diff options
96 files changed, 0 insertions, 8574 deletions
diff --git a/old/27307-8.txt b/old/27307-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b2b04f0..0000000 --- a/old/27307-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1861 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last American, by J. A. Mitchell - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 - - -Title: The Last American - A Fragment from The Journal of KHAN-LI, Prince of - Dimph-Yoo-Chur and Admiral in the Persian Navy - -Author: J. A. Mitchell - -Illustrator: F. W. Read - -Release Date: November 21, 2008 [EBook #27307] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST AMERICAN *** - - - - - - - - - - - - - -THE LAST AMERICAN - - -By J. A. Mitchell - - - - -Amos Judd -The Pines of Lory -The Last American -That First Affair -Gloria Victis -Life's Fairy Tales - - - - -[Illustration: "--In the soft earth was the imprint of human feet!"] - - - -The Last American - - -A Fragment from The Journal of KHAN-LI, Prince of -Dimph-Yoo-Chur and Admiral in the Persian Navy - -Presented by J. A. MITCHELL - -EDITION DE LUXE -Illustrated in Color by F. W. Read -With Decorative Designs by Albert D. Blashfield and -Illustrations by the Author - -NEW YORK -FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY -_PUBLISHERS_ - -1889 -By Frederick A. Stokes and Brother - -1902 -By Frederick A. Stokes Company - - -TO THOSE THOUGHTFUL PERSIANS -WHO CAN READ A WARNING IN THE SUDDEN RISE -AND SWIFT EXTINCTION OF A FOOLISH PEOPLE -THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED - - -A FEW WORDS BY HEDFUL - -SURNAMED "THE AXIS OF WISDOM" - -_Curator of the Imperial Museum at Shiraz._ -_Author of "The Celestial Conquest of Kaly-phorn-ya," and of_ -_"Northern Mehrika under the Hy-Bernyan Rulers"_ - - -The astounding discoveries of Khan-li of Dimph-yoo-chur have thrown -floods of light upon the domestic life of the Mehrikan people. He -little realized when he landed upon that sleeping continent what a -service he was about to render history, or what enthusiasm his -discoveries would arouse among Persian archæologists. - -Every student of antiquity is familiar with these facts. - -But for the benefit of those who have yet to acquire a knowledge of -this extraordinary people, I advise, first, a visit to the Museum at -Teheran in order to excite their interest in the subject, and second, -the reading of such books as Nofuhl's "What we Found in the West," and -Noz-yt-ahl's "History of the Mehrikans." The last-named is a complete -and reliable history of these people from the birth of the Republic -under George-wash-yn-tun to the year 1990, when they ceased to exist -as a nation. I must say, however, that Noz-yt-ahl leaves the reader -much confused concerning the period between the massacre of the -Protestants in 1927, and the overflow of the Murfey dynasty in 1940. - -He holds the opinion with many other historians that the Mehrikans -were a mongrel race, with little or no patriotism, and were purely -imitative; simply an enlarged copy of other nationalities extant at -the time. He pronounces them a shallow, nervous, extravagant people, -and accords them but few redeeming virtues. This, of course, is just; -but nevertheless they will always be an interesting study by reason of -their rapid growth, their vast numbers, their marvellous mechanical -ingenuity and their sudden and almost unaccountable disappearance. - -The wealth, luxury, and gradual decline of the native population; the -frightful climatic changes which swept the country like a mower's -scythe; the rapid conversion of a vast continent, alive with millions -of pleasure-loving people, into a silent wilderness, where the sun and -moon look down in turn upon hundreds of weed-grown cities,--all this -is told by Noz-yt-ahl with force and accuracy. - -"Here's Truth. 'T is a bitter pill but good physic." - - - - -ABOARD THE ZLOTUHB IN THE YEAR 2951 - -_10th May_ - - - -There is land ahead! - -Grip-til-lah was first to see it, and when he shouted the tidings my -heart beat fast with joy. The famished crew have forgotten their -disconsolate stomachs and are dancing about the deck. 'T is not I, -forsooth, who shall restrain them! A month of emptiness upon a heavy -sea is preparation for any folly. Nofuhl alone is without enthusiasm. -The old man's heart seems dead. - -We can see the land plainly, a dim strip along the western horizon. A -fair wind blows from the northeast, but we get on with cruel -hindrance, for the _Zlotuhb_ is a heavy ship, her bluff bow and -voluminous bottom ill fitting her for speed. - -The land, as we near it, seems covered with trees, and the white breakers -along the yellow beach are a welcome sight. - - - - -_11th May_ - - - -Sighted a fine harbor this afternoon, and are now at anchor in it. - -Grip-til-lah thinks we have reached one of the western islands mentioned -by Ben-a-Bout. Nofuhl, however, is sure we are further North. - - - - -_12th May_ - - - -What a change has come over Nofuhl! He is the youngest man aboard. We -all share his delight, as our discoveries are truly marvellous. This -morning while I was yet in my bunk he ran into the cabin and, -forgetting our difference in rank, seized me by the arm and tried to -drag me out. His excitement so had the better of him that I captured -little meaning from his words. Hastening after him, however, I was -amazed to see such ancient limbs transport a man so rapidly. He -skipped up the narrow stairs like a heifer and, young though I am, it -was faster than I could follow. - -But what a sight when I reached the deck! We saw nothing of it -yesterday, for the dusk of evening was already closing about us when -we anchored. - -Right ahead, in the middle of the bay, towered a gigantic statue, many -times higher than the masts of our ship. Beyond, from behind this -statue, came the broad river upon whose waters we were floating, its -surface all a-glitter with the rising sun. To the East, where Nofuhl -was pointing, his fingers trembling with excitement, lay the ruins of -an endless city. It stretched far away into the land beyond, further -even than our eyes could see. And in the smaller river on the right -stood two colossal structures, rising high in the air, and standing -like twin brothers, as if to guard the deserted streets beneath. Not a -sound reached us--not a floating thing disturbed the surface of the -water. Verily, it seemed the sleep of Death. - -I was lost in wonder. - -As we looked, a strange bird, like a heron, arose with a hoarse cry -from the foot of the great image and flew toward the city. - -"What does it all mean?" I cried. "Where are we?" - -"Where indeed!" said Nofuhl. "If I knew but that, O Prince, I could -tell the rest! No traveller has mentioned these ruins. Persian history -contains no record of such a people. Allah has decreed that we -discover a forgotten world." - -[Illustration: The City of Ruins] - - -Within an hour we landed, and found ourselves in an ancient street, -the pavements covered with weeds, grass, and flowers, all crowding -together in wild neglect. Huge trees of great antiquity thrust their -limbs through windows and roofs and produced a mournful sight. They -gave a welcome shade, however, as we find the heat ashore of a -roasting quality most hard to bear. The curious buildings on either -side are wonderfully preserved, even sheets of glass still standing in -many of the iron window-frames. - -We wandered along through the thick grass, Nofuhl and I, much excited -over our discoveries and delighted with the strange scene. The -sunshine is of dazzling brightness, birds are singing everywhere, and -the ruins are gay with gorgeous wild flowers. We soon found ourselves -in what was once a public square, now for the most part a shady grove. -(Afterward ascertained to be the square of the City Hall.) - -[Illustration: "We soon found ourselves in what was once a public square."] - -As we sat on a fallen cornice and gazed on the lofty buildings about -us I asked Nofuhl if he was still in ignorance as to where we were, -and he said: - -"As yet I know not. The architecture is much like that of ancient -Europe, but it tells us nothing." - -Then I said to him in jest, "Let this teach us, O Nofuhl! the folly of -excessive wisdom. Who among thy pupils of the Imperial College at -Ispahan would believe their venerable instructor in history and -languages could visit the largest city in the world and know so little -about it!" - -"Thy words are wise, my Prince," he answered; "few babes could know -less." - -As we were leaving this grove my eyes fell upon an upturned slab that -seemed to have a meaning. It was lying at our feet, partly hidden by -the tall grass, having fallen from the columns that supported it. Upon -its surface were strange characters in bold relief, as sharp and clear -as when chiselled ten centuries ago. I pointed it out to Nofuhl, and -we bent over it with eager eyes. - -It was this: - - ASTOR HOUSE - -"The inscription is Old English," he said. "'House' signified a -dwelling, but the word 'Astor' I know not. It was probably the name of -a deity, and here was his temple." - -This was encouraging, and we looked about eagerly for other signs. - - -Our steps soon brought us into another street, and as we walked I -expressed my surprise at the wonderful preservation of the stone work, -which looked as though cut but yesterday. - -"In such an atmosphere decay is slow," said Nofuhl. "A thousand years -at least have passed since these houses were occupied. Take yonder -oak, for instance; the tree itself has been growing for at least a -hundred years, and we know from the fallen mass beneath it that -centuries had gone by before its birth was possible." - -He stopped speaking, his eyes fixed upon an inscription over a -doorway, partly hidden by one of the branches of the oak. - -Turning suddenly upon me with a look of triumph, he exclaimed: - -"It is ours!" - -"What is ours?" I asked. - -"The knowledge we sought;" and he pointed to the inscription, - -NEW YORK STOCK EXC.... - -He was tremulous with joy. - -[Illustration: "'The knowledge we sought;' and he pointed to the -inscription."] - -"Thou hast heard of Nhu-Yok, O my Prince?" - -I answered that I had read of it at school. - -"Thou art in it now!" he said. "We are standing on the Western -Continent. Little wonder we thought our voyage long!" - -"And what was Nhu-Yok?" I asked. "I read of it at college, but -remember little. Was it not the capital of the ancient Mehrikans?" - -"Not the capital," he answered, "but their largest city. Its -population was four millions." - -"Four millions!" I exclaimed. "Verily, O Fountain of Wisdom, that is -many for one city!" - -"Such is history, my Prince! Moreover, as thou knowest, it would take -us many days to walk this town." - -"True, it is endless." - -He continued thus: - -"Strange that a single word can tell so much! Those iron structures, -the huge statue in the harbor, the temples with pointed towers, all -are as writ in history." - -Whereupon I repeated that I knew little of the Mehrikans save what I -had learned at college, a perfunctory and fleeting knowledge, as they -were a people who interested me but little. - -"Let us seat ourselves in the shade," said Nofuhl, "and I will tell -thee of them." - -[Illustration: In a Street of the Forgotten City] - -We sat. - -"For eleven centuries the cities of this sleeping hemisphere have -decayed in solitude. Their very existence has been forgotten. The -people who built them have long since passed away, and their -civilization is but a shadowy tradition. Historians are astounded that -a nation of an hundred million beings should vanish from the earth -like a mist, and leave so little behind. But to those familiar with -their lives and character surprise is impossible. There was nothing to -leave. The Mehrikans possessed neither literature, art, nor music of -their own. Everything was borrowed. The very clothes they wore were -copied with ludicrous precision from the models of other nations. They -were a sharp, restless, quick-witted, greedy race, given body and soul -to the gathering of riches. Their chiefest passion was to buy and -sell. Even women, both of high and low degree, spent much of their -time at bargains, crowding and jostling each other in vast marts of -trade, for their attire was complicated, and demanded most of their -time." - -"How degrading!" I exclaimed. - -"So it must have been," said Nofuhl; "but they were not without -virtues. Their domestic life was happy. A man had but one wife, and -treated her as his equal." - -"That is curious! But as I remember, they were a people of elastic -honor." - -"They were so considered," said Nofuhl; "their commercial honor was a -jest. They were sharper than the Turks. Prosperity was their god, with -cunning and invention for his prophets. Their restless activity no -Persian can comprehend. This vast country was alive with noisy -industries, the nervous Mehrikans darting with inconceivable rapidity -from one city to another by a system of locomotion we can only guess -at. There existed roads with iron rods upon them, over which small -houses on wheels were drawn with such velocity that a long day's -journey was accomplished in an hour. Enormous ships without sails, -driven by a mysterious force, bore hundreds of people at a time to the -furthermost points of the earth." - -"And are these things lost?" I asked. - -"We know many of the forces," said Nofuhl, "but the knowledge of -applying them is gone. The very elements seem to have been their -slaves. Cities were illuminated at night by artificial moons, whose -radiance eclipsed the moon above. Strange devices were in use by which -they conversed together when separated by a journey of many days. Some -of these appliances exist to-day in Persian museums. The superstitions -of our ancestors allowed their secrets to be lost during those dark -centuries from which at last we are waking." - -At this point we heard the voice of Bhoz-ja-khaz in the distance; they -had found a spring and he was calling to us. - -Such heat we had never felt, and it grew hotter each hour. Near the -river where we ate it was more comfortable, but even there the -perspiration stood upon us in great drops. Our faces shone like -fishes. It was our wish to explore further, but the streets were like -ovens, and we returned to the _Zlotuhb_. - - -As I sat upon the deck this afternoon recording the events of the -morning in this journal Bhoz-ja-khaz and Ad-el-pate approached, asking -permission to take the small boat and visit the great statue. -Thereupon Nofuhl informed us that this statue in ancient times held -aloft a torch illuminating the whole harbor, and he requested -Ad-el-pate to try and discover how the light was accomplished. - -They returned toward evening with this information: that the statue is -not of solid bronze, but hollow; that they ascended by means of an -iron stairway into the head of the image, and from the top looked down -upon us; that Ad-el-pate, in the dark, sat to rest himself upon a nest -of yellow flies with black stripes; that these flies inserted stings -into Ad-el-pate's person, causing him to exclaim loudly and descend -the stairs with unexpected agility; that Bhoz-ja-khaz and the others -pushed on through the upraised arm, and stood at last upon the bronze -torch itself; that the city lay beneath them like a map, covering the -country for miles away on both sides of the river. As for illuminating -the harbor, Bhoz-ja-khaz says Nofuhl is mistaken; there are no -vestiges of anything that could give a light--no vessel for oil or -traces of fire. - -Nofuhl says Ja-khaz is an idiot; that he shall go himself. - -[Illustration: "The great statue in the harbor."] - - - - -_13th May_ - - - -A startling discovery this morning. - -By landing higher up the river we explored a part of the city where -the buildings are of a different character from those we saw -yesterday. Nofuhl considers them the dwellings of the rich. In shape -they are like bricks set on end, all very similar, uninteresting, and -monotonous. - -We noticed one where the doors and shutters were still in place, but -rotting from the fantastic hinges that supported them. A few hard -blows brought down the outer doors in a dusty heap, and as we stepped -upon the marble floor within our eyes met an unexpected sight. -Furniture, statues, dingy pictures in crumbling frames, images in -bronze and silver, mirrors, curtains, all were there, but in every -condition of decay. We knocked open the iron shutters and let the -light into the rooms sealed up for centuries. In the first one lay a -rug from Persia! Faded, moth-eaten, gone in places, it seemed to ask -us with dying eyes to be taken hence. My heart grew soft over the -ancient rug, and I caught a foolish look in Lev-el-Hedyd's eye. - -As we climbed the mouldering stair to the floor above I expressed -surprise that cloth and woodwork should hold together for so many -centuries, also saying: - -"These Mehrikans were not so unworthy as we think them." - -"That may be," said Lev-el-Hedyd, "but the Persian rug is far the -freshest object we have seen, and that perchance was ancient when they -bought it." - -On this floor we entered a dim chamber, spacious and once richly -furnished. When Lev-el-Hedyd pushed open the shutters and drew aside -the ragged curtains we started at the sight before us. Upon a wide bed -in the centre of the room lay a human form, the long, yellow hair still -clinging to the head. It was more a mummy than a skeleton. Around, upon -the bed, lay mouldering fragments of the once white sheets that covered -it. On the fingers of the left hand glistened two rings which drew our -attention. One held a diamond of great price, the other was composed of -sapphires and diamonds most curiously arranged. We stood a moment in -silence, gazing sadly upon the figure. - -"Poor woman," I said, "left thus to die alone." - -"It is more probable," said Nofuhl, "she was already dead, and her -friends, departing perhaps in haste, were unable to burn the body." - -"Did they burn their dead?" I asked. "In my history 't was writ they -buried them in the earth like potatoes, and left them to rot." - -And Nofuhl answered: "At one time it was so, but later on, as they -became more civilized, the custom was abandoned." - -"Is it possible?" I asked, "that this woman has been lying here almost -a thousand years and yet so well preserved?" - -"I, also, am surprised," said Nofuhl. "I can only account for it by -the extreme dryness of the air in absorbing the juices of the body and -retarding decay." - -[Illustration: In the Mouldering Chamber] - -Then lifting tenderly in his hand some of the yellow hair, he said: - -"She was probably very young, scarce twenty." - -"Were their women fair?" I asked. - -"They were beautiful," he answered; "with graceful forms and lovely -faces; a pleasure to the eye; also were they gay and sprightly with -much animation." - -Thereupon cried Lev-el-Hedyd: - -"Here are the first words thou hast uttered, O Nofuhl, that cause me -to regret the extinction of this people! There is ever a place in my -heart for a blushing maiden!" - -"Then let thy grief be of short life," responded Nofuhl, "for -Mehrikan damsels were not of that description. Blushing was an art -they practised little. The shyness thou so lovest in a Persian maiden -was to them an unknown thing. Our shrinking daughters bear no -resemblance to these Western products. They strode the public streets -with roving eyes and unblushing faces, holding free converse with men -as with women, bold of speech and free of manner, going and coming as -it pleased them best. They knew much of the world, managed their own -affairs, and devised their own marriages, often changing their minds -and marrying another than the betrothed." - -"Bismillah! And men could love these things?" exclaimed Lev-el-Hedyd -with much feeling. - -"So it appears." - -"But I should say the Mehrikan bride had much the freshness of a dried -fig." - -"So she had," said Nofuhl; "but those who know only the dried fig have -no regret for the fresh fruit. But the fault was not with the maidens. -Brought up like boys, with the same studies and mental development, -the womanly part of their nature gradually vanished as their minds -expanded. Vigor of intellect was the object of a woman's education." - -Then Lev-el-Hedyd exclaimed with great disgust: - -"Praises be to Allah for his aid in exterminating such a people!" and -he walked away from the bed, and began looking about the chamber. In a -moment he hastened back to us, saying: - -"Here are more jewels! also money!" - -Nofuhl eagerly took the pieces. - -"Money!" he cried. "Money will tell us more than pages of history!" - -There were silver coins of different sizes and two small pieces of -copper. Nofuhl studied them closely. - -"The latest date is 1957," he said; "a little less than a thousand -years ago; but the piece may have been in circulation some years -before this woman died; also it may have been coined the very year of -her death. It bears the head of Dennis, the last of the Hy-Burnyan -dictators. The race is supposed to have become extinct before 1990 of -their era." - -[Illustration: The Face and Back of One of the Silver Coins.] - -I then said: - -"Thou hast never told us, O Nofuhl! the cause of their disappearance." - -"There were many causes," he answered. "The Mehrikans themselves were -of English origin, but people from all parts of Europe came here in -vast numbers. Although the original comers were vigorous and hardy the -effect of climate upon succeeding generations was fatal. They became -flat-chested and thin, with scanty hair, fragile teeth, and weak -digestions. Nervous diseases unknown to us wrought deadly havoc. -Children were reared with difficulty. Between 1945 and 1960, the last -census of which any record remains, the population decreased from -ninety millions to less than twelve millions. Climatic changes, the -like of which no other land ever experienced, began at that period, -and finished in less than ten years a work made easy by nervous -natures and rapid lives. The temperature would skip in a single day -from burning heat to winter's cold. No constitution could withstand -it, and this vast continent became once more an empty wilderness." - - -Much more of the same nature he told us, but I am too sleepy to write -longer. We explored the rest of the mansion, finding many things of -interest. I caused several objects to be carried aboard the _Zlotuhb_. -(These objects are now in the museum of the Imperial College, at Teheran.) - - - - -_14th May_ - - - -Hotter than yesterday. - -In the afternoon we were rowed up the river and landed for a short -walk. It is unsafe to brave the sun. - -The more I learn of these Mehrikans the less interesting they become. -Nofuhl is of much the same mind, judging from our conversation to-day, -as we walked along together. - -It was in this wise: - -_Khan-li_. -How alike the houses! How monotonous! - -_Nofuhl_. -So, also, were the occupants. They thought alike, worked alike, ate, -dressed and conversed alike. They read the same books; they fashioned -their garments as directed, with no regard for the size or figure of -the individual, and copied to a stitch the fashions of Europeans. - -_Khan-li_. -But the close-fitting apparel of the European must have been sadly -uncomfortable in the heat of a Mehrikan summer. - -_Nofuhl_. -So probably it was. Stiff boxes of varying patterns adorned the heads -of men. Curious jackets with tight sleeves compressed the body. The -feet throbbed and burned in close-fitting casings of unyielding leather, -and linen made stiff by artificial means was drawn tightly about the neck. - -_Khan-li_. -Allah! What idiots! - -_Nofuhl_. -Even so are they considered. - -_Khan-li_. -To what quality of their minds do you attribute such love of needless -suffering? - -_Nofuhl_. -It was their desire to be like others. A natural feeling in a vulgar -people. - - - - -_15th May_ - - - -A fair wind from the West to-day. We weighed anchor and sailed up -the Eastern side of the city. I did this as Nofuhl finds the upper -portion of the town much richer in relics than the lower, which seems -to have been given up to commercial purposes. We sailed close under -one of the great monuments in the river, and are at a loss to divine -its meaning. Many iron rods still dangle from the tops of each of the -structures. As they are in a line, one with the other, we thought at -first they might have been once connected and served as a bridge, but -we soon saw they were too far apart. - -Came to anchor about three miles from the old mooring. Up the river -and down, North, South, East, and West, the ruins stretch away -indefinitely, seemingly without end. - -Am anxious about Lev-el-Hedyd. He went ashore and has not returned. -It is now after midnight. - -[Illustration: The Two Monuments in the River] - - - - -_16th May_ - - - -Praise Allah! my dear comrade is alive! This morning we landed early -and began our search for him. As we passed before the building which -bears the inscription - - . . . DORF ASTORIA - -upon its front, we heard his voice from within in answer to our calls. -We entered, and after climbing the ruined stairway found him seated -upon the floor above. He had a swollen leg from an ugly sprain, and -various bruises were also his. While our friends were constructing a -litter on which to bear him hence we conversed together. The walls -about us bore traces of having once enclosed a hall of some beauty. In -idling about I pulled open the decaying door of an old closet and saw -upon the rotting shelves many pieces of glass and earthenware of fine -workmanship. Taking one in my hand, a small wine-cup of glass, I -approached my comrade calling his attention to its slender stem and -curious form. As his eyes fell upon it they opened wide in amazement. -I also observed a trembling of his hand as he reached forth to touch -it. He then recounted to me his marvellous adventure of the night -before, but saying before he began: - -"Thou knowest, O Prince, I am no believer in visions, and I should -never tell the tale but for thy discovery of this cup. I drank from -such an one last night, proffered by a ghostly hand." - -I would have smiled, but he was much in earnest. As I made a movement -to sit beside him, he said: - -"Taste first, O my master, of the grapes hanging from yonder wall." - -I did so, and to my great surprise found them of an exquisite flavor, -finer even than the cultivated fruit of Persia, sweeter and more -delicate, of a different nature from the wild grapes we have been -eating. My astonishment appeared to delight him, and he said with a -laugh: - -"The grapes are impossible, but they exist; even more absurd is my -story!" and he then narrated his adventure. - -It was this: - -WHAT LEV-EL-HEDYD SAW. - -Yesterday, after nightfall, as he was hastening toward the _Zlotuhb_ he -fell violently upon some blocks of stone, wrenching his ankle and much -bruising himself. Unable to walk upon his foot he limped into this -building to await our coming in the morning. The howling of wolves and -other wild beasts as they prowled about the city drove him, for -safety, to crawl up the ruins of the stairway to the floor above. As -he settled himself in a corner of this hall his nostrils were greeted -with the delicious odor from the grapes about his head. He found them -surprisingly good, and ate heartily. He soon after fell into a sleep -which lasted some hours, for when he awoke the moon was higher in the -heavens, the voices of the wolves were hushed and the city was silent. - -As he lay in a revery, much absorbed in his own thoughts, he gradually -became aware of mysterious changes taking place, as if by stealth, -about him. A decorated ceiling appeared to be closing over the hall. -Mirrors and tinted walls slowly crept in place of ivy and crumbling -bricks. A faint glow grew stronger and more intense until it filled -the great room with a dazzling light. - -Then came softly into view a table of curious form, set out with flowers -and innumerable dishes of glass and porcelain, as for a feast. - -Standing about the room he saw solemn men with beardless faces, all in -black attire, whose garments bore triangular openings upon the chest -to show the shirt beneath. These personages he soon discovered were -servants. - -As he gazed in bewilderment, there entered other figures, two by two, -who took their seats about the table. These later comers, sixty or -more, were men and women walking arm in arm, the women in rich attire -of unfamiliar fashion and sparkling with precious stones. The men were -clad like the servants. - -They ate and drank and laughed, and formed a brilliant scene. -Lev-el-Hedyd rose to his feet, and moved by a curiosity he made no -effort to resist,--for he is a reckless fellow and knows no fear--he -hobbled out into the room. - -They looked upon him in surprise, and seemed much amused at his -presence. One of the guests, a tall youth with yellow mustaches, -approached him, offering a delicate crystal vessel filled with a -sparkling fluid. - -Lev-el-Hedyd took it. - -The youth raised another from the table and with a slight gesture as -if in salutation, he said in words which my comrade understood, though -he swears it was a language unknown to him, - -"We may meet again the fourth of next month." - -He then drank the wine, and so did Lev-el-Hedyd. - -Hereupon the others smiled as if at their comrade's wit, all save the -women, whose tender faces spoke more of pity than of mirth. The wine -flew to his brain as he drank it, and things about him seemed to reel -and spin. Strains of fantastic music burst upon his ears: then, all in -rhythm, the women joined their partners and whirled about him with a -lightsome step. And, moving with it, his throbbing brain seemed -dancing from his head. The room itself, all swaying and quivering -with the melody, grew dim and stole from view. The music softly died -away. - -Again was silence, the moon above looking calmly down upon the ivied -walls. - -He fell like a drunken man upon the floor, and did not wake till our -voices called him. - - -Such his tale. - -He has a clear head and is no liar, but so many grapes upon an empty -stomach with the fever from his swollen limb might well explain it. - - * * * * * - -Bear's meat for dinner. - -This morning toward noon Kuzundam, the second officer, wandered on -ahead of us, and entered a large building in pursuit of a rabbit. He -was about descending to the basement below, when he saw, close before -him, a bear leisurely mounting the marble stairs. Kuzundam is no -coward, but he turned and ran as he never ran before. The bear, who -seemed of a sportive nature, also ran, and in close pursuit. Luckily -for my friend we happened to be near, otherwise instead of our eating -bear's meat, the bear might have lunched quietly off Kuzundam in the -shady corridors of the "FIFTHAVENUEHOTEL." - -[Illustration: Kuzundam's Narrow Escape] - - - - -_17th May_ - - - -To-day a scorching heat that burns the lungs. We started in the -morning prepared to spend the night ashore, and explore the northern -end of the city. It was a pleasant walk through the soft grass of the -shady streets, but in those places unsheltered from the sun we were as -fish upon a frying-pan. Other dwellings we saw, even larger and more -imposing than the one we entered yesterday. We were tempted to explore -them, but Lev-el-Hedyd wisely dissuaded us, saying the day was waxing -hotter each hour and it could be done on our return. - -In the northern part of the town are many religious temples, with -their tall towers like slender pyramids, tapering to a point. They are -curious things, and surprisingly well preserved. The interiors of -these temples are uninteresting. Nofuhl says the religious rites of -the Mehrikans were devoid of character. There were many religious -beliefs, all complicated and insignificant variations one from -another, each sect having its own temples and refusing to believe as -the others. This is amusing to a Persian, but mayhap was a serious -matter with them. One day in each week they assembled, the priests -reading long moral lectures written by themselves, with music by hired -singers. They then separated, taking no thought of temple or priest -for another seven days. Nofuhl says they were not a religious people. -That the temples were filled mostly with women. - -[Illustration: In One of the Temples] - - -In the afternoon we found it necessary to traverse a vast -pleasure-ground, now a wild forest, but with traces still visible of -broad promenades and winding driveways. (Olbaldeh thinks this must be -the Centralpahk sometimes alluded to in Mehrikan literature.) There -remains an avenue of bronze statues, most of them yet upright and in -good condition, but very comic. Lev-el-Hedyd and I still think them -caricatures, but Nofuhl is positive they were serious efforts, and -says the Mehrikans were easily pleased in matters of art. - -We lost our way in this park, having nothing to guide us as in the -streets of the city. This was most happy, as otherwise we should have -missed a surprising discovery. - -It occurred in this wise. - -Being somewhat overcome by the heat we halted upon a little hill to -rest ourselves. While reclining beneath the trees I noticed unusual -carvings upon a huge block against which Lev-el-Hedyd was supporting -his back. They were unlike any we had seen, and yet they were not -unfamiliar. As I lay there gazing idly at them it flashed upon me they -were Egyptian. We at once fell to examining the block, and found to -our amazement an obelisk of Egyptian granite, covered with Egyptian -hieroglyphics of an antiquity exceeding by thousands of years the most -ancient monuments of the country! - -Verily, we were puzzled! - -"When did the Egyptians invade Mehrika?" quoth Bhoz-ja-khaz, with a -solemn look, as if trying to recall a date. - -"No Egyptian ever heard of Mehrika," said Nofuhl. "This obelisk was -finished twenty centuries before the first Mehrikan was weaned. In all -probability it was brought here as a curiosity, just as we take to -Persia the bronze head of George-wash-yn-tun." - -We spent much time over the monument, and I think Nofuhl was -disappointed that he could not bring it away with him. - - -Also while in this park we came to a high tower, standing by itself, and -climbed to the top, where we enjoyed a wide-spreading view. - -The extent of the city is astounding. - -Miles away in the river lay the _Zlotuhb_, a white speck on the water. -All about us in every direction as far as sight can reach were ruins, -and ruins, and ruins. Never was a more melancholy sight. The blue sky, -the bright sunshine, the sweet-scented air with the gay flowers and -singing birds only made it sadder. They seemed a mockery. - -[Illustration: "Miles away in the river lay the _Zlotuhb_, a white -speck on the water."] - -We have encamped for the night, and I can write no more. Countless -flying insects gather about us with a hateful buzz, and bite us beyond -endurance. They are a pest thrice accursed. - -I tell Nofuhl his fine theory concerning the extinction of the Yahnkis -is a good tale for those who have never been here. - -No man without a leather skin could survive a second night. - - - - -_18th May_ - - - -Poor Ja-khaz is worse than sick. - -He had an encounter last night with a strange animal, and his defeat -was ignoble. The animal, a pretty thing, much like a kitten, was -hovering near when Ja-khaz, with rare courage and agility, threw -himself upon it. - -And then what happened none of us can state with precision. We know we -held our noses and fled. And Ja-khaz! No words can fit him. He carries -with him an odor to devastate a province. We had to leave him ashore -and send him fresh raiment. - -This is, verily, a land of surprises. - -Our hands and faces still smart from the biting insects, and the perfume -of the odorous kitten promises to be ever with us. - - -Nofuhl is happy. We have discovered hundreds of metal blocks, the -poorest of which he asserts would be the gem of a museum. They were -found by Fattan-laïz-eh in the basement of a high building, all laid -carefully away upon iron shelves. The flood of light they throw upon -the manners and customs of this ludicrous people renders them of -priceless value to historians. - -I harbor a suspicion that it causes Nofuhl some pleasure to sit upon -the cool deck of the _Zlotuhb_ and watch Bhoz-ja-khaz walking to and -fro upon the ruins of a distant wharf. - - - - -_19th May_ - - - -The air is cooler. Grip-til-lah thinks a storm is brewing. - -Even Nofuhl is puzzled over the wooden image we brought aboard -yesterday. It is well preserved, with the barbaric coloring still -fresh upon it. They found it standing upright in a little shop. - -[Illustration: The Wooden God.] - -How these idols were worshipped, and why they are found in little -shops and never in the great temples is a mystery. It has a diadem of -feathers on the head, and as we sat smoking upon the deck this evening -I remarked to Nofuhl that it might be the portrait of some Mehrikan -noble. Whereupon he said they had no nobles. - -"But the Mehrikans of gentle blood," I asked, "had they no titles?" - -"Neither titles nor gentle blood," he answered. "And as they were -all of much the same origin, and came to this country simply to thrive -more fatly than at home, there was nothing except difference in wealth -on which to establish a superior order. Being deep respecters of money -this was a satisfying distinction. It soon resulted that those -families who possessed riches for a generation or two became the -substitute for an aristocracy. This upper class was given to sports -and pastimes, spending their wealth freely, being prodigiously fond of -display. Their intellectual development was feeble, and they wielded -but little influence save in social matters. They followed closely the -fashions of foreign aristocracies. Great attentions were paid to -wandering nobles from other lands. Even distant relatives of titled -people were greeted with the warmest enthusiasm." - -Then I said to him, "But explain to me, O Nofuhl, how it was possible -for so shallow a nation to become so great." - -"They were great only in numbers and too weak to endure success. At -the beginning of the twentieth century--as they counted time--huge -fortunes were amassed in a day, and the Mehrikans became drunk with -money." - -Whereupon I exclaimed, "O Land of Delight! For much money is -cheering." - -But the old man shook his head. "Very true, O Prince; but the effect -was woful. These vast fortunes soon dominated all things, even the -seat of government and the courts of Justice. Tricks of finance -brought fabulous gains. Young men became demoralized. For sober -industry with its moderate profits was ridiculed." - -"Verily, that would be natural!" I said. "But in a land where all -were rich who was found to cook and scrub, to fetch and carry and to -till the soil? For none will shovel earth when his pockets are -stuffed with gold." - -"All were not rich. And when the poor also became greedy they became -hostile. Then began social upheavals with bloodshed and havoc." - -[Illustration: A Street Scene in Ancient Nhu-Yok (The costumes and -manner of riding are taken from metal plates now in the museum at -Teheran)] - - - - -_20th May_ - - - -An icy wind from the northeast with a violent rain. Yesterday we -gasped with the hot air. To-day we are shivering in winter clothing. - - - - -_21st May_ - - - -The same as yesterday. Most of us are ill. My teeth chatter and my -body is both hot and cold. A storm more wicked never wailed about a -ship. Lev-el-Hedyd calls it the shrieking voices of the hundred -millions of Mehrikans who must have perished in similar weather. - - - - -_16th June_ - - - -It is many days since I have touched this journal. A hateful sickness -has been upon me, destroying all energy and courage. A sort of fever, -and yet my limbs were cold. I could not describe it if I would. - -Nofuhl came into the cabin this evening with some of his metal plates -and discoursed upon them. He has no respect for the intellects of the -early Mehrikans. I thought for a moment I had caught him in a -contradiction, but he was right as usual. It was thus: - -_Nofuhl._ -They were great readers. - -_Khan-li._ -You have told us they had no literature. Were they great readers of -nothing? - -_Nofuhl._ -Verily, thou hast said it! Vast sheets of paper were published daily -in which all crimes were recorded in detail. The more revolting the -deed, the more minute the description. Horrors were their chief -delight. Scandals were drunk in with thirstful eyes. These chronicles -of crime and filth were issued by hundreds of thousands. There was -hardly a family in the land but had one. - -_Khan-li._ -And did this take the place of literature? - -_Nofuhl._ -Even so. - - - - -_20th June_ - - - -Once more we are on the sea; two days from Nhu-Yok. Our decision was -a sudden one. Nofuhl, in an evil moment, found among those accursed -plates a map of the country, and thereupon was seized with an -unreasoning desire to visit a town called "Washington." I wavered and -at last consented, foolishly I believe, for the crew are loud for -Persia. And this town is inland on a river. He says it was their -finest city, the seat of Government, the capital of the country. -Grip-til-lah swears he can find it if the map is truthful. - -Ja-khaz still eats by himself. - - -This afternoon we reclined upon the deck, the _Zlotuhb_ drifting gently -in a southerly direction. Land could be seen on the starboard bow, a -faint strip along the western horizon. - -It was about the middle of the afternoon, while passing the ruins of a -gigantic tower--perhaps a lighthouse--that Nofuhl, of a sudden, -clambered hastily to his feet and looked about him. Then he called to -Grip-til-lah, asking how many leagues we were from the harbor of -Nhu-Yok. Grip-til-lah's reply I forget, but it filled the old man with -a gentle excitement. I observed an unwonted sparkle in his eyes, also -a quivering of the fingers as he pointed to the ocean around about, -and exclaimed-- - -"Beneath us, the bottom of the sea is covered with iron ships--the -wrecks of stupendous navies--the mightiest of all human history!" - -At once we all became interested. - -"What navies?" I inquired. "And what compassed their destruction? -Was it a battle?" - -_Nofuhl._ -A battle of whose magnitude no Persian has conception; a conflict in -which the sea was tossed and the heavens rent by thunderings of iron -monsters. Any one of them would have blown to atoms a fleet of -_Zlotuhbs_. - -_Ad-el-pate._ -Verily! A tale easier told than believed. But I would readily -venture my head in the _Zlotuhb_ against any of these nursery-tale -wonders. - -_Nofuhl._ -And with wisdom. For the loss of thy brain, Ad-el-pate, could not -affect the nature of thy speech. - -Whereupon there was laughter, and Ad-el-pate held his peace. - -_Khan-li._ -But tell us of this battle, O Nofuhl. I remember now to have read -about it at college. These details of ancient history I am prone to -forget. How came it about? - -_Nofuhl._ -I have spoken of the Mehrikans being a greedy race. And their greed, -at last, resulted in this war. By means of one-sided laws of their -own making they secured for themselves a lion's share of all profits -from the world's commerce. This checked the prosperity of other -nations, until at last the leading powers of Europe combined in -self-defence against this all-absorbing greed. They collected an -armada the like of which was never imagined, neither before nor since. -Then, across the ocean, came the iron host. And here, upon this very -spot where we are floating, they met the Mehrikan ships. - -_Khan-li._ -How many ships in all? - -_Nofuhl._ -The Mehrikans had eighty heavy ships of iron, with a number of smaller -craft. The allies had two hundred and forty heavy battleships, all of -iron. They also had smaller craft for divers purposes. - -_Khan-li._ -Allah! A bad prospect for our greedy friends! And being a nation of -traders they had no liking, probably, for the perils of war. - -_Nofuhl._ -As to that historians differ. According to the Mehrikans themselves -they were mighty warriors. But certain writers of that period give a -different impression. Noz-yt-ahl is sure they were cowards, weak in -body as in spirit, but often favored by fortune. In my opinion, this -battle throws considerable light upon that matter. - -A day like this, it was, also in June, as the Europeans, coming -northward along the coast to seize Nhu-Yok, met the Mehrikan Admiral -Nev-r-sai-di with his eighty ships. And the struggle was short. - -_Khan-li._ -Verily, I can believe it! With three ships to one I would give the -Europeans about half a day--a summer afternoon like this--to send -the greedy ones to the bottom. - -_Nofuhl._ -Thy guess is good, O Prince, as to the hours of fighting. It lasted -just one summer afternoon. But the Mehrikans it was who sent their -enemies to the bottom. And the sea beneath our feet is strewn with -iron hulks. - -_Khan-li._ -Bismillah! If that be a true tale--and I doubt it not--these -greedy ones were not so contemptible, at least when there was profit -in it. - -_Lev-el-Hedyd._ -At what period did this occur? - -_Nofuhl._ -Early in the twentieth century. I cannot recall the date, but it was -never forgotten by the Mehrikans. Surely a just pride, for on that day -they accomplished wonders. The Admiral Nev-r-sai-di on his ship the -_Ztazenztrypes_ was at one time surrounded by a dozen German men-of-war. -And lo! he demolished all! And of Frank and Russyan vessels he -put an end to as many more; also sundry Talyans and British. - -_Lev-el-Hedyd._ -Bismillah! But that was good! What, O Nofuhl, is the Persian of that -name _Ztazenztrypes_? - -_Nofuhl._ -None can tell with certainty. To the Mehrikans it signified victory, -or something similar. - -Other miracles were achieved by the Mehrikans that day. _Nofli-zon-mee_, -a little craft with a pointed prow, jammed holes in nearly a score of -monster ships, and the waters closed over them. There figured also a -long and narrow boat of Mehrikan devising, the _Yankyd-Oodl_. This -astonishing machine sailed to and fro among the foreign ships -upsetting all traditions. Much glory befell her commander, the Captain -Hoorai-boiz. - -_Grip-til-lah._ -And how many ships did the Mehrikans lose? - -_Nofuhl._ -Reports are contradictory. According to one of their own writers of -the period they suffered no loss whatever in vessels. Yet at the same -time he asserts, "We gave them Haleklumbya," which must be the name of -a ship. - -_Khan-li._ -A gallant fight! But can you explain how such an inferior people -could become heroic of a sudden? - -_Nofuhl._ -According to 'Ardfax, an early British historian, they were addicted -to surprising feats upon the water. And this statement is borne out by -a Spanish admiral, Offulbad-shoota, who maintains that the Mehrikans, -being a godless people, were aided by the devil. - - - - -_2d July_ - - - -We are on the river that leads to "Washington." Grip-til-lah says we -shall sight it to-morrow. The river is a dirty color. - - - - -_3d July_ - - - -We see ahead of us the ruins of a great dome, also a very high shaft. -Probably they belong to the city we seek. - -[Illustration: "We see ahead of us the ruins of a great dome, also a -very high shaft."] - - - - -_4th July_ - - - -A date we shall not forget! - -Little did I realize this morning when we left the _Zlotuhb_ in such -hilarious mood what dire events awaited us. I landed about noon, -accompanied by Nofuhl, Lev-el-Hedyd, Bhoz-ja-khaz, Ad-el-pate, -Kuzundam the first mate, Tik'l-palyt the cook, Fattan-laïz-eh, and -two sailors. Our march had scarce begun when a startling discovery -caused great commotion in our minds. We had halted at Nofuhl's -request, to decipher the inscription upon a stone, when Lev-el-Hedyd, -who had started on, stopped short with a sudden exclamation. We -hastened to him, and there, in the soft earth, was the imprint of -human feet! - -I cannot describe our surprise. We decided to follow the footprints, -and soon found they were leading us toward the great dome more -directly than we could have gone ourselves. Our excitement was beyond -words. Those of us who had weapons carried them in readiness. The path -was little used, but clearly marked. It wound about among fallen -fragments and crumbling statues, and took us along a wide avenue -between buildings of vast size and solidity, far superior to any we -had seen in Nhu-Yok. It seemed a city of monuments. - -[Illustration: Through the Streets of "Washington."] - -As we ascended the hill to the great temple and saw it through the -trees rising high above us, we were much impressed by its vast size -and beauty. Our eyes wandered in admiration over the massive columns, -each hewn from a single block, still white and fresh as if newly -quarried. The path took us under one of the lower arches of the -building, and we emerged upon the other side. This front we found even -more beautiful than the one facing the city. At the centre was a -flight of steps of magnificent proportions, now falling asunder and -overgrown in many places with grass and flowers. - -[Illustration: The Ruins of the Great Temple] - -These steps we ascended. As I climbed silently up, the others -following, I saw two human feet, the soles toward us, resting upon the -balustrade above. With a gesture I directed Nofuhl's attention to -them, and the old man's eyes twinkled with delight. Was it a Mehrikan? -I confess to a lively excitement at the prospect of meeting one. How -many were they? and how would they treat us? - -Looking down upon my little band to see that all were there, I boldly -marched up the remaining steps and stood before him. - -He was reclining upon a curious little four-legged seat, with his feet -upon the balustrade, about on a level with his head. Clad in skins and -rough cloth he looked much like a hunter, and he gazed quietly upon -me, as though a Persian noble were a daily guest. Such a reception was -not gratifying, especially as he remained in the same position, not -even withdrawing his feet. He nodded his curious head down once and up -again, deeming it apparently a sufficient salutation. - -[Illustration: "He remained in the same position, not even withdrawing -his feet."] - -The maintenance of my own dignity before my followers forbade my -standing thus before a seated barbarian, and I made a gesture for him -to rise. This he answered in an unseemly manner by ejecting from his -mouth a brownish fluid, projecting it over and beyond the balustrade -in front of him. Then looking upon me as if about to laugh, and yet -with a grave face, he uttered something in an unmusical voice which I -failed to understand. - -[Illustration: The Feet upon the Portico.] - -Upon this Nofuhl, who had caught the meaning of one or two words, -stepped hastily forward and addressed him in his own language. But the -barbarian understood with difficulty and they had much trouble in -conversing, chiefly from reason of Nofuhl's pronunciation. He -afterward told me that this man's language differed but little from -that of the Mehrikans, as they wrote it eleven centuries ago. - -When he finally arose in talking with Nofuhl I could better observe -him. He was tall and bony, with an awkward neck, and appeared at first -glance to be a man of forty years. We decided later he was under -thirty. His yellow skin and want of hair made him seem much older than -he was. I was also much puzzled by the expression of his face. It was -one of deep sadness, yet his eyes were full of mirth, and a corner of -his mouth was ever drawing up as if in mockery. For myself I liked not -his manner. He appeared little impressed by so many strangers, and -bore himself as though it were of small importance whether we -understood him or not. But Nofuhl since informed me that he asked a -multitude of questions concerning us. - -[Illustration: The Man] - -What Nofuhl gathered was this: - -This Mehrikan with his wife and one old man were all that remained of -his race. Thirty-one had died this summer. In ancient times there were -many millions of his country-men. They were the greatest nation upon -the earth. He could not read. He had two names, one was "Jon," the -other he had forgotten. They lived in this temple because it was cool. -When the temple was built, and for what purpose, he could not tell. He -pointed to the West and said the country in that direction was -covered with ruined cities. - -When Nofuhl told him we were friends, and presented him at my -direction with a hunting-knife of fine workmanship, he pushed out his -right arm toward me and held it there. For an instant Nofuhl looked at -the arm wonderingly, as did we all, then with sudden intelligence he -seized the outstretched hand in his own, and moved it up and down. -This was interesting, for Nofuhl tells me it was a form of greeting -among the ancient Mehrikans. - -While all this was going on we had moved into the great circular hall -beneath the dome. This hall was of vast proportions, and there were -still traces of its former splendor. Against the walls were marble -statues entwined in ivy, looking down upon us with melancholy eyes. -Here also we met a thin old man, whose hairless head and beardless -face almost moved us to mirth. - -At Nofuhl's request our host led the way into some of the smaller -rooms to show us their manner of living, and it would be impossible to -imagine a more pathetic mixture of glory and decay, of wealth and -poverty, of civilization and barbarity. Old furniture, dishes of -silver, bronze images, even paintings and ornaments of great value -were scattered through the rooms, side by side with the most primitive -implements. It was plain the ancient arts were long since forgotten. - -When we returned to the circular hall our host disappeared for a few -moments into a room which he had not shown us. He came back bringing a -stone vase with a narrow neck, and was followed by a maiden who bore -drinking-cups of copper and tin. These she deposited upon a fallen -fragment of the dome which served as a table. - -This girl was interesting. A dainty head, delicate features, yellow -hair, blue eyes, and a gentle sadness of mien that touched my heart. -Had she been ugly what a different ending to this day! - -We all saluted her, and the Mehrikan spoke a few words which we -interpreted as a presentation. He filled the cups from the stone vase, -and then saying something which Nofuhl failed to catch, he held his -cup before his face with a peculiar movement and put it to his lips. -As he did this Lev-el-Hedyd clutched my arm and exclaimed: - -"The very gesture of the ghost!" - -And then as if to himself, "And this is July fourth." - -But he drank, as did we all, for our thirst was great and the odor of -the golden liquid was most alluring. It tasted hotter than the fires -of Jelbuz. It was also of great potency and gave a fine exhilaration -to the senses. We became happier at once. - -And here it was that Ja-khaz did a fatal thing. Being near the maid -and much affected by her beauty, he addressed her as _Hur-al-missa_ (the -most angelic of women), which, of course, she understood not. This -were well had he gone no further, but he next put his arm about her -waist with intent to kiss her. Much terrified, she tried to free -herself. But Ja-khaz, holding her fair chin with his other hand, had -brought his lips almost to hers when the old man raised his heavy -staff and brought it down upon our comrade's head with cruel -swiftness. This falling stick upon a solid skull resounded about the -dome and echoed through the empty corridors. - -Bhoz-ja-khaz blinked and staggered back. - -Then, with fury in his face, he sprang savagely toward the aged man. - -But here the younger Mehrikan interfered. Rapidly approaching them -and shutting tight his bony hand, he shot it from him with startling -velocity, so directing that it came in contact with the face of -Ja-khaz who, to our amazement, sat roughly upon the marble pavement, -the blood streaming from his nostrils. He was a pitiful sight. - -Unaccustomed to such warfare we were seriously alarmed, and thought -him killed perhaps. Ad-el-pate, a mighty wrestler, and of powerful -build, rushed furiously upon the Mehrikan for whom I trembled. But his -arm again went out before him, and Ad-el-pate likewise sat. A mournful -spectacle, and every Persian felt his heart beat fast within him. - -By this time Ja-khaz was on his feet again, purple with rage. With -uplifted scimitar he sprang toward our host. The old man stepped -between. Ja-khaz, with wanton cruelty, brought his steel upon the -ancient head, and stretched him upon the floor. For an instant the -younger one stood horror-stricken, then snatching from the floor the -patriarch's staff--a heavy stick with an iron end--he jumped forward, -and, quicker than words can tell it, dealt a frightful blow upon the -head of Ja-khaz which sent him headlong to the ground with a broken -skull. - -[Illustration: The Slaughter of the Persians] - -All this had happened in a moment, and wild confusion followed. My -followers drew their arms and rushed upon the Mehrikan. The girl ran -forward either from terror or to shield her spouse, I know not which, -when a flying arrow from a sailor's cross-bow pierced her to the -heart. - -This gave the Mehrikan the energy of twenty men. - -He knocked brave Kuzundam senseless with a blow that would have killed -an ox. Such fury I had not conceived. He brought his flying staff like -a thunderbolt from Heaven upon the Persian skulls, yet always edging -toward the door to prevent his enemies surrounding him. Four of our -number, in as many minutes, joined Ja-khaz upon the floor. Kuzundam, -Ad-el-pate, Fattan-laïz-eh, and Hä-tak, a sailor, lay stretched upon -the pavement, all dead or grievously wounded. - -So suddenly had this taken place, that I hardly realized what had -happened. I rushed forward to stay the combat, but he mistook the -purpose, struck my scimitar with a force that sent it flying through -the air, and had raised his staff to deal a second for myself, when -brave Lev-el-Hedyd stepped in to save me, and thrust quickly at him. -But alas! the Mehrikan warded off his stroke with one yet quicker, and -brought his stick so swiftly against my comrade's head that it laid -him with the others. - -When Lev-el-Hedyd fell I saw the Mehrikan had many wounds, for my -comrades had made a savage onslaught. He tottered as he moved back -into the doorway, where he leaned against the wall for an instant, his -eyes meeting ours with a look of defiance and contempt that I would -willingly forget. Then the staff dropped from his hand; he staggered -out to the great portico, and fell his length upon the pavement. -Nofuhl hastened to him, but he was dead. - -[Illustration: The Last of the Mehrikans] - - -As he fell a wonderful thing took place--an impossible thing, as I -look back upon it, but both Nofuhl and I saw it distinctly. - -In front of the great steps and facing this doorway is a large sitting -image of George-wash-yn-tun. As the Mehrikan staggered out upon the -porch, his hands outstretched before him and with Death at his heart, -this statue slowly bowed its head as if in recognition of a gallant -fight. - -Perhaps it was the sorrowful acceptance of a bitter ending. - -[Illustration: "This statue slowly bowed its head."] - - - - -_7th July_ - - - -Again upon the sea. - -This time for Persia, bearing our wounded and the ashes of the dead; -those of the natives are reposing beneath the Great Temple. - -The skull of the last Mehrikan I shall present to the museum at Teheran. - - - - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last American, by J. A. Mitchell - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST AMERICAN *** - -***** This file should be named 27307-8.txt or 27307-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/3/0/27307/ - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -https://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at https://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit https://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including including checks, online payments and credit card -donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - https://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/27307-8.zip b/old/27307-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7bf7c29..0000000 --- a/old/27307-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/27307.txt b/old/27307.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 5b9b7fc..0000000 --- a/old/27307.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1861 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last American, by J. A. Mitchell - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 - - -Title: The Last American - A Fragment from The Journal of KHAN-LI, Prince of - Dimph-Yoo-Chur and Admiral in the Persian Navy - -Author: J. A. Mitchell - -Illustrator: F. W. Read - -Release Date: November 21, 2008 [EBook #27307] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST AMERICAN *** - - - - - - - - - - - - - -THE LAST AMERICAN - - -By J. A. Mitchell - - - - -Amos Judd -The Pines of Lory -The Last American -That First Affair -Gloria Victis -Life's Fairy Tales - - - - -[Illustration: "--In the soft earth was the imprint of human feet!"] - - - -The Last American - - -A Fragment from The Journal of KHAN-LI, Prince of -Dimph-Yoo-Chur and Admiral in the Persian Navy - -Presented by J. A. MITCHELL - -EDITION DE LUXE -Illustrated in Color by F. W. Read -With Decorative Designs by Albert D. Blashfield and -Illustrations by the Author - -NEW YORK -FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY -_PUBLISHERS_ - -1889 -By Frederick A. Stokes and Brother - -1902 -By Frederick A. Stokes Company - - -TO THOSE THOUGHTFUL PERSIANS -WHO CAN READ A WARNING IN THE SUDDEN RISE -AND SWIFT EXTINCTION OF A FOOLISH PEOPLE -THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED - - -A FEW WORDS BY HEDFUL - -SURNAMED "THE AXIS OF WISDOM" - -_Curator of the Imperial Museum at Shiraz._ -_Author of "The Celestial Conquest of Kaly-phorn-ya," and of_ -_"Northern Mehrika under the Hy-Bernyan Rulers"_ - - -The astounding discoveries of Khan-li of Dimph-yoo-chur have thrown -floods of light upon the domestic life of the Mehrikan people. He -little realized when he landed upon that sleeping continent what a -service he was about to render history, or what enthusiasm his -discoveries would arouse among Persian archaeologists. - -Every student of antiquity is familiar with these facts. - -But for the benefit of those who have yet to acquire a knowledge of -this extraordinary people, I advise, first, a visit to the Museum at -Teheran in order to excite their interest in the subject, and second, -the reading of such books as Nofuhl's "What we Found in the West," and -Noz-yt-ahl's "History of the Mehrikans." The last-named is a complete -and reliable history of these people from the birth of the Republic -under George-wash-yn-tun to the year 1990, when they ceased to exist -as a nation. I must say, however, that Noz-yt-ahl leaves the reader -much confused concerning the period between the massacre of the -Protestants in 1927, and the overflow of the Murfey dynasty in 1940. - -He holds the opinion with many other historians that the Mehrikans -were a mongrel race, with little or no patriotism, and were purely -imitative; simply an enlarged copy of other nationalities extant at -the time. He pronounces them a shallow, nervous, extravagant people, -and accords them but few redeeming virtues. This, of course, is just; -but nevertheless they will always be an interesting study by reason of -their rapid growth, their vast numbers, their marvellous mechanical -ingenuity and their sudden and almost unaccountable disappearance. - -The wealth, luxury, and gradual decline of the native population; the -frightful climatic changes which swept the country like a mower's -scythe; the rapid conversion of a vast continent, alive with millions -of pleasure-loving people, into a silent wilderness, where the sun and -moon look down in turn upon hundreds of weed-grown cities,--all this -is told by Noz-yt-ahl with force and accuracy. - -"Here's Truth. 'T is a bitter pill but good physic." - - - - -ABOARD THE ZLOTUHB IN THE YEAR 2951 - -_10th May_ - - - -There is land ahead! - -Grip-til-lah was first to see it, and when he shouted the tidings my -heart beat fast with joy. The famished crew have forgotten their -disconsolate stomachs and are dancing about the deck. 'T is not I, -forsooth, who shall restrain them! A month of emptiness upon a heavy -sea is preparation for any folly. Nofuhl alone is without enthusiasm. -The old man's heart seems dead. - -We can see the land plainly, a dim strip along the western horizon. A -fair wind blows from the northeast, but we get on with cruel -hindrance, for the _Zlotuhb_ is a heavy ship, her bluff bow and -voluminous bottom ill fitting her for speed. - -The land, as we near it, seems covered with trees, and the white breakers -along the yellow beach are a welcome sight. - - - - -_11th May_ - - - -Sighted a fine harbor this afternoon, and are now at anchor in it. - -Grip-til-lah thinks we have reached one of the western islands mentioned -by Ben-a-Bout. Nofuhl, however, is sure we are further North. - - - - -_12th May_ - - - -What a change has come over Nofuhl! He is the youngest man aboard. We -all share his delight, as our discoveries are truly marvellous. This -morning while I was yet in my bunk he ran into the cabin and, -forgetting our difference in rank, seized me by the arm and tried to -drag me out. His excitement so had the better of him that I captured -little meaning from his words. Hastening after him, however, I was -amazed to see such ancient limbs transport a man so rapidly. He -skipped up the narrow stairs like a heifer and, young though I am, it -was faster than I could follow. - -But what a sight when I reached the deck! We saw nothing of it -yesterday, for the dusk of evening was already closing about us when -we anchored. - -Right ahead, in the middle of the bay, towered a gigantic statue, many -times higher than the masts of our ship. Beyond, from behind this -statue, came the broad river upon whose waters we were floating, its -surface all a-glitter with the rising sun. To the East, where Nofuhl -was pointing, his fingers trembling with excitement, lay the ruins of -an endless city. It stretched far away into the land beyond, further -even than our eyes could see. And in the smaller river on the right -stood two colossal structures, rising high in the air, and standing -like twin brothers, as if to guard the deserted streets beneath. Not a -sound reached us--not a floating thing disturbed the surface of the -water. Verily, it seemed the sleep of Death. - -I was lost in wonder. - -As we looked, a strange bird, like a heron, arose with a hoarse cry -from the foot of the great image and flew toward the city. - -"What does it all mean?" I cried. "Where are we?" - -"Where indeed!" said Nofuhl. "If I knew but that, O Prince, I could -tell the rest! No traveller has mentioned these ruins. Persian history -contains no record of such a people. Allah has decreed that we -discover a forgotten world." - -[Illustration: The City of Ruins] - - -Within an hour we landed, and found ourselves in an ancient street, -the pavements covered with weeds, grass, and flowers, all crowding -together in wild neglect. Huge trees of great antiquity thrust their -limbs through windows and roofs and produced a mournful sight. They -gave a welcome shade, however, as we find the heat ashore of a -roasting quality most hard to bear. The curious buildings on either -side are wonderfully preserved, even sheets of glass still standing in -many of the iron window-frames. - -We wandered along through the thick grass, Nofuhl and I, much excited -over our discoveries and delighted with the strange scene. The -sunshine is of dazzling brightness, birds are singing everywhere, and -the ruins are gay with gorgeous wild flowers. We soon found ourselves -in what was once a public square, now for the most part a shady grove. -(Afterward ascertained to be the square of the City Hall.) - -[Illustration: "We soon found ourselves in what was once a public square."] - -As we sat on a fallen cornice and gazed on the lofty buildings about -us I asked Nofuhl if he was still in ignorance as to where we were, -and he said: - -"As yet I know not. The architecture is much like that of ancient -Europe, but it tells us nothing." - -Then I said to him in jest, "Let this teach us, O Nofuhl! the folly of -excessive wisdom. Who among thy pupils of the Imperial College at -Ispahan would believe their venerable instructor in history and -languages could visit the largest city in the world and know so little -about it!" - -"Thy words are wise, my Prince," he answered; "few babes could know -less." - -As we were leaving this grove my eyes fell upon an upturned slab that -seemed to have a meaning. It was lying at our feet, partly hidden by -the tall grass, having fallen from the columns that supported it. Upon -its surface were strange characters in bold relief, as sharp and clear -as when chiselled ten centuries ago. I pointed it out to Nofuhl, and -we bent over it with eager eyes. - -It was this: - - ASTOR HOUSE - -"The inscription is Old English," he said. "'House' signified a -dwelling, but the word 'Astor' I know not. It was probably the name of -a deity, and here was his temple." - -This was encouraging, and we looked about eagerly for other signs. - - -Our steps soon brought us into another street, and as we walked I -expressed my surprise at the wonderful preservation of the stone work, -which looked as though cut but yesterday. - -"In such an atmosphere decay is slow," said Nofuhl. "A thousand years -at least have passed since these houses were occupied. Take yonder -oak, for instance; the tree itself has been growing for at least a -hundred years, and we know from the fallen mass beneath it that -centuries had gone by before its birth was possible." - -He stopped speaking, his eyes fixed upon an inscription over a -doorway, partly hidden by one of the branches of the oak. - -Turning suddenly upon me with a look of triumph, he exclaimed: - -"It is ours!" - -"What is ours?" I asked. - -"The knowledge we sought;" and he pointed to the inscription, - -NEW YORK STOCK EXC.... - -He was tremulous with joy. - -[Illustration: "'The knowledge we sought;' and he pointed to the -inscription."] - -"Thou hast heard of Nhu-Yok, O my Prince?" - -I answered that I had read of it at school. - -"Thou art in it now!" he said. "We are standing on the Western -Continent. Little wonder we thought our voyage long!" - -"And what was Nhu-Yok?" I asked. "I read of it at college, but -remember little. Was it not the capital of the ancient Mehrikans?" - -"Not the capital," he answered, "but their largest city. Its -population was four millions." - -"Four millions!" I exclaimed. "Verily, O Fountain of Wisdom, that is -many for one city!" - -"Such is history, my Prince! Moreover, as thou knowest, it would take -us many days to walk this town." - -"True, it is endless." - -He continued thus: - -"Strange that a single word can tell so much! Those iron structures, -the huge statue in the harbor, the temples with pointed towers, all -are as writ in history." - -Whereupon I repeated that I knew little of the Mehrikans save what I -had learned at college, a perfunctory and fleeting knowledge, as they -were a people who interested me but little. - -"Let us seat ourselves in the shade," said Nofuhl, "and I will tell -thee of them." - -[Illustration: In a Street of the Forgotten City] - -We sat. - -"For eleven centuries the cities of this sleeping hemisphere have -decayed in solitude. Their very existence has been forgotten. The -people who built them have long since passed away, and their -civilization is but a shadowy tradition. Historians are astounded that -a nation of an hundred million beings should vanish from the earth -like a mist, and leave so little behind. But to those familiar with -their lives and character surprise is impossible. There was nothing to -leave. The Mehrikans possessed neither literature, art, nor music of -their own. Everything was borrowed. The very clothes they wore were -copied with ludicrous precision from the models of other nations. They -were a sharp, restless, quick-witted, greedy race, given body and soul -to the gathering of