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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Doctor Jones' Picnic, by S. E. Chapman
+
+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: Doctor Jones' Picnic
+
+Author: S. E. Chapman
+
+Release Date: December 7, 2008 [EBook #27434]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOCTOR JONES' PICNIC ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Clarke,Graeme Mackreth and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+DOCTOR JONES' PICNIC
+
+BY
+
+S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.
+
+
+SAN FRANCISCO
+
+THE WHITAKER & RAY CO.
+
+PUBLISHERS
+
+
+
+
+Copyrighted 1898, by
+
+S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.
+
+All Rights Reserved
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+I must confess that I offer this romance to the reading public with no
+little trepidation. I am fully aware of having transcended the ordinary
+rules and paths of legitimate romance, and that I have presumed to
+broach fearlessly the deep things of God. The scope of the work is
+infinitely beyond the remotest thought of the writer when he began this
+labor; but as it grew, deepened and broadened upon his hands from day to
+day, like Noah's dove he could find no rest for the sole of his foot,
+and found it impossible to stop short of the Millennium.
+
+The author is ready to substantiate the marvelous cures performed by Dr.
+Jones, for they are cases from practice. One of the objects of this work
+is to stimulate scientific investigation of the law of cure which guided
+the worthy Doctor in his selection of the remedy in a given case.
+
+As to whether Silver Cloud and her achievements be possible or not, I am
+not specially concerned. And whether there are air currents in the
+"upper deep," as described within these pages, is a matter of little or
+no consequence. We are desirous of being fair and magnanimous, and will
+let the burden of proof rest upon the "other fellow."
+
+When we come to the consideration of the means by which the grand finale
+was brought about, then I stand by my colors, and claim to have
+delineated the only way "out of the woods" for the suffering world. And,
+further, the denouement is but the inevitable result of the adoption of
+Golden Ruleism by the world.
+
+No thinking man can fail to see that there is something fearfully and
+radically wrong in this world of ours. The few are getting too much, and
+the millions are getting far too little. The cry of the poor fills the
+earth, and many are the plans that have been devised for the relief of
+the innumerable sufferers; but there is an essential defect in each of
+them, nor is there relief to be obtained short of the power of Almighty
+God. This is fully comprehended in what we have been pleased to call
+Golden Ruleism, in the 2nd and 3d volumes.
+
+Many students and writers upon the signs of the times take an extremely
+pessimistic view of the situation, and believe that we shall witness
+"blood to the horses' bridles." No one can deny that things are
+desperately bad, and that something must be done soon to relieve the
+strain or the very worst may be apprehended; yet the author prefers to
+see things through optimistic eyes, and believes that God will raise up
+a Moses, (or Doctor Jones, if you please,) who will lead us to a higher
+and better state than this world has yet ever known. The old adage 'It
+is always darkest just before dawn,' is beautifully applicable to the
+present state of the world. So I take courage and launch my book out
+upon the tempestuous sea of humanity, trusting that it may be welcomed
+as the harbinger of a better and happier era. I am sure that it bears to
+the world the olive branch of peace.
+
+As is usual with prefaces, this one is anticipatory and can only be
+appreciated after one has perused the book. So I make the request of the
+reader that he re-read it after having become acquainted with the scheme
+and scope of the work.
+
+This volume is to be immediately followed by volumes two and three,
+which complete the set.
+
+S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.
+
+Napa, Cal., Dec. 13th, 1897.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+                                                             PAGE.
+
+Chapter I.  "Figures don't lie."                                1
+
+"  II.   Two men resolve to go picnicking.                      7
+
+"  III.  Mrs. Jones offers some objections.                    10
+
+"  IV.  Mrs. Jones dictates terms.                             14
+
+"  V.    The Government joins the picnickers.                  18
+
+"  VI.   Off on a shoreless sea.                               22
+
+"  VII.  A Gunpowder tea party.                                25
+
+"  VIII. Relating how the beautiful picnic progressed.         32
+
+"  IX.   In the heart of Labrador.                             38
+
+"  X.    A message from the skies.                             49
+
+"  XI.   Is the world growing better?                          54
+
+"  XII.  Greenland's Icy Mountains and the Russian Bear.       63
+
+"  XIII.  Beauty and the Beast.                                75
+
+"  XIV.   Doctor Jones commits treason.                        83
+
+"  XV.    A model teacher and an ideal student.                94
+
+"  XVI.   The Count steps over the line.                      100
+
+"  XVII.  Farewell to Beauty and the Beast.                   108
+
+"  XVIII. Woman locates the North Pole.                       118
+
+"  XIX.   The planting of the Flagstaff.                      125
+
+"  XX.    Battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.    135
+
+"  XXI.   Things material and spiritual.                      143
+
+"  XXII.  Familiar scenes and faces.                          151
+
+"  XXIII. The world at the feet of Doctor Jones.              164
+
+"  XXIV. Ho! for the SOUTH POLE!                              175
+
+
+
+
+DOCTOR JONES' PICNIC.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+"Figures Don't Lie."
+
+
+The North Pole! That spot upon earth so environed with trackless fields
+of unbroken snow and mountains of ice; with an atmosphere so cold that
+none but the bravest and hardiest of mankind can breathe it and live.
+And yet these apparently insuperable obstacles have but stimulated men
+to do and dare all things, so that they might but reach that _ultima
+thule_. In vain have our utilitarians cried, "Qui bono?" God has planted
+within man the spirit of lordship and domination; and, true to that
+spirit, he will never rest until Nature shall have yielded up to him her
+last secret, and his restless foot shall have trodden the wildest and
+farthest spot of earth. Then, and not till then, will he stand crowned
+"Lord of Creation."
+
+In this faithful history of the discovery and exact location of the
+North Pole, it is not necessary to bring before the reader in historical
+review the many illustrious names and grand heroisms of former explorers
+of Arctic regions. They did marvelous deeds, beyond the comprehension of
+those who did not actually participate in them. They sacrificed
+thousands of noble lives, and undoubtedly did all that could be done
+with the means at their command. Ah! there we have struck the keynote.
+The means at their command were inadequate, and nothing but failure and
+disaster could result from their best laid plans and efforts.
+
+Dr. Jonathan Jones sat in his office in the populous, thriving city of
+R----, situated in one of our western states. He occupied an easy chair,
+heels upon a low, flat-topped writing desk, newspaper in hand, reading
+an account of the failure of Dr. Nansen to reach the North Pole. That
+renowned and hardy explorer proposed reaching the spot by floating on an
+ice floe. We are all familiar with the fact that he did actually get to
+within about three hundred miles of the coveted spot, but was obliged to
+turn back for want of dogs and sledges.
+
+Dr. Jones laid the paper down with a groan. "Will they never learn?" he
+apostrophizingly cried to a bust of Hahnemann that rested upon a bracket
+in a corner of the room. "They can never get there on any such lines. I
+believe it to be a perfectly feasible scheme, if worked out on simple
+scientific principles. If I had capital, I would try it."
+
+He sat with the points of his extended fingers touching each its mate of
+the opposite hand, and mused for several moments. Suddenly he seized a
+pencil, and rapidly jotted down figures, lines, and characters that
+meant nothing to any mortal but himself.
+
+"Figures don't lie!" he shouted to aforesaid bust. "That depends,
+Doctor, on whether they are legitimately used or not. Sometimes they are
+made to represent the vilest untruth," said a voice behind him. The
+Doctor wheeled about and encountered the genial countenance of Mr. A.L.
+Denison.
+
+"Hullo! Denison. Just the man I wanted to see. Sit down."
+
+"What's up now, Doctor? Anyone hurt or seriously sick?" inquired
+Denison, as he occupied a chair.
+
+For answer the Doctor read aloud the account of Dr. Nansen's failure to
+reach the North Pole, and then said: "I do not wonder that he failed. No
+one will succeed upon any such lines or plans."
+
+"Well, Doctor, you don't suppose that anyone will ever get there and
+back alive, do you?"
+
+"Whether they will or not, I do not know; but that it is a perfectly
+feasible and rational undertaking, under proper conditions, I as firmly
+believe as I do that I am alive," and he brought his fist down upon the
+desk by way of emphasis with a whack that made the various loose
+articles in the little office rattle. Even the bust upon the bracket
+moved about uneasily, whether by way of approbation or not, this
+truthful chronicle ventures no opinion. Denison looked at the flushed
+face and glittering eyes of the Doctor, moved uneasily in his chair,
+and said: "What's up, Doctor? I never knew you to drink. Getting off?"
+tapping his _os frontis_ with his forefinger significantly.
+
+"Denison," replied the Doctor, unheeding the innuendoes of his friend,
+"I tell you that I have a plan for going to, and returning from, the
+North Pole with perfect safety, absolute certainty, and a degree of
+comfort that will reduce the whole expedition to the level of a glorious
+picnic." Denison indulged in a long, low whistle.
+
+"Draw it a little milder, Doctor. Go to and return from the North Pole
+with perfect safety, certainty, comfort, and pleasure! What do you mean?
+I never heard of anything so preposterous in my life!"
+
+"Hitch up to the desk here, and I will soon tell you what I mean," cried
+the Doctor. Denison complied, and the Doctor, seizing a pencil, drew
+upon a leaf of the scratch book, with a few vigorous strokes, a sketch
+of a globe, thus:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"There," said he, as he gave a few finishing touches. "There you have
+the idea."
+
+"Well, go on."
+
+"This sketch represents a mammoth globe of aluminum, two hundred feet in
+diameter, as you will notice.
+
+"I see," assented Denison.
+
+"We have, then, a great hollow globe, consisting, as I said before, of
+aluminum. I have chosen that material for two obvious reasons; lightness
+and strength. The globe is simply to be floated by heating the
+atmosphere within it."
+
+"What will you heat it with, and how long do you suppose it will be
+before your globe returns to the earth?" asked Denison.
+
+"Your questions are quite practical, and I am ready to answer them.
+There are to be three skins or coverings to our globe, with a foot of
+space (or air blanket, if you please) between them. This affords us two
+air chambers that materially prevent the radiation of heat. Once heated,
+a very little fuel will keep the interior of our great air-ship at the
+desired temperature. You see, at the inferior or lower part of the ship,
+a square apartment attached, plentifully supplied with windows. That
+represents the living and store rooms. The living rooms are to be
+comfortably furnished, and no reason can be alleged why we should not
+enjoy in them absolute comfort. In our store-rooms, we will carry one
+year's supply of food. And in tanks of sufficient size, petroleum (or
+whatever combustible we conclude to be most suitable) for heating and
+cooking purposes. See?"
+
+"I see," said Denison.
+
+"You will observe that so conservative of heat is this arrangement that
+every particle of caloric created in the living rooms, or cabin below,
+helps by that much to float the great globe. All the warmth from cooking
+and heating; the heat and smoke from our pipes and cigars; yea, even the
+animal heat which radiates from our bodies, all subserve the one great
+purpose and function--keeping up the temperature and buoyant effort of
+the globe. Do you begin to catch on?" fairly shouted the enthusiastic
+Doctor.
+
+"Well, it looks very well so far," returned Denison slowly. "But, my
+dear sir, I foresee one difficulty that in your enthusiasm you seem to
+have overlooked. You can never guide or steer this immense ship. It must
+go with the wind, and you are just as likely to go to the South Pole as
+to the North, and very unlikely to go to either. You must excuse me,
+but this last is certainly an insuperable obstacle to your making
+anything practicable of your idea."
+
+"I admit at once that this great body could not be steered, nor in any
+degree guided by any apparatus that we could devise," assented the
+Doctor. "But that we should be obliged to float aimlessly, hither and
+thither, altogether the creatures of chance, I do not for a moment
+admit. The equator, receiving as it does, the vertical rays of the sun,
+is by far the hottest portion of the earth. The atmosphere at that
+quarter, being constantly superheated and correspondingly rarified,
+ascends into the vault above. This creates a semi-vacuum below, and the
+cooler atmospheres north and south of the equator rush in and fill the
+aforesaid vacuum. Pouring in from opposite directions with an impetus
+that often amounts to hurricanes, they boil up as they meet, miles into
+the firmament above. They then set off in two strong currents toward
+either Pole. What is the natural inference? The navigators of our
+air-ship have the power to raise and lower at pleasure. Obviously, there
+is but one thing for sensible men to do: Let her rise until we strike a
+northerly current, if necessary, and remain in it so long as it is
+favorable; when it changes, rise or lower until another favorable
+current is found, etc. Do you happen to think of any more 'insuperable'
+obstacles, my dear sir?"
+
+"Well, I must say that while I am not convinced of the practicability of
+your scheme, still you meet my objections in a way that is quite
+surprising, and which shows that you have given the matter much thought;
+yet I am not sure that you will not run upon difficulties that will make
+it altogether impossible. For instance, there is the cost of so vast an
+undertaking. It would cost hundreds of thousands, at the least
+calculation."
+
+"Now, Denison, you have struck the only real difficulty that I can think
+of. I really have no idea of who will furnish the money. I had not
+thought even of asking anyone to do so."
+
+Patients came in at this juncture, and Denison took his departure. A few
+days later, however, he returned, and when the Doctor was at leisure,
+opened the conversation by asking if anything had developed with regard
+to the air-ship building.
+
+"O, ho!" cried Dr. Jones, "you are getting into my way of thinking on
+that subject, are you?"
+
+"Well, to tell you the truth, I have thought of it considerably since I
+saw you. I would like, at least, to see it tried."
+
+"There is but one way to do: If you get interested sufficiently to wish
+to take hold, we will see if we cannot stir up our friends and form a
+stock company. Or, failing in that, we might have a working model built,
+and I think we could induce the Government to take hold of the matter."
+
+Denison called frequently during the following month, and it was evident
+that he was fast becoming imbued with the Doctor's ideas and
+enthusiasm.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Two Men Resolve to Go Picnicking.
+
+
+One afternoon, the Doctor being at leisure, he and Denison talked long
+and earnestly of their never-failing theme, the aluminum globe. Denison
+finally said:
+
+"You know, Doctor, that I never go into anything without due
+consideration. I have studied this matter over carefully, and am willing
+to chance it with you. We have been acquainted a great many years, and I
+never knew you to make any bad breaks. I have nothing else to do at
+present, and have a few thousands that I am willing to risk in this
+business. If I lose it I shall let it go for experience and blame no one
+but myself."
+
+"Denison, you know very well that I would not lead you into anything
+that would do you an injury, financially or otherwise, for anything in
+the world. I had not thought, indeed, of asking you to take any part or
+stock in this scheme. I believe in it with all my soul, but had not
+allowed myself to seriously think of promoting or investing in it. You
+had better think of it for a while longer."
+
+"As I told you," returned Denison, "I have given it very serious thought
+for several weeks. I have every confidence in the world in you, and my
+mind is thoroughly made up now that I wish to go with you into this
+enterprise. You know that since my wife died I have done little or
+nothing. I have no family to occupy my mind, and this is the first time
+since her death that I have felt any interest in anything. It took
+something extraordinary, like your scheme, to wake me up. So here I am,
+Doctor, yours for the North Pole!"
+
+"Well, old friend, you are a man of the right spirit," said Dr. Jones,
+taking him by the hand, "and I am willing to do with you what we can to
+get the Government interested in this matter. What shall be our first
+move?"
+
+"How can you leave your business or get any time to do anything in this
+undertaking?" asked Denison.
+
+"I will tell you: I have been right here, at the old stand, for
+twenty-odd years. In all that time I have never taken a vacation of any
+sort. I have for years been intending to do so, but something always
+prevented. Now I have an opportunity to put a good man into my place,
+and I feel the necessity of taking a rest of a year or so. This looks
+like just the chance for me. So you may consider that question settled.
+Now, what shall be our first move?"
+
+"Since we are each determined to take hold of this venture, Doctor, I
+suppose that the first thing will be to get an architect to figure on
+the thing, and give us necessary figures and data. And I have just the
+man--Will Marsh, office on Main Street. He is an extraordinary fellow, a
+real genius, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. Let's see him
+right away. I'm catching your spirit of enthusiasm, Doctor, and what
+does a man amount to without enthusiasm in this age of the world?"
+
+"Well, of course, the enthusiast is numbered with the cranks," replied
+Dr. Jones. "But, Denison, the cranks are the only men who accomplish
+anything of note in this world. I have really great respect for cranks,
+if they only are honest and not too abusive. So we may as well
+anticipate the dear public, and enroll ourselves among the cranks."
+
+"All right," returned Denison, "'Sail on!' as Joaquin Miller has
+Columbus say to the faint-hearted sailing master. 'The North Pole or
+bust!' is my motto now."
+
+"That's right, that's right," grinned the Doctor, amused to see the
+enthusiasm he had aroused in his friend. "And now let's to business. I
+am ready to go with you and see the architect."
+
+So together they walked to the office of that gentleman. They found him
+in and at leisure, and they immediately opened their business to him.
+The Doctor took the lead, Denison occasionally offering a suggestion.
+Mr. Marsh proved to be a good listener, jotting down the items as they
+were given him, and they made excellent progress. Evidently Dr. Jones
+had studied the subject very thoroughly, for he gave measurements and
+specifications with a readiness and accuracy that were surprising.
+
+"And now, Mr. Marsh, there are doubtless some important points that have
+not occurred to me, and which you will discover. What we want at
+present is an approximate estimate of the cost, carrying and floating
+capacity of our globe. I think you have the idea as nearly as we can
+give it, and please let us know all about it as soon as possible," said
+Dr. Jones as they were about to depart.
+
+"I will do so, sir," replied the architect, "but you understand that
+your project is so extraordinary--if I may be allowed to say so--that it
+will require several days before I can give you any definite
+information. I must go to the city and ascertain the prices of material,
+etc."
+
+"We understand that, Mr. Marsh; only please do not neglect to attend to
+it immediately."
+
+With this parting injunction they bade him good-day and departed, each
+to his home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Mrs. Jones Offers Some Objections.
+
+
+But Dr. Jones met great opposition in a quarter that was not so easily
+disposed of. He had a wife. Mrs. Jones was a very intelligent and lovely
+woman, younger by some fifteen years than the Doctor. She must be
+consulted. He broached the subject very cautiously, now and then
+expatiating upon the extreme ease and comfort with which the trip to the
+North Pole might be made. He bought histories of the many Arctic
+explorations, and read them aloud to her. At first she listened
+indifferently, not dreaming for a moment that the Doctor was burning
+with a desire to become an Arctic explorer. Day after day he enlarged
+and dilated upon his plan. Denison often dropped in of an evening, and
+the conversation invariably drifted into the old topic, the aluminum
+globe and the trip to the North Pole.
+
+One evening the architect, Mr. Marsh, with a large paper roll in his
+hand, came with Denison to the Doctor's residence. After the usual
+greetings the Doctor said, "Mrs. Jones, I think we will take possession
+of the dining-room, as we wish to use the table. Come in with us, for I
+am sure that you are greatly interested in the business we have on hand
+to-night."
+
+Mrs. Jones good-naturedly complied, and sat engaged with some knitting,
+while the roll brought by the architect was spread upon the table, and
+weights laid upon its corners. The two schemers gave a cry of delight as
+a truly magnificent sketch of the globe unfolded before their eyes.
+Floating in the firmament, thousands of feet above the earth, with a
+panoramic view of forests, lakes, rivers, mountains and hill elevations,
+fruitful valleys thickly dotted with towns, villages, farms, little
+specks that represented houses, green fields, etc., fading away into
+indistinctness in the far distances of the horizon, all done with such
+patient and faithful regard for detail and artistic appreciation of
+color and perspective, that Mrs. Jones joined in the chorus of
+expressions of unqualified admiration. It was done in water colors, and
+the enraptured Doctor seized one end of it and cried: "Take hold of one
+end, Denison, and help me hold it up against the wall. There, Maggie!
+Denison! Did you ever see anything so absolutely beautiful?"
+
+They declared that they never had. The artist, meantime, stood with
+flushed cheek, his arms folded across his breast, modest and quiet.
+
+"Get tacks and a hammer, Maggie, and we'll fasten it to the wall; then
+we can all sit and enjoy this glorious panorama."
+
+The painting was quickly tacked up in a position for inspection, and all
+sat admiringly before it.
+
+"By the way, Mr. Marsh, you must have done something in the line of
+aeronautism, or you never could have made that painting," observed the
+Doctor.
+
+"No, Doctor, I have never made any balloon ascensions, but I have
+climbed many mountains, both in Europe and America, and have made
+numerous sketches from vast elevations. I have simply drawn upon these
+for my material, and in this painting you have a blending of several of
+them. Of course, I have taxed my imagination to some extent. The central
+object, the globe, air-ship, or whatever you may be pleased to call it,
+is your own conception, or my conception of your idea."
+
+"Well, I am more than pleased with your work. Your execution has so far
+transcended my idea that I take no credit at all in this instance. But
+now we must never rest until we have materialized this splendid
+conception."
+
+So they sat admiring and chatting over the painting some little time.
+
+"Well, Marsh, have you anything more to show us to-night?" asked
+Denison.
+
+"Yes," he replied, "I have some figures and data that I received from
+the city a day or two since."
+
+Drawing their chairs about the table, Mr. Marsh read from a small
+memorandum-book estimate prices of materials, amount and weight of same,
+cost of labor, and finally what he deemed to be the approximate cost of
+the globe complete, furnished and equipped for a one year's voyage.
+
+"I have some suggestions to offer, Doctor. You spoke of having three
+skins or envelopes of aluminum, with air chambers between them that
+would prevent the radiation of heat. Now, I think that we can do better
+than that, though without doubt your idea is practical and would answer
+the purpose; yet I have a plan to offer that will dispense with one
+envelope, and will more effectually conserve heat. Zinc is the best
+nonconductor of heat that I know of. One thin layer of this metal within
+a few inches of the external covering of aluminum will serve you a much
+better purpose and will greatly reduce the cost of construction."
+
+This suggestion met with the immediate approval of the Doctor and
+Denison. They talked and planned until quite a late hour. After the
+departure of the two men Mrs. Jones said:
+
+"Are you seriously thinking of going into this wild scheme, Doctor?"
+
+"Well, Maggie, what do you think of it? Don't you see how perfectly
+feasible and beautiful it is?"
+
+"Why, so far as I know, it may do well enough. But how can you do
+anything with it, and what good would it do you if you could?"
+
+"My dear Maggie! How can you ask such a question! Think of the glory of
+accomplishing that which has defeated some of the best and bravest men
+that the world has ever produced. And think of the importance this
+accomplishment might be to science. Is the undying fame that would
+attach to such a deed to be lightly esteemed? Oh, my dear wife! you know
+how steadily and conscientiously I have labored all these years. More
+than a quarter of a century have I devoted to the care of the sick, with
+scarcely a moment's recreation. The time has come when I feel that I
+must take a vacation. Further than this, I feel that I can do the world
+greater service with my idea of reaching the North Pole, besides
+settling a question as to the possibility of aerial navigation for long
+distances. How can I better spend a year or so than in the promotion of
+this idea? Be a good, brave little wife, as you always have been, and
+don't oppose me in this thing upon which my heart is set."
+
+"And who is to sail this great balloon, or air-ship?"
+
+"Well, as the Dutch captain said when the harbor inspector asked 'Who is
+the captain of this ship?' 'I ish de feller!'"
+
+With these words he assumed a melodramatic attitude. But Mrs. Jones was
+not to be won by any facetiae, and walked up to him, placing her hands
+upon his shoulders, said: "Do you think for one moment that I will ever
+consent to your going off on so fearfully perilous an expedition as
+this? How I should feel to see you sail off into the blue sky, with an
+almost absolute certainty of never seeing you again! I should go insane.
+What would my days and nights be, even though you went and returned in
+all the safety you anticipate? I should go insane in less than a week
+with anxiety. Do as you please so far as promoting the construction of
+the globe is concerned, but never will I consent to your going in it."
+
+"Maggie, Maggie, don't be so foolish. I do not intend going until I have
+perfectly satisfied you that I am not more safe in our home than I
+should be in our great ship."
+
+"All right!" she cried. "You are not to go, then, until I freely
+consent."
+
+"O, hold on!" he answered. "Don't construe me so ungenerously. I only
+said that I would first convince you of my safety."
+
+"That you can never do, and you may as well give it up. It cannot be a
+safe undertaking. It makes me faint to even think of it. Just imagine
+yourself in that cabin now," pointing to Marsh's painting that still
+hung upon the wall.
+
+"I wish to heaven I was," growled the Doctor.
+
+"I just won't hear another word of it!" and she flounced out of the room
+to bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Mrs. Jones Dictates Terms.
+
+
+Several months have passed since the meeting recorded in our last
+chapter. The enthusiasm of the three men (for Marsh was now a member of
+the company) increased as the days went by. A considerable amount of
+canvassing had been done among the moneyed men of the community, but
+with no success. No one could be found who was willing to risk any
+considerable amount of wealth in an enterprise whose outcome was so
+problematical. Fame is all well enough, but there is very little
+sentiment about capital.
+
+After many consultations by the three, it was agreed that nothing
+further could be done at home, and the next move would be a trip to
+Washington. The idea of building a model was abandoned, as the beautiful
+drawings and paintings of the architect completely obviated its
+necessity.
+
+The Doctor had said but little to Mrs. Jones upon the subject that lay
+nearest his heart since the time recorded in our last chapter. Though he
+went about his professional duties as usual, yet that astute little lady
+thoroughly understood that he was far from laying aside this great
+ambition of his life. And she also realized that a crisis was
+approaching when quick, sharp work must be done, and she had determined
+what she should do.
+
+The Doctor, meantime, furtively watched day by day the lovely face of
+his wife. But he might as well have spent the same time studying the
+face of the Sphynx. He could not decide whether she was acting a part
+most beautifully, or had dropped the matter as settled. It cost her a
+great struggle to keep from smiling as she looked into his troubled
+eyes, and at times would be obliged to put her handkerchief to her mouth
+to keep back the smiles that dimpled about its corners. She knew that
+the crisis was at hand, and so persevered in her part; and, better than
+all, she knew that she should come off victor.
+
+All things were ripe for the assault upon the Government board of
+science.
+
+"Meet at my house to-night, gentlemen," said the Doctor. "My
+arrangements are all made, and I could start to-morrow morning if my
+wife would consent. I feel more concerned about getting her acquiescence
+than I do about getting the Government interested. I really fear that
+she is like Sambo's mule: 'When he so quiet an' still like, yo' look
+out! He templatin' trouble den, shuah!' There's something up, and I must
+have it out with her to-night; and I want you to stand in and say all
+you can to help me out. We must convince her that there is not nearly so
+much danger in our globe as there is aboard a train of cars or a
+steamship."
+
+So that evening in the dining-room, and upon the same table, Marsh
+spread the drawings and specifications that represented the smallest
+detail connected with the construction of the globe. Mrs. Jones entered
+into the conversation, made suggestions as to the furnishing of food,
+bedding, furniture, etc., until the three men winked and grinned slyly
+at one another, delighted to see the interest she displayed.
+
+"Now, Maggie, I am sure that you cannot see any element of danger in
+this trip," said the Doctor, fixing his eyes upon her very anxiously. To
+his surprise and delight she unhesitatingly said:
+
+"No, I do not see why it should be at all dangerous."
+
+"That's my brave little wife!" shouted Dr. Jones, catching her in his
+arms and kissing her upon both cheeks. "What an old lunkhead I have been
+all this time! Why, Maggie, do you know that I have been terribly
+worried lest you should prove foolish and obstinate and would do all you
+could to prevent my going?"
+
+"I knew it all the time," she replied.
+
+"Just listen to the demure little sinner! Knew that I was worrying all
+this time and never let me see that she understood me at all! What a
+little hypocrite you are! But I forgive you, since you are so
+reasonable."
+
+"But my dear hubby, do not jump at conclusions. There is a condition
+connected with my consent."
+
+"And it is granted now, my dear. What is it?"
+
+"Oh, it is a real easy one!"
+
+"I am sure of that, dear Maggie, for you are the most reasonable woman
+alive. Isn't she, gentlemen?"
+
+Of course the conspirators loudly assented.
+
+"That is very nice of you, gentlemen," said she, bowing gracefully to
+them, "but I know about how much allowance to make for 'soft soap' in
+this case."
+
+"But what is the condition, Maggie?" asked Dr. Jones.
+
+"I go with you."
+
+"To Washington? Certainly you shall, honey."
+
+"I go with you in the globe, to the North Pole, or any other place the
+wind may blow us."
+
+"You--what!"
+
+"I have said it."
+
+The Doctor dropped into a chair with a groan. "I knew it! I knew she
+meant mischief all the time."
+
+"But my dear woman," cried he, jumping from his chair again, "don't you
+see the utter impossibility of your going on so hard and perilous a
+voyage? You could never endure it in the world."
+
+"Hardships and perils, indeed!" said she mischievously. "Haven't you
+said over and over in my presence that this was simply a beautiful
+picnic trip and perfectly safe?"
+
+"Well--er--er," stammered the Doctor, "but, Maggie, it would be no place
+for a woman, you know."
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir, but I do not know anything of the kind. Do you
+suppose that I have sat here all these months listening to you men talk
+of this scheme without becoming a convert to your theories? No, Doctor,
+I am as enthusiastic as any of you in this matter. The North Pole fever
+is like the measles, very contagious, and I have a severe attack of it.
+Now you have all agreed that I am the most reasonable woman living, and
+you cannot accuse me of being unreasonable simply because I wish to go
+with you on this safe, comfortable and perfectly beautiful picnic
+excursion."
+
+This turn of affairs was so complete a surprise to the three men that
+they sat silent with consternation for a few moments.
+
+"Come to think of it, gentlemen, I am pleased for one that Mrs. Jones
+wishes to accompany us. Why should she not?" said Marsh.
+
+Mrs. Jones beamed upon him so warmly that he blushed to his ears.
+
+"One vote for me," she gayly exclaimed. "Now, Mr. Denison, on the score
+of old friendship, I claim your franchise."
+
+"And you have it, my dear madam," cried Denison. "Yours for the North
+Pole, Mrs. Jones."
+
+She gave a hand to each of her coadjutors, and turning to Dr. Jones,
+said: "Don't you see what a splendid lobbyist I am, Doctor? You will
+need me when you get to Washington."
+
+The Doctor's face was a study. At length he said: "Woman is the most
+unaccountable creature in the universe. I expected to-night to have made
+the plea of my life, and I declare for it, if she hasn't turned the
+tables completely upon me, and actually stands there imploring to go
+with us, instead of going into hysterics and making no end of
+opposition. Well, honey," putting his arm about her waist, "I took you
+for better or worse, but I did not expect to take you to the North Pole.
+I yield to the inevitable, gentlemen. Allow me to introduce you to No.
+4, North Pole Aluminum Globe Co."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Government Joins the Picnickers.
+
+
+Not many days later found our friends comfortably located in a hotel in
+the national capital. The Doctor was quite well acquainted with the
+representative from his congressional district, and was supplied with
+letters of introduction from influential parties to members of both
+houses. By a judicious use of these, they managed to obtain a hearing
+before the scientific and geographical departments of the Smithsonian
+Institute. So thoroughly had Dr. Jones and Mr. Marsh mastered the
+details of the subject that they immediately made a favorable impression
+upon that learned body. After some weeks spent in investigation, they
+unanimously voted in favor of the project, and recommended that Congress
+grant appropriations for that purpose.
+
+After a certain amount of lobbying (in which, I am glad to say, No. 4's
+services were not required), an amount in accordance with the
+architect's estimates was passed by both houses, and duly signed by the
+President. Nothing could exceed the joy and satisfaction of the four
+friends. They now hurried to their homes and made arrangements for
+permanently moving to Washington. A few weeks later, we find them
+settled in a pleasant home in the capital, "a busy lot of happy cranks,"
+as Mrs. Jones expressed it.
+
+The building contract was awarded a Washington company, whose foundries
+and shops are located upon the Potomac, adjacent to the city. The work
+is being done under the general supervision of Marsh and the three
+friends. It is not long before the vast scaffolding that is built up as
+the long, slender, silver-like ribs of the aluminum framework are put in
+place, begins to attract the attention of the surrounding populace. And
+well it might, for as the beautiful globe began to assume shape,
+certainly nothing so colossal of the kind had ever been seen before
+upon earth. And as one stepped inside the mighty ball and looked up
+through the vast network of aluminum rods and braces that ran in every
+conceivable direction, looking like silken threads in the great
+distances above, the feeling inspired was one of awe and unbounded
+admiration.
+
+The work was pushed forward with all possible expedition. The summer
+passed rapidly away. As winter drew near, a vast roof was built over the
+globe, and all was securely shut in from the inclemencies of that
+inhospitable season. All winter the hundreds of hammers, busily riveted
+the sheets of aluminum and zinc into place, and by spring the globe, the
+splendid creation that had existed in the brain of Dr. Jones, was an
+actuality. Language is inadequate to describe the sensations of the
+little company of promoters. They said but little, but would often stand
+in a group, gaze upon it, then into each other's eyes, and smile and wag
+their delighted heads.
+
+The newspapers were not slow, meantime, in keeping the public informed
+of all that could be learned of the unique enterprise. Reporters
+besieged the projectors, in season and out. Our friends freely gave them
+all possible information, and no little interest was excited all over
+our great land. People came from every quarter of the Union, many from
+Europe to see the mighty, glistening sphere. The crowds were so vast
+that work was impeded, and it became necessary to restrict admission. A
+nominal entrance fee was charged, but that only seemed to stimulate the
+eager sightseers. So the public were, of necessity, finally entirely
+excluded.
+
+Then the roof of the building was removed, and the whole structure
+gradually, except so much of it as was absolutely necessary to maintain
+the globe in position.
+
+The cabin was attached to the bottom of the globe, forty feet square,
+with ten feet between the floor and ceiling. It was divided off into
+several bedrooms, sitting and dining-rooms, kitchen, smoking-room,
+store-rooms, oil tanks, etc. In the center was a room, fifteen feet
+square, that was called the engine-room. Everything that could be
+thought of that could add to comfort had been supplied, always with
+reference to compactness and weight. Not an ounce of superfluous weight
+would the architect allow. He had calculated very carefully and knew to
+a pound, almost, just what his great ship would carry, and how much
+fuel would keep her afloat a certain number of hours. But the thing that
+aroused the admiration of the public was the aluminum shaft that passed
+from the floor of the cabin straight up through the center of the globe,
+and extended on above it full ninety feet. And from this dizzy height,
+floated "Old Glory," constructed of fine wire of that same beautiful,
+evershining metal, aluminum. Round and round this splendid shaft, up
+through the globe, wound a delicate stairway. From its top stair, one
+stepped out into a small observatory, well supplied with windows upon
+its four sides. The stairway was protected from the hot air of the
+interior of the globe by a zinc coating, so that the mast and stairway
+really passed up through the center of a zinc tube standing on end, and
+about six feet in diameter.
+
+Already it is an inspiring sight to stand in the observatory, situated
+exactly upon the top of the sphere, and look away into the surrounding
+country, up and down the Potomac, and over the lovely capital city. But
+what will it be when suspended in the air, thousands of feet above terra
+firma?
+
+"Do you feel no fear, Maggie?" asked the Doctor, as they stood with
+Marsh and Denison and looked from this great height.
+
+"Not the slightest tremor," she replied, and she looked so brightly and
+bravely into their faces that Denison said: "I really believe, Doctor,
+that she will prove to be the best sailor of the lot."
+
+"I wish we had a female companion for you, Maggie. I have a great mind
+to advertise for one," said Dr. Jones.
+
+"I beg you to do no such thing. She will be sure to be finical,
+cowardly, or disagreeable in some way. And then such a host of all sorts
+of creatures as would reply to your advertisement. We shall do very well
+without her," replied Mrs. Jones.
+
+"But I am sure it would be much pleasanter for you, Maggie. Don't you
+know of a female acquaintance that you would like to have accompany
+you?" persisted Dr. Jones.
+
+"Well, let me think. If Mattie Bronson could go, it would afford me the
+greatest pleasure."
+
+"The very thing!" declared the Doctor in his usual emphatic way. "Mattie
+is a lovely, brave, all-around nice girl. Let it be Mattie, by all
+means."
+
+Denison and Marsh expressed their entire satisfaction with this
+arrangement.
+
+"I will write her immediately to come and visit us, and then I am sure
+that we can prevail upon her to go with us," said Mrs. Jones.
+
+They then descended the long, slender stairway, and returned to their
+home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Off on a Shoreless Sea.
+
+
+About the middle of April appeared the following in one of the leading
+papers:
+
+"Last night our citizens, and a tremendous overflow of visitors were
+treated to the most magnificent sight their eyes ever beheld. The great
+aluminum globe, about which all the world has been agog for so long,
+arose and stood for three hours above the city, some two hundred and
+fifty feet. The whole mighty sphere was ablaze with myriads of electric
+lights, from the ball of the tapering flagstaff to the beautiful cabin
+below. As it hung suspended above the city, connected with the earth by
+but a slender aluminum chain that looked like a thread of silver
+piercing the skies, a great hush fell upon the hundreds of thousands of
+gazers below. All Nature seemed auspicious to the occasion. Scarcely a
+zephyr was stirring, and the stars shone brightly down upon the scene
+from cloudless skies. One hundred people, consisting of the President
+and cabinet, senators, congressmen, editors, scientific and literary men
+and women, were the favored party who occupied the gigantic ship.
+
+"Suddenly there fell upon the ears of the waiting multitude the glorious
+soprano voice of Mrs. Jones. So far above, yet so thrillingly sweet and
+distinct, one could scarcely refrain from imagining that the Pearly
+Gates had opened, and we were listening to the voice of one of the
+Redeemed. But that illusion was soon dispelled, and we recognized the
+familiar strains of "Star Spangled Banner." And when the whole hundred
+voices swelled the splendid chorus, a great shout arose from the
+multitude like the sound of many waters, beginning directly beneath the
+globe, and spreading away in every direction like billows from a great
+rock, dropped into the center of a quiet lake.
+
+"And so, under the direction of Professor Marsh, brother of the
+architect of the globe, a beautiful and appropriate musical program was
+rendered, lasting nearly an hour.
+
+"We venture the assertion that no performance was ever rendered to so
+great an audience, and certainly not to one more appreciative. And we
+predict that there will be a great demand for liniments and plasters for
+some weeks to come. For standing two hours or more with the back of
+one's head resting upon the cervical portion of one's spinal column, and
+screaming at the top of one's lungs a good portion of the time, with
+eyes unblinkingly and unwinkingly set upon the inconceivably splendid
+globe, all this we assert to be highly conducive to stiff neck and sore
+throat. And it is a question whether many of that innumerable, entranced
+audience will be able to keep their hearts and minds upon things
+terrestrial for a considerable time to come. From the bottom of our
+hearts, we commiserate every member of the race who missed the sights
+and sounds of last evening.
+
+"All arrangements are now completed, and day after to-morrow, weather
+favorable, Dr. Jones and party expect to sail at the hour of noon, away
+for the North Pole. Nothing has been omitted that could insure the
+success of the expedition, and we feel confident of all that could be
+hoped for, or desired by the enterprising Doctor and friends."
