CHAPTER IV.
A GREAT POLAR CITY.
At the appointed time, Ilaclatella and myself walked down to one of the many jetties. On arriving there, he remarked that we were too early, as there was no boat alongside. I had now an opportunity of seeing the shipping of Atazatlan. The harbour was literally crowded with craft of all sizes, from the miniature boat to the huge vessel; but what I wondered at most was the variety of shape and difference of speed they exhibited. Some were of, very elegant build, but others again were almost round, and clumsy; as regards speed, there were many that shot through the waters, while others went so slowly that they scarcely appeared to move. Seeing no sign of steam, I inquired of Ilaclatella the nature of the motive power that sent them along. He replied that some were propelled by air, others by electricity, others by water, and a few by steam, while nearly the whole, I noticed, were supplied with more or less sails, in order to take advantage of the wind, when there happened to be any. On looking to the opposite shore, I actually saw what appeared to be a small flat headland, with a number of houses and crowds of people, break off and put to sea. I was now, however, getting accustomed to wonders; so I watched it till it got some distance away from the shore.
Ilaclatella, now, seeing that I was interested, said it was one of their floating villages, and was used for excursion purposes, and removing people, animals, and merchandise. I viewed it through my glass (one of the powerful glasses of Atazatlan), and could see that it was constructed on the raft principle, and that the decks were only a few feet above the surface of the water.
I here remarked to my friend “that on this account it must be useless in stormy weather.”
“We have no storms in Neuroomia,” was the reply. “They expend their fury on the icefields and oceans beyond, but do not reach us here. We sometimes experience pretty sharp winds,” he went on, “but not of sufficient violence to ruffle the sea to any great extent.”
The launch now having come alongside the jetty, we stepped on board, and in a few minutes more were flying through the waters of the stormless Noccalattan Sea in the direction of the Pole.
This sea, Ilaclatella informed me, was land-locked, of considerable lengthy and connected only by a narrow channel with the great expanse of open water in the vicinity of the icefields. Atazatlan was, he said, near the extreme end, and along its shores were the largest cities of Neuroomia.
On we sped, past harbours and cities; for the Dadoti as the boat was called, ran direct from Atazatlan to Tehana. The air was clear, cold, and invigorating, and I was in the highest spirits; indeed, I felt twenty years younger than when I first came to Atazatlan, and at intervals viewed with innate pleasure the change for the better that was taking place in my countenance and figure. I was evidently getting younger in years and ideas, and my hopes were never brighter. The iron-grey hairs were fast disappearing from my head and beard, which were gradually resuming their youthful glossiness and former dark colour. Several of my acquaintances, including Louva herself, mentioned the change; and Ilaclatella said that before very long I would not look like I did, but in all likelihood like a Neuroomian at fifty.
I have thought it just possible that, as I shall reluctantly have to refer to myself frequently in this and subsequent chapters (narrative is the word used in the original MS.), some dd sneaking, prejudiced and envious people of the Robinson type might be inclined to accuse me of egotism i.e., if this diary should ever be found. All I have to say in defence against their malice is, that I am endeavouring to follow the noble example set by the gifted and honourable people of this continent, by speaking of things just as I found them, and relating events and incidents exactly as they occurred.
We now saw a great city in the distance, which I learned from my friend was Tehana, our destination. It appeared to consist of domes and palaces, but what rivetted my attention most was what appeared to be a cloud of ever-changing rainbows above the centre of the city. I thought it the most beautiful phenomenon I had ever beheld, and felt intensely interested; indeed, for a time I saw nothing else. I looked towards Ilaclatella, but he offered no explanation; so I tried to solve the mystery myself, and examined it through my glass, but all I could see was the ever-varying lovely colours intermingled with water and spray. I had noticed this patch of red, purple and crimson long before the city itself, but then it was too indistinct to make anything out of it.
Ilaclatella now came up by my side, and said,—
“I see that you are puzzled by the mass of colours overhanging the city.”
I answered in the affirmative, and looked eagerly towards him for an explanation.
“That,” he said, “is the Great Fountain of Tehana, one of the wonders of Neuroomia. It marks the place of the Pole, the southern extremity of the world, and the culminating point of our planet.”
I did not utter a word, but felt much the same as when I first saw Atazatlan. I thought for a moment of the tragic end of so many of our own great navigators in endeavouring to reach the opposite point—their ardour, hopes, fears, and despair.
My friend, upon seeing that I was distressed, inquired what was the matter. I then referred to the fate of some of the brave men we had sent to the North. He here said that I would probably be requested, if willing, to give detailed accounts concerning this and other matters connected with the great world I had left, during my stay in the city. He also informed me for the first time of the reception I was about to receive from the people of Tehana. It was now well known throughout Neuroomia he said, that I was from what to them was another world; and it was also believed that I would be able to set at rest the differences of opinion that had arisen from the scanty information they possessed of the regions beyond the icefields. He continued that I was to be guest of the Governor, who was aware of the hour that the boat would arrive.