riches. Their chiefest passion was to buy and -sell. Even women, both of high and low degree, spent much of their -time at bargains, crowding and jostling each other in vast marts of -trade, for their attire was complicated, and demanded most of their -time." - -"How degrading!" I exclaimed. - -"So it must have been," said Nofuhl; "but they were not without -virtues. Their domestic life was happy. A man had but one wife, and -treated her as his equal." - -"That is curious! But as I remember, they were a people of elastic -honor." - -"They were so considered," said Nofuhl; "their commercial honor was a -jest. They were sharper than the Turks. Prosperity was their god, with -cunning and invention for his prophets. Their restless activity no -Persian can comprehend. This vast country was alive with noisy -industries, the nervous Mehrikans darting with inconceivable rapidity -from one city to another by a system of locomotion we can only guess -at. There existed roads with iron rods upon them, over which small -houses on wheels were drawn with such velocity that a long day's -journey was accomplished in an hour. Enormous ships without sails, -driven by a mysterious force, bore hundreds of people at a time to the -furthermost points of the earth." - -"And are these things lost?" I asked. - -"We know many of the forces," said Nofuhl, "but the knowledge of -applying them is gone. The very elements seem to have been their -slaves. Cities were illuminated at night by artificial moons, whose -radiance eclipsed the moon above. Strange devices were in use by which -they conversed together when separated by a journey of many days. Some -of these appliances exist to-day in Persian museums. The superstitions -of our ancestors allowed their secrets to be lost during those dark -centuries from which at last we are waking." - -At this point we heard the voice of Bhoz-ja-khaz in the distance; they -had found a spring and he was calling to us. - -Such heat we had never felt, and it grew hotter each hour. Near the -river where we ate it was more comfortable, but even there the -perspiration stood upon us in great drops. Our faces shone like -fishes. It was our wish to explore further, but the streets were like -ovens, and we returned to the _Zlotuhb_. - - -As I sat upon the deck this afternoon recording the events of the -morning in this journal Bhoz-ja-khaz and Ad-el-pate approached, asking -permission to take the small boat and visit the great statue. -Thereupon Nofuhl informed us that this statue in ancient times held -aloft a torch illuminating the whole harbor, and he requested -Ad-el-pate to try and discover how the light was accomplished. - -They returned toward evening with this information: that the statue is -not of solid bronze, but hollow; that they ascended by means of an -iron stairway into the head of the image, and from the top looked down -upon us; that Ad-el-pate, in the dark, sat to rest himself upon a nest -of yellow flies with black stripes; that these flies inserted stings -into Ad-el-pate's person, causing him to exclaim loudly and descend -the stairs with unexpected agility; that Bhoz-ja-khaz and the others -pushed on through the upraised arm, and stood at last upon the bronze -torch itself; that the city lay beneath them like a map, covering the -country for miles away on both sides of the river. As for illuminating -the harbor, Bhoz-ja-khaz says Nofuhl is mistaken; there are no -vestiges of anything that could give a light--no vessel for oil or -traces of fire. - -Nofuhl says Ja-khaz is an idiot; that he shall go himself. - -[Illustration: "The great statue in the harbor."] - - - - -_13th May_ - - - -A startling discovery this morning. - -By landing higher up the river we explored a part of the city where -the buildings are of a different character from those we saw -yesterday. Nofuhl considers them the dwellings of the rich. In shape -they are like bricks set on end, all very similar, uninteresting, and -monotonous. - -We noticed one where the doors and shutters were still in place, but -rotting from the fantastic hinges that supported them. A few hard -blows brought down the outer doors in a dusty heap, and as we stepped -upon the marble floor within our eyes met an unexpected sight. -Furniture, statues, dingy pictures in crumbling frames, images in -bronze and silver, mirrors, curtains, all were there, but in every -condition of decay. We knocked open the iron shutters and let the -light into the rooms sealed up for centuries. In the first one lay a -rug from Persia! Faded, moth-eaten, gone in places, it seemed to ask -us with dying eyes to be taken hence. My heart grew soft over the -ancient rug, and I caught a foolish look in Lev-el-Hedyd's eye. - -As we climbed the mouldering stair to the floor above I expressed -surprise that cloth and woodwork should hold together for so many -centuries, also saying: - -"These Mehrikans were not so unworthy as we think them." - -"That may be," said Lev-el-Hedyd, "but the Persian rug is far the -freshest object we have seen, and that perchance was ancient when they -bought it." - -On this floor we entered a dim chamber, spacious and once richly -furnished. When Lev-el-Hedyd pushed open the shutters and drew aside -the ragged curtains we started at the sight before us. Upon a wide bed -in the centre of the room lay a human form, the long, yellow hair still -clinging to the head. It was more a mummy than a skeleton. Around, upon -the bed, lay mouldering fragments of the once white sheets that covered -it. On the fingers of the left hand glistened two rings which drew our -attention. One held a diamond of great price, the other was composed of -sapphires and diamonds most curiously arranged. We stood a moment in -silence, gazing sadly upon the figure. - -"Poor woman," I said, "left thus to die alone." - -"It is more probable," said Nofuhl, "she was already dead, and her -friends, departing perhaps in haste, were unable to burn the body." - -"Did they burn their dead?" I asked. "In my history 't was writ they -buried them in the earth like potatoes, and left them to rot." - -And Nofuhl answered: "At one time it was so, but later on, as they -became more civilized, the custom was abandoned." - -"Is it possible?" I asked, "that this woman has been lying here almost -a thousand years and yet so well preserved?" - -"I, also, am surprised," said Nofuhl. "I can only account for it by -the extreme dryness of the air in absorbing the juices of the body and -retarding decay." - -[Illustration: In the Mouldering Chamber] - -Then lifting tenderly in his hand some of the yellow hair, he said: - -"She was probably very young, scarce twenty." - -"Were their women fair?" I asked. - -"They were beautiful," he answered; "with graceful forms and lovely -faces; a pleasure to the eye; also were they gay and sprightly with -much animation." - -Thereupon cried Lev-el-Hedyd: - -"Here are the first words thou hast uttered, O Nofuhl, that cause me -to regret the extinction of this people! There is ever a place in my -heart for a blushing maiden!" - -"Then let thy grief be of short life," responded Nofuhl, "for -Mehrikan damsels were not of that description. Blushing was an art -they practised little. The shyness thou so lovest in a Persian maiden -was to them an unknown thing. Our shrinking daughters bear no -resemblance to these Western products. They strode the public streets -with roving eyes and unblushing faces, holding free converse with men -as with women, bold of speech and free of manner, going and coming as -it pleased them best. They knew much of the world, managed their own -affairs, and devised their own marriages, often changing their minds -and marrying another than the betrothed." - -"Bismillah! And men could love these things?" exclaimed Lev-el-Hedyd -with much feeling. - -"So it appears." - -"But I should say the Mehrikan bride had much the freshness of a dried -fig." - -"So she had," said Nofuhl; "but those who know only the dried fig have -no regret for the fresh fruit. But the fault was not with the maidens. -Brought up like boys, with the same studies and mental development, -the womanly part of their nature gradually vanished as their minds -expanded. Vigor of intellect was the object of a woman's education." - -Then Lev-el-Hedyd exclaimed with great disgust: - -"Praises be to Allah for his aid in exterminating such a people!" and -he walked away from the bed, and began looking about the chamber. In a -moment he hastened back to us, saying: - -"Here are more jewels! also money!" - -Nofuhl eagerly took the pieces. - -"Money!" he cried. "Money will tell us more than pages of history!" - -There were silver coins of different sizes and two small pieces of -copper. Nofuhl studied them closely. - -"The latest date is 1957," he said; "a little less than a thousand -years ago; but the piece may have been in circulation some years -before this woman died; also it may have been coined the very year of -her death. It bears the head of Dennis, the last of the Hy-Burnyan -dictators. The race is supposed to have become extinct before 1990 of -their era." - -[Illustration: The Face and Back of One of the Silver Coins.] - -I then said: - -"Thou hast never told us, O Nofuhl! the cause of their disappearance." - -"There were many causes," he answered. "The Mehrikans themselves were -of English origin, but people from all parts of Europe came here in -vast numbers. Although the original comers were vigorous and hardy the -effect of climate upon succeeding generations was fatal. They became -flat-chested and thin, with scanty hair, fragile teeth, and weak -digestions. Nervous diseases unknown to us wrought deadly havoc. -Children were reared with difficulty. Between 1945 and 1960, the last -census of which any record remains, the population decreased from -ninety millions to less than twelve millions. Climatic changes, the -like of which no other land ever experienced, began at that period, -and finished in less than ten years a work made easy by nervous -natures and rapid lives. The temperature would skip in a single day -from burning heat to winter's cold. No constitution could withstand -it, and this vast continent became once more an empty wilderness." - - -Much more of the same nature he told us, but I am too sleepy to write -longer. We explored the rest of the mansion, finding many things of -interest. I caused several objects to be carried aboard the _Zlotuhb_. -(These objects are now in the museum of the Imperial College, at Teheran.) - - - - -_14th May_ - - - -Hotter than yesterday. - -In the afternoon we were rowed up the river and landed for a short -walk. It is unsafe to brave the sun. - -The more I learn of these Mehrikans the less interesting they become. -Nofuhl is of much the same mind, judging from our conversation to-day, -as we walked along together. - -It was in this wise: - -_Khan-li_. -How alike the houses! How monotonous! - -_Nofuhl_. -So, also, were the occupants. They thought alike, worked alike, ate, -dressed and conversed alike. They read the same books; they fashioned -their garments as directed, with no regard for the size or figure of -the individual, and copied to a stitch the fashions of Europeans. - -_Khan-li_. -But the close-fitting apparel of the European must have been sadly -uncomfortable in the heat of a Mehrikan summer. - -_Nofuhl_. -So probably it was. Stiff boxes of varying patterns adorned the heads -of men. Curious jackets with tight sleeves compressed the body. The -feet throbbed and burned in close-fitting casings of unyielding leather, -and linen made stiff by artificial means was drawn tightly about the neck. - -_Khan-li_. -Allah! What idiots! - -_Nofuhl_. -Even so are they considered. - -_Khan-li_. -To what quality of their minds do you attribute such love of needless -suffering? - -_Nofuhl_. -It was their desire to be like others. A natural feeling in a vulgar -people. - - - - -_15th May_ - - - -A fair wind from the West to-day. We weighed anchor and sailed up -the Eastern side of the city. I did this as Nofuhl finds the upper -portion of the town much richer in relics than the lower, which seems -to have been given up to commercial purposes. We sailed close under -one of the great monuments in the river, and are at a loss to divine -its meaning. Many iron rods still dangle from the tops of each of the -structures. As they are in a line, one with the other, we thought at -first they might have been once connected and served as a bridge, but -we soon saw they were too far apart. - -Came to anchor about three miles from the old mooring. Up the river -and down, North, South, East, and West, the ruins stretch away -indefinitely, seemingly without end. - -Am anxious about Lev-el-Hedyd. He went ashore and has not returned. -It is now after midnight. - -[Illustration: The Two Monuments in the River] - - - - -_16th May_ - - - -Praise Allah! my dear comrade is alive! This morning we landed early -and began our search for him. As we passed before the building which -bears the inscription - - . . . DORF ASTORIA - -upon its front, we heard his voice from within in answer to our calls. -We entered, and after climbing the ruined stairway found him seated -upon the floor above. He had a swollen leg from an ugly sprain, and -various bruises were also his. While our friends were constructing a -litter on which to bear him hence we conversed together. The walls -about us bore traces of having once enclosed a hall of some beauty. In -idling about I pulled open the decaying door of an old closet and saw -upon the rotting shelves many pieces of glass and earthenware of fine -workmanship. Taking one in my hand, a small wine-cup of glass, I -approached my comrade calling his attention to its slender stem and -curious form. As his eyes fell upon it they opened wide in amazement. -I also observed a trembling of his hand as he reached forth to touch -it. He then recounted to me his marvellous adventure of the night -before, but saying before he began: - -"Thou knowest, O Prince, I am no believer in visions, and I should -never tell the tale but for thy discovery of this cup. I drank from -such an one last night, proffered by a ghostly hand." - -I would have smiled, but he was much in earnest. As I made a movement -to sit beside him, he said: - -"Taste first, O my master, of the grapes hanging from yonder wall." - -I did so, and to my great surprise found them of an exquisite flavor, -finer even than the cultivated fruit of Persia, sweeter and more -delicate, of a different nature from the wild grapes we have been -eating. My astonishment appeared to delight him, and he said with a -laugh: - -"The grapes are impossible, but they exist; even more absurd is my -story!" and he then narrated his adventure. - -It was this: - -WHAT LEV-EL-HEDYD SAW. - -Yesterday, after nightfall, as he was hastening toward the _Zlotuhb_ he -fell violently upon some blocks of stone, wrenching his ankle and much -bruising himself. Unable to walk upon his foot he limped into this -building to await our coming in the morning. The howling of wolves and -other wild beasts as they prowled about the city drove him, for -safety, to crawl up the ruins of the stairway to the floor above. As -he settled himself in a corner of this hall his nostrils were greeted -with the delicious odor from the grapes about his head. He found them -surprisingly good, and ate heartily. He soon after fell into a sleep -which lasted some hours, for when he awoke the moon was higher in the -heavens, the voices of the wolves were hushed and the city was silent. - -As he lay in a revery, much absorbed in his own thoughts, he gradually -became aware of mysterious changes taking place, as if by stealth, -about him. A decorated ceiling appeared to be closing over the hall. -Mirrors and tinted walls slowly crept in place of ivy and crumbling -bricks. A faint glow grew stronger and more intense until it filled -the great room with a dazzling light. - -Then came softly into view a table of curious form, set out with flowers -and innumerable dishes of glass and porcelain, as for a feast. - -Standing about the room he saw solemn men with beardless faces, all in -black attire, whose garments bore triangular openings upon the chest -to show the shirt beneath. These personages he soon discovered were -servants. - -As he gazed in bewilderment, there entered other figures, two by two, -who took their seats about the table. These later comers, sixty or -more, were men and women walking arm in arm, the women in rich attire -of unfamiliar fashion and sparkling with precious stones. The men were -clad like the servants. - -They ate and drank and laughed, and formed a brilliant scene. -Lev-el-Hedyd rose to his feet, and moved by a curiosity he made no -effort to resist,--for he is a reckless fellow and knows no fear--he -hobbled out into the room. - -They looked upon him in surprise, and seemed much amused at his -presence. One of the guests, a tall youth with yellow mustaches, -approached him, offering a delicate crystal vessel filled with a -sparkling fluid. - -Lev-el-Hedyd took it. - -The youth raised another from the table and with a slight gesture as -if in salutation, he said in words which my comrade understood, though -he swears it was a language unknown to him, - -"We may meet again the fourth of next month." - -He then drank the wine, and so did Lev-el-Hedyd. - -Hereupon the others smiled as if at their comrade's wit, all save the -women, whose tender faces spoke more of pity than of mirth. The wine -flew to his brain as he drank it, and things about him seemed to reel -and spin. Strains of fantastic music burst upon his ears: then, all in -rhythm, the women joined their partners and whirled about him with a -lightsome step. And, moving with it, his throbbing brain seemed -dancing from his head. The room itself, all swaying and quivering -with the melody, grew dim and stole from view. The music softly died -away. - -Again was silence, the moon above looking calmly down upon the ivied -walls. - -He fell like a drunken man upon the floor, and did not wake till our -voices called him. - - -Such his tale. - -He has a clear head and is no liar, but so many grapes upon an empty -stomach with the fever from his swollen limb might well explain it. - - * * * * * - -Bear's meat for dinner. - -This morning toward noon Kuzundam, the second officer, wandered on -ahead of us, and entered a large building in pursuit of a rabbit. He -was about descending to the basement below, when he saw, close before -him, a bear leisurely mounting the marble stairs. Kuzundam is no -coward, but he turned and ran as he never ran before. The bear, who -seemed of a sportive nature, also ran, and in close pursuit. Luckily -for my friend we happened to be near, otherwise instead of our eating -bear's meat, the bear might have lunched quietly off Kuzundam in the -shady corridors of the "FIFTHAVENUEHOTEL." - -[Illustration: Kuzundam's Narrow Escape] - - - - -_17th May_ - - - -To-day a scorching heat that burns the lungs. We started in the -morning prepared to spend the night ashore, and explore the northern -end of the city. It was a pleasant walk through the soft grass of the -shady streets, but in those places unsheltered from the sun we were as -fish upon a frying-pan. Other dwellings we saw, even larger and more -imposing than the one we entered yesterday. We were tempted to explore -them, but Lev-el-Hedyd wisely dissuaded us, saying the day was waxing -hotter each hour and it could be done on our return. - -In the northern part of the town are many religious temples, with -their tall towers like slender pyramids, tapering to a point. They are -curious things, and surprisingly well preserved. The interiors of -these temples are uninteresting. Nofuhl says the religious rites of -the Mehrikans were devoid of character. There were many religious -beliefs, all complicated and insignificant variations one from -another, each sect having its own temples and refusing to believe as -the others. This is amusing to a Persian, but mayhap was a serious -matter with them. One day in each week they assembled, the priests -reading long moral lectures written by themselves, with music by hired -singers. They then separated, taking no thought of temple or priest -for another seven days. Nofuhl says they were not a religious people. -That the temples were filled mostly with women. - -[Illustration: In One of the Temples] - - -In the afternoon we found it necessary to traverse a vast -pleasure-ground, now a wild forest, but with traces still visible of -broad promenades and winding driveways. (Olbaldeh thinks this must be -the Centralpahk sometimes alluded to in Mehrikan literature.) There -remains an avenue of bronze statues, most of them yet upright and in -good condition, but very comic. Lev-el-Hedyd and I still think them -caricatures, but Nofuhl is positive they were serious efforts, and -says the Mehrikans were easily pleased in matters of art. - -We lost our way in this park, having nothing to guide us as in the -streets of the city. This was most happy, as otherwise we should have -missed a surprising discovery. - -It occurred in this wise. - -Being somewhat overcome by the heat we halted upon a little hill to -rest ourselves. While reclining beneath the trees I noticed unusual -carvings upon a huge block against which Lev-el-Hedyd was supporting -his back. They were unlike any we had seen, and yet they were not -unfamiliar. As I lay there gazing idly at them it flashed upon me they -were Egyptian. We at once fell to examining the block, and found to -our amazement an obelisk of Egyptian granite, covered with Egyptian -hieroglyphics of an antiquity exceeding by thousands of years the most -ancient monuments of the country! - -Verily, we were puzzled! - -"When did the Egyptians invade Mehrika?" quoth Bhoz-ja-khaz, with a -solemn look, as if trying to recall a date. - -"No Egyptian ever heard of Mehrika," said Nofuhl. "This obelisk was -finished twenty centuries before the first Mehrikan was weaned. In all -probability it was brought here as a curiosity, just as we take to -Persia the bronze head of George-wash-yn-tun." - -We spent much time over the monument, and I think Nofuhl was -disappointed that he could not bring it away with him. - - -Also while in this park we came to a high tower, standing by itself, and -climbed to the top, where we enjoyed a wide-spreading view. - -The extent of the city is astounding. - -Miles away in the river lay the _Zlotuhb_, a white speck on the water. -All about us in every direction as far as sight can reach were ruins, -and ruins, and ruins. Never was a more melancholy sight. The blue sky, -the bright sunshine, the sweet-scented air with the gay flowers and -singing birds only made it sadder. They seemed a mockery. - -[Illustration: "Miles away in the river lay the _Zlotuhb_, a white -speck on the water."] - -We have encamped for the night, and I can write no more. Countless -flying insects gather about us with a hateful buzz, and bite us beyond -endurance. They are a pest thrice accursed. - -I tell Nofuhl his fine theory concerning the extinction of the Yahnkis -is a good tale for those who have never been here. - -No man without a leather skin could survive a second night. - - - - -_18th May_ - - - -Poor Ja-khaz is worse than sick. - -He had an encounter last night with a strange animal, and his defeat -was ignoble. The animal, a pretty thing, much like a kitten, was -hovering near when Ja-khaz, with rare courage and agility, threw -himself upon it. - -And then what happened none of us can state with precision. We know we -held our noses and fled. And Ja-khaz! No words can fit him. He carries -with him an odor to devastate a province. We had to leave him ashore -and send him fresh raiment. - -This is, verily, a land of surprises. - -Our hands and faces still smart from the biting insects, and the perfume -of the odorous kitten promises to be ever with us. - - -Nofuhl is happy. We have discovered hundreds of metal blocks, the -poorest of which he asserts would be the gem of a museum. They were -found by Fattan-laiz-eh in the basement of a high building, all laid -carefully away upon iron shelves. The flood of light they throw upon -the manners and customs of this ludicrous people renders them of -priceless value to historians. - -I harbor a suspicion that it causes Nofuhl some pleasure to sit upon -the cool deck of the _Zlotuhb_ and watch Bhoz-ja-khaz walking to and -fro upon the ruins of a distant wharf. - - - - -_19th May_ - - - -The air is cooler. Grip-til-lah thinks a storm is brewing. - -Even Nofuhl is puzzled over the wooden image we brought aboard -yesterday. It is well preserved, with the barbaric coloring still -fresh upon it. They found it standing upright in a little shop. - -[Illustration: The Wooden God.] - -How these idols were worshipped, and why they are found in little -shops and never in the great temples is a mystery. It has a diadem of -feathers on the head, and as we sat smoking upon the deck this evening -I remarked to Nofuhl that it might be the portrait of some Mehrikan -noble. Whereupon he said they had no nobles. - -"But the Mehrikans of gentle blood," I asked, "had they no titles?" - -"Neither titles nor gentle blood," he answered. "And as they were -all of much the same origin, and came to this country simply to thrive -more fatly than at home, there was nothing except difference in wealth -on which to establish a superior order. Being deep respecters of money -this was a satisfying distinction. It soon resulted that those -families who possessed riches for a generation or two became the -substitute for an aristocracy. This upper class was given to sports -and pastimes, spending their wealth freely, being prodigiously fond of -display. Their intellectual development was feeble, and they wielded -but little influence save in social matters. They followed closely the -fashions of foreign aristocracies. Great attentions were paid to -wandering nobles from other lands. Even distant relatives of titled -people were greeted with the warmest enthusiasm." - -Then I said to him, "But explain to me, O Nofuhl, how it was possible -for so shallow a nation to become so great." - -"They were great only in numbers and too weak to endure success. At -the beginning of the twentieth century--as they counted time--huge -fortunes were amassed in a day, and the Mehrikans became drunk with -money." - -Whereupon I exclaimed, "O Land of Delight! For much money is -cheering." - -But the old man shook his head. "Very true, O Prince; but the effect -was woful. These vast fortunes soon dominated all things, even the -seat of government and the courts of Justice. Tricks of finance -brought fabulous gains. Young men became demoralized. For sober -industry with its moderate profits was ridiculed." - -"Verily, that would be natural!" I said. "But in a land where all -were rich who was found to cook and scrub, to fetch and carry and to -till the soil? For none will shovel earth when his pockets are -stuffed with gold." - -"All were not rich. And when the poor also became greedy they became -hostile. Then began social upheavals with bloodshed and havoc." - -[Illustration: A Street Scene in Ancient Nhu-Yok (The costumes and -manner of riding are taken from metal plates now in the museum at -Teheran)] - - - - -_20th May_ - - - -An icy wind from the northeast with a violent rain. Yesterday we -gasped with the hot air. To-day we are shivering in winter clothing. - - - - -_21st May_ - - - -The same as yesterday. Most of us are ill. My teeth chatter and my -body is both hot and cold. A storm more wicked never wailed about a -ship. Lev-el-Hedyd calls it the shrieking voices of the hundred -millions of Mehrikans who must have perished in similar weather. - - - - -_16th June_ - - - -It is many days since I have touched this journal. A hateful sickness -has been upon me, destroying all energy and courage. A sort of fever, -and yet my limbs were cold. I could not describe it if I would. - -Nofuhl came into the cabin this evening with some of his metal plates -and discoursed upon them. He has no respect for the intellects of the -early Mehrikans. I thought for a moment I had caught him in a -contradiction, but he was right as usual. It was thus: - -_Nofuhl._ -They were great readers. - -_Khan-li._ -You have told us they had no literature. Were they great readers of -nothing? - -_Nofuhl._ -Verily, thou hast said it! Vast sheets of paper were published daily -in which all crimes were recorded in detail. The more revolting the -deed, the more minute the description. Horrors were their chief -delight. Scandals were drunk in with thirstful eyes. These chronicles -of crime and filth were issued by hundreds of thousands. There was -hardly a family in the land but had one. - -_Khan-li._ -And did this take the place of literature? - -_Nofuhl._ -Even so. - - - - -_20th June_ - - - -Once more we are on the sea; two days from Nhu-Yok. Our decision was -a sudden one. Nofuhl, in an evil moment, found among those accursed -plates a map of the country, and thereupon was seized with an -unreasoning desire to visit a town called "Washington." I wavered and -at last consented, foolishly I believe, for the crew are loud for -Persia. And this town is inland on a river. He says it was their -finest city, the seat of Government, the capital of the country. -Grip-til-lah swears he can find it if the map is truthful. - -Ja-khaz still eats by himself. - - -This afternoon we reclined upon the deck, the _Zlotuhb_ drifting gently -in a southerly direction. Land could be seen on the starboard bow, a -faint strip along the western horizon. - -It was about the middle of the afternoon, while passing the ruins of a -gigantic tower--perhaps a lighthouse--that Nofuhl, of a sudden, -clambered hastily to his feet and looked about him. Then he called to -Grip-til-lah, asking how many leagues we were from the harbor of -Nhu-Yok. Grip-til-lah's reply I forget, but it filled the old man with -a gentle excitement. I observed an unwonted sparkle in his eyes, also -a quivering of the fingers as he pointed to the ocean around about, -and exclaimed-- - -"Beneath us, the bottom of the sea is covered with iron ships--the -wrecks of stupendous navies--the mightiest of all human history!" - -At once we all became interested. - -"What navies?" I inquired. "And what compassed their destruction? -Was it a battle?" - -_Nofuhl._ -A battle of whose magnitude no Persian has conception; a conflict in -which the sea was tossed and the heavens rent by thunderings of iron -monsters. Any one of them would have blown to atoms a fleet of -_Zlotuhbs_. - -_Ad-el-pate._ -Verily! A tale easier told than believed. But I would readily -venture my head in the _Zlotuhb_ against any of these nursery-tale -wonders. - -_Nofuhl._ -And with wisdom. For the loss of thy brain, Ad-el-pate, could not -affect the nature of thy speech. - -Whereupon there was laughter, and Ad-el-pate held his peace. - -_Khan-li._ -But tell us of this battle, O Nofuhl. I remember now to have read -about it at college. These details of ancient history I am prone to -forget. How came it about? - -_Nofuhl._ -I have spoken of the Mehrikans being a greedy race. And their greed, -at last, resulted in this war. By means of one-sided laws of their -own making they secured for themselves a lion's share of all profits -from the world's commerce. This checked the prosperity of other -nations, until at last the leading powers of Europe combined in -self-defence against this all-absorbing greed. They collected an -armada the like of which was never imagined, neither before nor since. -Then, across the ocean, came the iron host. And here, upon this very -spot where we are floating, they met the Mehrikan ships. - -_Khan-li._ -How many ships in all? - -_Nofuhl._ -The Mehrikans had eighty heavy ships of iron, with a number of smaller -craft. The allies had two hundred and forty heavy battleships, all of -iron. They also had smaller craft for divers purposes. - -_Khan-li._ -Allah! A bad prospect for our greedy friends! And being a nation of -traders they had no liking, probably, for the perils of war. - -_Nofuhl._ -As to that historians differ. According to the Mehrikans themselves -they were mighty warriors. But certain writers of that period give a -different impression. Noz-yt-ahl is sure they were cowards, weak in -body as in spirit, but often favored by fortune. In my opinion, this -battle throws considerable light upon that matter. - -A day like this, it was, also in June, as the Europeans, coming -northward along the coast to seize Nhu-Yok, met the Mehrikan Admiral -Nev-r-sai-di with his eighty ships. And the struggle was short. - -_Khan-li._ -Verily, I can believe it! With three ships to one I would give the -Europeans about half a day--a summer afternoon like this--to send -the greedy ones to the bottom. - -_Nofuhl._ -Thy guess is good, O Prince, as to the hours of fighting. It lasted -just one summer afternoon. But the Mehrikans it was who sent their -enemies to the bottom. And the sea beneath our feet is strewn with -iron hulks. - -_Khan-li._ -Bismillah! If that be a true tale--and I doubt it not--these -greedy ones were not so contemptible, at least when there was profit -in it. - -_Lev-el-Hedyd._ -At what period did this occur? - -_Nofuhl._ -Early in the twentieth century. I cannot recall the date, but it was -never forgotten by the Mehrikans. Surely a just pride, for on that day -they accomplished wonders. The Admiral Nev-r-sai-di on his ship the -_Ztazenztrypes_ was at one time surrounded by a dozen German men-of-war. -And lo! he demolished all! And of Frank and Russyan vessels he -put an end to as many more; also sundry Talyans and British. - -_Lev-el-Hedyd._ -Bismillah! But that was good! What, O Nofuhl, is the Persian of that -name _Ztazenztrypes_? - -_Nofuhl._ -None can tell with certainty. To the Mehrikans it signified victory, -or something similar. - -Other miracles were achieved by the Mehrikans that day. _Nofli-zon-mee_, -a little craft with a pointed prow, jammed holes in nearly a score of -monster ships, and the waters closed over them. There figured also a -long and narrow boat of Mehrikan devising, the _Yankyd-Oodl_. This -astonishing machine sailed to and fro among the foreign ships -upsetting all traditions. Much glory befell her commander, the Captain -Hoorai-boiz. - -_Grip-til-lah._ -And how many ships did the Mehrikans lose? - -_Nofuhl._ -Reports are contradictory. According to one of their own writers of -the period they suffered no loss whatever in vessels. Yet at the same -time he asserts, "We gave them Haleklumbya," which must be the name of -a ship. - -_Khan-li._ -A gallant fight! But can you explain how such an inferior people -could become heroic of a sudden? - -_Nofuhl._ -According to 'Ardfax, an early British historian, they were addicted -to surprising feats upon the water. And this statement is borne out by -a Spanish admiral, Offulbad-shoota, who maintains that the Mehrikans, -being a godless people, were aided by the devil. - - - - -_2d July_ - - - -We are on the river that leads to "Washington." Grip-til-lah says we -shall sight it to-morrow. The river is a dirty color. - - - - -_3d July_ - - - -We see ahead of us the ruins of a great dome, also a very high shaft. -Probably they belong to the city we seek. - -[Illustration: "We see ahead of us the ruins of a great dome, also a -very high shaft."] - - - - -_4th July_ - - - -A date we shall not forget! - -Little did I realize this morning when we left the _Zlotuhb_ in such -hilarious mood what dire events awaited us. I landed about noon, -accompanied by Nofuhl, Lev-el-Hedyd, Bhoz-ja-khaz, Ad-el-pate, -Kuzundam the first mate, Tik'l-palyt the cook, Fattan-laiz-eh, and -two sailors. Our march had scarce begun when a startling discovery -caused great commotion in our minds. We had halted at Nofuhl's -request, to decipher the inscription upon a stone, when Lev-el-Hedyd, -who had started on, stopped short with a sudden exclamation. We -hastened to him, and there, in the soft earth, was the imprint of -human feet! - -I cannot describe our surprise. We decided to follow the footprints, -and soon found they were leading us toward the great dome more -directly than we could have gone ourselves. Our excitement was beyond -words. Those of us who had weapons carried them in readiness. The path -was little used, but