+
+The hour set for sailing had arrived. The day was beautiful, and a
+moderate breeze was blowing toward northwest. With proud, happy hearts
+the party of navigators stood upon the balcony that ran about the four
+sides of the cabin. This balcony was one of the chief embellishments and
+conveniences of the cabin. It was five feet wide, and extended, as
+before said, about the four sides of the cabin. A balustrade four feet
+high was built along its outer edge. A more exhilarating promenade could
+not be conceived, and right well did our friends enjoy it during the
+notable voyage which we are about to record.
+
+The party consisted of Professor J.Q. Gray, the scientific
+representative of the Smithsonian Institute; Miss Mattie Bronson;
+Professor Fred Marsh; our four friends with whom the reader is
+acquainted; and last, but not least, so far as bodily comforts were
+concerned, Ah Sing, the cook.
+
+As the globe arose slowly to the length of its cable, five hundred feet,
+it seemed to the little company upon the balcony as if the universe had
+assembled to see them off. On the streets, public squares, housetops,
+decks of all ships upon the river, were crowds on crowds of people;
+people anywhere, everywhere; far as the eye could reach was one vast,
+countless host. What wonder that the heart of the Doctor swelled and
+quickened as he looked upon the ocean of upturned faces below, and
+realized that from his fertile brain had sprung the mighty object of all
+this attention. How it pulled and surged at its silver-like cable, as if
+it were a thing of life, and desired to be away toward its destination,
+the North Pole!
+
+The hour of noon was announced by hundreds of bells and whistles. The
+Doctor waved a flag over the balustrade, the anchor was cut loose from
+its fastenings, and away bounded the colossal sphere toward the ethereal
+blue. Upward and still up it arose to the height of three thousand feet,
+trending slowly toward the northwest.
+
+The voices of the multitude sounded like the roar of the sea, and as it
+grew fainter and fainter, the stout-hearted little party realized that
+they were effectually cut off from the world--off on a limitless sea,
+alone with God.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+A Gunpowder Tea-party.
+
+
+Nothing could be completer nor daintier than the cabin and its
+furnishings, divisions, and subdivisions. The rooms of necessity were
+small, but sufficiently large for convenience and comfort. A choice
+selection of best authors had been added by the Doctor. Mr. Will Marsh,
+the architect, had not forgotten a painting, sketching, and
+photographing outfit. Professor Fred Marsh had brought a good supply of
+vocal and instrumental music, and a small aluminum organ of exquisite
+tone and splendid volume. Professor Gray, as a matter of course, was
+abundantly supplied with books, charts, instruments, etc. The ladies did
+not forget to bring knitting, crochet, and sewing work with them. "For
+we cannot be continually craning our necks out of our little nest,
+sightseeing," said Mrs. Jones.
+
+"And then I suppose that we shall be above the clouds a good share of
+the time, with nothing but a fog bank to look at," added Mattie.
+
+Dr. Jones carried a plentiful supply of drugs and instruments. "I have
+not given up practice," said he. "There is no telling how many patients
+I may encounter outside of our little crowd, before we return."
+
+But we cannot stop to enumerate all the conveniences and appurtenances
+of the wonderful sky-ship, now hastening toward its destination. More of
+that later on.
+
+Washington and its crowds of excited people were fast disappearing in
+the distance. To say that no fear was experienced upon the part of any
+of the company would not be strictly true. The ladies were pale and
+silent, and stood with their arms about each other. Very little was said
+by any one, for the sensation of skimming through the air at the rate of
+more than twenty miles an hour at this elevation was too novel and
+thrilling to admit of conversation. All experienced more or less of
+vertigo and nausea, but the Doctor promptly controlled these
+disagreeable symptoms with medicines from his case. All stood at their
+post for something near an hour, Sing excepted. He was rattling about
+among his pots, pans, and kettles as unconcernedly as if in the best
+appointed kitchen in Washington. Finally a general conversation was
+entered into as the first qualms of fear and sickness began to wear off.
+
+"I am delighted with the performance of our ship," said Will. (We shall
+take the liberty of using the given names of the two brothers hereafter,
+Will and Fred.)
+
+"Yes," returned the Doctor, "how easily and smoothly we are going. When
+one looks inside, it is hard to realize that we are flying at the rate
+of nearly thirty miles an hour through the air, three thousand feet
+above the earth."
+
+"And notice how steadily we are moving. Not a tremor nor movement of any
+sort appreciable. How decidedly superior to car or steamboat traveling.
+Here we have no jar, noise, nor dust," continued Will.
+
+"Nor any kind of danger of shipwreck or collision," added Professor
+Gray.
+
+"Well, I'm sure that we are a peculiarly favored lot of travelers," said
+Fred, turning to the organ and playing "Away with Melancholy," with
+great spirit.
+
+"How does the temperature in the globe keep up?" asked the Professor of
+Will.
+
+"I am astonished, Professor," he replied, "it has scarcely varied a
+degree since starting, now two hours, and we are burning no fuel at all
+at present."
+
+"That is truly wonderful," answered the Professor. "At this rate we are
+not likely to run out of fuel."
+
+"No," said Will, "we are safe on that score."
+
+The Doctor and Will now ascended to the observatory. Professor Gray and
+Denison sat beside the ladies upon the balcony. Each was studying the
+topography of the country with the aid of their field glasses.
+
+"See the people everywhere and all waving their handkerchiefs at us,"
+exclaimed Mattie.
+
+"How distinctly we can see their white upturned faces, and how they do
+shout," remarked Mrs. Jones.
+
+"I can see photographers catching snap shots at us," said Denison.
+
+"I dare say that the telegraph and telephone wires are being kept busy
+over us," said Fred, who had just joined the group.
+
+"Not a doubt of it," answered the Professor, "not only in America, but
+all over Christendom."
+
+Dr. Jones and Will now returned from their aerie, the observatory.
+
+"Whew!" exclaimed the Doctor; "if that isn't exercise for you!"
+
+"What is the temperature now?" asked the Professor.
+
+"One hundred and thirty degrees," replied Will. "It has cooled off a few
+degrees."
+
+"Yes, we have descended to the twenty-five hundred foot level," remarked
+the Professor, after consulting the barometer.
+
+"She will skim along many hours before we need to fire up," returned
+Will.
+
+"And how is the view from the observatory?" inquired Denison of the
+Doctor.
+
+"That is the sight of a lifetime," cried Dr. Jones. "Language is utterly
+inadequate to describe it. With the vast, unobstructed view on all
+sides, far as the eye can reach, the great glistening rotund sides of
+the globe rolling away from beneath your feet, giving one a sensation as
+if about to slide off into the awful chasm below, I assure you that it
+is something fearful. But I cast my eye up the shining mast and saw the
+stars and stripes floating there so calmly and serenely, and I
+remembered our glorious mission, and instantly I felt the Everlasting
+Arms about me. I realized as never before in my life, the utter
+littleness of man, and the almightiness of God. Here, floating thousands
+of feet above the earth, we can rest just as implicitly on His promises
+as we ever did in our lives."
+
+These words were said by the Doctor with so much earnestness and
+solemnity that a hush fell upon the company for a few moments. Then Mrs.
+Jones sat at the organ and began singing in a low, sweet voice, Kelso
+Carter's splendid hymn:
+
+   "Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
+   Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
+   Glory in the highest, I can shout and sing,
+   Standing on the promises of God."
+
+Every one of the seven were trained vocalists, and, very happily for the
+pleasure of the company, the four parts were so nicely balanced that
+their voices blended in sweetest harmony. The Doctor and Will and
+Denison sang bass; Fred and Professor Gray tenor, Mattie alto, and Mrs.
+Jones soprano. Mattie possessed an exceedingly rich contralto, while
+Mrs. Jones' soprano was strong, sweet, and clear as a bird's. They all
+joined in the chorus, and when the hymn was finished, Ah Sing, who stood
+in the doorway with his white cap and apron on, encored loudly.
+
+"Velly good. Me heap likee," was his verdict.
+
+"It takes the 'Children of the Skies' to sing that hymn!" cried Denison.
+
+"Hear! Hear!" said Mrs. Jones, clapping her hands. "Isn't that poetic
+and appropriate? The Children of the Skies! That was an inspiration on
+your part, Mr. Denison."
+
+Several more pieces were sung, and the newness of their position began
+to wear off toward evening. After this the rooms were assigned to each
+by the Doctor, who was by common consent, recognized as captain of the
+ship. Himself and wife occupied the largest of the sleeping apartments,
+a beautiful bedroom, twelve feet square. How pure, sweet, and clean they
+all were! The ceilings, walls, floors, and furniture, all of that
+marvelous metal, aluminum. Rugs laid about as required were the only
+covering upon the floors. At six o'clock, Sing announced dinner. As they
+repaired to the dining-room and sat in the dainty aluminum chairs about
+the aluminum table, set with a complete service of the same metal, they
+could not repress their expressions of delight. They sat with bowed
+heads while Dr. Jones invoked the Divine blessing upon the food of which
+they were about to partake, and asked His special protection and care
+during the unknown perils before them. As the meal progressed, they grew
+quite talkative and merry.
+
+"This is high living in more senses than one," remarked Fred as he
+finished a plate of soup.
+
+"Yes," returned Mrs. Jones, "we have picked up a jewel of a cook."
+
+"How are you getting along, girls?" cried the genial Doctor, from the
+lower end of the table where he sat carving the meat.
+
+"Just splendidly, Doctor," replied Mattie, gaily. "Your picnic is
+turning out to be a grander success than you ever could have dreamed
+of."
+
+"I don't know," he returned as his eye swept about the room and out of
+the window. "I had my ideas up pretty high, but I must admit that this
+rather exceeds my highest flights of imagination."
+
+"My ideal of pleasure, so far as eating goes, used to be that of sitting
+in a Pullman dining-car, flying at the rate of forty miles an hour or
+more. I have spent an hour at such a table more than once, looking out
+of the great windows as I ate, and thought I knew all about it. But ah!
+I had never dined with the 'Children of the Skies,'" said Will.
+
+And so they pleasantly chatted through the meal. Mrs. Jones, who sat at
+the other end of the table, poured the tea.
+
+"It may be imagination, but everything seems to taste better than common
+aboard this ship," said Professor Gray. "Now, this tea is remarkably
+fragrant and delicious. It is a beverage that I do not as a rule care
+much for. What particular variety of tea is it?"
+
+"It is the very best quality of Ceylon. I have forbidden the use of any
+other kind by my patients. The Ceylon tea possesses little or no tannic
+acid, and is not nearly so deleterious to weak stomachs as other
+varieties. Speaking of teas, I suppose that you have all heard of one
+brand of tea called 'Gunpowder.' I could tell you a very good story
+about Gunpowder tea if you wish to hear it."
+
+A general desire being expressed to hear it, the Doctor began:
+
+"My maternal grandfather left New York state and moved to the vicinity
+of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1830. Cleveland at that time was a small,
+unimportant lakeport and my grandfather was offered his choice between a
+tract of land upon what is now the most beautiful residence street in
+the world, Euclid Avenue, and a piece at what was called Brighton,
+several miles farther from town. It speaks but little for the old
+gentleman's foresight, but he chose the latter, and so remained a
+comparatively poor man all his life, instead of becoming a millionaire.
+But, by dint of hard work, grandfather prospered as well as his
+neighbors, and was content. In course of time, a hired man became a
+necessary fixture upon the farm, and for many years Pete Wiggs, an
+honest, hardworking German, was grandfather's right-hand man. But Pete,
+jewel of a farmhand though he was, possessed one serious flaw: he
+_would_ have a periodical spree. But, so considerate was he, that he
+always chose a time for his sprees when 'Dere really vos notting else to
+do, Uncle Ezra,' as he assured my grandfather by way of extenuation. So
+it became an understood arrangement that Pete was to be allowed, and
+expected to have, a 'blowout' every spring and fall. One spring day, the
+crops being all in, Pete began making arrangements for one of his
+semi-annuals. 'Now, Pete,' said my grandmother, 'before you get drunk, I
+want you to be sure and not forget to buy me a pound of the new tea I
+have heard of. They call it 'Gunpowder tea.' Now attend to this for me
+before you get to drinking.
+
+'All right, Aunt Lois, so I vill,' replied Pete.
+
+Four or five days later, Pete returned as usual, semi-intoxicated, and
+looking very much the worse for wear.
+
+'Give me dish, Aunt Loish, and I gif you dot Gunpowder dee. Paper proke
+in mine bocket.'
+
+So out of his coat pocket he began to fish great handfuls of tea leaves,
+and a fine, black, granular substance. Grandmother looked at the strange
+mixture critically, and concluded that the reason the tea was so called
+was because part of it so much resembled gunpowder. So she thanked the
+thoughtful Dutchman most kindly, and set it away carefully. A few
+evenings later she invited a number of her neighbors, old cronies, to
+drink Gunpowder tea with her. None of them had ever seen the new variety
+of tea, and all were there, expecting a very great treat indeed.
+
+It was soon poured out and upon the table. Grandmother noticed that its
+color was black as ink, and she felt a thrill of anxiety run down her
+spinal column as she poured it into the cups. Aunt Joanna, my
+grandmother's sister, was the oracle of the settlement on social
+matters, and by tacit consent, all awaited until she had first tasted
+the new beverage. Each felt that a great event was at hand, and the fate
+of Gunpowder tea was about to be settled, once and forever, in that
+settlement. So Aunt Joanna, fully alive to a sense of her position and
+responsibility, with great deliberation took a generous sip of the
+candidate for social favor. Her eyes filled with tears; she coughed
+furiously behind her handkerchief, and a spasm of disgust and nausea
+went to her very toes. Then she sat straight, grim, and silent as
+death. Each of the other old ladies went through about the same motions.
+And now grandmother, who had been puttering about, waiting upon her
+guests, noticed that something was wrong.
+
+'Well, Joan, how do you like Gunpowder tea?'
+
+'Taste it, Lois,' was all Aunt Joan would condescend to reply. She
+complied, taking quite a generous swallow.
+
+'Oh! my stars!' she fairly screamed, 'What horrible stuff is this?
+Waugh!'
+
+'Why, that is Gunpowder tea, Lois,' said Aunt Joan with grim sarcasm.
+'Beautiful, isn't it?'
+
+'There is some awful mistake about this,' said grandmother. 'I'll see
+that drunken Pete about it.'
+
+Pete was called in. Grandmother brought the box of tea out before him
+and said: 'Pete, what is the matter with this tea? It has nearly
+poisoned us all to death. What is this black stuff mixed up with the
+tea?'
+
+The Dutchman looked at it stupidly for a moment, then his mouth expanded
+from ear to ear, and he roared with laughter. 'Dunder und blixen, Aunt
+Loish, but dot vos a goot choke on you. Dot vos Gunpowder dee mitout any
+mishtake,' and again he howled with laughter.
+
+"The long and short of the matter was, that Pete had bought a pound of
+tea and a pound of gunpowder, and had put the two packages into the same
+pocket before getting drunk. During his drunken brawling and fighting
+the papers had become broken, with the result related."
+
+The evening was balmy and beautiful, and they promenaded about the
+balcony until the shades of night had set in. The twinkling lights of
+the towns and farmhouses began to appear. They were passing over the
+mountainous region of southeastern Pennsylvania, and the globe had
+ascended to the four thousand foot level. The wind had shifted to nearly
+due west.
+
+"Where are we now, Doctor?" asked Mattie.
+
+"We are crossing the southern portion of Pennsylvania. We are traveling
+nearly due west. I shall seek a more northerly current to-morrow morning
+if this wind does not become more favorable by that time."
+
+They finally tired of walking and sat conversing until nearly ten
+o'clock, when, by general consent, they retired, except Will, who
+remained up to keep a lookout, and to watch the barometer and
+thermometer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Relating how the Beautiful Picnic Progressed.
+
+
+Shortly before six o'clock all arose. The Doctor and his wife, at her
+earnest solicitation, ascended to the observatory to witness the
+sunrise. Mattie had manifested symptoms of vertigo that morning on first
+looking out, and decided not to go up with them. The exertion of
+climbing that long flight of stairs flushed the lovely face of Mrs.
+Jones, and her cheeks were like twin roses when they reached the
+observatory. Once there, she was glad to sit and rest. The Doctor opened
+the windows and then sat beside her. Mrs. Jones sat quiet and dumb,
+hands clasped, looking out upon the most glorious scene her eyes had
+ever beheld. The sun was just peeping above the horizon. The painting of
+the clouds; the variegated face of the earth; the pure, balmy
+atmosphere; the great globe beneath their feet; the exquisitely graceful
+shaft that pierced the vault nearly one hundred feet above their heads,
+bearing our beautiful symbol of liberty; all these, combined with the
+inspiration that always attends looking out upon the works of God from
+great elevations, thrilled the souls of the two spectators as they had
+never been before in their lives. Thus they sat in silence drinking in
+the beauties of the morning for nearly a quarter of an hour. Approaching
+steps upon the stairway broke the spell, and the Professor and Fred
+stepped into the observatory. As they looked out upon the transcendent
+loveliness of the scene, the Professor raised his hands above his head
+and cried: "'What is man, that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of
+man that Thou visitest him? Thou hast made him little lower than the
+angels, and crowned him with glory and honor.' You told us yesterday
+that you never felt so little as when you looked out from this
+magnificent aerie; but I declare to you, Doctor, that I feel now that
+God has made man a wonderful being. As we go thus sailing through these
+roseate skies in this most splendid creation that ever came from the
+hands of man, I feel like crying with old Elisha, 'My father! My father!
+The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'"
+
+They sat a few minutes and then descended to the cabin. Mattie, Will,
+and Denison were upon the balcony, speculating as to what city they were
+rapidly approaching. Dr. Jones looked at it through his glasses, and
+said: "That is Columbus, the capital city of Ohio. Those great stone
+buildings you see there, inclosed by high stone walls, constitute the
+state prison. It contains at present, I believe, nearly three thousand
+convicts."
+
+"The poor things!" said Mattie. "Just think of the contrast between
+sailing so smoothly and easily as we are doing, away above the world
+with all its cares and sorrows, and being incarcerated within those
+gloomy walls, many of them for life. I am sure that if they could become
+'Children of the Skies,' they would all reform in a short time."
+
+"No, no, Mattie," replied the Doctor, "God did infinitely more than that
+for man. He placed him in the garden of Eden, and he transgressed the
+only restrictive law laid upon him. And he became so vile that the Lord
+was compelled to drown them like so many rats. Beautiful and inspiring
+though our present circumstances and surroundings are, yet they could
+never change the hearts of the majority of those miserable men."
+
+Breakfast was now announced by Sing. The bracing atmosphere of this
+upper region seemed to be very appetizing, for they all ate heartily.
+
+The ship was acting splendidly, continuing at nearly the same level of
+the day before, and but little fuel had been burned during the night.
+The wind had shifted to the south, and they were sailing twenty miles an
+hour, due north. The Doctor rubbed his hands gleefully. "We're getting
+there now, ladies and gentlemen, we're getting there finely. Nothing
+could be better."
+
+The sweet, happy valleys of Ohio were so exceedingly beautiful; the
+little towns appeared so pure and lovely to the voyagers; and the people
+were out in such crowds, cheering them so lustily, that our friends
+could do little else than sit through the day and watch them through
+their glasses. And numerous were the dispatches they wrote and cast
+from the balcony. They could see the people rushing eagerly for them, as
+they reached the earth.
+
+"I wish we had a morning paper," sighed Fred. "I do not doubt that we
+receive some mention in it."
+
+"That is about the only thing I have missed so far," said the Professor.
+"But we can well afford to forego that luxury for what we are now
+enjoying."
+
+"And I really do wish we could attend church Sunday mornings," said
+Mattie.
+
+"Oh! we will have a church service," replied Denison. "I notice that the
+Doctor has brought with him a book of sermons and a Bible. Then we have
+an organ, and the best choir I ever heard. The Doctor or Professor can
+act as parson; and, to make the thing realistic and homelike, I will
+pass the contribution box."
+
+"I will see that he uses a bell punch," cried Fred. This suggestion was
+immediately rejected as unworthy of one of the Children of the Skies.
+
+The Professor sat consulting a map. "We are heading straight for
+Cleveland," he remarked.
+
+"I am really glad of that," said Dr. Jones. "That is my old native town,
+and I have not seen it for many years. The population has doubled
+several times since I left it, immediately after the war."
+
+An hour or so later, as he stood upon the balcony, the Doctor suddenly
+shouted, "There's Cleveland! And that town this side of it is Berea, the
+great stone quarry place. Do you see on the north side of the town those
+brick and stone buildings in a campus? That is Baldwin University, where
+I attended school several years. You didn't dream, dear old girl," said
+he, tenderly and apostrophizingly to said institution of learning, "that
+you would ever turn out such a sky traveler as I am, did you?"
+
+All the glasses were turned upon the University. "We shall pass directly
+over it," said Fred.
+
+"They have sighted us!" cried the Doctor excitedly. "See the students
+pouring out of the buildings! Let's give them some messages." This they
+did in a liberal shower.
+
+They had lowered to the five hundred foot level, so that a good view
+might be taken of the beautiful metropolis of Ohio--Cleveland. They were
+just about passing over it.
+
+"What a splendid city it has grown to be," said Professor Gray.
+
+"Yes, indeed," replied Dr. Jones. "That portion of the city," continued
+he, pointing with his finger, "was formerly called Brooklyn Center. I
+was born a mile or so from there. Yes!" he cried, looking earnestly
+through his glass, "I am quite sure that I can see the old two-story
+farmhouse where I was born. It is, sure as shooting! There is
+grandfather's farm where the 'Gunpowder tea' party was held that I told
+you of. And off here are the Heights, or South Cleveland. In 1862, when
+I joined the army, that was Camp Cleveland. It was then covered with
+rough wooden barracks, but now you see that it is densely built up with
+houses. My regiment, the 124th O.V.I. was in camp there three months
+before we went south."
+
+"You must have been a very small soldier at that time," said Mattie.
+
+"Yes," he replied, "I was but fifteen years old at that time. I didn't
+do much good or harm, for I was but a snare drummer the first two years
+of my soldiering, and the last year I was detailed as mounted orderly at
+brigade headquarters. But just see the people! Give them some messages!
+We shall be out of 'Yankee Doodle' land very soon."
+
+So the half million (more or less) of Clevelanders were treated to a
+shower of greetings.
+
+"If I had thought sooner, I would have dropped anchor here and given my
+old townies a handshake," said the Doctor.
+
+"Too late now, Doctor. We have passed the principal portion of the city,
+and will be above Lake Erie in two or three minutes."
+
+"Yes, yes, I see," sighed the Doctor. "But we may see you again.
+Good-bye, Cleveland."
+
+The blue water of Lake Erie was now rolling beneath them. Steamers and
+sail vessels thickly dotted the face of the beautiful lake; for the
+traffic and travel upon these great inland seas are exceedingly large.
+The Canadian shores were visible, and when Sing announced dinner, the
+splendid domain of Her Majesty Victoria, Ontario, lay widespread before
+them. It was hard to realize that they were not still in their own
+land, so much like it did the peaceful towns, villages, and farms
+appear.
+
+After dinner, the five men, in the little smoking-room, lighted their
+pipes and cigars, and entered into a general chat.
+
+"If this wind holds, we shall be in the Arctics in two or three days,"
+said Will.
+
+"I suppose that we shall then be obliged to get out our furs," replied
+Fred.
+
+"No," returned the architect. "These walls are double as well as the
+floor, with air chambers between, and I can turn hot air into them at
+pleasure. The windows and doors are all double, also, and Jack Frost can
+never penetrate this cabin."
+
+"What a contrast between this luxurious sail through the sky, and the
+buffetings upon sea and land, the hunger, cold, and oftentimes death,
+suffered by former Arctic explorers," said the Professor. "And, Doctor,"
+he continued, "if we make a successful trip, the matter of aerial
+navigation will have been settled. What a power this ship would have
+been in the late war of the Rebellion."
+
+"The war would have been very quickly terminated if our globe had been
+in existence at that time," returned Dr. Jones. "We could have sailed
+above the reach of their best guns and dropped bombs upon them that
+would have destroyed their forts, gunboats, and armies at will. But I am
+glad things were as they were. We fought a fair fight to the finish, and
+settled forever the question of human slavery in America. Had the first
+few battles of the war been won by the North, the South might have laid
+down their arms, and have been permitted to retain their institution of
+slavery. When Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, I remember
+that even we soldiers in the field received the news with a sort of
+shock, and thought our President over-bold. We had not thought of that
+extreme measure as a result of the war. We were simply out to preserve
+the Union."
+
+"And right well you did it, Doctor," said Denison. "I have always
+noticed in reading the history of that war, that in the latter part of
+it you fought with much greater skill and judgment than you did in the
+first year or two."
+
+"That is quite true, and nothing more than what might have been
+expected," replied Dr. Jones. "It is marvelous what we accomplished with
+an absolutely empty treasury, no credit, no standing army to speak of,
+and our little navy scattered to the four ends of the earth. The vast,
+splendidly drilled armies which we brought into existence as if by
+magic, were the wonder of the world. We had everything to learn, both
+North and South, in the matter of logistics. Long lines of
+communications had to be kept open, and such splendid raiders as John
+Morgan, Forest, Mosby, etc., were not slow to break them frequently, so
+that I remember going to bed supperless many times after a hard day's
+march, because our rations had been captured and burned. Our wagon
+trains were something immense, while the big Bell tents were in use; but
+after what were called by the boys 'pup tents,' or 'dog tents,' were
+introduced, the wagon trains were cut down at least three-fourths. For
+the pup tents we carried upon our backs, and so dispensed with the great
+Bell tents that were hauled in wagons. Our trains had been so large and
+cumbersome that military movements were inconceivably slow, and the war
+could never have been fought to a successful issue by the North on those
+lines."
+
+"I suppose, Doctor, that you were in some of the great battles?" asked
+Fred.
+
+"Yes, I was in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, through the
+Atlantic campaign; then under General Geo. H. Thomas we marched back
+into Tennessee, fought a desperate battle at Franklin, and a few weeks
+later annihilated the army at Nashville. While we were doing this,
+Sherman was making his renowned march to the sea. But I'll spin you some
+of my experiences before we get back home. Let's join the ladies."
+
+"I should never tire hearing your war stories," said Fred.
+
+"Yes; and you would be the first one to go to sleep if I should tell you
+of the battle of Chickamauga or Missionary Ridge."
+
+This Fred stoutly denied. "All right," said the Doctor. "I'll test you
+one of these evenings."
+
+"The sooner the better," replied Fred. "And now let's have some music."
+
+They sang several anthems and choruses, and all retired at an early
+hour, except Denison, who stood watch.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+In the Heart of Labrador.
+
+
+The central room of the cabin was called the 'engine room.' It was
+fifteen feet square, with a hole three feet in diameter in one corner,
+now securely covered. It was used for lowering or hoisting objects
+through while the globe was at anchor. An aluminum frame or cage,
+attached to a windlass by a chain of the same material, was used for
+this purpose. A powerful coil steel spring operated the windlass. In
+each of the other corners of the room were anchors of aluminum, also
+attached to windlasses and worked by steel springs. There was a dynamo
+that afforded abundance of light for the ship. This, too, was run by
+spring power. The rooms of the cabin were brilliantly lighted, and the
+spiral stairway, from the foot of the mast which stood upon the center
+of the floor of the engine-room, was illuminated by several lights, up
+to the observatory itself. At the top, or ball of the mast, was a light
+of thirty-two hundred candle power. Altogether, the ship must have been
+at night an object of terrific splendor to the observer below.
+
+Will was the originator of the steel-springs motor idea, and he daily
+attended to winding them with great faithfulness and pride. And it was a
+most invaluable adjunct to the comfort and success of the expedition, as
+will be seen before the end of this history is reached.
+
+At daylight, on the following morning, all were up and looking out upon
+wild Canadian forests. Here and there were small towns and settlements,
+but they realized that they were fast hastening beyond the pale of
+civilization. The wind had moved during the night into the southwest,
+and the Professor informed them that they were sailing at the rate of
+more than thirty miles an hour.
+
+"If this wind will only continue, we shall not be long reaching our
+destination," said the Doctor. "While I am enjoying the trip splendidly,
+yet I am anxious to reach the Pole as soon as possible. After that we
+will start on a general sightseeing tour. But until I have planted our
+aluminum shaft exactly upon the north end of the earth's axis,
+sightseeing is but incidental and secondary."
+
+All day they skimmed like a frigate bird across the face of Canada, at
+an altitude of about two thousand feet. All were delighted with the
+behavior of the ship. Her capacity for floating and retaining heat far
+exceeded their most sanguine expectations.
+
+It was interesting to watch the fast changing appearance of the country,
+and they could note that the timber was rapidly growing smaller.
+Clearings and settlements became more and more rare, and as the day
+closed they were looking upon primitive, unbroken forests, known only to
+hunters, both white and red.
+
+Another night passed without incident. The wind held all night in the
+same quarter. On the following morning the beautiful ship was enveloped
+in a dense fog. "We are in the midst of a great cloud," said Professor
+Gray.
+
+"I think we will rise a few hundred feet and see if we can get out of
+it," replied Dr. Jones.
+
+The temperature within the globe was raised a few degrees, and the ship
+rapidly rose to twenty-five hundred feet altitude. This carried them
+high above the clouds, and it was with new and strange sensations that
+our aerial navigators looked down upon the dense cloud that obscured the
+face of the earth from their view. The sun, meantime, was shining with
+what seemed to them greatly increased splendor in this super-cloud
+region.
+
+"Well, girls," cried the Doctor, "I am for some exercise. Who will mount
+with me to the observatory?"
+
+They each assented, and a few moments later were sitting in that
+elevated place, very warm and breathless from the unwonted exercise of
+the long climb. This was Mattie's first visit to the observatory, and
+her eyes dilated with terror as she looked over the rolling sides of the
+massive globe.
+
+"O, Doctor, Doctor! isn't this perfectly awful! Think of what the very
+slightest mistake or mishap would do. We should go flying down through
+those clouds, and be dashed to pieces in those uninhabited Canadian
+forests. And I suppose that our friends would never hear of us again.
+
+"Tut, tut, Mattie. Cheer up, little girl," said the doctor, very
+soothingly, and patting her head with his steady, strong hand. "No
+mishap is possible. We cannot explode, collapse, burn, collide, nor
+capsize. No enterprise ever entered upon by man possessed so much of
+interest and importance, and was attended by so little of the element of
+danger. You were never safer in your life than you are at this moment.
+Think of it! Here we are above the clouds, the world with all its care
+and heartaches shut out, basking in this glorious sunlight, sailing on
+in this clear, bracing, microbeless atmosphere. The clouds beneath our
+feet, the sun above our heads, and God's empyrean all about us. What can
+be more inspiring and grand? How does the chorus of that old hymn run?
+
+   'Let us look above the clouds,
+     Above the clouds, above the clouds;
+   Up above the stormy clouds
+     To fairer worlds on high.'"
+
+The Doctor sang this simple chorus in his great sonorous voice that rang
+out over the clouds like a bugle blast.
+
+"Well, I declare Doctor, you will not let me get into a real good
+fright," cried Mattie, smiling through eyes filled with tears.
+
+"No, indeed, I will not, Mattie. The only fear I have now is that we may
+keep breakfast waiting. Let's descend."
+
+The forenoon passed away very uneventfully. About the middle of the
+afternoon they were treated to a splendid spectacle. A terrific thunder
+storm raged beneath them; and as they looked below into the inky depths
+of the thunder clouds, pierced and riven by jagged lightnings, followed
+by deafening bellowings and crashings of thunder, and then cast their
+eyes up to the sun shining in full-orbed splendor over all, they
+realized as never before the presence and majesty of Omnipotence.
+
+At four o'clock, P.M. the storm clouds cleared away, and the bleak,
+uninviting face of Labrador was plainly visible. The ship had settled to
+an altitude of fifteen hundred feet, and was moving northeasterly at the
+rate of thirty miles an hour.
+
+"Isn't that a settlement I see ahead a few miles?" asked Will.
+
+The Doctor and Professor Gray decided that it must be a fort or trading
+post. The ship, meantime, was lowering quite rapidly, and was but eight
+hundred feet above the earth.
+
+"I have a mind to drop anchor at that fort for the night," said Dr.
+Jones. "Some fresh meat, especially game and fish, would not be at all
+bad to take. What do you all say?"
+
+A general desire was expressed to do so.
+
+They could see that the inhabitants of the place were greatly excited,
+and were running to and fro. The globe was lowered to within three
+hundred feet of the earth. As they neared the spot, two of the anchors
+were dropped, and soon caught in the birch tree tops. The ship strained
+tremendously at the cables for a moment or two, and then rode easily at
+anchorage, three hundred feet above the buildings.
+
+"Fort ahoy!" shouted the Doctor.
+
+"Ahoy!" replied a hoarse voice.
+
+"What fort is this?"
+
+"This is not a fort, but Constance House."
+
+"Well, we are a party bound for the North Pole, and we wish to buy some
+provisions."
+
+"All right. Come down, and we will do the best we can for you. But I
+think you have scared everybody on the place about to death."
+
+The spring power was turned on, and the windlasses drew the globe to
+within one hundred feet of the earth. Then the Doctor and Denison
+descended in the cage. They met a splendidly built, large man, dressed
+in a semi-arctic suit of woolens and furs. The two voyagers introduced
+themselves, explained their business, and they were received very
+cordially by this man, John Barton, the proprietor and owner of
+Constance House. He invited the whole company to descend and make
+themselves at home as long as they desired to remain. So two by two they
+descended, Sing also joining the group below. The anchors were lashed to
+the trunks of the trees to prevent accidents from sudden gusts of wind.
+
+They found Constance House to be a large one-story stone building, which
+served for both residence and storeroom. One-half of it was devoted to
+the storage of provisions, clothing, and such other goods as are
+required by hunters and trappers. These Mr. Barton exchanged for furs
+with said hunters and trappers. Hunting, trapping, and fishing
+constituted the sole business of the simple-minded inhabitants. Here
+they are born, live, die contentedly, knowing little of and caring
+nothing about the great world which the most of us are so anxious to
+possess.
+
+Barton's family consisted of a wife, two strapping sons, who were
+hunters and trappers, and a daughter. The daughter's name was Jennie,
+aged eighteen. She was a strong, healthy, beautiful girl. Nothing could
+exceed the loveliness of her skin, the whiteness of her even teeth, or
+the graceful shapeliness of her form. Mrs. Jones and Mattie were
+immediately drawn to her. She met their advances freely and frankly,
+though her manners showed at once that she was not accustomed to such
+society. But she was so unaffectedly sweet and pure that the two ladies
+loved her all the better for her unsophistication. Mrs. Barton was an
+invalid, and they did not see her that evening.
+
+After a bountiful supper the whole party drew up to a vast fireplace. In
+it roared a huge fire, for the night was very cold and frosty. For a
+time the air-ship and the object of their voyage was discussed. The
+admiration of Barton and the inhabitants of Constance House for the
+globe was unbounded. The wind had lulled away to a very gentle breeze,
+and the superlatively splendid globe hung above them so majestically,
+and glistened so beautifully in the moonlight, that it is not wonderful
+that these people, who saw and knew so little of the outside world,
+should be struck dumb with wonder and astonishment as they looked upon
+it.
+
+"I must say," said Barton, "that I never experienced such sensations in
+my life as I did when your ship hove in sight. I have been mate of some
+good ships in my time, and have traveled over a good portion of the
+earth. I have seen many strange sights on land and sea, but this beats
+them all by so much that I shall never mention them again. And you are
+going to make the North Pole beyond a peradventure. Nothing could
+please me so well as to make one of your party. But my poor, poor wife!"
+He dropped his face into his hands, and tears trickled down upon his
+massive grey beard. The two sons and Jennie also participated in their
+father's grief.
+
+"What is the matter with your wife?" asked Mrs. Jones, very gently.
+"Perhaps Dr. Jones might do something for her."
+
+"No, no, madam; her case is a hopeless one. I took her down to Montreal
+last year, and the best medical men there were consulted. They could do
+absolutely nothing for her, and I have brought her home to die. I wanted
+to stay there with her, where she could have more of the comforts of
+life, but she preferred to come back to Constance House."
+
+"While I know nothing of the nature of your wife's disease, yet I will
+say that I have cured many cases of so-called incurables. It is not that
+I know more of the nature of disease than the average physician, but I
+use drugs that they know nothing of, will not investigate, look at, nor
+even touch with the longest of tongs," said Dr. Jones.
+
+"But, Doctor, my wife's case is cancer. They showed me the latest and
+best authorities, and they invariably gave what they called an
+'unfavorable prognosis.' You would not undertake to say that this
+fearful disease is curable, would you?" cried Barton, very earnestly.
+
+The Doctor saw that he had a very intelligent and well-informed man to
+deal with. He had conceived a liking for the grand old man, and desired,
+with all his good and kindly heart, to help this noble family in its
+distress and isolation from the civilized world. So he said slowly and
+impressively:
+
+"Mr. Barton, I came to you this afternoon like a messenger from the
+skies. The way in which I came, and the ship in which I sailed, ought to
+entitle my word to some weight with you. Now I am going to say this: I
+have cured cancers, and believe that a large percentage of them are
+curable. I would like to see your wife, and if I can do anything for
+her, I shall be glad to do it."
+
+"I thank you, Dr. Jones, with all my heart. Come right in with me," and
+Barton led the way to his wife's room. Half an hour later the Doctor
+came from the sick room, went out, jumped into the cage and mounted to
+the globe. He returned in a few moments and said: "I have here medicine,
+Mr. Barton, that is certain to do your wife a great amount of good. And
+I am quite positive that it will work a perfect cure. Her symptoms point
+so unmistakably and pronouncedly to a certain remedy that I feel safe in
+assuring you of immediate relief. I shall be much surprised if you do
+not see less pain, burning, restlessness, thirst--in short, a decidedly
+better night than she has known for months."
+
+Constance House was not prepared with sleeping accommodations for so
+large a company of visitors, and at ten o'clock they mounted to the ship
+for the night. At seven o'clock on the following morning they all
+descended again and partook of the substantial breakfast prepared for
+them by Jennie, with the help of a half-breed Indian girl.
+
+The surprise and delight of the family was immeasurable at the
+palliative effects of Dr. Jones' medicine. Mrs. Barton had rested quite
+comfortably nearly all night, a thing that she had not done in many
+months. Barton grasped the Doctor's hand when he first appeared in the
+morning, and could not speak for emotion.
+
+"That is all right, Mr. Barton; just what I expected."
+
+"Doctor, you have inspired me with a degree of hope that I never
+expected to know again. Do you really think you can cure her?"
+
+"Mr. Barton, I will just reiterate what I said to you last night: I have
+seen some astonishing cures done by the remedy indicated by the
+symptoms, and in what we call a 'high potency.' I cannot stop to explain
+all this to you, but you can rest assured that it is the only help or
+hope for your wife. Anxious though I am to be off toward our
+destination, yet I am going to stop over and study your wife's symptoms
+more closely, and leave you medicines with written directions as to
+their use."
