincts of -selfishness while in association with the most exalted -of our kind. In truth, I never felt in the remotest -degree that there was a reality in the reputed second -existence advocated by our mythology, and was in -no way impressed with an assurance of immortality, -until we were imperceptibly led to recognize its impression -from the example of yourself and people. -But you must recollect that our meeting was under -peculiar auspices, which enlisted and absorbed our -sympathies to the exclusion of self, as if in premonition -of the eventful recompense following in train. -No favoring circumstances like those transpiring for -our introduction, will be likely to prepossess our -people in your undertaking, for their own behoof, if -we except the sensational announcement which will -herald your origin, in connection with our Animalculan -discovery. The impression that will be imparted -from your exampled exposition of the effects of -Heraclean education will prove as evanescent in the -substitution of purity and goodness for the material -excitements of instinctive gratification, as the opening -imitations of the popular humorist, or lyceum lecturer, -who attract the attention of their audiences for an -hour with quips and snaffles of idiomatic license, or -theories as valueless as shadows. If the proscriptor’s -compilations should fail to awaken their thoughtful -interest, in their own behalf, with a realizing desire -for the inauguration of a system of education for the -benefit of succeeding generations, then I fear that -your treasured hopes will find in recognition a tardy -requital.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Correliana.</em> “But are not the emotions expressed -by your word friendship, the talismanic offshoots of -affection; and will they not aid our example enlisted -for the inauguration of a system of education that will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_361'>361</span>bestow upon their children a living realization of immortal -impressions?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>M. Hollydorf.</em> “Better by far that you rely upon -your own unaided example, and in no way venture -your hopes upon the hazard of its trial! For there -is not in the word catalogue of instinctive delusions, -one so hypocritically heartless and treacherous. -Friendship in demonstration with our race, is, as the -Dosch has informed you, a ‘marketable commodity,’ -as variable in expressed quality and price as the puff -stocks founded upon the gambling exchange of gold. -It extends its material aid upon like security in kind, -and gold as the medium, is the equivalent of grateful -reciprocation. In fact, gratitude and friendship in -manifestation with us may be truthfully expressed as -an ambuscade of expectation lying in wait for the -surprise of future favors. It grieves me that I have -no truthful resource from which to impart consolation -and assurance, in solace for the encouragement -of your proposed adventure; for, to our judgment, -the sanction of the Manatitlan auramentors offers the -only hopeful warrant of its feasibility. But for the -better exposition of the instinctive heartlessness of -our race, I will endeavor to give you a true representation -of the result of our discovery, if the golden -deposits of your mountains and rivers should be -revealed to the students of our colleges. Abandoning -their studies they would lead in the tide of adventurous -emigration, and on reaching your city, heedless -of your example, they would take advantage of weakness -as a license, that in gratification would defy -tears, pleadings, and expostulations advocating your -rights of local option. The Englishman would hold -it as his sovereign right to do as he pleased, with the -certainty that his government would hold you responsible -for any resistance to his acts, and with the pretext -of an alleged affront, the ocean cormorant would -plume her wings and sharpen her beak and talons for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_362'>362</span>your engorgement, esteeming you and your city ‘lawful -prey.’ Emigrants from my own, and nations of -kindred habits, would claim the philosophical privilege -of corrupting your fruits and grains, by brewing -and distilling them into strong drinks; which Tacitus, -a historian of your race, alleges was the practice -of the Germans from the period of their earliest settlements. -But a few days, or weeks, would pass, -before your city’s present cleanly freedom from the -evidences of detrition, would be changed into a sty -reeking with filth and saintly odors, and your temple -schools into progenic beer nurseries for the instinctive -propagation of liberalism, and sogdonian classics, -peculiar to the transition period of the incursive pot-pourri -invasions of the northern, eastern, and western -hordes, into Germany. In usurpation of the current -flow of affection, that responds in grateful songs of -praise to the Creator, the hoarse croaking of maudlin -revellers would make night hideous with strepitant -grunts of liberty and instinctive patriotism; while in -vindication of hereditary privilege, they would exhibit -their memorial ‘love and friendship’ by sword emblazonry -tattooed upon each other’s cheeks, chorused -in medley with oaths from English, Irish, French, and -other idiomatic mouths as accompaniments to their -manuals in the art of self defense. If your people -should adventure affectionate expostulation in behalf -of their children, they in reply would exhibit their -bloated and bleared visages as the fatherly source of -a new and regenerate race of freemen, delivered by -the democratic efficacy of saving grace from the -pulings of puritanism. Well aware of my inherited -defects and unworthiness for the privileged enjoyment -of your people’s purity, I shudder with the reflection -that the current of your affection could be -stayed, and forever turned backward, if by rumor the -golden treasures in utensil use should be bruited in -the civilized purlieus of our cities for the attraction of -their troglodyte grovellers hitherward.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_363'>363</span><em>Correliana</em> (with clasped hands and tearful eyes.) -“May goodness forefend us from a calamity so dire! -Better by far the consummation so long urged by our -savage foes! But we must still cling to our hopes -founded upon your ready perception of an affection -that enables us to live away from human bodies with -habits such as you have so wofully described.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>As Correliana uttered in fervent appeal her invocation, -the prætor called M. Hollydorf to indicate the -selection he had made from the young maidens to -fulfill the marriage intention with the verging graduates -of the male department? In answer to this -quizzical request, he acknowledged that the only -maidens he had seen were Luocuratia and Correliana, -but with his happy impressions would endeavor to -make amends for his selfishness. All, with the exception -of the padre, confirmed the censor’s choice, but -he with his usual uncertitude of thought made such -varied and liberal selections that in consummation they -would have proved sadly polygamous. The Dosch -had already explained that the education of the Heraclean -children had been limited to the practical requirements -for the supply of family wants, in conducive -aid for the perfection of happy association. So -that in the educational department of letters the -variety had been of the most meagre description, -the quota of information relative to the affairs of -the world at large having been supplied by Manatitlan -auramentors. Accomplishments and ritual formulistic -ceremonies were unknown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We were more than surprised with admiration, -when we visited the kitchen department, in which the -manipulations were conducted with such ease and -purity, that our previous ideas entertained of housekeeping -were quite confounded. During our inspection -of the kitchen, the busy hands of a detachment -of young maidens were engaged in the preparation -of food for the midday collation; their faces the while -<span class='pageno' id='Page_364'>364</span>were beaming with the rays of unspeakable gladness, -and their eyes in condimental purity imparted luxurious -joy, as a relishing foretaste to the edible results -of their culinary pastimes. In keeping the bright -glow of the unique utensils, of beautifully alloyed -gold, reflected in the convex and concave radiance of -their disks the lustrous embodiment of maidenly proportions, -with faces comically imaged in grotesque -contrast with the reality. The dwarfed reduction of -their graceful forms and faces to a semblance in -breadth of visaged mouth, nose, cheek, and eyes, to -the chattel biddy instincts who hold untidy supremacy -in the kitchen departments of civilization, gave -a mirthful vitality to the metallic expression that -heightened the ludicrous effect, so that under our -watchful gaze, it would occasionally culminate in the -voiceful melody of a laugh. Purity and order reigned -supreme, so that there was neither odor or speck for -insect attraction. The effect of this ruling self-dependence -was heightened with vivid impression, from -the expression of grateful pride that beamed with the -emulative exhibition of their “useful accomplishments.” -In their personalities they were so free from -adhesive taint, that the atmosphere seemed pervaded -with the clarifying transpirations of beings exalted -above the grossness of mortality.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Our own unworthy selves, reflected in contrast -from the clear transparency of their bodily investments, -caused us to shrink abashed from the hallowed -precincts that bespoke in their immaculate purity a -perfection that we had supposed beyond the reach of -mortal attainment. M. Hollydorf, who was of us all -the most sensitively mindful in holding himself amenable -to the Heraclean example in personal purity, -scarcely ventured to cross the threshold, for among -the hand-maidens Luocuratia had taken her place, -but with her thoughtful face tinged with blushes -shadowed from the dawning realm of unrevealed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_365'>365</span>emotions. Her side-glances, timidly regardful in -wondering perplexity, surveyed the object of her newborn -attraction in thoughtful search for the evidences -of reciprocal impression. But the educated society -sophistications of M. Hollydorf’s instinctive self -clouded the frankness of his expression with the turmoil -of impulsive excitement, that rendered him unintelligible -and diffident in bearing. This sensitive -shield of instinct baffled her longing search for the -current impressions of assimilation, imparting to her -hands a trembling uncertainty, plainly indicating that -her devotions were not fully enlisted for the ritualistic -perfection required for the shapely modeling of the -oracular cakes intrusted to her leavening touch of -purity. To our less enamored vision her touch -seemed to impart chaste consecration, for not the -slightest stain or discoloration from edible crudity, in -preparation for the elaboration of fire, was retained -by her hands, so that in contrast we were again inclined -to revolt from ourselves. But with all our -opposition, intrusive memory forced upon us, with -prompted aid, the contrast of swinish priests administering -their wafers of dough desecrated by their -filthy hands for the unthinking drove specialities of -the common herd. In verification of the common -impression, the padre whispered to Mr. Welson, “I -wish to goodness I dared receive one of those crumpets -from her hands, for upon my soul I believe it -would shrive me for a taste of purity?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>M. Hollydorf overhearing the padre’s supplication -cast upon him a grateful look of appreciation. Admonished -by our feelings of grossness, we with reverence -retreated beyond the charmed circle, but lingered -within view screened by a hedge of rose and -honeysuckle, through which our eyes paid worshipful -devotion to the digital service of the kitchen nymphs. -Without the aid of mystic conjurations, the scene -seemed invested with a refinement of purity that exceeded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_366'>366</span>the compass of instinct, raising our capacities -for the realization of beauty, with a halcyon blending, -for the perception of an enduring affection. -Spell-bound within our enclosure, delightfully absorbed -with our thoughtful contemplations, and nectarious -impressions, varied with occasional voiceful -melodies, concerted in time to the movements of busy -hands and feet, we were startled from our reveries, -and retranslated back to the grossness of appetite, by -the exclamation, “Oh, for a Tobias sausage, well -underlayed and flanked with gamey kraut, and a -mug of foamy lager, for I am as hungry as a bear.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The body of Dr. Baāhar appeared in the rear of -this hungry ejaculation, enveloped in flowers and -cuttings bestowed by the teachers from the garden -growths cultivated by the pupils. In a moment the -carols of the kitchen celestas ceased, and sidelong -glances were directed to the hedge to detect the intruder -whose guttural accents betrayed the profanity -of his petition. The effect produced by this interruption -may be truthfully likened to the hush imposed -upon the twilight warblings of the water-thrush, -swayed in tuneful measure upon the spray by the -evening zephyr, and the rippling accompaniment of -a flowing stream, when its evening carols are suddenly -checked and silenced, for the night, by the croaking -heralds of darkness from the sedgy confines of -a neighboring bog. Even the padre, whose stomach -had many a time and oft remonstrated with indigestive -harshness against the introduction of crab -salad,—saur-kraut’s English and American cousin,—egg-nogs, -brandy smashes, and like poetical compounds -for its disposal, stood aghast at this profanation -of the divinities’ edible incantations. Finding -himself unexpectedly subjected to an array of admonitory -glances, his eyes sought through the openings -in the hedge the cause of his cool reception, and -with its revelation became aware of his invocation’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_367'>367</span>apostate grossness. As he stood peering through the -leafy screen, forgetful of his flowery decorations, he -looked like a satyr wood-god of ancient devisement, -in orchidean envelope, regaling his sight with a surreptitious -view of the grove nymphs while adorning -their persons for the festal mysteries.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana, who came with the teachers to escort -us to the refectory colonnade, with the desire of the -scholars that we would test the relish of their food -preparations, aided in disrobing the doctor of his -flowery dress; this accomplished we joined the parents -and children who were waiting to receive us in the -vestibule. The tables were covered with cloths of -tinted white interwoven from the fibres of the plantain -and tree silk-floss, which produced a novel effect. -This cloth was styled Tapalmtræ, a web of lighter -texture being used for raiment. When seated, the -Dosch addressing us from the platform of the tympano-microscope, -which had been transferred from -the prætor’s table for the day, asked us to bestow our -critical attention upon the cloth, to detect its conservative -peculiarities for cleanly protection and rejection -of corrupt attaint. The brightness, purity, and softness -of the fabric, had not only attracted our attention -as consonant with the characteristics of Correliana, -on the occasion of our first interview, although -reduced for the supply of others’ necessities, to the -limits of modesty, in extremity, but had with the -scientific zest of curiosity been the subject of speculative -investigation after our arrival in Heraclea. But -since our introduction to the Manatitlans, it had only -attracted our attention, feeling well assured that all in -accruance for mutual benefit would in season be made -known. “Its apparent peculiarities, in their partial -perfection, we have been enabled to bestow upon -the Heracleans,” explained the Dosch, “for their -advantage during the trials of the siege. Although, -from the lack of material, and means of elaboration, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_368'>368</span>imperfect in comparison with our attainments in its -illimitable adaptation for the fulfillment of all material -requirements for protection, it has subserved -with them for the supply of a protective agent to -their textile fabrics, conservative in transmissible -durability and sanitary purity. Its special adaptative -qualities are the extremes of mobility and immobility, -and imponderability in degree sufficient for -relieving the impressions of weight. These, together -with a non-adhesive surface, with a capability for -rendering it elastic and non-elastic to either extreme, -and indestructible from exposure to the elements, -have served as invaluable aids for comfort and their -preservation. As an effective aid for increasing the -durability of textile fabrics, you can judge when I -state that the garments and cloths are heir-looms of -centuries’ transmission as well with the Heracleans -as with our race; an electrical current keeping them -repulsively free from impurity, they are to all intents -new to each succeeding generation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “Why, what a boon the art will prove to -the world? especially to the poor, who will esteem -you their benefactors forevermore.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “It has, with many other attainments, -been achieved by goodness for the perfection of -purity; and as the miseries of your race are self-inflicted -from the stupidity of over-indulgence, its bestowal -upon them, in their present state, would prove -an encouragement to evil, rather than for its abatement. -From this consideration we do not intend to -hold ourselves culpable by offering it as a premium -for the cultivation of selfish greed and luxurious indulgence. -The scientific improvements of your progressive -race in the adaptation of vegetable, animal, -and metallic productions for the development of their -tiger instincts, is quite sufficient for the exemplification -of their delusive aspirations, without prostituting -the labors of affection for the encouragement of -envious hatred.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_369'>369</span><em>Padre.</em> “But do you arrogate to yourselves greater -goodness in your decrees than God, who bestows sun -and rain on the good and evil alike?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “Your distinction of Creative indications -in the bestowal of gifts, is, in delusive appeal an assumption -characteristic with sectarianism. It should -be evident to perception, that Creative benefactions -extend to the whole creation, to the reptile, and -monkey, as well as to the higher grades of mankind. -But the endowment of humanity with powers of discernment -to distinguish between good and evil, is an -indication of intention that directly implies the privilege -of choice for securing the results of happiness or -misery. In other words, if man prostitutes his privilege, -and makes a brute of himself, he must expect -the living void of bestiality, and incapacity for present -happiness, with its affectionate premonitions of -immortality.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>When seated, the prætor, while acknowledging the -superiority of knives and forks, drew from his hand -its transparent glove, offering it as an apology for -the use of their fingers in eating, by showing that -it was repellant to adhesive matter. Although instructed -in the use of chop-sticks, and knives and -forks, they were not yet proficient in their use, and -would prefer the use of their fingers with their -silicoth gloves if the habit would not offend? This -accorded, a maiden was self-assigned to each guest -who adjusted Mappas (napkins) to their necks. -Luocuratia, radiant with blushes and smiles, assumed -the charge of M. Hollydorf, assisted by an Indian -maiden of singular beauty. Correliana observing the -curious interest excited by her presence and others of -her race, introduced her by the name of Toitla, as -one of their foster sisters of the Betongo tribe, taken -when infants and adopted for a hostage education; -their parents visiting them whenever an opportunity -offered without attracting the notice of their savage -<span class='pageno' id='Page_370'>370</span>allies, a swinging bridge having been constructed for -the northern basin of the falls to facilitate their entrance -and exit unobserved. “To their gratitude,” -she exclaimed with tearful eyes, “we are indebted -for the food that preserved us from starvation, when -the malignant river savages sowed caterpillars and -other noxious grubs upon the wind, from the brink -of the precipice, which destroyed our means of subsistence.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the first course of maize and banana-bread,—styled -by the padre crumpets, while under the moulding -pressure of Luocuratia’s fair hands,—the elder -maidens seated themselves beside their parents, the -little ones taking their places, their busy eyes watchful -for an opportunity to render aid in supplying the -wants of their parents and guests. So well versed -were they in the language of eyes, tongues were -rarely used. Our most skillful performer with the -knife and fork caused them to stand on tiptoe with -wonder, in view of their rapid alternations in the -transfer of food to his mouth, although himself unmindful -of special notice. Whether the pantomimic -expressions evoked from their symmetrical hands, -arms, and questioning eyes, were elicited from the -quantity or facile speed in the disposal of food, we -could not judge. At the close of the refection, the -prætor remarked, that the impression of their debt of -gratitude was accumulating so fast from an increase -in happiness, they felt sensitively the poverty of their -resources for making suitable returns. “But if you -will only wait with confidence, our dispositions will -find some method of recompense that will prove more -acceptable than metallic gold?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson assured him if true happiness could be -considered a meed for equivalent reciprocation, the -Heracleans had conferred far more by their example -than they had received.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “Then you must fain remain content with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_371'>371</span>each other, and bestow your mutual aid upon the less -favored for the recognition of your source of happiness. -As the day is drawing to a close, perhaps Dr. -Baāhar will favor us, and the other children, with -his impressions and ideas derived from his associations -of the day?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The doctor, without apology, responded as follows: -“During the day I have been so enchanted with the -harmonizing voices of the parents and children, free -from chiding, whining importunities and reproachful -bitterness, common to our schools, both male and -female, that I was often prompted to speak to you of -the effect that has ever been accorded to harmony in -musical concord, from the remotest antiquity; but -checked myself from reverting to classical fables in -view of the brighter reality of your example, which -has impressed me with the reflection of a future, -made glorious with the realization of your true affection, -as the only abiding source of happiness. We -feel ourselves novices in appreciation and capacity -for reciprocation, as well as in the power of self-command, -but will treasure your loving example for a -clearer perception of our faults of omission and commission. -Notwithstanding our gratitude has but recently -emerged from its cocoon of selfishness, we feel -that its rays are brighter, warmer, and more kindly -in their influence and extension, and truly hope that -we shall be able to reflect your example for the lasting -good of the well disposed. If the possibility or -probability of reducing a woman’s tongue, young or -old, of any race, to the limits of useful, witty, or consoling -speech, dictated from thoughtful impressions -for kindly reciprocation, had been advocated in my -presence by the members of the royal scientific societies -of London, Paris, or Berlin, I should have given -less heed to their arguments in support of feasibility, -than to the babblings of a brook. Or if in prophecy, -the scenes of to-day had been foretold as a probable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_372'>372</span>event likely to occur by any transition, I should have -attributed its source to the fantastical chimeras of a -fool. Moreover, if in thought suggestion the Manatitlan -auramentors had substituted the idea that I -could improve upon ancestral precedents, I should -have thought myself, when free from their influence, -subject to the freaks of insanity. Albeit not much -given to respect in following advice, or imitating -parental example in my youth, still both law and -gospel forbade one to think himself wiser in his generation -than his antecedents; from this prevailing -authority we expected that our men would wield -their swords, and the women their tongues, in opposition -to their own promulgated ways and means of -salvation, to the end. From the light of this morning’s -example I can realize, in view of the past, that -inconsistency is the soul of instinctive selfishness, as -well as the ‘substance’ of law and gospel, upon which -we found our vaunted civilization. In addition, your -system of education founded upon the practical adaptation -of study to the requirements of life, makes me -feel that I have used my brain as a store-house for -the vile and useless lumber of past ages, which had -better have been buried in the instinctive grave of -oblivion. In fact, I have hibernated in common -with the class styled learned men, in company with -the corrupt bodies of a dead ancestry; and while -subject to the winter gloom of instinct, have existed -in ritualistic dependence upon the fancied nutriment -derived from sucking my mental paws, while in truth -exhausting my resources of vitality, and hopes of immortality. -But whatever there is in me left of -rational appreciation, capable of being cultivated in -diversion from the baneful influence of the past, shall -be devoted to the welfare of future generations, for -the abatement of selfish greed which seeks to accumulate -in excess of self-requirements to the detriment -of others.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_373'>373</span>At the close of the doctor’s declaration of faith, -the padre quietly remarked to Mr. Welson, that he -fully believed in the Manatitlans and their power of -thought substitution. Then, after even-song, Correliana -led in a hymn commemorative of Heraclean -deliverance, of which the following is an imperfect -rendition:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Father Supreme, our guide and stay,</div> - <div class='line in2'>When sore opprest for others’ wrongs,</div> - <div class='line'>In pity, Thou didst ope a way</div> - <div class='line in2'>To save; to Thee the praise belongs.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Guide those, to whom we owe the aid,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Under Thy sole direction sent,</div> - <div class='line'>That our paths of peace may be made</div> - <div class='line in2'>Through them the sign of great event.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“That instead of war brings goodwill,</div> - <div class='line'>Preferring kindred love to self,</div> - <div class='line in2'>That others’ joy may prove their skill</div> - <div class='line'>In place of hoarding useless pelf.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Nor deem it ill, that they can learn</div> - <div class='line'>From Manatitlans peaceful sway,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Love’s power to bring like return,</div> - <div class='line'>And bear from hate the palm away.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>After exacting a promise that we would accompany -their parents on their next monthly visit, we were -permitted to depart, and, as the temple gates closed, -held in review, with thoughtful silence, the scenes of -the day, feeling within us that they were the index -of future happiness for our race. Our thoughtful -revery was broken by Lindenhoff, the corps’ genealogical -curator of sound, who expostulated: “It is -strange that the Heracleans still continue to drone -the old pæan cadences practiced by the Greeks four -thousand years ago, after hearing the Manatitlan -operatists; for they are really a wonderful people, and -superior musicians, notwithstanding their lack of -power for the expression of the deeper emotions of -rage, love, and revenge, which are in reality the vitality -<span class='pageno' id='Page_374'>374</span>and soul of our great master’s compositions. They -show but little versatility in fugue movement, which -expresses the gliding power of musical intelligence; -this certainly discovers a material lack of appreciation, -however accomplished they may be in other respects. -In fact, the Manatitlans would be esteemed -as superior vocalists the world over, if they could register -a little more volume to their voices. I would -much rather undergo one of Mr. Welson’s practical -jokes than listen again to the droning of the Heracleans, -for their execution was perfectly shocking, and -they have far less capacity in the lower scale than the -bumble-bee.