The Dadoti at this time was gliding up at less than half speed to a wharf crowded with people. On landing, they made room for us, and Ilaclatella presented me to Yeyema, Governor of Tehana and the State of Zenoria. He welcomed me, on behalf of the people, to Tehana, treating me at the same time with great courtesy and respect. I could see that my friend was well known to a large number of those present, and that he and the Governor were on intimate terms. I was now introduced to many others, and after some little conversation, Yeyema suggested that we should make a start for his residence; so we walked a short distance to where a large and luxurious-looking vehicle was standing: it had six wheels on either side, and one in front. Several persons, probably between twenty and thirty, got into it, then the man in front pushed his handle, and it moved off at a good round pace.
Some one here suggested that “we proceed slowly” in order that I might get a better view of the city, whereupon the speed was slackened, and, at my own request, we drove in the direction of the Great Fountain.
The city itself was circular in form, and very different from Atazatlan; it was even more beautiful than the latter, and I thought the design better. The buildings, however, were of the same substantial character, constructed of polished stone of different colours, the front in all cases having porticos supported by pillars of different stone, and a profusion of ornamental work at the top. They seldom exceeded three storeys in height, and were of circular, oval, or oblong shape. I understood also that the interior agreed with the exterior in form, and was informed that there was not an angle to be found in the city. The circular streets were crossed by others which ran from the outskirts towards the centre, terminating near one another in the large round open space that surrounded the fountain, from which the ground rose very gradually, so that the outer edifices were not eclipsed by those nearer the centre.
After driving some distance, and round one of the circular streets, we entered the park-like space, in the middle of which was the Great Fountain, or rather fountains, for I now discovered there were many. Here a panorama burst upon my view that neither time, events, nor sojourn elsewhere is ever likely to efface from my memory. Here indeed was the Pole itself,—not a frozen waste, nor a frozen sea, but a great fountain, more beautiful than it would be possible for my imagination to contemplate—the centre of a great and populous city, itself the largest in a benignant continent, inhabited by a just, loving, and generous people. Yes, indeed, the South Pole itself! and I, Captain Periwinkle, of the whaling ship Penguin, was destined to be the first human being from our own great world to see it.
We now stepped from the vehicle, and I gazed long in amazement at the scene before me. The Great Fountain in the centre rose to the height of about five hundred feet, and sent its waters, which descended in the form of a circular cataract, fully two hundred feet higher. Just above the first falls, and resting on the central portion of the column which projected, was an enormous globe, from the top of which ascended another and smaller column, that sent up several streams of water from its basin-like top, one going from the centre to a great height above all the others. These streams partially encircled the globe and fell into the basin above the first cataract, the whole, notwithstanding the great volume of water, descending to the lake beneath in the form of spray. The globe represented our earth, and I fancied that I could see between the streams of falling water the outlines of the continents and oceans, with some of the larger islands, traced upon it by means of prominences and depressions.
This great fountain was surrounded by smaller ones (yet themselves of great height), supporting other globes representing the moon and larger planets. The whole of the fountains were made of gold, hardened by some other non-corrosive metal, and the beautiful lake beneath was inhabited by many kinds of aquatic birds that were new to me. It was dotted here and there with small islets, and fishes of various forms and gaudy colours might be seen swimming about in the clear water. The ornamental fence that Enclosed the lake was of solid gold, as was also the outer fence enclosing the open space that surrounded it. This ground was laid out with flowers, shrubs, and small trees, and divided into numerous plots by winding avenues. The rainbows were caused by the sun shining on the spray, and the streams were so arranged that the colours kept changing as the sun changed his position in the heavens.
I now understood why Tehana was circular, and appreciated the culture of the people, who considered that, owing to its singular position, it should be emblematical of the form of our world.
After remaining for some time in this beautiful place, we returned to the vehicle, and made a fresh start for the Governor's residence.
As in Atazatlan, only one side of the street—the outer one—was used for business purposes, the porticos of the houses on the opposite side having the appearance of conservatories of flowering plants and creepers.
I made inquiries concerning the Great Fountain, and was told by Yeyema that it had been built many centuries, and that the water which supplied it came from a lake high up in the neighbouring mountains.
He also remarked that so complete were the designs of the channel of communication, and so perfect the materials used in its construction, that for generations it had not been found necessary to effect repairs or interfere with it in any way.
For the first time in Neuroomia I now saw boys and girls, and in a few cases men and women, riding on graceful-looking animals resembling the deer. Judging from their build, I came to the conclusion that they must be very swift, and they did not appear to have a particle of vice in their nature. The vehicle pulled up in front of one of the mansions we passed, and which I understood to be the residence of a legislator. Yeyema stepped out, and informed me that he had business here, which would probably detain him for some little time, and that I could accompany him if I chose.
However, I preferred waiting, everything being so glorious outside. I came down and walked a little distance along the porticos (the others remaining in the vehicle), when I met a very attractable looking young lady, accompanied by a lad, probably her brother, riding in the opposite direction. They stopped, however, and dismounted only a few doors from where I was standing, and, letting the animals go, were about to enter one of the buildings. I felt curious, and thought I would like to have a ride on one of these new “mokes.” So I stepped up to the boy, and inquired if I could have a “spin” on the animal close by. He readily consented, stating the time when he would again require the beast. I mounted with little difficulty, and started him off along the street. He was not getting over the ground, however, as rapidly as I desired, so I jerked his head in order to make him go faster—a performance, it was plain, he did not relish. Still, it had the effect I had anticipated, for he went along much more quickly, but at the same time at a peculiar dancing pace that jerked me terribly; so I had another pull at his head. This time, however, he made a bound to the one side that almost shook the liver out of me. I now got impatient, and kicked him on the ribs with my heels, wondering if he were used to spurs. He now went along with lightning speed for a little distance, then stopped all at once. I was, however, prepared for this manoeuvre on his part, and did not go over his head. He appeared somewhat disappointed at this, for he made a strange snorting noise, and went very quickly backward by a series of leaps, which I knew would impair my digestion.