clearly marked. It wound about among fallen -fragments and crumbling statues, and took us along a wide avenue -between buildings of vast size and solidity, far superior to any we -had seen in Nhu-Yok. It seemed a city of monuments. - -[Illustration: Through the Streets of "Washington."] - -As we ascended the hill to the great temple and saw it through the -trees rising high above us, we were much impressed by its vast size -and beauty. Our eyes wandered in admiration over the massive columns, -each hewn from a single block, still white and fresh as if newly -quarried. The path took us under one of the lower arches of the -building, and we emerged upon the other side. This front we found even -more beautiful than the one facing the city. At the centre was a -flight of steps of magnificent proportions, now falling asunder and -overgrown in many places with grass and flowers. - -[Illustration: The Ruins of the Great Temple] - -These steps we ascended. As I climbed silently up, the others -following, I saw two human feet, the soles toward us, resting upon the -balustrade above. With a gesture I directed Nofuhl's attention to -them, and the old man's eyes twinkled with delight. Was it a Mehrikan? -I confess to a lively excitement at the prospect of meeting one. How -many were they? and how would they treat us? - -Looking down upon my little band to see that all were there, I boldly -marched up the remaining steps and stood before him. - -He was reclining upon a curious little four-legged seat, with his feet -upon the balustrade, about on a level with his head. Clad in skins and -rough cloth he looked much like a hunter, and he gazed quietly upon -me, as though a Persian noble were a daily guest. Such a reception was -not gratifying, especially as he remained in the same position, not -even withdrawing his feet. He nodded his curious head down once and up -again, deeming it apparently a sufficient salutation. - -[Illustration: "He remained in the same position, not even withdrawing -his feet."] - -The maintenance of my own dignity before my followers forbade my -standing thus before a seated barbarian, and I made a gesture for him -to rise. This he answered in an unseemly manner by ejecting from his -mouth a brownish fluid, projecting it over and beyond the balustrade -in front of him. Then looking upon me as if about to laugh, and yet -with a grave face, he uttered something in an unmusical voice which I -failed to understand. - -[Illustration: The Feet upon the Portico.] - -Upon this Nofuhl, who had caught the meaning of one or two words, -stepped hastily forward and addressed him in his own language. But the -barbarian understood with difficulty and they had much trouble in -conversing, chiefly from reason of Nofuhl's pronunciation. He -afterward told me that this man's language differed but little from -that of the Mehrikans, as they wrote it eleven centuries ago. - -When he finally arose in talking with Nofuhl I could better observe -him. He was tall and bony, with an awkward neck, and appeared at first -glance to be a man of forty years. We decided later he was under -thirty. His yellow skin and want of hair made him seem much older than -he was. I was also much puzzled by the expression of his face. It was -one of deep sadness, yet his eyes were full of mirth, and a corner of -his mouth was ever drawing up as if in mockery. For myself I liked not -his manner. He appeared little impressed by so many strangers, and -bore himself as though it were of small importance whether we -understood him or not. But Nofuhl since informed me that he asked a -multitude of questions concerning us. - -[Illustration: The Man] - -What Nofuhl gathered was this: - -This Mehrikan with his wife and one old man were all that remained of -his race. Thirty-one had died this summer. In ancient times there were -many millions of his country-men. They were the greatest nation upon -the earth. He could not read. He had two names, one was "Jon," the -other he had forgotten. They lived in this temple because it was cool. -When the temple was built, and for what purpose, he could not tell. He -pointed to the West and said the country in that direction was -covered with ruined cities. - -When Nofuhl told him we were friends, and presented him at my -direction with a hunting-knife of fine workmanship, he pushed out his -right arm toward me and held it there. For an instant Nofuhl looked at -the arm wonderingly, as did we all, then with sudden intelligence he -seized the outstretched hand in his own, and moved it up and down. -This was interesting, for Nofuhl tells me it was a form of greeting -among the ancient Mehrikans. - -While all this was going on we had moved into the great circular hall -beneath the dome. This hall was of vast proportions, and there were -still traces of its former splendor. Against the walls were marble -statues entwined in ivy, looking down upon us with melancholy eyes. -Here also we met a thin old man, whose hairless head and beardless -face almost moved us to mirth. - -At Nofuhl's request our host led the way into some of the smaller -rooms to show us their manner of living, and it would be impossible to -imagine a more pathetic mixture of glory and decay, of wealth and -poverty, of civilization and barbarity. Old furniture, dishes of -silver, bronze images, even paintings and ornaments of great value -were scattered through the rooms, side by side with the most primitive -implements. It was plain the ancient arts were long since forgotten. - -When we returned to the circular hall our host disappeared for a few -moments into a room which he had not shown us. He came back bringing a -stone vase with a narrow neck, and was followed by a maiden who bore -drinking-cups of copper and tin. These she deposited upon a fallen -fragment of the dome which served as a table. - -This girl was interesting. A dainty head, delicate features, yellow -hair, blue eyes, and a gentle sadness of mien that touched my heart. -Had she been ugly what a different ending to this day! - -We all saluted her, and the Mehrikan spoke a few words which we -interpreted as a presentation. He filled the cups from the stone vase, -and then saying something which Nofuhl failed to catch, he held his -cup before his face with a peculiar movement and put it to his lips. -As he did this Lev-el-Hedyd clutched my arm and exclaimed: - -"The very gesture of the ghost!" - -And then as if to himself, "And this is July fourth." - -But he drank, as did we all, for our thirst was great and the odor of -the golden liquid was most alluring. It tasted hotter than the fires -of Jelbuz. It was also of great potency and gave a fine exhilaration -to the senses. We became happier at once. - -And here it was that Ja-khaz did a fatal thing. Being near the maid -and much affected by her beauty, he addressed her as _Hur-al-missa_ (the -most angelic of women), which, of course, she understood not. This -were well had he gone no further, but he next put his arm about her -waist with intent to kiss her. Much terrified, she tried to free -herself. But Ja-khaz, holding her fair chin with his other hand, had -brought his lips almost to hers when the old man raised his heavy -staff and brought it down upon our comrade's head with cruel -swiftness. This falling stick upon a solid skull resounded about the -dome and echoed through the empty corridors. - -Bhoz-ja-khaz blinked and staggered back. - -Then, with fury in his face, he sprang savagely toward the aged man. - -But here the younger Mehrikan interfered. Rapidly approaching them -and shutting tight his bony hand, he shot it from him with startling -velocity, so directing that it came in contact with the face of -Ja-khaz who, to our amazement, sat roughly upon the marble pavement, -the blood streaming from his nostrils. He was a pitiful sight. - -Unaccustomed to such warfare we were seriously alarmed, and thought -him killed perhaps. Ad-el-pate, a mighty wrestler, and of powerful -build, rushed furiously upon the Mehrikan for whom I trembled. But his -arm again went out before him, and Ad-el-pate likewise sat. A mournful -spectacle, and every Persian felt his heart beat fast within him. - -By this time Ja-khaz was on his feet again, purple with rage. With -uplifted scimitar he sprang toward our host. The old man stepped -between. Ja-khaz, with wanton cruelty, brought his steel upon the -ancient head, and stretched him upon the floor. For an instant the -younger one stood horror-stricken, then snatching from the floor the -patriarch's staff--a heavy stick with an iron end--he jumped forward, -and, quicker than words can tell it, dealt a frightful blow upon the -head of Ja-khaz which sent him headlong to the ground with a broken -skull. - -[Illustration: The Slaughter of the Persians] - -All this had happened in a moment, and wild confusion followed. My -followers drew their arms and rushed upon the Mehrikan. The girl ran -forward either from terror or to shield her spouse, I know not which, -when a flying arrow from a sailor's cross-bow pierced her to the -heart. - -This gave the Mehrikan the energy of twenty men. - -He knocked brave Kuzundam senseless with a blow that would have killed -an ox. Such fury I had not conceived. He brought his flying staff like -a thunderbolt from Heaven upon the Persian skulls, yet always edging -toward the door to prevent his enemies surrounding him. Four of our -number, in as many minutes, joined Ja-khaz upon the floor. Kuzundam, -Ad-el-pate, Fattan-laiz-eh, and Hae-tak, a sailor, lay stretched upon -the pavement, all dead or grievously wounded. - -So suddenly had this taken place, that I hardly realized what had -happened. I rushed forward to stay the combat, but he mistook the -purpose, struck my scimitar with a force that sent it flying through -the air, and had raised his staff to deal a second for myself, when -brave Lev-el-Hedyd stepped in to save me, and thrust quickly at him. -But alas! the Mehrikan warded off his stroke with one yet quicker, and -brought his stick so swiftly against my comrade's head that it laid -him with the others. - -When Lev-el-Hedyd fell I saw the Mehrikan had many wounds, for my -comrades had made a savage onslaught. He tottered as he moved back -into the doorway, where he leaned against the wall for an instant, his -eyes meeting ours with a look of defiance and contempt that I would -willingly forget. Then the staff dropped from his hand; he staggered -out to the great portico, and fell his length upon the pavement. -Nofuhl hastened to him, but he was dead. - -[Illustration: The Last of the Mehrikans] - - -As he fell a wonderful thing took place--an impossible thing, as I -look back upon it, but both Nofuhl and I saw it distinctly. - -In front of the great steps and facing this doorway is a large sitting -image of George-wash-yn-tun. As the Mehrikan staggered out upon the -porch, his hands outstretched before him and with Death at his heart, -this statue slowly bowed its head as if in recognition of a gallant -fight. - -Perhaps it was the sorrowful acceptance of a bitter ending. - -[Illustration: "This statue slowly bowed its head."] - - - - -_7th July_ - - - -Again upon the sea. - -This time for Persia, bearing our wounded and the ashes of the dead; -those of the natives are reposing beneath the Great Temple. - -The skull of the last Mehrikan I shall present to the museum at Teheran. - - - - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last American, by J. A. Mitchell - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST AMERICAN *** - -***** This file should be named 27307.txt or 27307.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/3/0/27307/ - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -https://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at https://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit https://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including including checks, online payments and credit card -donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - https://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/27307.zip b/old/27307.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ae8a036..0000000 --- a/old/27307.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-0.txt b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 261b83d..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1845 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Last American, by J. A. Mitchell - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 - - -Title: The Last American - A Fragment from The Journal of KHAN-LI, Prince of - Dimph-Yoo-Chur and Admiral in the Persian Navy - -Author: J. A. Mitchell - -Illustrator: F. W. Read - -Release Date: November 21, 2008 [eBook #27307] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST AMERICAN *** - - - - -THE LAST AMERICAN - -By J. A. Mitchell - - - - -Amos Judd -The Pines of Lory -The Last American -That First Affair -Gloria Victis -Life's Fairy Tales - - - - -[Illustration: "--In the soft earth was the imprint of human feet!"] - - - -The Last American - - -A Fragment from The Journal of KHAN-LI, Prince of -Dimph-Yoo-Chur and Admiral in the Persian Navy - -Presented by J. A. MITCHELL - -EDITION DE LUXE -Illustrated in Color by F. W. Read -With Decorative Designs by Albert D. Blashfield and -Illustrations by the Author - -NEW YORK -FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY -_PUBLISHERS_ - -1889 -By Frederick A. Stokes and Brother - -1902 -By Frederick A. Stokes Company - - -TO THOSE THOUGHTFUL PERSIANS -WHO CAN READ A WARNING IN THE SUDDEN RISE -AND SWIFT EXTINCTION OF A FOOLISH PEOPLE -THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED - - -A FEW WORDS BY HEDFUL - -SURNAMED "THE AXIS OF WISDOM" - -_Curator of the Imperial Museum at Shiraz._ -_Author of "The Celestial Conquest of Kaly-phorn-ya," and of_ -_"Northern Mehrika under the Hy-Bernyan Rulers"_ - - -The astounding discoveries of Khan-li of Dimph-yoo-chur have thrown -floods of light upon the domestic life of the Mehrikan people. He -little realized when he landed upon that sleeping continent what a -service he was about to render history, or what enthusiasm his -discoveries would arouse among Persian archÊologists. - -Every student of antiquity is familiar with these facts. - -But for the benefit of those who have yet to acquire a knowledge of -this extraordinary people, I advise, first, a visit to the Museum at -Teheran in order to excite their interest in the subject, and second, -the reading of such books as NÅfÅ«hl's "What we Found in the West," and -NÅz-yt-ahl's "History of the Mehrikans." The last-named is a complete -and reliable history of these people from the birth of the Republic -under George-wash-yn-tun to the year 1990, when they ceased to exist -as a nation. I must say, however, that NÅz-yt-ahl leaves the reader -much confused concerning the period between the massacre of the -Protestants in 1927, and the overflow of the Murfey dynasty in 1940. - -He holds the opinion with many other historians that the Mehrikans -were a mongrel race, with little or no patriotism, and were purely -imitative; simply an enlarged copy of other nationalities extant at -the time. He pronounces them a shallow, nervous, extravagant people, -and accords them but few redeeming virtues. This, of course, is just; -but nevertheless they will always be an interesting study by reason of -their rapid growth, their vast numbers, their marvellous mechanical -ingenuity and their sudden and almost unaccountable disappearance. - -The wealth, luxury, and gradual decline of the native population; the -frightful climatic changes which swept the country like a mower's -scythe; the rapid conversion of a vast continent, alive with millions -of pleasure-loving people, into a silent wilderness, where the sun and -moon look down in turn upon hundreds of weed-grown cities,--all this -is told by NÅz-yt-ahl with force and accuracy. - -"Here's Truth. 'T is a bitter pill but good physic." - - - - -ABOARD THE ZLÅTUHB IN THE YEAR 2951 - -_10th May_ - - - -There is land ahead! - -Grip-til-lah was first to see it, and when he shouted the tidings my -heart beat fast with joy. The famished crew have forgotten their -disconsolate stomachs and are dancing about the deck. 'T is not I, -forsooth, who shall restrain them! A month of emptiness upon a heavy -sea is preparation for any folly. NÅfÅ«hl alone is without enthusiasm. -The old man's heart seems dead. - -We can see the land plainly, a dim strip along the western horizon. A -fair wind blows from the northeast, but we get on with cruel -hindrance, for the _ZlÅtuhb_ is a heavy ship, her bluff bow and -voluminous bottom ill fitting her for speed. - -The land, as we near it, seems covered with trees, and the white breakers -along the yellow beach are a welcome sight. - - - - -_11th May_ - - - -Sighted a fine harbor this afternoon, and are now at anchor in it. - -Grip-til-lah thinks we have reached one of the western islands mentioned -by Ben-a-Bout. NÅfÅ«hl, however, is sure we are further North. - - - - -_12th May_ - - - -What a change has come over NÅfÅ«hl! He is the youngest man aboard. We -all share his delight, as our discoveries are truly marvellous. This -morning while I was yet in my bunk he ran into the cabin and, -forgetting our difference in rank, seized me by the arm and tried to -drag me out. His excitement so had the better of him that I captured -little meaning from his words. Hastening after him, however, I was -amazed to see such ancient limbs transport a man so rapidly. He -skipped up the narrow stairs like a heifer and, young though I am, it -was faster than I could follow. - -But what a sight when I reached the deck! We saw nothing of it -yesterday, for the dusk of evening was already closing about us when -we anchored. - -Right ahead, in the middle of the bay, towered a gigantic statue, many -times higher than the masts of our ship. Beyond, from behind this -statue, came the broad river upon whose waters we were floating, its -surface all a-glitter with the rising sun. To the East, where NÅfÅ«hl -was pointing, his fingers trembling with excitement, lay the ruins of -an endless city. It stretched far away into the land beyond, further -even than our eyes could see. And in the smaller river on the right -stood two colossal structures, rising high in the air, and standing -like twin brothers, as if to guard the deserted streets beneath. Not a -sound reached us--not a floating thing disturbed the surface of the -water. Verily, it seemed the sleep of Death. - -I was lost in wonder. - -As we looked, a strange bird, like a heron, arose with a hoarse cry -from the foot of the great image and flew toward the city. - -"What does it all mean?" I cried. "Where are we?" - -"Where indeed!" said NÅfÅ«hl. "If I knew but that, O Prince, I could -tell the rest! No traveller has mentioned these ruins. Persian history -contains no record of such a people. Allah has decreed that we -discover a forgotten world." - -[Illustration: The City of Ruins] - - -Within an hour we landed, and found ourselves in an ancient street, -the pavements covered with weeds, grass, and flowers, all crowding -together in wild neglect. Huge trees of great antiquity thrust their -limbs through windows and roofs and produced a mournful sight. They -gave a welcome shade, however, as we find the heat ashore of a -roasting quality most hard to bear. The curious buildings on either -side are wonderfully preserved, even sheets of glass still standing in -many of the iron window-frames. - -We wandered along through the thick grass, NÅfÅ«hl and I, much excited -over our discoveries and delighted with the strange scene. The -sunshine is of dazzling brightness, birds are singing everywhere, and -the ruins are gay with gorgeous wild flowers. We soon found ourselves -in what was once a public square, now for the most part a shady grove. -(Afterward ascertained to be the square of the City Hall.) - -[Illustration: "We soon found ourselves in what was once a public square."] - -As we sat on a fallen cornice and gazed on the lofty buildings about -us I asked NÅfÅ«hl if he was still in ignorance as to where we were, -and he said: - -"As yet I know not. The architecture is much like that of ancient -Europe, but it tells us nothing." - -Then I said to him in jest, "Let this teach us, O NÅfÅ«hl! the folly of -excessive wisdom. Who among thy pupils of the Imperial College at -Ispahan would believe their venerable instructor in history and -languages could visit the largest city in the world and know so little -about it!" - -"Thy words are wise, my Prince," he answered; "few babes could know -less." - -As we were leaving this grove my eyes fell upon an upturned slab that -seemed to have a meaning. It was lying at our feet, partly hidden by -the tall grass, having fallen from the columns that supported it. Upon -its surface were strange characters in bold relief, as sharp and clear -as when chiselled ten centuries ago. I pointed it out to NÅfÅ«hl, and -we bent over it with eager eyes. - -It was this: - - ASTOR HOUSE - -"The inscription is Old English," he said. "'House' signified a -dwelling, but the word 'Astor' I know not. It was probably the name of -a deity, and here was his temple." - -This was encouraging, and we looked about eagerly for other signs. - - -Our steps soon brought us into another street, and as we walked I -expressed my surprise at the wonderful preservation of the stone work, -which looked as though cut but yesterday. - -"In such an atmosphere decay is slow," said NÅfÅ«hl. "A thousand years -at least have passed since these houses were occupied. Take yonder -oak, for instance; the tree itself has been growing for at least a -hundred years, and we know from the fallen mass beneath it that -centuries had gone by before its birth was possible." - -He stopped speaking, his eyes fixed upon an inscription over a -doorway, partly hidden by one of the branches of the oak. - -Turning suddenly upon me with a look of triumph, he exclaimed: - -"It is ours!" - -"What is ours?" I asked. - -"The knowledge we sought;" and he pointed to the inscription, - -NEW YORK STOCK EXC.... - -He was tremulous with joy. - -[Illustration: "'The knowledge we sought;' and he pointed to the -inscription."] - -"Thou hast heard of NhÅ«-Yok, O my Prince?" - -I answered that I had read of it at school. - -"Thou art in it now!" he said. "We are standing on the Western -Continent. Little wonder we thought our voyage long!" - -"And what was NhÅ«-Yok?" I asked. "I read of it at college, but -remember little. Was it not the capital of the ancient Mehrikans?" - -"Not the capital," he answered, "but their largest city. Its -population was four millions." - -"Four millions!" I exclaimed. "Verily, O Fountain of Wisdom, that is -many for one city!" - -"Such is history, my Prince! Moreover, as thou knowest, it would take -us many days to walk this town." - -"True, it is endless." - -He continued thus: - -"Strange that a single word can tell so much! Those iron structures, -the huge statue in the harbor, the temples with pointed towers, all -are as writ in history." - -Whereupon I repeated that I knew little of the Mehrikans save what I -had learned at college, a perfunctory and fleeting knowledge, as they -were a people who interested me but little. - -"Let us seat ourselves in the shade," said NÅfÅ«hl, "and I will tell -thee of them." - -[Illustration: In a Street of the Forgotten City] - -We sat. - -"For eleven centuries the cities of this sleeping hemisphere have -decayed in solitude. Their very existence has been forgotten. The -people who built them have long since passed away, and their -civilization is but a shadowy tradition. Historians are astounded that -a nation of an hundred million beings should vanish from the earth -like a mist, and leave so little behind. But to those familiar with -their lives and character surprise is impossible. There was nothing to -leave. The Mehrikans possessed neither literature, art, nor music of -their own. Everything was borrowed. The very clothes they wore were -copied with ludicrous precision from the models of other nations. They -were a sharp, restless, quick-witted, greedy race, given body and soul -to the gathering of riches. Their chiefest passion was to buy and -sell. Even women, both of high and low degree, spent much of their -time at bargains, crowding and jostling each other in vast marts of -trade, for their attire was complicated, and demanded most of their -time." - -"How degrading!" I exclaimed. - -"So it must have been," said NÅfÅ«hl; "but they were not without -virtues. Their domestic life was happy. A man had but one wife, and -treated her as his equal." - -"That is curious! But as I remember, they were a people of elastic -honor." - -"They were so considered," said NÅfÅ«hl; "their commercial honor was a -jest. They were sharper than the Turks. Prosperity was their god, with -cunning and invention for his prophets. Their restless activity no -Persian can comprehend. This vast country was alive with noisy -industries, the nervous Mehrikans darting with inconceivable rapidity -from one city to another by a system of locomotion we can only guess -at. There existed roads with iron rods upon them, over which small -houses on wheels were drawn with such velocity that a long day's -journey was accomplished in an hour. Enormous ships without sails, -driven by a mysterious force, bore hundreds of people at a time to the -furthermost points of the earth." - -"And are these things lost?" I asked. - -"We know many of the forces," said NÅfÅ«hl, "but the knowledge of -applying them is gone. The very elements seem to have been their -slaves. Cities were illuminated at night by artificial moons, whose -radiance eclipsed the moon above. Strange devices were in use by which -they conversed together when separated by a journey of many days. Some -of these appliances exist to-day in Persian museums. The superstitions -of our ancestors allowed their secrets to be lost during those dark -centuries from which at last we are waking." - -At this point we heard the voice of Bhoz-jÄ-khÄz in the distance; they -had found a spring and he was calling to us. - -Such heat we had never felt, and it grew hotter each hour. Near the -river where we ate it was more comfortable, but even there the -perspiration stood upon us in great drops. Our faces shone like -fishes. It was our wish to explore further, but the streets were like -ovens, and we returned to the _ZlÅtuhb_. - - -As I sat upon the deck this afternoon recording the events of the -morning in this journal Bhoz-jÄ-khÄz and Ad-el-pate approached, asking -permission to take the small boat and visit the great statue. -Thereupon NÅfÅ«hl informed us that this statue in ancient times held -aloft a torch illuminating the whole harbor, and he requested -Ad-el-pate to try and discover how the light was accomplished. - -They returned toward evening with this information: that the statue is -not of solid bronze, but hollow; that they ascended by means of an -iron stairway into the head of the image, and from the top looked down -upon us; that Ad-el-pate, in the dark, sat to rest himself upon a nest -of yellow flies with black stripes; that these flies inserted stings -into Ad-el-pate's person, causing him to exclaim loudly and descend -the stairs with unexpected agility; that Bhoz-jÄ-khÄz and the others -pushed on through the upraised arm, and stood at last upon the bronze -torch itself; that the city lay beneath them like a map, covering the -country for miles away on both sides of the river. As for illuminating -the harbor, Bhoz-jÄ-khÄz says NÅfÅ«hl is mistaken; there are no -vestiges of anything that could give a light--no vessel for oil or -traces of fire. - -NÅfÅ«hl says JÄ-khÄz is an idiot; that he shall go himself. - -[Illustration: "The great statue in the harbor."] - - - - -_13th May_ - - - -A startling discovery this morning. - -By landing higher up the river we explored a part of the city where -the buildings are of a different character from those we saw -yesterday. NÅfÅ«hl considers them the dwellings of the rich. In shape -they are like bricks set on end, all very similar, uninteresting, and -monotonous. - -We noticed one where the doors and shutters were still in place, but -rotting from the fantastic hinges that supported them. A few hard -blows brought down the outer doors in a dusty heap, and as we stepped -upon the marble floor within our eyes met an unexpected sight. -Furniture, statues, dingy pictures in crumbling frames, images in -bronze and silver, mirrors, curtains, all were there, but in every -condition of decay. We knocked open the iron shutters and let the -light into the rooms sealed up for centuries. In the first one lay a -rug from Persia! Faded, moth-eaten, gone in places, it seemed to ask -us with dying eyes to be taken hence. My heart grew soft over the -ancient rug, and I caught a foolish look in Lev-el-Hedyd's eye. - -As we climbed the mouldering stair to the floor above I expressed -surprise that cloth and woodwork should hold together for so many -centuries, also saying: - -"These Mehrikans were not so unworthy as we think them." - -"That may be," said Lev-el-Hedyd, "but the Persian rug is far the -freshest object we have seen, and that perchance was ancient when they -bought it." - -On this floor we entered a dim chamber, spacious and once richly -furnished. When Lev-el-Hedyd pushed open the shutters and drew aside -the ragged curtains we started at the sight before us. Upon a wide bed -in the centre of the room lay a human form, the long, yellow hair still -clinging to the head. It was more a mummy than a skeleton. Around, upon -the bed, lay mouldering fragments of the once white sheets that covered -it. On the fingers of the left hand glistened two rings which drew our -attention. One held a diamond of great price, the other was composed of -sapphires and diamonds most curiously arranged. We stood a moment in -silence, gazing sadly upon the figure. - -"Poor woman," I said, "left thus to die alone." - -"It is more probable," said NÅfÅ«hl, "she was already dead, and her -friends, departing perhaps in haste, were unable to burn the body." - -"Did they burn their dead?" I asked. "In my history 't was writ they -buried them in the earth like potatoes, and left them to rot." - -And NÅfÅ«hl answered: "At one time it was so, but later on, as they -became more civilized, the custom was abandoned." - -"Is it possible?" I asked, "that this woman has been lying here almost -a thousand years and yet so well preserved?" - -"I, also, am surprised," said NÅfÅ«hl. "I can only account for it by -the extreme dryness of the air in absorbing the juices of the body and -retarding decay." - -[Illustration: In the Mouldering Chamber] - -Then lifting tenderly in his hand some of the yellow hair, he said: - -"She was probably very young, scarce twenty." - -"Were their women fair?" I asked. - -"They were beautiful," he answered; "with graceful forms and lovely -faces; a pleasure to the eye; also were they gay and sprightly with -much animation." - -Thereupon cried Lev-el-Hedyd: - -"Here are the first words thou hast uttered, O NÅfÅ«hl, that cause me -to regret the extinction of this people! There is ever a place in my -heart for a blushing maiden!" - -"Then let thy grief be of short life," responded NÅfÅ«hl, "for -Mehrikan damsels were not of that description. Blushing was an art -they practised little. The shyness thou so lovest in a Persian maiden -was to them an unknown thing. Our shrinking daughters bear no -resemblance to these Western products. They strode the public streets -with roving eyes and unblushing faces, holding free converse with men -as with women, bold of speech and free of manner, going and coming as -it pleased them best. They knew much of the world, managed their own -affairs, and devised their own marriages, often changing their minds -and marrying another than the betrothed." - -"Bismillah! And men could love these things?" exclaimed Lev-el-Hedyd -with much feeling. - -"So it appears." - -"But I should say the Mehrikan bride had much the freshness of a dried -fig." - -"So she had," said NÅfÅ«hl; "but those who know only the dried fig have -no regret for the fresh fruit. But the fault was not with the maidens. -Brought up like boys, with the same studies and mental development, -the womanly part of their nature gradually vanished as their minds -expanded. Vigor of intellect was the object of a woman's education." - -Then Lev-el-Hedyd exclaimed with great disgust: - -"Praises be to Allah for his aid in exterminating such a people!" and -he walked away from the bed, and began looking about the chamber. In a -moment he hastened back to us, saying: - -"Here are more jewels! also money!" - -NÅfÅ«hl eagerly took the pieces. - -"Money!" he cried. "Money will tell us more than pages of history!" - -There were silver coins of different sizes and two small pieces of -copper. NÅfÅ«hl studied them closely. - -"The latest date is 1957," he said; "a little less than a thousand -years ago; but the piece may have been in circulation some years -before this woman died; also it may have been coined the very year of -her death. It bears the head of Dennis, the last of the Hy-Burnyan -dictators. The race is supposed to have become extinct before 1990 of -their era." - -[Illustration: The Face and Back of One of the Silver Coins.] - -I then said: - -"Thou hast never told us, O NÅfÅ«hl! the cause of their disappearance." - -"There were many causes," he answered. "The Mehrikans themselves were -of English origin, but people from all parts of Europe came here in -vast numbers. Although the original comers were vigorous and hardy the -effect of climate upon succeeding generations was fatal. They became -flat-chested and thin, with scanty hair, fragile teeth, and weak -digestions. Nervous diseases unknown to us wrought deadly havoc. -Children were reared with difficulty. Between 1945 and 1960, the last -census of which any record remains, the population decreased from -ninety millions to less than twelve millions. Climatic changes, the -like of which no other land ever experienced, began at that period, -and finished in less than ten years a work made easy by nervous -natures and rapid lives. The temperature would skip in a single day -from burning heat to winter's cold. No constitution could withstand -it, and this vast continent became once more an empty wilderness." - - -Much more of the same nature he told us, but I am too sleepy to write -longer. We explored the rest of the mansion, finding many things of -interest. I caused several objects to be carried aboard the _ZlÅtuhb_. -(These objects are now in the museum of the Imperial College, at Teheran.) - - - - -_14th May_ - - - -Hotter than yesterday. - -In the afternoon we were rowed up the river and landed for a short -walk. It is unsafe to brave the sun. - -The more I learn of these Mehrikans the less interesting they become. -NÅfÅ«hl is of much the same mind, judging from our conversation to-day, -as we walked along together. - -It was in this wise: - -_Khan-li_. -How alike the houses! How monotonous! - -_NÅfÅ«hl_. -So, also, were the occupants. They thought alike, worked alike, ate, -dressed and conversed alike. They read the same books; they fashioned -their garments as directed, with no regard for the size or figure of -the individual, and copied to a stitch the fashions of Europeans. - -_Khan-li_. -But the close-fitting apparel of the European must have been sadly -uncomfortable in the heat of a Mehrikan summer. - -_NÅfÅ«hl_. -So probably it was. Stiff boxes of varying patterns adorned the heads -of men. Curious jackets with tight sleeves compressed the body. The -feet throbbed and burned in close-fitting casings of unyielding leather, -and linen made stiff by artificial means was drawn tightly about the neck. - -_Khan-li_. -Allah! What idiots! - -_NÅfÅ«hl_. -Even so are they considered. - -_Khan-li_. -To what quality of their minds do you attribute such love of needless -suffering? - -_NÅfÅ«hl_. -It was their desire to be like others. A natural feeling in a vulgar -people. - - - - -_15th May_ - - - -A fair wind from the West to-day. We weighed anchor and sailed up -the Eastern side of the city. I did this as NÅfÅ«hl finds the upper -portion of the town much richer in relics than the lower, which seems -to have been given up to commercial