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The music taster’s criticism provoked a hearty -laugh, but the padre, with warmth, exclaimed: “Upon -my soul, for the life of me, I can’t see any cause -for fault finding with sound, when the words harmonized -so well with one’s feelings of grateful sympathy. -A good heartfelt invocation from such voices, -which were as beautiful as their faces, should not be -questioned by our coarse natures! Why, man alive, -if I had had the voice of a nightingale, it would have -choked with kindly emotions from the harmony of -their affectionate solicitations in our behalf! Faugh, -man, your opera tral-la-la yells are as empty as the -screechings of cockatoos and the croakings of frogs in -comparison! The chord of sympathy they touched -is beyond the reach of your Norma quirketizations.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>All joined in hearty commendation of the padre’s -strictures on the hypercritical curator, Mr. Welson -reminding him that the Maniculan choristers would -have failed to impress his sensitive ears with their -excellence without the magnifying aid of the tympanum. -“In full chorus, to the unassisted ear, their -music would have sounded monotonous, hardly reaching -in volume the lisping chirrupings of an infantile -cricket, heard from its home in a distant cranny. As -with your registrations of impressions derived from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_375'>375</span>its voice, the Heracleans would find Manatitlan instruction -wanting in volume for successful imitation. -But,” he added, as Correliana overtook them, “here -is the offending composer; we will now hear what she -has to say in extenuation for neglect of opportunity -for improvement in the cultivation of fugue flights -above the reach of harmony.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana, observing the quizzical expression of -mirth that accompanied this appeal, inquired the -cause. In answer, Mr. Welson rehearsed the criticism -of the curator, to which she blushingly replied: -“You will, I hope, consider in our behalf, when I -acknowledge the justness of your criticism, that before -your arrival we were constantly harrassed with -troubles which required the active employment of our -people’s thoughts in the devisement of expedients for -preservation. These kept us occupied with the full -enlistment of our sympathies, so that we could only -exercise our musical inclinations in the transmitted -current of our original songs of thanksgiving. But -in our greatest distress we longed for a harmonized -extension of capacity, that you have supplied with -adjuvantic aids, from which, in time, we hope that we -may be able to render you satisfaction, with the evidences -of industrious application.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The curator of sound was too much abashed for an -apologetic reply; and the Dosch requested Mr. Welson -to say, that for their evening’s entertainment he -would relate the circumstances that placed the “dulcetina” -in the hands of Captain Greenwood for disposal.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_376'>376</span> - <h2 id='XXVII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>After the evening song of salutation, on the day -following the members of the corps’ visit to the school -of the “ninyetas” they accepted the prætor’s invitation -to join with his family in listening to the recital -of the Dosch, which we transcribe.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>During the ravages of the “coast” and yellow -fever in Rio Janeiro in the year 18—, it made sad -havoc among our provincial offshoots of Brazilian parentage, -owing to a lack of means for provisionary -precautions, so that I felt it a special duty and privilege -devolving upon me to give my personal supervision -for its arrest. The joint efforts of our Manatitlan -corps of censors and nurses soon succeeded in -rescuing our adherents from the deadly influence of -the pestilence, affording us leisure to render succoring -advice to the good of the Giga race. Among the -foreigners, one had attracted my particular attention -from the fact that he studiously avoided companionship -with others, beyond the enforced necessities required -for business relations. This, together with -other singularities pertaining to his deportment, attracted -a desire for an auramental investigation of the -cause of his non-alliance with the herd. My first -discovery after entering into auricular communication -with his thoughts was, that his preference for communion -with himself arose from a natural repugnance -for association with men in form, whose instincts were -degraded below the bestial capacity of the lower -<span class='pageno' id='Page_377'>377</span>orders of animality. This, I soon learned, had its origin -from the sympathetic impression of the animus of -goodness revealed in desire. While studying his characteristics, -as a key for after-thought substitution, I -found that the intrusion of an indelicate impression -from his own instinctive propensities, or in word reflection -from others, gave him acute pain. Or when -from natural promptings, induced from a genial disposition, -he had been influenced to listen to or relate -a humorous story, strongly tinctured with the passionate -rulings of instinctive induction, for days afterwards -he would subject himself to remorseful reproof. -These sensitive traits, indicating a desire for the attainment -of instinctive purity, although rare in the associations -of Giga men, are by no means singular or -unrealistic with the conceptions of the thoughtful. -But a lack of discrimination in society association, -subject to the arbitrary rule of money, blunts the perceptions -of intelligent refinement, under the impress -of the selfish policy it imposes for the successful enlistment -of patronage. Vulgarity impairs the powers -of inclination for refined perception, in like manner -and degree with the action of foul odors upon the -sense of smell, which renders it obtuse for the delicate -appreciation of a well selected bouquet.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With this reflective introduction of our auramentee, -we will ask you to picture him in meditative -mood leaning against a huge pile of coffee-filled bags, -waiting in the shadow they cast upon the wharf to -witness the variegated effects of light imparted from -the rays of the declining sun upon the beautifully -environed waters of the harbor bay of Rio de Janeiro. -The surface of the water, with its deeper blendings of -green and blue, were tinted with the yellow light, -while the rippled wavelets, gently moved by the waft -of the evening breeze, sparkled in bright effulgence -as their crests toppled and broke in foamy succession.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the sierra peaks of the des Orgoaes began to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_378'>378</span>cast their long shadows over the distant foliaged and -villa-fringed bay of Jurbajuba, he was attracted from -his reveried meditations by the distant strains of -music, in harmonious accord with his mood. The instrumental -combination in trio was so blended in harmony -that he failed to recognize their individual -characteristics, until a near approach enabled him to -distinguish the movements of the performers. While -yet distant his attention was impressed with the beseeching -undertone of melancholy that pervaded the -apparently improvised variations of familiar melodies, -as if in wailing supplication for sympathy. As the -boat approached the wharf, within its shadow, the -awning was retroverted to admit of the upright position -of a harp, supported by a woman yet young, but -the resemblance of her features to a boy and girl, sitting -upon either side of the stern thwart, proclaimed -the relationship of mother. The children were yet -within their first decade of years, but had advanced -to the stage that rules with its impressions the -after course of Giga life, in act, for good or evil. -Their instrumental prelude had attracted all within -hearing to the wharf, for the unusual tones of sad -sweetness proved alike irresistible to the troglodyte -negro and more insensate sea-monster of brutality, -the slave-ship’s captain. The eyes of the mother, -whose face was overshadowed by the broad brim of a -Tuscan hat, moved with a quick glance from face to -face of the gathered assemblage upon the wharf, -while she directed the concerted movement of her -children’s musical appeal, from violin and dulcetina, -by touching in timed lead the strings of the harp. -When all accessible to her sight had been passed in -review, her eyes became suffused with the sad mists of -disappointment, which were imparted to her children’s, -upraised with hope. Drawing her veil to -screen her emotions, she commenced a plaintive refrain, -her fingers imparting to the strings of the harp -<span class='pageno' id='Page_379'>379</span>an anguished tone of petition, so evident in its pleadings, -that the uncouth negroes reverentially removed -the turbaned bandas from their heads in recognition -of the woful strains, and for the moment were raised -above the grovelings of their debased condition. -After the third repetition, the instrumental air was -changed into an accompaniment for their voices, -which in song preferred the following petition in -Italian and English:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Father dear, art thou near?</div> - <div class='line'>Then listen without fear;</div> - <div class='line'>We came not to reprove,</div> - <div class='line'>But erring steps to soothe.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Italy, dear land of our birth,</div> - <div class='line'>Though exiled, the choicest of earth,</div> - <div class='line'>Truly, thou wast cherished for love,</div> - <div class='line'>With only one object above.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“But alas, how frail was my stay!</div> - <div class='line'>Beguiled by a wanton away,</div> - <div class='line'>These pledges of love now remain,</div> - <div class='line'>To haunt me with loss, and the stain.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“To save, I have sought every trace,</div> - <div class='line'>A pilgrim to this distant place,</div> - <div class='line'>Hopeless, I have come in despair,</div> - <div class='line'>And now forlorn, breathe the last prayer.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>When the refrain had been repeated for the fourth -time without response, or sign of recognition, the -mother sank back on her seat; the harp following, -with its weight would have forced her backward into -the water, but for the timely arrest of the padrone. -In a moment her neck was encircled with the arms of -her children, who bestowed, unabashed by the curious -presence of the assemblage, the spontaneous promptings -of their affection, in solace for the encouragement -of hope. Never, in the course of a life devoted -to auramental association with the Giga race, had I -ever witnessed an influence that so quickly dispersed -varied evidences of brutality in human expression, as -from these manifestations of suffering in alliance with -innocence, affection, and beauty, hallowed in preluded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_380'>380</span>expression of emotions by instrumental and -vocal music. The repulsive sensuality, so brutally -prominent in the slave captain’s and their “owner’s” -visages, which exceeded in the loathsome vulgarity of -selfishness the hyena’s, gave place to the shadowy -reflection of sympathetic pity, as if from the impression -of a reality retrieved from the dim memories of -childhood. In default of tears, to the moisture of -which their eyes had long been dead, they relieved -their pockets of the last representative coins of sympathy, -for bestowal “in charity” upon these wandering -minstrels, who had recalled a flitting reminiscence -of a mother’s memory, which once entitled them to an -alliance with affectionate humanity. In contrast, the -black faces of the negroes glistened with moisture -from eyes still open to the founts of primitive sympathy; -those acting as boatmen collecting the coins -with scrupulous honesty, deposited them in the -sachels of the children.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The mother, aroused with the continued sound of -falling money, for, as with the exampled impulse of -panic fear in battle, and the gambler’s reckless course -in the downward path of fate, charity becomes heedless -of self under the associate impression of congregated -bestowal, made an effort to free her eyes from -tears, that she might give expression to her thankfulness -and stay the uncalled-for gifts of money. Then -making known her desire to land, the padrone -directed the boat to the stairway of the pier, the -eyes of the children the while being engaged in a -wandering search among the spectators, with a woful -expression of loving desire. Ascending the stairway -from the water, the motley crowd opened a free -passage; the foreigners following the example of the -negroes, removed their hats in token of respect. -My auramentee had been greatly moved from the -first sound of the instrumental prelude, but the -appealing sadness of their voiceful invocation enlisted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_381'>381</span>his sympathetic excitability beyond control. Unable, -with his utmost exertions, to approach within speaking -distance, he followed in the wake of the procession -until he saw the padrone and boat’s crew deposit -the harp and baggage of the mother and children, at -the street door of a house occupied by an <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">attaché</span></i> of -the English consulate, in a court opening upon the -Rua da Dereita. As their entertainer proved to be -an acquaintance of the auramentee, he returned to -his hotel well satisfied with the assurance of their congenial -safety, which had fulfilled his kind intentions. -On the second day after their arrival he obtained an -introduction, and with an unobtrusive offer of service -gained their confidence. When but partially recovered -from the anxiety and fatigue of the voyage, -they commenced their street perambulations as musicians, -with a pecuniary success more than equal to -the exalted expectations of favorite opera singers, -which to the credit of the Rioans was bestowed from -the enlistment of true sympathy in their behalf, -rather than in acknowledgment for their musical -talent. The family of the emperor became interested -from the universal expression of sympathy bestowed -in recognition of their sufferings; although the cause -was unknown, they extended to them their protection. -Failing in their endeavors to dissuade -them from the exposure of street concertizing, by -the offer of a less laborious and more pleasing -method of rendering their talent provident, they -were content to aid them with their special protection -and patronage. A week later, in a private -interview, she gave them such reasons for the course -she had chosen, that they used their power to facilitate -the attainment of her object.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the nineteenth day succeeding that of her -landing, my auramentee was detained until a late -hour in the evening at his place of business, and -was hastening to pay a short visit to his <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">protégés</span></i>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_382'>382</span>when he was intercepted by a messenger from a -friend who had been suddenly prostrated with an -attack of the coast fever, who urged him to make -haste as the symptoms threatened a fatal issue. We -found the doctor in attendance on our arrival, who -accepted a thought suggestion, and on the supposition -that it was his own, adopted the recommendation, -which served to relieve his patient from the fatal tendency, -thereby relieving my auramentee from his -apprehensions, in time to fulfill his first intentions. -This fever scourge of Brazil differs from the yellow -type of northern latitudes; as in Rio, during the first -stages of accession, it is exceedingly erratic; suddenly -appearing in one department to rage with deadly vigor -for a few days, and then in apparent transfer, subsiding, -to reënact in a remote district its fatal ravages. -At a later period of its sway, when the partially exhausted -venom has become more generally dispersed, -it flits hither and thither with demon activity, fastening -upon its prey without premonitory symptoms, -perceptible to curative observation, devoted to empirical -treatment, although distinctly visible in inceptive -cause to our censors. Even with coincident cause and -effect clearly exposed for detection in current transfer, -the Giga physicians utterly ignore ante-investigation, -for prevising the means of prevention. This -observance of limits, overleaping adjoining, to locate -itself in remote districts, gives plain indication of local -infecting agency, and we discover that the fermentable -cause was overlooked, and allowed to exhaust -itself in putrefactive dissemination. With this hint, -in recurring attestation of the fatuous fatalism that -will ever attend the curative devisements of humanity, -while they neglect the means of prevention, we will -resume our demonstration in narrative vindication of -the axiom, that remedy is inherent with the cause.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But a few minutes had passed, after the auramentee -had reached his hotel, before he was summoned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_383'>383</span>to the house of his Italian <em>protégés</em>. On our arrival -we found the mother in the height of the febrile -stage of the plague’s accession, but calm and resigned -in thought, although impressed with a premonition -of the disease’s fatality, which with our knowledge -we felt that it was impossible to avert, still we -suggested remedies for transient relief. With the -morning’s dawn, after soothing the anxious fears of -her children, she expressed to them her desire to converse -with the auramentee alone. Notwithstanding -the unusual nature of the request, it was cheerfully -complied with. She then related to him the cause of -her husband’s estrangement and desertion, affirming -that her sole object in following him was for his -rescue from self-inflicted wretchedness, as she had -brought with her a feeling of fatality, that warned -her that her own and children’s days were numbered. -This feeling had been confirmed in her mind by the -strange sympathy which had been shown in her behalf, -as the source of her sorrows was only known -to an appreciative few. We used all our powers of -persuasion to induce a more hopeful mood, by endeavoring -to convince her that she was yielding to -superstitious feelings unworthy of the courage which -had sustained her through the trials of desertion, and -her long search which had been continued in a manner -humiliating to the affectionate pride of a mother -in behalf of her children, exhorting her to bear up -bravely until she had achieved the object of her mission. -With a wailing sigh, quickly suppressed, she -averted her face, while with choked utterance, scarcely -raised above a whisper, she despairingly murmured, -“I have seen him.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Surprise, mingled with an oppressive sorrow, held -us speechless; for words of sympathy, however pure -in expression, would have added to the pangs of her -agonized affection, which seemed already struggling -for liberation from the body, held back by her children’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_384'>384</span>love; but divided, and bereaved of the sentient -unity of her affection, grief overshadowed and -dimmed her assurance of a happy immortality. A -silence of many minutes followed, unbroken save by -convulsed sobs, which she vainly tried to suppress; -at last a flood from the fount of tears enabled her to -regain self-command, but only to be borne back for -the realization of deeper woe. Her children, with -anxious solicitation for the revival of fond memories, -had caught the reflection of their mother’s lullaby, -with which she had soothed them in dawning infancy, -when with undimmed eyes she had breathed -her affection in song. Then no cloud had arisen to -darken with its gloom the joys of her wedded life. -The daughter had been encouraged, with guided -hands, to touch the strings of the harp during the -period of toddling babyhood, when from feeble, faltering -incertitude an answering response came to the -mother’s leading song. Soon her tiny fingers, instructed -by a retentive memory, enabled her to render -with remarkable accuracy the most difficult compositions -within the compass of her reach. The sadly -harmonious memorial that had opened with renewed -anguish the fount of the mother’s tears, was the sleep -requiem early impressed on the daughter’s dawning -memory. Commencing with an imitative prelude, -suggestive of childhood’s hesitating touch, accompanied -with her brother’s violin, the various canzanatas -were modulated with the far-off lisp of invocation, -as if from dawning perception, intuitively -increasing in volume until it reached the flowing -harmony of present maturity. From the joyous expression -of childhood’s buoyancy, the strain suddenly -changed into the sad wailing of uncertainty, improvised -with mournful variations descriptive of their -wanderings and disappointments. Again, in renewal, -as if led by some inspiration beyond their control, -they reached their present source of sorrow. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_385'>385</span>burden of the plaintive strains was frequently interrupted -with sobbing outbursts, rendering their touch -tremulous and uncertain, the efforts made for suppression -being easily detected by hesitations, which -they endeavored to cover with bolder movements. -Recovering, as if with the sudden impression of hopeful -assurance, there came a stream of melody of inconceivable -purity, as from an echo of futurity bearing in -waft joyful gladness. This change caused the mother -to whisper, with tears fresh flowing over a sadly joyous -expression, “I would have so, it is our requiem.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>With the lullaby, that was improvised in quick -succession, the mother again clasped her hands convulsively, -while the spasmodic workings of her compressed -lips and trembling eyelids bespoke the -inward struggle made to suppress the gathering -strength of her emotions. But with the rehearsal of -the melodious symphonies of the halcyon days of -united love, grief found vent in an abundant flow of -tears, which called forth from the auramentee stifled -throbs of masculine sympathy. But while the melodies -were growing more earnest in the sad sweetness -of their expression, the strain suddenly ceased with -the startled cry of, “Father!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The mother sprang from the bed, but with tottering -dizziness fell back, still retaining her consciousness -with a placid expression, which despite the ashy paleness -of the face bespoke the full consummation of -earthly hopes. The children gently opening the door -led in the wretched father, upon whose features were -imprinted with haggard remorse the interwoven lines -of despair. Blind with the searing touch of hopeless -shame, he passed the auramentee unnoticed; then -pressed down by the remorseful revival of first affection, -he knelt at the bedside and was enfolded in his -wife’s arms. Not a syllable had been spoken save -the word, father, and the auramentee feeling that his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_386'>386</span>voice and presence would prove alike embarrassing, -quietly withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Five hours later, while crossing the palace plaza -on his return from a walk on the Botofogian beach, -we met the husband hastening back to his house of -refuge and partner in disgrace. Although evidently -bracing himself for the utmost exertion of his powers -of resistance and speed, in opposition to the foe -whose seal was legibly visible in the ashy paleness of -his face, the wavering uncertainty of his steps betokened -speedy prostration. The natives, accustomed -to the symptoms, detected the cause of his swaying -progress, and held their course as far to the windward -as possible, following his movements with eyes -subject to the instinctive fascination that a person -under the doom of deadly infection attracts. Becoming -fully impressed with his condition from increasing -weakness, and the fixed stare of the passers-by, who -avoided him, his steps faltered and a momentary -shadow of dismay caused a wavering of his eyes and -lips; but in quick revulsion he again braced himself, -with a determination that bespoke the energetic self-possession -of the Englishman in extremity. Leaning -against the palace wall, which he had reached, he -hastily buttoned his coat to his throat, then drawing -in his breath resolutely, he again started forward -with a defiant stride. But he was in the deadly grasp -of a foe who toyed with his mortal powers as relentlessly -in sacrificial oblation, as he had with the ties -of affection. This fact his tottering steps soon betrayed, -for in despite of his desperate struggles he -sank back in a half kneeling and leaning position -against a pediment of stone, in transition for the -tower of a neighboring church, while its priest passed -by on the other side hastily crossing himself and -muffling his face with aversion.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The imploring language of his eyes, which he cast -around with beseeching entreaty for help, moved -<span class='pageno' id='Page_387'>387</span>even the stolid pity of the natives to unwonted activity, -causing them to start in search of the brotherhood -in charge of the department. But the auramentee, -forgetful of the unfortunate’s great wrong, -gave him supporting assistance, while urging with -his voice the necessity for the utmost exertion of self-determination. -Pointing to the Hotel des Estrangeiros -he made an effort to take from his pocket a -card partially in view. Understanding his wish, the -auramentee took it, adding to its anticipated intention -in his own handwriting, “sick with the fever,” -dispatched it by a kindly hand to its destination. -Scarcely five minutes elapsed before a female form -darted from the portal and directed her steps in wild -dismay to the stricken one’s side, and kneeling -claimed the support of his head, while with a kiss -she supplicated, “Oh, Edward, what can I do?” A -faint smile lighted his face at this appeal, as he whispered -the ever abiding talismanic word, “home,” so -dear to the honest attachments of instinct, however -much misused in collateral signification. The auramentee -then entreated him to muster all the energy -possible in aid of their support. Raising him with -great difficulty to an upright position upon his feet, -all his efforts to walk proved abortive, but a kind-hearted -Frenchman who was passing, volunteered his -aid to bear the doomed bodily to his hotel and bed. -By profession a nurse, the Frenchman undertook the -patient’s charge, after he was placed in bed, but gave -no hopes of his recovery; on the contrary, with the -coolness of a physician, urged him to use quick dispatch -if he wished to dispose of anything by his will -for the living advantage of others, as it was impossible -for him to live longer than two or three hours.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A smile, with the answering words, “It is well,” -aroused the anguished despair of the being, who still -ministered with all absorbing thought her tender -care and caresses, bringing forth the expostulation, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_388'>388</span>“Oh, Edward, Edward, if you go, you must not leave -me! for wherever you go, I must go with you!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The dying man raised his eyes to hers with a look -of unutterable fondness, then, with mustered energy, -whispered: “Julia, it is hard to part from you, after -so much suffering. But living, it would prove to us -both a continued scene of remorseful misery, without -the possibility of atonement, while dying, I have -gloomy forebodings that there will be for us no future. -Yet, whatever may come after death, it is better -that I should die as the cause, than live as the renewed -source of misery to others.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Such a look of despairing desolation as she cast -upon her expiring lover I had never before seen depicted -upon the face of Giga woman. Her beauty, -surpassing, in fair unblemishing complexion those of -kindred type, was refined by the hopeless anguish of -its expression, which in its passionless void betokened, -as with him, a reviving hope struggling for -the bodily retrievement of an assured immortality. -At the expiration of an hour, her arm that supported -his head grew lax and nerveless; but his efforts to -raise himself recalled her thoughts for his assistance. -Perceiving that it was his desire to be left alone with -her, while he yet retained his consciousness, the auramentee -was prompted to inform him of his kindly -attentions bestowed upon his wife and children, as it -offered the opportunity of affording mutual consolation, -by conveying to his wife and children some -affectionate token or message. The announcement -revived his energies, imparting to his “allovee” a -kindred impression of desire. Beckoning the auramentee -nearer, in earnest, whispered accents, he implored -him to plead with his wife, Julia’s forgiveness, -as the “sin” of desertion was wholly his own. “Say -to her,” he continued, “that it was my own unencouraged -infatuation; against which she, loving, did -all that she could to resist my entreaties, striving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_389'>389</span>earnestly in the toils to escape from me and ‘love’s’ -allurements. She is not wanton, but pure and devoted -as a wife can be, although misguided. It is my -own ‘heart’ that is divided, even in death, which -makes me feel doubly thankful for its nearer rescue.