However, I did not loose my balance, and felt all the more confident that I could master him, so I gave his head a few more jerks and his ribs a few more kicks, in order to persuade him into submission; but he did not appear to be inclined that way, for he sprang first forward, then sideways, and went along at a hopping pace that punished me severely. I endeavoured to pull him up, but he appeared to have already changed his tactics, and suddenly went down on his knees. I knew that my only safety was in sitting well back, so I sat back till my head touched his rump, keeping at the same time my legs well up, in case he might throw himself over on his side; but this appears not to have been his game, for, almost immediately his knees touched the ground, he sprang back clean from under me, and at the same time gave me a dig in the back with his horns, which afterwards caused me considerable pain and inconvenience.
When I recovered consciousness, I found myself lying in a bed on a large and well-ventilated room. The fresh air streamed in through the open windows, and I felt as if it were giving me new life. But where was I? The room and surroundings were strange to me.
I thought of the Penguin, Louva and Atazatlan. Then there was a young lady in the room; but not Louva, for she was a blonde, her beautiful golden hair waving in tresses over her shoulders. I looked into the kind and handsome face, and knew that I could not have seen it before. I was about to attempt to speak, when she came near, and said, in a sweet voice, “You are still very weak, Captain Periwinkle, and should try to remain quiet a little longer. I am glad to think you are out of danger.”
Immediately I heard my own name, everything crowded back to my memory in an instant, and with a sudden effort I raised my head. However, I felt weak, and had to let it fall again on the pillow, feeling at the same time a sharp, shooting pain in my back. I now felt very thirsty, and asked for a drink of water, and in doing so felt it a difficult matter to speak. She filled a small vessel from a jug on the table, and handed it to me. On tasting it, I found it was not water, for which I longed. However, it allayed my thirst, and I felt better.
I hereupon inquired where I was? She answered that this was Yeyema the Governor's house, and in reply to further inquiries said that I had been ill for a long time, and suffered from fever. However, that I had better try to sleep, and that she would leave me in the meantime, as she was anxious to be the first to convey the welcome tidings of my recovery to her father, the Governor. Saying this, she smiled and withdrew. I felt interested in her, but again feeling exhausted, I turned over on my side, and fell asleep. I slept long and soundly, and on waking, felt stronger. The young lady was sitting in the room, reading. However, when she saw that I was awake, she put down her book and inquired if I felt better. I answered in the affirmative. She then mixed up a drink, which I swallowed at one draught.
She now left the room, and returned almost immediately with some fruit and light food, whereupon I managed to sit up. However, I noticed that my hands and arms were considerably changed, and wondered what my face would be like. So I inquired for a looking-glass. This she brought, though somewhat reluctantly. It was fixed on a stand, and she assisted me to hold it in front of my face. Yes, indeed, it was myself, but only a shadow of the former Periwinkle. But my beard! Where was my beard? I must have been shaved. Passing my hand over my chin and upper lip in search of the stubble was the work of a moment. Bat, alas! there was none. My beard, that Louva prized so much, was gone. Then a horrible thought struck me. I saw no hairs projecting from beneath the bandage that covered my head, so I made an attempt to tear it off, but was prohibited by the young lady, who reminded me that serious consequences might follow my rashness as the wound on the back of my head was not yet quite healed. I then dived my hand in beneath the bandage in front. My worst fears were realized, and I sank back on the pillow. From the first I found it a most difficult matter to speak even a few words. I now felt inclined to speak again, and thought there must be something wrong with my mouth; so I felt the gums with my tongue, but they were quite smooth. I then tried them with my finger, but there was not a tooth left.
I thought for a moment, then moved my feet, to make sure they too were not gone.
The image of the beast that gave me the fall now presented itself to my mind, and I was up again at once, and mad with rage. How I longed for my six-shooter, to put a bullet through him! Oh! if I could only find him!
A man now (a stranger to me) appeared at the door with a bottle in his hand; he advanced towards the table without uttering a word, poured a small quantity of the contents of his bottle in a vessel resembling a spoon. This he held right up against my mouth, and then looked at me in what I thought a very determined manner. I scarcely knew what to do. However, I opened my mouth mechanically, and down it went. I got relief afterwards, and remember feeling very sleepy. When I woke up again, I felt refreshed, and looked about for the young lady; but she was gone, so I began to consider, and confess that I felt influenced by a spirit of devilment at my own ludicrous position. Here was I, toothless, beardless, hairless, and dangerously wounded, with a fever thrown in by way of an additional luxury. I fancied there was something comical about the situation, and felt so amused that I had a quiet chuckle to myself over the matter.
After a time the door opened, and the young lady entered the room, looking, I thought, more lovely than ever. She approached my bedside, and said that I should endeavour to be cheerful, for Dr. Exelexeto was of the opinion that, notwithstanding my weakness, I should speedily recover, but that it would be necessary for me to remain quiet and avoid excitement of every kind till I got stronger.