+
+The joy of the Barton family was unbounded at this announcement of the
+benevolent Doctor.
+
+After breakfast, Denison, Fred, and Will decided to accompany the Barton
+boys up the river that flowed near Constance House, visiting their
+traps.
+
+"What game do you have in this country?" asked Denison.
+
+"We have reindeer, bear, wolves, foxes, hare, marten, otter, and in the
+spring and summer we have an abundance of geese, ducks, etc.," replied
+Joe, the elder of the boys. Sam was the younger of the brothers, and
+they were aged twenty-three and twenty-one years respectively. The
+voyagers were surprised at the correctness of their speech and other
+indications of education.
+
+"Our mother is an educated woman, and has taken great pains with our
+education," said Sam in reply to a remark of Denison upon the subject.
+"And she has done as much for father. Our long winter nights we always
+spend in reading, music, and sometimes in such games as chess,
+backgammon, drafts, etc. Mother is a most splendid mathematician. She is
+also quite a linguist. But I am afraid that mother's days of teaching
+are over in this world. Dr. Jones is exceedingly kind, but do you really
+think that he has any hopes of curing her?" And the two sons looked
+anxiously into Denison's face as they awaited his reply.
+
+"Well," replied Denison slowly, as if carefully weighing his words, "I
+have known Dr. Jones more than twenty years very intimately, and I tell
+you candidly that you may rely implicitly upon his word. He is a
+physician of remarkable skill, and to my positive knowledge has cured
+several cases of cancer that had been, like your mother's, given up as
+incurable. So I should hope a great deal if he gives you encouragement."
+
+"God is good, and has heard our prayers," said Sam.
+
+While this party spent the day until the middle of the afternoon
+paddling from trap to trap, capturing three otters, and catching several
+dozen beautiful trout and black bass, the Doctor and the Professor
+ascended with Mr. Barton to the ship. As he passed through the elegant
+rooms of the cabin, and saw the wonderful degree of comfort, and even
+luxury, that our voyagers were enjoying, he cried out, like the Queen of
+Sheba, "The half was never told!" And the wonderful metal of which
+everything was composed where practicable--aluminum--excited his special
+interest.
+
+"Without this metal you could never have made the trip," he declared.
+But when he had mounted the spiral stairway, and was standing in the
+observatory, for some time he was speechless. As his eye ran up the
+shining mast, then off over the glistening sides of the globe to the
+earth, three hundred feet below, then away over the trackless wastes of
+Labrador, he finally exclaimed, "This, gentlemen, is too wonderful for
+me. I cannot give expression to my feelings. If you had told me that you
+were visitors from Venus or Mars, I should be obliged to believe you."
+
+And so they sat and discussed for an hour or more the object of the
+expedition, and the probability of success. All agreed that, so far as
+human thought and judgment could foresee, failure was hardly possible.
+They descended to the cabin. The aluminum mast especially attracted the
+attention of the old sailor.
+
+"And you intend erecting this magnificent spar at the North Pole!" he
+exclaimed, all his sailor instincts thoroughly aroused. "How do you
+intend to manage that business, Doctor?"
+
+"We shall be governed in that matter entirely by circumstances," replied
+Dr. Jones. "I do not know what we may find there, and so cannot say
+exactly what we may have to do. But I shall consider the trip a partial
+failure if I do not leave this stately shaft, exactly to the quarter of
+an inch, standing at the North Pole, with that aluminum flag flying at
+its peak, there to float till time shall be no more."
+
+"Well, Doctor, I am a thoroughbred British subject, and can't help
+wishing that it was the Union Jack that you were going to leave there;
+but you deserve all the honor of the occasion, and I am glad to bid you
+Godspeed," said Barton heartily.
+
+"Thank you," replied Dr. Jones, "now let us go down and see further
+about your wife's case. I must be off to-morrow morning, bright and
+early."
+
+The Doctor and Barton repaired to the sick chamber. After nearly an hour
+they left the house, walked down to the river bank, and talked long and
+earnestly concerning the treatment of Mrs. Barton.
+
+"I will tell you just what I am doing for your wife, and the grounds I
+have for hope. I think, under the circumstances, that an exposé of the
+rationale of my treatment is due you, for two reasons, first, because I
+desire to give you a reason for the hope that is within me, and so make
+you as happy and comfortable as possible by filling you up with a
+lively faith; secondly, because I delight in instructing intelligent
+people in what I conceive to be the only rational and scientific system
+of medicine known to man.
+
+"In this pocket-case book, you will observe that I have taken Mrs.
+Barton's symptoms very carefully and minutely:
+
+"1. A fearful and apprehensive state of mind. She cannot tolerate being
+left alone.
+
+"2. Intolerable thirst for cold water. Drinks often, and but a sip or
+two at a time.
+
+"3. The pains are very sharp, lancinating, and burning.
+
+"4. She is always worse at night, from twelve o'clock until two or
+three, A.M. The pains then are intolerable, and burning like red-hot
+iron, so that you are obliged to hold her in your arms to prevent her
+doing herself injury.
+
+"5. Great restlessness.
+
+"6. Skin yellow, or straw-colored, dry and wrinkled.
+
+"7. Very emaciated and weak.
+
+"There are quite a number of other symptoms of less importance, but all
+are found under but one drug in all the earth, and that drug is arsenic.
+Do not be alarmed at the name, for the doses I give are absolutely
+immaterial and can do no harm. But they do possess a curative power that
+is truly miraculous and past the comprehension of man. What gives me
+greater hope and confidence in your wife's case is the fact that she has
+never been under the surgeon's knife. Operations for cancer not only do
+no good whatever, but they reduce the patient's chances of cure, so that
+after the second or third one the case is rendered absolutely incurable.
+And another thing greatly in her favor is that she has taken but little
+medicine, and so I have been able to get a clear picture of the case.
+And I must strictly forbid the use of any drugs whatever, internally or
+externally, except what I give you."
+
+"But, Doctor, the terrible odor!" said Barton, "Must I not use the
+disinfectant as I have been doing?"
+
+"No; nothing but washing with warm castile soap-suds, two or three times
+daily. The odor will all disappear within a few days."
+
+"Well, that is astonishing! And is arsenic the remedy for all cases of
+cancer?"
+
+"Not by any manner of means. That is the great mistake of the medical
+world in all ages. They are continually on the lookout for specifics,
+or medicines that cure all cases of any given disease, irrespective of
+symptoms. Every case must be taken upon its individual merits, and
+differentiated upon symptomatology alone. And a drug must be prescribed
+that is indicated by the symptoms. Anything more or less than this is
+unscientific, and a contrariety to one of God's most beautiful and
+universal laws--'Similia similibus curanter,'--'Like cures like.' That
+is to say, arsenic is the remedy for your wife, because, when taken in
+material doses, it always produces symptoms identical with those
+manifested in her case. Hence I meet them with immaterial doses of that
+drug. Had her symptoms been different, then I should have been obliged
+to seek and find, if possible, a drug capable of causing this different
+set of symptoms, whatever they might have been. Now this rule of law
+holds good throughout all the field of medicine, except that which is
+purely surgical. Do you catch the idea?"
+
+"I do, Doctor, I do; and I declare that it looks very reasonable as you
+put it. I like the theory, and if it always holds good in practice, then
+it is certainly one of the most beneficent of God's laws."
+
+"Thousands of times, Barton, in an active practice of more than
+twenty-five years, I have tested this law; and I tell you, as an honest
+man, and one who expects to answer for the deeds done in the body at the
+bar of God, that it never failed me once. I have failed many times
+because I could not read aright the symptoms of the case; or when it was
+an incurable affair, rendered so by drugs and surgery," said Dr. Jones
+with great earnestness. "But come, I have given you quite a medical
+lecture. Let's look up the girls and see what they are about."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A Messenger from the Skies.
+
+
+Mrs. Jones and Mattie had found Jennie to be a lovely, intelligent, and
+more than ordinarily educated girl. While unused to society, yet there
+was an honest straightforwardness about her that was very charming. The
+two ladies became easily intimately acquainted with her. Her whole soul
+was devoted to her mother, and the hope that Dr. Jones had inspired
+shone from her eyes. She became quite cheerful and merry. And the effect
+upon the poor invalid was not less visible. She insisted upon sitting in
+her easy chair by the fireplace, and joined in the conversation.
+
+Sing, meantime, had installed himself as the presiding genius of the
+kitchen, and he and the half-breed Indian girl were getting along
+famously together.
+
+"How long have you lived in this place, Mrs. Barton?" asked Mrs. Jones.
+
+"Twenty-three years," replied she.
+
+"Well, have you not found it a very monotonous existence?"
+
+"I did at first; but as my children were born, my mind and heart were so
+taken up by them that time did not hang heavily upon our hands. I really
+believe that we are much happier than the majority of people in the
+towns and cities."
+
+"O, if mother can but get well, it seems to me that I shall never be
+discontented again in Constance House!" exclaimed Jennie, her eyes
+filling with tears.
+
+"My poor girl does long sometimes to see the great world," said Mrs.
+Barton, stroking the head of Jennie, who was sitting upon a stool at her
+feet. "Well, my dear girl, I believe that God, in his infinite mercy,
+has sent us help directly from the skies; for I must say that last
+night, as I lay the first time for many weary months free from pain and
+awful burning and restlessness, that I thanked God as I had never done
+before; and my faith went out to Him so that I felt a great peace settle
+upon me. He has blessed the means being used. I shall recover, my
+darling girl."
+
+Jennie, in a paroxysm of joy, threw herself at her mother's feet, and
+buried her face in her lap, weeping as she had never done in her life.
+At this juncture the Doctor, Professor Gray, and Mr. Barton entered the
+room.
+
+"Tut, tut," said the Doctor, seeing the tears streaming down the faces
+of the four women, "what sort of business is this? You ought to all be
+laughing instead of crying. There is nothing to cry about, I assure
+you."
+
+"Doctor," said Mrs. Barton, extending her hand to him, "you do not
+understand. We are rejoicing, and this is just our poor woman's way of
+doing it."
+
+"I see, I see," said the jovial Doctor. "Well, now wipe away your tears,
+and give God all glory. He has sent me, a poor weak mortal, simply as a
+messenger to administer that which will save you from a loathsome
+disease and death. All glory be unto Him."
+
+He then began singing softly and reverently, the others joining:
+
+   "God moves in a mysterious way
+   His wonders to perform,
+   He plants his footsteps in the sea,
+   And rides upon the storm.
+
+   Deep in unfathomable mines
+   Of never failing skill,
+   He treasures up his bright designs.
+   And works his sovereign will.
+
+   Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
+   The clouds ye so much dread
+   Are big with mercy, and shall break
+   In blessings on your head."
+
+"And now, Mrs. Barton, you must come out and see the chariot in which
+the Lord sent us," cried Dr. Jones gayly.
+
+The poor invalid stood in the door and looked up at the great globe that
+shimmered and glistened like burnished silver in the rays of the
+setting sun. How proudly and serenely it rode above their heads as if
+conscious of its own unparalleled beauty, and its blessed mission in
+this present instance. She gazed upon it a few moments in speechless
+rapture, her poor emaciated hands clasped upon her breast.
+
+"This is too marvelous for me," she cried. "What am I that God should
+send deliverance to me in so glorious and majestic a ship of the skies!
+I am lost in wonder and praise. Glory be to His holy name forever and
+forever."
+
+"Amen!" responded the listeners fervently.
+
+The canoe party returned at four o'clock, P.M. All were tired and ready
+to sit about the generous fire; for evening was at hand, and the air was
+already sharp and frosty.
+
+"And how did it happen, Mr. Barton, that you came to settle away up in
+this barren wilderness?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"I do not know that I know myself," returned Mr. Barton. "I was taken
+sick at a boarding-house in Montreal, and was sent to a hospital. I was
+at that time master of the bark Twilight, a Liverpool craft. Mrs. Barton
+was then a beautiful girl--don't blush so, Mrs. Barton. Jennie there is
+a perfect reproduction of you as I first saw you, and I should not be
+ashamed of our Jennie anywhere on earth. Well, as I was saying, Mrs.
+Barton, named at that time Miss Constance Schmidt, the daughter of a
+Moravian missionary, visited the hospital frequently as an angel of
+mercy. So far as I was concerned it was a case of love at first sight.
+She nursed me back to health; and, with the usual ingratitude of man, I
+married her for her pains. I then gave up the sea after a trip or two,
+and settled in Montreal. But I could not get used to, nor like the
+conventionalities of city life. So I made a trip into these wilds. I saw
+an opportunity to do a good business in furs; and so, with wife's
+consent, we settled on this spot. I built this house, which I named in
+honor of my wife--Constance. I have done fairly well financially, and I
+am sure that we have been quite happy and contented. Until Mrs. Barton's
+illness, I was without a care or worry in the world."
+
+"But don't you find the winters very long and terribly cold?" asked
+Fred.
+
+"On the contrary, we enjoy our winters very much. To be sure, the
+thermometer runs from thirty to fifty degrees below zero; but if the
+wind does not blow, we suffer very little from it."
+
+"What do you do to pass the time?" asked Will.
+
+"The boys, when the weather is favorable, trap and hunt. I am getting a
+little too old and heavy for much of that; so I attend to the chores
+about the place, trade goods for furs to the hunters and Esquimaux. Our
+evenings are passed in reading, one often reading aloud to the rest of
+us. And we have a great deal of music. Joe plays the violin, Sam the
+flute, and Jennie the guitar or dulcimer."
+
+"By the way," cried Fred, "Let's have a musical soiree to-night. What do
+you all say?"
+
+This proposition was enthusiastically received.
+
+"Come, Will, let's run up and get the organ. Will you go up?" addressing
+Joe and Sam.
+
+"Go up, my sons, and see this Alladin's palace," said Mr. Barton. "You
+will never see its like again."
+
+In half an hour they returned. The young Bartons were wildly
+enthusiastic in their praises of the globe.
+
+"Jennie, you must not fail to see the wonderful air-ship," cried Joe.
+Mattie, Jennie, Will and Fred visited the globe, returning just in time
+for a splendid supper prepared by the skillful Celestial, Sing. All that
+the larders of both Constance House and the globe afforded had been
+drawn upon, and it is doubtful if in all inhospitable Labrador a more
+elaborate and bountiful table was ever spread.
+
+The Doctor, at Mr. Barton's request, asked the Divine blessing, and all
+fell to and ate with an appetite that is known only to those of clear
+consciences and sound digestive organs. Having done justice to the
+really splendid meal, they repaired to the sitting room. The beautiful
+aluminum organ graced the center of the apartment, and the musicians
+gathered about it. Fred was surprised and delighted to find that the
+young Bartons were all really accomplished musicians, and their
+instruments blended in sweetest harmony. So they played a number of
+orchestral pieces that were received with great applause by the
+audience. Then solos, duets, trios, quartettes, choruses, etc., were
+sung, and it is not probable that the Barton family ever spent so
+delightful an evening in their lives. And let us just contemplate the
+scene for a moment. How happy, joyous, and innocent they were, just as
+God intended his children to be. Two days before, this lovely family had
+been in the depths of despair, day by day watching a beloved wife and
+mother dying by inches of a painful, lingering, loathsome disease. Not a
+sound of music had been heard in the house for many days. The violin,
+guitar, and dulcimer had lain utterly neglected and unstrung. Now a
+change has occurred that must have delighted the angels of God. Through
+the unselfishness, skill, and noble-heartedness of one man, has come so
+unexpectedly, as if dropped from the very skies, in the heart of one of
+the most inhospitable portions of the earth, sweet hope and deliverance.
+What wonder that their hearts are light and merry? One thought only mars
+their pleasure: to-morrow morning the Children of the Skies will sail
+away in their glorious sky-ship, probably never to return.
+
+At ten o'clock the company broke up, the ship company ascending, as
+before to their staterooms. Barton would not hear to anything else than
+that they should descend in the morning for the last time. How sad these
+earthly partings are. It will not be so in that better land.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Is the World Growing Better?
+
+
+Before daylight on the following morning they descended to breakfast.
+Mrs. Barton had enjoyed a comfortable night, and Dr. Jones expressed
+himself as delighted with her condition.
+
+"You have everything to hope for," he said to the family. "I leave you
+this medicine, with written directions for its use. Do not repeat the
+dose I have given her so long as improvement continues. When it ceases
+you will do as directed in my written instructions."
+
+The hour of departure had arrived. Farewells had all been said, and the
+company had ascended except the Doctor and his wife.
+
+"I cannot say what I wish to you," said Barton, taking each of them by
+the hand. "I simply look upon you as messengers from God, and I want to
+give you something more substantial than thanks." He placed a buckskin
+sack of gold in the hand of Dr. Jones.
+
+"Oh! no, Mr. Barton, my good friend," said the Doctor, handing it back;
+"I won't take a cent. You are ten thousand times welcome to anything I
+have done. I feel myself richly remunerated in the satisfaction of
+leaving you all happy."
+
+"Take it, Mrs. Jones, as a present from me," said Barton, and he pressed
+it into her hand. "You will really hurt me if you do not accept it."
+
+"Then I will do so, Mr. Barton. Good-bye," and away they shot up to the
+cabin. At a given signal Joe and Sam cast the anchors off, they whizzed
+up to the engine-room, and the mighty ball bounded skyward like a bird
+in the clear, frosty morning air. A very brisk wind was blowing from
+nearly due south, and the voyagers were delighted with the progress they
+made that day toward their destination.
+
+All day they sped at more than forty miles an hour over the vast
+elevated plains that were but barren wastes, growing every hour drearier
+and more desolate.
+
+"Of all the misnomers on earth, the name given this country ranks
+first," said Professor Gray.
+
+"What is the meaning of the word 'Labrador,' Professor?" asked Denison.
+
+"The literal meaning of the word is 'cultivable land.' As to its
+appropriateness, you can judge for yourselves. I do not know who
+bestowed upon it this misfit of a name, but it must have been a hardy
+explorer, who did it in a fit of spleen and wretchedness."
+
+"The Barton family seems to be comfortable and happy in poor old
+Labrador," said Mrs. Jones.
+
+"Yes, but my dear madame, they do not live by cultivating the land,"
+returned the Professor. "The seasons are too variable, and the changes
+of temperature are far too sudden to permit raising of crops of any
+kind."
+
+"Mr. Barton told me that they did raise a little garden stuff, such as
+onions, lettuce, and radishes; but potatoes, corn, etc., invariably are
+nipped by frost, and never mature," said Denison.
+
+The Professor, a few moments before noon, ascended to the observatory
+with sextant and chronometer, and determined the latitude and longitude
+of "Silver Cloud," as Mrs. Jones had named the aluminum ship. He made
+the entry in his logbook.
+
+"There is our exact position now, Doctor," and he placed the point of a
+pencil on the map of Labrador.
+
+"In forty-eight hours we will be within the Arctics at this rate of
+speed," cried Dr. Jones, rubbing his hands with delight.
+
+The face of the country was so uninteresting and monotonous, covered
+more or less with snow, that the voyagers became tired of looking at it,
+and turned their attention to various pursuits within the cabin.
+Becoming tired of music, they read, played games, conversed, etc.
+
+The Doctor and Professor were each expert chess players, and their games
+were long and closely contested. Victory perched about as often upon the
+banner of one as the other.
+
+Fred worked daily upon a composition which he entitled "The North Pole
+March," and declared that the music should be played by himself, while
+the rest of the company marched around the aluminum flagstaff, after its
+erection at the summit of the earth, the North Pole. The two ladies were
+greatly interested in Fred's composition, and hummed and sang it with
+him, offering suggestions here and there that were of more or less
+benefit to him.
+
+Denison and Will spent their time attending to the springs, watching the
+thermometers and barometer. This, however, occupied but little of their
+leisure, and they played many games of checkers and backgammon. Will
+took an occasional snapshot with his camera when he saw anything of
+interest. He had taken some excellent photographs of Silver Cloud and
+company, which he had left with the Barton family. Who can doubt that
+they were an unfailing source of delight and tender remembrance to this
+intelligent and interesting family, as they sat about their great
+fireplace during the long winter nights. And the artist had taken some
+sketches of Constance House and inhabitants, which he had brought with
+him. He had converted one of the spare bedrooms into a studio, and spent
+an hour or two daily upon a portrait in oil of Jennie Barton. The fact
+of the matter is, the unadorned beauty and grace of the lovely Jennie
+had touched his artistic taste beyond anything that he had ever
+experienced in his life. And away deep in his heart, almost unknown to
+himself, was a determination to spend a summer season at Constance
+House, as soon after their return from the Pole as possible.
+
+Silver Cloud all this time was hastening with the speed of a carrier
+pigeon, nearly due north. Dr. Jones and Professor Gray could not repress
+their satisfaction each day as their observations showed them to be
+moving straight as an arrow toward the object of their journey. The
+altitude they maintained was very little more or less than three
+thousand feet, and the wind continued from the south at the rate of
+twenty or thirty miles per hour. The outside temperature was balmy and
+bracing during the day, so that the balcony afforded them a splendid
+promenade, where they spent hours daily, exercising in walking round and
+round the spacious cabin, and studying the topography of the country.
+Frequent trips were also made to the observatory, and sitting there with
+the windows open was very inspiring, as well as comfortable. To thus
+sit in so elevated a place with the windows wide open, while in a state
+of perspiration, the result of climbing the long stairway, would seem to
+have been the height of imprudence. But we must remember that such a
+thing as a breeze or draft of air was never felt on board the Silver
+Cloud while in motion. The great ship went exactly with the wind, and at
+precisely the same rate of speed. So, whether the wind blew one or a
+hundred miles an hour, it was always a dead calm aboard the Silver
+Cloud.
+
+"This is the ideal place for all catarrhal and pulmonary cases,"
+declared Dr. Jones. "I shall always prescribe a trip in Silver Cloud for
+this class of patients hereafter."
+
+"I fully believe in its efficacy," said Professor Gray. "But I fear that
+it will be too expensive a prescription for many of your poor patients."
+
+"That's the trouble, that's the trouble," assented the Doctor, shaking
+his head sadly. "Millions are yearly dying that might be saved by this
+and other means on the same line. But the blindness and selfishness of
+mankind is so absolute and infernal that but little philanthropic work
+of this sort can be done. There are some noble exceptions, or we should
+have suffered the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah long since."
+
+"But, Doctor, you believe that the world is getting better, do you not?"
+asked Will.
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"Well, in every way. No one can doubt that in the arts and sciences more
+has been done in the past fifty years than in all the previous history
+of the world."
+
+"Granted," assented the Doctor.
+
+"All right. Then let us look at the social, moral, and spiritual sides
+of the question. Socially, certainly, no period of history can compare
+with the present. We are educating our children, feeding and clothing
+them better than they ever were before in the world."
+
+"I really think we are," again assented Dr. Jones.
+
+"Well, then," cried Will, glowing with triumph, thinking that he was
+fairly smoking the little Doctor out, "what can you say for _your_ side
+of the question? Was there ever a time when life and property were so
+protected as now? And were there ever so many Bibles and tracts and
+other religious matter published and disseminated as at the present
+time? Missionaries are going by thousands all over the earth, and the
+gospel will soon have been preached to all nations."
+
+"That's so, that's so," concurred the Doctor again.
+
+"Come, come, Doctor; defend your side of the question," cried Fred.
+
+"I did not know that I had committed myself to either side," returned
+he. "But I will say this much: While I am not pessimistic as to the
+outcome of this struggle going on between God's and Satan's forces in
+the world, yet we should not overlook the fact that the devil is
+fearfully active in these times. While I have admitted all that Will has
+said, yet there is another side to the question. Let me call your
+attention to the fact that there never was a time when there was so much
+rum and tobacco used in the world as to-day. The amount consumed per
+capita is increasing tremendously. Remember that with every missionary
+there are sent in the same ship from seventy-five to one hundred gallons
+of intoxicants, and tobacco galore. Never has this world seen so vast
+preparation for war. The people of all Europe are groaning beneath the
+taxation imposed upon them for the support of vast armies and navies. At
+no time has money been piled up in the hands of the few as at the
+present. Hundreds of millions in many instances are held by a single
+individual. By no sort of philosophy can he be entitled to it, and by no
+system can he come into possession of it without robbing thousands of
+his fellowmen. And as to inventions: surely no man delights more in the
+splendid achievements of our age in this direction than I do. But I
+declare to you that I believe labor-saving machinery to be a mighty
+curse to mankind, because the laborer is being driven closer and closer
+to the wall by the innumerable inventions that are driving him out of
+every field of labor. The great money kings are taking advantage of
+every such invention, and what the end is to be I do not dare predict.
+Ignatius Donnely's fearful picture in his work, Caeser's Column, I hope
+and believe to be terribly overdrawn. And, as I said before, I am not
+pessimistic as to the final outcome; but let us beware of crying 'Peace!
+peace! when there is no peace!' The fact is, gentlemen, I cannot help
+thinking that St. James referred to these very times, when he said in
+the fifth chapter of his epistle: "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl
+for the miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted and
+your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the
+rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as
+it were fire. Ye have heaped up treasure together for the last days.
+Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which
+is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them who have
+reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth." See James,
+5-4. I cannot, in the light of these prophecies, see that the world is
+growing essentially better rapidly, if at all."
+
+"But, Doctor," said Will, "you cannot deny that the children of these
+times are incomparably better clothed, have more and better books, live
+in more comfortable homes, and are enjoying privileges never known to
+children of former generations."
+
+"While I must assent to what you have said, yet all these advantages are
+not unmixed blessings. In my experience as a physician, I have seen very
+many precious lives go out, simply because they could not endure the
+high pressure system of our modern educators. I feel so strongly upon
+this subject that I would prefer that a child of mine should live and
+die absolutely illiterate, than that he should sacrifice one particle of
+health for any conceivable amount of mere book-learning. I once had an
+uncle who was a man of wonderful learning. He was a collegian, a master
+of half a dozen or more languages, and for all this he paid the price of
+his good health. All his life, he suffered the pangs of an outraged
+stomach and nervous system. He could never make any use of his
+splendidly cultivated brain, and was a miserable, unhappy burden to
+himself and friends to the end of his life. His end was sad, tinged with
+the element of ridiculousness. He was sitting in a field one day,
+resting during a short walk, when a great vicious hog attacked him,
+tossed him about, rooted him here and there, and would have certainly
+killed him outright if his cries had not brought assistance. He never
+recovered from the effects of the injuries received on that occasion.
+Suppose poor old uncle could at that time have traded all his dead and
+modern languages for a pair of good stout legs, would it not have been a
+grand bargain for him?"
+
+"But could not your uncle have been more judicious and systematic in the
+prosecution of his studies, and have done the same amount of work
+without detriment to his health?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"I do not doubt that he might. But our schools are run nowadays upon, as
+I said before, a high-pressure system. Too many children are packed into
+imperfectly ventilated schoolrooms, and the poor teachers are miserably
+overtaxed. But the schools are graded, everything cut and dried, the
+curriculum made by state or county board; and, like the tyrant's
+bedstead, those too long must be cut off, and those too short must be
+stretched. All must fit the bedstead. That great story-teller, Charles
+Dickens, tells the story exactly in his picture of Dr. Blimmer's system
+of teaching. That poor babe, Paul Dombey, might as well have been fed to
+an insatiable ogre as to have been placed in the hands of that pompous
+idiot. And our country is full of little Paul Dombeys, blossoming for
+eternity. How much better to have let the poor little fellow play in the
+sands upon the beach with his sister Florence and old Glubb. But the
+precocious innocent must be murdered by this same senseless system,
+because of the inordinate vanity of a foolish father, and the stupidity
+of his teacher. In vain have I warned hundreds of parents, when I saw
+their children thus being hurried to premature graves. But they are so
+proud of the precocious darlings that they seldom heed until it is too
+late. Faugh! the whole business makes me sick."
+
+"Well, Doctor, admitting all you say, what do you suggest as the remedy?
+I have known many statesmen who could see and point out the evils,
+present or imminent, of society or state, with great sagacity and
+accuracy, but when it came to prescribing the remedy, were utterly
+impracticable," said Professor Gray.
+
+"That is right, Professor Gray. It is very little benefit to a sick man
+to tell him that he is sick, or even to make for him a scientific
+diagnosis, if it be not supplemented by the remedy. I have remedial
+measures to suggest. In the first place, I would build schoolhouses upon
+strictly scientific principles; a certain number of cubic yards of pure
+air should be allowed each scholar, and the most perfect system of
+ventilation should always be used. Further, by way of homely
+illustration, I should treat the children upon the same principles that
+we do our horses. Some horses are calculated for heavy draught business,
+others for light draught, roadsters, racers, etc. I need not mention the
+folly of attempting to drive these animals out of their respective
+classes. Now children differ as essentially in their mental capacities
+and requirements as do horses physically. You can by no possible means
+make a mathematician of a scholar who is deficient in the organ of
+calculation. It is a manifest injustice to hitch such a one beside
+another who is a perfect racer in the mathematical field. It is not fair
+to either of them. I claim that each child should be treated upon his
+individual merits, and in accordance with the natural gifts that God has
+bestowed upon him. The graded school system is in direct opposition to
+this idea, and is wholly wrong and unscientific."
+
+"Well, as to the curriculum, Doctor," said Will, "suppose you were
+called upon to abridge the list of studies in our public schools, where
+would you begin and end? Isn't it a pity in this age of the world, to
+shut off from the children any one of the branches of science or
+learning?"
+
+"Indeed, that would be a great pity, and far be it from me to do
+anything of the kind. I would not abridge the curriculum for any child;
+it should simply be taught that for which it has a capacity. A teacher
+who is not capable of so discriminating and anticipating the wants of
+each pupil, is not a teacher in the best sense of the word, any more
+than a man is a horse trainer who cannot differentiate between a heavy
+draught-horse and a light roadster. I might say considerable as to
+methods of teaching, but I presume that you have heard enough for once."
+
+"Yes, but we have not settled the question as to whether the world is
+getting better or not," returned Will. "I am willing to admit that our
+school system is defective. But what do you say as to the safety of life
+and property at this time, compared with any other age of the world?"
+
+"Really, now, I wish an intelligent Armenian were here to answer that
+question."
+
+"But that is not fair, Doctor. The Armenians are in the hands of the
+Turks and we know that they are capable of any conceivable inhumanity.
+I supposed that we were discussing the world so far as civilized. I
+really think that it is a clear case of 'begging the question,' when you
+introduce the Armenian case into the discussion."
+
+"Do you, indeed! And let me inquire, my dear boy, who is responsible for
+this wholesale slaughter of a people whose only crime is that of being
+nominal Christians? Five or six centuries ago the combined governments
+of Europe would have made common cause against the infamous Turk for
+much less than the murder of a Christian nation. But to-day there is so
+much less of manhood in Europe than there was in the days of chivalry,
+that the civilized world is sitting calmly by and permitting this
+unspeakable crime to go on at the sweet will of the bloody-handed Turk.
+And do you not think that God will hold the nations of Europe to a
+strict account for this villainy that marks the closing decade of the
+nineteenth century as the blackest page in human history? God will
+surely avenge Armenia, and woe to Europe when He treads the wine-press
+of His wrath!"
+
+As Will offered no reply, the discussion closed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Greenland's Icy Mountains and the Russian Bear.
+
+
+Upon the morning of the third day from Constance House the wind shifted
+almost due west. Silver Cloud was in latitude 65 deg., longitude 70 deg.
+13 min., and they were driving rapidly toward Greenland.
+
+"We are still two or three points north of east in our course, and will
+let her drive as she goes for the present," said Dr. Jones. "And you
+wouldn't mind seeing Greenland's icy mountains, about which you have
+sung so many years, would you, girls?"
+
+"O let us see Greenland, by all means, Doctor!" cried Mattie.
+
+"What noted travelers we will be when we get back to Washington," and he
+placed an arm about each of their waists and galloped them up and down
+the little sitting room several times.
+
+"I do believe that you grow to be more of a boy every year of your
+life," panted Mrs. Jones, as she smoothed her rumpled hair.
+
+"You are quite right, Maggie; and what is worse, I do not expect to ever
+improve a bit on that line. Give me the heart of a boy while I live. And
+now, Professor, I am ready to give you revenge for that last game or two
+of chess that went to my credit."
+
+While these two were oblivious to the world in a very closely contested
+game, Mrs. Jones sat knitting while Mattie read aloud to her from a late
+magazine. Denison and Fred were pacing the balcony for their
+"constitutional." Will was working on his oil painting of Jennie Barton,
+and so beautifully had he succeeded in bringing out the lovely features,
+and trusting, fearless spirit that beamed from a pair of dark blue eyes,
+that all the company, even to Sing, expressed their unqualified
+admiration.
+
+"Me sabe," said the acute Mongolian. "Ah! Will heap likee Miss Jennie."
+
+The artist blushed, and they all laughed uproariously at his confusion,
+and Sing went chuckling to the kitchen.
+
+The following morning Silver Cloud had nearly crossed Davis Strait, and
+the bold headlands of the western coast of Greenland were in plain view.
+They crossed the western boundary line of that land of perpetual winter,
+just a few miles north of the Arctic Circle.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted Dr. Jones. "In the Arctics at last!"
+
+The wind held still a little north of due east, and Silver Cloud rode at
+an elevation of between 3,500 and 4,000 feet. The surface of Greenland
+was cold, dreary, and uninviting to a degree. Vast tracts of ice and
+snow stretched in every direction, far as the eye could see. Away in the
+interior a range of mountains broke the monotony of the landscape.
+Toward morning a violent snowstorm gathered below them and hid the face
+of Greenland from view until next morning. Silver Cloud, meantime, was
+sent up to nearly 5,000 feet altitude, so that they might not collide
+with any mountain peak during the night.
+
+"Upon my word," said Professor Gray, as he stood on the balcony the
+following morning, and looked out over the white and ghastly picture of
+desolation, "I thought Labrador the most inappropriately named country
+upon the earth, but think of calling this picture of all that is
+inhospitable and forbidding--Greenland!"
+
+By noon they were crossing swiftly the ridge that runs the length of
+Greenland, so far as is known. Silver Cloud swept within three hundred
+feet of one lofty peak, covered with eternal ice and snow. Then on and
+on, swift as an eagle, over the high plateaux and steppes of Eastern
+Greenland. Early the following morning they arose to find the Arctic
+Ocean beneath, and Greenland disappearing in the misty horizon behind
+them. The wind bore a point or so more easterly, and Dr. Jones was
+tempted to seek a more favorable current. He descended to the 2,000 foot
+level, but experienced no perceptible change.
+
+"Well, we'll stick to my original plan. Anything north of due east or
+west is good enough for us," said he.
+
+But he grew restless as they hour after hour steadily continued upon
+nearly the same latitudinal line, and descended to 1,000 feet
+elevation. There was some change for the better at that altitude for
+many hours. One thing that specially pleased them was the wonderful
+sensitiveness of the globe to the slightest variation of the temperature
+within its interior. The Doctor's plan of using hot air alone as the
+floating power had been modified to the extent of dividing one-half of
+the globe's interior into several compartments by thin sheets of
+aluminum, and these were filled with hydrogen gas. The gas fell but
+little short of the power necessary to float the ship, so that a slight
+elevation of the temperature in the air chamber above that of the
+external atmosphere was sufficient to float the vessel. When it was
+desirable to descend, a trap being opened in the upper and lower parts
+of the air chamber caused the hot air to rush out and the cold air in,
+and the descent could be made rapidly or slowly, at the will of the
+commander. By virtue of the zinc lining of the air chamber the
+temperature would remain at a given point for many hours without the
+consumption of a particle of fuel.
+
+The Doctor and Will together had devised a most ingenious method of
+heating the hot-air chamber instantly. By the use of a small air pump
+hundreds of atmospheres could be compressed into a very strong aluminum
+chest or cylinder. Beneath this cylinder were a number of burners that
+heated the compressed air several hundred degrees. As we said before,
+when they desired to descend, an upper and lower trap were opened, the
+hot air rushed out above and the cold air in below, causing the globe to
+descend with great rapidity. This descent could be arrested at any level
+by closing the trap, and a certain amount of the air let off from the
+hot-air chest, and any temperature desired could be attained at once.
+All this could be done at an expense of oil that was ridiculously and
+incredibly small. While they could by no means steer or guide this ship,
+yet, if the Doctor's theory of air currents should prove to be
+scientifically correct, then they were by no means entirely at the mercy
+of any and every adverse gale. And, at the worst, when a favorable
+current could not be found, they could descend to the earth and anchor
+until a fair wind prevailed. One thing further should be explained. When
+it became desirable to ascend suddenly or rapidly, the hot-air chest
+was thrown completely open, and the vast chamber was instantly filled
+with air at any temperature required. When this operation was from any
+cause necessary, the upper trap was closed and all the lower apertures
+opened. The hot air from the chest immediately mounted to the upper end
+of the air chamber, and forced the excess of cold atmosphere out through
+these lower traps. The effect upon the globe was marvelous. It would
+bound skyward like a rocket. By a series of experiments Will had
+ascertained just the amount of pressure per square inch and the
+temperature that was necessary to send the ship to a given altitude. The
+rate of ascent was under perfect control by letting off the hot air
+slowly or rapidly.
+
+"What a mighty engine for good or evil in the world this ship would be,
+if it could be guided or steered," remarked Professor Gray.
+
+"I doubt if that can ever be done," replied Will. "The surface presented
+to the current of atmosphere is too great to allow any sort of device to
+operate satisfactorily."
+
+"The Government is making experiments with what is called the aeroplane,
+and the indications are that it is the coming method of aerial
+navigation. But the degree of comfort that we are enjoying can never be
+an attendant of that plan. I shall never cease to wonder at the speed
+with which we are traveling over these Arctic regions in perfect
+comfort. I never felt better in my life, and I have grown to feel as
+safe as I ever did in my home in Washington," said Professor Gray.
+
+They occasionally saw whales spouting, and it was exceedingly
+interesting to watch the great icebergs that floated here and there over
+the face of the deep. Some of them towered like crystal mountains,
+hundreds of feet into the air.
+
+"Just think how incomprehensibly great these masses of ice are,"
+observed Professor Gray. "It is estimated that but one-eighth of the
+berg protrudes above the surface. Now look at that monster! Not less
+than eighteen or twenty miles long, and from five to six hundred feet
+high, making it in the neighborhood of a mile in thickness. Ah! see that
+big fellow turning over! Did you ever see anything so grand! I don't
+wonder that navigating these seas is next to impossible."
+
+They were all standing upon the balcony when they beheld this startling
+scene.
+
+For two whole days the beautiful ship continued steadily upon nearly the
+same course. The Professor pointed out their position upon the map at
+latitude 70 deg. 35 min., and longitude 50 deg. 20 min., East Greenwich.
+At this point they encountered a terrible gale from the north. The
+Doctor raised higher and higher, until they reached an altitude of ten
+thousand feet. Still they flew at amazing speed toward the south. He
+ascended to fifteen thousand, then twenty thousand feet elevation, but
+on they went into the heart of Russia. Will went up into the globe and
+hurriedly returned.