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Charged with this message we left them, Julia -courting the virulence of the malady with an assiduous -intention that plainly declared her determination -to share in death his grave, in opposition to his own -and the Frenchman’s vehement protestations. We -reached the bedside of his wife in time to receive her -last recognition, who answered with a smile and pressure -of the hand her husband’s last petition, and -while passing away invoked, with the reviving spark -of conscious vitality, the auramentee’s guardian protection -of her children, should they survive, as she -was aware that they had been seized with the fever -in the presence of their father, who had bestowed -upon them his care with the intention of returning. -After bestowing upon the children his affectionate -care in the fulfillment of his accepted charge, he hastened -as speedily as possible to the bedside of the -doomed husband, and found the dying lovers supported -in each other’s arms. For Julia, in the short -period of our absence, had excited the latent seeds of -the infection, and was already nearing the confines of -her desire. The husband, although speechless, still -retained his consciousness, with the power of making -known, with grateful expression, the consolation imparted -from our tidings. Julia, in anticipation of -death, placed her attendant in charge of the auramentee, -desiring him to send her back to Italy, as -she had followed her own misguided steps from affection. -The auramentee promised the faithful discharge -of all their wishes in the event of his own -preservation. Then with a sorrowful farewell, in -freedom from the bitterness of our first impressions, -we left them with a sure remedy at hand for the cure -<span class='pageno' id='Page_390'>390</span>of their self-inflicted unhappiness. Returning to the -children, we bestowed upon them our personal care -and affection until death relieved us of our charge; -but the scenes that preceded their final departure -from life are too harrowing for recital. Let it suffice, -that on the morrow when the western hills cast their -shadows over the city, under the upward halo of the -setting sun, the father, mother, and children, with -their cousin Julia, whose beauty was the sad cause of -her own and their misery, were borne together, in -their bodies’ materiality, for burial far beyond the -city’s limits. The place of interment had been -granted as a special mark of interest by the emperor, -whose family were deeply affected by the tragic end -of their <em>protégés</em>. The harp, violin, and dulcetina -were retained by Captain Greenwood, the auramentee, -as mementoes of the sad scenes described, and are -held in “devout” estimation as pledges of affectionate -remembrance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Annette, the companion of Julia, while assisting in -packing the instruments for shipment to Montevideo, -displayed versatile accomplishments as a musician -that astonished Captain Greenwood, and while playing -some airs found noted in the satchels of the children, -she was frequently moved to tears, and in explanation -of the cause, it transpired in revelation that -she was the daughter of Signor Pozzuoli, the inventor -of the dulcetina, and early teacher of the children, -a majority of the preserved musical annotations -being of her own composition. On the day previous -to the one appointed for the sailing of the steamer for -Montevideo the captain proposed to introduce Annette -to the consignee of a ship about to sail for Leghorn. -She then declared her desire to accompany -him to Montevideo, as she felt a disinclination to return -to Italy, urging that her musical ability would -prove amply sufficient for her support, if he would assume -the character of guardian for her countenance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_391'>391</span>and protection. From the mutual interest engendered -from the scenes through which they had passed, -the captain encouraged her decision, gladly assuming -the charge of protector. In closing, the Dosch said, -I have related the history of the dulcetina, with desire -of enforcing the absolute necessity of the Manatitlan -system of education, if the Giga race really wish to -bequeath happiness from unity in the marriage alliance, -as a memorial source of example to succeeding -generations. As scenes of the kind are constantly increasing -in an engendered series from degenerate inoculation, -with thoughtful consideration its practicability -must be apparent to the meanest capacity. -The relation will also impress upon you the characteristic -value of your late companion, when relieved -from the influence of habit, as well as the discernment -of Correliana, which penetrated beneath the -crisp asperities of his outer husk. In the exceptions -we are about to advise, you will recognize the prudence -of our judgment. The “brides” will surely -afford an invincible security from their incorruptible -purity and goodness, which, with kindred beauty in -personal endowment, would insure constancy in defiance -of all the temptations that could be proffered -by the most lauded belles of civilized society, even -if the ages of their intended husbands were less by -two thirds. The countenance of Correliana, during -the recital of the Dosch, was a mirror of reflection for -the grateful expression of her thoughts.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_392'>392</span> - <h2 id='XXVIII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>On the third morning after our visit to the school -of the ninyetas, the prætor and the tribune teachers -with Correliana and her mother called at the -quarters of the corps, to escort M. Hollydorf to the -prætorial colonnades, as the husband elect of Luocuratia, -for the fulfillment of his probationary term. -After receiving the congratulations of adoption from -the Heracleans, all joined in the matin song of -thanksgiving in the lower fora. While the prætor -and his wife were absent, aiding Luocuratia in her -valedictory salutations, M. Hollydorf was entertained -by Correliana and the Doschessa. In order that he -might perfectly understand the premeditated process -of transfer, and security achieved, Correliana stated: -“The Dosch had auramentally learned your determination -to make Heraclea your home three months ago, -and suggested the apt adoption of your peculiarities -to her disposition; but until convinced of your constancy -to our customs he advised the course we have -pursued. The result of your trial has proved of happier -import than we anticipated, as well as of Luocuratia’s -ready infilmentary adaptation for the unity -of impression; but now you can rest assured that -her thoughts have already become interwoven in desire -with your own, so that your example will be held -paramount to ours. After the bewildering maze your -presence caused was dispelled, her thoughts were directed -for the shadowy investment of your image -with her own as a prelude for more perfect realization, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_393'>393</span>with a success which imparted a trust free from -doubt or fear in question of its fulfillment; in this -mood I left her, promising to visit her in the evening. -In keeping with my appointment, I found her -awaiting my coming in the garden, in full confidence -that, with my aid, whatever there might be of mystery -to her veiled comprehension would be cleared -for her perception’s perfect understanding. With an -endearing caress, fluttering with the timidity of a -newborn joy, her eyes drooping in tremulous expectation, -were filled to fullness with happy anticipations, -as she leaned her head upon my shoulder, invoking -with attentive silence my aid for the full -interpretation of her waking vision. That she might -taste the cup of my own realized joy, without tantalizing -prelude, I rehearsed your confided doubts and -fears as the counterpart of her own, the while encircling -her waist with my arm, in support of her head’s -nestling repose, that the body’s medium of a sister’s -affection might more fully open to her the gates of -revelation; then to the trama of her love I interwove, -through the shuttled impulses of her ear, the -vibrating threads of your affection, until they became -involved with the stamina of your stronger nature; -then the rustling sigh of relief bespoke the double investment -complete in the unity of confiding reciprocation. -This accomplished, inasmuch as the agency -of my influence could represent the responsive source -of sexual alliance, for the embodiment of affection, -she became so deeply absorbed with sweet meditative -reflection that she was unconscious of my departure. -This ingraft of affection, in surety so propitious, -should engender solicitude, on your part, in behalf of -your race; for enjoyment ever lacks full maturity, -when we feel that there are others with the prestige -of purity and goodness, who are denied our privilege -from the want of kindly direction.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>To which supplication, M. Hollydorf replied:—“Truly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_394'>394</span>thankful for your pleading consideration, -however little my faults merit your lenity, I must -ask your continued forbearance; as you can scarcely -imagine from the purity of your associations, the -depth of insincerity that must ever oppress and haunt -me with the bitterness of reflection for my unworthiness, -in accepting the boon of an alliance that so far -exceeds my present capacity for just appreciation. -But if the neglected germ of good intention, brambled -by evil example, can be redeemed to offer an -equivalent worthy of your acceptance, it shall be my -constant study to withhold your memory from the -past, which is beyond the reach of extenuation, by -the integrity of an exampled affection.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Correliana.</em> “That you may feel to the full extent -the confidence bestowed with Luocuratia, my father -has left his written salutation for presentation, which -with your permission, I will read, that it may convey -to you the living warmth of a personal address.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“‘To <span class='sc'>M. Hollydorf</span>, <em>Director of the Heraclean Deliverers</em>:—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>Carrissimus</em>, acting upon the information received -with advice from the Dosch and his advisers, and -your own confidence imparted to my step-daughter, -Correliana Adinope, affording verification of our own -observations, that there exists a unity of attachment -between you and her twin sister Luocuratia, we offer -you with unspeakable gladness our joyful congratulations, -with the sum of our united affection. In bestowing -our fullest sanction, we are truly happy in -being able to contribute, from our Heraclean resources, -the means of perfecting our ties of grateful -reciprocation, and rejoice that we have achieved the -privilege of calling you by the endearing name of son, -as you were in anticipation wedded to our affection. -In accepting our daughter for the cultivation and -solace of mutual affection, you will have our assurance -of her enduring devotion, which no mischance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_395'>395</span>can abate; for with her the animus of goodness exceeds -in thoughtful intention the power of expression. -In her affection you will find an allied support all-sufficient -for happy sustenance, and in its overplus -an index of the homage outflowing in reciprocation -from every Heraclean. In conformity with the happy -experience of our ancestors, we herewith, in addition -to our verbal invitation, proffer the formality of -script, with the desire that you will become a member -of our household, in domiciliation, during the -three months allotted for probationary exemplification -of congeniality in habits necessary for unity in -affectionate reciprocation. Luocuratia will return to -gladden our colonnades at the approach of noontide, -then with your presence our joy will overflow in -thanksgiving to the Source of direction, that devised -the achievement of our deliverance through your instrumentality.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Adestus.</span>”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Correliana, while reading her father’s script welcome, -watched with keen interest its effect, and was -recompensed to an extent exceeding her expectations, -by the warmth made manifest from the grateful -emotions of the respondent. Fully satisfied with his -relief from the sensitive reproaches of his disposition, -for thoughtful diversion from his waiting suspense, -she appealed to the Doschessa for encouragement in -behalf of her meditated mission for the colonistic -establishment of schools for the educational intuition -of self-legislation, among the civilized Giga races. -“Have you, in your auramental experience, which -enables you to reach and advise the thoughts of Giga -women, found them all so abjectly subservient to the -trammels of society and its fashionable tyrannies?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Doschessa.</em> “The exceptions are simply modified, -all worship at the same shrine of thoughtless fatuity, -with a heedless tendency for the utter extinction -of purity and goodness.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_396'>396</span><em>Correliana.</em> “Alieu, woe is with our hopes, if to -such a depth of desecration the animus of purity has -befallen with our sex! Surely, she must still retain -the germ of her affectionate inheritance; and with -the lead of our example it must revive with the nourishing -warmth of a mother’s love.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Doschessa.</em> “In truth, we have never failed to discover -in women, when free from the actual vices of -corruption, the latent spark of goodness that with -exampled cultivation may be revived for truthful -reciprocation. Dependent as we have been upon -auramentation for the invocation of purity in thought, -the impressions are as transient as the conjurations -of a dream, which give place to the more tangible -waking visions of sense. If the current of their -superficial conversation could be stayed, for the silent -inception of thought, your mission would be rendered -easy. Perhaps the irresistible impression of your -own and companion’s beauty, will surprise from envious -covetousness sufficient thought for the detection -of an inceptive source, with the desire for its -privileged bequeathment to their children? For -often in selfish lamentation we have heard Giga -women supplicate in prayer for the abatement of -their own scandalous dispositions. One of their formulistic -invocations to the ‘throne of grace,’ offered as -an oblation for the “contrite heart,” I will repeat:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“‘Purge from me hypocrisy, ere I from life depart,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And all deceptions, that belong to the lying art.</div> - <div class='line'>Then purify love, from thoughts of material sense,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And make me feel that goodness responds to future tense.’”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>This accusative conviction is by no means rare, and -the purity of your personal appearance, in consonance -with exampled goodness, might attract thoughtful -consideration from its contrast to the degrading attrition -of selfishness subject to the material influence -of gold. Your example might lead them in train to -adopt our dress, which is light and ‘elegant,’ subserving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_397'>397</span>all the requirements of bodily freedom, and -purity in protection; if so fortunate you would remove -the embargo of oppression from their bodies, -and the curse of talkative frivolity from their -tongues.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here the Doschessa was interrupted by the sound -of light footsteps, quickly followed by the voices and -presence of Cleorita and Oviata, who with an escort -of Kyronese maidens came bounding into the triclinium -with the joyful announcement, “He’s coming!” -Pale and breathless, Correliana, without waiting for -farther words of explanation, sped forth, her feet with -dainty touch kissing the earth with gladness, passing -with the swiftness of an arrow in its flight those already -hastening down the avenue of the latifundium, -apprised of the near approach of Captain Greenwood. -First, she passed Mr. Welson and Dr. Baāhar, then -with graceful ease Mr. Dow, whose lank form and -longer strides had distanced his associates; even the -mayorong, inured to an active mountain life, and long -journeys on foot, now fledged with the grateful remembrance -of his people’s preservation, was left behind. -Then as Captain Greenwood, urging his mule -to its utmost speed, caught her view as he entered -the cinctus gate, the earth seemed to respond with -elasticity to the touch of her feet, and before he could -dismount from his quadrupedal conveyance, he was -clasped in the frank embrace of her arms, and had -received her kiss of welcome, while her face, eloquent -with smiles and tears of joy, became radiant with -beauty in contentful expression. Her hushed silence, -from the fullness of happy enjoyment, was aroused -from selfish indulgence, by the salutation of her -father to his already adopted step-son. Still in half -embrace, as if loth to relinquish the body temple animated -with the shrine of her devotion, she was not -forgetful of the affectionate relation she held foreign -to self. Her parents and sister, who had followed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_398'>398</span>with equal steps, but had held anxious desire aloof, -until the fullness of her first emotions of gladness had -subsided, were first made known to each other with -affectionate designations, newly fledged from the -English idiom. In turn the captain received embraces -of welcome from each, which unloosed his -tongue from its accustomed reticent caution, Correliana’s -still encircling arm causing the grateful current -of speech to flow in accord with her own emotions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The family scene closed, M. Hollydorf, in freedom -from rival jealousy, gave his cordial salutations of -welcome, which were followed by the other members -of the corps. Then the Heracleans and Kyronese -claimed the privilege of expressing their affectionate -gratulations. The mayorong, distrustful of his power -for expressing the reverential emotions of his gratitude, -for the deliverance of his people from their extreme -peril, although second to the prætor’s family, -in greeting with his presence the captain’s entrance, -had allowed all the precedence. Approaching the captain, -when beckoned by the prætor, hereditary impulse -inclined him to prostration, but the humiliating -act was arrested by an energetic embrace which relieved -him from his embarrassment. While the -prætor was gratefully presenting the Betongese for -the captain’s kindred recognition, attention was attracted -by the musical call of children from his incoming -train. Mr. Welson, recognizing the voices that -were making the name, Don Guillermo’s, melodious, -on approaching, in quick transition, found his neck -enwreathed with the arms of his little favorites, Lavoca -and Lovieta, whose eager curiosity, after bestowing -their kisses of welcome, inquiringly asked, in -whispered accents, who the angel was that embraced -the captain, and the other, and others? Supporting -with his arms, their bodies pendent from his neck, -Mr. Welson carried the children to Correliana and -Luocuratia, “and the others,” to receive from their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_399'>399</span>lips the much coveted welcome; which was given -with such loving zest, that sweet surprise made dewy -their jetty eyes, while their cheeks glowed through -the olive tint, embrowned from exposure, with an exquisite -blending that enhanced their rare infantile -beauty. As all the Heracleans and Kyronese matrons -and maidens claimed the privilege of surprised -affection, in bestowing the salutation of welcome, it -was long before they were restored again to the full -possession of Don Guillermo, and then were so mazed -with delightful impressions, and wondering gladness, -that they were unable to give heedful answers to his -inquiries. At length, after an apologetic round of -besitos beneath his grizzled moustache, which caused -him, laughingly, to utter the interjectional expostulation -“bas-tan-te,” they in rambling relation commenced -the rehearsal of events which led to their -transfer from parental care and their natural home.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Observing his inquiring gaze directed to a young -woman, whose eyes were occupied with curious admiration -in following the changing variations in the -scene enactment from the loving outflow of affection -evoked by the captain’s advent, Lovieta and Lavoca -exclaimed with united voices, “Oh, that’s Annette, -our governante, we love her very much.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then with childlike simplicity, peculiar to Spanish -infantas, they informed him that she was a nice -beautiful teacher of music, and everything else, and -Captain Greenwood’s sister, but not in the regular -way, although they were very fond of each other. -“Father loves them very much, and when the captain -told him he was coming to live here for good, she -said, that with his permission she would go wherever -he went, and make his home hers. This made -him very glad. Then father seemed to be sad with -thinking, and then he loved us so much while shedding -tears, that when we could speak, we asked what -made him so triste? He said, he wanted them to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_400'>400</span>take us to Heraclea that we might be educated so -that we would be always good, and could be present -with him and mamma although absent in body, which -would keep them from feeling sad and lonely. But -we could see that mamma and he were very, very -triste. This made us sorry. So he talked to us of -all you had written of the happiness of the people -here, because they were truly good and pure in their -love toward each other, without selfish concealments; -then we were glad and wanted to be with you. The -mammatits you sent, who have been with us all the -way, told us all about the school, and how loving the -children were toward each other, which made them -always very beautiful; but you, nor they, didn’t tell -us that there were angels here. Then they said -that there were no dolls here, for the larger nines -helped to care for the ninaquillas,—how very, very -beautiful they are,—do they never grow old and -ugly here, so that they have to paint their faces, and -scold like grandma, because people don’t like them? -Then, as we were a going to say, mother don’t feel -exactly safe with herself, and becomes fearful, when -grandma talks to her of her soul’s perdition, which -we can’t well understand, only that it’s padre Molinero’s -doings. So she wanted us to come here before -we were too old to enter the school, that she and papa -might visit us and learn how to be truly affectionate -without talking too much; but we don’t see, now, how -that can be; ay, ay, pobre mamma and papa! But -they said it was for our happiness that they wished -to send us, which we can now see. How beautiful, -nice, and clean everything looks! Is it always so? -And papa said, that without us his home would be -desolate. Then mamma looked at him wild like, but -so pitiable, and choked so, then looked so sorrowful, -that we hugged and kissed her and whispered we -wouldn’t go away and leave her; then she said, -‘Pedro?’ soft like, and papa took her in his arms, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_401'>401</span>and we all cried together; but so happy, it didn’t -seem like crying, and couldn’t speak for ever so long -a time, but then we felt so content, when we thought -so lovingly, and said nothing. Then when mamma -could speak, she said whisperingly and softly, so that -we could scarcely hear her for our crying, ‘Pedro, it -is better they should go, and I will try to make you -feel that your house and home are not desolate.’ Then -he kissed her and we all cried again for joy. But -grandma made us feel so unpleasantly by saying -that it was as good as throwing our souls away to -send us where there were no priests and churches, -we didn’t feel any sorrow when we bid her good-bye. -So we have come away from bad example to get -souls that will make us live as though we had no -bodies, for we were very much afraid of death. The -mammatits said the Heracleans lived to make each -other happy, so that each one was loved by all the -rest, and in caring for one they cared for all the rest, -so that there could be no grief and repentance for -wrong-doing, for all were good, and cared more for -others than themselves; and we can now see that -you are all gladness, and were sometimes so triste -when you were with us. We love father a little more -than we do you, because you see we have always -known him, and we haven’t known you so long. -But the <span lang="pt" xml:lang="pt">gente pequenézas</span> said you were so much -changed in disposition we should hardly know you; -and to be sure, now that we see you when you smile, -we feel so glad; and sometimes, when you lived with -us, your smile made us feel sad, as though we’d -rather you would not.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Lavoca.</em> “Yes Lovieta, just think, didn’t his smile -at home remind you of the rose blossoms that look -out from the old grated window of the <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">claustro</span> San -Jaun; which seemed for all the world as though they -wished to come out into the sunlight, but couldn’t, -because they wouldn’t confess it was sinful? But -<span class='pageno' id='Page_402'>402</span>they say you never speak cross words here, for in loving -to do so much for others, without money, you -have nothing to scold for. You see we never told -mamma all what the Manatitlans could do to make -us good, as they said the priests would persuade her -mother that we had dealings with the devil. Señor -Arbitrator, the one that used to talk with father most, -told him all about the schools, and how you live here. -How queer it is that you can hear them talk when -you listen to what they say in your ear, and can -scarcely see them on your hand, let it be ever so -clean, for they are very particular. Then their -voices are so very small and chirrupy. But father -says, that they are louder in proportion to size than -the cicada’s. Mother was very loving and cheerful -after they came, but very much frightened; then we -knew the gentle pequenézas had talked to her. So -you see that we are here with Annette Pozzuoli, who -has come to teach the Heracleans music, which you -said in your letter they are fond of, and we have -heard the mammatits chant their morning and evening -songs of praise. Are you really and truly glad to -see us, now that you are so good! Oh dear, what -queer dresses, now that we see them! But how nice, -sweet and clean they look! How very, very, beautiful! -Do you think that they will love us if we are -truly good?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson, with the opportunity assured them -that he was truly glad to see them, as he was certain -that they would be loved and happy, and he was sure -that mamma and papa would soon follow the lead of -their affection, and in Heraclea forget that they had -ever been unhappy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The prætor and family had listened unobserved to -the prattling relation of the diminutive maidens, and -at its close bestowed upon them the much coveted -caresses, then placing them in charge of Cleorita -and Oviata, who could converse with them in their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_403'>403</span>own language, they were subjected to the rights of -the Kyronese bath, which excited their wincing but -mirthful admiration; and their comfortable contentment -was well assured when they found themselves -invested in Heraclean raiment, which impressed them -with the feeling of purified adoption.