I then began to thank her for her kindness to me during my illness. She replied that she was amply rewarded for any little trouble that she might, have taken, by seeing me make such progress towards convalescence. I learnt that her name was Vandalia, and tried to keep up a conversation with her in a stammering way. She told me that I was brought to the house stunned and senseless, and after a little time that a fever had set in, which took such a thorough hold of my system, that Dr. Exelexeto (the man who gave me the medicine) was for a time afraid that it would baffle his skill. During this time she said that I raved frequently. I asked her if I mentioned any names.
She said “Yes! that she thought I mentioned several, but could at present only remember the words, ‘Sydney’, ‘Theatre Royal.’”
I then inquired if any one had called to see me during my illness.
She answered in the affirmative, and said that a young lady, named Louva, flew across the sea from Atazatlan, and remained for some time. “Daring which period of my illness was this?” I asked.
“Just after I had lost my hair and beard,” was the response.
“Horrible!” I thought, and was beginning to feel uneasy, when the doctor himself entered the room, and the young lady withdrew. He appeared to be a genial, jovial, good-natured sort of fellow, and, after giving me a dose of his medicine, said he had several flanillas, if at any time I should feel inclined for another ride.
I cursed the flanillas in nautical language, and made inquiries about my wounds.
He said I had one on the back of my head, caused by the fall, and another in my back, made by the animal's horns; but that they would soon be healed. He then inquired how I came to grief, and I gave him an account of my first ride in Neuroomia.
He said that I had acted altogether wrong. If I wanted the animal to go faster, I should have pinched his left ear; if slowly, should have scratched his near flank; and if I wished to bring him to a halt at once, all I had to do was to squeeze the back of his neck with my finger and thumb; but they were, he continued, generally broken in and used by boys, who had various ways of making themselves understood to them. However, he had certainly never heard of the treatment I had adopted, and said that flanillas were not vicious, and that I must have frightened the animal out of his reckoning by my capers; whereupon I told him that with us horses were beaten and spurred. He then asked if the horse by nature was a very fierce animal. I replied in the negative. He said he did not know enough about horses to pass an opinion concerning the wisdom of striking them with sticks, but that to him the practice of sticking spikes of metal into the flesh of dumb animals, that were willing and could be trained to do their utmost for man, appeared, to say the least of it, senseless and cruel.
“However,” he went on, “I suppose that you are getting tired, so I shall leave you to Vandalia. Charming young lady that, eh! Just the kind of girl I should like to nurse me if I were sick. Pity your friend from Atazatlan was allowed to see you! I was away at the time, otherwise she would have been spared the trial of seeing you at a disadvantage; however, she will be glad to hear of your prospects of recovery. Ah! your food; what about your food? Why, you have not yet tasted the last that was sent in! You have no teeth! Well, in the meantime you must do the best you can without them, and live somehow. Terrible fever, that, to have left you so bare! Never knew any one to have it so bad before; something peculiar in the system. Might benefit by it in the end. What did you say? Is it common in Neuroomia? No! Almost unknown here. Now for your medicine. Here! swallow this. That’s right,—head a little this way. Be still. Don’t disturb yourself. Will look in again.” And the doctor was gone.
During the whole time he was with me he kept up a conversation by a series of disjointed phrases and broken sentences, and I subsequently learned that this was his only mode of speech.
Vandalia now entered the room with some food, of which I partook. She said that she was glad to learn from the doctor that I was mending, and hoped I would soon be able to rise. Saying this, she retired, and in a little time returned with a collection of various articles, including photographs^ drawings, pictures, fancy-work, and a few books. She wished me to examine the drawings, which she had executed herself; they represented rare scenery, birds, trees, and flowers, and were, indeed, splendidly done. As for the fancy-work, it was beautiful and intricate, and to me appeared to be the work of a genius.
I hereupon made inquiries about the occupations of women in Neuroomia. She said that, besides being housekeepers, etc., they were poets, writers, journalists, doctors, musicians, and actresses; that they also did outside work, as a certain amount of outdoor exercise was considered essential to good health; that many were experts at cultivating shrubs, plants, and flowers, and that those living near the sea and lakes could fish, row, and swim.
"Have you any lady governors or legislators in Neuroomia?" I asked.
The reply was "No! The women of Neuroomia take no part in politics, for they themselves consider that politics are beyond the sphere of women; and as for filling important offices, there were always plenty able men willing to represent the people and make laws. Further, that in the occupations she had already mentioned, she was of the opinion that women had a very wide field for the exercise of their varied tastes and talents."
"Have you any societies for advocating 'Women's Rights'?" I asked.
"No!" was the answer. "We have no societies of any kind in Neuroomia, for we have no use for them." She continued, "The women are respected and highly esteemed by the men, and they have as much liberty as they choose; but of course they are always very careful not to abuse that liberty."
We now discussed the divorce laws. She said that, although it was a very easy matter to get a divorce in Neuroomia, yet during the last five hundred years there was only one applicant. She went on, that husbands and wives loved one another with a love which, as a general rule, grew stronger as time wore on. They also loved their children, their country, and their surroundings.