purposes. We sailed close under -one of the great monuments in the river, and are at a loss to divine -its meaning. Many iron rods still dangle from the tops of each of the -structures. As they are in a line, one with the other, we thought at -first they might have been once connected and served as a bridge, but -we soon saw they were too far apart. - -Came to anchor about three miles from the old mooring. Up the river -and down, North, South, East, and West, the ruins stretch away -indefinitely, seemingly without end. - -Am anxious about Lev-el-Hedyd. He went ashore and has not returned. -It is now after midnight. - -[Illustration: The Two Monuments in the River] - - - - -_16th May_ - - - -Praise Allah! my dear comrade is alive! This morning we landed early -and began our search for him. As we passed before the building which -bears the inscription - - . . . DORF ASTORIA - -upon its front, we heard his voice from within in answer to our calls. -We entered, and after climbing the ruined stairway found him seated -upon the floor above. He had a swollen leg from an ugly sprain, and -various bruises were also his. While our friends were constructing a -litter on which to bear him hence we conversed together. The walls -about us bore traces of having once enclosed a hall of some beauty. In -idling about I pulled open the decaying door of an old closet and saw -upon the rotting shelves many pieces of glass and earthenware of fine -workmanship. Taking one in my hand, a small wine-cup of glass, I -approached my comrade calling his attention to its slender stem and -curious form. As his eyes fell upon it they opened wide in amazement. -I also observed a trembling of his hand as he reached forth to touch -it. He then recounted to me his marvellous adventure of the night -before, but saying before he began: - -"Thou knowest, O Prince, I am no believer in visions, and I should -never tell the tale but for thy discovery of this cup. I drank from -such an one last night, proffered by a ghostly hand." - -I would have smiled, but he was much in earnest. As I made a movement -to sit beside him, he said: - -"Taste first, O my master, of the grapes hanging from yonder wall." - -I did so, and to my great surprise found them of an exquisite flavor, -finer even than the cultivated fruit of Persia, sweeter and more -delicate, of a different nature from the wild grapes we have been -eating. My astonishment appeared to delight him, and he said with a -laugh: - -"The grapes are impossible, but they exist; even more absurd is my -story!" and he then narrated his adventure. - -It was this: - -WHAT LEV-EL-HEDYD SAW. - -Yesterday, after nightfall, as he was hastening toward the _ZlÅtuhb_ he -fell violently upon some blocks of stone, wrenching his ankle and much -bruising himself. Unable to walk upon his foot he limped into this -building to await our coming in the morning. The howling of wolves and -other wild beasts as they prowled about the city drove him, for -safety, to crawl up the ruins of the stairway to the floor above. As -he settled himself in a corner of this hall his nostrils were greeted -with the delicious odor from the grapes about his head. He found them -surprisingly good, and ate heartily. He soon after fell into a sleep -which lasted some hours, for when he awoke the moon was higher in the -heavens, the voices of the wolves were hushed and the city was silent. - -As he lay in a revery, much absorbed in his own thoughts, he gradually -became aware of mysterious changes taking place, as if by stealth, -about him. A decorated ceiling appeared to be closing over the hall. -Mirrors and tinted walls slowly crept in place of ivy and crumbling -bricks. A faint glow grew stronger and more intense until it filled -the great room with a dazzling light. - -Then came softly into view a table of curious form, set out with flowers -and innumerable dishes of glass and porcelain, as for a feast. - -Standing about the room he saw solemn men with beardless faces, all in -black attire, whose garments bore triangular openings upon the chest -to show the shirt beneath. These personages he soon discovered were -servants. - -As he gazed in bewilderment, there entered other figures, two by two, -who took their seats about the table. These later comers, sixty or -more, were men and women walking arm in arm, the women in rich attire -of unfamiliar fashion and sparkling with precious stones. The men were -clad like the servants. - -They ate and drank and laughed, and formed a brilliant scene. -Lev-el-Hedyd rose to his feet, and moved by a curiosity he made no -effort to resist,--for he is a reckless fellow and knows no fear--he -hobbled out into the room. - -They looked upon him in surprise, and seemed much amused at his -presence. One of the guests, a tall youth with yellow mustaches, -approached him, offering a delicate crystal vessel filled with a -sparkling fluid. - -Lev-el-Hedyd took it. - -The youth raised another from the table and with a slight gesture as -if in salutation, he said in words which my comrade understood, though -he swears it was a language unknown to him, - -"We may meet again the fourth of next month." - -He then drank the wine, and so did Lev-el-Hedyd. - -Hereupon the others smiled as if at their comrade's wit, all save the -women, whose tender faces spoke more of pity than of mirth. The wine -flew to his brain as he drank it, and things about him seemed to reel -and spin. Strains of fantastic music burst upon his ears: then, all in -rhythm, the women joined their partners and whirled about him with a -lightsome step. And, moving with it, his throbbing brain seemed -dancing from his head. The room itself, all swaying and quivering -with the melody, grew dim and stole from view. The music softly died -away. - -Again was silence, the moon above looking calmly down upon the ivied -walls. - -He fell like a drunken man upon the floor, and did not wake till our -voices called him. - - -Such his tale. - -He has a clear head and is no liar, but so many grapes upon an empty -stomach with the fever from his swollen limb might well explain it. - - * * * * * - -Bear's meat for dinner. - -This morning toward noon Kuzundam, the second officer, wandered on -ahead of us, and entered a large building in pursuit of a rabbit. He -was about descending to the basement below, when he saw, close before -him, a bear leisurely mounting the marble stairs. Kuzundam is no -coward, but he turned and ran as he never ran before. The bear, who -seemed of a sportive nature, also ran, and in close pursuit. Luckily -for my friend we happened to be near, otherwise instead of our eating -bear's meat, the bear might have lunched quietly off Kuzundam in the -shady corridors of the "FIFTHAVENUEHOTEL." - -[Illustration: Kuzundam's Narrow Escape] - - - - -_17th May_ - - - -To-day a scorching heat that burns the lungs. We started in the -morning prepared to spend the night ashore, and explore the northern -end of the city. It was a pleasant walk through the soft grass of the -shady streets, but in those places unsheltered from the sun we were as -fish upon a frying-pan. Other dwellings we saw, even larger and more -imposing than the one we entered yesterday. We were tempted to explore -them, but Lev-el-Hedyd wisely dissuaded us, saying the day was waxing -hotter each hour and it could be done on our return. - -In the northern part of the town are many religious temples, with -their tall towers like slender pyramids, tapering to a point. They are -curious things, and surprisingly well preserved. The interiors of -these temples are uninteresting. NÅfÅ«hl says the religious rites of -the Mehrikans were devoid of character. There were many religious -beliefs, all complicated and insignificant variations one from -another, each sect having its own temples and refusing to believe as -the others. This is amusing to a Persian, but mayhap was a serious -matter with them. One day in each week they assembled, the priests -reading long moral lectures written by themselves, with music by hired -singers. They then separated, taking no thought of temple or priest -for another seven days. NÅfÅ«hl says they were not a religious people. -That the temples were filled mostly with women. - -[Illustration: In One of the Temples] - - -In the afternoon we found it necessary to traverse a vast -pleasure-ground, now a wild forest, but with traces still visible of -broad promenades and winding driveways. (Olbaldeh thinks this must be -the Centralpahk sometimes alluded to in Mehrikan literature.) There -remains an avenue of bronze statues, most of them yet upright and in -good condition, but very comic. Lev-el-Hedyd and I still think them -caricatures, but NÅfÅ«hl is positive they were serious efforts, and -says the Mehrikans were easily pleased in matters of art. - -We lost our way in this park, having nothing to guide us as in the -streets of the city. This was most happy, as otherwise we should have -missed a surprising discovery. - -It occurred in this wise. - -Being somewhat overcome by the heat we halted upon a little hill to -rest ourselves. While reclining beneath the trees I noticed unusual -carvings upon a huge block against which Lev-el-Hedyd was supporting -his back. They were unlike any we had seen, and yet they were not -unfamiliar. As I lay there gazing idly at them it flashed upon me they -were Egyptian. We at once fell to examining the block, and found to -our amazement an obelisk of Egyptian granite, covered with Egyptian -hieroglyphics of an antiquity exceeding by thousands of years the most -ancient monuments of the country! - -Verily, we were puzzled! - -"When did the Egyptians invade Mehrika?" quoth Bhoz-jÄ-khÄz, with a -solemn look, as if trying to recall a date. - -"No Egyptian ever heard of Mehrika," said NÅfÅ«hl. "This obelisk was -finished twenty centuries before the first Mehrikan was weaned. In all -probability it was brought here as a curiosity, just as we take to -Persia the bronze head of George-wash-yn-tun." - -We spent much time over the monument, and I think NÅfÅ«hl was -disappointed that he could not bring it away with him. - - -Also while in this park we came to a high tower, standing by itself, and -climbed to the top, where we enjoyed a wide-spreading view. - -The extent of the city is astounding. - -Miles away in the river lay the _ZlÅtuhb_, a white speck on the water. -All about us in every direction as far as sight can reach were ruins, -and ruins, and ruins. Never was a more melancholy sight. The blue sky, -the bright sunshine, the sweet-scented air with the gay flowers and -singing birds only made it sadder. They seemed a mockery. - -[Illustration: "Miles away in the river lay the _Zlotuhb_, a white -speck on the water."] - -We have encamped for the night, and I can write no more. Countless -flying insects gather about us with a hateful buzz, and bite us beyond -endurance. They are a pest thrice accursed. - -I tell NÅfÅ«hl his fine theory concerning the extinction of the Yahnkis -is a good tale for those who have never been here. - -No man without a leather skin could survive a second night. - - - - -_18th May_ - - - -Poor JÄ-khÄz is worse than sick. - -He had an encounter last night with a strange animal, and his defeat -was ignoble. The animal, a pretty thing, much like a kitten, was -hovering near when JÄ-khÄz, with rare courage and agility, threw -himself upon it. - -And then what happened none of us can state with precision. We know we -held our noses and fled. And JÄ-khÄz! No words can fit him. He carries -with him an odor to devastate a province. We had to leave him ashore -and send him fresh raiment. - -This is, verily, a land of surprises. - -Our hands and faces still smart from the biting insects, and the perfume -of the odorous kitten promises to be ever with us. - - -NÅfÅ«hl is happy. We have discovered hundreds of metal blocks, the -poorest of which he asserts would be the gem of a museum. They were -found by Fattan-laïz-eh in the basement of a high building, all laid -carefully away upon iron shelves. The flood of light they throw upon -the manners and customs of this ludicrous people renders them of -priceless value to historians. - -I harbor a suspicion that it causes NÅfÅ«hl some pleasure to sit upon -the cool deck of the _ZlÅtuhb_ and watch Bhoz-jÄ-khÄz walking to and -fro upon the ruins of a distant wharf. - - - - -_19th May_ - - - -The air is cooler. Grip-til-lah thinks a storm is brewing. - -Even NÅfÅ«hl is puzzled over the wooden image we brought aboard -yesterday. It is well preserved, with the barbaric coloring still -fresh upon it. They found it standing upright in a little shop. - -[Illustration: The Wooden God.] - -How these idols were worshipped, and why they are found in little -shops and never in the great temples is a mystery. It has a diadem of -feathers on the head, and as we sat smoking upon the deck this evening -I remarked to NÅfÅ«hl that it might be the portrait of some Mehrikan -noble. Whereupon he said they had no nobles. - -"But the Mehrikans of gentle blood," I asked, "had they no titles?" - -"Neither titles nor gentle blood," he answered. "And as they were -all of much the same origin, and came to this country simply to thrive -more fatly than at home, there was nothing except difference in wealth -on which to establish a superior order. Being deep respecters of money -this was a satisfying distinction. It soon resulted that those -families who possessed riches for a generation or two became the -substitute for an aristocracy. This upper class was given to sports -and pastimes, spending their wealth freely, being prodigiously fond of -display. Their intellectual development was feeble, and they wielded -but little influence save in social matters. They followed closely the -fashions of foreign aristocracies. Great attentions were paid to -wandering nobles from other lands. Even distant relatives of titled -people were greeted with the warmest enthusiasm." - -Then I said to him, "But explain to me, O NÅfÅ«hl, how it was possible -for so shallow a nation to become so great." - -"They were great only in numbers and too weak to endure success. At -the beginning of the twentieth century--as they counted time--huge -fortunes were amassed in a day, and the Mehrikans became drunk with -money." - -Whereupon I exclaimed, "O Land of Delight! For much money is -cheering." - -But the old man shook his head. "Very true, O Prince; but the effect -was woful. These vast fortunes soon dominated all things, even the -seat of government and the courts of Justice. Tricks of finance -brought fabulous gains. Young men became demoralized. For sober -industry with its moderate profits was ridiculed." - -"Verily, that would be natural!" I said. "But in a land where all -were rich who was found to cook and scrub, to fetch and carry and to -till the soil? For none will shovel earth when his pockets are -stuffed with gold." - -"All were not rich. And when the poor also became greedy they became -hostile. Then began social upheavals with bloodshed and havoc." - -[Illustration: A Street Scene in Ancient Nhu-Yok (The costumes and -manner of riding are taken from metal plates now in the museum at -Teheran)] - - - - -_20th May_ - - - -An icy wind from the northeast with a violent rain. Yesterday we -gasped with the hot air. To-day we are shivering in winter clothing. - - - - -_21st May_ - - - -The same as yesterday. Most of us are ill. My teeth chatter and my -body is both hot and cold. A storm more wicked never wailed about a -ship. Lev-el-Hedyd calls it the shrieking voices of the hundred -millions of Mehrikans who must have perished in similar weather. - - - - -_16th June_ - - - -It is many days since I have touched this journal. A hateful sickness -has been upon me, destroying all energy and courage. A sort of fever, -and yet my limbs were cold. I could not describe it if I would. - -NÅfÅ«hl came into the cabin this evening with some of his metal plates -and discoursed upon them. He has no respect for the intellects of the -early Mehrikans. I thought for a moment I had caught him in a -contradiction, but he was right as usual. It was thus: - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -They were great readers. - -_Khan-li._ -You have told us they had no literature. Were they great readers of -nothing? - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -Verily, thou hast said it! Vast sheets of paper were published daily -in which all crimes were recorded in detail. The more revolting the -deed, the more minute the description. Horrors were their chief -delight. Scandals were drunk in with thirstful eyes. These chronicles -of crime and filth were issued by hundreds of thousands. There was -hardly a family in the land but had one. - -_Khan-li._ -And did this take the place of literature? - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -Even so. - - - - -_20th June_ - - - -Once more we are on the sea; two days from NhÅ«-Yok. Our decision was -a sudden one. NÅfÅ«hl, in an evil moment, found among those accursed -plates a map of the country, and thereupon was seized with an -unreasoning desire to visit a town called "Washington." I wavered and -at last consented, foolishly I believe, for the crew are loud for -Persia. And this town is inland on a river. He says it was their -finest city, the seat of Government, the capital of the country. -Grip-til-lah swears he can find it if the map is truthful. - -JÄ-khÄz still eats by himself. - - -This afternoon we reclined upon the deck, the _ZlÅtuhb_ drifting gently -in a southerly direction. Land could be seen on the starboard bow, a -faint strip along the western horizon. - -It was about the middle of the afternoon, while passing the ruins of a -gigantic tower--perhaps a lighthouse--that NÅfÅ«hl, of a sudden, -clambered hastily to his feet and looked about him. Then he called to -Grip-til-lah, asking how many leagues we were from the harbor of -NhÅ«-Yok. Grip-til-lah's reply I forget, but it filled the old man with -a gentle excitement. I observed an unwonted sparkle in his eyes, also -a quivering of the fingers as he pointed to the ocean around about, -and exclaimed-- - -"Beneath us, the bottom of the sea is covered with iron ships--the -wrecks of stupendous navies--the mightiest of all human history!" - -At once we all became interested. - -"What navies?" I inquired. "And what compassed their destruction? -Was it a battle?" - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -A battle of whose magnitude no Persian has conception; a conflict in -which the sea was tossed and the heavens rent by thunderings of iron -monsters. Any one of them would have blown to atoms a fleet of -_ZlÅtuhbs_. - -_Ad-el-pate._ -Verily! A tale easier told than believed. But I would readily -venture my head in the _ZlÅtuhb_ against any of these nursery-tale -wonders. - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -And with wisdom. For the loss of thy brain, Ad-el-pate, could not -affect the nature of thy speech. - -Whereupon there was laughter, and Ad-el-pate held his peace. - -_Khan-li._ -But tell us of this battle, O NÅfÅ«hl. I remember now to have read -about it at college. These details of ancient history I am prone to -forget. How came it about? - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -I have spoken of the Mehrikans being a greedy race. And their greed, -at last, resulted in this war. By means of one-sided laws of their -own making they secured for themselves a lion's share of all profits -from the world's commerce. This checked the prosperity of other -nations, until at last the leading powers of Europe combined in -self-defence against this all-absorbing greed. They collected an -armada the like of which was never imagined, neither before nor since. -Then, across the ocean, came the iron host. And here, upon this very -spot where we are floating, they met the Mehrikan ships. - -_Khan-li._ -How many ships in all? - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -The Mehrikans had eighty heavy ships of iron, with a number of smaller -craft. The allies had two hundred and forty heavy battleships, all of -iron. They also had smaller craft for divers purposes. - -_Khan-li._ -Allah! A bad prospect for our greedy friends! And being a nation of -traders they had no liking, probably, for the perils of war. - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -As to that historians differ. According to the Mehrikans themselves -they were mighty warriors. But certain writers of that period give a -different impression. NÅz-yt-ahl is sure they were cowards, weak in -body as in spirit, but often favored by fortune. In my opinion, this -battle throws considerable light upon that matter. - -A day like this, it was, also in June, as the Europeans, coming -northward along the coast to seize NhÅ«-Yok, met the Mehrikan Admiral -Nev-r-sai-di with his eighty ships. And the struggle was short. - -_Khan-li._ -Verily, I can believe it! With three ships to one I would give the -Europeans about half a day--a summer afternoon like this--to send -the greedy ones to the bottom. - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -Thy guess is good, O Prince, as to the hours of fighting. It lasted -just one summer afternoon. But the Mehrikans it was who sent their -enemies to the bottom. And the sea beneath our feet is strewn with -iron hulks. - -_Khan-li._ -Bismillah! If that be a true tale--and I doubt it not--these -greedy ones were not so contemptible, at least when there was profit -in it. - -_Lev-el-Hedyd._ -At what period did this occur? - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -Early in the twentieth century. I cannot recall the date, but it was -never forgotten by the Mehrikans. Surely a just pride, for on that day -they accomplished wonders. The Admiral Nev-r-sai-di on his ship the -_Ztazenztrypes_ was at one time surrounded by a dozen German men-of-war. -And lo! he demolished all! And of Frank and Russyan vessels he -put an end to as many more; also sundry Talyans and British. - -_Lev-el-Hedyd._ -Bismillah! But that was good! What, O NÅfÅ«hl, is the Persian of that -name _Ztazenztrypes_? - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -None can tell with certainty. To the Mehrikans it signified victory, -or something similar. - -Other miracles were achieved by the Mehrikans that day. _NÅfli-zon-mee_, -a little craft with a pointed prow, jammed holes in nearly a score of -monster ships, and the waters closed over them. There figured also a -long and narrow boat of Mehrikan devising, the _Yankyd-Oodl_. This -astonishing machine sailed to and fro among the foreign ships -upsetting all traditions. Much glory befell her commander, the Captain -Hoorai-boiz. - -_Grip-til-lah._ -And how many ships did the Mehrikans lose? - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -Reports are contradictory. According to one of their own writers of -the period they suffered no loss whatever in vessels. Yet at the same -time he asserts, "We gave them Haleklumbya," which must be the name of -a ship. - -_Khan-li._ -A gallant fight! But can you explain how such an inferior people -could become heroic of a sudden? - -_NÅfÅ«hl._ -According to 'Ardfax, an early British historian, they were addicted -to surprising feats upon the water. And this statement is borne out by -a Spanish admiral, Offulbad-shoota, who maintains that the Mehrikans, -being a godless people, were aided by the devil. - - - - -_2d July_ - - - -We are on the river that leads to "Washington." Grip-til-lah says we -shall sight it to-morrow. The river is a dirty color. - - - - -_3d July_ - - - -We see ahead of us the ruins of a great dome, also a very high shaft. -Probably they belong to the city we seek. - -[Illustration: "We see ahead of us the ruins of a great dome, also a -very high shaft."] - - - - -_4th July_ - - - -A date we shall not forget! - -Little did I realize this morning when we left the _ZlÅtuhb_ in such -hilarious mood what dire events awaited us. I landed about noon, -accompanied by NÅfÅ«hl, Lev-el-Hedyd, Bhoz-jÄ-khÄz, Ad-el-pate, -Kuzundam the first mate, Tik'l-palyt the cook, Fattan-laïz-eh, and -two sailors. Our march had scarce begun when a startling discovery -caused great commotion in our minds. We had halted at NÅfÅ«hl's -request, to decipher the inscription upon a stone, when Lev-el-Hedyd, -who had started on, stopped short with a sudden exclamation. We -hastened to him, and there, in the soft earth, was the imprint of -human feet! - -I cannot describe our surprise. We decided to follow the footprints, -and soon found they were leading us toward the great dome more -directly than we could have gone ourselves. Our excitement was beyond -words. Those of us who had weapons carried them in readiness. The path -was little used, but clearly marked. It wound about among fallen -fragments and crumbling statues, and took us along a wide avenue -between buildings of vast size and solidity, far superior to any we -had seen in NhÅ«-Yok. It seemed a city of monuments. - -[Illustration: Through the Streets of "Washington."] - -As we ascended the hill to the great temple and saw it through the -trees rising high above us, we were much impressed by its vast size -and beauty. Our eyes wandered in admiration over the massive columns, -each hewn from a single block, still white and fresh as if newly -quarried. The path took us under one of the lower arches of the -building, and we emerged upon the other side. This front we found even -more beautiful than the one facing the city. At the centre was a -flight of steps of magnificent proportions, now falling asunder and -overgrown in many places with grass and flowers. - -[Illustration: The Ruins of the Great Temple] - -These steps we ascended. As I climbed silently up, the others -following, I saw two human feet, the soles toward us, resting upon the -balustrade above. With a gesture I directed NÅfÅ«hl's attention to -them, and the old man's eyes twinkled with delight. Was it a Mehrikan? -I confess to a lively excitement at the prospect of meeting one. How -many were they? and how would they treat us? - -Looking down upon my little band to see that all were there, I boldly -marched up the remaining steps and stood before him. - -He was reclining upon a curious little four-legged seat, with his feet -upon the balustrade, about on a level with his head. Clad in skins and -rough cloth he looked much like a hunter, and he gazed quietly upon -me, as though a Persian noble were a daily guest. Such a reception was -not gratifying, especially as he remained in the same position, not -even withdrawing his feet. He nodded his curious head down once and up -again, deeming it apparently a sufficient salutation. - -[Illustration: "He remained in the same position, not even withdrawing -his feet."] - -The maintenance of my own dignity before my followers forbade my -standing thus before a seated barbarian, and I made a gesture for him -to rise. This he answered in an unseemly manner by ejecting from his -mouth a brownish fluid, projecting it over and beyond the balustrade -in front of him. Then looking upon me as if about to laugh, and yet -with a grave face, he uttered something in an unmusical voice which I -failed to understand. - -[Illustration: The Feet upon the Portico.] - -Upon this NÅfÅ«hl, who had caught the meaning of one or two words, -stepped hastily forward and addressed him in his own language. But the -barbarian understood with difficulty and they had much trouble in -conversing, chiefly from reason of NÅfÅ«hl's pronunciation. He -afterward told me that this man's language differed but little from -that of the Mehrikans, as they wrote it eleven centuries ago. - -When he finally arose in talking with NÅfÅ«hl I could better observe -him. He was tall and bony, with an awkward neck, and appeared at first -glance to be a man of forty years. We decided later he was under -thirty. His yellow skin and want of hair made him seem much older than -he was. I was also much puzzled by the expression of his face. It was -one of deep sadness, yet his eyes were full of mirth, and a corner of -his mouth was ever drawing up as if in mockery. For myself I liked not -his manner. He appeared little impressed by so many strangers, and -bore himself as though it were of small importance whether we -understood him or not. But NÅfÅ«hl since informed me that he asked a -multitude of questions concerning us. - -[Illustration: The Man] - -What NÅfÅ«hl gathered was this: - -This Mehrikan with his wife and one old man were all that remained of -his race. Thirty-one had died this summer. In ancient times there were -many millions of his country-men. They were the greatest nation upon -the earth. He could not read. He had two names, one was "Jon," the -other he had forgotten. They lived in this temple because it was cool. -When the temple was built, and for what purpose, he could not tell. He -pointed to the West and said the country in that direction was -covered with ruined cities. - -When NÅfÅ«hl told him we were friends, and presented him at my -direction with a hunting-knife of fine workmanship, he pushed out his -right arm toward me and held it there. For an instant NÅfÅ«hl looked at -the arm wonderingly, as did we all, then with sudden intelligence he -seized the outstretched hand in his own, and moved it up and down. -This was interesting, for NÅfÅ«hl tells me it was a form of greeting -among the ancient Mehrikans. - -While all this was going on we had moved into the great circular hall -beneath the dome. This hall was of vast proportions, and there were -still traces of its former splendor. Against the walls were marble -statues entwined in ivy, looking down upon us with melancholy eyes. -Here also we met a thin old man, whose hairless head and beardless -face almost moved us to mirth. - -At NÅfÅ«hl's request our host led the way into some of the smaller -rooms to show us their manner of living, and it would be impossible to -imagine a more pathetic mixture of glory and decay, of wealth and -poverty, of civilization and barbarity. Old furniture, dishes of -silver, bronze images, even paintings and ornaments of great value -were scattered through the rooms, side by side with the most primitive -implements. It was plain the ancient arts were long since forgotten. - -When we returned to the circular hall our host disappeared for a few -moments into a room which he had not shown us. He came back bringing a -stone vase with a narrow neck, and was followed by a maiden who bore -drinking-cups of copper and tin. These she deposited upon a fallen -fragment of the dome which served as a table. - -This girl was interesting. A dainty head, delicate features, yellow -hair, blue eyes, and a gentle sadness of mien that touched my heart. -Had she been ugly what a different ending to this day! - -We all saluted her, and the Mehrikan spoke a few words which we -interpreted as a presentation. He filled the cups from the stone vase, -and then saying something which NÅfÅ«hl failed to catch, he held his -cup before his face with a peculiar movement and put it to his lips. -As he did this Lev-el-Hedyd clutched my arm and exclaimed: - -"The very gesture of the ghost!" - -And then as if to himself, "And this is July fourth." - -But he drank, as did we all, for our thirst was great and the odor of -the golden liquid was most alluring. It tasted hotter than the fires -of Jelbuz. It was also of great potency and gave a fine exhilaration -to the senses. We became happier at once. - -And here it was that JÄ-khÄz did a fatal thing. Being near the maid -and much affected by her beauty, he addressed her as _Hur-al-missa_ (the -most angelic of women), which, of course, she understood not. This -were well had he gone no further, but he next put his arm about her -waist with intent to kiss her. Much terrified, she tried to free -herself. But JÄ-khÄz, holding her fair chin with his other hand, had -brought his lips almost to hers when the old man raised his heavy -staff and brought it down upon our comrade's head with cruel -swiftness. This falling stick upon a solid skull resounded about the -dome and echoed through the empty corridors. - -Bhoz-jÄ-khÄz blinked and staggered back. - -Then, with fury in his face, he sprang savagely toward the aged man. - -But here the younger Mehrikan interfered. Rapidly approaching them -and shutting tight his bony hand, he shot it from him with startling -velocity, so directing that it came in contact with the face of -JÄ-khÄz who, to our amazement, sat roughly upon the marble pavement, -the blood streaming from his nostrils. He was a pitiful sight. - -Unaccustomed to such warfare we were seriously alarmed, and thought -him killed perhaps. Ad-el-pate, a mighty wrestler, and of powerful -build, rushed furiously upon the Mehrikan for whom I trembled. But his -arm again went out before him, and Ad-el-pate likewise sat. A mournful -spectacle, and every Persian felt his heart beat fast within him. - -By this time JÄ-khÄz was on his feet again, purple with rage. With -uplifted scimitar he sprang toward our host. The old man stepped -between. JÄ-khÄz, with wanton cruelty, brought his steel upon the -ancient head, and stretched him upon the floor. For an instant the -younger one stood horror-stricken, then snatching from the floor the -patriarch's staff--a heavy stick with an iron end--he jumped forward, -and, quicker than words can tell it, dealt a frightful blow upon the -head of JÄ-khÄz which sent him headlong to the ground with a broken -skull. - -[Illustration: The Slaughter of the Persians] - -All this had happened in a moment, and wild confusion followed. My -followers drew their arms and rushed upon the Mehrikan. The girl ran -forward either from terror or to shield her spouse, I know not which, -when a flying arrow from a sailor's cross-bow pierced her to the -heart. - -This gave the Mehrikan the energy of twenty men. - -He knocked brave Kuzundam senseless with a blow that would have killed -an ox. Such fury I had not conceived. He brought his flying staff like -a thunderbolt from Heaven upon the Persian skulls, yet always edging -toward the door to prevent his enemies surrounding him. Four of our -number, in as many minutes, joined JÄ-khÄz upon the floor. Kuzundam, -Ad-el-pate, Fattan-laïz-eh, and HÀ-tak, a sailor, lay stretched upon -the pavement, all dead or grievously wounded. - -So suddenly had this taken place, that I hardly realized what had -happened. I rushed forward to stay the combat, but he mistook the -purpose, struck my scimitar with a force that sent it flying through -the air, and had raised his staff to deal a second for myself, when -brave Lev-el-Hedyd stepped in to save me, and thrust quickly at him. -But alas! the Mehrikan warded off his stroke with one yet quicker, and -brought his stick so swiftly against my comrade's head that it laid -him with the others. - -When Lev-el-Hedyd fell I saw the Mehrikan had many wounds, for my -comrades had made a savage onslaught. He tottered as he moved back -into the doorway, where he leaned against the wall for an instant, his -eyes meeting ours with a look of defiance and contempt that I would -willingly forget. Then the staff dropped from his hand; he staggered -out to the great portico, and fell his length upon the pavement. -NÅfÅ«hl hastened to him, but he was dead. - -[Illustration: The Last of the Mehrikans] - - -As he fell a wonderful thing took place--an impossible thing, as I -look back upon it, but both NÅfÅ«hl and I saw it distinctly. - -In front of the great steps and facing this doorway is a large sitting -image of George-wash-yn-tun. As the Mehrikan staggered out upon the -porch, his hands outstretched before him and with Death at his heart, -this statue slowly bowed its head as if in recognition of a gallant -fight. - -Perhaps it was the sorrowful acceptance of a bitter ending. - -[Illustration: "This statue slowly bowed its head."] - - - - -_7th July_ - - - -Again upon the sea. - -This time for Persia, bearing our wounded and the ashes of the dead; -those of the natives are reposing beneath the Great Temple. - -The skull of the last Mehrikan I shall present to the museum at Teheran. - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last American, by J. A. Mitchell - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST AMERICAN *** - -***** This file should be named 27307-0.txt or 27307-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/3/0/27307/ - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -https://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at https://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit https://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including including checks, online payments and credit card -donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - https://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-0.zip b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 16bc67d..