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After they had been placed in charge of the Kyronese -maidens, the assemblage moved up the avenue -toward the city. Mr. Welson, who had devoted himself -to Annette, after his introduction by the children, -was pleased to learn in more direct language the -events which had transpired in Don Pedro’s family, -from the period of her return from a visit in the -country, a few days subsequent to his departure on -board of the <em>Tortuga</em>. From the description she -gave of the children’s thoughtful endurance and self-dependence -during the river voyage, and journey -from Amelcoy, it was evident that they had already -entered upon their novitiate under Manatitlan direction; -for they expressed a decided determination to -take care of themselves for the relief of others, and -exhibited so many traits of prudential foresight that -they were a help rather than a burden. At the commencement -of the voyage, she said, that Captain -Greenwood and herself had felt great solicitude for -the children, and was half inclined to look upon their -exile as an inexcusable act of indifference on the part -of Don Pedro. “But on the third day, when the poignancy -of their grief had become consolable, they immediately -evinced a desire to relieve us from anxiety. -With permission and encouragement they took charge -of their own clothes and personal purity, submitting -themselves to our inspection for approval and direction; -and have improved so much in foresight that -we have found it hard to excel them in neatness. As -you have seen them this morning, they have appeared -throughout the journey, causing by their example a -constant desire for cleanly renovation on the part of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_404'>404</span>the muleteers, who were ashamed to appear in negligent -garbs, of doubtful purity, to subject themselves -to the reproving contrast. If you remarked their -appearance, you must have observed that they are -wonderfully clean and tidy in their department, and -have been unusually attentive in rendering assistance -to all, so that the trip has been one of unalloyed -pleasure, from the exampled influence of the children. -When we started from Amelcoy the captain took -Lovieta before him on the saddle-bow, and I took -charge of Lavoca; but on the second day they insisted -that they could ride unsupported on the led mules, -and their prudence had so completely inspired our -confidence that they were allowed to make the trial, -with such success that the mules on the fourth day -exhibited such a manifest preference, that jointly -with the children they declared their independence -from the arrieros, and have since been recognized by -mules and muleteers as especial favorites.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_405'>405</span> - <h2 id='XXIX' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The process of ablution having been completed, -before the sun reached its meridian, not only the new -arrivals, with resident intention, but the members of -the corps, appeared in the lower fora dressed in -Manatitlan costume, which had been prepared for the -occasion by the Heracleans in commemoration of full -adoption. The effect produced by the change can be -comprehensively expressed in the whispered announcement -of Lovieta and Lavoca as they regarded with -admiring eyes the improvement made in the <em>personnel</em> -of Don Guillermo when raised in his arms for -affectionate congratulation. “Oh! Don Guillermo, -you look, and we feel so nice and light, we could -almost fly back to mamma and papa to make them -glad with happiness.” Then pointing to a group of -Heraclean matrons they asked, “Do they ever fly?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Don Guillermo.</em> “Oh yes, in thought to make -others happy, they are always in flight, and it is that -which makes you feel so light and joyous.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Lovieta.</em> “But shall we always feel so good, and -grow to be like them?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Don G.</em> “Yes, we are certain that you will, because -you are disposed to be glad for the happiness -of others, and measure your desires with the wish -that you may be useful in contributing to the welfare -of others for the return of their affection.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Lavoca</em> (thoughtfully). “But will it last, Querido -Don Guillermo? At home we were sometimes so -glad, and then [sadly] so very, very miserable.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_406'>406</span><em>Don G.</em> “But you see before you those whose -examples never change, but to grow brighter and -happier. When you grow more thoughtfully considerate, -you will feel that what you lack in attainment, -others older and more experienced will impart -from their affection. Then in grateful transfer you -can assist those more inexperienced than yourself. -Of one thing you can be certain, there will be no -Padre Molineros here to mar your happiness with -bead-prayers, exactions, and penances.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Lovieta.</em> “Of course, we can’t now understand all -that you wish to have us know, but we shall try hard -to learn, with thought, how to make others happy, -that their love may teach us more than we know ourselves, -so that you can see when you come to visit us -that we have neither been idle or naughty. But now -we can’t make much of ourselves, we do so many -things without thinking, and then are sorry after it -can’t be helped. But look, what are they bringing -that table with the queer thing on the end of it, out -here for?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Don G.</em> “The instrument that excites your -curiosity, enables us to see and converse with the -Manatitlans; but farther than that I am as much in -the dark as you are. We shall soon see, however.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After a short pause occupied in arranging the -tympano-microscope, the Dosch from the auricular -platform said, “According to our custom, practiced -from time immemorial, the sanction of parents in confirmation -of the marriage unity of their children, has -been deemed and proved sufficient for the affectionate -realization of unity in fact. But as your race of enlightened -progressives have substituted shadow for -substance, as an act of conformity, in the lack of -anointed priestcraft I have volunteered to act as an -officiating sponsor. If the prætor sanctions my -assumption, he can, with his wife, first bestow their -daughters according to our custom, and then I will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_407'>407</span>duplicate the gift with formulistic rites, so that there -can be no question with regard to the ‘orthodoxy’ of -the union.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>To the glad surprise of M. Hollydorf, the parents -bestowed Luocuratia to his keeping, and Correliana -to Captain Greenwood’s, in the same breath. Then, -when the sun had entered upon its meridian radius of -ascension, free from shadow, in the still hour of noontide -when all nature was hushed for repose, without -inductive explanation, after the prætor had placed his -children in position, Manito and his choristers, in full -chorus chanted the nuptial ceremony with impressive -effect, the Heracleans joining in response.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Here beneath the vertical sun,</div> - <div class='line'>Without shadow, you are plighted,</div> - <div class='line'>And with us now, in love are one,</div> - <div class='line'>And forever, ‘soul’ united.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“With Creative sanction, this, we ever pray,</div> - <div class='line'>May prove your present joy, and immortal stay.</div> - <div class='line'>Hail, glorious noon! these, our notes of love prolong,</div> - <div class='line'>And echo back with joy, this our nuptial song.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Although arranged by the Dosch and prætor as a -surprise, known to all except the espoused, they -quickly, with blissful perception discovered the intention, -and joined with thrillful zest Manito’s choristers, -who made the tympanum reverberate with the following -hopeful prophecy and refrain:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“‘Old Lang Syne,’ in bloody record rules the past;</div> - <div class='line'>In the future, love and peace are now forecast.</div> - <div class='line'>Blessings have source, and flow from power Supreme,</div> - <div class='line'>Goodwill to all, now sounds the glorious theme.</div> - <div class='line'>Through the smallest of the human race,</div> - <div class='line'>Was delegated this act of ‘grace.’”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>At the close of the marriage ceremony, the Dosch -with his family quickly regained the fossæ of Mr. -Welson’s ears, the sinuosities of which were made -to resound with the prophetic responses, causing the -eyes of the owner thereof to turn with an instinctive -<span class='pageno' id='Page_408'>408</span>strabism toward the organ subject to the impression -of Manatitlan vocalism. While his eyes were in -their retroverted position they attracted the attention -of Lovieta and Lavoca, who had recalled their wondering -gaze for curious inquiry, causing them to exclaim -in a voice: “O Don Guillermo, what makes -you squint so?” Then, without waiting for an answer, -they continued, glancing at the reflected figures -of the Manatitlans in the microscopic field, “How -much larger your little folks are than ours, and how -beautifully they sing.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Mr. Welson’s attention was too strongly diverted -to give more than an abstracted answer to his -pets. At the close of the prophetic jubilee, the Dosch -answered, from the interpretation of Mr. Welson’s -thoughts: “We do certainly feel, from the docility -shown by the leading members of the corps, as if the -wedge of rational thought had opened a passage -through the cycled round of folly for the ejection of -the many self-inflicted causes of misery, which have -made life with your race a penal infliction. The -educated substitution of thought for impulsive impression -from the senses, which at present holds ruling -sway, would interpose a shield to prevent the -emblematic union of head and tail, for the vortex extinction -of material civilization, and degradation for -the reënactment of savage barbarism through a long -series of dark ages. There is certainly a happy forecast -inaugurated by this union, which reminds us of -our provincial success in raising human Animalculans -to become in reality Animalcumans; a distinction -which our neophytes are emulous of having conferred -from self-approving merit. If it was not for the selfish -fighting disposition of Christian nations and sects, -which inclines them to instinctive patriotism and holy -wars, advantage might be taken of their superstitious -reverence for things ancient, to attract them hitherward -as pilgrims, for their own behoof.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_409'>409</span>Here the ears of the Dosch caught the subdued -tones of familiar voices, which from their peculiar -method of construing terms he quickly recognized, -causing him to expostulate in this wise: “I hear the -voices of your old sailor companions, Jack and Bill; -is it fitting that their honest sincerity should alone be -welcomed by their Kyronese admirers? If their -quaint, unsophisticated bluntness has been able to recognize -the truthful simplicity of Heraclean example, -it will prove a greater acquisition for the encouragement -of hope than your own; as they represent a -class embalmed with the stupidity of erratic animal -indulgence, which subjects them to the vilest servitude -ever imposed by the arbitrary few upon the unthinking -masses of humanity. Indeed, with the exception -of the self-imposed penalties of your Giga women’s -vanity, they suffer more abjectly from the fiat of -hereditary usage than the veriest slave that ever -winced under the lash of the taskmaster.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson and Dow soon added a glow of grateful -contentment to the weather-beaten faces of the -two sailors, by extending to them a cordial welcome, -which was increased to manifestations of “weakness,” -from the warmth of the Heracleans’ affectionate reception. -There was something so uniquely attractive -in the instinctive attachment of these strange beings, -who had wandered away from their element, that -they had enlisted a strong interest long before the -possible existence of a human Animalcuman had been -conjectured; or an idea of the practicability of a preferred -affection had been suggested, in exaltation -above the instinctive type rendered “famous” by -the fabled “friendship” of the legendary Damon -and Pythias. Mr. Welson had tested the fealty of -their attachment in a variety of ways on board of the -<em>Tortuga</em>, with a constant result in confirmation of its -disinterested integrity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Finding themselves the centre of attraction, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_410'>410</span>was seasoned with manifold tokens of affectionate -sincerity, they were fain to have recourse to their -“pocket-swabs, to clear the leakage from the run on -scuppers of their eyes,” with an occasional sounding -of their nostril pumps, to divert the emotional overflow -from its natural course. Correliana, in a transparent -glow of radiant joy, for the relief of their -“filling condition, that water-logged” the speech of -the “honest tars,” asked Jack in good English, if he -did not prefer his present success in “drawing fire,” -to the method he adopted with the Indians? The -question produced a sudden revulsion, which Bill -seconded with a nudge and a whisper, that could -have been heard in a gale: “Say, Jack, her leddyship -had you there with the pint of a marlin.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Taken aback, Jack gave a short, subdued hitch to -his waistband and mouth, and then replied, with the -latter reefed into a smile: “You see, m’rm, your -leddyship, w’re now on a peaceful tack, for w’ve -come to sign the articles and enter our name as -landsmen, if he cares to ship us at a venture, and -take us in tow for the v’yage of life, and mayhap for -t’ other.” Then hesitating, to gather courage, which -was gained by an extra hitch of his waistband, he -resumed: “You see, m’rm, if so be your father would -‘low us to splice, we’d like to port our helm in Heraclea -for life.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Understanding the tenor of the sailor’s petition, by -the fond glances exchanged by himself and mate, -with the two Kyronese maidens, who had attended -upon them while acting as guards or gate-keepers, -she addressed the Dosch in Latin, asking if it was -agreeable to his judgment to have their request complied -with; pleading her own assurance of their constancy -from the disinterested affection they had -shown toward each other. The Dosch not only expressed -his full approbation, but desire that they -should be immediately united. This decision receiving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_411'>411</span>the prætor’s sanction, and willing approval of the -maiden’s parents, and, above all, the blushing self-bestowal -of the affiants, whose inclinations were consulted -by Cleorita and Oviata, it was resolved to consummate -the union at once, if the sun had not -declined in its arc sufficient for the casting of a -shadow. Placing them in position as quickly as possible, -it was found that, with haste, the emblematic -ceremony could be accomplished in a union without -shadow. But when the sailors were asked for their -family names, it was found that from long habit in -using only their “Christian” names in addressing -each other, they were at a loss in deciding to which -of the surnames, Smith or Jones, they were personally -entitled from parental endowment, although aware -that one or the other had been inherited as a nominal -adjunct to Jack and Bill. As they could not -recollect to which they were separately entitled, the -Dosch, from the urgency of the emergency, was fain -to accept the only alternative of the dilemma, and in -the formulistic style, peculiar to Giga understanding, -consummated the ties by propounding: “You, Bill -Smith or Jones, in mutual troth do plight your vows -in constancy for life to Anonymosimia Doycymba, -and you, Jack Jones or Smith, yours to Meerisia -Abdosia?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The hearty “aye, aye, sir” of the male respondents, -and the softer modulated, but firmly expressed -“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ai toi</span>” of dames Jones or Smith, closed the involved -nomenclature of the ceremony. The Dosch -remarked, after regaining the ear of Mr. Welson, -that although the courtship had been conducted in -the entire absence of an understanding speech communication, -their auramentors were fully assured -that there existed a stronger instinctive attachment, -in nearer approach to an independence from bodily -influence, than is usually attained by civilized reciprocants -from the advantage of a common language, inasmuch -<span class='pageno' id='Page_412'>412</span>as it restrained the tongue from its “yarned” -propensity for exaggeration, peculiar to its use with -sailors, and the more decided truthful negation by -the votaries of fashionable society. The assembly, -at the conclusion of the second improvised marriage -scene, joined in the recitative invocation and song of -thanksgiving sub-transcribed:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“In gladness we to our Creator raise</div> - <div class='line'>This grateful song, in everlasting praise,</div> - <div class='line'>That through Manatitla’s atomic life</div> - <div class='line'>He has ope’d a way to end human strife,</div> - <div class='line'>That in ‘wedlock,’ domestic joy</div> - <div class='line'>Shall brighter glow and never cloy.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>At the close of the hymn of invocation the Dosch -dictated the advisory sanction adopted by the Manatitlans, -which we give as rendered by the prætor: -“In the full belief of your loving sincerity, we joyfully -confirm this union with that of our children, -hopefully believing that your affection will increase -in fervor until death relieves you of your bodies’ encumbrance -for the full consummation of a joyous immortality.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The buzz and genealogical curators of sound were -highly delighted with the harmony of the musical -composition, declaring that its peculiar adaptation attested -to the affectionate talent of a master spirit. -The former, in enthusiastic approval, offered his -warmest commendations to Manito, the Maniculan -prætor; at the same time congratulating the Manatitlans -in having possession of a musician of such eminent -ability. Great was his chagrin and surprise, when -Manito not only disclaimed the authorship, but stated -that the merit of the poetical composition and musical -adaptation belonged solely to his pupil, Mistress -Correliana, of whose advancement and talent he -was justly proud. The perturbed expression of -Pettynose bespoke the revived memory of his former -criticism, causing the padre to chuckle audibly from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_413'>413</span>the recollection of the dogmatic snap he had received, -when his suggested variation had abruptly closed the -dulcetina improvisation. The blushing attention of -Correliana was too much absorbed with the admiring -surprise of her husband to heed the professor’s confusion. -In explanation to him, she whispered that -Manito had taught her how to use the dulcetina with -the aid of the tympano-microscope, unbeknown to -the members of the corps, and had also instructed her -in the art of composition. Captain Greenwood had a -strong passion for music, without vocal capacity for its -expression. To compensate for his own deficiency, it -had been his abiding desire to possess a wife with the -talent he lacked, that she might impart its sympathetic -solace for the relief of anxious care. This -desire Correliana had intuitively discovered, which -added a strong incentive for application, with the -purpose of imparting her improvement to her people.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the marriage confirmation by the prætor, -Manito, through Mr. Welson, proposed to adjourn -from the fora to the auriculum. On the way the -Dosch passed to the ear of Captain Greenwood; his -salutation caused a sudden start, with the motion of -raising his hand, which Correliana detained; aware -of the cause from the divergence of his eyes, she -asked: “Do you recognize the voice of an old familiar?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Her husband’s puzzled expression declared the nature -of the communication, aside from his voiced expression -as if in repetition, “Annette, harp, violin, -dulcetina!” Correliana added to the sum of his perplexity -by asking if the young woman having Don -Pedro’s children in charge was the sole survivor of -the unfortunates who received his assisting sympathy -while in the extremity of their distress in Rio? Startled -by a question that implied her knowledge of a -secret which he supposed was only known to Annette -and himself, he answered, inquiringly, “Yes?” Receiving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_414'>414</span>from his wife a fond kiss of benediction, she -asked: “Do you wonder that I discovered the source -that gained you Manatitlan approval, with an affection -so fearless in its sympathy while imparting its -succoring rays of goodness? You wonder at my -ready acquisition of your language and the source of -my information? Do you suppose, with an innate -perception of the unselfish sympathy which prompted -you to solace the sufferings of those forlorn beings, -who had afforded me protection at the cost of their -kinsfolk’s lives, that I could remain content without -perfecting myself for the full enjoyment of a languaged -communion with your thoughts? The voice -that startled your memory, was the prompting familiar’s, -who attended you in Rio through the sad -scenes, that in termination bequeathed the harp, violin, -and dulcetina, as mementos to stimulate your -unselfish affection for the devisement of means for the -future relief of your race from the cause of such -calamitous hereditaments.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Tears glistened in the eyes of her husband as her -loving sympathy brought back with graphic effect -the scenes indelibly impressed upon his memory. -Recovering from his emotions, he beckoned to Annette, -who, attended by Mr. Welson, had held herself -aloof from the newly wedded; quickly answering -to his signal, she was introduced to his wife, who -bestowed upon her a warm embrace as a prelude to -more affectionate communion. Then in answer to -his desire to listen in judgment of her proficiency, -Cleorita and Oviata volunteered their service with -Kyronese aids to bring the dulcetina, harp, and -violin from the hospidoræ. When the harp was -attuned to the dulcetina, Annette, with ready ear -and touch improvised an accompaniment to the simple -air of an anthem of Correliana’s composition, at -the same time watching her supposed self-taught -success in the management of her father’s instrumental -<span class='pageno' id='Page_415'>415</span>conception. From the first Annette’s pleasure -became manifest, for Correliana retained the tenor of -her composition independent of the harp. At the -close of the instrumental duo, Annette highly commended -her proficiency, giving her the desired assurance -of capability for the attainment of unusual -skill, both in vocal and instrumental music. Annette’s -skillful instrumentation and melodious vocalization -caused Dr. Baāhar to observe, naturalistically, -that there was a sensible diminution in the length of -the buzz and genealogical curators of sound’s musical -horns. The prætor Manito was in ecstasies -with the successful rendition of his pupil, and declared -to his wife his intention of extending to Annette -a kiss of welcome, out of his abounding love -for her musical talent. Disappearing from our Giga -eyes on the instant, but not from those of his wife, -whose face mantled with a blush when she saw him -in the very act of imprinting a kiss upon her lips, the -recipient, with a vague impression, raised her hand -and brushed it away. The Dosch remarking the -effect produced upon Manito’s wife, said, that it was -an apt illustration of jealousy, for it never considered -the relative disproportion of the exciting objects. -Manito’s next appearance upon the stage was under -the lead of his wife’s thumb and forefinger, attached -to his ear, while with assumed tartness, in strong -Giga accent, she upbraided him for the impudent infidelity -of the act. But her curiosity getting the better -of her assumed indifference, she tauntingly exclaimed, -“I suppose you found the unreciprocated -stolen kiss from a single Giga lip more than equal in -sweetness to two of ours prompted by conscious affection?” -Slipping from her finger’s hold, he gave -the flying answer: “Yes, truly, I found her lip as -full in volume as the tones of her voice!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Lovieta and Lavoca, who had witnessed this playful -episode, whisperingly asked Mr. Welson: “Are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_416'>416</span>these large ones related to the ear Manatitlans, and -will they grow larger when they grow older?” But -as his answer failed to satisfy their comprehension, -they asked him, if they looked as pretty as the Manatitlans -now that they were dressed like them? A caressing -hand upon their heads proving a satisfactory -reply, they declared it a <i><span lang="es" xml:lang="es">moda linda, facil, y agradable -a la vista</span></i>, and in the Heraclean school, so nicely -clothed, they felt sure that they should become good, -graciosa, and would try to be as affectionate as -the brides! In benediction, for the success of their -good intentions, Mr. Welson bestowed commendatory -kisses, and again placed them in charge of Cleorita -and Oviata.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Anxious to read his letters, he, with the Dosch, -retired to the quarters of the corps. After glancing -at his formulistic letters of “friendship” and business,—which -were closely interwoven,—under the -supervision of the Dosch, who kept up a running -commentary, in which he pointed out the prospective -selfishness of each correspondent, in a manner so legible, -their insincerity became so disgusting to the -receiver that he laid them aside, wondering how he -had allowed himself to be beguiled for a lifetime with -such shadowy pretexts. The letter of Don Pedro -Garcia, which he had reserved for the last, revived -his hopeful trust in the latent goodness of humanity. -We offer its chapter transcript for the benefit of the -reader.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_417'>417</span> - <h2 id='XXX' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXX.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-r c002'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Buenos Ayres</span>, <em>November 5th, 187-</em>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='sc'>Dear Don Guillermo</span>: You will be very much -surprised, notwithstanding the forewarning of intention, -to find yourself unexpectedly greeted in Heraclea -by your little favorites Lovieta and Lavoca. It -has cost us a painful struggle to part with them; but -we should have been unmindful of our privilege and -duty as conservators for their future welfare, in joyous -transmission, if we had consulted the disposition -of our selfish feelings. Even if our household was of -the most suitable description known to civilization -for rearing children, I should not have hesitated a -moment in imploring your influence for their admission -into the Heraclean school. Consolata, with unprejudiced -consideration, fully appreciates the advantages -of the protective course, for conferring present -and future happiness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Realmente, the evidence appeals so directly to the -affectionate understanding, the niñas fully comprehend -the advantages that it will afford, which in -thoughtful mood they expressed, by asking us if we -did not think the Manatitlans and Heracleans from -having such nice parents for so long a time were better -than good? I am free to confess that I felt a -wince at the touch palpable the question conveyed; -tears glistened in the eyes of Consolata, as she enfolded -the unconscious challengers in her arms, with a -languaged embrace that impressed them with affirmative -conviction, while it imparted a desire for their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_418'>418</span>forgiveness, which trebly admonished me of my own -unworthiness. It is strange how little use we now -have for voiced words to give expression to our -thoughts. This silent source of happy intercourse bespeaks -with increasing flow our current perception of -a joyous unity in affection, including in its circle of -communion M. Baudois and our neighborly confluents. -In our morning and evening walks for the exampled -demonstration of happy regeneration, that in -practice its source may be made known to others, -reflections from objects are so similar in impression -that a glance is sufficient for the conveyance of coincident -thought comparisons. Last evening, while on -our way to visit the “industrial” establishments of -our foreign “citizens” (by invitation), who are constantly -begging for governmental concessions for the -encouragement of their enterprising “undertakings,” -we passed many of our black priestly scentipedes, and -it was with conscious emotions of joy that I felt the -confiding pressure of Consolata’s arm, as she averted -her face to avoid the necessity of hypocritical salutation. -As my governmental position had evoked from -Mr. Hogg an invitation to visit his distillery, I proposed -to M. Baudois the advisability of taking the -family, that we might observe the effect produced by -the improvements, upon my wife and children. With -his approval they were taken; and while we were -cautiously picking our path along the causeway crossing -of the slough that separates the brewery premises -of Von Guzzledorf from those of the distillery, -Mr. Hogg, in his obsequious desire to honor our visit -with propitious attention, hastened to meet us with his -ponderous body and jowled cheeks and neck in jellied -tremor from the emotions of a waddling gait, in gloat -of the expectant relish of selfish gratification. After -a wheezing prelude, with a cough that in fitful gusts -conveyed the foul odors of gamey engorgement, he -lamented his asthmatic affliction, that refused to yield -<span class='pageno' id='Page_419'>419</span>to remedies, although he had spared no expense to -avail himself of the best talent that could be secured -for “love” or money. But recently, he said, he had -obtained great relief from the prescriptions of Dr. -Bull, a member of the royal college of surgeons, who -had recently come out from London, at his instigation; -a man of eminent ability who had gained a -great reputation for his prophylactic pills, a box of -which every family should keep in their house, to be -taken regular every morning. While engaged in -this preliminary detail of health and its providential -means of preservation, Lovieta and Lavoca with ill -suppressed disdainful sniffs of comparison, allowed -their eyes to alternate between his person and a family -of his namesake’s, who, with a strong personal -resemblance and odor, were indulging in the luxurious -contributions from the neighboring brewery and -kindred establishments bordering upon the slough.