I now learnt for the first time, that, notwithstanding the apparently practical character of the people, life in Neuroomia was surrounded by a perpetual halo of dreamy, poetic, and romantic influences, which were highly favourable to the propagation of noble ideas and congenial to love. Apart from the soothing nature of a climate which burning summers and severe winters know not, every locality had its legends and traditions, some of them, indeed, very old, and handed down from pre-historic times, yet nevertheless interesting; many, on account of their stretch of imagination; others, for the morals they contained; others, again, for giving an insight, however slight, into the manners and customs of generations now almost lost in the twilight of time.
Here Vandalia gave me a sketch of her own life. She was the eldest of the family, and was born twenty-four years ago, on a farm in the mountains near Tehana. Her father at that time reared herds of olgommeras and flanillas; also cultivated the ground, and grew grain and fruits. Their house was in a picturesque neighbourhood, on the slope of a hill, just above a rapid stream that made an everlasting murmur as it tumbled over rock and precipice on its way to the sea. Here the days of childhood and early girlhood passed away, the years succeeding one another in a poetic and uneventful manner, but leaving behind them a memory that she would cherish till the end. She wandered with her playmates along the running stream or through woods of blossoming trees. Of course, even at this time, her life was not all play, for she had to assist her mother with her daily duties, and attend to the tasks of her tutor—a lady relation of her mother.
I presumed she had a lover.
Yes! she had a lover, and one that made her existence a round of constant happiness; but an event occurred in her seventeenth year which throw an immovable cloud over the future. On one occasion, while walking along the bank of the river, which was swollen by the early summer rains, they noticed a bunch of rare blossom on a tree overhanging the stream. He said that ho would secure them for her, and this was not an unusual thing for him to do. Still, she felt a cold chill pass over her, as if some evil were impending, and became alarmed for his safety. She entreated him not to go, but he was already out on the branch, and as buoyant as ever. With heaving heart she watched him approach the blossom. He stretched out his hand, and it was almost within his grasp, when the branch gave way. He fell; still clinging to the broken limb, and though he was a good swimmer, never came to the surface again.
Did she try to save him?
Of course she tried to save him, plunging in at once and diving for him, but was herself carried away by the torrent, and in the end rescued by a man who saw her descending with the stream. This he did at the risk of his own life, for she was only a little distance above a precipice when he first beheld her.
Soon afterwards her father became a legislator, and they removed to Tehana, where for the next four years she attended one of the State schools—all the schools in Neuroomia being supported and controlled by the State—to complete her education. Since her father became governor, they had a great many visitors, and attended many gatherings; yet she pined for her lost lover and mountain home.
I felt deeply interested in this sad, beautiful girl, and was inclined to say words of comfort; but she resumed, that it was time I had another sleep; then, wishing me rest, departed. However, I did not sleep for a long time, and when I did, it was only to dream of a sweet face and golden hair. On waking, I looked at the time, and saw that I had slept long. However, I felt much benefited by it, and thought that I would like to get up.
I should here state that the long day in Neuroomia is divided, like that of our own, into fractions, for the sake of convenience, and these are indicated with great accuracy by their timepieces.
I now began to wonder how long Yandalia would be absent, when the door opened, and Dr. Exelexeto made his appearance.
“Ah! awake again! Looking well, though. Just as I expected. Let me feel your neck. Fever nearly gone. Must give you an overhauling, though. Swallow this.”
“How about my hair, doctor?” I interjected.
“Will it ever grow again?”
“How old are you?” he demanded.
“I was fifty.”
“Fifty, eh!” he exclaimed.
“Why, I thought by your appearance that you must at least be one hundred and fifty! Why, you are only a boy yet! Grow? Yes; I haven't the least doubt it will, and your eyebrows and eyelashes too.”
This was indeed consoling, and I believe did me more good than his medicine.
He now began to examine me and take off the bandages. When he had uncovered my head, he got a glass and brought it to me.
"Here," he said, "look for yourself. I know you are vain."
I grasped it eagerly, and could see a few dark hairs making their appearance on my smooth crown. I next looked for the eyebrows and eyelashes—they were just beginning to grow.
"That'll do," he said, taking the glass away. "I shall have a look at your wounds. Hold your head well down: it won't drop off. Yes, very satisfactory indeed—nearly healed. Now for your back. No! that will not do. Lie flat on your chest. Had a narrow escape. Bad place, very close to the spine. Soon be all right. That'll do. Need not cover your head up again. Give the hair room to grow. Visitors anxious to see you. Fourteen newspaper reporters called little while ago. Sent them all away. Made inquiries about your health. Several paragraphs about you in Tehana journals. Soon be a new man. Better than before."
"Will I get my teeth again, doctor?" I asked.
"Yes, my lad," was the response, "better than the last—pearly white ones this time. Those you lost terribly discoloured. Eat more food. Will leave you to the young lady: she’ll look after you. Very patient girl.”
The door now opened, and the doctor disappeared.
I was alone, and felt extremely happy. Yes! the doctor was right—I should be a new man at no distant date: new hair, new beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. This was indeed benefitting by the change. If ever I went back to Australia, how I should surprise my friends! Of course they would not know me, but then there were several little incidents, etc., etc., by which I could prove to them that I was the real Periwinkle. Did I hear footsteps? Yes, I was right. It was Vandalia. How beautiful she looked as she entered the room!