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h.zip b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0c9a0f2..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/27307-h.htm b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/27307-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 5783f45..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/27307-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3007 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/strict.dtd"> -<html> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> -<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Last American, by J.A. Mitchell</title> - -<style type="text/css"> - - body { margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - text-align: justify; - } - - p.bodytext {font-size: 120%; font-family: "Georgia"} - - p { margin-top: .75em; - margin-bottom: .75em; - } - H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - } - hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} - hr.full {width: 100%;} - hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} - hr.tb {text-align: left; border-top: 1px dotted #000; color: #fff; background-color: #fff; width: 40%;} - - - table.allbnomar { border : thin solid black; border-collapse: collapse; } /* Thin borders, no additional margins defined. */ - table.allb { border : thin solid black; border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4em } /* Thin borders, 4em margin on left. */ - table.tpbtb { border-top : thin solid black; border-bottom : thin solid black; border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4em } /* Thin borders at top and bottom. */ - table.allbctr { border : thin solid black; border-collapse: collapse; - margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } /* Thin borders, centered. */ - table.nob { margin-left: 4em } /* No borders, additional left margin defined. */ - table.nobctr { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } /* No borders, centered. */ - - table.cillo { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 45%; } /* Color illustrations. No borders, centered, relative size defined. */ - table.bwillo { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; font-variant: small-caps; } /* B&W illustrations. No borders, centered, caption in small caps. */ - - td.allb { border : thin solid black; padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; } - td.spac { padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em; } - td.tpbtb { border-top : thin solid black; border-bottom : thin solid black; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em; } - td.spacsingle { padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em; } - td.nspac { padding-left: 0em; padding-right: 0em; } - td.vertb { border-left : thin solid black; border-right : thin solid black; padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; } - td.vertbotb { border-left : thin solid black; border-right : thin solid black; border-bottom : thin solid black; padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; } - td.verttopb { border-left : thin solid black; border-right : thin solid black; border-top : thin solid black; padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; } - .single p {margin: 0;} - .spacsingle p {margin: 0;} - - - a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} - a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} - a:hover {color:red} - link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} - - .noflo {margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} - .noflo .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} - .noflo p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .noflo p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} - .noflo p.i16 {margin-left: 8em;} - - - .ccaption {text-align: center; margin-top: -1em; margin-bottom: 1em; font-size: 120%; } - .bwcaption {text-align: center; margin-top: -1em; font-variant: small-caps;} - .pubmark {text-align: right; margin-top: -1em; font-size: small;} - .center {text-align: center; } - .cenhead {text-align: center; margin-top: 1em; font-size: 150%; } - .bigtext {font-size: larger; } - .jdate {text-align: right; margin-right:25%; font-size: 120%; font-family: "Georgia"} /* Format for dates at start of journal entries. */ - .stagedir {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; } /* Format for the dialogs between characters. */ - .right {text-align: right; } - .t {vertical-align: top; } - .tr {vertical-align: top;} - .tc {vertical-align: top;} - .tr p {text-align: right;} - .tc p {text-align: center;} - .m {vertical-align: middle; } - .mr {vertical-align: middle;} - .mc {vertical-align: middle;} - .mr p {text-align: right;} - .mc p {text-align: center;} - .b {vertical-align: bottom; } - .vol {/*font-weight: bold;*/ font-size: small;} - .grk {font-style: normal; - font-family:"Palatino Linotype","New Athena Unicode",Gentium,"Lucida Grande", Galilee, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif;} - - sup {font-style: normal; font-size: small;} - pre {font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; margin-left: 1em; } - .sc {font-variant: small-caps; } - .normaltx {font-variant: normal; } - .scac {font-size: small;} - .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 25%;} /* poetry number */ - blockquote {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; } - blockquote.b1n {font-size: medium; } - blockquote.b1s {font-size: small; } - .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right; font-style: normal;} /* page numbers */ - .note {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; font-family: "Georgia" - } - - span.rightnote {position: absolute; left: 92%; right: 1%; font-size: 0.7em; text-align: left } - span.extra {border-bottom: thin dotted green;} - span.correction {border-bottom: thin dotted red;} - span.special {text-decoration: none;} - span.intlim {font-size:small; position:relative; top:-2ex; left:-0.4em;} - span.lower {position:relative; top:0.5ex;} - span.over {text-decoration: overline;} - span.under {text-decoration: underline;} - span.pbar {position:relative; top:0.7ex; left:0.4em;} - span.sc {font-variant: small-caps; } - .nobo {border: thin;} - .red {color: red;} - .figure, .figcenter, .figright, .figleft - {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; } - .figure img, .figcenter img, .figright img, .figleft img - {border: none;} - .figure p, .figcenter p, .figright p, .figleft p - {margin: 0; text-indent: 1em;} - - .figcenter {margin: auto;} - .figright {float: right;} - .figleft {float: left;} - img.middle { border: none; vertical-align: middle } - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last American, by J. A. Mitchell - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 - - -Title: The Last American - A Fragment from The Journal of KHAN-LI, Prince of - Dimph-Yoo-Chur and Admiral in the Persian Navy - -Author: J. A. Mitchell - -Illustrator: F. W. Read - -Release Date: November 21, 2008 [EBook #27307] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST AMERICAN *** - - - - - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/0-00_01s.jpg" alt="Image: Cover Art." title="Cover Art"> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<h2>THE LAST AMERICAN</h2> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/0-00_02s.jpg" alt="Image: Hunched eagle." > -<br> -</div> - - - - -<table class="allbctr"> - - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <div class="figcenter" > - <img src="images/0-00_03s.jpg" alt="By J. A. Mitchell." title="By J. A. Mitchell" > - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <HR> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="sc">Amos Judd <br> - The Pines of Lory <br> - The Last American <br> - That First Affair <br> - Gloria Victis <br> - Life's Fairy Tales <br> </p> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<table class="cillo" > - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/0-00_04s.jpg" alt="Image: &ldquo;--In the soft earth was the imprint of human feet!&rdquo;" title="Frontis" > - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="ccaption"> "--In the soft earth was the imprint of human feet!" </p> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="pubmark"> 1902, by Frederick A. Stokes Company. Printed in America. </p> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - - - - - -<h1>The Last American</h1 > - -<p class="cenhead"> - -<i>A Fragment</i> <span class="sc ">from The Journal of <br> -KHAN-LI</span>, <i>Prince of Dimph-Yoo-Chur <br> -and Admiral in the Persian Navy</i> - -<br> -<span class="sc">Presented by J. A. MITCHELL</span><br> -<br> -EDITION DE LUXE <br> -Illustrated in Color by F. W. Read <br> -With Decorative Designs by <br> -<span class="sc">Albert D. Blashfield </span> <br> -and Illustrations by <br> -the Author <br> -<br> -<i>NEW YORK</i><br> -FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY<br> -<i>PUBLISHERS</i><br> -<br> -<br> -</p> - - - -<p class="center" > -<i>1889</i> <span class="sc">By Frederick A. Stokes and Brother</span><br> -<br> -<i>1902</i> <span class="sc">By Frederick A. Stokes Company</span><br> -<br> -<br> -</p> - - - -<p class="center" > -TO<br> -THOSE THOUGHTFUL PERSIANS<br> -WHO CAN READ A WARNING IN THE<br> -SUDDEN RISE<br> -AND SWIFT EXTINCTION<br> -OF<br> -A FOOLISH PEOPLE<br> -THIS VOLUME IS<br> -DEDICATED<br> -<br> -</p> - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/0-00_05s.jpg" alt="Image: A few words by Hedful."> -</div> - -<h3>A FEW WORDS BY </h3> -<h1>HEDFUL</h1> - -<p class="center bigtext"> -SURNAMED "THE AXIS OF WISDOM"<br> -<br> -<i>Curator of the Imperial Museum at Shiraz.<br> -Author of "The Celestial Conquest of Kaly-phorn-ya,"<br> -and of "Northern Mehrika under the Hy-Bernyan Rulers"</i><br> -</p> - - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/0-00_06s.jpg" alt="T" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext"> -he astounding discoveries of Khan-li of Dimph-yoo-chur have thrown -floods of light upon the domestic life of the Mehrikan people. He -little realized when he landed upon that sleeping continent what a -service he was about to render history, or what enthusiasm his -discoveries would arouse among Persian archÊologists.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Every student of antiquity is familiar with these facts.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">But for the benefit of those who have yet to acquire a knowledge of -this extraordinary people, I advise, first, a visit to the Museum at -Teheran in order to excite their interest in the subject, and second, -the reading of such books as Nōfūhl's "What we Found in the West," and -Nōz-yt-ahl's "History of the Mehrikans." The last-named is a complete -and reliable history of these people from the birth of the Republic -under George-wash-yn-tun to the year 1990, when they ceased to exist -as a nation. I must say, however, that Nōz-yt-ahl leaves the reader -much confused concerning the period between the massacre of the -Protestants in 1927, and the overflow of the Murfey dynasty in 1940.</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/0-00_07s.jpg" alt="Image: Decorative pillar." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">He holds the opinion with many other historians that the Mehrikans -were a mongrel race, with little or no patriotism, and were purely -imitative; simply an enlarged copy of other nationalities extant at -the time. He pronounces them a shallow, nervous, extravagant people, -and accords them but few redeeming virtues. This, of course, is just; -but nevertheless they will always be an interesting study by reason of -their rapid growth, their vast numbers, their marvellous mechanical -ingenuity and their sudden and almost unaccountable disappearance.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">The wealth, luxury, and gradual decline of the native population; the -frightful climatic changes which swept the country like a mower's -scythe; the rapid conversion of a vast continent, alive with millions -of pleasure-loving people, into a silent wilderness, where the sun and -moon look down in turn upon hundreds of weed-grown cities,&mdash;all this -is told by Nōz-yt-ahl with force and accuracy. </p> - -</td></tr> -</table> - - - - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/0-00_08s.jpg" alt="Image: &ldquo;Here's Truth. 'Tis a bitter pill but good physic.&rdquo;"> -<br> -</div> - - - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-10_1s.jpg" alt="Image: Aboard the Zōtuhb in the year 2951 10th May"> -<br> -</div> - - - -<table class="nob"> - <tr> - <td class="right bigtext"> - <p class="bodytext"> ABOARD THE ZLŌTUHB IN THE YEAR 2951 </p> - - </td> - - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-10_2s.jpg" alt="Image: Ship."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="jdate"><i>10th May </i></p> - - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-10_3s.jpg" alt="T" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">here is land ahead!</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Grip-til-lah was first to see it, and when he shouted the tidings my -heart beat fast with joy. The famished crew have forgotten their -disconsolate stomachs and are dancing about the deck. 'T is not I, -forsooth, who shall restrain them! A month of emptiness upon a heavy -sea is preparation for any folly. Nōfūhl alone is without enthusiasm. -The old man's heart seems dead.</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-10_4s.jpg" alt="Image: Ship." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">We can see the land plainly, a dim strip along the western horizon. A -fair wind blows from the northeast, but we get on with cruel -hindrance, for the <i>Zlōtuhb</i> is a heavy ship, her bluff bow and -voluminous bottom ill fitting her for speed.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">The land, as we near it, seems covered with trees, and the white breakers -along the yellow beach are a welcome sight.</p> - -</td></tr> -</table> - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-11_1s.jpg" alt="Eleventh May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>11th May </i></p> - - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-11_2s.jpg" alt="S" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">ighted a fine harbor this afternoon, and are now at anchor in it.</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-11_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Sailor with telescope." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Grip-til-lah thinks we have reached one of the western islands mentioned by -Ben-a-Bout. Nōfūhl, however, is sure we are further North.</p> - -</td></tr> -</table> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-12_1s.jpg" alt="Twelfth May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>12th May </i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-12_2s.jpg" alt="W" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">hat a change has come over Nōfūhl! He is the youngest man aboard. We -all share his delight, as our discoveries are truly marvellous. This -morning while I was yet in my bunk he ran into the cabin and, -forgetting our difference in rank, seized me by the arm and tried to -drag me out. His excitement so had the better of him that I captured -little meaning from his words. Hastening after him, however, I was -amazed to see such ancient limbs transport a man so rapidly. He -skipped up the narrow stairs like a heifer and, young though I am, it -was faster than I could follow.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">But what a sight when I reached the deck! We saw nothing of it -yesterday, for the dusk of evening was already closing about us when -we anchored.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Right ahead, in the middle of the bay, towered a gigantic statue, many -times higher than the masts of our ship. Beyond, from behind this -statue, came the broad river upon whose waters we were floating, its -surface all a-glitter with the rising sun. To the East, where Nōfūhl -was pointing, his fingers trembling with excitement, lay the ruins of -an endless city. It stretched far away into the land beyond, further -even than our eyes could see. And in the smaller river on the right -stood two colossal structures, rising high in the air, and standing -like twin brothers, as if to guard the deserted streets beneath. Not a -sound reached us&mdash;not a floating thing disturbed the surface of the -water. Verily, it seemed the sleep of Death.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">I was lost in wonder.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">As we looked, a strange bird, like a heron, arose with a hoarse cry -from the foot of the great image and flew toward the city.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"What does it all mean?" I cried. "Where are we?"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Where indeed!" said Nōfūhl. "If I knew but that, O Prince, I could -tell the rest! No traveller has mentioned these ruins. Persian history -contains no record of such a people. Allah has decreed that we -discover a forgotten world."</p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-12_3s.jpg" alt="Image: The city of ruins."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> The City of Ruins </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Within an hour we landed, and found ourselves in an ancient street, -the pavements covered with weeds, grass, and flowers, all crowding -together in wild neglect. Huge trees of great antiquity thrust their -limbs through windows and roofs and produced a mournful sight. They -gave a welcome shade, however, as we find the heat ashore of a -roasting quality most hard to bear. The curious buildings on either -side are wonderfully preserved, even sheets of glass still standing in -many of the iron window-frames.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">We wandered along through the thick grass, Nōfūhl and I, much excited -over our discoveries and delighted with the strange scene. The -sunshine is of dazzling brightness, birds are singing everywhere, and -the ruins are gay with gorgeous wild flowers. We soon found ourselves -in what was once a public square, now for the most part a shady grove.<a name="NtA_1" href="#Nt_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> - -<span class="rightnote"> <a name="Nt_1" href="#NtA_1">[1]</a> Afterward ascertained to be the square of the City Hall. </span> - -</p> - -<table class="cillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-12_4s.jpg" alt="Image: &ldquo;We soon found ourselves in what was once a public square.&rdquo;"> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="ccaption"> "We soon found ourselves in what was once a public square." </p> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="pubmark"> 1902, by Frederick A. Stokes Company. Printed in America. </p> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="bodytext">As we sat on a fallen cornice and gazed on the lofty buildings about -us I asked Nōfūhl if he was still in ignorance as to where we were, -and he said:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"As yet I know not. The architecture is much like that of ancient -Europe, but it tells us nothing."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Then I said to him in jest, "Let this teach us, O Nōfūhl! the folly of -excessive wisdom. Who among thy pupils of the Imperial College at -Ispahan would believe their venerable instructor in history and -languages could visit the largest city in the world and know so little -about it!"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Thy words are wise, my Prince," he answered; "few babes could know -less."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">As we were leaving this grove my eyes fell upon an upturned slab that -seemed to have a meaning. It was lying at our feet, partly hidden by -the tall grass, having fallen from the columns that supported it. Upon -its surface were strange characters in bold relief, as sharp and clear -as when chiselled ten centuries ago. I pointed it out to Nōfūhl, and -we bent over it with eager eyes.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">It was this:</p> - -<p class="bodytext center">ASTOR HOUSE</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"The inscription is Old English," he said. "'House' signified a -dwelling, but the word 'Astor' I know not. It was probably the name of -a deity, and here was his temple."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">This was encouraging, and we looked about eagerly for other signs.</p> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Our steps soon brought us into another street, and as we walked I -expressed my surprise at the wonderful preservation of the stone work, -which looked as though cut but yesterday.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"In such an atmosphere decay is slow," said Nōfūhl. "A thousand years -at least have passed since these houses were occupied. Take yonder -oak, for instance; the tree itself has been growing for at least a -hundred years, and we know from the fallen mass beneath it that -centuries had gone by before its birth was possible."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">He stopped speaking, his eyes fixed upon an inscription over a -doorway, partly hidden by one of the branches of the oak.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Turning suddenly upon me with a look of triumph, he exclaimed:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"It is ours!"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"What is ours?" I asked.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"The knowledge we sought;" and he pointed to the inscription,</p> - -<p class="bodytext center">NEW YORK STOCK EXC....</p> - -<p class="bodytext">He was tremulous with joy.</p> - -<table class="cillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-12_5s.jpg" alt="Image: &ldquo;'The knowledge we sought;' and he pointed to the inscription.&rdquo;"> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="ccaption"> "'The knowledge we sought;' and he pointed to the -inscription." </p> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="pubmark"> 1902, by Frederick A. Stokes Company. Printed in America. </p> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="bodytext">"Thou hast heard of Nhū-Yok, O my Prince?"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">I answered that I had read of it at school.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Thou art in it now!" he said. "We are standing on the Western -Continent. Little wonder we thought our voyage long!"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"And what was Nhū-Yok?" I asked. "I read of it at college, but -remember little. Was it not the capital of the ancient Mehrikans?"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Not the capital," he answered, "but their largest city. Its -population was four millions."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Four millions!" I exclaimed. "Verily, O Fountain of Wisdom, that is -many for one city!"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Such is history, my Prince! Moreover, as thou knowest, it would take -us many days to walk this town."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"True, it is endless."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">He continued thus:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Strange that a single word can tell so much! Those iron structures, -the huge statue in the harbor, the temples with pointed towers, all -are as writ in history."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Whereupon I repeated that I knew little of the Mehrikans save what I -had learned at college, a perfunctory and fleeting knowledge, as they -were a people who interested me but little.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Let us seat ourselves in the shade," said Nōfūhl, "and I will tell -thee of them."</p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-12_6s.jpg" alt="Image: In a street of the forgotten city."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> In a Street of the Forgotten City </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="bodytext">We sat.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"For eleven centuries the cities of this sleeping hemisphere have -decayed in solitude. Their very existence has been forgotten. The -people who built them have long since passed away, and their -civilization is but a shadowy tradition. Historians are astounded that -a nation of an hundred million beings should vanish from the earth -like a mist, and leave so little behind. But to those familiar with -their lives and character surprise is impossible. There was nothing to -leave. The Mehrikans possessed neither literature, art, nor music of -their own. Everything was borrowed. The very clothes they wore were -copied with ludicrous precision from the models of other nations. They -were a sharp, restless, quick-witted, greedy race, given body and soul -to the gathering of riches. Their chiefest passion was to buy and -sell. Even women, both of high and low degree, spent much of their -time at bargains, crowding and jostling each other in vast marts of -trade, for their attire was complicated, and demanded most of their -time."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"How degrading!" I exclaimed.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"So it must have been," said Nōfūhl; "but they were not without -virtues. Their domestic life was happy. A man had but one wife, and -treated her as his equal."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"That is curious! But as I remember, they were a people of elastic -honor."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"They were so considered," said Nōfūhl; "their commercial honor was a -jest. They were sharper than the Turks. Prosperity was their god, with -cunning and invention for his prophets. Their restless activity no -Persian can comprehend. This vast country was alive with noisy -industries, the nervous Mehrikans darting with inconceivable rapidity -from one city to another by a system of locomotion we can only guess -at. There existed roads with iron rods upon them, over which small -houses on wheels were drawn with such velocity that a long day's -journey was accomplished in an hour. Enormous ships without sails, -driven by a mysterious force, bore hundreds of people at a time to the -furthermost points of the earth."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"And are these things lost?" I asked.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"We know many of the forces," said Nōfūhl, "but the knowledge of -applying them is gone. The very elements seem to have been their -slaves. Cities were illuminated at night by artificial moons, whose -radiance eclipsed the moon above. Strange devices were in use by which -they conversed together when separated by a journey of many days. Some -of these appliances exist to-day in Persian museums. The superstitions -of our ancestors allowed their secrets to be lost during those dark -centuries from which at last we are waking."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">At this point we heard the voice of Bhoz-jā-khāz in the distance; they -had found a spring and he was calling to us.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Such heat we had never felt, and it grew hotter each hour. Near the -river where we ate it was more comfortable, but even there the -perspiration stood upon us in great drops. Our faces shone like -fishes. It was our wish to explore further, but the streets were like -ovens, and we returned to the <i>Zlōtuhb</i>.</p> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">As I sat upon the deck this afternoon recording the events of the -morning in this journal Bhoz-jā-khāz and Ad-el-pate approached, asking -permission to take the small boat and visit the great statue. -Thereupon Nōfūhl informed us that this statue in ancient times held -aloft a torch illuminating the whole harbor, and he requested -Ad-el-pate to try and discover how the light was accomplished.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">They returned toward evening with this information: that the statue is -not of solid bronze, but hollow; that they ascended by means of an -iron stairway into the head of the image, and from the top looked down -upon us; that Ad-el-pate, in the dark, sat to rest himself upon a nest -of yellow flies with black stripes; that these flies inserted stings -into Ad-el-pate's person, causing him to exclaim loudly and descend -the stairs with unexpected agility; that Bhoz-jā-khāz and the others -pushed on through the upraised arm, and stood at last upon the bronze -torch itself; that the city lay beneath them like a map, covering the -country for miles away on both sides of the river. As for illuminating -the harbor, Bhoz-jā-khāz says Nōfūhl is mistaken; there are no -vestiges of anything that could give a light&mdash;no vessel for oil or -traces of fire.</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-12_7s.jpg" alt="Image: Lamp." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Nōfūhl says Jā-khāz is an idiot; that he shall go himself.</p> - -<table class="cillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-12_8s.jpg" alt="Image: &ldquo;The great statue in the harbor.&rdquo;" > - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="ccaption"> "The great statue in the harbor." </p> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="pubmark"> 1902, by Frederick A. Stokes Company. Printed in America. </p> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div> -<br> -</div> - - - - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-13_1s.jpg" alt="Thirteenth May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>13th May</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-13_2s.jpg" alt="A" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext"> startling discovery this morning.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">By landing higher up the river we explored a part of the city where -the buildings are of a different character from those we saw -yesterday. Nōfūhl considers them the dwellings of the rich. In shape -they are like bricks set on end, all very similar, uninteresting, and -monotonous.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">We noticed one where the doors and shutters were still in place, but -rotting from the fantastic hinges that supported them. A few hard -blows brought down the outer doors in a dusty heap, and as we stepped -upon the marble floor within our eyes met an unexpected sight. -Furniture, statues, dingy pictures in crumbling frames, images in -bronze and silver, mirrors, curtains, all were there, but in every -condition of decay. We knocked open the iron shutters and let the -light into the rooms sealed up for centuries. In the first one lay a -rug from Persia! Faded, moth-eaten, gone in places, it seemed to ask -us with dying eyes to be taken hence. My heart grew soft over the -ancient rug, and I caught a foolish look in Lev-el-Hedyd's eye.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">As we climbed the mouldering stair to the floor above I expressed -surprise that cloth and woodwork should hold together for so many -centuries, also saying:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"These Mehrikans were not so unworthy as we think them."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"That may be," said Lev-el-Hedyd, "but the Persian rug is far the -freshest object we have seen, and that perchance was ancient when they -bought it."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">On this floor we entered a dim chamber, spacious and once richly -furnished. When Lev-el-Hedyd pushed open the shutters and drew aside -the ragged curtains we started at the sight before us. Upon a wide bed -in the centre of the room lay a human form, the long, -yellow hair still clinging to the head. It was more a mummy than a -skeleton. Around, upon the bed, lay mouldering fragments of the once -white sheets that covered it. On the fingers of the left hand -glistened two rings which drew our attention. One held a diamond of -great price, the other was composed of sapphires and diamonds most -curiously arranged. We stood a moment in silence, gazing sadly upon -the figure.</p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-13_3s.jpg" alt="Image: In the mouldering chamber."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> In the Mouldering Chamber </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="bodytext">"Poor woman," I said, "left thus to die alone."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"It is more probable," said Nōfūhl, "she was already dead, and her -friends, departing perhaps in haste, were unable to burn the body."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Did they burn their dead?" I asked. "In my history 't was writ they -buried them in the earth like potatoes, and left them to rot."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">And Nōfūhl answered: "At one time it was so, but later on, as they -became more civilized, the custom was abandoned."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Is it possible?" I asked, "that this woman has been lying here almost -a thousand years and yet so well preserved?"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"I, also, am surprised," said Nōfūhl. "I can only account for it by -the extreme dryness of the air in absorbing the juices of the body and -retarding decay."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Then lifting tenderly in his hand some of the yellow hair, he said</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"She was probably very young, scarce twenty."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Were their women fair?" I asked.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"They were beautiful," he answered; "with graceful forms and lovely -faces; a pleasure to the eye; also were they gay and sprightly with -much animation."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Thereupon cried Lev-el-Hedyd:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Here are the first words thou hast uttered, O Nōfūhl, that cause me -to regret the extinction of this people! There is ever a place in my -heart for a blushing maiden!"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Then let thy grief be of short life," responded Nōfūhl, "for -Mehrikan damsels were not of that description. Blushing was an art -they practised little. The shyness thou so lovest in a Persian maiden -was to them an unknown thing. Our shrinking daughters bear no -resemblance to these Western products. They strode the public streets -with roving eyes and unblushing faces, holding free converse with men -as with women, bold of speech and free of manner, going and coming as -it pleased them best. They knew much of the world, managed their own -affairs, and devised their own marriages, often changing their minds -and marrying another than the betrothed."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Bismillah! And men could love these things?" exclaimed Lev-el-Hedyd -with much feeling.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"So it appears."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"But I should say the Mehrikan bride had much the freshness of a dried -fig."