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Our visits to the distillery and brewery were certainly -not propitious for securing the desired grant of -land, for the enlargement of their industrial facilities, -notwithstanding the sacrificial offering of a box of -Wolf’s Scheidam Schnapps and a dozen of old London -Dock Sherry, of 1824. When leaving, Mr. Hogg -begged me for the welfare of myself and family, not -to forget that Dr. Bull was for the present stopping -at the Hotel del Mundo. On our return home, a -bath was held in requisition for purification from the -attaint of the visit. Under these contrasted impressions, -our thoughts have withheld us from instinctive -gratification by the force of repulsive comparison. -Of course, our singularity has evoked the despiteful -recognition of the evil disposed, but we feel an enduring -recompense in the loving reciprocations of our -household; for we no longer suffer from those transitions -which of old subjected us in a day to mutations, -that realized within the zones of affection, tropical -heats, with terror motor accompaniments of tornado, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_420'>420</span>thunder gusts, and intermediate alternations to the -frosty stillness of the frigid.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With realized happiness, we are encouraged with -the approving commendations of our Manatitlan sojourners -to believe that a perfect eradication of the -parental past will be accomplished in the memories -of our children, under Heraclean tuition, for in the -change they already recognize the happy cause. -When a sufficient time has elapsed for the fulfillment -of an end so desirable, we shall, with the prætor’s permission, -make Heraclea our permanent home. Then, -with the privilege of monthly visits to our daughters, -we shall enter upon an era of happiness that we feel -assured will outlast the records of time; for we have -already tested the efficacy of purity and goodness, in -sufficient degree for an initial impression of immortality. -In companionship with you and the members -of the corps, under the direction of the Dosch, and -the example of the Heracleans, I shall endeavor to -amend my own crotchety humors, which, if we except -the superstitious devotion of instinct to rites and ceremonies, -and herding predilections, are in no great -degree above those I affect to despise, in the matter -of stability. But I am fully impressed with the -belief, that Creative wisdom devised purity and goodness, -as the simple creed of self legislation and approving -test of immortality.</p> - -<p class='c000'>I will now offer for your remorseful consideration, -a counterblast. Have you reflected upon the responsibility -you have incurred in leading us astray from -the glorious system of rewards and punishments -offered for the encouragement and correction of -indulgences, by the “good” old mother church? -Why did you not leave us in ignorance of the audacious -Manatitlan system of education, that dares usurp -with self legislation the infallible promulgations of -law and gospel for the correction of excessive indulgences. -The substitution of direct responsibility for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_421'>421</span>salvation by saving grace, deprives instinctive humanity -of its barter privilege of using the gold of its -god as a compromising compensation for indulgence, -and the consolations of confession and absolution, -causing us, especially, to hold them in extreme contempt -as subterfuges begot from the vileness of -hereditary cause and effect. The instinctive reverence -we once paid to priestly mediums of heavenly -assurance against the devices of hell, you have turned -into the bitterness of shame, from the reflection of -past humiliation imposed by their impudent assumptions -of delegated divine authority.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Our present feeling of responsibility for perfection -in purity and goodness, revolts at the thought that -our perceptions were ever so weak as to believe there -ever existed in the pampered bodies of priests, other -than a swinish divinity endowed with an instinctive -audacity that prefers deception to honest labor. We -now avoid church and street mummeries of host processions -and masses, as a profanation of good instinctive -common sense, as our presence would implicate -us in the blasphemous degradation. To our chance -acquaintance with you, fostered with affectionate sympathy, -I must charge this defection, also the retrospective -pangs of shame engendered from sensitive -regrets for my stupidity, which suffers from revival -with every rattling peal of church bells. Not content -with casting these heretical shadows across our path, -you have devised to rob us of our niñas, our abiding -source of love. Bethink you of the accountability -you have incurred, with your chances of self-forgiveness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With a falcon script in acknowledgment we shall -feel assured that you will bestow upon our niñétas -a father’s care and love.... P. G.</p> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Welson joyfully exclaimed, as he closed the -letter, “It is really reviving to hope, to hear a provincial, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_422'>422</span>of Spanish descent, express himself with such -perceptive clearness, in freedom from the thraldom of -sensual embargo, which has rendered our race the -phantasmal victims of stomach indulgence, from time -out of date!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dosch, in confirmation of Mr. Welson’s train -of thought, urged, “It has required our utmost efforts -to hold our feelings of contempt subdued that they -might not altogether usurp the rule of discreet generosity, -in view of the obstinate stupidity of civilized -Giga races; who, with star gazing, and moon conjectures, -forget their preservative accountability to -Creative indications designed for the attainment of a -living realization of immortality. How it has been -possible for the races of civilized humanity to exist in -individual communion with self, and the advantage -it affords for deductive comparison, aside from the -mutations of attrition, through so many cycles of re-degradation, -without discovering the active cause and -remedial source, puzzles our comprehension. The -ridiculous abstractions of your philosophers, which -in thoughtless aberration leads them to lose the -substance while pursuing the shadow, was aptly -illustrated by some of our frolicsome dames, who -decoyed Dr. Baāhar, in successful test of his lack of -discernment, to follow the shadow, more vehemently, -from its supposed evasions, than he had previously -bestowed upon the gossamer substance of a butterfly. -While amusing themselves with a morning volant -airing upon a beautiful azure-tinted specimen of the -L. Matutinal in its wafting sips from the flowers of -the latifundium, it caught the covetous gaze of the -doctor, who was on his way with his net for a hunt -beyond the walls. After pursuing its doubling -variations in flight, which from graceful composure -seemed void of evasive intention, to the verge of -vexatious anxiety, while his back was to the sun, it -suddenly soared, substituting its shadow, which the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_423'>423</span>dames made still more attractive by prismatic colors -rayed from their silicoth mantles. His efforts grew -more frantic from the apparently miraculous escape -of the coveted prize through the meshes of the net; -which caused the infatuated pursuer to suppose that -its illusive power indicated a new species. To our -surprise the illusive chase continued with increased -avidity as the prismatic colors were varied, the shadow -being kept just in advance of the net’s swoop, -until after an hour’s pursuit, the excited naturalist -fell exhausted upon his knees in the formulistic attitude -of prayer. In this position, with upraised -eyes and hands, he watched imploringly the lessening -shadow of his morning’s devotions. Although surrounded -with evidences, which should have led to an -impulsive detection of the cause of the tantalizing -movements, previous to substitution, there never was -for a moment the least hesitation that indicated suspicion -or doubt of the limn’s substance reality.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In character, nothing has surprised us more than -the insensibility of Gigas, who claim the disciplined -aid of collegiate education, to the effects evolved from -their own experience. Yet, notwithstanding the contempt -you personally feel for the selfish enactments -of your past life, your relapse, in partial degree, -would not appear strange if subjected to reversed -example. But with the Heracleans, from hereditary -usage the impression has become immutable. The -contrast will lead you to realize the great difficulties -that will attend the inceptive stages required for -reversing the progressive position of your people; as -they have been accustomed to advance with their -backs to the future from time immemorial, the -change will prove embarrassing for many generations. -These contrasted facts, which expose in extremity -the habits of usage, with the inveteracy -incurred for good or evil, has caused us to view the -act of self-denial on the part of the parents of your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_424'>424</span>pets, as a trustful deviation that exceeds any in our -former experience, and it will certainly insure a harmonious -transmission. If the mother’s affection had -been void of delusive infatuation, permitting her to -act in accordance with the promptings of its natural -expression, the devisement of the children to the -Heraclean school would not have appeared strange, -as unprejudiced by delusive agency and its evil tendencies -the love of maternity extends to the future. -In exemplification of the evil tendencies of your -delusive legendary book of creeds, that has defied -the efforts of ninety-five thousand human commentators -to render it comprehensible, with accumulating -legions of preaching expounders, I will relate an -event that transpired during the inceptive period of -my auramental labors.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The dramatis personæ in the triangular scriptural -duel I am about to relate, for exemplifying the utter -perversion of intelligent affection, wrought by this precedental -tramway to discord, were in scenic representation, -a grandmother of Scotch extraction, derived -from the amiable clan McGregor, her daughter, and -granddaughter, who in passionate exacerbation occupied -counter positions in domestic antagonism. The -<i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">locale</span></i> of the scenic enactment, for your more perfect -understanding of its mouthpat <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">entente cordiale</span></i>, we -will award to Londonderry, Ireland. Having, by a -strange fatality peculiar to auramentation in youth, -been led by diverse circumstances to become a member -of the household, I was forced to witness the -repulsive drama in all the progressive stages to culmination. -When in the morning avocations the -three “fell out” to disagree, from a flux of hereditary -passion, they would exhaust their store of word -provocations, and then have recourse to prayer, after -the mid-mother had read a formal challenge from the -creed “omnium gatherum.” These formulistic rites -concluded, and the male members dispersed to their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_425'>425</span>employments foreign to the house, the three antagonists -would enter the “sitting-room” to decide their -quarrel, each taking a corner of the room with their -book of missals in hand. With the room appropriately -darkened, they would each, with hasty avidity, -hurriedly search for some virulent passage of -“scripture” of innuendic import, and when found -it would be hurled in venomous recital against her -adversaries. Often the voices of the three would be -intermingled in the combined discharge of offensive -similitudes, each vying in the melée encounter for -ascendancy in loudness of report, and precision in the -diabolic aim of their denunciations. Slight wounds, -of Jezabelic imputation, were borne heroically, but -the grandam of eighty when severely hurt by thrusts -into old wounds rankling with the personal reflection -of her accountability for whatever was amiss from -lack of amiability in the tempers of daughter and -granddaughter, would seize her plaid, and, in defiance -of weather, would seek an asylum in the house of her -son, distant two miles from the scene of action. The -flight of the grandam would add new vigor to the -vituperative discharge of invective quotation between -mother and daughter, which generally resulted in a -drawn battle, leaving the envenomed cause to smoulder -in belligerent tendency, until their magazines -were replenished with holy war munitions, sufficient -for the adventure of another trial of anathematizing -strength. When one of these encounters had proved -fatal to the grandam, from a severe cold caught from -wading through the snaw broo in her retreat from the -battle-field, her grandsons invoked from day the fall -of darkness, to stay the portended renewal of hostilities, -in opposition to the commands of Joshua, but -coincident with the prayer of the modern battle hero -of Waterloo, for Blucher or night. These belligerent -domestic inconsistencies incited by creed incongruities, -and indigestible food, and lack of bodily exercise, are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_426'>426</span>by no means rare among the civilized peoples of the -old and new world. As with the Scotch, singed -sheep’s head, haggis, and whiskey, were the inciting -cause of religious intolerance and border warfare, it -will be found that like causes rule as a source of provocation -for distempered aberrations of every kind.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We will now seek your infantile protégés, and -see how it fares with the newly united.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“First resolve me of my doubts with regard to -your consistency,” urged Mr. Welson. “How do -you reconcile the hasty unions you have sanctioned, -with your ‘invariable custom,’ that requires three -months probationary test of compatibility before the -full consummation of unity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You should be aware of a distinction that it -would be impossible for us to reconcile in your -marriage adoption,” replied the Dosch. “You are -strangers to our system of education, so that we are -obliged to accept an alternative for your tests; as -you must realize that the quarantine of a lifetime -would not render you compatible according to our -acceptation. But nominally all have complied with -the probationary requirements; even M. Hollydorf, -as Correliana proxied her twin sister. Still our chief -dependence is in the incomparable beauty and goodness -of the bride, which will render disagreement -impossible. But I perceive that you have still another -indigestible example that you would have -reconciled. We have claimed that our ‘system’ of -education renders the unity of affection between the -marriage affiants indivisible; yet in seeming contradiction, -your thoughts refer to the second marriage of -the prætor with Correliana’s mother. We could have -explained to you this apparent discrepancy, but for -our wish that you might discover from the promptings -of your own perception the admissibility of an association -designed for mutual solace and companionship -in bodily representation. The prætor Adinope when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_427'>427</span>premonized of death’s approach, preferred the tribune -Adestus, who had lost his wife, to the prætorship, as -the chosen companion of his wife, under the temporal -privilege of correlative correspondence in the body. -With the dying prætor’s sanction, Adestus assumed -the charge of the household and prætorial advisorship -while the husband yet lived. You have in thought -questioned this as an impeachment of the unity we -profess in the assimilative fulfillment of our first affection. -But I can assure you there is neither divorce -or abatement in the troth unity of the first allegiance. -In fact, they become more perfectly wedded in -thought with those who have preceded them to the -current realms of immortality; and in vicarious communion, -commend without stint or prevarication the -ever present manifestations they enjoy with their -beatific spouses, and longings for the speedy consummation -of a disembodied reunion. If Heraclea could -furnish wives for Giga representatives, as well -endowed with reason and as free from prejudicial -taint as you are, the labor of educational induction -in its inceptive stage would soon be accomplished. -For in wifely Heraclean example, the joyous brightness -would be reflected with such purity that it -would irresistibly attract assimilative reciprocation, -in thought, from all within reach of its influence, -causing vanity, with its promptings for adornment, to -become an exile beyond the reach of material redemption. -With the current of your women’s affections -once emancipated from the shallows of personal ornamentation, -the clear depth of the stream would purify -itself from the undertow of man’s grosser instincts, -casting the refuse of precedental habits and customs -back upon themselves, and the cycle shores of the -past, with their memorial odors of instinctive corruption.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “As you have answered these problems, -which opposed themselves to our understandings, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_428'>428</span>as stumbling blocks preventing our full appreciation -of your wisdom’s infallibility, in a manner so -practically agreeable, will you apprise me of the -method you propose for reducing the appetites and -passions of Giga humanity to an initial accord with -the Heraclean standard? This request I proffer under -the privilege conferred by your maxim, ‘that we -should never cavil or criticise without being practically -able to amend.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “Although our maxim in application to -your race lacks, or has hitherto lacked, the secondary -power of example required for practical efficiency, we -will answer your inquiry by holding your example as -our prospective means of introduction. As an initiatory -step for reciprocal purification, in prefatory advisement -for the introduction of our protective system -of education, and its inauguration of self-control -and legislation, we shall auramentally propose an international -dietary congress, for the studied adaptation -of food in quality and quantity, for the healthy -requirements of the body. With this as a basis for -thought direction, we shall propose a method for the -inductive substitution of a common language, free -from sectional prejudices, by the introduction of international -schools, kindred to our own, which in hostage -reciprocation will eradicate the seeds of instinctive -jealousy. Husband and wife are to be held as a -unity for representative expression in congress; with -the special proviso that the voice of the man shall -alone bespeak the unity of intention in public assembly. -Under the ruling of the dietary congress, -stomach codes could be established for the mouth -rejection of all indigestible and incompatible compounds, -in solid or liquid form. This would emancipate -the stomach from the arbitrary tyranny of individual -hodge-podgery, relieving the body and brain -from the incubus imposed by the unreason of ages. -The prestige of a single generation’s restful rendering -<span class='pageno' id='Page_429'>429</span>of these intuitive examples of reason would result in -the utter abolishment of such songs as the ‘Watch -on the Rhine,’ so characteristic in guttural expression -of the indigestible philosophy of a German diet, -and the more musical, battle-inspiring Marsellaise, -instinct with the lighter French national régime, -suited to the Zouave accompaniment of ‘Leap on, leap -on!’ while in substitution there would arise blendings -of song, and salutations replete with joyful gladness -in the new-fledged accents of affectionate reciprocations. -This innovation would effectually liberate -the German language from the bondage of nose and -stomach, and the French from the frothy sibilations -of vanity, causing them to harmonize in peaceful -goodwill, with contributions from every tongue, until -special idiomatism would become involved in the sympathy -of universal accord.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The discourse of the Dosch was here interrupted -by the voices of Lovieta and Lavoca, calling for Don -Guillermo, who gave an answering invitation for -them to come in and see where he lived. This -brought them to his knees in full chorus for the -rehearsal of the marvelous impressions they had -received. But in the rapid scan their eyes gave to -the alcoved apartment they caught a view of the -Dosch and Doschessa, with other Manatitlans reflected -in the field of the table tympano-microscope, -which hushed their voiced exuberance into regardful -silence. The Dosch, after watching for a few moments -their curious awe, reminded Mr. Welson -that his wife was specially anxious for a personal introduction -to his children in trust. This given, the -Doschessa soon won their confidence, and imparted to -the eager germ of Giga curiosity some of the winning -traits of affectionate reciprocation encouraged in the -Manatitlan schools for the enlightenment of thought -perception. Her success was soon evident from the -gathering mists that sparkled in rayed mementos of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_430'>430</span>affection from their eyelashes to be resolved into -tears, as an accompaniment to the plaintive vocals, -“mamma, papa.” As the dew of inborn memories -yielded to soothing direction, natural affection expanded, -until it included, with the “extreme unction” -of goodness, the infantile query of possibility -for the redemption of Padre Molinero from self. In -questioning expression, from the impressions of memory, -they asked with a toddling perception of cause -and effect, if it would not change him if he ate and -drank less, so that his mouth would not make a noise -so porcuno? Then, as if in thought consultation -tracing the effect of renovation, they asked if a priest -could be made as loving and respectable as Mr. Welson -and Captain Greenwood by removing his hat, -gown, and fat?</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dosch laughingly replied, that if he and his -kind would adopt the first restrictions mentioned, it -would certainly indicate a desire to become respectable -in self-estimation, and show a disposition to -merit the confidence of others.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When well ingratiated in their affection, the Doschessa -asked by what token they wished to be made -sensible of her watchful care? This seemed to puzzle -their ingenuity for the devisement of a tangible -method of communication. But Lavoca, after demure -consideration, said, that she thought it would be easy -to kiss and embrace, if she could manage to continue -as large as she then appeared.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dosch then explained to their ready comprehension, -that their reflection in the field of the microscope -was like the vanity of personal adornment -shadowed in a mirror, which when removed left -nothing but its vague impression for the delusive -gratification of self. But the Doschessa said, if they -wished to retain a lasting impression of her as she -then appeared, they must keep themselves free from -passion by bestowing their thoughts upon others; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_431'>431</span>then she would be ever present with them to be -kissed and embraced in thought, which was a reality -that with goodness would last forever. They promised -that they would always try to be good, but -hoped if they sometimes forgot, she and the teachers -would forgive, and let them try again. “Because,” -Lavoca urged, “our people have not been good -like yours, and we haven’t learned how to be always -the same.” She assured them, that with all their disadvantages, -if they tried to make their associates and -teachers happy, they would forget their own selfishness, -and feel that the merited affection of others -would always make them joyous with gladness. Perceiving -that they were still anxious in thought for -an intuitive token of her affection conveyed in the -language of a kiss, she proposed to comply with -their wish, but cautioned them to be gentle in their -reciprocation when they felt her pressure upon their -lips. First to Lovieta, and then with an ear premonition -to the more impetuous Lavoca, she imparted -the loving thrill that ever attends the reciprocal -blending of instinctive sense with the animus of -goodness. Both were exultant in declaring that her -kiss, although exceedingly small and tiny in its touch, -was larger in making them feel more happy everywhere -than any they had ever felt of their own kind, -and were certain they should know whenever they -were kissed by a Manatitlan. After this happy introduction -of the novecetas to the Manatitlans, the -Dosch and Doschessa accepted Mr. Welson’s invitation, -and occupied their accustomed seats on the -tragus of his ear; and then with the escort of Cleorita, -Oviata, Lovieta, and Lavoca, started in search -of the newly unionized, who were found enjoying -the cool shade of the tamarisks on the terraced descent -from the summit to the basin of the falls.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dosch, while the presence of Mr. Welson’s -party was yet undiscovered, called his attention to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_432'>432</span>the unity of expression exhibited by their faces as -they gazed in thoughtfully silent meditation upon the -fantastic sprays of falling water, whose misty vapor, -bearing perennial freshness in dispersion to air and -vegetation, represented in similitude their own -thoughtful desires for the extension of their glad -happiness to others. Mr. Welson’s face became subject -to regretful shadows, as he passed in review the -instinctive follies recalled to his memory in contrast -by the constantly recurring variations in manifestation -of the happy influence transmitted from hereditary -self legislation. In thought he expressed thankful -praise that his life had been spared to witness -scenes which in truthful representation realized more -of bliss than had ever entered into his most sanguine -conceptions. In thoughtful admiration of the -unionized beatitude expressed in the silent flow of -current reciprocations, stimulated by the stentorian -promptings of the Dosch in the lulls of the wind -waft, he resolved to avail himself, without delay, of -an example so pregnant with current joy. With lingering -desire he motioned away his escort, then withdrawing -himself without disturbing the mystic harmony -of the wafting ingraft of affection, he sought -within himself for an assurance of hopes that had surprised -him while visiting the school for nynetas.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the descending junction of the avenue with -those of the basin and incrematium he met the prætor -and his wife, who were accustomed on the occasion -of a marriage to visit its sweet scented groves -for communion with their current selves in purification -from the body’s probation. They were quick to -detect in the subdued but hopefully eloquent expression -of Mr. Welson’s face, an undefined longing, and -were not surprised when he unburthened to them his -desire for their censorial consultation, and judgment -after an explanatory intercession with the object of -his premised thoughtful affection. With warm commendations -<span class='pageno' id='Page_433'>433</span>in support of the wisdom of his choice, -from her special adaptability, they immediately entered -upon the eliminary negotiations required for a -verdict of relief; the result of which will be detailed -in a subsequent chapter.