+
+"You must lower, Doctor! The strain upon the rods is tremendous! The
+outside atmospheric resistance is so slight at this elevation that we
+shall certainly explode if you ascend any higher."
+
+"Then we will descend and anchor at the first favorable spot, and there
+await a south wind. There seems to be a great demand for air at the
+equator just now. Well, let them have it," said he grimly, "but we are
+sure to get a regurgitation in our direction before many days. So down
+we go to study Russian habits and customs."
+
+The upper and lower traps were opened in the air chamber, and they
+rapidly descended to within five or six hundred feet of the earth. They
+could plainly see that the foliage was being thrashed with great
+violence by the gale.
+
+"How shall we manage to safely anchor in this awful wind, Doctor?" asked
+Will anxiously.
+
+"Do you see that high range of hills just ahead?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, they run east and west. We will drop immediately upon the other
+side of them. There it must be comparatively calm. But sharp is the
+word! We are there now!"
+
+Downward dropped the great ship behind the sheltering crest of the
+hills, and she, in a moment or two, was skimming quite easily along,
+just above the treetops. In what appeared to be a great park, the anchor
+was dropped into the top of a tree. It held securely, and Will and
+Denison descended in the cage and made a very strong aluminum cable
+fast about the trunk of the tree. After all was made secure, Dr. Jones
+and Professor Gray also descended. The little company then began looking
+around for signs of life.
+
+"I see a large stone building down this avenue," cried Will.
+
+"The Professor and I will prospect the place, while you two had better
+remain here until our return," said the Doctor.
+
+Accordingly they set off at a lively pace toward the building. As they
+approached it they looked in vain for signs of human life. They found it
+to be a massive ancient castle, standing in the midst of an extensive
+grove or park. They were somewhat awed by the deathlike silence that
+pervaded the place. They, however, stepped up to a massive oaken door,
+and Dr. Jones seized the ponderous iron knocker and struck several
+vigorous blows. They waited two or three minutes, but could hear no
+sounds within.
+
+"We have struck an enchanted castle, and I must see if I cannot awake
+the Sleeping Beauty within," said Dr. Jones, and he was about to apply
+the knocker again, when a deep bass voice from a window above addressed
+them in a language with which they were unfamiliar.
+
+"We cannot speak your language. Do you speak English?" asked Dr. Jones.
+
+"Are you men, angels, or devils, and what do you want," returned the
+voice in fairly good English.
+
+The Doctor hastened to give the desired information, and told who they
+were, etc., concisely as possible.
+
+"What is that fearful and wonderful silver ball or globe in which you
+dropped from the skies among us?"
+
+After further explanations the bars were removed, and the massive door
+swung slowly open. There stood before them a large, black-bearded man,
+holding by the collars two large Russian hounds. The brutes growled and
+showed their horrid fangs in a way that made the visitors cringe and
+draw back.
+
+"Please restrain your dogs, sir, for our mission is a perfectly peaceful
+one," said Dr. Jones; and he smiled so blandly that the man seemed to
+dismiss his apprehensions. He gave a signal which summoned two men, to
+whom he consigned the dogs, and they were led away. He now invited them
+to enter, and gave them seats in an adjoining room.
+
+"Gentlemen, I am Count Icanovich, and this is my castle. I welcome you
+to its hospitalities. You must excuse the reception we gave you, for I
+must confess that I have never been so startled in my life as when I saw
+your extraordinary ship come swooping down upon us a few moments ago.
+Half my people are in fits, or hidden away in all sorts of holes and
+corners."
+
+"I am exceedingly sorry, Count, to have come so abruptly and informally
+among you, but I assure you that we are here very much against our own
+wishes. We are bound for the North Pole, but this terrible gale from the
+north necessitated our anchoring for the present. But since fate has
+cast us among you, I am very happy to make the acquaintance of Count
+Icanovich. I am Dr. Jones of Washington City, United States, and this is
+Professor Gray, of Smithsonian Institute, same city."
+
+The Count shook hands with them very cordially, and asked, "How many are
+there of your party?" Upon being told, he immediately desired that they
+all be brought to the castle.
+
+"We see but little of the world in this place," said he, "and we hail
+this break in the humdrum monotony of our life with extreme pleasure."
+
+The two gentlemen returned appropriate acknowledgments of the Count's
+kindness, and arose to return to the globe for the company.
+
+"Will you accompany us to the ship?" asked Dr. Jones.
+
+"I thank you, but I am a victim of sciatic rheumatism, and can do but
+little walking," returned the Count. "I hope, however, before you leave
+us, to be able to inspect your wonderful air-ship."
+
+"Is your sciatica of long standing?" inquired Dr. Jones, all the
+instincts of a good physician being aroused at the presence of
+suffering; and running over in his mind a list of remedies from force of
+long habit.
+
+"About three years. I contracted it from getting wet when warm. I am
+incurable, and must grin and bear to the end."
+
+"Do you feel better quiet, or when moving about?"
+
+"Oh! I must move about. I usually put in hours at night hobbling up and
+down my room."
+
+"The bed feels so hard that you cannot find an easy spot to lie on. You
+are always worse before storms. After sitting a little while you stiffen
+up, feeling much better after moving about. The tendons of your legs
+have a drawing sensation, and feel as if too short. There is more or
+less of numbness and paralysis, and a wooden sort of feeling of the leg
+when walking. You also have lightning-like shocks of pain through the
+limb, now and then. Your attacks come on every few weeks, and it is the
+left limb that is affected. You can be cured."
+
+The doctor rattled these symptoms off with great volubility. The Count
+looked at him with open-eyed wonder. The professor was not less
+astonished at the positiveness with which Dr. Jones thus detailed the
+Count's symptoms without any previous knowledge of the case.
+
+"Whether you be angel or devil, I do not know; but certain it is that
+you have told my symptoms better than I could have done myself. But you
+make a bold assertion when you say that I can be cured. Do you know,
+man, that I have had the best advice in Europe, and have spent a fortune
+seeking relief?"
+
+"Are you taking medicine now, sir?"
+
+"No. I have thrown physic to the dogs, and may God have mercy on the
+dogs. I am thoroughly disgusted with physic and physicians. And why
+should I not be? Several years since, I saw my wife die of pulmonary
+consumption. And now my only child lies in a chamber above, well
+advanced in the same terrible, wholly incurable disease. As if this were
+not enough, I myself am suffering the pangs of h--l with a lingering,
+incurable complaint. Why shouldn't I detest the whole lying, infernal
+business?" he roared, striking the floor savagely with his cane.
+
+"Sure enough, sure enough," said the Doctor soothingly and
+sympathetically. "I do not blame you in the least. But we will see if
+something cannot be done for you, Count. I believe in my soul that I can
+cure you, and that right speedily. Let us now hasten back, for our
+people will be alarmed at our long absence."
+
+They found them indeed wondering and anxious. All immediately descended
+and repaired to the castle. The Count met them at the door, and, after
+a formal introduction to each, led them to a large, quite modernly
+furnished drawing-room.
+
+"Now," said the Count, "please make yourselves at home. I intend that
+you shall be my guests while you remain in this vicinity. You will be
+shown to your rooms in a few moments. You will please excuse me now, and
+I will see you at dinner, which will be at six o'clock."
+
+He was about leaving the room, limping painfully, when Dr. Jones stepped
+up to him, and, pulling a small vial from his vest pocket, said: "Put
+out your tongue, Count; I wish to give you a dose of medicine that will
+cure your sciatica."
+
+The Count looked at him suspiciously a moment, then sat down as
+requested, and put out his tongue. Dr. Jones shook a grain or two of
+powder upon it.
+
+"You will suffer less to-night than you have done in a long time. It is
+very possible that this one dose will cure you perfectly and
+permanently."
+
+"I tell you frankly, sir, that I have not a particle of faith in your
+minute, tasteless dose affecting me in the slightest," said the Count
+with a half angry glare in his deep-set black eyes.
+
+"I do not care a fig for your faith, sir," replied Dr. Jones in his
+independent American manner. "Happily for you, this is not a Christian
+Science cure that I am performing. You have the indicated remedy in your
+circulation now; and with all due respect, believe what you please."
+
+The company of friends were looking on anxiously, fearing that the
+Doctor was too brusque with the nobleman. But that individual smiled,
+and really seemed quite pleased and amused at Dr. Jones' positive,
+straightforward way of doing business.
+
+"Evidently _you_ are not deficient in the element of faith, Doctor, and
+I can but wish that your faith may not be in vain in this instance."
+
+After the Count had withdrawn, Professor Gray said: "Dr. Jones, I do not
+at all understand how you could tell the Count his symptoms as you did,
+without any previous knowledge of the case. Does sciatic rheumatism
+always present just the same picture, or set of symptoms, that you
+should be able to so rapidly and correctly tell his purely subjective
+sensations?"
+
+"Not by any means, Professor. A scientific prescription, like a stool,
+must have at least three legs to stand upon. You will remember that the
+Count had already told me that moving about, especially at night,
+mitigated his pains; that he contracted his ailment from getting wet;
+and I noticed that he favored the left leg in walking. These were the
+three legs for my stool, or prescription. I felt positive that the
+remedy indicated was Rhus Toxicodendron. So I merely mentioned the
+leading characteristics of that drug, and I was not mistaken. You see,
+then, that I did nothing marvelous nor supernatural. Now, any one of
+many other drugs might have been indicated if the symptoms had been
+different from what they were. The symptoms of the disease must always
+be the same as those that the indicated drug is capable of producing in
+crude doses. Rhus tox. will cure the Count because, in every case of
+poisoning by that drug, there will be produced the symptoms found in his
+case. Like cures like. This is a universal law of God. I feel quite sure
+that the Count will experience great benefit from the one dose I have
+given him."
+
+"I shall watch this case with the greatest interest," said the
+Professor. "You will make a convert of me to your system if you perform
+a cure of so obstinate and painful a disease with an infinitesimal dose
+of medicine."
+
+"All right, my dear sir. I always feel confident of a cure when the
+symptoms are clear cut as in this instance."
+
+A general conversation was now entered into for a few moments, when
+servants entered and signaled them to follow, and each was conducted to
+a comfortable apartment. They shortly after assembled again in the
+drawing-room and awaited the announcement of dinner. Fred opened the
+piano, and he and the ladies sang a trio. They were glad when a servant
+appeared and signaled them to follow him to the dining-room. The Count
+was the only Russian present who could speak English. So he watched
+carefully and interpreted the wants of his guests to the servants, and
+but very little trouble was experienced. They found the cooking very
+palatable, and their mode of living aboard Silver Cloud in the frosty
+atmosphere of the Arctic region had sharpened their appetites
+enormously.
+
+The Count talked with them about their journey, and was much interested
+in the graphic accounts given by the different members of the party of
+their experiences. Will explained the plan and construction of the
+globe. The Count was a good listener, and seemed deeply impressed with
+all that was said upon the subject.
+
+"It seems to me incredible that you were so short a time ago in
+Washington City, U.S., and are now sitting at my dining table in the
+heart of Russia. And think of the circuitous route by which you came!
+Still I am prepared to believe anything when I look at yonder wonderful
+silver globe, and remember how you dropped among us from the skies as
+you did to-day."
+
+After dinner Will and Denison borrowed a lantern and went to see that
+Silver Cloud was all right for the night. The wind swayed the monster
+ball back and forward gently, and there seemed to be no great strain
+upon the cables.
+
+"I think we had better get out the other two cables," said Will. "I do
+not feel quite safe. A heavy gust might tear it away, and that would be
+a calamity indeed."
+
+So he ascended to the engine-room and passed the cable ends to Denison,
+who made them securely fast to adjoining trees.
+
+A very enjoyable evening was spent in the great drawing-room. Of course
+music constituted the chief source of pleasure. Fred brought his anthem
+and glee books from the cabin of Silver Cloud, and the old walls of the
+castle certainly seldom, if ever, rang with such music as was discoursed
+there that night. The domestics had so far recovered from their fright
+that they now crowded the adjoining hall to hear the singing. So
+ravishing was the harmony to their semi-barbaric ears that, conjoined
+with the marvelous manner of their coming among them, these poor
+creatures were ready to fall down and worship them as heavenly
+visitants. The Count himself seemed to enjoy the music exceedingly, and
+encored long and loudly. When they separated for the night, he shook
+hands cordially with each, and said:
+
+"My good friends, I cannot sufficiently thank you for the pleasure you
+have afforded me this evening. You may be sure that my invalid daughter
+has enjoyed your delightful music. She desired that the door be opened
+so that she has heard it all. She was an accomplished vocal and
+instrumental musician before her illness. Perhaps she may feel well
+enough to see you in the drawing-room to-morrow evening."
+
+Turning then to Dr. Jones, he said: "Well, Doctor, whether it be your
+medicine or music that has charmed away my pains, I do not know; but it
+is certain that I have not been so free from suffering for a long time.
+I bid you all a very good night."
+
+After a consultation it was thought best that two should sleep aboard
+Silver Cloud every night so long as the party remained with the Count.
+So Will and Denison took upon themselves this duty, and immediately
+repaired to the cabin for the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Beauty and the Beast.
+
+
+On the following morning all were up early, and enjoyed a long walk
+before breakfast in the park. They did not see the Count until breakfast
+time. He was in a very pleasant mood, and, after inquiring how they had
+rested, turning to Dr. Jones he said:
+
+"I have always made a point of rendering credit to whom credit is due. I
+slept eight consecutive hours last night, solidly and dreamlessly as the
+dead. I have had no such rest for years, and this morning, but for the
+stiffness of my limb, should be tempted to challenge you for a
+foot-race. If this be the effect of your medicine, you are the most
+wonderful healer I ever met."
+
+"I am truly happy to hear that you feel so well this morning, Count
+Icanovich. But remember that you do not believe at all in my
+infinitesimal dose, and should not prematurely render me credit. Your
+present improvement may be but a simple coincidence," and the Doctor's
+eyes twinkled mischievously.
+
+"That is right," said the Count good-naturedly; "I deserve your
+sarcasm."
+
+"Now," interposed Mrs. Jones, "I do not think that the Count deserves
+any reproach or sarcasm at all. Here we come among you, total strangers;
+and Dr. Jones, before we have been here two hours, in his usual
+insinuating manner, gets you to swallow a dose of medicine for what you
+have good reason to consider an incurable complaint. I think it quite
+unreasonable to expect you to have the slightest faith in his one little
+dose."
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Jones," said the Count, bowing to her gravely; "but you
+will allow me to ask," and he set his great black eyes upon her very
+earnestly, "do you think that the Doctor can cure me?"
+
+"Do I think so!" cried she, flushing with pride and enthusiasm, "my good
+sir, _he has done so already_!"
+
+The Count looked at her in astonishment for a moment, then dropped his
+knife and fork upon the table, threw his head back and roared with
+laughter. It was so hearty and contagious that all joined it in spite of
+themselves.
+
+"Excuse me, friends," said he, wiping the tears from his eyes, "but I
+have not laughed so for years. And this lady's vindication of your
+skill, Dr. Jones, inspires me with greater confidence than anything else
+could have possibly done. All I have to say, madam, is that I accept
+your diagnosis of cure, and shall throw crutches and canes aside."
+
+After breakfast the Count said: "I have a stable full of horses which
+are at your service. I should esteem it a favor if you would use them as
+your own. There are many sights of interest about here. A few miles away
+is the town of P----, a nice little city of about five thousand. No
+doubt you would like to make some purchases. I will accompany you any
+time and act as interpreter."
+
+They thanked him, but concluded not to visit town that day. He then led
+Dr. Jones into his private room and said:
+
+"Doctor, I am desirous that you should see my daughter. I fear that you
+can do little more than palliate her condition, but even that would be
+very much for us. She is a great sufferer, and I shall be extremely
+grateful for anything you can do for her."
+
+The Doctor immediately signified his readiness to see her whenever it
+pleased the Count.
+
+"That north wind is still howling, and I am only too happy to be of
+service to your daughter, or any of God's suffering children while I am
+with you. Keep me busy as you like, Count. My greatest delight is to
+cure the sick, and the world is my field since I started on this trip
+for the Pole."
+
+The Count touched a bell, and a female servant entered. He gave her some
+orders in Russian.
+
+She returned in a few moments and spoke to him.
+
+"My daughter is ready to receive us. Will you go up to her now, sir?"
+
+"This is my daughter Feodora, Doctor Jones," said the Count as they
+entered her room. A tall, graceful young lady of twenty arose from a
+couch upon which she had been lying, and extended a thin feverish hand
+to the Doctor. She spoke to him in beautiful English, and Dr. Jones
+expressed surprise in his face so that the Count said:
+
+"I spent several years in London, and Feodora became very proficient in
+the language there."
+
+They were all seated, and, after a few casual remarks, Dr. Jones
+requested Feodora to relate to him the history of her illness, and as
+she did so, he carefully noted her symptoms in his case-book. He
+interrupted her as little as possible, preferring to take down the
+history in her own language. After she had finished he made a physical
+examination of her chest. First, he carefully percussed both lungs; that
+is, laid the fingers of the left hand upon the chest and tapped them
+lightly with the finger ends of the right hand, thus producing a more or
+less resonant or hollow sound. He could thus detect any consolidated
+tissue that might be in the lung, or abnormal resonance where there
+chanced to be a cavity. He then, with a stethoscope, ausculated the
+lungs, or listened to the respiratory sounds. He noted the temperature;
+rate and other qualities of the pulse; looked at the tongue and sputa.
+Having now a complete picture of the case or what he termed the
+"totality of the symptoms," he said:
+
+"I must consult my library a few moments. I will be back within an
+hour."
+
+He hastened to the cage, ascended to the cabin, and in a few moments was
+oblivious to everything but the salvation of this precious young life.
+He transcribed from his case-book to a sheet of paper the most
+prominent, unusual, and persistent symptoms. They were:
+
+1. Weeps much, and cannot bear to be left alone. Fears she will die.
+
+2. Great difficulty in breathing; worse from exertion and after
+coughing.
+
+3. Dry, teasing cough, more or less day and night. In paroxysms from
+tickling in the throat, with tenacious mucus, which she cannot raise,
+and must be swallowed. Sputa sometimes consists of pus, mixed with
+blood.
+
+4. Lower third of the right lung particularly affected. She cannot lie
+upon the right side on account of sharp, stitching pains through the
+lung. Sometimes the sharp pains extend through the left lung, with
+violent palpitation of the heart.
+
+5. All these symptoms, cough, pains, etc., are invariably worse at three
+o'clock, A.M., and continue one or two hours.
+
+6. Very profuse night sweats, etc.
+
+There were other concomitant symptoms that we will not stop to
+enumerate. Dr. Jones prepared a powder from a vial labeled Kali
+Carbonicum (cm), and descended and hastened to the castle. His heart was
+jubilant within him, for he knew that he should save this lovely girl.
+He fairly burst into her chamber, glowing with the pleasure he thus felt
+in bearing the gospel of healing.
+
+"Praise God!" he fervently ejaculated, "I have found your remedy. Take
+this please." She opened her mouth and he shook from a tiny vial a dose
+of a white granular powder, just as he did the night before with her
+father.
+
+"Now, I want you to cheer right up, and dismiss all thought of dying
+from your mind. I expect that within a very few days you will experience
+great relief. These sharp stitching pains will almost immediately
+disappear, I am sure."
+
+And so he talked to her for a little time so brightly and cheerfully
+that the poor invalid seemed to catch his enthusiastic, hopeful spirit,
+and smiled and chatted in a way that lifted the Count to the very skies.
+
+"Whether there be any efficacy in your powders or not, Doctor Jones,
+there is certainly wonderful potency in your sanguine manner of giving
+them."
+
+"Now, to-night," continued the Doctor, acknowledging the Count's
+compliment with a smile and nod, "I desire to see you in the
+drawing-room. You must have pleasant, cheerful company. No more tears
+and sighing in this dismal room. Throw open the curtains and blinds, let
+God's sunshine and fresh air in. Take no medicine except what I give
+you. I must bring my wife and Mattie to see you, and you and they must
+romp all over this country in a few days--providing a favorable wind
+does not set in. For I must hie away to the North Pole at the earliest
+practicable moment."
+
+"Please bring your ladies up soon, Doctor. I desire very much to know
+them, and I am sure that company does me good. I am afraid to be alone
+a moment. It has been too quiet in this great castle with no one to talk
+with but the servants. Do send for them immediately, please."
+
+A few moments later they appeared and were introduced to Feodora. They
+were shortly upon very good terms, for each of them was exceedingly well
+bred and possessed of purest womanly instincts.
+
+"I heard your beautiful singing last night, and how I did wish to join
+your company. And do you know that yesterday I had been suffering
+terribly with stitching pains in my side, and I was so tired and
+miserable that I asked God to help me or take me home. Just then your
+great silver ship sailed across my window so that I could see it as I
+lay upon my couch, and do you know that I believed, for a time, that God
+had sent his chariot for me. I did not seem the least frightened, though
+I could hear the screams of the servants in different parts of the
+house, and my nurse had crawled under the bed. I just closed my eyes and
+awaited the summons. I confess that I felt really disappointed when they
+told me the truth of the matter. But now, do you know," grasping the
+good little Doctor's hand, "that I believe this to be God's messenger,
+and through him I am to be restored to health again."
+
+"The Lord grant it," said Dr. Jones. "But now we must leave you a few
+hours. You have had quite enough excitement for once. I expect to see
+you in the drawing-room to-night."
+
+So they withdrew, leaving her smiling and happy. Count Icanovich joined
+the Doctor a few moments later and asked him to sit with him in his
+private office.
+
+"You will understand, Doctor, that I am exceedingly anxious to know your
+opinion of my daughter's condition. You have inspired us with a degree
+of hope that we have not known for a long time. Indeed, Hope spread her
+wings and left this castle long since, and it has been little better
+than a charnel-house until your appearance. Now I ask you to tell me
+candidly whether you entertain any hope of my Feodora's ultimate
+recovery. You may lay your heart open to me, for I should receive her as
+one raised from the dead if you save her. Do not, as you love your own
+soul, attempt to deceive me."
+
+"Count Icanovich," answered Dr. Jones, "I am hardly prepared to give you
+a definite answer. I certainly see great reason to hope all that could
+be expected or desired. A certain remedy is so positively and clearly
+indicated in her case that I shall be greatly disappointed if the most
+distressing of her symptoms do not immediately disappear. After that, so
+much depends upon the hygienic and dietic management that I do not feel
+justified in making an absolutely favorable prognosis."
+
+"What if she were under your immediate supervision for a certain length
+of time?"
+
+"I should, under such circumstances, feel quite sure of restoring her to
+perfect health."
+
+"Then, Doctor, if money be any object to you, you shall have your own
+price for remaining until you pronounce her well."
+
+"I am extremely sorry, Count, but that cannot be. My Government has
+built yonder aluminum air-ship at enormous expense at my express desire
+and instigation, with the understanding that I sail with it to the North
+Pole. My obligation is to do so with all possible dispatch. I will leave
+medicine and explicit directions, so that in all probability you will do
+just as well as if I remained."
+
+The nobleman said no more upon the subject, and they joined the company
+in the drawing-room. Will, Fred, and Denison repaired to the stables,
+selected saddle-horses and rode to the town. There they were objects of
+great interest to the inhabitants. The news of the great silver
+globe--for they all believed it to be of silver, and the strangers to be
+fabulously rich--with its load of voyagers that came so suddenly and
+mysteriously among them the day before, had spread rapidly. The
+superstitious people were half inclined to regard them as celestial
+visitors, and looked upon them with awe and wonder.
+
+The Doctor and the Professor, with the ladies, took a long walk through
+the park. They met many of the natives, who were coming from every
+direction to see the marvelous silver ship.
+
+"I declare," said Mrs. Jones, "that I can hardly realize that all this
+can be true. I have to pinch myself sometimes to see if I am not
+enjoying a long beautiful dream."
+
+"It is romantic to the last degree," replied Professor Gray.
+
+"The wind still holds in the north," remarked Dr. Jones, scanning the
+skies and treetops. "I see that it has veered a few points to the west.
+We will surely get a favorable wind before many days."
+
+"Isn't it a pity that you cannot stay with that lovely girl until she is
+out of danger?" sighed Mrs. Jones.
+
+"Yes, it grieves me exceedingly to be obliged to leave her, but I have
+no option in the matter. If that globe were my private property, I would
+not leave her until she was out of danger. But, under the circumstances,
+I cannot do so. After all," said he, brightening up with the thought,
+"she will probably do as well without me."
+
+"She is the loveliest creature I ever saw," said Mattie. "How gentle,
+beautiful, and patient she is. Much as I desire to visit the North Pole,
+still I would gladly remain here six months or a year if it would do her
+any good."
+
+The day passed away without incident. After dinner all met in the
+drawing-room, and the invalid girl occupied an easy chair among them.
+She extended her hand to Dr. Jones with a grateful smile, and said:
+
+"Doctor, I have not passed so comfortable a day for a very long time. I
+shall get well. Your medicine has done wonders for me already. You are,
+no doubt, in great haste to reach your destination, but you must not
+leave me until I am better. If you do, I shall die."
+
+"O, no! my dear Miss Feodora, you will not die. I shall leave you
+medicines that will help you through nicely."
+
+This the Doctor said with all the assurance and cheerfulness he could
+command. But she instinctively detected a slight shade of anxiety or
+uncertainty in his tone. The physician must be a consummate actor who
+can deceive a patient whose perceptions are preternaturally acute as
+were Feodora's. He saw that he had not deceived her, and cried:
+
+"Do not let us think of that subject to-night. This unfavorable wind may
+last many days, and I promise to see you better before I go."
+
+She smiled sweetly and gratefully as he gave her this promise, and
+abandoned herself to the enjoyment of the music, conversation, etc., of
+the evening. Instrumental and vocal music constituted the principal
+source of amusement, and the audience awarded unstinted praise and
+applause. The singers were in the best possible form, not one of them
+complaining of cold or hoarseness, as is customary. Nothing could exceed
+the sweetness and richness of Mrs. Jones' voice. It seemed to fill the
+gloomy halls and rooms of the castle to its farthest confines. And
+Mattie's contralto beautifully and nobly seconded the soprano. The tenor
+and bass could scarcely have been better, and altogether it was a
+concert worthy of the praise of that, or any other, audience.
+
+"You will never know what a change your coming has made in our home,"
+said Feodora to Mrs. Jones and Mattie as they sat beside her. "Before
+your coming, all was so still and dark, and scarcely a sound could be
+heard in the rooms or halls all day. Now see the servants sitting and
+standing about the halls, chatting and laughing as if nothing had ever
+been wrong in the house. And look at papa talking and laughing as if he
+were not the saddest man on earth only two days ago. As for myself, I am
+simply astonished beyond measure. I have really forgotten for a time
+this evening that I am not perfectly well. O, what a beautiful,
+beautiful change! And it is perfectly heavenly to have a respite from
+pain, even if it be but temporary."
+
+The two ladies, one sitting upon either side, smiled their sympathy and
+happiness, and pressed her poor emaciated hands between their own cool,
+soft, plump ones in a way that went directly to her heart.
+
+"Let us help you up stairs," said Mrs. Jones, "for I am sure that you
+must be getting tired."
+
+She assented, bade the company good-night, and retired with the two
+ladies.
+
+"Now you must let us do everything we can for you while we are here,"
+said Mrs. Jones. "You know that we are to see you better before we go
+away, and I have so much confidence in Dr. Jones' system of medicine
+that I am positive of your recovery."
+
+Leaving her then to the nurse, they retired for the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Doctor Jones Commits Treason.
+
+
+As they met at the breakfast table next morning, they found the Count
+joyous and jubilant. Feodora had spent a comparatively comfortable
+night. At the regular hour, 3 o'clock, A.M., the stitching pains and
+cough recurred, but were so much less than usual, and lasted so much
+shorter a time that she was radiant with joy, and thanked Dr. Jones so
+sweetly that the good man was obliged to hem and cough and wipe his nose
+and eyes, and complain of a slight cold which he had contracted. As for
+the nobleman himself, he declared that he was the happiest and soundest
+of all the Czar's subjects.
+
+"I cannot understand this matter, Doctor," said he. "I have absolutely
+exhausted the medical science of Europe without the slightest benefit.
+Here you come from the United States, a new country, and supposed to be
+very much behind in all matters of science and letters, yet you have
+done for me and my daughter, as if by magic, what the accumulated
+science and knowledge of Europe have not been able to do at all. Is your
+science a mystic or esoteric affair, and are you the only one in
+possession of the secret?"
+
+"No, indeed, Count Icanovich. So far from my system being esoteric or
+exclusively my own, I have for many years taught and exemplified to the
+best of my ability the law by which I am governed in the selection of
+the remedy. And there are a noble few in my country who are like
+children sitting in the market, crying, 'We have mourned unto you and ye
+would not mourn; we have piped unto you and ye would not dance.' By
+every possible means we have endeavored to induce the dominant school of
+medicine to investigate our claims, but they simply deride and laugh us
+to scorn."
+
+"But surely, Doctor, they cannot deny the evidence of their own senses!
+If you cure that which they cannot, they certainly must heed you.
+Anything else is unthinkable," exclaimed the Count.
+
+"My dear sir, human nature is past finding out in its capacity for
+stupidity and foolishness. God gives every man the power to choose good
+or evil, and no amount of evidence can dispossess him of this elective
+franchise. Hence he is the arbiter of his own fate. Abraham said to
+Dives concerning his brethren, 'If they believe not Moses and the
+prophets, neither will they believe, though one arose from the dead.'
+Jesus Christ healed the sick, raised the dead, restored the lame, the
+halt, the blind, in the presence of priests, lawyers, and doctors, the
+scientists of those days; and they put him to death in precisely the
+same spirit that they expatriated Samuel Hahnemann for discovering and
+promulgating the only law of cure in God's universe. Human nature has
+not changed a particle since the days of Adam and Eve, and it never will
+be any more nor less than what it is now, except as it is regenerated
+through the Atonement."
+
+"This is marvelously strange," said the Count musingly. "I do not
+remember to have heard of your system more than a few times in my life,
+and then but as something ridiculous or foolish. Cannot something be
+done to bring it before the public?"
+
+"So far as I know, Count Icanovich, there is not a school in Europe
+where the tenets of our system are taught. The dominant school of
+medicine has used its power, and legislation effectually bars us out in
+every European country. Only in America have we colleges, and even there
+whatever privileges we enjoy are the results of deadly and
+uncompromising warfare. So you will understand the difficulties under
+which we labor."
+
+"It seems, then, that it is simply a matter of ignorance with the laity
+that your system has not become universally adopted," interposed
+Professor Gray. "And the 'Regular School,' as they style themselves, is
+exceedingly active in keeping them thus ignorant."
+
+"That is the state of affairs exactly," cried Dr. Jones. "To illustrate
+the fact that we have a law of cure, while the so-called Regulars have
+nothing like it, a certain physician, a number of years ago, sent out
+twenty letters, ten to prominent men of each school. He sent to each the
+ordinary price of a prescription, and represented himself as a patient.
+He detailed precisely the same symptoms to each. Now, if medicine is
+worthy of being called a science, why should there not have been an
+answer, and but one answer, as to the remedy indicated in this case?"
+
+"So I have said a thousand times," exclaimed the Count, excitedly. "And
+I can foretell the denouement so far as the Regular school is concerned:
+You received as many prescriptions that were totally unlike as there
+were men of that school who prescribed for you."
+
+"Right, you are, my lord!" shouted the Doctor. "But eight of them
+responded. No two of their prescriptions at all resembled each other,
+and the aggregate number of drugs prescribed by them was somewhere near
+seventy, if I remember correctly. If all these drugs had been put into a
+jug, the compound would have been a mass of incompatibles that would
+have poisoned any miserable wretch who was fool enough to take it."
+
+"But how did the men of your school do, Doctor?" asked Professor Gray.
+"Did they do any better?"
+
+"Did they!" again shouted Dr. Jones, swelling and flushing with pride.
+"Every one of them prescribed Lycopodium Pollen, which was the indicated
+remedy."
+
+"How many physicians of your school are there in America?" asked the
+Count.
+
+"Something like twelve thousand, I believe."
+
+"And would each of them have prescribed the remedy you mentioned?"
+
+"All worthy of the name would have done so."
+
+"And are not all worthy?"
+
+"I am forced to say no! not by a great many. Like every other
+representative system of truth, our greatest source of danger is from
+within. No chain is stronger than its weakest link, as has been said
+many times. The world judges us by our weaklings. Every good thing has
+its hordes of counterfeits."
+
+"Well," said the Count, "I am deeply interested in this matter. I must
+hear more of it, Doctor."
+
+"And I also am desirous of information upon this all important subject,"
+added Professor Gray.
+
+The wind had veered around to the west-nor-west. It had materially
+abated in violence, but was still unfavorable for our navigators. And,
+in truth, the Doctor was not nearly so anxious to depart at this time as
+was Professor Gray. The good Doctor's mind was divided between a desire
+to be off for the Arctics, and a professional interest in, and friendly
+solicitude for, the beautiful Feodora. Nothing could exceed the delight
+with which he noted the manifest curative power of the dose which he had
+given her. And he had pledged his word that he would not leave her until
+material improvement was apparent. So it was with a considerable degree
+of resignation that he saw the wind continue northerly.
+
+The matter stood about thus between him and Professor Gray: While Dr.
+Jones was really commander of the expedition, yet the Professor
+represented the Government's interests, and he kept a strict record of
+every day's occurrences. These must be subjected to the inspection of
+the proper authorities upon their return to Washington. The fact that
+Dr. Jones had interested himself in a sick girl in the heart of Russia,
+even though she was the only child of a Count who stood high with the
+Emperor of all the Russias, could not excuse him to his Government for
+holding in abeyance the mighty interests of the expedition upon which it
+had projected him.
+
+For two more days the northerly winds prevailed. Then came the
+hoped-for, yet dreaded, change. At six o'clock in the morning, the
+Professor rapped upon Dr. Jones' chamber door.
+
+"Come, Doctor," he cried. "Ho! for the North Pole. A glorious breeze
+from due South."
+
+The Doctor joined him in a few moments, and they walked into the park.
+The aluminum flag fluttered straight toward the north. The Doctor
+expressed his delight, but there tugged at his heart the thought of
+leaving the poor girl who clung to him for her life. But he did not dare
+to mention this fact to Professor Gray. He knew that no merely
+sentimental grounds would have any weight with that gentleman, and that
+he (the Professor) would hold him strictly accountable to the Government
+for any unnecessary delay.
+
+So, with a sigh, he announced to his party that they would sail as soon
+after breakfast as possible. The Count looked very much distressed, but
+said not a word. After breakfast the Doctor and Count repaired to
+Feodora's room. She had rested beautifully all night, and received them
+with a glad, smiling welcome. But when Dr. Jones announced that he must
+sail within two or three hours, her face became exceedingly sorrowful,
+and she said to him so gently and simply that it touched the hearts of
+the men more than tears could have ever done:
+
+"And do you know what goes with you in your beautiful Silver Cloud?"
+
+"I do not know that I do. What do you mean?"
+
+"My life."
+
+This unexpected reply caused the Doctor a terrible shock.
+
+"O no! my dear young lady, you are doing splendidly. Just carry out my
+written instructions and you will do as well without me as you would
+with me."
+
+"Dr. Jones, I appreciate your situation, and know that you have no right
+to remain here for my sake, or anyone's else. I will not try to persuade
+you to stay; but I know that when you have gone, Hope will have
+accompanied you, and I shall certainly die."
+
+"My God! My God! Dr. Jones, I cannot endure this," groaned the Count,
+and great tears coursed down his cheeks.
+
+"Let me talk with you a few moments privately," said the Doctor.
+
+The Count led the way to his office, and when they were seated the
+Doctor began:
+
+"Count Icanovich, I cannot leave you, and yet you see my situation.
+Professor Gray will not consent to an hour's unnecessary delay, and will
+hold me in strictest account to my Government."
+
+"Cannot he be brought to consent to remain a few weeks?" asked the Count
+anxiously.
+
+"Not all the gold in Russia would tempt him one moment," declared the
+Doctor emphatically.
+
+"But you must not go and take my darling's life with you!" cried the
+Count desperately.
+
+"Say 'shall not,' and you will hit it exactly," replied the little
+Doctor, winking shrewdly at the Count.
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Have you no special power or authority in this section?"
+
+"I have very great power if I choose to use it. Do I understand you to
+advise me to detain you by force?"
+
+The Doctor grinned, gave a little Frenchy shrug of the shoulders, and
+said: "It would be treason to my country to advise you to do so, sir;
+but if you permit us to go, surely you cannot blame me for going. I very
+much prefer to stay, but only absolute force can prevent my going."
+
+"I understand you perfectly, Doctor, and you need say no more," replied
+the Count, smiling grimly. "It had not occurred to me to treat my guests
+with such discourtesy; but you Americans have an adage, I have
+heard,--or is it English?--that a hint is as good as a kick. Well, you
+needn't kick me--unless I let you go. Now go up to my daughter and cheer
+her up with the news that you are forcibly detained, and will not sail
+till she is cured."
+
+Here the two men clasped hands, threw open their mouths to their widest
+extent, and laughed long and--silently.
+
+"But now run up to Feodora; she needs you badly, and I have some very
+important business to attend to."
+
+So the Doctor again ascended to Feodora's room. He found there his wife
+and Mattie, all three in tears.
+
+"Come, come, girls, wipe your eyes. Please leave me alone with Miss
+Feodora a few minutes. I will join you down stairs directly."
+
+"And now," said he, "cheer right up. We are not going to leave you until
+your father consents. I have made the arrangement with him, but it must
+not be known to anyone else. You understand, do you not?"
+
+"I do, Doctor, I do," she cried; "and I promise to get well as soon as I
+can, so as not to detain you any longer than necessary. I shall get
+well! I shall get well!" and she pressed his hand to her lips in the
+ecstacy of her joy.
+
+"There, there," said he, a little sheepishly, withdrawing his hand, "go
+to sleep now, and come down to the drawing-room this afternoon."
+
+He had been in the drawing-room but a moment or so when the Professor
+and Will rushed in, each very excited.
+
+"Doctor!" cried Will, "what do you suppose the Count has done?"
+
+"I don't know, I'm sure. What's the matter?"
+
+"Well, by Jove, if he hasn't padlocked our cables, and very coolly
+informed us that we cannot sail until he gives us permission!"
+
+"What can he possibly mean!" exclaimed the Doctor in well-assumed
+astonishment. "We must see about this matter. Where is he?"
+
+"We left him at the globe," said the Professor. "I cannot comprehend the
+meaning of this. Let us go at once and see him."
+
+"Surely he must be joking you," said the Doctor, as they walked rapidly
+toward Silver Cloud.
+
+They found a group standing beneath the globe; and, as Will had said,
+every anchor and cable was heavily padlocked. Dr. Jones stepped briskly
+up to Count Icanovich and said with all the sharpness he could command:
+"What is the meaning of this, Sir Count? Why have you padlocked these
+cables?"