She approached and said she had brought some food that the doctor had recommended, and was pleased to see me in such high spirits.
Here I related the good news the doctor gave me.
She said that recently I had changed for the better wonderfully.
We now talked of Dr. Exelexeto. She said that although he was eccentric, and at times inclined to be abrupt and impatient, yet he was naturally of a kind and benevolent disposition, and always sympathised with his patients, also that he was considered to be one of the ablest physicians in Tehana. She now asked me if I should care to read. I answered in the affirmative, saying that I thought I would like to see the late newspapers, whereupon she went away and soon returned with an armful, which she placed on the table, and began to sort, saying that she was selecting those containing paragraphs concerning myself. She also remarked that very probably many of those she laid aside contained references to me, as she as yet had found time only to look over them in a casual manner. I begged her to read the passages aloud, for I loved to listen to her sweet voice.
She began—“The Journal Debanabanna: ‘It gives us extreme pleasure to be able to announce a wonderful improvement in the health of Captain Periwinkle, who, as our readers are already aware, came to our shores from the Great Divisions of land lying beyond the icefields. We say divisions, for we understand that Captain Periwinkle has travelled extensively, having actually circumnavigated our planet on more than one occasion, a privilege, by the way, not extended to us, on account of our isolation. That we, however, derive many advantages from our insular position, our new visitor himself is prepared to admit, for it would appear that the relations existing between the great nations in other parts of the world have not improved by long acquaintance, as they are prepared, on the slightest provocation, real or imagined, to plunder one another, and destroy human life in the most reckless manner. It would be superfluous to comment on the bravery of the man who has survived the dangers and difficulties involved in a journey to our territory. The very fact of his appearance in our midst is of itself sufficient proof that Captain Periwinkle is no ordinary mortal.’ The Journal Belambalee: ‘The citizens of Tehana will be glad to learn of the rapid approach of Captain Periwinkle towards convalescence. As he is the first human being from the great unknown regions, as far as we know, that ever set foot in Neuroomia, we need scarcely state that he is a most welcome visitor to our shores.’ The Journal Zenara: ‘Undoubtedly the greatest event of this summer is the meteorlike appearance in our midst of a real live member of our own species, from some remote, and to us unknown, part of this world. As Captain Periwinkle did not give timely notice of his intended visit to this Continent, the Government at Atazatlan were unable to give him a fitting reception; indeed, it appears that he was some little time in the city before the President, who was absent at the time of his arrival, was aware of the fact, and then it was intimated that he was engaged in the study of our language, and might not care to be disturbed. During his sojourn in Atazatlan, Captain Periwinkle did not in any way attempt to make himself known to the Government or public; on the contrary, he conducted himself with a modesty and reserve, frequently indicative of eminent qualities of mind and body. On his arrival in Tehana, he became the guest of the Governor; but unfortunately, owing to an accident already referred to in this journal, he was unable to be present at the intended official reception. However, we are happy to be in a position to state that he has almost completely recovered, and, notwithstanding his recent illness, there are palpable signs that Captain Periwinkle will eventually benefit immensely by the change of climate. We are only expressing the sentiment of the nation when we accord him a hearty welcome to our Continent and City, and trust that he will be sufficiently restored to health to attend the President's Ball and other gatherings during the falls.”
When she laid down the last journal, I indeed felt as if I could get up, and although I said nothing to that effect, it appears that she surmised my intentions, and said she was glad to think that I was getting so strong, but at the same time thought it would be inadvisable to attempt to rise before the arrival of the doctor. Saying this, she departed, and in a period equal to a few of our minutes, Dr. Exelexeto, for whom I felt a sincere regard from the first, was by my side.
“Hallo! what’s the matter? Don’t go out through the window. Might get another fall.”
I here interrupted him by saying that I felt sure I was strong enough to get up.
“Very good sign. Very good sign,” was the response. “Give me your hand. Yes, you may get up. No medicine this time. Newspaper paragraphs sufficient. Go to the balcony overlooking the garden.”
“Will my hair be grown sufficiently to attend the President's Ball in Atazatlan?” I inquired.
“Quite long enough. Some time yet. Will help it along.”
“Do you know two young ladies in Atazatlan named Estas and Arizenda, sisters of Banyaba?” I inquired.
“Yes! Have not seen them for a long time. Do not care much for them—too masculine.”
“Have you any idea if they will be at the President's Ball?” I further queried.
“Cannot say,” was the answer. “Think not. Do not mix much in society. Brother very popular, though.”
I was pleased at this last piece of intelligence, for I was not anxious to meet them again.
“They could not be taken as true samples of the Atazatlan young ladies,” I remarked.
“By no means,” he responded. “Too matter-of-fact. Early education and training partially neglected. Some good qualities, though. Will see you again,” and the doctor was gone.
I now got up, and had nearly finished dressing when Yeyema entered the room. He congratulated me on my recovery, and said I looked well. When I had finished dressing, he suggested that we should go to the balcony; and as it was on the same floor as my room, I reached it with little effort. Yeyema also took a seat there, and began to relate how they had found me after the accident.
It appears that he did not remain long with the legislator, and on his return to the vehicle, asked as to my whereabouts. They told him I had walked a little distance along the street, then mounted a flanilla, and proceeded farther in the same direction, and that if they followed, doubtless they would meet we coming back.