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_434'>434</span> - <h2 id='XXXI' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Cleorita and Oviata, with intuitive susceptibility, -detected the new phase of attraction to which Mr. -Welson had become subject, and assumed the entertainment -of his adopted children until evening song, -although they were inclined to hold padre carita in attendance -on the plea that they should not see him -from to-morrow for a whole month. With the canopied -shadows cast by the sun’s decline over the city, -the eyes of Lovieta and Lavoca, under the reactive -weight of unusual excitement, began to flicker, and -they were dismissed to their beds while expressing in -drowsy accents the happiness they anticipated from -the warmth of their adoption by the <span lang="es" xml:lang="es">niñétas de escuela</span>. -The twilight chirps of the suffragian court -sparrows from trellis-vine perches, in preparation for -their song of praise, had scarce betokened the break -of day, before Cleorita and Oviata aroused with fondlings -their nycephas from their deep sleep into the -dreamful slumbers that precede with herald prelude -the instinctive mood of ruling impression. While yet -hovering with suspended wings in the balance of sleeping -and waking impressions, conscious affection murmured -in pleading accents, “Mamma, papa, poco mas -suéño?” But with the renewal of the rosy salutations, -the waking twilight of perception began to -dawn, and then, with the first sunlight rays of memory, -their eyes quickly opened to receive the fond -greetings of the Kyronese maids with tokens of kindred -affection.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_435'>435</span>After a responsive mediation with arms and lips, in -grateful acknowledgment for the service rendered by -their loving monitors, who were self-delegated aids -for dress adjustment, in preparation for joining in the -morning song of praise, they made quick dispatch, -and, unassisted by the proffered hands of the maids, -accomplished their first self-introduction into Heraclean -costume.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the conclusion of the matin salutation of praise, -offered from all the thresholds of the inhabited homes -of the city and latifundium, in which they enthusiastically -joined with infantile zest, they exclaimed, -“How beautiful and neighborly kind!” Then joyfully -asked, “Why, padre carita, how did you learn to -sing? Will papa learn when he comes? It will be so -nice for him and mamma to join together in the cantata -viva of morning and evening, when all is right, -without a wrong, to make them unhappy.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the morning meal, Lovieta and Lavoca, with -Annette in special charge, under the care of Correliana -and Luocuratia, were escorted by the Heracleans, -Kyronese, and members of the corps to the gate of -the nymphatasium, and were there fondly received -in the matriculating arms of the teachers and censors, -and their future associates, with such tokens of affectionate -sympathy that home longings lost their poignancy, -causing their eyes to overflow with genial joy, -watering the smiles evoked from greetings of self-forgetfulness, -with the balm of affection. Annette’s -reception was one of equal warmth, but timed for the -Giga reserve of dignity conferred with the distinctions -of age. Before her entrance, she had gratefully accepted -the proffered adoption of childless Heraclean -parents, so that she could look forward to the forthcoming -monthly day of visitation, with the certainty -of receiving their unselfish endearments.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the farewell greetings were mingled the novecetas’ -assurances of their determination to merit warm -<span class='pageno' id='Page_436'>436</span>approval for their improvement at the next monthly -visitation; of this all felt assured; for with other -adaptive regulations the hours of sleep were so well -timed for the requirements of healthy recuperation, -that even the dream shadows of morning liberation -were curtailed of their precedental phantasmagoric -impressions of instinctive hallucination.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_437'>437</span> - <h2 id='XXXII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>For some weeks subsequent to the arrival of Captain -Greenwood, the daily avocations of the corps -were assimilated with those of the Heracleans, if we -except the erratic disposition of Dr. Baāhar, which -seemed to have become more enamored with entomological -pursuits. In apology, he said, that the great -beauty and ephemeral existence of the butterfly declared -its special intention for the accomplishment of -a transient purpose; and as angels’ terrestrial visits -were few and far between, he had come to the theoretical -conclusion that they were intended as relief -vehicles for their conveyance during their earthly -visits. For the verification of this theory he had increased -his vigilance, with the hopes of catching an -angel napping, which would recompense his trials -from the jeers of an unbelieving world.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the morning salutations, four hours were -passed in the cultivation of the garden allotments in -the latifundium, by all except the padre, curators, and -artist, the former assisting the Kyronese in renovation -in his vocation of carpenter; the latter named preferring -pastoral occupations as more consonant with -their instinctive affinities. From nine to eleven the -time was occupied in the auriculum in conversational -consultation for the exposition of Manatitlan usages, -applicable for initiatory adoption by the Giga races. -Thenceforward until the noon-day hours of meridian -heat, devoted to repose in the shady colonnades, -each individual employed his or her time in rendering -<span class='pageno' id='Page_438'>438</span>neighborly aid or solace. When the shimmering -heat shadows were reflected in gleams from the falling -water indicating the sun’s decline, a slight refection -was served.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From thence until evening song the time was occupied -in associate consultations contributing to amusement -and projective goodwill, embracing in scope -devices for penetrating the armadillo shell of civilized -vanity and selfishness. The ever changing novelty -of thoughtful inventions suggested by these associations, -were in moments of reflection a fruitful source -of wonder to the members of the corps, from the constant -increase of real enjoyment afforded, in contrast -with the vague pursuits of instinctive pleasure followed -with the routine regularity of the kitten’s pastime, -by the civilized races. In the cultivation of -associate worth they derived such abiding satisfaction -from the increasing reach of happy perception, they -were at times inclined to doubt their real identity as -personal actors in the delusive scenes reflected from -memory.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The self-imposed absurdities reflected from the -accumulative worriments of business pursuits, and -sensual gratifications were truthfully illustrated by -Jack and Bill, in the quaint relation of their experience; -who declared that their bodies had been -launched and shipped with just sconce enough to eat, -drink, scrub, chew, splice, smoke, and reef, under the -old gaff, without the flutter of a sky-sail’s worth of -thought more than what they were bid to do. “But -thanks to Captain Greenwood, we’ve been saved -from a dive into Davy Jones’ locker, where we once -expected to be keelhauled in brimstone scaldings by -Old Nick, without ever being able to take a squint -beyond. Homsoever, now with the Dosch for a skipper, -we’ve taken soundings, and know our bearings, -so with a clear look ahead we can see a smooth surface -in the channel without a ripple, or a scud aloft -to take us aback from our portage.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_439'>439</span>Notwithstanding the constancy of the sailor’s ruder -perceptions, the thoughts of the padre and Dr. Baāhar -were often auramentally caught revelling in past visions -of instinctive indulgence, so that it became necessary -for the auramentors to remind one of his -medical society, which held its stated meetings for the -correction of ethical correspondence between its members -in a beer cellar; and the other of a condition, -in which he argued with his wife the propriety of -retiring for the night with his boots on. Mr. Dow -would, in like manner, be occasionally surprised in a -mood of covetous calculation in anticipation of conferred -honors and titles likely to be bestowed by potentates -and societies in reward for his persevering -merit, which had led to the discovery of the Kyronese, -Heraclean, and Manatitlan races. But the slightest -lisp of his first honors obtained for the discovery of a -new species of crab, which was christened “Cancer -Doweri,” restored him to a conscious appreciation -of Heraclean example. M. Hollydorf and Captain -Greenwood were proof to the lure of selfish thought.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The visit to the nymphatasium had been eventful, -under the direction of the Dosch and Doschessa, in -attracting an assimilative sympathy between Mr. -Welson and a maiden teacher, Cæluiformia by name, -the daughter of the pastor Corycebæus; this, through -the intercession, or mediation, of the prætor and wife, -had been matured for a surprise. The pastor had set -his house in order for the return of his daughter, and -the probationary reception of Mr. Welson. When the -arrangements were perfected, the unwitting brides-wick -was greeted at the portals of his thalmia when -emerging for matin salutation, by the prætor, tribune -censors, Kyronese, and Betongese, who escorted him -after the morning song of praise, accompanied by -the entire population to the pastoriza. At the portal -the happy mentor received the embrace of welcome -from the pastor, and one of equal zest in the expression -<span class='pageno' id='Page_440'>440</span>of sincerity from the prospective “mother-in-law,” -who introduced the blushing Cæluiformia, radiant -with affectionate anticipations, to the arms of her -betrothed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This consummation was the signal for the waiting -choir of Manito, who made the tympanum resound -with an anthem prepared for the characteristic expression -of the Scotch instinctive type. Correliana, -initiated into the proemic espousal dedication, directed -the measure from Manatitlan lead. We give a rendering -of the words in translation below:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“From Scotia’s lock’d inlet shores,</div> - <div class='line'>Rough highland crags, and sombre glens,</div> - <div class='line'>Where heather glints o’er boggy fens,</div> - <div class='line'>And shivering, sighs lonely plaint;</div> - <div class='line'>In misty tears the lowland saint,</div> - <div class='line'>Of bracken braes, that rise from moors.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“With love, we hail the herald sage,</div> - <div class='line'>Who dares disdain the bogle chain,</div> - <div class='line'>Of myth-bound sects and all their train,</div> - <div class='line'>Whose fenny thoughts in muirk arise,</div> - <div class='line'>To obscure love’s creative skies,</div> - <div class='line'>With miasmatic hate and rage.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“All hail to his love’s perpetual vows,</div> - <div class='line'>That Cæluiformia’s now espouse.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>At the close of the salutatory greeting, the parents -bestowed upon the current unity of affection, in espoused -accession, their joyful benediction, introducing -them with a glad welcome to the freedom of their -household colonnades. After their installation the -assemblage dispersed to their daily avocations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With Mr. Welson’s departure, the “quarters” of -the corps seemed to have lost its active principle of -vitality, and its members were to be seen in daily -attendance at the house of Corycebæus, after the -morning salutations. Indeed, the transfer was so -complete that the tympano-microscope followed in -train, from the proposed consent of all, the Dosch -remarking, that in their course they followed the universal -<span class='pageno' id='Page_441'>441</span>“law” of attraction, that recognized the lead -of strength, for self-control, as the predominating -source of power for the control of others. This -axiom you will find amply verified in all the motor -relations of animate and inanimate matter, as well as -in all the votive enactments of life. The sun, as the -supreme source of effulgence and heat, attracts the -lesser luminaries within the pale of its orbit, and as -the revivifying source of vitality, force, and motion, -it receives from instinct worshipful reverence; while -in mundane expression, its effects are instinctively -preëminent in the attractive power of the preacher, -lecturer, and democratic leader, for the control of the -unthinking herd, as the oratorical expositors of sound. -In your own relations you were controlled among -your own people by precedental habits and customs, -accepting them, without a questioning thought, as -well approved by the ordeal of time. Away from -your precedental theorisms, in enactment by the controlling -majority, you were attracted by the influence -of Correliana’s happy example over the Kyronese, and -for the first time, with the majority, your thoughts -were directed to facts for deduction and analytical -comparison, which with the leading influence of Heraclean -example has happily called forth into active life -your latent appreciation of goodness. Following in -its lead, after liberation, it has harmonized and rendered -subservient your instinctive tempers, so that -with the ascendant portion precedental argument is -unknown, and politic prudence controls the less appreciative -minority, even when opposed by the aggravations -of material rebuttal. In apt illustration of -the power of self command achieved by the pastoral -members of the corps, while engaged in Olympic -sports with the herd under the lead of the pastor -Corycebæus, Dr. Baāhar, the most pertinacious, politic, -and irascible imitator of antiquarian revelations -among you, having unwarily allowed his stronger -<span class='pageno' id='Page_442'>442</span>passion for butterfly hunting to intrude upon the portion -of the day set apart for the entertainment of the -flocks in field gymnastics, was surprised while stooping -to disengage a gaudy victim from the meshes of -his net, by a disjunctive butt, in the rear, from the -censorial horns and head of a precedental guanaco, -which caused a cycle revolution of his body. Regaining -his feet, he in wrath unthinkingly opposed himself -to the sportive cause of his mishap, who was -collecting his energies with blind zeal for the renewal -of his “good old times salutation.” But with quick -perception the doctor subdued his reactive wrath, and -while the sportive ram was poising his head to follow -up the advantage he had gained in reversing precedental -ideas of naturalistic progression, he wisely -concluded that diplomatic discretion would, for the -occasion, be the better part of valor; acting upon the -suggestion, with bipedal advantage, he dodged instead -of opposing his body fatuistically with the adaged -shield, “what has been, will be.” Notwithstanding -his “presence of mind,” shown upon this occasion, he -obstinately continued to pursue his predilection for -fly catching, with increased zeal. Often in the midst -of the most alluring conversation, devised for the reciprocation -of instruction by Correliana, with a refrain -of notes from woodland songsters to the musical tones -of her voice, he would start wildly up, with his net -raised “rampant” for the catch, with his eyes absorbed -for the detection of the species and order of a -butterfly attraction. When assured of rarity, he -would rush forth with eyes and net upraised for the -capture of the tempting lure. Gentle expedient, and -every form of pleading inducement had been exhausted, -that could be suggested for exampled persuasion, -when an incident occurred which appeared in -coincident similitude, like a conjunctive interposition, -for the cure of his malady.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On a morning which had been freshened with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_443'>443</span>night showers, betokening the approach of the winter -solstice, Corycebæus led forth his flocks, attended -by all whose inclinations were not stayed with the -occupations of gardening and household employments. -Conspicuous above the happy throng, whose voices -were melodious with song and mirthful repartee, -made vivacious with bantering chase, was raised the -pennon net of Dr. Baāhar. But for the contrasting -halo of exuberant gladness, the bevied groups, as -they passed beneath the cinctus portal, might have -been taken for actors in some memorial scene enactment, -expressive of festive gayety in historic commemoration -of ancient ceremonial rites. Nathless, -upon nearer inspection it would have been readily -discovered that instinctive pleasure, from anticipated -indulgence, bore no part in the joyous emotions that -flowed in sportive current from affectionate association. -Even the pennon net, borne aloft in naturalistic -ardor by the enthusiastic fly hunter, had received -its characteristic “fields” of red, scarlet, blue, and -yellow, from a peaceful Kyronese dye pot, under the -baptismal hands of the mirth loving sisters Cleorita -and Oviata. After their arrival and dispersion among -the hill glades, selected for the grazing of their flocks, -Dr. Baāhar, apparently forgetful of the net staff, supported -on his shoulder, was imparting to a bevy of -matrons the secrets of vegetative propagation and -fruition, when his words were suddenly arrested by -the shadow of a butterfly of large dimensions cast by -its interception of the sun’s rays upon the flower of -his speech demonstration. A glance upward, with -an exclamation of enraptured covetousness, and all -his impressions and energies were concentrated for -the capture of the resplendent andean queen of butterflies. -Bushing from among his pupils, heedless of -apologies, instinctive gallantry, and masculine courtesies -bestowed in deference to the weaker privileges of -the sex, he started under queenly lead down the incline -<span class='pageno' id='Page_444'>444</span>of the hillock, with eyes upturned, fixed upon the -rainbow glints reflected from the swaying waft of the -andean regina’s wings, which were radiant with cerulean -tints, as if in blending to proclaim her ethereal -source. Like the ancient falconer, who with frantic -gesticulation was accustomed to wave his luring staff -to attract the attention of an eyas gaffling, who in -freedom soared after striking his quarry, the doctor, -with outstretched arms, pursued the tantalizing evolutions -of his intended prize, which were sustained -just beyond the reach of his net,—when, lo! while in -full career, from an opposite direction, the king appeared, -and a sudden concussion followed in quick -succession, causing the doctor to drop his net staff, -and in reciprocation enclose with his arms the object -he had encountered, which, with the impulsive instinct -of woman’s self-possession in dangerous emergency, -embraced with her arms his neck. With faces in near -approximation, the objects of this strange conjunction -in wondering surprise held emotional consultation; -then, in freedom from the reflection of modest embarrassment, -which would have caused sudden release, -the right shoulder of the doctor became clothed in -raven tresses, intermingling with his own flowing -locks, his right arm having fallen instinctively to the -waist for the support of the fair possessor’s yielding -form.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Forgetful of his net, and the vanished object of his -first pursuit, he, in “good” Germanic Latin, free from -the guttural ingesta inflection of saur-kraut, lager -bier, sausage, and tobacco, offered apologetic consolation -for the shock he had unwittingly occasioned, to -which she replied in equally good English, “Pray, -don’t mention it;” while with lingering fondness, -her sighs and steps were made eloquent in responsive -continuation, as he led her back in half-reclining -mood to her parents. The prætor, who had witnessed -the scene with a peculiar smile of satisfaction, explained -<span class='pageno' id='Page_445'>445</span>the predisposing cause of the encounter,—inasmuch -as it was appreciable to ordinary observation,—that -it might not be thought an act of premeditation -on the part of the female respondent, or -her relatives.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Our Heraclean marriage alliance is so closely interwoven -with instinctive impression, hallowed by the -unity of an affection independent of the body, that -the rupture by death of either of the coaptive sexual -individualities, leaves a void, from the material deprivation -of functional reciprocation, so desolate to -the female in its impression of lonely isolation, that -instinct conjures some gentle hallucination, to supply -the broken threads of sympathy in the weftage of the -severed ties. This illusive visionary substitution is -held as a consecrated indication of continued affectionate -unity, for the survivor’s material direction in -the body. Indeed, all our bereaved experience in -some form this impression, in translation to some -memorial object presented to view in the agony of -instinctive disseveration. Isolita, the daughter of our -cremator, who is now reclining in the support of Dr. -Baāhar’s arm, had her attention attracted, while in -the anguish of separation, by a superb andean butterfly, -which floated over the body of her expiring -husband, and with his last sigh settled for a moment -on her head with wafting wings, as if by invocation -to inspire her hopes in bereavement of a material emblematic -source of communication and direction; -then, from the court colonnades, soared directly upward -until lost to view in the blending tints of ethereal -azure. This scene impressed us all with its omenic -signification, so that we could scarcely wonder that -Isolita in her great sorrow received it as a presage of -vehicular translation, to be treasured as a token of -animus visitations from her departed unity in the -flesh. Without doubt, she will hold the conjunctive -act you have witnessed this morning as an intimated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_446'>446</span>sign of direction for the selection of a scocius, or -companion, for the completion of her earthly term of -sojourn. The confiding trust, evinced from her retained -position, already betokens her belief in the -consummated fulfillment of delegated substitution. -In like verification, you will observe that the doctor -has abandoned his net, and the winged vanity of his -pursuit, for the realization of a more happy and abiding -achievement.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In confirmation of the prætor’s prognostication, -but a few moments had been numbered with the past -ere a procession had formed headed by the cremator’s -family, in hopeful conformity with the ceremonious -rites they were disposed to accord in recognition of -the instinctive liberalisms of sense which had been -fostered by the doctor’s precedental education. Being -obliged to pass the scene of encounter in their passage -up the dale, the prætor’s face grew anxious as they -approached the discarded net, but assumed an expression -of gladness when the doctor passed it within -the measure of a footfall, and without wincing saw it -trodden under foot by the mother of his prospective -affiancee. Relieved of his fears by the disdainful look -cast upon it by the captured fly hunter, the family -group of the prætor moved downward to meet the -symbolical procession, and greet the advancing victor -of self. While bestowing their congratulations, the -fanatical fatuity, inherent with the expression of -the doctor’s face, became broken and dissipated, as -with mist clouds under the genial rays of the morning -sun. In answer to the doctor’s application for -the required sanction of his betrothal with Isolita, -the prætor expressed his warm approval, with the -hope that he would soon be able to derive his happiness -from the prospective good his example would -confer upon future generations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Still,” he continued, “without a clear knowledge -of Manatitlan coöperation, in directing the wisdom -<span class='pageno' id='Page_447'>447</span>of the ‘choice,’ I might have questioned the prudent -propriety of the betrothal, from your pertinacious -adherence to precedental habits, in defiance of -the constant increase of self-inflicted misery. Especially, -as I have learned from auramental source, that -it has been the custom of the Germans, practiced -from time immemorial, to render their wives servitas -of convenience, rather than for the fulfillment of -Creative intention, designed for the perfection of -unity. From this isolating peculiarity of self-indulgent -German instinct, it might be well for me to -question, even now, whether in thought you treasure -selfish desire that would detract by indulgence from -the socius companionship of bereaved affection. Although -naturally endowed with a strong instinctive -predisposition, Isolita is in no way derelict in her -full appreciation of an affection, matured in purity, -independent of the body’s functions. Bethink you, -in answering, of your deposed net?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In reply, the doctor said, “My net has subserved -its purpose, in fulfilling its destiny of prestige; for, -as you well know, I have expressed my full belief in -the especial design of the butterfly’s vocation, from -the unrivaled beauty of its embellishments, which -indicate the celestial transport, in previsemental aid -of angelic visits. This morning I have received satisfactory -evidence of the fact, and for the future have -no farther object for its use; or, as we might say in -quotation, ‘sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.’ -If you can assure me of Heraclean reciprocation in -the bestowal of the angelic capture I have made this -morning, I will endeavor to discard, with my net, -precedental pursuits.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The ingenuity of the insect savan’s reply bespeaking -the sanity of his self-possession, the prætor repeated -to him the peculiarities of Isolita’s widowed -hallucination.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Still himself, the doctor replied, “I feel confirmed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_448'>448</span>in my impressions of her angelic nature, from your -acknowledgment of the fact, that as a woman she -harbors but one hallucination, and that I have been -preferred as an equal for association with her, a privilege -which has yet afore been awarded, in civilized -society, solely, to her sex’s insatiate unabridged vanity -by the cajoleries of man.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>With this additional evidence of the doctor’s consciously -sane appreciation of the happy conjunction -his morning’s encounter “foreboded,” the espousal -received general approbation. The prætor suggesting -the efficient aid Isolita would be able to confer -in systematizing his botanical labors, from the thorough -knowledge of her acquirements necessary for -fruitful vegetation, they departed upon their first -united essay in botanical research, and were not seen -again until the herdsmen sounded their calls for their -return to the city; they then appeared crowned with -floral decorations in overture anticipation of united -reciprocations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Of all the returning train the padre’s face alone -remained subject to the fitful indications of thoughtful -sadness. The conjurations of the day had separated -him from his last mythological hold upon instinct, -raising a happy barrier between him and the -familiar conviviality of genial gossipings in the language -of talk. Returning to the desolate quarters of the -corps, after indulging freely in chirimoya and milk, -he became subject to the indigestive broodings of -instinct, barren of thoughtful resources for occupation. -In this condition, disconsolate, he paced the -deserted colonnades long after Mr. Dow and the -curators of sound had retired to rest. But the Kyronese, -with sympathetic consideration for his lonely -plight, busied themselves in the court and cochina, -ostensibly in preparation for the duties of the morrow, -until, with the impression that he would prefer -solitude for the melancholy nursing of his ruminations, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_449'>449</span>they yielded to the drowsy influence evoked by -the approaching midnight hour; and unaccustomed -to the vigil unrest of anxiety, begot by the dismal -forebodings of dread from a belief in mythological -rewards and punishments, their eyes were sealed with -such sudden surprise that little choice was permitted -for the selection of easy positions for repose. Of late, -mindful of others’ comfort, he saw these sympathetic -vigilantes overcome with sleep unheeded. Even Corycæus -intermitted his thought auramentations with -the solace of an occasional nap, and with the padre -still waking, and walking in a mood of increasing -nervous excitement, he at length sank into a dreamless -sleep.