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"So she had," said Nōfūhl; "but those who know only the dried fig have -no regret for the fresh fruit. But the fault was not with the maidens. -Brought up like boys, with the same studies and mental development, -the womanly part of their nature gradually vanished as their minds -expanded. Vigor of intellect was the object of a woman's education."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Then Lev-el-Hedyd exclaimed with great disgust:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Praises be to Allah for his aid in exterminating such a people!" and -he walked away from the bed, and began looking about the chamber. In a -moment he hastened back to us, saying:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Here are more jewels! also money!"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Nōfūhl eagerly took the pieces.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Money!" he cried. "Money will tell us more than pages of history!"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">There were silver coins of different sizes and two small pieces of -copper. Nōfūhl studied them closely.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"The latest date is 1957," he said; "a little less than a thousand -years ago; but the piece may have been in circulation some years -before this woman died; also it may have been coined the very year of -her death. It bears the head of Dennis, the last of the Hy-Burnyan -dictators. The race is supposed to have become extinct before 1990 of -their era."</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width:60%;"> -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <img src="images/5-13_4s.jpg" alt="Image: The face and back of one of the silver coins."> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> The Face and Back of One of the Silver Coins. </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> - - - -<p class="bodytext">I then said:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Thou hast never told us, O Nōfūhl! the cause of their disappearance."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"There were many causes," he answered. "The Mehrikans themselves were -of English origin, but people from all parts of Europe came here in -vast numbers. Although the original comers were vigorous and hardy the -effect of climate upon succeeding generations was fatal. They became -flat-chested and thin, with scanty hair, fragile teeth, and weak -digestions. Nervous diseases unknown to us wrought deadly havoc. -Children were reared with difficulty. Between 1945 and 1960, the last -census of which any record remains, the population decreased from -ninety millions to less than twelve millions. Climatic changes, the -like of which no other land ever experienced, began at that period, -and finished in less than ten years a work made easy by nervous -natures and rapid lives. The temperature would skip in a single day -from burning heat to winter's cold. No constitution could withstand -it, and this vast continent became once more an empty wilderness."</p> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-13_5s.jpg" alt="Image: Coin with lion imprint." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Much more of the same nature he told us, but I am too sleepy to write -longer. We explored the rest of the mansion, finding many things of -interest. I caused several objects to be carried aboard the <i>Zlōtuhb</i>.<a name="NtB_2" href="#Nt_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> - -<span class="rightnote"> <a name="Nt_2" href="#NtB_2">[2]</a> These objects are now in the museum of the Imperial College, at Teheran. </span> - -</p> - - -</td></tr> -</table> - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-14_1s.jpg" alt="Fourteenth May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>14th May</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-14_2s.jpg" alt="H" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">otter than yesterday.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">In the afternoon we were rowed up the river and landed for a short -walk. It is unsafe to brave the sun.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">The more I learn of these Mehrikans the less interesting they become. -Nōfūhl is of much the same mind, judging from our conversation to-day, -as we walked along together.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">It was in this wise:</p> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - - </td><td> - <p>How alike the houses! How monotonous!</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>So, also, were the occupants. They thought alike, worked alike, ate, -dressed and conversed alike. They read the same books; they fashioned -their garments as directed, with no regard for the size or figure of -the individual, and copied to a stitch the fashions of Europeans.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>But the close-fitting apparel of the European must have been sadly -uncomfortable in the heat of a Mehrikan summer.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>So probably it was. Stiff boxes of varying patterns adorned the heads -of men. Curious jackets with tight sleeves compressed the body. The -feet throbbed and burned in close-fitting casings of unyielding -leather, and linen made stiff by artificial means was drawn tightly -about the neck.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-14_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Floral decoration." > -</div> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>Allah! What idiots!</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>Even so are they considered.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>To what quality of their minds do you attribute such love of needless suffering?</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>It was their desire to be like others. A natural feeling in a vulgar people.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - - - -</td></tr> -</table> - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-15_1s.jpg" alt="Fifteenth May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>15th May</i></p> - - - - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-15_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Decorative pillar." > -</div> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-15_2s.jpg" alt="A" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext"> fair wind from the West to-day. We weighed anchor and sailed up -the Eastern side of the city. I did this as Nōfūhl finds the upper -portion of the town much richer in relics than the lower, which seems -to have been given up to commercial purposes. We sailed close under -one of the great monuments in the river, and are at a loss to divine -its meaning. Many iron rods still dangle from the tops of each of the -structures. As they are in a line, one with the other, we thought at -first they might have been once connected and served as a bridge, but -we soon saw they were too far apart.</p> - - -<p class="bodytext">Came to anchor about three miles from the old mooring. Up the river -and down, North, South, East, and West, the ruins stretch away -indefinitely, seemingly without end.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Am anxious about Lev-el-Hedyd. He went ashore and has not returned. -It is now after midnight.</p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-15_4s.jpg" alt="Image: The two monuments in the river."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> The Two Monuments in the River </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -</td></tr> -</table> - -<div> -<br> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-16_1s.jpg" alt="Sixteenth May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>16th May</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-16_2s.jpg" alt="P" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">raise Allah! my dear comrade is alive! This morning we landed early -and began our search for him. As we passed before the building which -bears the inscription</p> - -<p class="bodytext center">. . . DORF ASTORIA</p> - -<p class="bodytext">upon its front, we heard his voice from within in answer to our calls. -We entered, and after climbing the ruined stairway found him seated -upon the floor above. He had a swollen leg from an ugly sprain, and -various bruises were also his. While our friends were constructing a -litter on which to bear him hence we conversed together. The walls -about us bore traces of having once enclosed a hall of some beauty. In -idling about I pulled open the decaying door of an old closet and saw -upon the rotting shelves many pieces of glass and earthenware of fine -workmanship. Taking one in my hand, a small wine-cup of glass, I -approached my comrade calling his attention to its slender stem and -curious form. As his eyes fell upon it they opened wide in amazement. -I also observed a trembling of his hand as he reached forth to touch -it. He then recounted to me his marvellous adventure of the night -before, but saying before he began:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Thou knowest, O Prince, I am no believer in visions, and I should -never tell the tale but for thy discovery of this cup. I drank from -such an one last night, proffered by a ghostly hand."</p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-16_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Wineglass."> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">I would have smiled, but he was much in earnest. As I made a movement -to sit beside him, he said:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Taste first, O my master, of the grapes hanging from yonder wall."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">I did so, and to my great surprise found them of an exquisite flavor, -finer even than the cultivated fruit of Persia, sweeter and more -delicate, of a different nature from the wild grapes we have been -eating. My astonishment appeared to delight him, and he said with a -laugh:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"The grapes are impossible, but they exist; even more absurd is my -story!" and he then narrated his adventure.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">It was this:</p> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext center">WHAT LEV-EL-HEDYD SAW.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Yesterday, after nightfall, as he was hastening toward the <i>Zlōtuhb</i> he -fell violently upon some blocks of stone, wrenching his ankle and much -bruising himself. Unable to walk upon his foot he limped into this -building to await our coming in the morning. The howling of wolves and -other wild beasts as they prowled about the city drove him, for -safety, to crawl up the ruins of the stairway to the floor above. As -he settled himself in a corner of this hall his nostrils were greeted -with the delicious odor from the grapes about his head. He found them -surprisingly good, and ate heartily. He soon after fell into a sleep -which lasted some hours, for when he awoke the moon was higher in the -heavens, the voices of the wolves were hushed and the city was silent.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">As he lay in a revery, much absorbed in his own thoughts, he gradually -became aware of mysterious changes taking place, as if by stealth, -about him. A decorated ceiling appeared to be closing over the hall. -Mirrors and tinted walls slowly crept in place of ivy and crumbling -bricks. A faint glow grew stronger and more intense until it filled -the great room with a dazzling light.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Then came softly into view a table of curious form, set out with flowers -and innumerable dishes of glass and porcelain, as for a feast.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Standing about the room he saw solemn men with beardless faces, all in -black attire, whose garments bore triangular openings upon the chest -to show the shirt beneath. These personages he soon discovered were -servants.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">As he gazed in bewilderment, there entered other figures, two by two, -who took their seats about the table. These later comers, sixty or -more, were men and women walking arm in arm, the women in rich attire -of unfamiliar fashion and sparkling with precious stones. The men were -clad like the servants.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">They ate and drank and laughed, and formed a brilliant scene. -Lev-el-Hedyd rose to his feet, and moved by a curiosity he made no -effort to resist,&mdash;for he is a reckless fellow and knows no fear&mdash;he -hobbled out into the room.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">They looked upon him in surprise, and seemed much amused at his -presence. One of the guests, a tall youth with yellow mustaches, -approached him, offering a delicate crystal vessel filled with a -sparkling fluid.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Lev-el-Hedyd took it.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">The youth raised another from the table and with a slight gesture as -if in salutation, he said in words which my comrade understood, though -he swears it was a language unknown to him,</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"We may meet again the fourth of next month."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">He then drank the wine, and so did Lev-el-Hedyd.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Hereupon the others smiled as if at their comrade's wit, all save the -women, whose tender faces spoke more of pity than of mirth. The wine -flew to his brain as he drank it, and things about him seemed to reel -and spin. Strains of fantastic music burst upon his ears: then, all in -rhythm, the women joined their partners and whirled about him with a -lightsome step. And, moving with it, his throbbing brain seemed -dancing from his head. The room itself, all swaying and quivering -with the melody, grew dim and stole from view. The music softly died -away.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Again was silence, the moon above looking calmly down upon the ivied -walls.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">He fell like a drunken man upon the floor, and did not wake till our -voices called him.</p> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Such his tale.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">He has a clear head and is no liar, but so many grapes upon an empty -stomach with the fever from his swollen limb might well explain it.</p> - -<p class="bodytext center">* * * * *</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-16_4s.jpg" alt="Image: Animal decoration." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Bear's meat for dinner.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">This morning toward noon Kuzundam, the second officer, wandered on -ahead of us, and entered a large building in pursuit of a rabbit. He -was about descending to the basement below, when he saw, close before -him, a bear leisurely mounting the marble stairs. Kuzundam is no -coward, but he turned and ran as he never ran before. The bear, who -seemed of a sportive nature, also ran, and in close pursuit. Luckily -for my friend we happened to be near, otherwise instead of our eating -bear's meat, the bear might have lunched quietly off Kuzundam in the -shady corridors of the <span class="sc">"Fifthavenuehotel."</span></p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-16_5s.jpg" alt="Image: Kuzundam's narrow escape."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> Kuzundam's Narrow Escape </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div> -<br> -</div> - - - - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-17_1s.jpg" alt="Seventeenth May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>17th May</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-17_2s.jpg" alt="T" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">o-day a scorching heat that burns the lungs. We started in the -morning prepared to spend the night ashore, and explore the northern -end of the city. It was a pleasant walk through the soft grass of the -shady streets, but in those places unsheltered from the sun we were as -fish upon a frying-pan. Other dwellings we saw, even larger and more -imposing than the one we entered yesterday. We were tempted to explore -them, but Lev-el-Hedyd wisely dissuaded us, saying the day was waxing -hotter each hour and it could be done on our return.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">In the northern part of the town are many religious temples, with -their tall towers like slender pyramids, tapering to a point. They are -curious things, and surprisingly well preserved. The interiors of -these temples are uninteresting. Nōfūhl says the religious rites of -the Mehrikans were devoid of character. There were many religious -beliefs, all complicated and insignificant variations one from -another, each sect having its own temples and refusing to believe as -the others. This is amusing to a Persian, but mayhap was a serious -matter with them. One day in each week they assembled, the priests -reading long moral lectures written by themselves, with music by hired -singers. They then separated, taking no thought of temple or priest -for another seven days. Nōfūhl says they were not a religious people. -That the temples were filled mostly with women.</p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-17_3s.jpg" alt="Image: In one of the temples."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> In One of the Temples </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">In the afternoon we found it necessary to traverse a vast -pleasure-ground, now a wild forest, but with traces still visible of -broad promenades and winding drive-ways.<a name="NtC_3" href="#Nt_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> - -<span class="rightnote"> <a name="Nt_3" href="#NtC_3">[3]</a> Olbaldeh thinks this must be the Centralpahk sometimes alluded to in Mehrikan literature. </span> - -There -remains an avenue of bronze statues, most of them yet upright and in -good condition, but very comic. Lev-el-Hedyd and I still think them -caricatures, but Nōfūhl is positive they were serious efforts, and -says the Mehrikans were easily pleased in matters of art.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">We lost our way in this park, having nothing to guide us as in the -streets of the city. This was most happy, as otherwise we should have -missed a surprising discovery.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">It occurred in this wise.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Being somewhat overcome by the heat we halted upon a little hill to -rest ourselves. While reclining beneath the trees I noticed unusual -carvings upon a huge block against which Lev-el-Hedyd was supporting -his back. They were unlike any we had seen, and yet they were not -unfamiliar. As I lay there gazing idly at them it flashed upon me they -were Egyptian. We at once fell to examining the block, and found to -our amazement an obelisk of Egyptian granite, covered with Egyptian -hieroglyphics of an antiquity exceeding by thousands of years the most -ancient monuments of the country!</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Verily, we were puzzled!</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"When did the Egyptians invade Mehrika?" quoth Bhoz-jā-khāz, with a -solemn look, as if trying to recall a date.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"No Egyptian ever heard of Mehrika," said Nōfūhl. "This obelisk was -finished twenty centuries before the first Mehrikan was weaned. In all -probability it was brought here as a curiosity, just as we take to -Persia the bronze head of George-wash-yn-tun."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">We spent much time over the monument, and I think Nōfūhl was -disappointed that he could not bring it away with him. </p> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Also while in this park we came to a high tower, standing by itself, and climbed to the top, where we enjoyed a wide-spreading view.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">The extent of the city is astounding.</p> - -<table class="cillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-17_4s.jpg" alt="Image: &ldquo;Miles away in the river lay the Zlotuhb, a white speck on the water.&rdquo;" > - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="ccaption"> "Miles away in the river lay the <i>Zlotuhb</i>, a white speck on the water." </p> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="pubmark"> 1902, by Frederick A. Stokes Company. Printed in America. </p> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="bodytext">Miles away in the river lay the <i>Zlōtuhb</i>, a white speck on the water. -All about us in every direction as far as sight can reach were ruins, -and ruins, and ruins. Never was a more melancholy sight. The blue sky, -the bright sunshine, the sweet-scented air with the gay flowers and -singing birds only made it sadder. They seemed a mockery.</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-17_5s.jpg" alt="Image: Mosquitos." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">We have encamped for the night, and I can write no more. Countless -flying insects gather about us with a hateful buzz, and bite us beyond -endurance. They are a pest thrice accursed.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">I tell Nōfūhl his fine theory concerning the extinction of the Yahnkis -is a good tale for those who have never been here.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">No man without a leather skin could survive a second night.</p> - - -</td></tr> -</table> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-18_1s.jpg" alt="Eighteenth May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>18th May</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-18_2s.jpg" alt="P" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">oor Jā-khāz is worse than sick.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">He had an encounter last night with a strange animal, and his defeat -was ignoble. The animal, a pretty thing, much like a kitten, was -hovering near when Jā-khāz, with rare courage and agility, threw -himself upon it.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">And then what happened none of us can state with precision. We know we -held our noses and fled. And Jā-khāz! No words can fit him. He carries -with him an odor to devastate a province. We had to leave him ashore -and send him fresh raiment.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">This is, verily, a land of surprises.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Our hands and faces still smart from the biting insects, and the perfume -of the odorous kitten promises to be ever with us.</p> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-18_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Flower." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Nōfūhl is happy. We have discovered hundreds of metal blocks, the -poorest of which he asserts would be the gem of a museum. They were -found by Fattan-la&iuml;z-eh in the basement of a high building, all laid -carefully away upon iron shelves. The flood of light they throw upon -the manners and customs of this ludicrous people renders them of -priceless value to historians.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">I harbor a suspicion that it causes Nōfūhl some pleasure to sit upon -the cool deck of the <i>Zlōtuhb</i> and watch Bhoz-jā-khāz walking to and fro upon the ruins of a distant wharf.</p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-18_4s.jpg" alt="Image: A street scene in ancient Nhu-Yok."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> A Street Scene in Ancient Nhu-Yok </p> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="normaltx" style="text-align:center;"> [The costumes and manner of riding are taken from metal plates now in the museum at Teheran] </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - - - - -<div> -<br> -</div> - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-19_1s.jpg" alt="Nineteenth May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>19th May</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-19_2s.jpg" alt="T" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">he air is cooler. Grip-til-lah thinks a storm is brewing.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Even Nōfūhl is puzzled over the wooden image we brought aboard -yesterday. It is well preserved, with the barbaric coloring still -fresh upon it. They found it standing upright in a little shop.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">How these idols were worshipped, and why they are found in little -shops and never in the great temples is a mystery. It has a diadem of -feathers on the head, and as we sat smoking upon the deck this evening -I remarked to Nōfūhl that it might be the portrait of some Mehrikan -noble. Whereupon he said they had no nobles. </p> - -<p class="bodytext">"But the Mehrikans of gentle blood," I asked, "had they no titles?"</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width:35%;"> -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <img src="images/5-19_3s.jpg" alt="Image: The wooden god."> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> The Wooden God. </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">"Neither titles nor gentle blood," he answered. "And as they were -all of much the same origin, and came to this country simply to thrive -more fatly than at home, there was nothing except difference in wealth -on which to establish a superior order. Being deep respecters of money -this was a satisfying distinction. It soon resulted that those -families who possessed riches for a generation or two became the -substitute for an aristocracy. This upper class was given to sports -and pastimes, spending their wealth freely, being prodigiously fond of -display. Their intellectual development was feeble, and they wielded -but little influence save in social matters. They followed closely the -fashions of foreign aristocracies. Great attentions were paid to -wandering nobles from other lands. Even distant relatives of titled -people were greeted with the warmest enthusiasm."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Then I said to him, "But explain to me, O Nōfūhl, how it was possible -for so shallow a nation to become so great."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"They were great only in numbers and too weak to endure success. At -the beginning of the twentieth century&mdash;as they counted time&mdash;huge -fortunes were amassed in a day, and the Mehrikans became drunk with -money."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Whereupon I exclaimed, "O Land of Delight! For much money is -cheering."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">But the old man shook his head. "Very true, O Prince; but the effect -was woful. These vast fortunes soon dominated all things, even the -seat of government and the courts of Justice. Tricks of finance -brought fabulous gains. Young men became demoralized. For sober -industry with its moderate profits was ridiculed."</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-19_4s.jpg" alt="Image: Stylized flower." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">"Verily, that would be natural!" I said. "But in a land where all -were rich who was found to cook and scrub, to fetch and carry and to -till the soil? For none will shovel earth when his pockets are -stuffed with gold."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"All were not rich. And when the poor also became greedy they became -hostile. Then began social upheavals with bloodshed and havoc."</p> - -</td></tr> -</table> - -<div> -<br> -</div> - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-20_1s.jpg" alt="Twentieth May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>20th May</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-20_2s.jpg" alt="A" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">n icy wind from the northeast with a violent rain. Yesterday we -gasped with the hot air. To-day we are shivering in winter clothing.</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-20_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Cloud with raindrops." > -</div> - -</td></tr> -</table> - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/5-21_1s.jpg" alt="Tewenty-first May."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>21st May</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/5-21_2s.jpg" alt="T" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">he same as yesterday. Most of us are ill. My teeth chatter and my -body is both hot and cold. A storm more wicked never wailed about a -ship. Lev-el-Hedyd calls it the shrieking voices of the hundred -millions of Mehrikans who must have perished in similar weather.</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/5-21_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Sun." > -</div> - -</td></tr> -</table> - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/6-16_1s.jpg" alt="Sixteenth June."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>16th June</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/6-16_2s.jpg" alt="I" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">t is many days since I have touched this journal. A hateful sickness -has been upon me, destroying all energy and courage. A sort of fever, -and yet my limbs were cold. I could not describe it if I would.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Nōfūhl came into the cabin this evening with some of his metal plates -and discoursed upon them. He has no respect for the intellects of the -early Mehrikans. I thought for a moment I had caught him in a -contradiction, but he was right as usual. It was thus:</p> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>They were great readers.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>You have told us they had no literature. Were they great readers of nothing?</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>Verily, thou hast said it! Vast sheets of paper were published daily -in which all crimes were recorded in detail. The more revolting the -deed, the more minute the description. Horrors were their chief -delight. Scandals were drunk in with thirstful eyes. These chronicles -of crime and filth were issued by hundreds of thousands. There was -hardly a family in the land but had one.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/6-16_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Persian hat." > -</div> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>And did this take the place of literature?</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - - </td> <td> - <p>Even so.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -</td></tr> -</table> - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/6-20_1s.jpg" alt="Twentieth June."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>20th June</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/6-20_2s.jpg" alt="O" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">nce more we are on the sea; two days from Nhū-Yok. Our decision was -a sudden one. Nōfūhl, in an evil moment, found among those accursed -plates a map of the country, and thereupon was seized with an -unreasoning desire to visit a town called "Washington." I wavered and -at last consented, foolishly I believe, for the crew are loud for -Persia. And this town is inland on a river. He says it was their -finest city, the seat of Government, the capital of the country. -Grip-til-lah swears he can find it if the map is truthful.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Jā-khāz still eats by himself.</p> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">This afternoon we reclined upon the deck, the <i>Zlōtuhb</i> drifting gently -in a southerly direction. Land could be seen on the starboard bow, a -faint strip along the western horizon.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">It was about the middle of the afternoon, while passing the ruins of a -gigantic tower&mdash;perhaps a lighthouse&mdash;that Nōfūhl, of a sudden, -clambered hastily to his feet and looked about him. Then he called to -Grip-til-lah, asking how many leagues we were from the harbor of -Nhū-Yok. Grip-til-lah's reply I forget, but it filled the old man with -a gentle excitement. I observed an unwonted sparkle in his eyes, also -a quivering of the fingers as he pointed to the ocean around about, -and exclaimed&mdash;</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"Beneath us, the bottom of the sea is covered with iron ships&mdash;the -wrecks of stupendous navies&mdash;the mightiest of all human history!"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">At once we all became interested.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"What navies?" I inquired. "And what compassed their destruction? -Was it a battle?"</p> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>A battle of whose magnitude no Persian has conception; a conflict in -which the sea was tossed and the heavens rent by thunderings of iron -monsters. Any one of them would have blown to atoms a fleet of -<i>Zlōtuhbs</i>.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Ad-el-pate</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>Verily! A tale easier told than believed. But I would readily -venture my head in the <i>Zlōtuhb</i> against any of these nursery-tale -wonders.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>And with wisdom. For the loss of thy brain, Ad-el-pate, could not -affect the nature of thy speech.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<p class="bodytext">Whereupon there was laughter, and Ad-el-pate held his peace.</p> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>But tell us of this battle, O Nōfūhl. I remember now to have read -about it at college. These details of ancient history I am prone to -forget. How came it about?</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>I have spoken of the Mehrikans being a greedy race. And their greed, -at last, resulted in this war. By means of one-sided laws of their -own making they secured for themselves a lion's share of all profits -from the world's commerce. This checked the prosperity of other -nations, until at last the leading powers of Europe combined in -self-defence against this all-absorbing greed. They collected an -armada the like of which was never imagined, neither before nor since. -Then, across the ocean, came the iron host. And here, upon this very -spot where we are floating, they met the Mehrikan ships.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>How many ships in all?</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>The Mehrikans had eighty heavy ships of iron, with a number of smaller -craft. The allies had two hundred and forty heavy battleships, all of -iron. They also had smaller craft for divers purposes.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>Allah! A bad prospect for our greedy friends! And being a nation of -traders they had no liking, probably, for the perils of war.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>As to that historians differ. According to the Mehrikans themselves -they were mighty warriors. But certain writers of that period give a -different impression. Nōz-yt-ahl is sure they were cowards, weak in -body as in spirit, but often favored by fortune. In my opinion, this -battle throws considerable light upon that matter.</p> - <p>A day like this, it was, also in June, as the Europeans, coming -northward along the coast to seize Nhū-Yok, met the Mehrikan Admiral -Nev-r-sai-di with his eighty ships. And the struggle was short.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>Verily, I can believe it! With three ships to one I would give the -Europeans about half a day&mdash;a summer afternoon like this&mdash;to send -the greedy ones to the bottom.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>Thy guess is good, O Prince, as to the hours of fighting. It lasted -just one summer afternoon. But the Mehrikans it was who sent their -enemies to the bottom. And the sea beneath our feet is strewn with -iron hulks.