“We did not go far, however,” he continued, when we met the flanilla coming back riderless. I conjectured that you might have got a fall, so we proceeded at full speed till we saw you. You were lying on your back, senseless of course, beside two pools of blood, and apparently dead.”
Vandalia now returned, bringing us some fresh fruit, but did not remain long.
I found the balcony a charming place, and the garden below appeared to be well supplied with fruits and flowers. I made some reference to the President's Ball. He said it was held annually, and was the general signal for the commencement of the Fall Holidays, which lasted about three months, i.e. till the sun disappeared below the horizon.
“You have long holidays,” I interjected.
“Yes,” was the reply. “Formerly they were not so long. However, we find that the country is just as prosperous (generally believed to be more so) as it was during the period referred to. When the holidays are over, the people work with renewed energy, and for a time probably longer hours. The true cause of the length of our holiday is that the fall with us is not a busy time. The harvesting is over, and little remains to be done till the sun has set and in some instances for some time after. It is during the succeeding period of twilight that the ground is prepared and the seed sown for the following year.”
“Then it is not too dark to work,” I remarked.
“No” was the reply; “this period is the working season in Neuroomia—the busy time of our year. Then the mines and manufactories of various kinds are working full time—deducting, of course, the intervals set apart for eating and sleeping. Then the roads and metal lines are improved and fresh ones commenced, ships are built, schools are in operation, and learned men at their duties. Then, too, our Parliament commences its sittings, writers and poets repair to their studios, and nearly all the places of amusement are closed. Of course there are certain occupations that must be carried on uninterruptedly, but that difficulty is got over by our relieving system.”
“Does the Government, then, fix the hours of labour?” I inquired.
“No, certainly not,” was the answer; “that would be interfering with the liberty of the individual. In Neuroomia, throughout the year, any one may work whenever it suits him, and as long as he pleases.”
“How about the paid servants of the State?” I asked.
“They, of course,” was the answer, “have specified hours, like those employed by private enterprise; but they have perfect liberty to quit the service whenever it suits them, and enter it again whenever they choose.”
“You have no unemployed, then?” I said.
“No,” was the reply. “The State undertakes to find employment for all who seek it.”
“Not as overseers and high officials?” I remarked.
“No, certainly not,” was the response; “but as labourers on reproductive works. We have Government mines, manufactories, farms, ships, and the Government has also charge of all the roads and metal lines.”
“And is the Government able at all times to absorb all the available labour without loss or disadvantage to the country?”
“Yes. On the contrary, the industries mentioned are worked at a profit to the State,” was the reply.
“In some instances,” he continued, “works have to be temporarily suspended, or fewer hands employed, owing to private enterprise holding out greater inducements to employés than the Government.”
“The State, then, competes with private enterprise?” I interjected.
“It might appear so at first,” was the answer; “yet that can hardly be said to be the case. For the remuneration paid by the Government to its employés is always slightly less than that paid by private enterprise for similar work. There are also cases where State industries have to cease operations owing to the supply of the articles produced becoming greater than the demand. But, of course,” he continued, “private industries are also influenced by this law of supply and demand in a like manner.” He went on, “Hitherto we have been speaking of the law of supply and demand in regard to commodities (influenced, of course, by consumption); but the supply and demand of labour is not only influenced, but to a large extent regulated, by our land laws and many other conditions. For instance, no man under thirty can obtain a lease of land from the Government; so that the great bulk of those employed by the State on salaries, and by private enterprise as well, are under that age. The majority of them, on reaching thirty, or a greater age, withdraw from the service, obtain land, settle down, and make homes for themselves, many of them afterwards becoming representatives of the people and filling high offices."
I now heard footsteps approaching, and Dr. Exelexeto appeared on the scene.
"Talking politics, eh! Not good for you yet,—might affect the growth of your hair. Something more cheerful. Chat with a young lady. What do you say. Governor?" turning to Yeyema. Then, without waiting for a reply, continued, "Have been to Tehana. Monster excursion in preparation."
"Have you many patients now, doctor?" inquired the Governor.
"No," was the quick response; "only two. They nearly well; approaching gatherings curing them—city getting a holiday appearance—workshops already closing—long holidays this year—don't stay up too long—must be going—have to attend a meeting," and the doctor disappeared as suddenly as he came.
He was scarcely gone, however, when Vandalia arrived, bringing letters to her father. She said there were visitors in the reception room waiting to see him. There was a letter for me from Ilaclatella, but not a word from Louva. This annoyed me much. On opening the letter, I found that it was very short, but extremely kind. Among other things, Ilaclatella congratulated me on my speedy recovery, and hoped that I would enjoy my stay in Tehana.
Yeyema now took his leave, and Vandalia remained with me. I asked her if she had yet heard of the monster expedition the doctor referred to.