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The darkness which gathers its deeper pall of -blackness, in reversion to the brightness in vivid glow -of the dying spark, had merged from the palpable -coldness of its impression into the murky gray of the -shadowy dawn, when there came a change so sudden -and peculiar in the outward sway of the hammacas -of the auramentor’s family,—suspended from the -vibrillæ of the tragus across the fossæ to the ante-tragus,—that -the forward lurch awoke the occupants. -Curious to know the cause of a motion so unusual, -Corycæus hastened, with the recollection of the -padre’s condition, to take an observation, in which his -wife joined with sympathetic alacrity. They found -the padre kneeling and bowing before a rough-hewn -statue of an ancient Heraclean mother, with a child, -which she supported in her arms, the while counting -with a “vociferous” whisper the beads of the rosary -presented to him by Fraile Gallagato, alternating his -devotional manipulations by cross “cuts” on his forehead -and breast with his index finger. The scene -was so ludicrously absurd, in evidence of the superstitious -revival of his religious instincts, that the auramentors -passed to a neighboring branch to watch his -motions and hear his prayers engendered from selfish -<span class='pageno' id='Page_450'>450</span>fears, wrought by indigestion and sleepless innervation, -aided by the changes of the night. The image -had been closely veiled with a vine embossure of -iriditrope, which had been noted for its close resemblance -to the sculptured statues of the immaculate -virgin, without being aware of the model beneath. -By some coincident freak, combined with fear, mist, -and muirk, confounding with the incertitude of vision-fancied -resemblance, he had discovered the statue -beneath, which tended to raise his phantasmic emotions -to a pitch of fanatical devotion. Impressed -with the belief that it was a special revelation, designed -as a reproof for his “backsliding” departure -from grace, and neglect of his opportunities for the -conversion of the Heracleans, he ventured to unveil -the miraculous discovery, before seeking inspiration -through the celestial gates of bead prayer. Notwithstanding -the impression made upon the family of -Corycæus by the ridiculous farce, there was a weird -instinctive effect that reminded them sadly of the -benighted condition of his race, who still made themselves -blindly miserable with selfish labor, to the utter -perversion of affectionate ease imparted from the current -equality of self-legislation to the Heracleans.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After an hour’s devotional exercise with hands, -and mumbling prayer dronings and enumerations, -wearied nature closed the scene with sleep, and he -sank forward with his body and face prone upon the -virgin bed of vine, in dreamless oblivion. In this -condition he was found, as the ruddy beams of day -began to dispel the lingering misty light of dawn, by -the mayorong, who in sad fright made the courts and -colonnades resound to his calls for assistance. Fearing -that the vital spark had forever fled from the -prostrate form of the kind-hearted padre, who, in despite -of his incertitude, begot from his thoughtless -reliance upon instinctive impressions, was alike the -cherished favorite of the Heracleans, Kyronese, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_451'>451</span>Betongese, the mayorong made no effort for his resuscitation. -The shrill, wailing cry, reverberating in -anguished appeal, reached not only his own people -who were preparing for morning salutation, but the -Heracleans, who hurried in the greatest consternation -to the quarters of the corps to learn the cause of the -fearful outcry. Proof to the mayorong’s mournful -cry, hastening footsteps, and exclamations of the excited -throng, the padre continued unconscious, the -gathering assemblage regarding his prostrate body -with blanched faces and horror-struck gaze. When -at length their surprised emotions had subsided into -thoughtful sadness, “presence of mind” revived -under the impression of regretful sympathy, which -caused Cleorita and Oviata to kneel and raise the -padre’s head, and with the assistance of their grandfather -to turn him upon his back. As gentle hands -withdrew the dank hair that enshrouded his eyes, the -fall of tears upon his face brought forth a deep sigh, -as if conscious of the source from whence they came; -this, with a muttered ave, was followed by a quivering -stretch for relief from the stiffness of his limbs, -significant alike of retained vitality and reviving consciousness. -Then, as if under the herald impulse of -a dream of dread, he, with a spasmodic start, suddenly -raised his head from the pillowed lap of Cleorita, -bringing his nose in abrupt contact with the toe of -the figure that projected over the pediment of the -statue. This brought forth, with tears, his accustomed -ejaculation, “My goodness gracious!” while he -administered to it extreme unction with the soothing -touch of his hand. The grimaced accompaniment, -in revulsion, brought forth, in contrast from the depth -of sadness, an irresistible outburst of laughter, from -the late mourners whose eyes were yet moist with -the tears of sorrow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Starting up, amazed at his own unaccountable position, -and the assemblage of faces that bestowed upon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_452'>452</span>him their gaze, with mingled expressions of grief and -mirth, the padre’s fingers sought his hair for the disentanglement -of his bewildered impressions. Failing -in his attempt to recall the causeful events, his looks -appealed to Cleorita and Oviata, whose eyes were -glistening with gladness through their misty veil of -tears, like the sun’s rays through the cilium of rosebuds -sparkling with dew drops; but the anxious inquiries -of new arrivals diverted explanation from -them. Evil tidings are ever quick in spreading when -borne by the scandalous impulse of gossiping tongues -intent upon marvelous impression, but with sad sympathy -the alarm had spread from portal to portal, -with tongueless celerity, heralding the source of affectionate -bereavement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Among the nearest, and earliest to be apprised of -the padre’s supposed demise, was a young widow -named Madonnasta, who resided with her parents -without the oppidum gate, in the racept of the latifundium. -Her husband had been taken by the savage -besiegers when returning from a forage sortie; their -hatred against the whites had been embittered by -cruelties practiced for intimidation while the Jesuits -were endeavoring to found missions among them for -subjective utilization and the ruling advance of instinctive -religion and civilization. In woful ignorance, -they accredited their civilized foes with a -united faith in a common form of worship, designed -for the immolation of all unbelievers. Prompted by -revengeful defiance, the unfortunate captive had been -stretched and bound to a cross, the sacrificial emblem -of Christian faith; and in that condition had been -suspended over the brink of the precipice, in view of -the besieged, who were forced to witness his agonized -struggles, under the scorching heat of the sun, increased -by the absorption and reflection of the basaltic -rock, aggravated by the pain of his bonds, and the -gnawings of hunger and thirst; but not without witnessing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_453'>453</span>the desperate sallies made by sympathy for -his rescue, in which with a wife’s devotion Madonnasta -had engaged. When at length death relieved his -mortal torments, and the vultures, with time and the -elements, had severed the cords that bound the -bleached skeleton to the crucial framework, and it to -the precipice, it fell to a resting place beneath; then -a successful sortie was made for their recovery, and -they were cremated with the wood of crucifixion; but -a portion was retained by the widowed wife, who with -great care and ingenuity formed it into an emblematic -cross, corresponding in memorial form with the one -upon which her husband had suffered; this she suspended -from her neck, as an instinctive memento of -the sad scene of her mortal bereavement. Her devotion -to the relic soon imparted to sorrowing emotions -the hallucid impression that the crossed pieces of wood -were enacting the part of a spiritualized medium of -communication with the animus of her departed husband, -and were consulted at certain hours of the day -for direction. As the hallowed memories clustered -around the waking hours of the morning, when from -repose the grateful impressions of thanksgiving had -been revived for affectionate reciprocation, she was -ever the first in readiness for the orison hour of morning -greeting. In these moods, the fervor evinced by -her reverential endearments plainly indicated the instinctive -lapse of her faith into the implied belief of -material transubstantiation eucharistic for imparting -the hallucination of actual presence for the renewal of -connubial felicity. These impressions, which from -their sincerity involved consolation, in no wise impaired -the sanity of her thoughts and acts in matters -pertaining to the rational employments of her bodily -existence in purity of intention. On the contrary, it -strengthened the outflowing tide of her affection, so -that its tangibility was imparted with a perceptible -thrill from touch, voice, and presence, to all within -the sway of purity and goodness.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_454'>454</span>It was the good fortune of the padre, on the morning -succeeding to that of his first Heraclean advent, -while yet subject to the relict baneful effects of -whiskey, tobacco, and their habitual hereditaments of -impurity, to be attracted by the beneficent fervor of -the widowed Madonnasta’s pitying glances of sympathy, -while passing the portals of her father’s house. -The effect of these interviewing glances became immediately -reformatory, for he sought a retired spot, -where he “devoted” himself for an hour to the rapid -chewing of his remaining tobacco,—supplied from -the limited store of his friend the doctor, for a stipulated -butterfly consideration,—the while ruminating -upon the incomparable charms of his inconuistic discovery. -After fully expressing its narcotic power to -the offaled dregs, he, in the vernacular phrase of instinct, -incontinently swore off, while from a fountain -in the crematium he thoroughly abluted his mouth; -then returning past the house of Madonnasta, he paid -her his reverence free from the actual impression of -defilement. Afterwards, whenever he contemplated -a visit to the predisposed object of his adoration, he -subjected his mouth to a thorough purification with -the chloride of lime, recommended by his “friend” -as an excellent deodorizer for the correction of effluviums. -This politic course partook of in advisorial -advocacy, and exampled acceptance, the ostrich’s fatuity, -who in closing or concealing the eyes to self-reflection -“supposes” its material body is rendered -invisible to others. With the passage of time and his -reproof pilgrimage to Amelcoy, he gradually became -impressed with the mishaps attendant upon self-indulgence, -and under the direction of goodwill he had -obtained with her greetings manifestations of affectionate -approval, which inclined her to study his language -with rapid achievement and understanding -success. These inter-allusions will afford the reader -an understanding impression of antecedent and subsequent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_455'>455</span>passages, elicited from the eventful singularities -of the morning’s transpositions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the padre’s forlorn or dead estate was announced -by the mournful cadences of the mayorong’s -call, Madonnasta was among the first of her people -who had flown upon the wings of sympathy, to realize -with her own eyes the truth of the startling rumor -that knelled the second bereavement of her hopes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre, at the moment of her approach, was endeavoring, -with his right hand in his hair, to establish -an equilibrium for the use of reflective thought, while -his eyes wandered from face to face in search for the -cause of their congregated anxiety, manifested in his -behalf. Observing the roseate flush of gladness that -quickly succeeded the pallor of dread anticipation in -Madonnasta’s face, when she found that he still lived, -the padre essayed to address her in his own language, -but upon the instant of his first articulation she caught -sight of the cross dangling from his neck suspended -by its chain of beads. Suddenly raising her hands in -the clasped attitude of thankful surprise, she uttered -the exclamation, “Al han espousita directicio!” (It -is by thy fond direction!) and springing forward -fondly clasped his neck in a joyfully conscious swoon. -This episode proved fortunate, else she would have -discovered his great trepidation and lack of glad reciprocation, -which would have sadly chilled the realization -of her transubstantial vision of predilected reunion -dedicated for enactment through the padre’s -substituted mortality. With his usual tardy perception, -dulled from the renewal of superstitious -impression, he gave only mechanical support to the -form of Madonnasta, resplendent with the charms -premised from prospective reduplication in the body.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Cleorita observing his perplexity and evident -abashment, pointed to the cross of Madonnasta, and -his own, then with eucharistical fervor he bestowed -upon her lips a baptismal kiss, while with a blush of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_456'>456</span>shame he concealed the pendent emblem, suspended -from his own neck, beneath his vest. This devotional -exercise and symbol, recalled to his memory the -events of the night, with a circumstantial impression -that Madonnasta had by miraculous interposition been -converted to the Christian faith, which led him to exclaim -with enthusiastic ardor, “Upon my conscience’ -sake, it’s a miracle, how she has kept the faith among -pagans!” With pity and admiration, he again administered -the baptismal rite of instinctive communion, -which served to revive the lapsed faculties of his incumbent -burthen. As his somewhat tardy tenderness -revived the waiting perceptions of his angelic godsend -herald, sighs, like the rustling flutter of leaves -stirred in the stillness of noon-day by the advance of -a shower, betokened the restoration of vital energy, -with the genial accompaniment of joyful tears. When -at length the rosy eyelids of Madonnasta began with -trembling vibrations to unfold, the padre’s features in -waiting expectation flickered with the <i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">ignis-fatuus</span></i> -expression of catholic zeal, in the full belief of miraculous -intervention for the preservation of the ordinances -of revealed religion under the fructifying influence -of saving grace. As with a convulsive shudder -the full orbs of Madonnasta’s wondering eyes were -unveiled, and made glorious with the expression of -delegated affection, the padre’s face became illuminated -with the propagandic light of zealotry, causing him -to seize and bestow upon her cross an emblematic kiss -of reverence. This act fully revived the pervading -strength of Madonnasta’s hallucination, causing her, -with a look of fond recollection, peculiar to widowed -grief, to embrace his neck, while with her lips she -realized to his fanatical zeal the confirmation of faith.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The wonderingly amused spectators of this pantomimically -enacted scene of mutual hallucination, with -this act of consummation opened a passage for Mr. -Welson and the prætor, who had been attracted from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_457'>457</span>the house of Corycebæus by the hurrying excitement -within the city portal. A glance sufficed for the assurance -of a provisional “wedding” crisis, and the -prætor was about to add his sanction, but the moment -the padre observed his intention, he started back objuringly -in the greatest alarm, muttering an interposing -exorcism, at the same time exposing his own and -Madonnasta’s crosses as shields of protection. His -impetuous array startled the prætor with the fear -that the padre was in reality instinctively mad. But -M. Hollydorf explained to his adopted father that the -padre’s disarray of thought had undoubtedly been occasioned -by an unusual conjunction of circumstances, -recommending an adjournment to the ordinarium of -the corps for an investigation of facts, and a mutual -understanding, under the sanction of advisement. -When convened Corycæus related all that had transpired -within the scope of his waking knowledge, -which extended through the devotional vigil of the -padre. It was easy to trace from subsequent events -the source of Madonnasta’s and the padre’s coincident -delusions. She had recognized in him the transubstantiated -form preferred as a substitute by her crucified -husband, from the cross attachment to his rosary; -and he, from the bias of an instinctive Christian -education, had supposed from coincident impressions -that she was a miraculous convert appealing to him -for a husband’s protection. The Dosch advised that -the padre should be made acquainted with the circumstances -attending the death of Madonnasta’s husband, -and her consequent monumental delusion from -the derangement of her instinctive perceptions occasioned -by affectionate solicitude. Then, if he chose, -in prospect of their incurability, to solace her with -his companionship during their allotted terms of mortal -sojourn, their union should receive Heraclean approval, -upon the plea of like illusive adaptation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre was greatly abashed when the facts in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_458'>458</span>plain demonstration were confirmed by Correliana -and her mother. Mr. Welson then urged him to accept -the coincidence as an omen of happy premonition. -He then gratefully received the rites of sanctioned -betrothal without demurring, after Madonnasta -had been offered a like privilege of revocal by a statement -of his mythological delusions derived from the -ghostly precepts of a Christian education. Both with -firm adhesion retained the bias of first impressions, -and were escorted with joyful mirth to the house of -Madonnasta’s parents, where, with parental welcome, -the padre assured the assemblage that he felt himself -proof against lonely relapse into the mythological -haunts of instinct. After the padre’s betrothal and -domiciliation, Mr. Welson with the Dosch returned to -the house of Corycebæus.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While the prominent eccentricities of the last two -conjunctions were the subjects of mirthful explication, -Mr. Welson abruptly addressed the Dosch and -Doschessa with an inquiry, which, like the shadow of -a cloud passing over a landscape made humorous by -man’s instinctive invention, caused gleams of joyous -transition from the reflection of absurdity, which, with -authority, we are permitted to report.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “You have found it necessary in -coupling the doctor and padre with yoke mates, to -adjust their ruling infatuations with like characteristic -hallucinations of will-o’-wisp affinity! will you -now expound to me my own, that led to the direction -of my choice? For I will frankly acknowledge, that -with studied aid afforded by Cæluiformia’s reflection, -I have only been able to discover a lack of equality -from my own instinctive imperfections.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch</em> (with a joyous accompaniment of laughter). -“You have an old ritualistic proverb of more -than ordinary worth, recorded among your mythological -oddities and traditional ‘saws,’ for the expression -of Giga infatuation, which we will reverse for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_459'>459</span>your especial benefit in aid of perception for the explication -of the enigma you ask us to solve. The -reading your experience confirms, in quotation, should -be rendered, Sufficient for the day is the good thereof! -and with us, Sufficient for the day is the exampled -proof thereof!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Their mirthful inclinations were stayed by the entrance -of the padre and Madonnasta; the countenance -of the former having reassumed the vacuity of -expression peculiar to the fanatical rule of instinctive -fear and prejudice, which in language we will allow -him to express.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre</em> (addressing the Manatitlans). “You must -know that it is not my wish or intention to be ungrateful; -but then one must have a care for the preservation -of his soul; for what is the whole world to -a man if he loses his own soul. I am certain you -could not have failed to see by my actions, all along, -that I had qualms of conscience that all was not right -with me. Not that I would wish for a moment to -question the motives of Heraclean example, or ever -have, for I know that in purity it’s above my reach. -But works, you know, are as nothing in the balance -with one’s soul without faith, which works wonders. -Neither can I blame you in any way, except that you -reject the light, confident in your own good works; -and I greatly fear that the sources of happiness you -suppose to be real are the delusions of the devil, who -goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may -devour. For what says Father Jaen, ‘Good works -are of no effect without saving grace administered -under the seal of confession!’ Well, after the strange -marriages of Captain Greenwood, M. Hollydorf, Jack -and Bill, with the sun overhead,—which I suppose is -a pagan fashion,—and begging your pardon for expressing -the truth of my mind, were no marriages at -all, being extraordinary, without the sanction of the -holy rites of the church, anointed under priestly seal, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_460'>460</span>in sign manual of registry in heaven, which prevents -divorce. (Addressing Mr. Welson.) Then you were -espoused in another strange way, which shows that -there is no regular sanctified method, as there should -be. But yesterday, when Dr. Baāhar and Mrs. Isolita -came together in such an extraordinary way, my -eyes were opened, and I could not sleep, so I prayed -to the virgin and her child fervently, which led to -the miraculous discovery of her image, and only begotten -son, just as the light was dawning, and while -praying to her I was suddenly overcome with a slumber -so peacefully sweet and deep, that I awoke to find -myself dead in the belief of you all, at least those -that saw me in that condition. In my vision I saw -angels in tears, who seemed to express sorrow for the -death of my body without the salvation of my soul -by confession. Now, perhaps I was dead, for I found -Cleorita and Oviata and the mayorong and his people -and the Heracleans weeping, and felt uncomfortable -in my body, as though I had just risen. Hardly -had I begun to think, and had just bethought myself -how I was overtaken, when I heard caress me (<span lang="la" xml:lang="la">carissima</span>!) -spoken in an imploring way, at the same time -found that Madonnasta had fainted in my arms, in an -embarrassing way, which again bewildered me, until -Cleorita and Oviata pointed to our crosses; then a -light burst upon me, for I saw that she was a Christian -among pagans, miraculously interposed for my -reproof and her salvation, before I had sinned away -the day of grace! All that I have said is true, and -much more, if I could recollect it, which you would -have seen if you had had faith like a grain of mustard -seed. At any rate, I feel that the immaculate -virgin and her holy son are my guardian angels, and -the Manatitlans acknowledge that they are human, -and depend upon good works for happiness, which is -against the fathers and Scriptures, and I cannot, -upon second thought, bring my mind to submit to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_461'>461</span>your rites of marriage, which I fear are but little better -than concubinage, that would endanger my soul -and that of Madonnasta. From this you must know -how anxious I am to depart, that Madonnasta may -receive the rites of baptism and consecration for -adoption into the bosom of our holy mother church. -Then, after our regular marriage, we may return to -assist in your conversion, if I am found worthy of -confirmation in holy orders.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It would be hard to express in language the mixed -emotions of those of the assemblage who understood -the padre’s interpretation of his waking visions of the -morning, bred in emergence from sleep to the impressions -of reality. The face of Mr. Welson assumed -an expression of humorous admiration, seemingly -gratified with the padre’s revived superstitious simplicity, -which gave encouragement to his playful disposition -for quizzing inquiry. The microscopic reflections -in like manner appeared to enjoy, for the -moment, the “tutored” dismay evinced by the rambling -impressions of the padre’s rehearsal, incoherent -with the precedental intuition of faith expressed in -his memory of words. Madonnasta’s face, although apprised -of the padre’s mythological delusions, “underwent” -the varied changes of curiosity, puzzled for the -want of a clear interpretation of emotions so foreign -to the affectionate current of sympathy. Mr. Welson -and the Dosch were alike dreaded by the padre, -when the tenets of his religion and its instinctive incongruities, -supported by faith in impossibilities, were -rendered farcical by the contradictory absurdities of -his questioned exposition of the law, prophets, and -revelation; for, with a few interrogations, they invariably -made him feel the ridiculous mist of his self-involvement. -His incoherency had been increased -by the proboscidial waggish indications of Mr. Welson’s -nose, which he felt was searching for a tender -point beneath the superficial flow of his religious -<span class='pageno' id='Page_462'>462</span>faith; so he mustered all the dignified acerbity possible -for repelling attacks made for the exposure of -his gullibility.</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “You have preferred your former -desire to leave Heraclea, and propose to take Madonnasta -with you for sacramental confirmation and marriage. -After the explanation you have heard of the -cause that led her to adopt the memorial emblem, -would it not be well to question her farther, that you -may learn whether her disposition inclines her to the -course you propose?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Padre.</em> “You know very well, Mr. Welson, that -I cannot speak the Latin language, neither can she -understand the English sufficiently well for the full -comprehension of my wish. But what is there under -the sun more evident than the common language of -the cross, commemorative of our Saviour’s crucifixion? -Why, my goodness gracious, man, can’t you see that -its use in her husband’s death, was the inscrutable -means used for her conversion? Then what led me -to discover the virgin and her child,—which you had -passed hundreds of times without noticing,—when I -was in the greatest need for their intercession from -the want of sleep? I know that you say it is the -statue of an ancient mother of the household, reverenced -for her “virtues,” but this, as you well know, -would not account for the effect produced on me, -when my prayers were directly supplicating repose?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Mr. Welson.</em> “Our faces undoubtedly show what -we cannot deny. But our smiles are not provoked -by a scoffing disposition; on the contrary they are -more inclined to sadness than derision, for it is hard -for us to conceive the incomprehensible nature of an -obstinacy so void in perceptive appreciation, although -by the reflection it forces upon memory the perverse -insensibility and difference of our past lives to the -true source of happiness. That you, of us all the -most highly endowed with the natural manifestations -<span class='pageno' id='Page_463'>463</span>of goodness, should prove so dull as not to realize the -source from which the happiness you really feel is -derived, bespeaks an infatuation that exceeds the -measure of our comprehension. But as you have -determined to leave us, it is proper for you to understand -the true interpretation of your betrothed’s feelings -in prospect of her removal from home.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Dosch.</em> “Before she is questioned, I would have -the padre fully comprehend the true nature of the -alliance he would assume with Madonnasta, for she, -in common with the Heracleans, has a realizing perception -of the unity still existing between herself and -former respondent in the flesh. Her true impressions, -excited by the symbol in your possession, were -that your sympathies flowed in unison with hers -toward the severed reflection of her own identity, and -that you were the preferred successor chosen for the -representative solace of her sojourn in mortality. To -disabuse her of this gentle hallucination, imparted -from the severed ties of instinctive association, would, -if possible, be cruel. Still if your prejudices are over -strong against soothing her partial preference in the -interchange of proxied solace, it would be better for -you to depart alone. If, on the contrary, you can -reciprocate in substitution her instinctive affection, -you will find her a constant source of happiness, that -will advance your perception to an earthly realization -of the joys imparted from a foretaste of immortality, -through the current reciprocation of goodness. Now -that my wife has explained to her your multiplied delusions, -founded upon the sounding words, faith and -saving grace, with their attendant instinctive inducements -for the patronage of gross indulgences, I will -state to her the motives of your intention which -prompt you to leave Heraclea, also your desire to -have her body undergo the ritualistic manipulations of -the priests of your sect, for the salvation of its instinctive -soul, and recommend that you bestow upon -her during the relation your regardful attention.