+
+"Evidently I could have but one object; to prevent your casting them
+off."
+
+"But why? What right have you to do so?"
+
+"Simply the right of might. But come," said he, looking over the
+company, "let us talk this matter over together. Shall we return to the
+castle?"
+
+"Suppose we ascend to the cabin," said the Doctor. "There we can talk
+without interruption."
+
+So, two by two, they all ascended to the sittingroom of the cabin. The
+Doctor and Count were the first to go up.
+
+"I shall make a great demonstration of anger, and may talk pretty
+sharply, Count, but you will know my meaning," said the former, as they
+landed in the engine-room.
+
+"I perfectly understand; act your part, Doctor."
+
+When they were all seated in the sittingroom, the Doctor immediately
+reiterated the question:
+
+"What is the meaning of this high-handed proceeding, Count Icanovich?"
+
+"It simply means that I cannot consent to let you go at present, Doctor
+Jones."
+
+"And do you really mean to detain us by force?"
+
+"I do, if necessary."
+
+"Will you kindly tell us your object, and by what authority you dare to
+delay a United States' expedition? Do you not know that our Government
+will demand heavy reprisals for this action upon your part?"
+
+"Allow me to answer your first question. When you landed among us a few
+days ago, you found us a despairing lot of invalids. We were simply
+waiting death as the only possible escape from our pains and distress.
+The change that you have brought about by your medical skill and
+knowledge is known to you all, and I need not dwell upon it. Our hearts
+are bursting with gratitude, and it pains me beyond measure to be thus
+obliged to use coercion; but my daughter's interests--her life--compel
+me to detain you. She declares that she cannot live if the Doctor leaves
+her, and I cannot and will not permit her only chance of recovery to
+thus fly away in the air. She is all I have on earth, and I swear that
+you shall stay until she consents to let you go."
+
+"But, Count Icanovich, do you not see how impossible it is for us to
+remain?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"No; I only see how impossible it is for you to go."
+
+"But look at the vast amount of money that our Government has intrusted
+us with for an express purpose. Having accepted this trust, our first
+and only duty is to that Government. And I tell you that whoever dares
+to detain us will have a heavy account to settle with a great and
+powerful nation."
+
+"I perfectly appreciate all that, Professor Gray, and am ready to settle
+any indemnity that may be demanded of me. I tell you, one and all, that
+I count these things as but dross when compared with the life of my
+Feodora. She shall not die if any high-handed outrage that I can commit
+will prevent it. You have heard me."
+
+The voyagers looked at one another in dismay. Here was a predicament
+that no one could have foreseen.
+
+"How long is this delay likely to last?" asked Will.
+
+"Just as long as the interests of my daughter's health demand it,"
+returned the Count.
+
+The Doctor gave a hypocritical groan that would have made his fortune
+upon the stage.
+
+"How long will that be, Doctor?" asked Will.
+
+"Three months, at least," was the reply.
+
+The Professor duplicated the Doctor's groan with such emphasis that the
+party could not repress their smiles, and the two conspirators did not
+dare look at each other.
+
+"Well, Professor, we'll have to accept the inevitable," said Dr. Jones.
+"Let's go down again and continue our studies of Russian customs and
+habits."
+
+"Allow me to say, gentlemen, before we descend, that it is best that we
+should have a thorough understanding. I desire to treat you as my
+honored friends and guests, and to allow you every possible liberty and
+pleasure while here. Pledge me your word that you will not attempt to
+sail without my knowledge, or seek governmental interference, and all I
+have is at your command."
+
+"Before I accede to your proposition, I wish to put one question: If Dr.
+Jones will consent to remain, will you permit the rest of the party to
+depart with the ship?" asked the Professor.
+
+"I shall be delighted if you can make any such arrangement," quickly
+returned the Count.
+
+"What do you say, Doctor?" cried Professor Gray, turning to him.
+
+The Doctor pondered a moment or two, and then said:
+
+"It is very great to be the discoverer of the North Pole, but it is very
+much greater to save a human life. My wife and Mattie will remain with
+me, but the rest of you may depart immediately if you wish."
+
+"As for me," said Denison, promptly, "I shall stay with Dr. Jones."
+
+Will and Fred looked at each other a moment, then Fred burst out:
+
+"Let's stick together. The North Pole will be there just the same a few
+months later, and I do not blame Count Icanovich for detaining the
+Doctor under the circumstances. To use a beautiful Americanism, we may
+as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb. In one, in all."
+
+"I stand with the majority," said Will.
+
+"Well, gentlemen, I do not see but that I am in a hopeless minority, and
+must accept the Count's terms," sighed the Professor. "But say, Doctor,
+let me suggest one more idea before settling the matter definitely. Are
+there not men in Russia who practice your system, and who could fill
+your place satisfactorily in this case?"
+
+"I presume there are, but I am unacquainted with them."
+
+"But, gentlemen, my daughter will accept no substitute. I suggested the
+same idea to her, but she would not listen to it. It is Dr. Jones or
+nobody with her. There is no alternative. Dr. Jones must stay." This the
+Count said so decisively that further argument was mutually dropped as
+unavailing.
+
+"Well, Sir Count, since fate is against our sailing until the recovery
+of the fair Feodora, I only hope her return to perfect health may be
+unprecedentedly rapid, and I hereby give you the required pledge." With
+this the Professor extended his hand to the Count. The latter seized it
+cordially, then shook hands with each of the rest of the company,
+saying:
+
+"I am so glad that this unpleasant matter has been so easily and
+amicably adjusted. Let us go down now, and the only command that I put
+upon you is that you use my castle as your own, and that you come and go
+as you please."
+
+They all thanked the noble Count, and the whole party set out for the
+castle. When they reached the drawing-room the Professor dropped into a
+chair and said: "I used to be of the opinion that the stories of the
+enchanted castles, Sleeping Beauties and Beasts were all childish
+fiction and romance. But, as the darky said, 'Heah we is.' We have the
+castle, the Beauty, and the Beast. Though I must say of the Beast that
+he is a very amiable old fellow, after all, and I would do just as he is
+doing under the circumstances. This Beauty must be awakened, and Dr.
+Jones is the Prince of Physicians who can do it."
+
+"Thank you, Professor. And now, girls, take off your hats and cloaks,"
+cried the Doctor. "We have concluded to stay with the Count a few
+months."
+
+They looked at him to see if he were not joking.
+
+"What do you mean, Doctor?" asked his wife. "Did you say that we were to
+stay here a few months?"
+
+"Yes, my dear. The Count has persuaded me to remain until Feodora is so
+far recovered that we can safely leave her."
+
+"Well now, I will tell you the truth; I am really glad to hear it." Then
+turning to the company, she proudly said: "This is just like him. I am
+sure that he would not only give up the North Pole, but the whole earth
+to save a human life."
+
+"Come, come, sis," said the Doctor, blushing and confused, "you make me
+feel silly. Scatter off, now, and make yourselves at home. We must make
+the Count glad to get rid of us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A Model Teacher and Ideal Student.
+
+
+The days and weeks flew swiftly by. The fame of the great air-ship
+spread far and wide, and thousands of visitors came to inspect it and
+the wonderful voyagers. But what especially drew the people, and was
+talked of more than all else, was the marvelous skill of Dr. Jones as a
+healer. The beautiful Feodora improved from day to day, so that she
+daily drove with her devoted and constant companions, Mrs. Jones and
+Mattie. She began to eat heartily, gained flesh rapidly, and her cough
+had nearly left her. Roses of health assumed the place of hectic flush,
+and she was the talk and wonder of everyone who knew of her former
+hopeless condition.
+
+Many were the consultations held by Dr. Jones, with the grateful and
+goodnatured Count for interpreter. Money and honors poured in upon him,
+though he never made any sort of charge for advice or medicine. The
+better class of patients invariably left upon the table one or more
+pieces of gold.
+
+"Maggie, do you know that I have no idea of what to do with all this
+money? If it keeps on this way, I shall be obliged to found a college
+and hospital when we get back to Washington. Wouldn't it be grand if I
+could break down the prejudices and legal barriers in this great
+country, and establish our school upon an even footing with the old
+school?"
+
+"The Count must have influence at court. I should think that he might be
+of great help to you," suggested Mrs. Jones.
+
+"That is a good thought, and I will have a talk with him upon the
+subject at the first opportunity."
+
+The Count, meantime, was closely watching the Doctor's methods and the
+results. He was delighted to note that many chronic cases recovered
+under the treatment; and acute diseases yielded as if by magic to his
+all-powerful infinitesimal doses.
+
+"This is something utterly incomprehensible," he said to the Doctor one
+evening, as the friends sat with him in his office, smoking and talking.
+"Your medicines are working wonders, and yet I cannot understand how it
+is possible for so minute a particle as is contained in one of your
+doses to act so potently and profoundly upon a great mass of blood,
+flesh, and bones, like the human body. That it does so is beyond
+question. I have watched you carefully, and am thoroughly converted to
+your system."
+
+"Wouldn't it be a glorious thing for Russia if this system of medicine
+could have at least an opportunity of being heard, and of exemplifying
+the fact that it is founded upon science, and that beside it there is no
+other?" cried Dr. Jones.
+
+"Suppose you had an opportunity, by what method would you prove this
+system to be what you claim for it?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"By the only method that can satisfy the human mind--practical
+experience and demonstration. Nothing else will do. Theory is all well
+enough, but if it cannot stand the test of experiment it is of no sort
+of use. There is not a crowned head nor potentate in Europe before whom
+I would not gladly and fearlessly put my system to such test. Give me
+but a clear cut case--one that has not been spoiled by massive dosage or
+surgery, and I am willing that the system shall stand or fall by the
+result."
+
+"That is perfectly fair, and I know, Doctor, that you would succeed,"
+said the Count. "And I will say, further, that I am at your service to
+promulgate your system in Russia. I have influence at court, and I can
+put it to no better use than to help you present the system of medicine
+which you represent to those in a position to open our door to your
+school."
+
+"If you will do that, sir, I shall never regret our having been blown
+out of our course into Russia. If I can thus be instrumental in the
+salvation of countless thousands of God's suffering children, I shall
+feel that I have not lived in vain, whether I ever reach the North Pole
+or not. Do not think, Professor, that I have in any degree lost
+interest in our original enterprise. But, meantime, I must do what I
+can for humanity when opportunity occurs."
+
+"You are doing that, Doctor, and I heartily sympathize with you in your
+labors," answered the Professor. "I only insist that, when permitted by
+the fair Feodora, we sail immediately for our destination."
+
+"That we will, Professor, and I promise not to enter into any
+arrangements that shall prevent our going as soon as possible," replied
+Dr. Jones.
+
+"Excuse me, gentlemen," interrupted the Count, "but I wish to ask the
+Doctor for information. As you know, I have had a considerable amount of
+experience with the regular school of medicine, and you also know that I
+was thoroughly disgusted with it when you came so opportunely. I have
+carefully observed your methods, Dr. Jones, and I notice this essential
+difference between the two schools: The old school physicians are
+exceedingly particular in their examinations and explorations. They seem
+extremely worried about naming the disease and knowing the exact
+condition of the diseased tissues, but they do not appear to be able to
+manage the practical part of the business--cure. You, as a
+representative of the other system, do not lay so much stress upon these
+things, but do take cognizance of the symptoms in each case with
+surprising particularity. And I notice that you appear to base your
+prescription solely upon what you term the 'totality of symptoms.' How
+nearly am I right?"
+
+"Count, you have apprehended the exact condition of things. It is well
+enough to know all we can of the state of the organ or organs that we
+are treating; but suppose I spend hours examining a patient with all the
+appliances known to medicine, and have determined to a certainty the
+name of the disease with which my patient is afflicted, I am now no
+nearer knowing the remedy indicated in this case than I was before I
+made the examination. I must go back and take all the symptoms into
+account, both subjective and objective before I can intelligently
+prescribe."
+
+"I do not see, then, that it makes any difference whether you know all
+about the condition of the organs, or can name the disease or not," said
+Will.
+
+"Good boy, Will," smiled the Doctor. "You're learning fast. It is an
+absolute fact that some of the best shots I ever made were where
+neither I, nor any living man, could make what we term the
+diagnosis--that is, name the disease. I will give you a case in point: A
+good many years ago, when I was quite a young physician, there came into
+my office a man who desired me to go with him and see a sick babe. I
+found the most miserable looking three months' old child I had ever
+seen. Nothing could exceed the emaciation and puniness of the little
+creature, and the mother was carrying it about upon a pillow. For six
+weeks it had cried night and day, almost incessantly, except when under
+the influence of opiates. Five old school doctors had done what they
+could, and at last had declared that it could not live. They had not
+been able to establish the diagnosis, and so were at sea as to
+treatment. I sat beside it and studied the case as closely as possible
+for more than an hour. There was but one peculiarity or symptom upon
+which to base a prescription. It was this: It would lie a few moments
+apparently asleep, then it would give a start and begin to scream with
+all its puny power. This would last one or two minutes, when it would as
+suddenly fall asleep again. This, they assured me, was the way it had
+performed all through its illness, except when opiated. 'Pains come and
+go suddenly.' That was all I had to go on. I could not locate the pains,
+nor by any possible means know what the cause of them was; but I did
+know, thank God, what was of infinitely greater importance: I knew the
+drug that had that particular symptom, and that was Belladonna. Into
+half a tumblerful of water I dropped five or six drops of the two
+hundredth dilution of that drug, and put a few drops of this medicated
+water into the poor little thing's mouth."
+
+Here the Doctor stopped, knocked the ashes from his pipe, arose and
+started as if to leave the room.
+
+"Hold on, Doctor," cried Fred; "I am very much interested in that baby.
+How did it come out on your Belladonna solution?"
+
+"O yes! I should have said that it immediately went to sleep, and did
+not awaken for several hours. It never cried again, received no more
+medicine, and in a few weeks would have made a model picture for a
+patent baby food company. It only received the one little dose that I
+gave it."
+
+"I declare," said the Count, laughing heartily, "that it sounds absurd
+beyond anything I ever heard in my life. Yet who has greater reason to
+know it to be absolutely true than myself. Go on, Doctor; I am prepared
+to believe anything you are pleased to tell us of your miraculous
+system."
+
+"Before I go I think I will spin you one more story," said the Doctor,
+reseating himself. "This is what might be termed the reductio ad
+absurdum of prescribing merely for the disease by name, irrespective of
+symptomatology. I was called to see a poor Dutchman who was in the last
+stage of pulmonary consumption. He had just been brought home from a
+certain city, where he had been in a hospital for two or three months.
+
+"Well, Hans," I said, "how did they use you at the hospital; they are
+very scientific there, you know, and must have done great things for
+you.'"
+
+"O Doctor!" he groaned, "dondt speak aboudt dem fellers. Dey vos de
+piggest lot of shackasses I efer saw."
+
+"Why, Hans, I am surprised at you! What did they do that did not please
+you?"
+
+"Vell, I tells you. Ven I goes into dot hoshpital, dey oxamines mine
+lungs. Den dey puts me into a pedt mit a pig card hanging ofer mine
+hedt, und dere vos on dot card in pig letters, de vird, CONSUMPTION. I
+tink dey puts dot card dere to encourage me ven I looks at him. Und in a
+leedle pox py mine hedt, dey puts a pottle of medticine und say to me,
+'You dakes a teaspoonful of dot efery dree hours.' So I do dot. It vos
+awful stuff but I sticks to him aboudt dree veeks. Den I can no more
+dake it. It makes me so seek to mine stummick dot I gan no more eat
+anyting. So I say to de steward von morning, 'I gan no more dake dot
+medticine. I must haf some oder kind.' Vell, sir, you should haf seen
+dot feller look at me. He lifts up his hands und says, 'I shoost adtmire
+you, Hans.' 'What for you adtmire me?' 'Pecause you vos de piggest
+kicker dot efer comes into dis hoshpital. Now look at yourself. You vos
+oxamined und put into de ped to which you pelong. Dere ish de card
+hanging ofer your hedt vot tells vot vos der matter mit you. Und den
+dere ish der medticine for consumption in de pottle py your hedt. Dot
+medticine is Doctor Smith's favorite prescription for dot disease. Und
+mit all dot you kicks. Vot more do you want?' 'Vell,' I say, 'I gan no
+more dake dot medticine. It makes me awful seek.' 'Now, Hans, dondt be
+so unreasonable. You pelongs to dot ped, und whoefer goes into dot ped
+dakes dot medticine. Dondt you see?' 'But I dells you dot I gan no more
+dake dot medticine. It vill kill me. If no oder medticine goes mit this
+ped, put me in some oder ped dot has a tifferent pottle, I cares not
+what it is.' But no, sir! dey keeps me in dot ped. So I spidts Doctor
+Smith's tam stuff into de slop bowl, und comes home so quick as I gan."
+
+"I could hardly credit Hans' story, and told it as a joke to an old
+school physician who was familiar with the hospital where Hans had been.
+To my surprise he did not seem to see any joke in it. 'Can it be
+possible,' said I, 'that Hans told the truth?' 'Well,' said he, 'in all
+but one particular I think that he did.' 'And what was that particular?'
+I asked. 'The card above his head did not have on it, 'Consumption,' but
+'Phthisis Pulmonalis.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+The Count Steps Over the Line.
+
+
+The Silver Cloud's crew, if we may so term it, had busied themselves in
+various ways, according to their several dispositions and bents of mind.
+Dr. Jones was occupied more or less of the time with the invalids, who
+came to him from far and wide. The most inveterate cases of chronic
+diseases constituted the bulk of his practice, and the cures that he
+made were truly marvelous. The patience and interest of the Count never
+flagged a moment. He continued at his post and interpreted for the
+Doctor with surprising fidelity. Dr. Jones was so pleased with him that
+he explained to his noble student every case for which he proscribed,
+told him the name of the drug and precisely why he gave it. Surely here
+was a model teacher and an ideal student.
+
+Let it not be inferred that our Doctor was infallible, nor that he
+always cured.
+
+"There are many cases that are incurable, Sir Count, and we must learn
+to know them almost by intuition. The causes of failure are numerous,
+but you will notice that they are always to be found in the physician or
+patient; never in the law of cure. If I be not able to apprehend and
+duly estimate the symptoms of a given case, I must, of necessity, fail
+to cure. Or if the patient be unruly, stupid, or willful, he must pay
+the penalty. Frequently, the case has been rendered incurable by massive
+dosage or surgery. My system cures all that is curable when
+intelligently applied. And you will notice that in some instances there
+is an absolute dearth of symptoms. You also observe that I give them a
+dose and tell them to return in a week or ten days. When they return
+they often exhibit a splendid crop of symptoms, and I experience no
+trouble then in finding the remedy. These cases usually have a history
+of suppressed eruption. At some time in their lives the itch, or eczema,
+or some other skin trouble has been driven into their system by
+external medicaments in the form of ointments, washes, etc. Lifelong
+ailments, over which the old school have no control, are the result. A
+large percentage of chronic diseases are due to this cause alone."
+
+And so, during their leisure hours, sitting in the Count's office, or
+peripatetically as they walked together in the park, the enthusiastic
+Doctor taught his willing and attentive pupil.
+
+"Just see those two inseparables!" cried Feodora to Mrs. Jones and
+Mattie, as they sat by the front reception-room window, looking out upon
+the park. The Doctor and Count were promenading before the great
+building, the former with head erect, hands extended before him,
+lecturing upon his favorite theme. The towering figure of the Count
+strode along beside him, hands clasped behind and head bent well
+forward, listening attentively to every word.
+
+"I do believe that my father will be so enthusiastic a convert to the
+Doctor's system, that he will get books and medicines and practice upon
+our poor people when you are gone," said Feodora.
+
+"And he could not do a better thing," answered Mrs. Jones. "I have known
+laymen who made very fine prescribers. The Count could do a vast amount
+of good with a set of books and medicines."
+
+"Then you can rest assured that he will do so," returned Feodora. "My
+father is a very benevolent man naturally, but was fast becoming a
+misanthrope when you came among us. I shall never cease thanking God for
+the northern gale that blew you here."
+
+"Nor shall I, dear Feodora," said Mrs. Jones, kissing her with great
+affection. "And I really dread the time when we must leave you. But you
+are improving so rapidly that we must go before many weeks."
+
+"I am glad to get well, but I do feel sorry to think of your going. But
+I do not give up ever seeing you again. You will go to the North Pole in
+a short time, and then return home. You will write me from there, both
+you and Mattie, and then my father and I will visit you and bring you
+home with us. You must spend a winter with us in our capital city. It is
+the most beautiful and gayest city in Europe in its season."
+
+"And you shall spend a winter in Washington," returned Mrs. Jones.
+
+"I have never seen anything so beautiful as Washington," said Mattie.
+
+And so the friends chatted and cemented their acquaintance and
+friendship day by day, planning for future enjoyment of each other's
+society.
+
+The Count and Feodora were greatly interested in their account of their
+visit with the Barton family in Labrador.
+
+"By the way," said Mattie, "let's go up to Will's studio and see his
+painting of Jennie Barton."
+
+Feodora readily assented. "I have been longing for some time to see the
+interior of your beautiful cabin," she said.
+
+They slowly walked to the cage and mounted to the cabin, a distance of
+but fifty feet. They found Will at work upon a local landscape. He was
+delighted to receive the ladies, especially Feodora. "This augurs well
+for our sailing soon, Miss Feodora. And I cannot tell you how glad we
+all are to see you recovering so rapidly."
+
+"I told Feodora that you had made a fine painting of Jennie Barton. We
+have told her all about our visit in Labrador, and she wishes to see
+your painting of Jennie," said Mattie.
+
+"I am only too proud to show it her," answered Will, and he removed a
+cloth from the painting that rested upon an easel.
+
+"What a sweet, lovely face!" exclaimed Feodora. "I have never seen
+anything sweeter in my life."
+
+Will hastened to assure her, though he flushed with pride, that it
+lacked very much of doing the fair Jennie justice.
+
+"There is something so good and pure in that face, that it rests one to
+look at it," said the fair Russian.
+
+"Would you accept it from me as a present?" asked Will.
+
+"O Mr. Marsh! would you really part with it?"
+
+"I shall feel greatly honored if you will accept it from me. I intend
+painting another immediately. Whether I shall ever reach my ideal, I do
+not know."
+
+"I fear that you never will until you return to Constance House," said
+Mattie slyly.
+
+"Now Mattie, that is very unkind of you," cried Will with a well-assumed
+severity.
+
+Feodora thanked Will sincerely for his present, and declared that it
+should be hung in her room where she might see it the first thing in the
+morning and the last thing at night. "Surely nothing could be sweeter
+and more interesting than the romance connected with this lovely
+painting," said she.
+
+Professor Gray, meantime, had not been idle all these weeks. He and
+Denison had developed an affinity for each other, and spent many hours
+together, the former teaching the latter much of the geology, botany,
+etc., of the country round about. And with rod and gun they kept the
+Count's table well supplied with game. They also did much riding, and
+for many miles they became familiar objects to the inhabitants. The
+Professor made copious notes of all he saw of interest, intending it as
+subject matter for a future scientific work.
+
+And Fred busied himself with his music. He had discovered among the
+visitors at the castle a young Russian who spoke English tolerably well,
+and who was more than an ordinary violinist. They immediately formed a
+friendship, and daily sought each other's society. Fred became a great
+favorite among the local talent, and many were the concerts they held in
+the castle.
+
+Surely, for prisoners in a foreign land, restrained from going about
+their legitimate business, our friends were enjoying themselves
+wonderfully. The Count and Feodora were never so happy as when doing
+something calculated to enhance the comfort and pleasure of their
+guests. The days flew so swiftly by that the time for their departure
+was near at hand before they were aware of it. Feodora's recovery was
+uninterrupted, and she had gained many pounds of flesh. All
+apprehensions concerning her health had about disappeared. The Count
+continued his medical studies and investigations with unabated zeal and
+interest. The action of the infinitesimal dose was a knotty question. He
+could not deny the fact that they exhibited marvelous power over
+disease, but their immateriality staggered his faith at times, in spite
+of all that he had seen and experienced. But there came a time when he
+stepped over the line forever. He was "Born into the Kingdom," as the
+Doctor expressed it.
+
+There came a messenger at midnight one dark, stormy night, from a castle
+several miles distant. A letter to the Count from a certain Russian
+Prince, implored him to bring the American Doctor immediately to see his
+wife. The Count awoke the Doctor and told him that he would accompany
+him, if he would go; and he would esteem it a personal favor if he would
+attend the call.
+
+"Certainly, I will go," said Dr. Jones heartily, and he hastily prepared
+himself for the journey.
+
+The rain poured in torrents, and the heavy covered carriage in which
+they rode lumbered uncomfortably over the rough country roads.
+
+"You should introduce the horseless carriage into your country," said
+the Doctor as he bounced about upon his seat. "You would then agitate
+the subject of good roads."
+
+At last they reached their destination, and were hurried to the bedside
+of the suffering Princess. She was a woman of fifty-five, large and
+fleshy, sitting bolt upright in the middle of the bed. Her distress was
+terrible. The Doctor took the symptoms hurriedly as possible. They were:
+
+Violent palpitation of the heart. The bed fairly shook with the action
+of that organ.
+
+Expectorating large quantities of frothy blood.
+
+Breathing exceedingly labored; could not lie back in the least degree.
+
+Stomach and bowels enormously distended with gas; so much so that she
+could not lean forward at all.
+
+Eructations of gas in large quantities, which gave no relief; the least
+particle of food or drink excited these eructations.
+
+A very profuse cold sweat that saturated her clothing and bed.
+
+Great thirst, drinks little and often.
+
+Lower extremities restless, could not keep them quiet.
+
+Very nervous and despairing.
+
+Here was a terrible case, and the little Doctor studied it with the
+greatest possible care. He learned that the Princess had been an invalid
+for many years. She had taken vast quantities of crude drugs, and the
+time had come when her stomach rebelled and would tolerate no more
+drugging. The great physicians of Europe had been consulted, without
+permanent benefit. Her regular medical attendant, with his assistant,
+was now present. Dr. Jones was introduced to them, and such courtesies
+as were possible under the circumstances were extended by each. They
+gave such information as possible through the Count, and declared that
+the Princess must die within a few hours. They now stood powerless by,
+very curious and observant of everything the Doctor did.
+
+He had carefully written out the above symptoms, and now retired for a
+few moments with the Count to an adjoining room. The two Russian
+physicians were asked to join them, as a matter of professional
+courtesy.
+
+"This is a desperate affair," said the Count, "and I fear that your
+infinitesimals will do her very little good."
+
+"Don't be so sure, Sir Count. You may see something to-night that will
+remove your last remnant of unbelief," returned the Doctor, as he turned
+over the leaves of a materia medica that he had brought with him.
+
+"There is undoubtedly organic disease of the heart, and other
+complications that I have not time now to investigate. I have the
+totality of symptoms before us, and I have found the remedy that covers
+them precisely." He read to the Count each symptom, and showed how
+exactly they were covered by the drug. Some degree of explanation of
+this was made the native physicians, but it was evidently something new
+to them which they did not at all comprehend.
+
+"And now let us hasten to administer a dose of this drug."
+
+They returned to the sick chamber. Dr. Jones from a small case vial
+dropped a single minim into a teaspoon and wiped it off upon her tongue.
+It seemed so simple and wholly inadequate a thing to do in this very
+urgent affair, that the Count and the two medical men could not repress
+their smiles.
+
+But the Doctor said, "Wait and you shall see the glory of God."
+
+Not more than three minutes later, the royal patient, who was sitting
+perfectly erect, eyes closed, suddenly threw up her hands and cried out
+in the Russian tongue, "My God! What have you given me? I'm drunk!" and
+fell back upon her pillow as if shot. She almost immediately began
+snoring as if sound asleep. The Prince, Count, and two physicians sprang
+forward in great alarm, and were about to raise her to her former
+sitting posture. But Doctor Jones said commandingly, "Let her alone! Do
+not touch her!"
+
+"But she is dying!" cried Count Icanovich.
+
+"No, my dear Count, she is sleeping beautifully. To awaken her now would
+be fatal. I wish all to leave the room but her nurse."
+
+Several moments later the Doctor followed them to the parlor. The Count
+was greatly agitated, and stepped up to him immediately as he entered.
+
+"How is she now, Doctor?"
+
+"Sleeping as peacefully as a child."
+
+"And is it a natural, healthful sleep?"
+
+"Perfectly so."
+
+"Doctor, you have conquered my last prejudice. The modus operandi of the
+action of your infinitesimals I shall never comprehend. But that they do
+operate, immediately, powerfully, and beneficently, I can no longer
+doubt. Now please let me see the vial from which you poured the
+wonderful drop that you gave Her Highness."
+
+The Doctor complied, and the Count held the tiny vial to the light and
+read the label, "Cinchona Officinalis, 30x."
+
+The Prince also took the vial into his hand, looked at it with
+curiosity, and made a remark to the Count.
+
+"His Highness suggests that this must be a poison of fearful power,"
+said the Count to Dr. Jones.
+
+"Please say to him that it is not a poison in any sense of the word. I
+could swallow every drop of it with perfect impunity," replied Dr.
+Jones.
+
+Nothing could exceed the interest and curiosity of the two physicians.
+They looked at the vial and asked questions almost without number. The
+old familiar look of incredulity crept into their eyes when they came to
+an understanding of the immateriality of the dose. They were familiar
+with the dogma of "Similia similibus curanter," or "Like cures like,"
+and repudiated it at once. But they said nothing of it to the Prince or
+Count at this time. The Count again addressed Dr. Jones.
+
+"His Highness is lost in wonder at the magical effect of your medicine,
+and desires me to express his heartfelt gratitude and thanks."
+
+The Prince, with tears in his eyes, took the Doctor's hand, and said
+something to him in his own language.
+
+"He says that he can never repay you for what you have done to-night,
+and that you may command him for anything in his power," interpreted the
+Count.
+
+"Say to him that I am more than repaid for anything that I have done.
+Let him give all the glory to God."
+
+After ascertaining that the Princess still slept quietly, the Doctor and
+Count retired for the remaining hours of the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Farewell to Beauty and the Beast.
+
+
+The royal patient slept soundly until eight o'clock the following
+morning, or six consecutive hours. This was so entirely new and
+different from anything she had experienced for a very long time, that
+nothing could exceed her own and the astonishment of everyone who was
+acquainted with the facts. Long and painful had been her nights,
+sleepless and full of misery, unless under the influence of a narcotic.
+And, as we said before, she had reached a point where her system would
+endure no more of crude drugging. She always awoke unrefreshed and
+miserable from these unnatural, forced sleeps. So when she awoke this
+morning, refreshed and rested, her gratitude was boundless.
+
+Dr. Jones received her grateful expressions with the simple, modest
+dignity that is characteristic of the good and intelligent the world
+over. He made now a critical examination of the heart, and found it
+incurably affected. And there were complications of the digestive
+organs, etc., that we need not stop to mention. He acquainted the Prince
+with the conditions he had found, and showed him why she could not be
+cured. But he assured his royal patron, that she might be kept
+comfortable, and her life indefinitely prolonged by treating her case
+symptomatically as occasion should require.
+
+He remained at the castle several days. In two weeks the royal lady who
+had been devoted to immediate death by that school of medicine which
+arrogates unto itself the terms, "Liberal," "Regular," and "Scientific,"
+walked in her garden!
+
+The effect upon the Count was past our powers of description. "Doctor
+Jones," he cried, "I am converted not only to your system, but to God! I
+realized, as I witnessed the astounding power of the infinitesimal dose
+in this remarkable case, the wisdom and goodness of our Heavenly
+Father. And I now say to you, that I am devoted to your cause, and I
+shall never rest until your school of medicine shall have free course
+throughout all Russia. And you can rest assured that the Prince's
+influence, conjoined with my own, will have sufficient weight at court
+to break down all barriers and opposition to the propagandism of your
+blessed system of medicine. This shall be my life work, and I only wish
+that you were going to stay with me. But I will not urge that point, as
+I know that you are pledged to prosecute your effort to reach the North
+Pole. You will succeed in that enterprise, and the world will ring with
+your praise. But far grander than all this is your simple, sublime faith
+in God, and in the beautiful law by which you are guided in the
+selection of the remedy in the treatment of the sick. I am a far better
+man, physically, morally, and spiritually for having met you."
+
+"If my visit to Russia shall effect the recognition of my school by your
+Government, I shall forever thank God for sending me here. This is
+probably the entering wedge that shall open Europe to us, and induce the
+inquiry and investigation that we crave. Let our system stand or fall
+upon its merits."
+
+And so the friends conversed and laid their plans for the introduction
+of the new medical system into Europe. The Prince also joined them in
+their plans, and his enthusiasm quite equaled that of the Count. Among
+other items, the two noble converts made arrangements to purchase a
+complete stock of books and drugs. Dr. Jones daily taught them the art
+of "taking a case," as he called it; or the examination of a patient and
+writing down the symptoms.
+
+The three months had expired and Feodora's condition was far above the
+danger mark. She was beautiful, rosy, and blushing, romping about with
+Mattie, like a great school-girl. So now the morning of their departure
+was set. The news was heralded far and wide that the great air-ship
+would sail upon a certain day if the wind were favorable.
+
+The morning had arrived, the wind was blowing within a point or two of
+north, and every preparation had been made for hoisting anchors. A vast
+concourse of people had assembled to witness their departure. The many
+friends of the voyagers were present in force, and they loaded them
+with presents, many of them very costly. Dr. Jones' practice had been
+lucrative beyond anything he had ever dreamed of. He found himself
+suddenly made a wealthy man. The gratitude of the people was boundless;
+and the simple-hearted man scarcely knew what to do with all the money
+that poured in upon him. So he caused a considerable portion of it to be
+distributed among the poor peasantry in the vicinity of the castle. He
+felt a great sense of sorrow as he looked upon the many faces that he
+had learned to love. But all was ready and he must away.
+
+"I have spent some of the happiest hours of my life with yourself and
+daughter, my dear Count, and truly hope to visit you again and enjoy
+your hospitality. Good-bye, and God bless you all."
+
+He had shaken hands with all those immediately about him, among whom
+were the Prince and Princess, and stepped with Mrs. Jones into the cage.
+It shot up to the engine-room, the anchors and cables were cast off, and
+the splendid globe, so long bound in chains to the earth, arose
+majestically into the blue vault above. Loud and mighty were the cheers
+that followed them. Silver Cloud, as if impatient at the long delay in
+Russia, rapidly ascended three thousand feet, and flew northward at
+tremendous speed.
+
+"Could deliverance have come to your house and mine more appropriately
+than from the skies, and in yonder silver chariot?" asked the Count of
+his two royal friends, while they stood watching the rapidly
+disappearing Silver Cloud.
+
+"The deliverance has not come to us alone, but to the suffering millions
+of Russia, Count Icanovich. And all through the faithfulness and
+earnestness of that modest, yet wonderful little man, Doctor Jones. But
+as he said over and over again, 'Let us give God all the glory,'"
+replied the Prince.
+
+The company, meanwhile, though much regretting the parting with their
+new found friends, yet were exhilarated with the idea that they were
+again rapidly rushing toward the object of their expedition. Their
+supplies of food, fuel, clothing, etc., had been fully replenished so
+far as was necessary, and nothing should now prevent their reaching the
+Pole at an exceedingly early date. This they were the more anxious to
+do, as the season was getting well advanced, and they desired to be out
+of the Arctic region before winter should set in. This was not a matter
+of so much concern to them, however, as it had been to all previous
+explorers of these frigid regions. The navigators of Silver Cloud had no
+frozen seas nor icebergs to contend with, and could soar above all
+clouds and storms. And the matter of temperature was of little
+consequence to them; for, as Will had said, the cabin was so constructed
+that frost could never penetrate its beautiful aluminum walls.
+
+So they were jubilant and happy. Even Sing--whom, by the way, we have
+shamefully neglected during the past three months--joined in the general
+hilarity, and treated them to many Russian dishes that he had picked up
+in the kitchen of the castle, where he had spent his time during their
+stay there.
+
+The wind continued all day from the south, so that by evening they
+sighted the city of Archangel away to their left. All night they sped at
+express train speed toward their destination. When they looked out in
+the morning from the balcony, the northern coast of Russia was
+indistinctly seen in the southern horizon, and they were again floating
+over the floes and bergs of Arctic seas.
+
+"We have crossed the 70th degree of latitude," said the Professor at
+breakfast. "We are heading directly for Franz Joseph Land. We should
+sight that island by noon at our present rate of speed."
+
+All expressed themselves as delighted at the marvelous performance of
+Silver Cloud, and Denison declared that he should never be contented to
+settle down to slow going terrestrial life again.
+
+"I move that we set out for the South Pole as soon as we get back to
+Washington," said he.
+
+"I second the motion!" cried Mattie.
+
+"I don't know whether women have the elective franchise in this country
+or not," laughingly replied Dr. Jones. "At all events, let's get back to
+Washington before we plan any more expeditions. I do not doubt that the
+South Pole will be our next objective point."
+
+"Just imagine the American flag flying at the two poles of the earth!"
+cried Professor Gray. "What could be more appropriate and grander! I
+believe Denison's motion to be strictly in order. As to Mattie's
+second, I am for female suffrage, here and everywhere upon earth.
+Without it woman is but a slave, and can be but what her lord and
+master, man, permits her to be."
+
+"Hear! hear!" cried the ladies, clapping their hands.
+
+"What an old Bluebeard of a husband you have, haven't you?" said the
+Doctor to Mrs. Jones.
+
+"Oh! you are fishing for compliments," she returned archly, "But I tell
+you, sir, that I have my eye upon you. Did you all notice how the
+Princess, Feodora, and a lot more of those Russian ladies cried over him
+when we were parting from them?" and she shook her finger at him from
+the lower end of the table, and tried so hard to look jealous and mad,
+and made so dismal a failure of it, that they all laughed heartily.
+
+And so they merrily chatted through the meal. The men then resorted to
+the smoking-room, and when all had lighted their cigars or pipes, Fred
+asked:
+
+"Which of the battles of the war of the great Rebellion do you consider
+to have been the hardest fought, Doctor Jones?"
+
+"Chickamauga is conceded by the majority of our historians to have been
+the most savagely contested of the great battles of the war. Something
+near forty per cent of the men engaged were killed, wounded, or taken
+prisoner."
+
+"Were you in that battle, Doctor?"
+
+"I was."
+
+"I would be glad if you would tell us about it; that is, I mean, your
+own personal experiences."
+
+"Well," returned Dr. Jones, taking a look out of the window by which he
+sat, "we are spinning along at a rattling gait toward Franz Joseph Land,
+and I don't know that we can do any better than tell war stories to pass
+away time.
+
+"I believe I told you that I was fifteen years old when I enlisted. The
+battle of Chickamauga occurred September 19, and 20, 1863, one year
+after my enlistment, so that I was a lad of sixteen at the time of the
+battle. You cannot presume that a boy would have seen much that would be
+of historical value, where all was horrible roar of musketry, booming
+of cannon, confusion, and blood-curdling yells of charging battalions.