"Yes, she had heard of it. They were fitting up the Dorondoro, one of their floating villages, for a trip to Scalascala, the city nearest the ice-fields, and in the volcanic territory. "However," she continued, "it would probably not leave Tehana till after the President's Ball, for there were seldom many important excursions before that event. I asked her if she were going to attend the ball. She said, yes, that she would be attending all the important gatherings in Neuroomia during the falls; that she usually went with her father, and expected that they would be kept going almost constantly, as it was believed there would be an unusually gay season this year. I was glad of this, and passed my hand quickly over my head. She went on, that I was fortunate to have recovered so soon, for she knew that that there were more invitations to gatherings in store for me than I could possibly attend. However, she believed that I would be able to enjoy myself, and see a lot of Neuroomia and its people. She here suggested, if I felt inclined to walk, "that we go round the balcony to the front of the house." Of course I consented, and beheld a scene that was pleasing in the highest degree, for Yeyema's house was situated on a high hill overlooking the sea and adjacent territory. I could now see that Tehana was built on the head of a promontory that went some distance out into the water, out of which the tops of the hills rose, many of them to a great height, forming precipitous islets, very rugged, but, at the same time, very picturesque. There was the great city itself, with its circular streets, gently rising amid the foliage in the form of terraces, and the glorious Polar Fountain, with its everlasting rainbows in the centre. I gazed for some time at this picture, then said that I thought it even more lovely than Atazatlan and its surroundings.
"Yes," she answered, "Tehana is not only the greatest, but is also considered to be the most beautiful city in Neuroomia."
I wondered why it was not the capital. She said this was principally owing to a legend of Atazatlan, and also to the fact that the latter had been the first and only capital of the continent, and on this account the people were reluctant to make a change. I felt curious concerning the legend, and inquired if it were true. She answered, that was a difficult matter to determine, but whether true or false (believed in the main to be true), it had a powerful influence, and for the better, over the people of Neuroomia for countless generations, even up to the present time.
I now felt more interested than ever, and begged her to relate it. She said it was long; however, that she would endeavour to give me an outline of it. She began in a soft, musical voice and suppressed tone, appearing as if some slight effort were required to control her emotions,—
"Very long, long ago, when the periods of sunshine and twilight were longer than now, Neuroomia was peopled by tribes who wandered by the great rivers and lakes, or made temporary camps near the sea-shore. It was then that the tribe of the Reni came and occupied a small clearing where Atazatlan now stands. There were few such clearings in those remote times, for the trees were of enormous size, and the country was covered with dark forests, in the gloomy recesses of which huge and unwieldy animals, very fierce and strong, luxuriated in the dense vegetation or preyed upon one another, without fear of being molested by man.
"The tribes were few and scattered, holding little intercourse with each other, and subsisted upon the animals, fruits, and fishes that the land and water offered them in abundance. There was little change in their condition, and for ages they dozed away an existence as dreary as their surroundings. The Reni lived a long time on the clearing, and made their camp or village there. It was during this period that Molopozi appeared among them. Whence he came, and whither he departed, no one knew. He was not their chief, for he refused to rule; yet he remained with them a long time, was loved by the tribe, and by his utterances and counsels gave that turn to thought from which the people of Neuroomia have never wavered. He eventually gave them a code of rules for their guidance. This code has been the basis of all law in Neuroomia up to the present time. He taught them how to heal the sick, build better houses and boats, make clothes for themselves from various plants, and to turn over the soil and sow the seed. He counselled them not to injure one another; this he considered to be the foundation of all his teaching. They were to sympathise with, and endeavour to assist, each other always. He advised them not to quarrel over the land, which belonged to them all. He predicted that in future ages those great forests would disappear, and that the land would contain only one great and prosperous people. During the long period he was with them time did not in any way change his handsome face and form, and as he loved a beautiful maiden of the tribe, it was thought probable that he would always remain to advise and comfort them. But the maid he loved was carried off by one of the great monsters of the forest, and never returned. It was believed that she had not been slain, but had become an inhabitant of the wilds, and at long intervals of time used to meet her mysterious lover.
"Time wore on, and the Reni became wise, prosperous, and numerous; they made longer voyages along their coasts, reached many of the islands, and invited from the neighbouring tribes chiefs and others who saw the happy condition of the people. These chiefs were interviewed and taught by Molopozi himself, and on their return, made him known to their own people, who set to work to follow the example of the Reni.
"Thus his influence became extended; indeed, according to some legends—for there are many concerning him—he personally visited and taught many of the other tribes, but dwelt with the Reni only. From the first, however, he was in the habit of taking long journeys away from them, sometimes through the forests, at other times in his boat, but always alone. Yet he returned, and the people were glad to see him again. They chided him not, nor did they ever make any inquiries concerning his absence. One time he remained with them so long without taking his usual journeys that the people began to think he had given over his travels, and felt happy that he was content to remain with them, for often during the time he was away they felt anxious, and were afraid some danger might overtake him. Their fond hopes, however, were not to be realized, for towards the end of the summer, just before the sun went down, he called the chiefs and heads of families together, and told them he was going to a distant land, and would be absent for a long time, but that he would not forget them, and would return again when the sun was shining.
"He then began to take his leave of the people, who were very sorrowful. They asked him if there was anything he wished them to do during his absence. He answered, Yes, to follow his counsels till he returned. He then departed through the forest, in the direction of the great river, and was lost to view. The summers came and went, but he returned not. Yet, many of the hunters averred that when the moon shone through the twilight in the remote parts of the forest, they heard sounds like his voice, and saw forms like his and the maid he loved. They called to him, but he heeded them not, and both forms vanished in the shadows. Nor did he ever return. Yet the people of Neuroomia followed his counsels and revered his memory."