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>Bismillah! If that be a true tale&mdash;and I doubt it not&mdash;these -greedy ones were not so contemptible, at least when there was profit -in it.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Lev-el-Hedyd</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>At what period did this occur?</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>Early in the twentieth century. I cannot recall the date, but it was -never forgotten by the Mehrikans. Surely a just pride, for on that day -they accomplished wonders. The Admiral Nev-r-sai-di on his ship the -<i>Ztazenztrypes</i> was at one time surrounded by a dozen German men-of- -war. And lo! he demolished all! And of Frank and Russyan vessels he -put an end to as many more; also sundry Talyans and British.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Lev-el-Hedyd</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>Bismillah! But that was good! What, O Nōfūhl, is the Persian of that -name <i>Ztazenztrypes</i>?</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>None can tell with certainty. To the Mehrikans it signified victory, -or something similar.</p> - <p>Other miracles were achieved by the Mehrikans that day. <i>Nōfli-zon-mee</i>, -a little craft with a pointed prow, jammed holes in nearly a score of -monster ships, and the waters closed over them. There figured also a -long and narrow boat of Mehrikan devising, the <i>Yankyd-Oodl</i>. This -astonishing machine sailed to and fro among the foreign ships -upsetting all traditions. Much glory befell her commander, the Captain -Hoorai-boiz.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Grip-til-lah</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>And how many ships did the Mehrikans lose?</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/6-20_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Persian with tablet." > -</div> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>Reports are contradictory. According to one of their own writers of -the period they suffered no loss whatever in vessels. Yet at the same -time he asserts, "We gave them Haleklumbya," which must be the name of -a ship.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Khan-li</i>.&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>A gallant fight! But can you explain how such an inferior people -could become heroic of a sudden?</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -<table class="nob bodytext"> - <tr> <td class="stagedir"> - <p><i>Nōfūhl</i>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> - </td> <td> - <p>According' to 'Ardfax, an early British historian, they were addicted -to surprising feats upon the water. And this statement is borne out by -a Spanish admiral, Offulbad-shoota, who maintains that the Mehrikans, -being a godless people, were aided by the devil.</p> - </td> </tr> -</table> - -</td></tr> -</table> - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-02_1s.jpg" alt="Second July."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>2nd July</i></p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/7-02_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Decorative pillar." > -</div> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/7-02_2s.jpg" alt="W" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">e are on the river that leads to "Washington." Grip-til-lah says we -shall sight it to-morrow. The river is a dirty color.</p> - -</td></tr> -</table> - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-03_1s.jpg" alt="Third July." > -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>3rd July</i></p> - -<div class="figright" > - <img src="images/7-03_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Decorative flag." > -</div> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/7-03_2s.jpg" alt="W" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">e see ahead of us the ruins of a great dome, also a very high shaft. -Probably they belong to the city we seek.</p> - -<table class="cillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-03_4s.jpg" alt="Image: &ldquo;We see ahead of us the ruins of a great dome, also a very high shaft.&rdquo;" > - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="ccaption"> "We see ahead of us the ruins of a great dome, also a very high shaft."</p> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="pubmark"> 1902, by Frederick A. Stokes Company. Printed in America. </p> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -</td></tr> -</table> - -<div> -<br> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-04_1s.jpg" alt="Fourth July."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>4th July</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/7-04_2s.jpg" alt="A" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext"> date we shall not forget!</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Little did I realize this morning when we left the <i>Zlōtuhb</i> in such -hilarious mood what dire events awaited us. I landed about noon, -accompanied by Nōfūhl, Lev-el-Hedyd, Bhoz-jā-khāz, Ad-el-pate, -Kuzundam the first mate, Tik'l-palyt the cook, Fattan-la&iuml;z-eh, and -two sailors. Our march had scarce begun when a startling discovery -caused great commotion in our minds. We had halted at Nōfūhl's -request, to decipher the inscription upon a stone, when Lev-el-Hedyd, -who had started on, stopped short with a sudden exclamation. We -hastened to him, and there, in the soft earth, was the imprint of -human feet!</p> - -<div class="figright" style="width:50%;"> -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <img src="images/7-04_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Through the streets of &ldquo;Washington.&rdquo;"> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> Through the Streets of "Washington." </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">I cannot describe our surprise. We decided to follow the footprints, -and soon found they were leading us toward the great dome more -directly than we could have gone ourselves. Our excitement was beyond -words. Those of us who had weapons carried them in readiness. The path -was little used, but clearly marked. It wound about among fallen -fragments and crumbling statues, and took us along a wide avenue -between buildings of vast size and solidity, far superior to any we -had seen in Nhū-Yok. It seemed a city of monuments.</p> - - -<p class="bodytext">As we ascended the hill to the great temple and saw it through the -trees rising high above us, we were much impressed by its vast size -and beauty. Our eyes wandered in admiration over the massive columns, -each hewn from a single block, still white and fresh as if newly -quarried. The path took us under one of the lower arches of the -building, and we emerged upon the other side. This front we found even -more beautiful than the one facing the city. At the centre was a -flight of steps of magnificent proportions, now falling asunder and -overgrown in many places with grass and flowers.</p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-04_5s.jpg" alt="Image: The ruins of the great temple."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> The Ruins of the Great Temple </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="bodytext">These steps we ascended. As I climbed silently up, the others -following, I saw two human feet, the soles toward us, resting upon the -balustrade above. With a gesture I directed Nōfūhl's attention to -them, and the old man's eyes twinkled with delight. Was it a Mehrikan? -I confess to a lively excitement at the prospect of meeting one. How -many were they? and how would they treat us?</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width:60%;"> -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <img src="images/7-04_6s.jpg" alt="Image: The feet upon the portico."> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> The Feet upon the Portico. </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">Looking down upon my little band to see that all were there, I boldly -marched up the remaining steps and stood before him.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">He was reclining upon a curious little four-legged seat, with his feet -upon the balustrade, about on a level with his head. Clad in skins and -rough cloth he looked much like a hunter, and he gazed quietly upon -me, as though a Persian noble were a daily guest. Such a reception was -not gratifying, especially as he remained in the same position, not -even withdrawing his feet. He nodded his curious head down once and up -again, deeming it apparently a sufficient salutation.</p> - -<p class="bodytext"> -The maintenance of my own dignity before my followers forbade my -standing thus before a seated barbarian, and I made a gesture for him -to rise. This he answered in an unseemly manner by ejecting from his -mouth a brownish fluid, projecting it over and beyond the balustrade -in front of him. Then looking upon me as if about to laugh, and yet -with a grave face, he uttered something in an unmusical voice which I -failed to understand.</p> - -<table class="cillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <br> - <img src="images/7-04_4s.jpg" alt="Image: &ldquo;He remained in the same position, not even withdrawing his feet.&rdquo;" > - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="ccaption"> "He remained in the same position, not even withdrawing his feet." </p> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="pubmark"> 1902, by Frederick A. Stokes Company. Printed in America. </p> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - - -<p class="bodytext">Upon this Nōfūhl, who had caught the meaning of one or two words, -stepped hastily forward and addressed him in his own language. But the -barbarian understood with difficulty and they had much trouble in -conversing, chiefly from reason of Nōfūhl's pronunciation. He -afterward told me that this man's language differed but little from -that of the Mehrikans, as they wrote it eleven centuries ago.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width:18%;"> -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <img src="images/7-04_7s.jpg" alt="Image: The man."> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> The Man. </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">When he finally arose in talking with Nōfūhl I could better observe -him. He was tall and bony, with an awkward neck, and appeared at first -glance to be a man of forty years. We decided later he was under -thirty. His yellow skin and want of hair made him seem much older than -he was. I was also much puzzled by the expression of his face. It was -one of deep sadness, yet his eyes were full of mirth, and a corner of -his mouth was ever drawing up as if in mockery. For myself I liked not -his manner. He appeared little impressed by so many strangers, and -bore himself as though it were of small importance whether we -understood him or not. But Nōfūhl since informed me that he asked a -multitude of questions concerning us.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">What Nōfūhl gathered was this:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">This Mehrikan with his wife and one old man were all that remained of -his race. Thirty-one had died this summer. In ancient times there were -many millions of his country-men. They were the greatest nation upon -the earth. He could not read. He had two names, one was "Jon," the -other he had forgotten. They lived in this temple because it was cool. -When the temple was built, and for what purpose, he could not tell. He -pointed to the West and said the country in that direction was -covered with ruined cities.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">When Nōfūhl told him we were friends, and presented him at my -direction with a hunting-knife of fine workmanship, he pushed out his -right arm toward me and held it there. For an instant Nōfūhl looked at -the arm wonderingly, as did we all, then with sudden intelligence he -seized the outstretched hand in his own, and moved it up and down. -This was interesting, for Nōfūhl tells me it was a form of greeting -among the ancient Mehrikans.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">While all this was going on we had moved into the great circular hall -beneath the dome. This hall was of vast proportions, and there were -still traces of its former splendor. Against the walls were marble -statues entwined in ivy, looking down upon us with melancholy eyes. -Here also we met a thin old man, whose hairless head and beardless -face almost moved us to mirth.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">At Nōfūhl's request our host led the way into some of the smaller -rooms to show us their manner of living, and it would be impossible to -imagine a more pathetic mixture of glory and decay, of wealth and -poverty, of civilization and barbarity. Old furniture, dishes of -silver, bronze images, even paintings and ornaments of great value -were scattered through the rooms, side by side with the most primitive -implements. It was plain the ancient arts were long since forgotten.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">When we returned to the circular hall our host disappeared for a few -moments into a room which he had not shown us. He came back bringing a -stone vase with a narrow neck, and was followed by a maiden who bore -drinking-cups of copper and tin. These she deposited upon a fallen -fragment of the dome which served as a table.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">This girl was interesting. A dainty head, delicate features, yellow -hair, blue eyes, and a gentle sadness of mien that touched my heart. -Had she been ugly what a different ending to this day!</p> - -<p class="bodytext">We all saluted her, and the Mehrikan spoke a few words which we -interpreted as a presentation. He filled the cups from the stone vase, -and then saying something which Nōfūhl failed to catch, he held his -cup before his face with a peculiar movement and put it to his lips. -As he did this Lev-el-Hedyd clutched my arm and exclaimed:</p> - -<p class="bodytext">"The very gesture of the ghost!"</p> - -<p class="bodytext">And then as if to himself, "And this is July fourth."</p> - -<p class="bodytext">But he drank, as did we all, for our thirst was great and the odor of -the golden liquid was most alluring. It tasted hotter than the fires -of Jelbuz. It was also of great potency and gave a fine exhilaration -to the senses. We became happier at once.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">And here it was that Jā-khāz did a fatal thing. Being near the maid -and much affected by her beauty, he addressed her as <i>Hur-al-missa</i>,<a name="NtD_4" href="#Nt_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> - -<span class="rightnote"> <a name="Nt_4" href="#NtD_4">[4]</a> The most angelic of women. </span> - - which, of course, she understood not. This -were well had he gone no further, but he next put his arm about her -waist with intent to kiss her. Much terrified, she tried to free -herself. But Jā-khāz, holding her fair chin with his other hand, had -brought his lips almost to hers when the old man raised his heavy -staff and brought it down upon our comrade's head with cruel -swiftness. This falling stick upon a solid skull resounded about the -dome and echoed through the empty corridors.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Bhoz-jā-khāz blinked and staggered back.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Then, with fury in his face, he sprang savagely toward the aged man.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">But here the younger Mehrikan interfered. Rapidly approaching them -and shutting tight his bony hand, he shot it from him with startling -velocity, so directing that it came in contact with the face of -Jā-khāz who, to our amazement, sat roughly upon the marble pavement, -the blood streaming from his nostrils. He was a pitiful sight.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Unaccustomed to such warfare we were seriously alarmed, and thought -him killed perhaps. Ad-el-pate, a mighty wrestler, and of powerful -build, rushed furiously upon the Mehrikan for whom I trembled. But his -arm again went out before him, and Ad-el-pate likewise sat. A mournful -spectacle, and every Persian felt his heart beat fast within him.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">By this time Jā-khāz was on his feet again, purple with rage. With -uplifted scimitar he sprang toward our host. The old man stepped -between. Jā-khāz, with wanton cruelty, brought his steel upon the -ancient head, and stretched him upon the floor. For an instant the -younger one stood horror-stricken, then snatching from the floor the -patriarch's staff&mdash;a heavy stick with an iron end&mdash;he jumped forward, -and, quicker than words can tell it, dealt a frightful blow upon the -head of Jā-khāz which sent him headlong to the ground with a broken -skull.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">All this had happened in a moment, and wild confusion followed. My -followers drew their arms and rushed upon the Mehrikan. The girl ran -forward either from terror or to shield her spouse, I know not which, -when a flying arrow from a sailor's cross-bow pierced her to the -heart.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">This gave the Mehrikan the energy of twenty men.</p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-04_8s.jpg" alt="Image: The slaughter of the Persians"> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> The Slaughter of the Persians </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="bodytext">He knocked brave Kuzundam senseless with a blow that would have killed -an ox. Such fury I had not conceived. He brought his flying staff like -a thunderbolt from Heaven upon the Persian skulls, yet always edging -toward the door to prevent his enemies surrounding him. Four of our -number, in as many minutes, joined Jā-khāz upon the floor. Kuzundam, -Ad-el-pate, Fattan-la&iuml;z-eh, and H&auml;-tak, a sailor, lay stretched upon -the pavement, all dead or grievously wounded.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">So suddenly had this taken place, that I hardly realized what had -happened. I rushed forward to stay the combat, but he mistook the -purpose, struck my scimitar with a force that sent it flying through -the air, and had raised his staff to deal a second for myself, when -brave Lev-el-Hedyd stepped in to save me, and thrust quickly at him. -But alas! the Mehrikan warded off his stroke with one yet quicker, and -brought his stick so swiftly against my comrade's head that it laid -him with the others.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">When Lev-el-Hedyd fell I saw the Mehrikan had many wounds, for my -comrades had made a savage onslaught. He tottered as he moved back -into the doorway, where he leaned against the wall for an instant, his -eyes meeting ours with a look of defiance and contempt that I would -willingly forget. Then the staff dropped from his hand; he staggered -out to the great portico, and fell his length upon the pavement. -Nōfūhl hastened to him, but he was dead.</p> - -<table class="bwillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-04_9s.jpg" alt="Image: The last of the Mehrikans."> - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="bwcaption"> The Last of the Mehrikans </p> - - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div> -<br> -<br> -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">As he fell a wonderful thing took place&mdash;an impossible thing, as I -look back upon it, but both Nōfūhl and I saw it distinctly.</p> - -<div class="figright"> - <img src="images/7-04_10s.jpg" alt="Image: Persian shoe." > -</div> - -<p class="bodytext">In front of the great steps and facing this doorway is a large sitting -image of George-wash-yn-tun. As the Mehrikan staggered out upon the -porch, his hands outstretched before him and with Death at his heart, -this statue slowly bowed its head as if in recognition of a gallant -fight.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">Perhaps it was the sorrowful acceptance of a bitter ending.</p> - -<table class="cillo"> - <tr> - <td > - <div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-04_11s.jpg" alt="Image: &ldquo;This statue slowly bowed its head.&rdquo;" > - </div> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="ccaption"> "This statue slowly bowed its head." </p> - - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="spac"> - <p class="pubmark"> 1902, by Frederick A. Stokes Company. Printed in America. </p> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - - - - - -<table> -<tr><td> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-07_1s.jpg" alt="Seventh July."> -<br> -</div> - - - -<p class="jdate"><i>7th July</i></p> - -<div class="figleft"> - <img src="images/7-07_2s.jpg" alt="A" > -</div> -<p class="bodytext">gain upon the sea.</p> - -<p class="bodytext">This time for Persia, bearing our wounded and the ashes of the dead; -those of the natives are reposing beneath the Great Temple. </p> - -<p class="bodytext">The skull of the last Mehrikan I shall present to the museum at Teheran.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/7-07_3s.jpg" alt="Image: Sailing ship." > -</div> - -</td></tr> -</table> - - - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Last American, by J. A. Mitchell - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAST AMERICAN *** - -***** This file should be named 27307-h.htm or 27307-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/3/0/27307/ - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -https://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at https://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit https://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including including checks, online payments and credit card -donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - https://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_01s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_01s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0d7d305..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_01s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_02s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_02s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7f583a2..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_02s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_03s.JPG b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_03s.JPG Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5f27d41..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_03s.JPG +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_03s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_03s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5f27d41..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_03s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_04s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_04s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a1bc19e..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_04s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_05s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_05s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 630970e..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_05s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_06s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_06s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 82fb1dd..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_06s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_07s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_07s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 66afa40..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_07s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_08s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_08s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index dec9484..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/0-00_08s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f3895e5..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b4b5b8b..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1bd9fea..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c9f372b..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-10_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-11_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-11_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 598b3f4..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-11_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-11_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-11_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 284b36c..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-11_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-11_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-11_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6f2fdf3..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-11_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 54045b3..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3d01956..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1d3e552..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 335c52d..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_5s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_5s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index afe198d..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_5s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_6s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_6s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 8bdfb33..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_6s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_7s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_7s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 980d893..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_7s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_8s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_8s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 08da56a..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-12_8s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6012cc6..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4d581b4..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index cd01b8e..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a852623..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_5s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_5s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 369b6cd..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-13_5s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-14_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-14_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5759fe8..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-14_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-14_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-14_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5fe5b59..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-14_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-14_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-14_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 2cad0d3..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-14_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_1.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_1.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 63906c3..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_1.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 224b5df..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 9ac48f7..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3b5e463..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index fb1c29f..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-15_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3382b8d..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 448ccd2..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ffb77ec..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b23526d..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_5s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_5s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ae267ed..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-16_5s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4084912..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0fcac23..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 8e0d468..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5d2b4c8..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_5s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_5s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 994b614..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-17_5s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index eb227e7..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 59d30b6..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ea416e8..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 89c9835..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-18_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f6e74c5..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4da30c3..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e4a4668..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a78c451..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-19_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-20_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-20_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3a623ec..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-20_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-20_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-20_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 28383a1..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-20_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-20_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-20_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 381f977..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-20_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-21_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-21_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ed4a932..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-21_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-21_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-21_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b3166ac..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-21_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-21_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-21_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 77463b2..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/5-21_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-16_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-16_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f5b6ab7..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-16_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-16_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-16_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e9e534c..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-16_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-16_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-16_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ac44d6c..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-16_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-20_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-20_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index dec5d17..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-20_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-20_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-20_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3d2fda1..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-20_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-20_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-20_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3ee132f..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/6-20_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-02_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-02_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 694a8ee..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-02_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-02_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-02_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1d20b0b..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-02_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-02_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-02_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3ae673f..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-02_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 85dcbf2..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index eb03deb..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 034d02d..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 50f366a..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-03_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_10s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_10s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 94127b1..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_10s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_11s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_11s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7fba2cd..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_11s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0a72eb5..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index bf53dcf..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 701e03b..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_4s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_4s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 773cb38..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_4s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_5s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_5s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 63b4ed8..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_5s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_6s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_6s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 8a5e720..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_6s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_7s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_7s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5d9f0f4..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_7s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_8s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_8s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6e88dd8..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_8s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_9s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_9s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ef9aa4b..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-04_9s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-07_1s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-07_1s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5ddbd79..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-07_1s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-07_2s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-07_2s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4d7e824..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-07_2s.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-07_3s.jpg b/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-07_3s.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 8639a37..0000000 --- a/old/old-2025-01-06/27307-h/images/7-07_3s.jpg +++ /dev/null |