+
+"The morning of September 19, 1863, dawned upon us beautiful and bright.
+I shall never forget that lovely morning. Throughout the rank and file
+of our army there was a feeling that we were upon the eve of a great
+battle; but we did not dream that the armies of Bragg and Longstreet had
+combined, and we were opposing from fifty-five thousand to seventy-five
+thousand men. But our confidence in our commander, General Rosecranz,
+was so great that we would have fought them just the same if we had
+known of the great odds against us.
+
+"Heavy skirmishing began quite early in the morning along the picket
+lines. This gradually swelled into the incessant roar of pitched battle.
+At about nine o'clock we were ordered to the front at a double-quick. We
+crossed a field, then into a wood where we met the fire of the enemy.
+Being a musician I was counted a noncombatant, and my duties during
+battle consisted in helping the wounded back to hastily extemporized
+hospitals.
+
+"So on we charged into the woods, already densely filled with smoke.
+Then the bullets flew swiftly about us, and men began falling along the
+line. I set to work helping the wounded to the rear. I had just been to
+the hospital with a poor fellow from my company, and hastened back to
+where I had last seen the regiment. They had made a flank movement to
+the left, but I, supposing that they had advanced and were driving the
+enemy like chaff before them, traveled straight on through the woods,
+and out into an open field. What a sight was there! Dead and wounded
+Confederates lay thickly strewn in every direction. I was really in what
+had just been the Confederate lines, and was in imminent peril of being
+shot or captured.
+
+"Several of the wounded spoke to me, 'O Yank! for God's sake, give me a
+drink of water,' I felt alarmed at my position, but I could not resist
+the appeals of these poor fellows. So I gave water to many from the
+canteens that I found scattered about the field. I spread blankets for
+others who asked me; dragged some of them into the shade, for the sun
+was very hot. And so I spent a considerable time among them, doing such
+little offices as I could. For these services they were very grateful,
+some of them calling down the blessings of heaven upon my head. I have
+always been glad that I incurred this risk of life and liberty for these
+dying men. But at last I felt that I dared not stop longer, and started
+to retrace my steps to the woods, when I heard a terrible wailing and
+moaning a few yards to my right. I rushed to the spot and saw a poor
+Confederate boy, about my own age, at the foot of a great poplar tree,
+in the midst of a brush heap, trying to spread his blanket. I did not at
+first see what the cause of his terrible outcry was. 'What is the
+matter, Johnnie?' I asked. He lifted his face to me, and I shall never
+forget the awful sight! A bullet had shot away the anterior part of each
+eye and the bridge of the nose, and in this sightless condition he was
+trying in the midst of the brush heap to spread his blanket and lie down
+to die! As he moved about upon his hands and knees the ends of the dry
+twigs, stiff and merciless as so many wires, would jag his bleeding and
+sightless eyeballs. I could not leave him in this condition, and so
+helped him from the brush heap to a smooth, shady place, spread his
+blanket for him, put a canteen of water by him, and then ran for the
+Union lines, not a moment too soon.
+
+"All day the battle raged with terrible fury until long after the shades
+of night had fallen. Indeed, the heaviest musketry I ever heard occurred
+some time after pitch darkness had completely enveloped us. My supper
+that night was a very plain one. A piece of corn bread, or hoe cake,
+that I had abstracted from the haversack of a dead Southerner, and a
+canteen of cold water constituted that simple meal. I really felt a
+sense of gratitude toward the poor Confederate, who had undoubtedly
+baked the corn bread that morning, little thinking that it was destined
+to be eaten by a miserable Yankee drummer boy. But such is the fate of
+war.
+
+"It had been very hot during the day, but the night was bitterly cold.
+There was a heavy frost that night, and under a thick blanket upon the
+bare ground, I slept by fitful snatches. Let me tell you, friends, that
+the most terrible place upon earth is a battlefield at night. The groans
+of the wounded men and horses are awful beyond anything I ever heard.
+All night I could hear their heartrending cries, but in the pitch
+darkness could do nothing to help them. How many times I thought of my
+far away northern home during that awful night. Should I live through
+the morrow? for the battle would certainly be resumed with the return of
+daylight. Should I ever see mother, brothers and sisters, home and
+friends again?"
+
+Here the Doctor sang softly and slowly part of the pathetic old war
+song:
+
+   "Comrades brave around me lying,
+     Filled with thoughts of home and God;
+   For well they know that on the morrow
+     Some must sleep beneath the sod."
+
+The little party were deeply impressed, for the Doctor was a good story
+teller, and was himself much affected at this point.
+
+"The much longed for, yet dreaded, daylight dawned at last. It was
+Sunday morning. For some reason hostilities were not immediately
+resumed. The sun rose in beauty and splendor, warming our chilled bones
+and blood in a way that was exceedingly grateful to us. For a little
+time all was so quiet and still that it only lacked the sweet tones of
+church bells, calling us to the house of God, to have made us forget
+that we were enemies, and have induced us to rest from our fearful,
+uncanny works for this holy Sabbath at least. But no! soon the battle
+was on again with greater vigor, if possible, than ever. Before noon our
+flanks were completely routed; and, but for that magnificent man, the
+peer of any soldier of any nation or age, General George H. Thomas, it
+is doubtful whether I should be here now, telling my little story. While
+Rosecranz, whipped and beaten, fled to Chattanooga and telegraphed to
+Washington that everything was lost, and the Cumberland army a thing of
+the past, General Thomas, with a few thousand men, checked and held at
+bay this great Southern army, flushed with victory though it was. How
+the mighty host rolled and surged against this single army corps, but
+could not break nor beat them back. While Crittenden's and McCook's
+corps were completely routed and disorganized, Thomas with his 14th
+corps thus stood the brunt of battle, and saved the Army of the
+Cumberland from total annihilation. Well may we call him the Rock of
+Chickamauga!
+
+"My father was quartermaster-sergeant of the regiment and I saw him for
+the first time during the battle on Sunday morning. We were trudging
+along with the rout--for it could not be called _army_ that Sunday
+afternoon--toward Chattanooga. We knew that we had sustained defeat, but
+we did not realize how desperate the situation was. A brigadier-general
+was passing us, when a private rushed up to him and asked, 'O General!
+where is the 87th Indiana?"--I think that was the regiment he mentioned.
+'There is no 87th Indiana. All is lost! Get to Chattanooga!' he
+shouted, and galloped toward the city, unattended by any of his staff.
+
+"'Did you hear that, John?' asked my father.
+
+"'I did,' I replied.
+
+"'Well, if you expect to ever see your mother again, you must do some
+good traveling now.'
+
+"As we had an intense desire to see her again we started down the road
+at a good pace. We distinctly heard the Confederate cavalrymen crying,
+'Stop, you blankety blanked Yankees!' But we felt that our business in
+Chattanooga, demanded immediate attention, and we had no time to spare
+them.
+
+"Passing a certain place, I saw General Thomas standing upon the brow of
+Snodgrass Hill, or Horseshoe Ridge, field glass in hand, intently
+watching the movements of the troops. I distinctly remember his
+full-bearded, leonine face, and little did we know that the fate of the
+Cumberland Army, or possibly of the Nation, rested upon that single man
+that terrible Sunday afternoon. What a mighty responsibility! But there
+he stood, a tower of strength, the Rock of Chickamauga indeed! With but
+a single line he repelled charge after charge of Longstreet's
+consolidated ranks.
+
+"And so we fought the most sanguinary battle of modern times, yet
+utterly bootless so far as immediate results were concerned. One hundred
+and thirty thousand men were engaged with a loss of nearly fifty
+thousand, or a little less than forty per cent. This battle should never
+have been fought. Rosecranz here lost his military prestige that he had
+so splendidly won at Stone's River. Thomas alone achieved on this field
+immortal glory, and was the one great hero of the occasion. The
+Confederates claimed it as a victory, but they should daily thereafter
+have asked a kind Providence to keep them from any more such victories.
+
+"The next day Thomas followed us into Chattanooga, and Bragg and
+Longstreet perched with their armies upon Lookout Mountain and
+Missionary Ridge. From these elevations they watched us with Argus eyes.
+Our supplies were completely cut off and we were soon reduced to the
+point of star--But here, you fellows are getting tired, and so am I. I
+will tell you about the siege of Chattanooga and battle of Missionary
+Ridge some other time."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+Woman Locates the North Pole.
+
+
+Silver Cloud hastened on with the favoring gale from the balmy South. By
+noon the coast of Franz Joseph Land could be seen. They were now near
+the eightieth degree of latitude. During the afternoon they crossed that
+land of eternal winter. Monotonous mountains, hills, and plains of
+everlasting snow and ice wearied the eye, and caused a sense of
+seasickness and vertigo if looked upon too long. The Doctor had treated
+these symptoms in each as they occurred, and our friends had experienced
+but little of the inconvenience due to this cause that is suffered by
+most aeronauts. They had entirely lost their sense of insecurity and
+fear, and nothing could be more comfortable and pleasant than were the
+accommodations of the cabin of Silver Cloud, even in this exceedingly
+high latitude. And oh! those walks about the balcony of Silver Cloud!
+How invigorating and healthful! So vast were the proportions of the
+globe that there was no swaying, shaking, nor trembling ever
+perceptible. It was as if the splendid structure were a rock, and all
+the world a swift flying panorama far beneath them. Very strange and
+weird was the sight of the sun, traveling in one continuous circuit but
+a few degrees above the horizon, never rising nor setting during six
+months of the year. The atmosphere was particularly clear and frosty, so
+that as they promenaded the balcony, or sat in the observatory, they
+were obliged to don their beautiful sealskins, a complete outfit of
+which Count Icanovich had presented to each member of the company.
+
+All were exceedingly happy and jubilant. The wind continued very nearly
+as before, and within twenty-four hours, nothing preventing, they would
+stand at the coveted spot--the North Pole.
+
+At dinner time Franz Joseph Land was far behind them, and they were
+sailing over the dark blue waters of the Arctic Ocean, more or less
+filled with great floes and icebergs, illustrating to the voyagers the
+terrible perils and hardships through which Arctic explorers had passed,
+and amidst which so many of them had died.
+
+"What wonder," said the Professor, as he scanned the unnavigable seas
+with his glass, "that man has thus far utterly failed in his attempts to
+overcome these insuperable obstacles. Think of the cold, hunger, and
+awful wretchedness these poor fellows have suffered. And Doctor, see! Is
+not that a ship I see yonder? It is! It is!" cried the Professor
+excitedly, pointing to an object sailing in a bit of open sea, her nose
+pointing stubbornly toward the North.
+
+"We can hail them," cried the Doctor.
+
+The upper and lower traps of the air chamber were opened, and Silver
+Cloud settled like a great roc toward the toiling little ship. They
+passed nearly directly over it, and at an altitude of but 300 feet.
+
+"Ship ahoy!" shouted the Doctor through a speaking trumpet.
+
+"Ahoy!" came from the vessel.
+
+"Where are you bound?"
+
+"North Pole!"
+
+"Sail due west twenty miles and you will find an open sea to the North.
+All closed ahead. Good luck to you! Good-bye!"
+
+"Aye, aye, sir! Good-bye!" came cheerily from the quarterdeck of the
+little ship, and they had passed beyond hailing distance.
+
+"Poor, brave fellows," sighed the Doctor.
+
+"They have reached an amazingly high latitude," said the Professor.
+"They have crossed the 83rd parallel, very nearly as high as Nansen got
+with his expedition last year."
+
+"I declare that I am sorry for them, and really dislike to take the
+glory of the discovery from them. But we cannot stop now, and it is
+utterly impossible for them to get there anyway."
+
+"They would have soon been shut in, and probably forever as they were
+heading," observed Will.
+
+North and east, as they could distinctly see from their elevation of two
+thousand feet, far as the eye could reach, all was one vast field of
+huge piles of ice, exceedingly rough and broken, with here and there
+towering spires that seemed to reach up toward the globe like grizzly
+arms that would prevent them from penetrating the secrets of the north
+that had been held for untold centuries.
+
+As the Doctor had informed the captain of the ship, away to the west was
+a certain amount of open sea, but it was of limited extent, and the
+prospects of the poor fellows getting much farther looked more than
+doubtful.
+
+"And what is to become of them if they cannot get through?" asked Mrs.
+Jones.
+
+"I cannot tell," returned the Doctor, "but the chances are that they
+will be crushed in the ice."
+
+"O dear, what a fate!" cried Mrs. Jones. "Can we do nothing for them?"
+
+"Nothing at all, my dear. They are beyond our reach, and it is not
+likely that they would desert their ship if we could offer to take them
+with us. Such men are not easily turned from their purpose."
+
+"All we can do then is to pray that God will preserve them, and permit
+them to return safely home," said the sympathetic little woman.
+
+"And let us ask Him that this favoring gale may continue a few hours
+longer," added Dr. Jones.
+
+There was no thought of retiring as the usual hour for doing so arrived.
+They all felt impressed with the thought that they were now looking upon
+scenes never before seen by mortal eye, and that they were very near the
+object of their journey. How their hearts warmed and palpitated with the
+thought!
+
+"We have crossed the 85th parallel," said the Professor, "and in six or
+seven hours will reach the Pole at this rate."
+
+"This is the Lord's doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes," quoted the
+Doctor with great fervency.
+
+Busy feet climbed and descended the spiral stairway many times that
+night, but could see nothing but a frozen sea in every direction. The
+wind blew from due south, and they were flying at tremendous speed
+directly toward the Pole as if drawn there by a great magnet. The cold
+was intense--the thermometer registering more than 60 deg. below zero.
+But as we said before, no wind was ever felt aboard Silver Cloud, and it
+has been ascertained that man can endure almost any degree of cold if
+it be quiet and still.
+
+At midnight they all sat down to a good substantial supper that had been
+prepared by Sing. The aroma of the coffee filled the little dining-room,
+and was grateful to the senses. How merry and happy they were! And they
+ate and drank with appetites that were very complimentary to Sing's
+cooking, and the faithful Mongolian was well pleased to see the food
+thus disappearing.
+
+"There is no place like the Arctics for getting hungry and giving food a
+relish. I declare that I have not eaten so since a boy," exclaimed
+Denison.
+
+"I really eat until I am ashamed of myself," said Mattie.
+
+"Well, it agrees with you, Mattie," replied Denison. "Just look at her
+plump cheeks, and the beautiful roses upon them!"
+
+"Indeed, I never saw you look so well as you do now," said Mrs. Jones,
+looking at her admiringly.
+
+"And I am glad that I can return the compliment," replied Mattie.
+
+"I am of the opinion that a trip to the Arctics in Silver Cloud would
+cure any case of dispepsia in the world," said Dr. Jones.
+
+"What a wonderful stimulant coffee is," remarked the Professor, as he
+sipped a cup of that beverage.
+
+"I never realized that fact so much as when in the army," replied Dr.
+Jones. "After a long day's march we would get into camp so tired that we
+could scarcely move. We would start our camp-fires, and very soon after
+you could hear a musical clink, clink, clinking in every direction. It
+was the sound produced by the soldier boys, pounding their coffee fine
+in their tin cups with the butt of their bayonets. And the effect of a
+pint of that hot Government Java coffee was perfectly marvelous. It
+would almost instantly take the aching and tired feeling from the
+muscles, and we could have marched all night if necessary."
+
+"I cannot realize that this is midnight," said Mattie, as they stood
+upon the balcony, well wrapped in furs, looking over the vast fields of
+ice and snow. "One would hardly know when to get up or go to bed in this
+wonderful country."
+
+The time rapidly passed; they reached the 86th, 87th, 88th, 89th degrees
+of latitude, and the strain upon their nerves grew to be tremendous. The
+Doctor and Professor could not rest anywhere but in the observatory,
+glasses in hand. Each was pale with excitement.
+
+"I believe that to be land ahead," said the Doctor, pointing to a high
+elevation directly before them.
+
+The Professor looked at it earnestly a few moments and replied:
+
+"It is, Doctor, and we have settled the fact that the North Pole is
+situated upon an island. The open sea at the Pole is a myth, as I always
+believed it to be."
+
+The rest of the party was notified of the fact that land was near at
+hand, and that very shortly the North Pole would be reached. So they all
+assembled upon the balcony, except Sing. That individual could not be
+enthused upon so small a matter as the discovery of the North Pole; and
+after washing the supper dishes and cleaning up the kitchen and
+dining-room, retired as unconcernedly as if nothing unusual were at
+hand.
+
+Rapidly and unerringly as a dart flew the beautiful ship to the place of
+all places upon earth to our exultant voyagers. Nearer and nearer grew
+the elevation before them.
+
+"We are within less than half an hour of the Pole," announced the
+Professor in a low constrained voice.
+
+"Glory be to God!" said Dr. Jones with great solemnity. "I never felt
+His presence more than at this moment. To Him be all the praise."
+
+"Amen!" responded every one of the little company.
+
+They were now passing over the island. They could see that it was
+several miles in diameter, and nearly circular in form. Almost exactly
+in the center arose a conical hill or mountain, about one thousand feet
+in altitude.
+
+"Upon the summit of that mount I am of the opinion we will find the
+North Pole," said Professor Gray.
+
+"And we are heading directly for it!" cried Dr. Jones. "Just a few
+moments more, dear friends, and we shall have reached our journey's end.
+Now get ready to drop the anchor when Professor Gray gives the signal."
+
+Silver Cloud was lowered as they neared the mount. They were just over
+the summit at but fifty feet from the surface. The signal was given, the
+anchors dropped. At first they dragged upon the frozen snow, but soon
+the flukes caught in the crevices of the icy masses, and the great globe
+was securely anchored at the North Pole!
+
+They instantly prepared to descend in the cage. The cold was terrible,
+so much so that they could not have endured it at all but for provisions
+that Dr. Jones had made for this very event. Besides their splendid
+silk-lined and padded sealskin suits, he had brought a large number of
+Japanese fireboxes. The punks in these were lighted, and when all were
+very hot they were wrapped in flannels and distributed about their
+persons inside their sealskins. With this arrangement, Jack Frost's
+chances of nipping their persons were very slim indeed.
+
+The thermometer registered seventy degrees below zero. Having taken
+every possible precaution, the Doctor and Professor descended. Their
+feelings cannot be described as they stepped upon the solidly frozen
+surface, and realized that they were the first human beings who had thus
+stood upon the summit of the earth! After looking about a few moments,
+Professor Gray said:
+
+"We must settle the globe to the earth, and from the observatory I can
+make observations that will locate the Pole exactly."
+
+This was accordingly done. From the observatory with a sextant he made
+an observation every six hours, making allowance for the declination of
+the sun, meantime. This was an exceedingly delicate problem, but the
+Professor was fully equal to it. At the end of twenty-four hours he and
+the Doctor again donned their furs, stepped over the railing of the
+balcony and walked out upon the snow. The rest of the party had amused
+themselves while awaiting the Professor's observations by setting up
+little mounds of ice, upon what they guessed to be the spot where the
+learned Professor would declare the geographical pole to be. His mind,
+meantime, was too engrossed with the momentous business in hand to pay
+the least attention to their frivolities; and, utterly unmindful of the
+fur-clad figures that stood scattered about, each by its respective ice
+mound, he measured a certain number of lengths of a sharp pointed steel
+rod which he carried in his hand, directly to Mrs. Jones, and with a
+side swipe of his foot he swept aside her pile of ice lumps, raised the
+steel rod in both hands and drove it down with all his force just where
+the ice mound had stood, and cried with all his power in a fur-muffled
+voice, "The North Pole!" And Mrs. Jones jumped up and down as nimbly as
+her load of furs and fireboxes would permit, banged her great sealskin
+mittens together, and cried, "Goody! Goody! I guessed it! I am the
+discoverer of the North Pole! I always knew that a woman would be the
+first one there!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+The Planting of the Flagstaff.
+
+
+The whole of the party now shouted--Sing always excepted. That
+individual was strictly attending to his business in the kitchen during
+the excitement. They ran--or waddled, for they moved with difficulty,
+loaded as they were--to the spot where the two men and Mrs. Jones were
+standing. They gathered in a circle about the steel rod that marked the
+exact spot for which the boldest navigators and explorers have longed,
+and striven, and died by thousands during many decades of the past.
+
+The Doctor broke out in his sonorous voice, the rest immediately joining
+him in the familiar doxology, "Old Hundred,"
+
+   "Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
+
+When they had finished, at a signal from the Doctor, they all kneeled
+upon the icy pavement, and he offered up a fervent prayer of praise and
+thanksgiving for the preservation of their lives, and for the wonderful
+success that had attended their enterprise. Then in unison they repeated
+the Lord's prayer.
+
+And what could be more appropriate? The echoes first awakened in this
+ultra-frigid region by the human voice were praises to God in song and
+prayer. The ends of the earth had bowed the knee to the Father Almighty,
+and it seemed to the little band to be the beginning of the good time
+foretold, when the glory of God shall cover the earth as the waters do
+the face of the deep.
+
+"Now let us see what Sing has for breakfast, lunch, or whatever meal it
+may be. I have been so interested in our work the last few hours that I
+have paid no attention to time," said Dr. Jones.
+
+A few moments later they were seated about their dining table, and no
+happier company could be found in Christendom that day.
+
+"Did anyone note the time that we arrived here?" asked Will.
+
+"At 7 o'clock, 45 min., 20 sec., August 6, 19--, we located the North
+Pole, and planted our steel rod as marker thereof," replied Professor
+Gray.
+
+"What is the next thing on the program, Doctor?" asked Denison.
+
+"We will immediately set about planting our aluminum flagstaff. We are
+liable to a terrible storm at any moment, and might be driven away
+before we had accomplished that important ceremony. It would possibly be
+months before we should encounter so favorable a gale again. Let us not
+rest until we have finished all we came to do, then away for home."
+
+"It is all very well to say 'Plant the flagstaff'; but how on earth can
+we possibly set up a 300 foot metal pole at this extremity of the earth,
+without derrick, blocks and tackles, or any machinery whatever?"
+returned Denison.
+
+"I'll show you a Yankee trick in a short time," cried Dr. Jones.
+
+They hurried through the meal and prepared again to go out into the
+terribly cold atmosphere. The fireboxes were again lighted and
+distributed about their clothing as before. All then went out and
+assembled again about the rod.
+
+"I must get through this crust of ice and see what depth of snow there
+is below," said the Doctor.
+
+With the sharp-pointed steel rod he picked and worked several minutes,
+but made very little progress in the flinty ice.
+
+"Get a hammer, Denison," said he.
+
+The tool being procured, they hammered upon the upper end of the rod,
+and drilled as miners do in rock. After some time of this work the
+Doctor said:
+
+"This will never do. We have evidently a great thickness of ice to go
+through, possibly more than we can ever penetrate. We can do no work in
+these fur suits, and we should instantly freeze if we took them off. We
+must settle the globe upon this spot, then we shall be within the cabin
+and can throw off our coats and go to work. We have a big job on hand.
+Let's pull the ship over at once."
+
+The wind had subsided to a nearly dead calm, and it was remarkable how
+all nature seemed to be auspicious to the occasion. She had been forced
+to yield up her secrets, fast locked and frozen by the chill hand of
+Jack Frost so many centuries, and now seemed disposed to surrender them
+with a good grace. The globe was raised a few feet from the earth. Two
+of the anchors were carried to the opposite side of the Pole, and Will
+turned on the spring windlasses. Thus they easily drew the ship to the
+desired spot, and it was slowly settled down so that the "manhole," as
+they called the hole in the floor through which the cage operated, came
+directly over the steel rod, the rod standing precisely in the center of
+the manhole.
+
+"Now, my hearties, furs off!" cried the energetic little Doctor. He
+doffed his own suit hurriedly, pulled on a pair of woolen gloves in lieu
+of the sealskin ones, pulled the steel rod out and laid it aside,
+grasped an axe and began chopping into the ice with all his might. The
+ice chips flew about the engine-room in a shower. He was soon obliged to
+stop for breath. Will shoveled the loosened ice out, then seized the axe
+and worked for a short time with the same spirit that animated the
+Doctor. And so by turns they kept the axe and shovel flying, making very
+rapid progress. They soon were too deep to use long-handled tools, and
+resorted to mallet and chisel, and a short-handled hand axe. Slowly and
+more slowly progressed the work as the shaft grew deeper. Finally the
+head of the man in the shaft disappeared below the surface, being now
+nearly seven feet deep.
+
+"We shall have to devise some plan for hoisting before long," said Dr.
+Jones.
+
+"Can't we use the windlass?" suggested Denison.
+
+"So we can!" cried the Doctor. "The steel springs forever! Will never
+did a better thing than when he invented the spring power windlass. We
+may have to go twenty-five or thirty feet. But we will hoist by hand for
+awhile yet."
+
+They had reached the depth of between eight and nine feet, when Will,
+who was in the hole, shouted, "Hurrah! I've broken through!" and he
+tossed up a handful of snow.
+
+"Good boy!" cried the Doctor. "Now try with the rod and see if there be
+another layer of ice within reach."
+
+The rod, which was six feet long, was easily passed its full length into
+the underlying snow.
+
+"All right!" said Dr. Jones. "The flagstaff will settle sufficiently
+deep to hold it there forever. Fire up, Will. I want to rise forty or
+fifty feet above this hole."
+
+This was accomplished in a very few minutes.
+
+"Now let us get the foot of the mast precisely over that hole. I mean to
+let it drop from this height, and its weight will sink it 25 or 30 feet
+into the snow. That, with 9 feet of ice, will hold it for centuries. We
+will fill the space in the ice shaft about the foot of the mast with the
+ice chips that we have taken out, ram them down good and solid, then
+pour water in. This will instantly freeze, and all the gales that ever
+howled can never blow down the finest flagstaff that ever stood upon the
+face of the earth."
+
+The plumb-line was lowered and cables tautened here and slackened there
+until the butt of the great mast stood precisely over the shaft. The
+spiral stair had been so constructed that it nowhere touched the mast.
+At its entrance into, and exit from the globe, heavy collars connected
+the mast with the ship. These were removed, and a heavy trap door, upon
+which the foot of the flagstaff rested, was its only support. A massive
+bolt alone held the trap in place. Will and the Professor were by the
+ice shaft, watching the plumb-line. At a signal, the Doctor struck the
+bolt a heavy blow with a sledge, the trap fell, and the beautiful mast
+shot like a flash of lightning down through the frosty atmosphere,
+entered the ice hole precisely in the center, and sank to the depth of
+35 feet into the snow, which, added to the 9 feet of ice, made a footing
+of 44 feet for the towering flagstaff. The globe was again settled to
+the foot of the mast, the ice chips filled in and rammed solidly, the
+water poured about it, and their work was completed. The ingenuity
+displayed by the Doctor upon this occasion showed him to be a born
+leader of men, and the little band of associates so acknowledged to him
+upon the spot. Dr. Jones shut off their effusive demonstrations as
+quickly as possible. He did not appear to be possessed of any degree of
+love of praise; on the contrary, it always embarrassed and made him
+uncomfortable.
+
+"And now let us eat again," said Dr. Jones. "We must get away from here
+before we sleep."
+
+So they sat down to a hearty dinner, all tired and very hungry. But the
+coffee and smoking food immediately reinvigorated them, and they arose
+from the table anxious to complete their work and be off for home.
+
+"Shall we rest a few hours, or go on with our celebration, and
+immediately sail for home--or wherever the wind may carry us?" asked Dr.
+Jones.
+
+"O, let us go on by all means! plenty of time for rest and sleep," was
+the unanimous decision.
+
+"All right," he replied. "That suits me perfectly. This good weather
+will not last long. The Arctics are subject to fearful and sudden
+storms, and we must be ready to go at any instant. Whatever we are to
+do, let us do quickly."
+
+"I think we should have a patriotic piece or two at the foot of the
+mast, and then our North Pole March. I have had in my mind that it would
+be fine to raise the globe up ten feet or so, and beneath it we will
+have our concert."
+
+"But how can we sing with our mouths all wrapped up in furs? We shall
+instantly freeze if we expose our faces to the cold. See, the
+thermometer now marks nearly 70 degrees below zero."
+
+It was Mattie who put this poser.
+
+"I will tell you the only thing we can do," said Will. "We have an
+abundance of coal oil. We will set all the pots, pans, and kettles
+aboard ship in a circle around the mast at a sufficient distance from it
+for our purpose. We will fill these dishes with coal oil, set fire to
+them, and within this charmed circle you may sing to your hearts'
+content."
+
+"Aye, aye, Will!" cried Dr. Jones. "You've struck it!"
+
+The globe was adjusted, the vessels of oil set in place, the oil
+instantly congealed, but Will had taken the precaution to place into
+each vessel several wicks. He lighted these ends, and in a little while
+the temperature in the circle rose very perceptibly. The organ was then
+brought down and placed by the mast. They threw back their hoods and
+sang America with deep solemnity and feeling. When they had finished,
+Professor Gray said:
+
+"I now propose that we have a speech from Doctor Jones. But first, three
+cheers for the projector of this glorious enterprise and discoverer of
+the North Pole. Hip, hip, hurrah!"
+
+These cheers were given with all possible zest and enthusiasm.
+
+"Friends and fellow citizens," began the Doctor, smiling good-naturedly
+upon them, "I sincerely thank you for your expressions of good will. I
+did not suppose that I was on the program for a speech. My heart is too
+full for utterance when I contemplate the fact that we now actually
+stand, safe, sound, and comfortable, at that spot so long sought by the
+bravest men of all civilized lands. That the world will receive us with
+open arms, and will heap honors and riches upon us, I do not for a
+moment doubt. But all this will do us no good, on the contrary, much
+harm, if we allow ourselves to become puffed up thereby, and cease to
+give to God all the glory and honor. As for myself, I am only proud of
+this achievement by so much as it shall prove a blessing to mankind. I
+believe that true happiness is found alone in working for others.
+Selfishness is the direct source of all the unhappiness upon earth, and
+is the chief or only difference between a devil and an angel. But I see
+that our fires are fast burning low, and I must hasten.
+
+"So by right of discovery, I claim this island for our great republic,
+the United States of America; and its name shall be, owing to its
+position upon the top of the earth, Summit Island!"
+
+This speech was received with great applause. Fred then struck up on the
+organ the music of the North Pole March. The company began to circle
+about the mast, keeping step to the inspiring notes and singing the four
+parts. By the time this music was ended the fires were nearly burned
+down and the temperature within the circle lowered rapidly. The vessels
+were hastily gathered up and all entered the cabin.
+
+As they were about to hoist the anchors, Professor Gray said:
+
+"I am not perfectly satisfied as to the location of our pole being
+exactly correct. And, to tell you the truth, it has been demonstrated
+that the Pole is not a fixed, unchangeable spot, but really swings about
+in a circle, varying from six to thirty feet in diameter, just as the
+upper end of the stem of a spinning top does when it begins to run down
+or lose its momentum. Now I am positive that our flagstaff stands
+within this circle. But I would like, by another very satisfactory
+experiment, to verify the one we have already made. It will require
+another twenty-four hours."
+
+"By all means, Professor," answered Dr. Jones, "do so. Let us do
+everything possible to establish the fact that we are scientifically
+correct in our location of the Pole. What would you have us do now?"
+
+"I will explain what I intend doing, and then we will understand and we
+can work intelligently together. I wish to photograph the stars directly
+above our heads. If we were here during the winter season, when the sun
+was below the horizon, we could see the stars distinctly with the
+unassisted eye. But from March 21st to September 21st we cannot do that
+because of continuous daylight. Now you are probably aware that looking
+up from the bottom of a deep well or shaft in the daytime, the stars are
+visible, even in the sunlight. And that is what I purpose doing."
+
+"Well, and where is your shaft that you intend looking up through?"
+inquired Dr. Jones.
+
+The Professor significantly laid his hand upon the zinc tube which
+enveloped the flagstaff. "O ho!" cried the Doctor, "why did not I think
+of that?"
+
+We should have explained before that the spiral stairs ran up between
+two zinc tubes, the one six feet in diameter, and the other two feet in
+diameter. The latter surrounded the mast, and after the globe should
+rise from the flagstaff this tube would indeed be a shaft two hundred
+feet in depth, or two hundred and ten feet, for it extended to the top
+of the roof of the observatory.
+
+Accordingly, the burners were lighted, the globe arose until the ball of
+the mast was just below the level of the floor of the engine-room. Upon
+looking through the tube after all light had been excluded from the
+engine-room, a bright star could be seen shining down upon them with
+resplendent brilliancy.
+
+"Now, Will," cried Professor Gray, "I wish you could go up and lower a
+plumb-line from the exact center of the top of the shaft. I want to see
+if our tube stands perpendicularly. If it does, and the plumb-line
+points straight through the center of it to yonder star, then we are at
+the exact spot we seek."
+
+The line was lowered, and after a little adjustment of the cables, the
+lower end of the plumb-line passed through the exact center of the tube.
+The Professor ran his eye up the line and smiled with satisfaction.
+
+"Look at it, Doctor," he said.
+
+"Well, that is wonderful!" cried Dr. Jones. "Look at it Fred, Denison.
+The line runs precisely in alignment with the star."
+
+"And now," said Professor Gray, after all had verified this last
+statement, "let's not lose a moment's time. Get your camera out. We want
+a twenty-four hours' exposure through our shaft, and photograph that
+star. If we be exactly at the Pole, it will describe a perfect circle
+upon the sensitive plate. If we are not so located, the line upon the
+plate will form an ellipse."
+
+The camera was set as suggested by the Professor, and then the party
+retired for the night. We say "night," but the reader will constantly
+bear in mind that this term is not used with reference to daylight or
+darkness, simply to the clock, or time of day.
+
+There was an absolute, dead calm during the following twenty-four hours
+after Will had set the camera. Nature was so extraordinarily kind to Dr.
+Jones during the time that we almost tremble for our reputation for
+veracity as we record the last-mentioned fact. Any swaying of the globe
+by the wind would have effectually prevented anything like a good
+negative being made. But the globe remained in the exact position, the
+atmosphere in the hot air chamber being kept up sufficiently so that a
+steady strain was maintained upon the four cables. At the end of the
+time mentioned the Professor examined the negative with a magnifying
+glass, and pronounced the test perfectly satisfactory.
+
+The globe was lowered down the mast for the last time. Denison and Will
+ran out and loosened the anchors Slowly the ship then glided up the
+beautiful mast. The flag, which had been wrapped about the small upper
+end of the staff to prevent injury being done it while passing through
+the tube, was shaken out at the moment it left the floor of the
+engine-room. Its fastenings to the peak had been made doubly secure, and
+it was tenderly manipulated through the final opening by loving hands.
+The whole company involuntarily shouted at the inspiring sight. The
+ship was lowered as it moved away, and the patriotic voyagers were
+treated to a side view of the most beautiful, thrilling sight upon
+earth--the American flag flying at the North Pole at the peak of the
+loftiest flagstaff ever erected! Well might their hearts swell with
+pride and their voices break forth in songs of triumph and praise. The
+Star Spangled Banner! Emblem of Liberty! How exquisitely meet that it
+should be thus planted forever at the summit of the earth, a terror to
+tyrants, and a never-failing beacon of Light and Freedom to all people
+of the world!
+
+The Professor pointed out certain conformations of the mountain's
+summit, and said: "This island is of volcanic formation, and this
+mountain an extinct volcano. Yonder flagstaff stands upon the center of
+a crater that has been filled with many centuries of ice and snow. At
+some future time I hope to return prepared to penetrate this coat of
+mail and determine, if possible, whether Summit Island has ever been the
+habitat of any form of life, animal or vegetable."
+
+Professor Gray had made such observations by the aid of instruments as
+should be of interest to science. This he did while the others were
+sinking the ice shaft, and during the time of the photographing of the
+star.
+
+They were straining their eyes from the observatory to catch the last
+glimpse of "Old Glory," when a sudden storm gathered about the island,
+and it was shut out from view. They involuntarily cast their eyes up to
+its former place, and they realized that Silver Cloud had been
+dismantled of her chief beauty and glory.
+
+"This will never do," exclaimed Dr. Jones. "Silver Cloud is like a bird
+of paradise with its tail feathers all plucked. We must replace that
+pole and flag as soon as we return to Washington."
+
+"It seems like a cruelty to leave them in such a fearful place," said
+Mrs. Jones. "Think of the awful storms that will gather and howl around
+them for ages."
+
+"They will outlast them all, praise God!" replied the Doctor. "As a
+'Government of the people, for the people, and by the people shall not
+perish from the earth,' so shall our flag and staff defy all the Arctic
+storms that ever blew."
+
+Then they descended to the cabin.
+
+"I think it is about time to see which way we are heading," said the
+Professor. "We are pointing straight for Alaska, as nearly as I can
+judge," he said a few moments later.
+
+All retired but Dr. Jones. He said that he really preferred to sit and
+rest awhile before going to bed. So he sat for several hours, looking
+occasionally at the barometer, thermometer, etc. Toward morning he
+called Denison to "take the helm," as he jocosely termed it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+Battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.
+
+
+Will had not neglected to take numerous photographs of Summit Island,
+the flag and staff; and with his kodak he had stepped outside the circle
+and taken a "shot" at them as they circled about the mast, protected
+from cruel Jack Frost by a wall of fire, as they awakened the echoes in
+these hyperborean regions in the lively strains of North Pole March.
+
+He exhibited this photograph to them on the following day, and all were
+delighted with it.
+
+"Oh, I wish you would give me several of these, Mr. Marsh!" cried
+Mattie. "I wish to give them to my friends."
+
+"You shall have all you want of them, Mattie, upon just one condition,"
+he answered.
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"Don't call me Mr. Marsh again on this trip. No formalities should be
+allowed among the Children of the Skies."
+
+"Agreed, Mist--Will," replied Mattie, gaily. "You may put me down for
+one dozen on those terms."
+
+"Well, won't they be a sensation, when we show them in Washington?" said
+Will, viewing the picture critically. "I really think I will make it the
+subject of an oil painting."
+
+"And I want that painting at any price, if you will ever sell it," cried
+the Doctor.
+
+"I will paint one for each of the company--except Sing. That apathetic
+heathen would not care half so much for it as he would for a highly
+colored chromo."
+
+"Don't be so hard upon poor Sing. I am sure that he would be just
+delighted with one of those paintings," said Mattie.
+
+"Call him in and let's see. If there is a particle of the aesthetic
+about him, I have failed thus far to see it," declared Will.
+
+So Mattie called Sing from the kitchen. He looked so neat in his white
+apron and cap that Will began to fear that he had slandered the poor
+fellow. He was shown the photograph, and Mattie said:
+
+"You sabe that picture, Sing?"
+
+"Yes, me sabe."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+Sing grinned a moment as he looked slyly around upon, the company, and
+answered:
+
+"Allee samee makee foolee lound flagpole."
+
+All roared with laughter.
+
+"That is about what we did, and no mistake," said the Doctor, wiping his
+eyes.
+
+"Well, Sing," said Mattie, looking her very pleasantest at the wily
+Mongolian, "I have called you in to prove that you heap likee pretty
+things. Now, you would likee a pretty oil painting, big picture, allee
+samee that?" pointing to the photograph.