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_464'>464</span>Madonnasta, during the recital, devoted her attention -to the close study of the padre’s personal peculiarities, -which were described to her as a prevailing -index of corrupting effect with the Giga civilized -races. With the mention of tobacco and distilled -liquors, that could not be disguised to his ear, his -face assumed the scarlet hue of shame, while with -downcast eyes and tremulous folding of hands, he -pleaded in thought parental example and the encouragement -afforded by priestly absolution. Quick to -appreciate his regretful sufferings, she was attracted -to his side, and with the soothing action of her hands -imparted sympathy for his self-inflicted misery. -Shamefaced from the constantly recurring examples -of his heedless lack of purpose, he made no attempt -to renew his promises of constancy, but remained silently -submissive to the reprehensive admonition of -the Dosch. “If,” continued the Dosch, “you and -your race would give heed to the warning impressions -of your bodily functions when oppressed, your -perceptions from memory would soon act as a guard -against incompatibles and excess. Functional experience -as an example for good and evil, in provisional -guard for the welfare of digestion and healthy assimilation, -is better by far than the theoretical tests of -chemical analysis and the empirical counter-actives of -the doctor, which only serve to exhaust vitality, distempering -in the process protective mental power designed -for the corresponding elimination of instinctive -purity and goodness. Our bodily perfection, -which ignores in age the artificial aids of plaster and -paint, for the concealment of living depreciation from -unnatural causes, has been attained by the thoughtful -provision of ancestral example, which constantly -held in view, with themselves, their responsibility to -future generations, with reactive profit to their own -happy correspondence with material self. It should -appear, from the example of your last experience, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_465'>465</span>which has rendered you phantasmally mad, that -judgment should be trained individually and collectively -to recognize in representation the adaptability -of food in quality and quantity for healthy support. -The cherimoyer as a fruit, and milk as a vegetable -production from animal elaboration, are each separately, -with a recognition of time and quantity, well -adapted for the nutriment of the human body. But -you, as with your race, have paid the penalty of -heedlessness, and in relative degrees can realize from -self-experience the origin of war, gospel, law, and -medicine, with their legions of phantasmal abettors, -which renders life a waking nightmare of miserable -variations in opposition to happy realization. In the -calm quiet of Heraclean life, with associate correspondence -in purity and goodness, your impressions -and desires have been so occupied with happy realities, -that even in reflection, from memory, the gala -day celebrations that attracted your instinctive passions -of sense with evanescent beguilement have -proved an aversion to thought. Picture in impression -your emotions, if in the distance you can imagine -a scene so abhorrent to the realizations of affection, -you saw a procession passing up the now -peaceful avenue of the latifundium, heralded with -deafening shouts, cannon, Chinese crackers, bombas, -the clangor of cymbals, obstreperous shrillness of -fifes, screechings, groanings, and dronings of bagpipes, -the monotonous boom and clattering roll of -drums, a procession with banners borne by soldiers -in the popinjay “uniforms,” glittering swords, bayonets, -and like paraphernalia of vanity and death! -Or the horror that would suffocate your tender hopes -inspired for the increasing purity and goodness of -future generations, if the temple schools of germination -should be usurped to give place to the stable ritualisms -of priestly compostors! When, with the -study of your personal requirements, you seek to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_466'>466</span>make your habits inoffensive and agreeable to purity -and goodness, you will be able to avoid the humiliating -impressions evoked by your morning’s exposure, -which were solely attributable to a heedless lack of -attention to your former experience and advice of -Anticipator, who warned you of the effects you provoked. -From the effect produced upon your involuntary -powers from indigestion, you can judge of -the living nightmare freaks of insanity which have -been provoked from ages of conceptive indulgence to -give birth to hallucinations of your present progressive -civilizations. Once entered upon the realities of -self-legislation, in its current form of affectionate solicitation -for the welfare of others, the germ of goodness -will expand for reciprocation, until in revivication -it embraces not only the human race, but in -instinctive effect and degree the lower orders of animality.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The padre feeling the justness of the direction, -and kindly sympathy manifested by the Manatitlans -and Heracleans, could not withhold his eyes from -giving misty manifestation of emotional appreciation. -This “weakness” caused Dr. Baāhar, who had with -politic diplomacy conformed, in outward appearance, -to Heraclean usage, to become cynically provoked, -openly urging that his childish tears accounted for his -mistaking the rough-hewn Heraclean statues for the -Christian prototypes of his creed. Notwithstanding -the padre’s regretful humiliations, from a lack of -thoughtful consideration, he could not withhold a -retortful reminder from his old <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">noli me tangere</span> opponent, -of his more flagrant assumption; after a moment’s -hesitation, he replied, “I claim but a limited -knowledge in genealogical matters pertaining to mythology, -but I think I was not more daft in my judgment -when I mistook the statue in the misty morning -light, for the virgin mother and child, than you was -in judging the Heracleans politic worshipers of one of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_467'>467</span>your old Sclavo-vendic deities, because you found a -statue garlanded with vine-disguised Kyronese mousetraps.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This ever ready repartee, and apt for the occasion, -served to dispel the reproachful shadows, that in impression -hung over the padre from his listless predisposition -to lapse into his old fatuous rulings of instinct. -The admonitions of the Dosch had also aroused in him -a reproachful fear that his example would serve to -impair the confidence of new arrivals in the effective -permanency of Heraclean example; which awakened -in him a determination in his own mind “to make his -calling and election sure,” by a thoughtful avoidance -of precedental inclinations.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_468'>468</span> - <h2 id='XXXIII' class='c005'>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Dr. Baāhar, acting in accordance with the -suggestion of the Dosch, given a few months previous, -had devoted his attention to the cultivation of -fruit-bearing plants, shrubs, and trees, but his success -from a lack of objective constancy and discriminative -judgment, was inclined to be enigmatical in practical -results. Instead of studying the practical adaptation -of productive vegetation for the requirements of -healthful subsistence, he was quite content with -transplanting rare growths, obtained from the surrounding -country in the latifundium, without anxious -regard for the development of fruitful utility, often -introducing those that it had required the labor of -years to exterminate, when sowed upon the wind -from the brink of the precipice by the Indian besiegers. -Fortunately his democratic ideas, which -reverenced the rights of naturalization in freedom -from adaptability, and rapid succession in office, gave -his citizen plants but little time to take root, except -those of the most worthless description that live upon -the blight of the fruitfully good. Yet with all his -inadvertencies, accident occasionally favored a useful -result, as many of the fugitive growths which had in -seed-flight adapted themselves to congenial soil proclaimed -their transatlantic origin and capability for -life sustaining reproduction with provident forethought -in cultivation. His botanical ambition found ample -satisfaction in tracing their genealogical relationship -without testing their fruitful capacity, except in chimerical -<span class='pageno' id='Page_469'>469</span>conjecture, founded upon precedental arguments -advanced by the most ancient writers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Under the affectionate tuition of necessity, Isolita’s -instincts had been trained for the consistent conservation -and advancement of vitality, and her knowledge, -despite the disadvantages of siege, had extended with -a wide reach beyond the cinctus walls. With cultivated -attainments for the discernment of cause and -effect, she had with the dependent emergency of her -people upon a continued supply of vegetable products -become a practical botanist, capable of tracing at -sight the natural life-sustaining affinities of fruits -and roots, although ignorant of their technical classification -into generas, orders, and species. Visiting -the embryotic garden of the doctor, shortly after -their espousal, she was surprised to find the only -thriving plant the noxious venoseminata, the evil -genius of fruitful vegetation, which when once allowed -to take root, in new soil, offered hydra resistance to -the efforts bestowed for its eradication. With her -quick perception she discovered the danger incurred -from its heedless cultivation, not only to the plot of -her adopted Socius, but to the neighboring plantations, -which with full exampled growth would become -subject to its contagious encroachments. Quick in -preservative action she seized a dibble, and before the -technical precedentalist could arrest her practical -intention, the malignant parasite was uprooted, and -hung dependent from the branch of a tree exposed to -the full rays of the sun. Too late for expostulation, -the theorist stood aghast at her audacity, but kept -silence lest from her skillful use of the dibble she -should trace the noxious thrift of the plant to his -jesuitical cultivation, despite the warnings of his -neighbors. Recovering, when he saw her raise plant -after plant, consigning them to the same fate, and in -process exposing others to remove from their roots -the fatal tentacles, he remonstrated; but she still -<span class='pageno' id='Page_470'>470</span>continued her labor, the while congratulating him -when she discovered that none of the diffusia had -trespassed beyond his limits. At length convinced -that no stray fibre remained, she carefully gathered -every leaf, branch, and tendril to be united in the -fate of the parent stalk. Completing her search for -the garroting quirls of the venoseminata, that strangulated -above the surface with an effect as deadly as the -wide spreading roots beneath the surface, she silently -replaced those promising fruition worthy of cultivation, -then standing in a smilingly questioning attitude -of graceful solicitation, she waited to learn the measure -of her Socius’ approval. To which he answered -in words, with eyes fitfully glancing askance, half -with shame, inwrought with furtive displeasure, “To -be sure I understood the nature of the plant, but I -wished for the others to grow in company with it, -that they might improve upon its evil example, in -vindication of our theatrical enactments which portray -sensational evil, that they may show the shadow of a -surviving moral, for it is the duty of the good to -shame the evil; for what says one of your old Roman -poets?</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c008'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“‘In evil company you should ever show,</div> - <div class='line'>That purity can protect itself, and ever grow.’”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><em>Isolita.</em> “But did you not see that it was destroying -all within its reach?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Socius.</em> “But as in war, evil eventually exhausts -itself; and by furnishing more hardy growths I should -have overcome it in time.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Isolita.</em> “But it would have soon extended itself -beyond your limits. Besides, of what avail the cultivation -of your ground if your useful plants were condemned -to be constantly devoured by this parasite -without reaching fruition. In permitting evil to grow -and expand under your hand for neighborly infliction, -when in the beginning you have the power of suppressing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_471'>471</span>it at ease, to perfect extinction, would make you -miserably culpable as an abettor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Socius.</em> “But your Manatitlan advisers advocate -the practical good of their school of hypocrisy, that -their scholars may be fore-armed by being forewarned.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Isolita.</em> “Yes, but the professors are as harmless -for evil and injury as those that I have hung in the -sun to endure the scorching noon-day heat, with the -fruitful soil beyond their reach. Besides the human -venoseminatas serve as a warning to their kind, and -in their professorial speciality of ingratitude are -detained from propagating their deadly example.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Socius.</em> “But your Manatitlan advisers advocate -the practical good that comes from exposing hypocrisy; -and their arguments sustained by example, are -equivalent to preaching, and our theatrical entertainments -founded upon precedental enactments, which -appears to be a distinction without a difference in -reality.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Isolita.</em> “As you are aware, the Manatitlan school -of hypocrisy was an ulterior resort, forced upon them -by the ritualistic duplicity of their Mouthpat neighbors; -which, aside from the beneficial result derived -from exposing the deceptive incongruities that entailed -constantly increasing misery upon the races of -mankind, afforded thoughtful stimulus to the graduating -novices for suggesting the means of auramental -direction, in their aural correspondence with the civilized -Giga races.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Socius.</em> “You are speaking as a Manatitlan, under -direction. Is it well for you to submit to the prompting -of third parties in your intercourse with me? I -have been taught that the marriage alliance should be -held sacred as a body corporate united in its parts for -communion with self.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Isolita.</em> “If we consult our mutual advantage, it -is not from extending injury but help to others, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_472'>472</span>with the flow of recurrent reciprocation, we in turn -are filled to overflowing with grateful emotions of -joy. We certainly should not disdain good instruction -from any source, which offers experienced advantage -for aiding our endeavors in perfecting the attainment -of a happy union. As with us of Heraclean -lineage, you have acknowledged the near approach of -the Manatitlans to happy perfection, and should unite -with us in grateful expressions of joy that they are -pleased to devote their experience for our advancement -in happiness. Their exampled experience in -goodly purity, revived in current reciprocation from -disembodied affection, affords us a more perfect realization -of Creative intention, through the indications -of perceptive endowment. If we live dependent -upon the vitality of others, without reciprocation, to -the exclusion of confidence imparted from the joyous -trust of unselfish goodness, we should in fact enact -the part of the venoseminata that destroys useful -vegetation with the growth of its own grasping evil -propensities, which yields to itself a destructive existence -in compensation for the injury it inflicts upon -the fruitful beneficence of its neighbors.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Socius.</em> “Your language betrays the Manatitlan -philosopher, rather than the wife; who according to -our creed should obey her husband in all things. We -have a proverb in Germany, that says ‘Two literary -philosophers can never agree in a common household;’ -and another that reads, ‘It is better to have -a wife submissively weak in intellect, than strong in -mind.’ So you will perceive that in sequence it logically -follows that children born from united strength -will become heterodox to ancestral faith, unless left -early to the example and correction of a surviving -parent.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Isolita.</em> “With the indwelling sanction of purity -and goodness, we accord to the Manatitlans a better -interpretation of Creative indications from practical -<span class='pageno' id='Page_473'>473</span>knowledge, and are grateful for their aid prompted -by well tested experience devoted to an enduring perception -of our immortal privilege of living in life -away from the gross control of instinctive desires, -which in confluence with united parental example -lives ever with us proof to bereavement.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Socius.</em> “I certainly wish to understand you, and -better still, I would have you comprehend me without -other aid than I am able to impart. For as I -have been taught, it is esteemed absolutely necessary -for a wife to reverence her husband as a -director from acknowledged superiority, with a submissive -affection contentfully obedient in affording a -guarantee for the peaceful assurance of the household. -Law and order, under the ruling control of the husband, -are as essential for the preservation of domestic -discipline as public.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Isolita</em> (smiling sadly). “Can union abide with -the superiority of one part above another, that with -assumption dictates subserviency in the place of -equality? To love, with us, is to be loved; and, as -you have experienced, we have no jarring discords -from selfish indulgence, for in recognition of the unprivileged -specialities of brute instinct, in contradistinction -we are enabled to consult the body’s requirements -for healthy support, in appropriate degree for -the healthy manifestation of affectionate equality, in -check of the cravings for excessive gratification that -with material clog is the pampering source of all the -woes of the Giga race.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Socius.</em> “So, so, I see that a Heraclean wife includes -the dictation of a Manatitlan bride.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Isolita.</em> “It is not our wish to ‘dictate or argue,’ -for we have been well informed of the dissentious -meaning of the words in exampled use with the Gigas. -But you must be well aware, that unless confidingly -united in sympathy our union is void, and our example -would impart evil rather than good. It is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_474'>474</span>from the consciousness of grateful appreciation derived -from imparted affection that we obtain our impressions -of happiness, and in extension of immortality.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Socius</em> (abashed). “You make me feel from your -affectionate solicitation, in self-reproof, for my repellance, -like a father who has dictated to his children, -by recommendation and example, politic hypocrisy, -sword exercise, and dancing, as passports for -the enjoyment of life, with the expectation of affectionate -reciprocation; but will honestly acknowledge -that the prepossessions of my instinct oppose concessions; -still will try to make myself subservient to -your affectionate direction in all things, for I am fully -impressed with the fallacious follies incubated from -my conceptions.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><em>Isolita.</em> “It is not my desire’s wish to have you -subservient in any respect, but affectionate in the -reciprocation of purity and goodness, so that our companionship -may never admit of selfish deviation, but -experience in daily appraisement the novelty of new -ardor in loving returns.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The voice of the padre, tremulous with mirthful -enjoyment, interrupted the doctor’s grateful reply to -Isolita, by calling upon him to act as umpire in deciding -a question that had arisen between him and Madonnasta -with regard to the germination of the bean. -In answer to his call the doctor and Isolita advanced -to his plot, where they joined in the voiceful mirth -of Madonnasta, who had surprised her espoused while -engaged in reversing the supposed resurrection of -some Indian beans he had planted, which in germination -had been forced in division above the surface. -The first salutation of Madonnasta, when she discovered -his unnatural occupation, was a look of -startled inquiry directed to his face, to detect whether -his employment was prompted by humorous suggestion -from the delusive effects of his Christian education, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_475'>475</span>which inculcated a material resurrection of the -interred body, or simplicity. His pantomimic expression -of disgust, at the supposed trifling of vegetation -in returning to him his labors in material bifurcation, -put to flight her first impressions that he was facetiously -endeavoring to show his willingness to uproot -old prejudices founded upon precedental habits and -customs. His ludicrously despiteful gesticulations, -evoked from nature’s supposed practical joke, quickly -dispelled her shudder of dread by making apparent -the real cause of the reversion. The simplicity of his -ignorance caused a depreciating flow of mirth, as she -stayed his hands from farther sacrilege. Readily -understanding from her movements and facial indications, -the cause of her remonstrance, he expostulated -with her by signs and words to respect his judgment. -But unable to stem the current of her mirthful resistance -to his labors, he appealed to Dr. Baāhar for -judgment upon the cause of the bean’s bodily resurrection. -Upon learning the cause of the doctor’s -summons, Isolita was unable to resist her inclination -to join in the mirthful peals of Madonnasta. But her -socius with dignified seriousness, natural to the scientific -professor, proceeded to give an elaborate opinion -from authenticated authority founded upon the technicalities -of order, genera, and species, in conjunction -with a supposititious analysis of the soil; which caused -the padre to interrupt him with the exclamation, -“My goodness gracious, doctor, I called for light, and -you give me darkness! The fact is we might as well -acknowledge our ignorance at once, and submit gracefully -to our betrothed’s Heraclean direction; for even -your maiden aunt, upon whom you was mainly dependent -for your theoretical ideas, illustrated the virtue -of necessity in like emergency, by an example of -celibacy, and the value of our opinions tend to the -same end.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>To which the doctor replied, “If you are to be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_476'>476</span>made the pons asinorum for the passage of Manatitlan -wit, we had better adjourn to the auriculum where -we can have a more direct rendering.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In response to an implied allusion to his brogue, -the padre, in retort, urged that the doctor’s name gave -indication of an instinctive alliance equally remote -with his own, although more simple and less prolonged -in vocalization. These repartees, although -civilized in evolution, were void in chivalrous results, -as each party held themselves amenable to kindly -goodwill in the revival of their ancient badinage in -the presence of their betrothed.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_477'>477</span> - <h2 id='CONCLUSION' class='c005'>CONCLUSION.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Having, with advisorial aid, completed the historical -part of my delegated labor, designed for the initial -elaboration of Manatitlan habits and customs in -design for Giga adoption, I am directed to urge for -any lack of perspicuity, in addition to my own defects, -the limited variety of words and terms embodied -in the languages and idioms of civilized races, -for the expression of affectionate purity and goodness, -with the impress of reality, independent of the selfish -distinctions imposed by the arbitrary rule of meum -and tuum. As a reflecting pharos for the Manatitlan -rays of affection, I have endeavored to render from -their dictation with truthful impartiality, rarely offering -comments or suggestions of my own. Still, I am -fully aware, that, as the medium, I shall subject myself, -as a target, to the defilements of instinctive stigmas, -which so abundantly replenish in Giga vocabularies -the lack of words endowed with affectionate -expression; but feel myself so well protected by the -initiatory silicoth-garment of Manatitlan adoption, that -the omniscentiferous capacity of humanity for the ejection -of odors from mouth and pen, will prove as harmless -in effect as if in aim directed to my dictators.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With the assurance of affectionate reciprocation -from the good of septs and nationalities, I shall, with -the grateful solace of their sympathy, rest content in -freedom from annoyance, although assailed with odors, -grunts, and growls vented from mouthpat instinct. -If, peradventure, the future of Giga races may be -withheld by the adoption of the Manatitlan system of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_478'>478</span>education, in devisement for the attainment of legislative -self-control, from thoughtless submission to the -mouthed and written precedentalisms, which have -served to render misery the chief object of life rather -than happiness, it will prove an ample source of recompense -for the untoward contributions bestowed in -opposition to creative indications by progressive instinct.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Yet with all the hoped for joy anticipated from the -grateful confluent reciprocations of goodness, we acknowledge -a selfish grief foreboded in our exile from -Heraclea into the civilized world of instinctive strife, -although consoled with the auramental presence of -our Manatitlan familiars.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>R. ELTON SMILE, <em>Proscriptor</em>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In testimony of joyful authenticity, we the undersigned -members of the Teutonic corps of the R. H. B. -Society subscribe our names in verification of the -Historiographer’s correct interpretation of the events -transpiring under our observation.</p> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><span class='sc'>Giganteo XL.</span>,</td> - <td class='c011'><span class='sc'>Adestus</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'><em>Dosch of Manatitla</em>.</td> - <td class='c012'><em>Prætor of Heraclea of the Falls</em>.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>M. Hollydorf</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c012'><em>Director of the Corps</em>.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Lepidopterus Baāhar</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c012'><em>Entomologist</em>.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Octave Pettynose</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c012'><em>Buzz Curator of Sound</em>.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Falsetto Lindenhoff</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c012'><em>Stridential Curator and Recorder of Genealogical Sounds</em>.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>Honorary Addendas:</td> - <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Guillermo Welson</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c012'><em>Mentor</em>.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Diego Dow</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c012'><em>Naturalist</em>.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Truly Rural Greenwood</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c012'><em>Expeditionary Aid</em>.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Padre Simon</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c012'>(<em>Under protest</em>) <em>Mythological Curator of Souls</em>.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c013'><span class='sc'>Jack and Bill Smith or Jones</span>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'> </td> - <td class='c012'><em>Sons of Neptune, and volunteer Aids</em>.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</h2> -</div> - <ol class='ol_1 c002'> - <li>Added <a href='#CONTENTS'>CONTENTS</a>. - - </li> - <li>There was no CHAPTER numbered IV in the book. Renumbered remaining chapters - accordingly. - - </li> - <li>Changed ‘of recent’ to ‘of a recent’ on p. <a href='#t187'>187</a>. - - </li> - <li>French paragraph beginning at the bottom of p. <a href='#t256'>256</a> was sans accents. - - </li> - <li>Changed ‘throughly dried’ to ‘thoroughly dried’ on p. <a href='#t273'>273</a>. - - </li> - <li>Changed ‘you was’ to ‘you were’ on p. <a href='#t298'>298</a>. - - </li> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors. - - </li> - <li>Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Manatitlans, by R. 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