+
+Sing's face was a picture of indifference, and he said,
+
+"Me no care."
+
+"What! not care for beautiful oil painting?" cried Mattie, desperately,
+seeing Will's eyes twinkling with fun and triumph. "Well, there is
+something in the world that you think pretty, isn't there Sing?"
+
+"O, yes!" promptly replied Sing, his face breaking out in smiles, "me
+tinkee Miss Mattie heap pletty. Me heap likee Miss Mattie."
+
+This open avowal of admiration was more than Mattie had bargained for,
+and she blushed furiously. The whole party clapped their hands and
+laughed, while Will fell upon the floor and rolled about in an ecstacy
+of fun and laughter.
+
+"Didn't I tell you, Mattie, that he was an incorrigible case?" cried
+Will, as he assumed a sitting posture on the floor.
+
+"And do you mean to say that Sing has no taste at all, simply because he
+admires me?" said Mattie very severely.
+
+"O, no! Mattie. I really admire Sing's taste, and acknowledge that I
+have shamefully abused the poor fellow," said Will, rising to his feet.
+"But the way he turned the tables on you and made you blush is the best
+fun I have seen on the trip."
+
+And so they indulged in light hearted conversation, music, reading,
+painting, chess, etc., as they sped over the frozen seas, homeward
+bound. Toward evening a strong north wind set in and the Professor
+declared that they were heading straight for the mouth of the Mackenzie
+River.
+
+"In two or three days we shall be in the United States if this gale
+continues," said the Professor. "We are traveling at tremendous
+speed--nearly sixty miles an hour."
+
+"I only hope that it continues, for I do not doubt that the friends have
+long since given us up as dead," replied Dr. Jones. "We have been gone
+now nearly four months, and have had no opportunity to communicate with
+them since we left. What a glorious time it will be when we get back and
+tell them how easily and comfortably we accomplished our object."
+
+And so they enjoyed many an hour in anticipation of their reception by
+friends who were mourning them as lost forever. And they were assured of
+hearty expressions of admiration from a generous public. And the
+Government would make proper acknowledgments.
+
+"Doctor," said Fred in the evening after dinner, "I wish you would tell
+us about the siege of Chattanooga, and Battle of Missionary Ridge and
+Lookout Mountain."
+
+"All right," returned the Doctor. "If agreeable to all, I don't mind
+spinning a war yarn. Let me see; I left off at our entrance into
+Chattanooga. Well, Bragg's army was sitting upon the surrounding hills
+and mountains, watching us with eagle eyes. They cut off our lines of
+communication and supplies, and we soon began to feel the pangs of
+hunger. I saw stalwart men upon their hands and knees in the mud hunting
+for grains of corn that had rattled from the army wagons into the road.
+I saw horses in a battery adjoining my regiment gnaw nearly through
+great oak trees in the torments of hunger. And when they were fed their
+miserable pittance of corn, guards were necessary to keep the gaunt,
+hungry men from stealing it from the perishing brutes.
+
+"Desertions became exceedingly frequent; so much so that nearly every
+roll-call noted one or more missing from each regiment. What with
+sickness, deaths, and desertions, our ranks were becoming rapidly
+decimated. A council of war was held. General Sheridan, commanding at
+that time the 2nd division, 4th army corps, volunteered to make an
+example of two captured deserters in one of his regiments. His offer was
+accepted, and a morning or two later the whole army was notified to
+witness the execution of these deserters. Such extremities had not been
+resorted to for simply running away home (for they had not attempted to
+desert to the enemy), and we could not believe that they would be shot.
+But we did not know Phil Sheridan.
+
+"Who could have dreamed on that morning that this trim little man, who
+sat his horse like a centaur as he watched with critical eye the
+carrying out of the horrible details of this double execution, was soon
+to take rank among the greatest generals in the world's history?
+
+"At the appointed time we gathered informally in a great mass in an open
+plain south of the town. The brigade to which the doomed men belonged
+was formed into the three sides of a hollow square, two ranks, open
+order. Two graves were dug in the fourth side of the square, and there
+the execution was to occur. Soon were heard the unearthly wailings of
+Dead March in Saul, played by a brass band. Behind the band were two
+coffins in a hearse, draped in black. Following these walked the
+condemned men, surrounded by guards with fixed bayonets. The firing
+party brought up the rear of the procession. They marched slowly around
+the three sides of the square between the silent ranks, finally reaching
+the graves and upon the edge of each was set its respective coffin. The
+two men were marched up beside the coffins, and who can imagine their
+feelings as they thus looked down into their deep, cold graves, where
+they were to lie a few moments later, until the trump of God should
+resurrect their dishonored dust to stand before his dread tribunal! One
+would have thought that under these awful circumstances they surely
+would have cried to God for mercy! One of them did; and kneeling near
+his coffin the poor wretch received the last rites of the church of
+Rome. But the other scornfully refused the consolations of religion in
+any form, and cried out a few moments later, as he sat blindfolded upon
+his coffin and heard the ominous clicking of the cocking of the muskets
+that he knew were aimed at him, 'Boys, take me there!' Accompanying
+these words he tore open the bosom of his shirt, exposed his bare
+breast, and a moment later each fell upon his face to the ground--a
+corpse! Thus ended the most tragical event I ever witnessed.
+
+"And so the weary siege dragged on. We made a night descent upon the
+enemy in boats. They were encamped upon the river a few miles below
+Chattanooga, where they effectually cut off our communications with
+Bridgeport. We attacked them in the blackness of a very dark night, and
+completely routed them. This opened up communications with our base of
+supplies, and our rations were greatly increased from that time on.
+
+"On the morning of November 23d, a little before noon, the 3d division
+of the 4th Army corps, the one to which I belonged, was ordered into the
+open plain that lay between us and Missionary Ridge. Here we deployed
+into line of battle. Sheridan's division followed and formed on our
+right. The eleventh corps, commanded by General O.O. Howard, massed in
+the rear. Then followed the 3d division of the 14th corps, General Baird
+in command, while the 1st division of the same corps, under General
+Johnston, stood at arms in the rear of the center in the intrenchments.
+
+"From their aerie upon the surrounding hills the Confederates
+complacently viewed the magnificent pageant, mistaking it for a grand
+review. So secure were they in their apparently impregnable positions
+that we carried Orchard Knob and captured nearly the whole picket line
+before they realized that we were not dress parading. And so, under the
+immediate eye of General Grant, who stood upon Fort Wood, a very
+commanding position, from which he could see every man of us, we carried
+two miles of the enemy's first line of defense. Probably a more
+inspiring sight was never seen by mortal eye. Upon us were the eyes of a
+whole city, many of our own comrades, and tens of thousands of brave and
+vigilant enemies.
+
+"So we rested upon Orchard Knob that night, having taken thus the
+initiative in the great battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.
+That night was a busy one all along the lines of both armies. Mystic
+signs were written upon the skies all night by the signal corps of each
+army. Hooker upon the right was preparing to assault Lookout Mt. We of
+the center spent the night strengthening our line of breastworks upon
+Orchard Knob. Sherman, on the left, succeeded in crossing the Tennessee
+River before morning in small boats with two divisions of his army, the
+remaining two divisions crossing early in the day upon a hastily
+constructed bridge.
+
+"And the Confederates were equally active. All night long their signal
+torches were working upon the mountain and hilltops. The Southern
+commander, General Bragg, evidently considered Lookout Mountain
+impregnable, and withdrew many troops from that point, concentrating
+them upon his extreme right, in anticipation of Sherman's attack.
+
+"Lookout was enveloped in dense fog the first part of the following day,
+which enabled Hooker to dispose of his troops from that point as he
+desired, preparatory for attack, with little or no opposition. At eleven
+o'clock the fog began to lift, the attack commenced, and to us below was
+unveiled one of the grandest, most soul-stirring exhibition of courage
+and love of country ever witnessed! Thousands of blue-coated boys
+pressed their way up the steep slopes of this mighty mountain, in spite
+of the desperate resistance of a foe well worthy of their steel. Well
+might we below raise a great shout of exultation and sympathy. The guns
+of Wood and adjacent forts thundered out salvos of praise and
+encouragement. On they went, step by step, until far into the night, and
+achieved that victory that immortalized every man of them. The following
+morning we beheld 'Old Glory' proudly waving from the great barren rock,
+Point Lookout, and it seemed as if we should burst the very skies with
+the shout that went up from thousands of loyal throats.
+
+"While Hooker and his boys were thus making one of the most glorious
+pages of history, Sherman had completed preparations for an assault upon
+Bragg's right wing. Nearly all day on the 25th, the third day of the
+battle, Sherman vainly endeavored to turn the enemy's right flank. They
+were strongly entrenched, and hurled the Union forces down the slopes of
+Missionary Ridge time after time, though the assaults were made with the
+utmost courage and determination. Grant, Thomas, and Sheridan, from
+Orchard Knob, watched these desperate efforts upon the part of Sherman.
+He was sent all the reenforcements that could operate, and Baird's
+division was returned because there was not room for them to
+participate.
+
+"All day long we of the center of this great battle line had stood at
+arms, watching the grand spectacular movements of the two wings,
+expecting momentarily to be ordered forward. The sun was getting well
+down the western slope when we received the signal from Fort Wood to
+charge the lower line of works at the foot of Missionary Ridge. This we
+did easily, but the cross-fire from the second line midway up the Ridge
+was so galling that the position was untenable. One of two things must
+be done: retreat or carry the Ridge. The first alternative I do not
+think occurred to anyone, for they leaped the breastworks, and in spite
+of the enemy's utmost endeavors and natural obstructions, the second
+line in a few moments was ours. But not a moment did they stop, and in
+an incredibly short time the Ridge was carried, the captured artillery
+wheeled about and was pouring shot and shell into the fleeing ranks of
+the enemy!
+
+"As the visitor now stands and contemplates the acclivities, and
+considers what it meant to charge such a foe so well fortified, if he be
+a Bible student, he will be reminded of the case of the Edomites. They
+were the direct descendants of Esau, and inhabited Mount Seir. This
+mount is an immense pile of rock in the southern part of Palestine. Here
+the Edomites dug out their homes in the solid rock, and so fortified
+themselves that they were the Gibraltar of ancient times. From these
+mountain fastnesses they made predatory incursions upon their neighbors,
+and for ages easily repelled all efforts at reprisal. And so they came
+intolerably insolent, and feared neither God nor man. But one day
+Jeremiah prophesied of them: 'Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and
+the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the cleft of the rock,
+and holdest the height of the hill! Though thou shouldst make thy nest
+as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the
+Lord.'
+
+"He is but an indifferent reader of history who does not see the hand of
+Almighty God displayed upon the side of Liberty and Union throughout all
+this tremendous war. Even so great a man as W.E. Gladstone, the 'Grand
+Old Man' of England, said that the eighteen millions of the North could
+not subdue the eleven millions of the South. But he did not know that
+the edict had gone forth from the court of Heaven that these who
+arrogantly held the height of the hill must come down from thence. And
+so we fought and won this grandest battle of the war--and perhaps of the
+world."
+
+Here the Doctor paused and looked around upon his audience. He had
+worked himself into a fine glow as these splendid reminiscences passed
+before his mind. To his horror he found his hearers fast asleep, except
+the Professor, and his eyes were winking and blinking suspiciously.
+
+"Well, if you are not an interested lot of fellows!" cried Dr. Jones.
+
+Fred roused at this juncture and said:
+
+"Go on, Doctor. That is the most thrilling story I ever heard."
+
+"Do you really think so?" asked the Doctor very sarcastically.
+
+"O yes! Doctor, I assure you that I heard every word of it."
+
+"And what was I just talking about?"
+
+"Um--ah--O yes, I remember. It was where the two deserters were sitting
+on their coffins and were just about to be shot. I want to hear that
+out," and Fred looked the picture of anxiety and interestedness.
+
+"Do you, though!" snorted Dr. Jones. "If I served you right, I would
+drop you through the manhole, just to wake you up."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+Things Material and Spiritual.
+
+
+The wind continued all night as last noted, and Silver Cloud, without a
+tremor or swaying motion of any kind, was scurrying across the barren
+wastes of the Arctics at marvelous speed. At noon upon the second day
+from the Pole, Professor Gray took an observation, and announced that
+they then were at latitude 68 deg., 20 min., longitude 120 deg. 16 min.,
+West Greenwich.
+
+"We are about crossing the Arctic circle. We are just above the barren
+grounds north of Great Bear Lake," said the Professor. "Shortly after
+breakfast to-morrow morning we will cross the northern boundary of the
+United States at our present speed."
+
+"What great body of water is that I see ahead?" asked Denison a little
+later.
+
+"That is Great Bear Lake," replied Professor Gray. "See how the
+vegetation begins to show up."
+
+The weather was superb, and the lake lay calm and smooth beneath them as
+a mirror. While they were tearing through the skies at express train
+speed, their elevation being a little over 3,000 feet, they could
+plainly see through their glasses that small birch trees and evergreens
+upon the banks were nearly motionless.
+
+"Now you see an illustration of my theory," cried the delighted Doctor.
+"Here are we in a gale; below, scarcely a breath of air is stirring. It
+did not work in Russia, and we were obliged to anchor. But I shall
+regard that as a providential affair and shall stick to my theory. I
+would not for anything have failed to plant the good seed which we left
+there. Great good will come of it, and it may be the commencement of a
+general recognition throughout all Europe of God's great law of cure. If
+so, I shall count that as of infinitely greater importance than the
+location of the North Pole."
+
+The wind veered to the northwest toward evening, and a consultation of
+the map showed that they were heading precisely as they wished to. On
+the following morning, they crossed what the Professor informed them was
+the Lake of the Woods.
+
+"Before noon we shall be well into Northern Minnesota. We are peculiarly
+favored upon this trip. It is very doubtful whether we would encounter
+so many favorable gales in any number of future trips."
+
+"We are not home yet, Professor, and we may have an opportunity to test
+the Doctor's theory as to air currents," said Will.
+
+Soon after breakfast a further change in the wind occurred, and they
+found themselves going due east. They watched through their glasses the
+foliage below, but could see no difference in the direction of the lower
+atmospheric stratum.
+
+"We will go as we look for a time," said the Doctor.
+
+"What do I see yonder!" cried Denison. "A train of passenger cars, sure
+as you live! That must be the Canadian Pacific."
+
+"It is," replied Professor Gray. "And away to the south, you see Lake
+Superior. We are passing along its northern coast."
+
+"Don't those little settlements look beautiful!" said Mrs. Jones. "See
+the little white church yonder with its tiny spire! It just seems to me
+as if I should like to stop and attend service in that pretty little
+church."
+
+"See the people rushing out to look at us!" observed Dr. Jones. "Suppose
+we lower to within a few hundred feet of them, and give them a good
+sight at the ship."
+
+Accordingly Silver Cloud settled rapidly as it neared the little town.
+They crossed the village at a height of about 500 feet. They could see
+that the people were terribly frightened. Some were lying upon the
+ground as if dead; others were upon their knees with their hands
+stretched toward the globe that glistened like a star in the sunlight.
+Many were rushing screaming into their houses. A few could be seen
+fleeing from town, afoot or horseback, at the top of their speed.
+
+"Don't be alarmed, good people," shouted Dr. Jones. "We are only
+aeronauts who have been to the North Pole. Good-bye!"
+
+"I won't do that again," said he. "Some of those people may die from the
+effects of this fright. But here we are again for home."
+
+Silver Cloud had again mounted skyward and encountered a splendid breeze
+from the north. A few moments later the blue, crystal waters of Lake
+Superior were undulating beneath them.
+
+"Just see the shipping!" ejaculated Denison. "I sailed to the upper end
+of this great lake to Duluth, twenty-five years ago. Then but few
+steamers came up so far, and not many sailing vessels except those in
+the iron and copper trade. Now see them in every direction! I am
+astonished at the amount of traffic on these lakes."
+
+Only those who have been away from their native land, and especially if
+their travels have extended over the barren wastes of the extreme north,
+can fully appreciate the immortal Scott:
+
+   "Breathes there a man with soul so dead
+   Who never to himself hath said;
+   'This is my own, my native land!'"
+
+They traveled so rapidly over Upper Michigan that by evening they were
+across the strait of Mackinaw. Then the wind lulled to a ten-mile breeze
+and veered a point or two easterly. The great pine forests below were a
+cheerful contrast to the illimitable fields of ice and snow and
+uncultivable lands which they had so lately traversed. The farms and
+villages grew thicker every hour and their twinkling lights were
+pleasant sights to the voyagers as the night came on.
+
+After dinner, all being tired from a long day of sightseeing, they
+gathered in the little smoking-room for their usual evening chat. For
+some reason, this time the conversation took a turn not unusual among
+creatures who have to do with two worlds, the spiritual and material.
+
+"I would like to ask you, Dr. Jones," said the Professor, "if you ever
+encountered, or had any experience with what you were positive was
+supernatural?"
+
+"I have," answered the Doctor.
+
+"Well, Doctor, I confess that I never saw or heard anything in my life
+that could not be explained upon natural principles. It is not that I am
+especially skeptical, but my life has been spent in the study of things
+material, and the laws that govern them. So it may be that I have not
+been in a state of mind to apprehend spiritual phenomena, as I might
+otherwise have done. However that may be, I am very desirous of hearing
+a relation of your experiences on that line."
+
+"There is nothing, Professor Gray," replied Dr. Jones, "that I am more
+positive of than that we are constantly surrounded by, and in actual
+contact with, spiritual forces. And further, that if we were but in a
+receptive condition, or were in the attitude toward God that we should
+be, we might, like Elisha's servant, see the hosts of the Lord camping
+upon the hills round about us. But my individual belief would be of no
+value if not based upon experience.
+
+"The first thing I ever saw that I recognized as purely spiritual in its
+character was at the deathbed of a four year old boy. I was myself at
+this time but twelve years old, but I received an impression that I can
+never forget. I was standing at the foot of his little bed, his father
+and mother and three or four brothers and sisters were ranged along the
+sides and by his head. He was gasping in the last struggle with the grim
+monster, when he suddenly threw his hands toward the ceiling and cried
+out in a clear, strong voice, 'O papa! see there!' His little face that
+had been so distorted with suffering lightened up with the glory of the
+better world. His arms gradually sank to his side, and he was dead. But
+that heavenly smile remained upon his face long after death. One may
+explain away this glory-burst through the eyes of a dying child, calling
+it hallucination of a fevered or diseased brain if they will, but to me
+it was a revelation of spirit land.
+
+"A few years ago I was permitted again to get a glimpse of the pearly
+gates, and this time it was the hand of a sweet little girl who lifted
+aside the veil for her sorrowing friends and myself. She was in the last
+extremity with diphtheritic croup. Her face was bloated and blue-black
+with suffocation. Her eyes were nearly bursting from their sockets,
+glassy and staring; and her face, always so sweet and beautiful, was now
+distorted so that her mother could not endure the sight, and cried in
+her agony, 'My God! is this my little Bertha? I cannot believe it!'
+Bertha, in her expiring effort for breath, had raised upon her knees in
+bed, when suddenly, as in the other case, she raised her hands, her face
+illumined with the 'light that is not seen upon sea or land,' and she
+said in a strong, clear whisper--for her vocal cords were so involved in
+the diphtheritic membranes that her voice was gone completely--'O mamma!
+I see Jesus!' The ecstasy lasted a moment or so, and then I laid her
+back upon the pillow--dead! Here again is an opportunity for the
+agnostic to cavil and reject such evidence. But of one thing you may be
+sure: If he derives as much pleasure from his unbelief as I do in
+believing, then he is a very happy man.
+
+"And now I will relate what to me was still more startling and wonderful
+on the line of spiritual evidence or experience. I practiced medicine a
+few years in the Sierra Mountains, California. I was called one
+afternoon to see a patient in a mining camp some twelve or fifteen miles
+away. I rode a faithful, sure-footed little mare, and chose a short cut
+over a dangerous mountain trail. I had a deep cañon to cross, and was
+coming down into it on my return, when night set in. It became so dark
+that I could not see the trail, but fully trusted my little mare. I
+dropped the reins upon her neck and let her choose her own way and gait.
+We were on the most dangerous part of the trail, where it was not more
+than twelve or fifteen inches wide, and upon my left hand was a black
+chasm, some fifty or seventy-five feet deep. I was singing a hymn as
+unconcernedly as I ever did in my life, when suddenly something said to
+me, 'Get off that horse!' I did not stop to reason or ask questions, but
+promptly threw myself off on the right side and stood a moment by the
+animal, not knowing what the meaning could be. It was not an audible
+voice that had spoken to me, yet it was none the less distinct and
+unmistakable. I stood two or three minutes thus, waiting for further
+developments. Then I stepped down in front of Mollie--as I called the
+mare--into the trail, and started to lead her. I did not dare to get
+into the saddle again, though I could not imagine what was coming next.
+I had not proceeded ten feet, when I came to an exceedingly steep pitch
+in the trail. I had gone down this pitch but a few feet when something
+held me and I could go no farther. I nearly fell over the obstruction
+which I felt holding my legs. I reached down and found a heavy wire
+drawn very tightly across the trail, just above my knees. You will never
+know the feelings I experienced at that moment. I saw in an instant that
+my Heavenly Father had interposed and saved me from a violent death."
+
+"What was that wire, and how came it there?" asked Fred.
+
+"It was a telegraph wire. The pole on the opposite side of the cañon had
+been washed from its footing, and was hanging by its full weight from
+the wire, thus drawing it very taut across the trail."
+
+"Could not this warning which you received be accounted for from a
+psychological standpoint?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"I will answer your question by asking another: If we reject the
+spiritual side of man's nature, then we have nothing left of him but the
+material. Now I ask you as a physicist, what is there in the laws
+governing matter that could in any degree account for the phenomenon
+that I have just related?"
+
+"Nothing," answered the Professor.
+
+"That is right, Professor. And I prefer to recognize the hand of God in
+this, and to believe that He exercises a special care over his children;
+that not a hair falls from the head of one of his believing children
+without the Father's notice. It is so much better to simply trust and
+believe. Nothing is so detestable as the spirit of skepticism abroad in
+the land to-day. The ministry itself is more or less permeated and
+honeycombed with the abominations called 'Higher Criticism,'
+'Evolution,' etc. They would have us believe that the Bible is filled
+with interpolations, and that wicked men and devils, careless
+translators or copyists have been allowed to destroy to a very great
+extent the validity of that book. Now I simply take this stand: God has
+created you and me, and has endowed us each with an immortal principle
+which we call soul. He has placed us in this probationary state and has
+set before us two ways: The straight and narrow way that leads to
+Eternal Life, and the broad way that leads to Eternal Death. In order
+that we may know His will and so be able to fulfill the conditions of
+salvation, He has given us the Holy Bible. He is responsible for the
+validity of that book, and we may defy all the smart Alecks and devils
+in the universe to invalidate a single essential word of it. The gist of
+the whole matter reduces to a simple syllogism.
+
+"The major proposition is: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou
+shalt be saved.
+
+"The minor proposition: I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+"The conclusion: Therefore I am saved.
+
+"This is my faith, and He is able to keep that which I have committed
+unto Him, Bible and all, till that day. I have given you several
+experiences that are not to be lightly explained away, nor scoffed aside
+by skepticism. I could relate you another still more wonderful
+experience, one on a par with Saul's conversion as he went to Damascus
+to kill the saints. I refer to my own conversion. But I think that you
+have had enough for once."
+
+"Let me ask one question further, Doctor," said the Professor. "As we
+have disposed of the psychological hypothesis in explanation of the
+source of the impression that you received upon the trail, and which
+without doubt saved your life, we must accept the spiritual. I wish to
+ask, then, if it might not have been the spirit of a departed friend who
+thus warned you?"
+
+"No, sir!" replied the Doctor with great emphasis. "Departed spirits
+have no such functions. On the other hand, we are told that 'He giveth
+His angels charge concerning thee to keep thee in all thy ways. They
+shall bear thee up in their hands lest at any time thou dash thy foot
+against a stone.' And again: The angel of the Lord encampeth round about
+them that fear Him, and delivereth them. Also: Are they not ministering
+spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation?
+It means infinitely much to be the child of a King. Angels to bear us up
+in their hands and to minister unto us if we will but comply with the
+terms. So there is no need of spooks, wraiths, and ghosts of departed
+men in our lives. God gives us all the light necessary. He lighteth
+every man that cometh into the world."
+
+"Well, Doctor, there is still another difficulty that I think you have
+not met or settled. I have acquaintances that I know are sincere in
+their belief that they receive communications from departed friends.
+They are people who do not accept the Christian faith, and you have
+established the fact, from a biblical standpoint, that He giveth his
+angels charge over those who are Christians, or heirs of salvation. If,
+then, the spiritualist receives communications from the spirit world,
+and they come neither through angels nor departed friends, from whom do
+they come?"
+
+"The Devil!"
+
+"What!"
+
+"The Devil, or one of his legions of imps."
+
+"Excuse me, Doctor, but how is one to know whether his communications be
+from a good or evil spirit? How, for instance, do you know whether your
+communication which warned you of the wire across the trail was from an
+angel or devil?"
+
+"That question is not worthy of you, Professor Gray. In all the history
+of this poor, sin-cursed world, the Devil never did one kind act to a
+human being. He never wiped away a tear of sorrow, or mitigated a
+heartache or pain, nor ever will. Jesus settled that matter when the
+Jews accused Him of casting out devils through the prince of devils,
+Beelzebub. If Satan be divided against Satan, his kingdom cannot stand.
+When Satan warns one servant of God of danger, and saves him from death
+his kingdom will fall. But say, let's to bed. We must be out by daylight
+in the morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+Familiar Scenes and Faces.
+
+
+Silver Cloud was wafted by a gentle breeze to the center of Lower
+Michigan. For two or three hours after sunrise there was nearly a dead
+calm. Then a brisk breeze from due east arose, and they started for Lake
+Michigan at a great speed.
+
+"This will never do," said Dr. Jones. "We will go down and get fresh
+supplies and the morning papers. There lies a good-looking town a few
+miles west. We will anchor there. Stand by the anchor, boys."
+
+In a few moments Silver Cloud, with her characteristic swiftness,
+descended upon the town, and soon was safely anchored to several large
+trees in the center of it. It proved to be the thrifty little town of
+L----r, of between three and four thousand inhabitants. Silver Cloud was
+drawn to within fifty or sixty feet of the earth, and the voyagers
+rapidly descended in the cage to the main street.
+
+That all the men, women, and children crowded to the vicinity of the
+globe, and that our friends were the cynosure of thousands of wondering
+eyes will be readily believed. And the glistening sphere that gently
+oscillated in the breeze above the city excited the unbounded
+astonishment and praise of all. Newspaper reporters gathered eagerly
+about the party, and plied them with questions concerning their trip and
+adventures. All, of course, were acquainted with the facts concerning
+their sailing from Washington four months previously, and a few of them
+had witnessed that notable event. The travelers were informed that they
+had been mourned as lost for many weeks past, and Government was fitting
+out a party to seek them as soon as possible. The general opinion was,
+that the globe had collapsed or exploded, and that the foolhardy
+explorers had all perished in the forests of Upper Canada. This was the
+accepted theory, and nothing could exceed the severity with which the
+editors of the papers politically opposed to the administration censured
+it for the extravagance and all-round idiocy of the whole "Aluminum
+Bubble Scheme," as they termed it. Dr. Jones was voted a lunatic, and
+the balance of the party was commiserated in the "Ahs!" and "Dear me's!"
+and "Poor things!" of the whole nation.
+
+And we can well imagine that the telegraph wires were kept busy that day
+all over the land. And the papers which in their previous issues had
+inveighed so cuttingly and mercilessly against the Government and Dr.
+Jones, and everybody in any way connected with the Aluminum Globe
+Bubble, now came out in flaming double headings, under telegraphic
+dispatches and in editorials, sounding the praises of Dr. Jones and
+company in unbounded terms of commendation. They had always predicted
+their speedy and triumphant return, so they had, etc.
+
+Telegrams and phonograms poured in upon them until they were really
+unable to attend to them. Very numerous were the offers of engagements
+to Dr. Jones and Professor Gray for a course of lectures at liberal
+prices.
+
+"I was satisfied, Professor, that we should stir them up," said Dr.
+Jones, perspiring and glowing with the excitement and hurry, "but I did
+not look for this avalanche. I would rather be off into our native
+element, the deep blue sky, than to be smothered in this fashion."
+
+"Keep cool, Doctor," replied Professor Gray. "You may as well get used
+to being lionized, for you will get no end of it at Washington."
+
+"All right, Professor. I'll do the best I can, but I really do not enjoy
+so much of it. Suppose we give the people a reception at the Opera
+House."
+
+"O good!" cried Mattie. "And let's give them a concert. We can render
+them an hour of music that I am sure will please them very much."
+
+"Good girl!" shouted Fred, who was always in for anything in the line of
+music and innocent pleasure.
+
+All instantly agreed, and the town and neighboring places were informed
+of the fact of the intended reception that night. All necessary
+preparations were made, and it is needless to say that the building was
+packed to its utmost limits long before the appointed hour.
+
+At eight o'clock the curtain raised, and our friends marched upon the
+stage and sang in their best form an anthem of praise and thanksgiving
+to God. All were in the pink of health, free from all carking cares and
+vanities of life, and they sang as if inspired. Such singing had never
+been heard by the audience; and this fact, added to the romance
+connected with the occasion, carried the thousands of listeners
+completely off their feet. The encore that went up at the conclusion of
+the piece was tremendous beyond description. Nor would the excited
+audience cease an instant until our friends had rendered another song.
+Then Dr. Jones stepped forward, and raising his hand to invoke silence,
+said:
+
+"Your mayor will now address a few words to you."
+
+The mayor, a typical aldermanic looking person, advanced to the front of
+the stage and began a set speech after the stereotyped fashion. He was
+thoroughly imbued with the idea that the navigators of the great
+aluminum ship had premeditatedly visited their important city before
+going on to Washington, and it was no matter of surprise to him that
+they had done so. He thanked them, however, etc. He was discussing the
+landing of the Pilgrim Fathers and was evidently wound up for an hour,
+and the audience was beginning to move restlessly. A low murmur of
+disapprobation ran through the house as the untimely, uninteresting
+speech dragged its weary length, when a gallery god cried out: "Did you
+bring that thing from the North Pole, Dr. Jones? Trot it off and give us
+some more music." The audience received this shot with shouts of
+laughter and approval, and they did not stop until the crestfallen mayor
+backed off the stage.
+
+An hour was then spent in solos, duets, quartettes, choruses, etc. Then
+Dr. Jones made a speech of a few moments' length, in which he gave an
+account of the leading incidents of their wonderful trip. He especially
+dwelt upon the planting of the aluminum flagstaff at the North Pole, and
+when he assured them that the flag of our Union, as they sat in that
+comfortable opera-house, was flying at the peak of that superlatively
+splendid shaft at the very apex of the earth, the emotions of the
+assemblage could not be restrained, and they broke forth in thunders of
+applause.
+
+Their return to the ship was a triumphal procession. The streets were
+packed with people who waited to see them ascend to their cabin.
+
+Early the following morning the wind had shifted to the northwest, and
+the anchors were hoisted immediately. How beautiful the little town and
+surrounding country appeared to the aeronauts in the early morning light
+from their one thousand feet elevation.
+
+"I had no conception of the beauty of this world until I saw it from the
+balcony of the Silver Cloud," observed Professor Gray.
+
+"There is but one trouble in this beautiful world, and that is with its
+inhabitants," replied Dr. Jones. "We should have the restoration of Eden
+immediately if all men would but serve God and observe the Golden Rule.
+Not another tear or sigh would ever be seen or heard again upon earth.
+But O the pity of it! Man, willfully blind, goes stumbling on through
+the short span of life, blighted and blighting everything about him with
+unbelief. Full of misery and heartaches here, he goes into Eternity to
+stand at the bar of God, naked and undone, and hears the fearful
+sentence, 'Anathema Maranatha!' or 'Cursed and banished from God!' And
+all this in the lovely world that lies spread out before us this morning
+like the primitive Garden of the Lord, fresh as it came from His
+bountiful hand. It fills my soul with sadness when I think of our
+infinite foolishness. I do not wonder that Jesus wept over Jerusalem."
+
+The whole company were assembled upon the balcony, and drew in long
+inspirations of the balmy morning air.
+
+"What a panorama!" cried Mrs. Jones. "I am forever spoilt for living a
+terrestrial life again. We are Children of the Skies, and those low
+vales are well enough for those who are contented therewith. But this is
+our native element!" and she spread her hands toward the upper blue.
+"Why, if I were to be confined to that humdrum existence again, I should
+be like--like--"
+
+"--a fish out of water," suggested Fred.
+
+"Now that is real mean," pouted Mrs. Jones. "I was trying to give
+expression to the inspiration excited by this lovely scene in the form
+of poesy, but you have spoilt it all with your prosaic comparison."
+
+"I am just too sorry for any use at all," returned Fred, looking
+anything but regretful. "But, really now, Mrs. Jones, how could you
+possibly express the idea better?"
+
+"We are moving straight for Washington," said the Professor, consulting
+a map in his hand, "and at this speed we shall not be far from it at
+bedtime to-night."
+
+"We can prepare ourselves for a grand reception," remarked Denison. "The
+good people of L----r gave us an earnest of what we may expect."
+
+"It is rather pleasant to be lionized, but we shall be obliged to draw
+the lines somewhere," said Dr. Jones.
+
+"We can always retreat to Silver Cloud when tired of being interviewed,
+wined, and dined," interposed Will.
+
+"Let's plant another flagstaff at the South Pole, Doctor," cried Mattie.
+"I never feel so well as when afloat upon this boundless sea."
+
+"Well done, Mattie," returned the Doctor, patting her on the head. "What
+a bold little navigator you have grown to be! And boundless sea is quite
+poetic, too. But as to starting immediately for the South Pole, I do not
+think we can do so. Perhaps we may, however, and you can rest assured
+that this sort of life suits me amazingly. I shall favor sailing for the
+South Pole at the earliest practicable moment."
+
+"One thing is certain, and that is, that if we are to be the first to
+reach the South Pole, we cannot put the expedition off too long," said
+Will. "Others will imitate us and get there before us if we give them
+time. We must sail within a few weeks at farthest."
+
+"That is true," assented Dr. Jones. "But let us see what Sing has for
+breakfast."
+
+So they entered the dining-room and ate with appetites known to but few
+terrestrials. And why shouldn't they? Their sanitary environments were
+perfect; their minds were free from all worldly cares. Ennui and
+monotony were entirely unknown aboard Silver Cloud, because of the
+constantly changing panorama of land and sea. There were no heartaches
+nor burning envies among them, for all were pure-minded and lived as
+God's children should live the world over. Why shouldn't they be plump
+and pure and clean, inside and out? "We have all outgrown our clothes,"
+as Dr. Jones expressed it.
+
+It was a busy day aboard ship. The whole country was on the lookout for
+them. The Doctor lowered to within five or six hundred feet of the
+earth, and the cries of the multitudes that gathered in every town and
+country corner continually rang in their ears.
+
+"Detroit lies directly in our course. Do you see it yonder?" said
+Professor Gray.
+
+"O yes!" cried Mrs. Jones. "I am glad that we shall get a good view of
+the beautiful city of Detroit. Away to the left is Lake St. Clair, isn't
+it?"'
+
+"Yes," answered the Professor, "and that is the Detroit River. There is
+the city. Across upon the opposite side is the city of Windsor. Just see
+the crowds of people! We are being well advertised by telegraph."
+
+The squares, streets, and housetops of Detroit were black with people.
+Such cheering was never heard in that city as when Silver Cloud
+majestically passed over it. The guns of the fort below the city poured
+out thundering salutes of welcome.
+
+"The poor, dear people!" said Mrs. Jones. "I am so glad that we can give
+them a few moment's pleasure."
+
+"And yet we have done nothing marvelous," returned Dr. Jones. "We have
+only made use of one of God's laws, and without any hardship or special
+exertion, have been to the North Pole and back through the kindness of
+Providence, who furnishes us with extraordinarily favoring gales. The
+people, as well as ourselves, should give all the glory to God."
+
+"You are too modest by far, Doctor," replied Professor Gray. "You may as
+well prepare yourself for unstinted praise and honor. What you have done
+is simple and easy enough now that it has been accomplished; but it is
+the conception of the idea, and courage and faith that you have
+exhibited, that the world will honor. It was precisely so with
+Christopher Columbus. To cross the Atlantic was a comparatively easy
+affair after he had led the way. You may as well prepare yourself to
+stand in the niche beside the discoverer of America. You are in for it,
+sir, and I am exceedingly pleased that you are. For I know that you are
+worthy of these honors, and will not become spoilt and puffed up
+thereby. Accept my heartfelt congratulations, Doctor Jones," and the two
+shook hands cordially.
+
+"And mine," said Denison, also shaking the Doctor's hand. So they all
+expressed their spontaneous and sincere respect for the hero of the
+expedition who had so evidently excited the praise and honor of the
+entire civilized earth. The little man was deeply affected.
+
+"I should be but an arrant humbug to affect to despise the honor that
+the world seems disposed to bestow upon us. I say us, for I cannot and
+will not take it all to myself. I may have been the originator of the
+idea, but I could have done nothing without your co-operation, dear
+friends. But this is very unprofitable conversation. Let's talk about
+something else. There's my old duck pond, Lake Erie. Scores of times
+have I sailed from one end of it to the other; and hundreds of times
+have I bathed in its limpid waters. There is no spot on earth that I
+love as I do beautiful, historic Lake Erie."
+
+This was the grand and peculiar feature of Dr. Jones' character--an
+utter disregard for his own aggrandizement and self-interest, and a
+sincere desire to make everybody about him happy and comfortable. And,
+underlying it all, was a sublime faith in Almighty God. These three
+essentials make the great man: modesty, unselfishness, and faith in God.
+Anyone is great who possesses them, and no one is great who lacks either
+of them. If the reader has not gathered that Dr. Jones' character was a
+most happy combination of these cardinal virtues, then we have in no
+degree done him justice. And while he was kind and loving to all about
+him, yet he was terribly severe with the incorrigibly mean and vicious.
+If he had a great fault, it was in this particular. No one could be more
+loving and tender with a penitent; but the stiff-necked and haughty, the
+oppressors of the poor, were an abomination unto him.
+
+"I used to fear that I was too savage when I came into contact with such
+people," said he; "but one day, while reading the 15th Psalm, I received
+a flood of light upon the subject. This psalm begins by asking: 'Lord,
+who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?' In
+enumerating the qualifications of such person, the psalmist says: 'He
+that contemneth the evil man, but he honoreth them that fear the Lord,'
+Now that word 'contemn,' for the first time, attracted my special
+attention. I had read it scores of times, but had never realized how
+strong a term was here used. No stronger is to be found in the language.
+It means to despise, detest, spurn, etc. I was startled, but I was at
+the same time glad. I could not help it, but I always did despise and
+detest a man who would grind the face of the poor, or who would keep
+back the wage of the laborer. Not that I would judge him, or take
+vengeance upon him; and I must forgive him and receive him as my brother
+when he repents. But until he does turn from the evil of his ways, and
+does his best at making restitution, I can do a jolly good job at
+'contemning' him."
+
+The blue south shore of the lake soon became visible. A more entrancing
+picture than that of Silver Cloud floating swiftly over the great lake,
+so thickly dotted with steamers and sailing vessels, cannot be imagined.
+The exhilaration of the occupants as they looked from their commanding
+altitude upon this delightful scenery was extreme. Many adjectives are
+used in describing the scenery and experiences connected with this
+notable voyage, but language is far too feeble to do the subject full
+justice.
+
+The Doctor pointed out the various islands, lakeports, etc., with all of
+which he was perfectly familiar. The wind became more westerly, and they
+passed into Ohio away to the east of Cleveland.
+
+"I would have been glad to have stopped a little while at Cleveland,"
+said Dr. Jones, "but we must hasten on while the wind is favorable."
+
+"Is it absolutely necessary that we take Silver Cloud to Washington?"
+asked Denison. "Suppose the winds should be contrary for a considerable
+time, could we not anchor, and Professor Gray, the ladies, and yourself
+take the train for the Capital?"
+
+"Yes, and we will do that if necessary. But I much prefer that we sail
+there together. It would then look as if we could come and go as we
+liked, and give some degree of color to my theory, that we can find any
+current we wish by hunting for it."
+
+"That is all right in America, but doesn't hold good in Russia, Doctor,"
+said Will, laughingly.
+
+"Never mind, sonny," good-humoredly replied the Doctor. "All rules have
+their exceptions, and we happened to strike a full-grown, lusty one that
+time. But I shall always be thankful that my rule failed for once. I
+think more of the seed I sowed there than I do of our planting the
+flagstaff at the North Pole."
+
+The wind continued very brisk, a little north of west, and the ship was
+heading considerably north of Washington.
+
+"We are pointing straight as a gun barrel for New York City," said Will,
+who was consulting a map.
+
+"New York is considerably east of Washington," remarked the Doctor,
+looking over the map with Will. "I will tell you what we will do. If the
+wind continues as it now is we will go on to New York and await a
+favorable wind. What do you all think of that proposition?"
+
+"Nothing could be more appropriate, since we must anchor, than that it
+should be at the metropolis of America," answered Professor Gray.
+
+So it was agreed that they should make New York their next anchorage if
+possible. Along in the afternoon they were near the center of
+Pennsylvania and were approaching a large town. The people were
+evidently looking for them, for immense crowds could be seen gathered in
+many places.
+
+"I think that I will send a telegram from here to the mayor of New York
+that we will try and make that city to-night. At what time should we
+arrive there at our present speed?" he inquired of Professor Gray.
+
+The Professor consulted his watch and map a moment, and replied, "About
+eight o'clock this evening, Doctor."
+
+The telegram was written accordingly. Silver Cloud descended to within
+four hundred feet of the earth, and when over the center of the city,
+the Doctor leaned over the balustrade and shouted, "Will you please
+forward this message for me?" As he said this he dropped the message,
+wrapped about a silver half dollar. One of the thousands of willing
+hands caught it, and a voice answered, "Aye, aye, Doctor Jones!"
+
+"They all have your name, Doctor. You are the best known man in America
+to-day. And I doubt if there is one in the world so much talked of as
+you are," said Professor Gray.
+
+"And that just shows how small a matter makes one famous. A few months
+ago I was an humble, inconsequential country doctor. My greatest delight
+and ambition at that time was to find the indicated remedy, and see the
+sick recover. And I declare to you now, that while I enjoy this racing
+through the skies, and the roar and acclamation of the multitudes, yet
+all these are but secondary and insignificant to my mind, when compared
+with that other great ambition of my life--the recognition by the
+medical world of the fact that there is an immutable law of God for our
+guidance in the selection of the remedy for the sick. And my daily
+prayer now is that my Father will keep me humble, so that he can use me
+to this end. For I tell you, friends," and the Doctor struck the table
+near him a mighty blow with his fist by way of emphasis, "that God can
+use no man who feels his own importance, and is inclined to take all the
+glory to himself. He is simply a weak-minded bungler, who gets into the
+way and frustrates whatever designs God might otherwise have worked
+through him."
+
+The Doctor was upon his favorite theme--the propagandism of the peculiar
+system of medicine of which he was so faithful and successful a
+practitioner--and they had left the city far behind them, when he again
+paid attention to the rapidly changing scenery below. The wind had
+increased to a strong gale, and they were crossing the full length of
+Pennsylvania at astounding speed. They passed over the mountain ranges
+of the eastern part of the state, with as little concern or thought as
+if they had been level plain or water. So greatly had their speed
+accelerated, that by six o'clock the smoke of the great city was
+discernible immediately before them. The beautiful Hudson looked like a
+silver ribbon trending away to the north. New York bay with its shipping
+from all quarters of the earth, Liberty Lighting the World, the
+suspension bridge, and the tall buildings of the city, were all
+distinctly seen by the voyagers at a great distance. The booming of
+cannon announced to our friends that they had been sighted by those upon
+the lookout for them. A few moments later they had crossed the river
+and were skimming over the housetops, looking for an anchorage.
+
+"There is Central Park. We shall pass over the south end of it. That is
+the place for us to drop anchor," said the Professor.
+
+"All right, Professor. Stand by boys! Let them go!" cried the Doctor.
+
+Down to the earth went two anchors. They almost immediately caught in
+the strong limbs of the shade trees and Silver Cloud was again safely
+anchored. It was well that this immense park had chanced to be their
+stopping place, for the people were wild with excitement, and poured
+into it like a mighty flood. The shout that went up was deafening as the
+Doctor and Professor descended to the ground. The whole party came down,
+two by two, the fastenings of the globe were made doubly secure, a posse
+of policemen put in charge of it, and then they submitted themselves to
+the committee of reception appointed by the mayor. Carriages awaited
+them, and they were conveyed to a hotel as rapidly as the densely
+crowded streets would permit. No conqueror ever received a more
+tremendous ovation! Frequently the carriages were brought to a dead
+standstill, and only the most strenuous efforts of scores of policemen
+could make a passage for them. But finally their enthusiasm broke
+through all barriers. The horses were taken from the vehicles, and
+hundreds of friendly hands grasped the ropes attached to the ends of the
+tongues, and then better progress was made. The Doctor bore his honors
+with gentle dignity, taking off his hat, and bowing frequently to the
+right and left to his excited and enthusiastic countrymen who thus
+delighted to do him honor. If Mrs. Jones' eyes filled with tears of
+pride and delight as she witnessed this outpouring of the hearts of the
+people to the man whom she loved above anything upon earth, surely no
+one will censure her for that. The travelers had met with some hearty
+receptions, but never with anything like this. It was not the male
+portion only who were demonstrative, but the ladies were equally active
+in their expressions of appreciation. The carriages were literally
+filled with rich bouquets of flowers that rained into them. And when
+they could bring them to a standstill, the crush about the vehicles
+almost threatened their destruction. They shook hands with as many as
+climbed up within reach, not a few of whom were ladies.
+
+"Upon my word, girls, I don't know but they will eat us up," said the
+Doctor to his wife and Mattie, who sat beside him in the leading landau.
+
+But all things earthly have an end, and the party finally landed at the
+entrance of the hotel. Here the press was tremendous, and it was with
+extreme difficulty that they at last reached the parlor, where the mayor
+and many distinguished citizens awaited them.
+
+"I fear you have had a rough passage through our streets," said the
+mayor.
+
+"I give you my word, sir, that we have been in more danger during the
+last half hour than in all the balance of our voyage," replied Dr.
+Jones.
+
+"You have stirred the world, and turned it upside down, and you will
+have to stand the consequences of your unprecedented popularity. It is
+so refreshing to see a man do the impossible with the nonchalance and
+ease that you have displayed that you must not complain if we nearly
+kill you with the best intentions in the world. But I promise that we
+will endeavor to make it as easy for you as possible, while with us."
+
+"I have lived all my life in New York, but I am sure that I never saw
+our city so excited as it is to-night," said another gentleman. "Just
+listen to them! Come out upon the balcony and look at them."
+
+As they stepped out and looked up and down Broadway, far as they could
+see the great thoroughfare was filled with people. The voyagers were
+instantly recognized, and such a roar as went up from that vast
+multitude! It continued until the mayor stepped forward and raised his
+hand to command silence.
+
+"Speak to them a few words, Doctor, and send them home," said he.
+
+The Doctor stepped forward and cried at the top of his powerful voice:
+
+"Friends and fellow countrymen. Of course, I expected you would be glad
+to see a party who travel in so splendid a chariot as the great aluminum
+ship. And I take it for granted that you are all aware that Silver
+Cloud, as we have named the globe, carried us to the North Pole and
+back safely and pleasantly. And to-night, as we stand in the great
+metropolis of the Western hemisphere, there flies from the most splendid
+flagstaff upon earth, located precisely at the northern extremity of the
+earth's axis, the Flag of our Union! (At this point, the patriotic
+enthusiasm of the hearers could not be restrained, and for several
+minutes the Doctor stood and awaited the subsidence of the cheering.)
+But I have a proposition to make you. The Mayor desires that you all
+retire now to your homes, and I promise you that to-morrow night we will
+tell you all about our trip, and show you how we planted the flagstaff
+at the North Pole. I bid you all good night."
+
+"That was good, Doctor, and I think that now they will disperse quite
+satisfied," said the mayor. "You are the city's guests, remember, and we
+are extremely desirous of rendering you every possible honor and
+pleasure. I do not doubt that you are all fatigued with so much
+excitement and sightseeing as you have been through to-day, and we will
+let you retire. Good-night."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+The World at the Feet of Doctor Jones.
+
+
+The following morning our friends were up be-times and were soon engaged
+in the busiest day of their lives. The wind was still unfavorable for
+their passage to Washington, and they abandoned themselves to the
+numerous duties that pressed upon them, and hospitalities of the
+friendly Gothamites. Messages almost innumerable and visitors by
+thousands poured in upon them. Mrs. Jones, Mattie, and Denison acted as
+secretaries for Dr. Jones, while Will and Fred performed the same office
+for Professor Gray. Reporters by scores besieged them at all hours. The
+Doctor disposed of these importunate visitors by appointing an hour when
+he met them in a body in a private room, and there answered their
+numerous questions. At three o'clock P.M. the mayor called, and through
+a private exit the whole party was led to carriages, and shown a
+considerable portion of the better part of the city. They drove to the
+globe and found it surrounded by thousands of admirers. Silver Cloud
+proudly floated above them, gently oscillating in the breeze, slightly
+bowing to the right and left, as if complacently acknowledging the
+admiration and praises of its visitors.
+
+The carriages were driven as near as possible to the globe. Will and
+Denison worked their way to the cage and ascended to the cabin. The vast
+throng watched this proceeding with intense interest, and made the
+welkin ring with their shouts as the two men safely entered the manhole.
+They examined the thermometer, trimmed the burners that were necessary
+to be kept alight, wound up the motor springs, and then descended with a
+rapidity that caused the spectators to hold their breaths.
+
+After several hours' driving, during which time the mayor pointed out
+many objects of interest, they were driven to their hotel and left to
+rest and prepare for the evening's entertainment. They had been
+informed that the largest building in the city had been engaged, and the
+whole party of Arctic explorers were earnestly requested to meet the
+public that evening in said building. This they consented to do. There
+was not the slightest snobbishness about Dr. Jones, or it certainly
+would have manifested itself now when the world was at his feet. But the
+little man was as kind and unaffectedly friendly now as ever in his
+life. He was a close student of human nature too, and thoroughly
+understood that they were fully capable of crying "Hosannah!" to-day,
+and "Crucify him! crucify him!" to-morrow. Human nature is not different
+from what it was thousands of years ago. It is no better and no worse.
+Unregenerate man is out of harmony with his Maker; and being possessed
+of a finite mind, he can never be right, do right, nor keep right until
+he places himself unreservedly into God's hands.
+
+   "Just as I am, without one plea,
+     But that thy blood was shed for me,
+   And that thou bidst me come to thee,
+     O Lamb of God! I come."
+
+"When I would do good, evil is ever present with me," was St. Paul's
+experience. It is yours and it is mine, gentle reader. There is no
+escape from it, except through the blood of Christ. Then shall we commit
+all our ways unto Him, and shall never be moved. This is the one great
+cause of man's inconstancy. He is constantly seeking after that which
+shall satisfy the cravings of his never dying soul, but refuses the
+light which God gives him. He sips from every cup of worldly pleasure,
+and madly rushes after the sensation of the hour, be it good or bad. One
+after the other, they pall upon his wearied senses, and he dashes them
+from his lips in disgust. Happy alone is he who listens to that Voice,
+'Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.'
+
+That evening, before many thousands of people, our friends did what they
+could to please them. They sang as they never had done in their lives.
+It is unnecessary to say that their efforts were received with
+tremendous rounds of encores by the delighted host. The music was
+interspersed with appropriate speeches from the mayor and other civic
+dignitaries. They all spoke in unlimited terms of praise of the man who
+had conceived the idea of the aluminum globe, and who had had the
+courage of his convictions. He had added undying glory to the land that
+bore him, and now that land delighted to honor him by every means within
+her power, etc.
+
+The Doctor and Professor each spoke at some length, giving the history
+of the expedition and the importance of it to the scientific world. The
+Doctor told them of the planting of the aluminum flagstaff in terse,
+graphic language, and concluded by saying:
+
+"And now friends, we will conclude the evening's performance by giving
+you an exact representation of how we marched about the flagstaff and
+sang Professor Marsh's composition, 'The North Pole March.' You must
+imagine the thermometer sixty or more degrees below zero in order to
+appreciate the scene."
+
+A fair representation of the foot of the flagstaff had been improvised,
+and the stage was made to look like a field of snow and ice. In a circle
+about the pole were set vessels of burning oil. Within this circle the
+friends marched to the beautiful music that Fred played upon the
+aluminum organ (for even that instrument had been brought by Denison and
+Will from the globe, that the scene might lack nothing in realism.)
+
+And so real was the scene as they marched in their sealskin suits--poor
+Sing among them, though he could not sing--and so inspiring was the
+music, that the vast assemblage sat still as death, every sense strained
+to the highest tension, that they might not lose a movement nor note.
+When they finished, the shout that went up was a tremendous lungburst
+that was simply deafening. Men, women, and children jumped upon their
+feet, waved their handkerchiefs, and screamed and shouted themselves
+hoarse. Nor would they cease until the lights had all been turned low,
+and they realized that the Children of the Skies would appear no more
+that night. They had improved the opportunity while the multitude thus
+encored to make their escape in their carriages to the hotel.
+
+"I don't know, Doctor, but you will be responsible for many cases of
+lunacy among our people," said the mayor. "I never saw them so utterly
+carried away as they were with your company and the globe. All you have
+to do is to take to the stage and you can bankrupt the nation."
+
+After a quiet supper with a select party of notables of the city, our
+friends were permitted to retire for the night.
+
+"I am anxious to get on to Washington. This is very pleasant, but I much
+prefer the cabin of Silver Cloud, with you, my dear friends, to all this
+hustling, cramming, and jambing. The people are kind as they can be, and
+are doing everything for our comfort and pleasure, but I never could
+endure being crowded. Give me plenty of elbow room or give me death!"
+cried Dr. Jones.
+
+"Who would have thought that our march about the pole would make such a
+sensation!" said Mrs. Jones. "Your North Pole March will make your
+fortune, Fred. You should immediately copyright and publish it. You
+could sell thousands of copies to-morrow."
+
+"All right, Mrs. Jones; I will profit by your suggestion," answered
+Fred, gayly. "Dear old Silver Cloud is making us all famous and rich.
+Strike while the iron's hot;' 'Make hay while the sun shines;' etc. My
+next attempt will be the Silver Cloud Waltz. This is the tide in my
+affairs, and I must be thrifty enough to take it at its flood."
+
+On the following morning after breakfast it was observed that the wind
+was from the nor-nor-east, or nearly exactly toward their destination.
+
+"Shall we sail to-day, or accept further hospitalities of New York?"
+asked Dr. Jones of the company. The unanimous decision was that they
+sail immediately.
+
+The mayor was telephoned that they would sail within one or two hours,
+the wind being favorable. A few moments later that gentleman appeared in
+the parlor where they were sitting and said hastily:
+
+"My dear Doctor, we cannot let you go to-day. We have a splendid program
+laid out for you, and our people will be greatly disappointed if you do
+not stop at least another day. Besides, great excursions by steamers
+and rail are expected to-morrow. We cannot let you off for two or three
+days yet."
+
+"My dear sir, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to remain as
+long as you desire. But my commands are peremptory from Washington to
+report there at the earliest practicable moment. So I really have no
+option in the matter, and must sail this very morning," replied Dr.
+Jones.
+
+"Such being the case, Doctor, I am too good a citizen to urge you to
+disobey orders. We will say no more about it, but thank you for the
+pleasure you have given us, and wish you 'Bon Voyage.'"
+
+"You may do better than that, sir. We should be exceedingly pleased to
+have you and your family accompany us to Washington. We can promise you
+the sensation and pleasure of your lifetime," returned the Doctor.
+
+"O do come, sir!" cried Mrs. Jones. "Bring your family and give them the
+greatest treat this world affords."
+
+"I will consult them, immediately. But I fear that they are poor
+sailors, and can hardly be persuaded to venture a trip in an air-ship."
+
+"I will see that they do not suffer from seasickness," said the Doctor.
+"Prevail upon them to come if possible, for I know you will never regret
+it. Now shall we remain here, or meet you at the globe?"
+
+"Remain here, please, and I will return with all possible expedition."
+
+A half hour later he returned with his wife and two daughters, the
+latter being stylish, lovely girls of about Mattie's age. All three were
+in a state of more or less nervousness and trepidation at the idea of a
+sail through the sky, and yet they could not resist the desire to go.
+
+"O Mrs. Jones! Miss Bronson! don't you feel awfully frightened away up
+there, thousands of feet from the earth?" asked one of the girls.
+
+"Not the least bit!" replied Mrs. Jones. "So far from that, will you
+believe me, I feel better and fully as safe in the cabin of our Silver
+Cloud, five thousand feet from the earth, as I do in this parlor."
+
+"Do you hear that, mamma?" cried the elder girl. "And what an
+appropriate, beautiful name--Silver Cloud. Well, I am determined to be
+a good sailor, and enjoy this trip as I never did anything in my life."
+
+"I will meet you within an hour at the ship," said the mayor. "I must
+attend to some business before I can go," and he hurried away.
+
+An hour later they were all standing upon the balcony of Silver Cloud,
+excepting Will and Denison. They were standing by the spring motors to
+hoist and stow the anchors.
+
+The news had spread that the great globe was about to sail, and people
+were rushing by thousands to witness its departure. The signal was
+given, and Silver Cloud arose so majestically and beautifully above the
+great city that the people roared like another Niagara at the
+transcendently glorious spectacle! It rose to the height of eight
+hundred feet, and moved rapidly toward the southwest. They maintained
+this comparatively low altitude on account of their visitors manifesting
+symptoms of extreme terror, especially the young ladies. But Mrs. Jones
+and Mattie soothed and petted them, and assured them so positively of
+their perfect safety that by degrees they became quiet, and in a short
+time were enjoying the scenery, and watching through their glasses the
+main objects of interest.
+
+"Mrs. Jones." said the mayor's wife, "I do not wonder that you prefer
+the cabin of this ship to the parlor of our grandest city hotel. This is
+the most inspiring scene I ever witnessed, and one that I should never
+grow tired of. How cool and pure this atmosphere is! I am sure that
+nothing could add to the beauty of the scenery or your splendid ship."
+
+"O madam! but you should have seen Silver Cloud before we robbed her of
+her chief ornament, the flagstaff. That was her glory, as a fine head of
+hair is a woman's," replied Dr. Jones, who had overheard the lady's
+remark. "I shall never be satisfied until we have replaced it."
+
+The ship, meantime, was hastening at a forty mile gait toward the
+Capital. The trip was one long thrill of excitement and pleasure to the
+visitors. The Doctor had settled all symptoms of nausea with his
+well-selected remedies, and nothing more could be desired to add to
+their pleasure and comfort.
+
+At the hour of noon they sat down to lunch. They ate but little, the
+excitement having more or less destroyed their appetites. But they sat a
+considerable time at the table and talked animatedly upon various
+topics; principally, though, of the ship and their voyage to and from
+the Pole. The ladies could not sufficiently admire and praise the
+beauty, cleanliness, and comfort of the cabin.
+
+Fred was seated beside Grace, the younger of the sisters, and they were
+discussing music. She praised his North Pole March in unstinted terms,
+until he blushed to the ears with delight. She and her elder sister,
+Rose, were musicians of a high order, and had graduated at the leading
+musical conservatories of America. They had besides spent several years
+in Europe in the pursuit of knowledge in that line. Fred asked Grace to
+promenade the balcony with him. She immediately accepted the
+proposition, and they were soon oblivious to the world in the discussion
+of their favorite theme--music. No doubt the inspiring scene below and
+all about them drew out all the finer sentiments of their beings. And
+what could two handsome, heartwhole, sentimental young beings do but
+fall----
+
+   "Not over the balustrade!"
+   O no! but into love!
+
+The whole company now came out upon the balcony, and they slowly
+promenaded about the four sides of the cabin. We cannot describe the
+witchery and beauty of the fast-flying panorama below. Our pen falters,
+and the picture must be left to the imagination of the reader.
+
+The mayor was very familiar with the topography of the country, and
+pointed out the various rivers, mountain ranges, cities, towns, etc.
+About three o'clock the capitol buildings, Washington monument, and
+other tall structures about the city hove in sight. They were
+immediately seen, for the great guns in all the forts about the city
+fired thundering salutes.
+
+"They are loaded to the muzzle for us, Doctor," said Professor Gray.
+
+"It appears so," he replied. "I only wish it was all over with."
+
+"What park is that?" he asked a few moments later, pointing to one that
+lay directly in their course. The Professor mentioned its name, and
+thought it a very convenient place for anchorage. Accordingly, Silver
+Cloud swooped down upon it with a velocity that fairly took away the
+breath of the mayor and family. A few moments later, Silver Cloud was
+safely anchored, after her voyage of many thousands of miles, at her
+starting point. In a little less than four months they had made the most
+extraordinary trip known in the world's history, that of Columbus not
+excepted, and were now safely returned!
+
+Two by two they descended to earth, and, as in New York, carriages
+awaited them. Evidently preparations for their reception had been made
+upon a colossal scale. The air was thundering and riven with the voices
+of the innumerable hosts, brass bands on every hand in full blast, so
+that it was impossible to hear a word said by the nearest neighbor.
+
+The police, fire, and military forces were out in full strength. The
+voyagers, mayor of New York and family, were seated in landaus, and with
+ropes the girls of all the public schools, each dressed in pure white
+and bearing in her hand an American flag, drew the vehicles through the
+principal streets of the city. Each of the little maids wore upon her
+bare head a chaplet of flowers, and the scene was one of indescribable
+beauty. And as they walked they sang in sweetest harmony,
+
+   "See, the conquering hero comes."
+
+Dr. Jones was affected to tears at this sight, and could scarcely
+contain himself. At last the procession stopped before the grand central
+entrance of the capitol building. Upon the top steps they were met by
+the President and his cabinet, many members of both houses, though
+Congress was not in session at this season. Ministers and
+plenipotentiaries from nearly every court in the world were also there.
+Judges, statesmen, and journalists were in attendance by scores. Nothing
+was left undone that could in any way add to the honor and glory of the
+hero of the day. The modesty and unaffected dignity with which he
+received it all, clothed him as with a garment, and was a marvel to even
+those who knew him best.
+
+But it would prove tedious to the reader if we were to relate in detail
+all the speech-making and public receptions tendered our friends. The
+Doctor and Professor before vast audiences told the story of their
+journey, the planting of the pole, the scientific value of observations
+made by Professor Gray, etc. The concert and North Pole March were
+rendered several times.
+
+In a week or so the furore began to subside, and the company were glad
+to settle down to a comparatively quiet life in a large furnished house,
+which the Doctor rented. Callers were coming and going continually
+during several hours daily, and invitations to parties, dinners,
+concerts, operas, etc., were very numerous. The mayor and family
+returned to New York after spending a week with the friends. They
+declared that they envied them their trip to the South Pole, and should
+never be satisfied until they had enjoyed another sail in Silver Cloud.
+
+The Doctor and Professor were kept very busy in consultation with
+governmental officials and scientific men. The naval and military
+departments were especially interested in the probabilities and
+possibilities of the use of air-ships in warfare. An arrangement was
+made to take a party of military men on a trip in Silver Cloud. A very
+successful and brilliant voyage of several hundreds of miles to the
+south and return was made, during which the Doctor actually encountered
+an opportunity to exemplify his theory as to air currents. While they
+were driving rapidly south at an altitude of but four or five hundred
+feet, he rapidly rose several thousand feet and encountered a splendid
+northerly current that carried them back to their starting point in a
+way that pleased the little man wonderfully well. This was a great
+triumph for the Doctor, and impressed the governmental party as of vast
+importance, and added immensely to the effectiveness of the ship in the
+art of war.
+
+The Government made Will a very liberal offer to act as architect and
+constructor of another ship similar to Silver Cloud, with such
+improvements as experience had suggested to him. He accepted the offer,
+and would enter upon his duties immediately after their return from the
+South Pole. The Government had immediately acquiesced to their
+proposition to seek the South Pole, and even urged that they get out as
+soon as possible. The aluminum pole, a fac-simile of the one already
+planted, was being constructed.
+
+One day, a month after their return, Mrs. Jones and Mattie were summoned
+to the parlor at an early hour for callers. They found there a large
+elderly gentleman and two ladies.
+
+"O Mattie!" cried the younger, "don't you know us?"
+
+"Why! is it possible that you are our friends from Constance House? It
+is, Maggie, it is! And this is Jennie Barton!"
+
+"I declare that I was never so surprised and delighted in my life! Can
+this be Mrs. Barton?" And then such kissing and handshaking.
+
+"And how do you do, Mrs. Barton? I would not have known you. How you
+have improved!" And Mrs. Jones scanned her face very critically. "Are
+you entirely recovered?"
+
+"She is so much better that we no longer consider her an invalid. But I
+was desirous that the Doctor should see her again, and so we have come
+down. We were in Montreal when I saw in a paper an account of your
+return to Washington. That was the first we had heard of you since you
+sailed from Constance House, and you can well believe that we were
+exceedingly pleased to hear of your safe return. So we made up our minds
+that we would run down and see you at once," said Mr. Barton.
+
+After they had conversed a few moments and had inquired after Joe and
+Sam, Mrs. Jones conducted them to two chambers, insisting that they must
+be her guests while in the city.
+
+The Doctor and other members of the party were delighted to met the
+Bartons. Dr. Jones was well pleased with the progress that Mrs. Barton
+had made. He considered her cure but a question of a short time, but
+insisted, in order that no chances might be incurred, that she should
+remain during the winter at Washington. He did not anticipate that they
+would be gone more than thirty days on their South Pole expedition, and
+certainly not more than two months. And so they arranged that they
+should stay at least until the return of the expedition.
+
+"And that settles it that we are to remain here until next summer, for
+it is very late even now for us to return to Constance House. So I will
+write the boys to that effect, and shall settle down to the study of
+American politics," said John Barton.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+Ho! for the South Pole!
+
+
+Silver Cloud, meantime, had been returned to the place of her birth, the
+great iron works upon the Potomac river. Another shapely three hundred
+feet mast had been manufactured and erected. One morning about the
+middle of September, the globe arose above the glittering mast and
+slowly settled upon it. The fastenings were soon adjusted, the flag of
+aluminum nailed to the peak, and Silver Cloud was herself again, ready
+for another trip to the ends of the earth.
+
+Will had made a number of additions and alterations, among which was an
+increase in the size and strength of the coiled springs that were used
+for hoisting purposes and running the dynamo. A powerful searchlight had
+been added, and the electrical appliances greatly increased. Among other
+things, he had a two horse power steam engine set up. This was to be
+used for winding the springs. Good old John Barton was never happier in
+his life than at this period. His interest in the globe was intense, and
+he daily spent hours with Will at the iron works. He made several
+valuable suggestions, and his hard common sense and experience were of
+no little value to the architect.
+
+"If I were not getting so far along in years, and mother was perfectly
+well and willing, I should like nothing better than to go with you this
+trip," said he to Dr. Jones. "But we will stay and keep house for you
+until your return."
+
+"And that will be but a very few weeks, I am quite sure," answered the
+Doctor. "It is not likely that we shall be made prisoners three months
+this trip. And that reminds me that I received a letter from Count
+Icanovich this morning, Maggie, and it inclosed one from Feodora to
+you."
+
+The letters were hastily read. They were well, and Feodora had never
+been better in her life. The Count had been studying and practicing the
+new system of medicine, and, to his unbounded delight, had made some
+center shots. His enthusiasm was steadily increasing, and he implored
+the Doctor to return to Russia and co-operate with him in introducing
+this God-given system into that vast empire. He assured him that they
+had everything to hope for. The Princess was getting on quite
+comfortably, and the fame of what Dr. Jones had done for her had become
+national. Numerous physicians of note had called upon and written the
+Prince and himself to ascertain the facts concerning the marvelous cures
+that had been reported to them. The Prince and Princess sent their
+sincere regards, etc. Feodora wrote in a lively strain to Mrs. Jones and
+Mattie, and urged them to return to their castle for a good visit as
+soon as possible. These letters were answered promptly, the Doctor
+giving advice concerning a case or two that the Count had found
+puzzling. He promised them a visit as soon after their return from the
+South Pole as possible.
+
+Two or three mornings later Washington was again packed with visitors to
+witness the departure of Silver Cloud for the southern extremity of the
+earth. Greater enthusiasm than before was expressed by everyone, for now
+there were no skeptics, and everybody cheered with might and main.
+
+As on the previous occasion, the hour of noon was selected for sailing.
+This gave people from the surrounding country an opportunity to come in
+and witness the magnificent scene. It was declared a holiday by general
+consent, and it is no exaggeration to say that nearly the whole earth
+was represented in the unnumbered hosts that filled the streets, covered
+the housetops and surrounding hills, and every spot and place that
+afforded any possibility of seeing the ascent of the globe.
+
+The friends and acquaintances that the company collectively and
+individually had formed were out in full force. Numerous and hearty were
+the handshakings; "Good-bye," and "Bon Voyage," were heard on every
+hand.
+
+The globe was anchored at but fifty feet from the earth. The cage had
+been enlarged so that the voyagers now ascended four at a time. This
+they did a few minutes before noon. The organ was taken out upon the
+balcony, and "God be with you till we meet again," was sung by our
+friends. The three Bartons stood just below and opposite the choir,
+tears of friendship and gratitude streaming down their faces. We will
+state here (quite privately be it understood) that Will and Jennie had
+come to an understanding that seemed to be very satisfactory to them,
+and their leavetaking was more affectionate than is usual with mere
+acquaintances, or even intimate friends. It is the old story. Cupid has
+done his work again. Well, God bless them, and may a parson step in and
+complete the love god's work very soon after Silver Cloud shall have
+returned. And Fred visited Grace at the mayor's house in New York. There
+may be trouble of the same sort brewing there.
+
+But the bells and whistles have announced the hour for Bailing. The
+anchors were tripped, and Silver Cloud arose with the majesty of the
+Queen of Night, nearly perpendicularly above the city to the height of
+three thousand feet; there, to the extreme satisfaction of Dr. Jones, a
+brisk breeze from the northeast was encountered, and away sailed the
+beautiful globe until the straining eyes of the multitude saw it as a
+bright star-like point in the heavens, and then it disappeared--bound
+for the SOUTH POLE.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Doctor Jones' Picnic, by S. E. Chapman
+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Doctor Jones' Picnic, by S. E. Chapman
+
+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: Doctor Jones' Picnic
+
+Author: S. E. Chapman
+
+Release Date: December 7, 2008 [EBook #27434]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOCTOR JONES' PICNIC ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Clarke,Graeme Mackreth and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<p class="center" style="margin-bottom: 2em;">
+<img src="images/illus01.jpg" alt="cover"  />
+</p>
+
+<h1>DOCTOR JONES' PICNIC</h1>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.</h2>
+
+<p class="center" style="margin-top: 5em;">
+<img src="images/illus05.jpg" alt="logo"  />
+</p>
+
+
+<p class='center' style="margin-top: 5em;"><small>SAN FRANCISCO</small><br />
+
+THE WHITAKER &amp; RAY CO.<br />
+
+<small>PUBLISHERS</small></p>
+
+
+
+
+<p  class='center' style="margin-top: 5em;"><small>Copyrighted 1898, by<br />
+
+S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.<br />
+
+All Rights Reserved</small></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I must confess that I offer this romance to the reading public with no
+little trepidation. I am fully aware of having transcended the ordinary
+rules and paths of legitimate romance, and that I have presumed to
+broach fearlessly the deep things of God. The scope of the work is
+infinitely beyond the remotest thought of the writer when he began this
+labor; but as it grew, deepened and broadened upon his hands from day to
+day, like Noah's dove he could find no rest for the sole of his foot,
+and found it impossible to stop short of the Millennium.</p>
+
+<p>The author is ready to substantiate the marvelous cures performed by Dr.
+Jones, for they are cases from practice. One of the objects of this work
+is to stimulate scientific investigation of the law of cure which guided
+the worthy Doctor in his selection of the remedy in a given case.</p>
+
+<p>As to whether Silver Cloud and her achievements be possible or not, I am
+not specially concerned. And whether there are air currents in the
+"upper deep," as described within these pages, is a matter of little or
+no consequence. We are desirous of being fair and magnanimous, and will
+let the burden of proof rest upon the "other fellow."</p>
+
+<p>When we come to the consideration of the means by which the grand finale
+was brought about, then I stand by my colors, and claim to have
+delineated the only way "out of the woods" for the suffering world. And,
+further, the denouement is but the inevitable result of the adoption of
+Golden Ruleism by the world.</p>
+
+<p>No thinking man can fail to see that there is something fearfully and
+radically wrong in this world of ours. The few are getting too much, and
+the millions are getting far too little. The cry of the poor fills the
+earth, and many are the plans that have been devised for the relief of
+the innumerable sufferers; but there is an essential defect in each of
+them, nor is there relief to be obtained short of the power of Almighty
+God. This is fully comprehended in what we have been pleased to call
+Golden Ruleism, in the 2nd and 3d volumes.</p>
+
+<p>Many students and writers upon the signs of the times take an extremely
+pessimistic view of the situation, and believe that we shall witness
+"blood to the horses' bridles." No one can deny that things are
+desperately bad, and that something must be done soon to relieve the
+strain or the very worst may be apprehended; yet the author prefers to
+see things through optimistic eyes, and believes that God will raise up
+a Moses, (or Doctor Jones, if you please,) who will lead us to a higher
+and better state than this world has yet ever known. The old adage 'It
+is always darkest just before dawn,' is beautifully applicable to the
+present state of the world. So I take courage and launch my book out
+upon the tempestuous sea of humanity, trusting that it may be welcomed
+as the harbinger of a better and happier era. I am sure that it bears to
+the world the olive branch of peace.</p>
+
+<p>As is usual with prefaces, this one is anticipatory and can only be
+appreciated after one has perused the book. So I make the request of the
+reader that he re-read it after having become acquainted with the scheme
+and scope of the work.</p>
+
+<p>This volume is to be immediately followed by volumes two and three,
+which complete the set.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 25em;">
+S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.</p>
+<p>
+Napa, Cal., Dec. 13th, 1897.
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>INDEX.</h2>
+
+
+<ul class="TOC" style="margin-left: 15em;">
+
+<li><a href="#CHAPTER_I">"Figures don't lie." </a> </li>
+
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_II">   Two men resolve to go picnicking.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+ <a href="#CHAPTER_III">   Mrs. Jones offers some objections.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">    Mrs. Jones dictates terms.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_V">      The Government joins the picnickers.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">     Off on a shoreless sea.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">    A Gunpowder tea party.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">   Relating how the beautiful picnic progressed.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">     In the heart of Labrador.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_X">     A message from the skies. </a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">     Is the world growing better?</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">    Greenland's Icy Mountains and the Russian Bear.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">    Beauty and the Beast.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">    Doctor Jones commits treason. </a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">     A model teacher and an ideal student.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+ <a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">    The Count steps over the line.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">    Farewell to Beauty and the Beast. </a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">   Woman locates the North Pole.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+ <a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">    The planting of the Flagstaff.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XX">      Battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+ <a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">    Things material and spiritual.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">    Familiar scenes and faces.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">   The world at the feet of Doctor Jones.</a>
+</li>
+<li>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">   Ho! for the SOUTH POLE! </a>
+</li>
+</ul>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>DOCTOR JONES' PICNIC.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>"Figures Don't Lie."</p>
+
+
+<p>The North Pole! That spot upon earth so environed with trackless fields
+of unbroken snow and mountains of ice; with an atmosphere so cold that
+none but the bravest and hardiest of mankind can breathe it and live.
+And yet these apparently insuperable obstacles have but stimulated men
+to do and dare all things, so that they might but reach that <i>ultima
+thule</i>. In vain have our utilitarians cried, "Qui bono?" God has planted
+within man the spirit of lordship and domination; and, true to that
+spirit, he will never rest until Nature shall have yielded up to him her
+last secret, and his restless foot shall have trodden the wildest and
+farthest spot of earth. Then, and not till then, will he stand crowned
+"Lord of Creation."</p>
+
+<p>In this faithful history of the discovery and exact location of the
+North Pole, it is not necessary to bring before the reader in historical
+review the many illustrious names and grand heroisms of former explorers
+of Arctic regions. They did marvelous deeds, beyond the comprehension of
+those who did not actually participate in them. They sacrificed
+thousands of noble lives, and undoubtedly did all that could be done
+with the means at their command. Ah! there we have struck the keynote.
+The means at their command were inadequate, and nothing but failure and
+disaster could result from their best laid plans and efforts.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Jonathan Jones sat in his office in the populous, thriving city of
+R&mdash;&mdash;, situated in one of our western states. He occupied an easy chair,
+heels upon a low, flat-topped writing desk, newspaper in hand, reading
+an account of the failure of Dr. Nansen to reach the North Pole. That
+renowned and hardy explorer proposed reaching the spot by floating on an
+ice floe. We are all familiar with the fact that he did actually get to
+within about three hundred miles of the coveted spot, but was obliged to
+turn back for want of dogs and sledges.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Jones laid the paper down with a groan. "Will they never learn?" he
+apostrophizingly cried to a bust of Hahnemann that rested upon a bracket
+in a corner of the room. "They can never get there on any such lines. I
+believe it to be a perfectly feasible scheme, if worked out on simple
+scientific principles. If I had capital, I would try it."</p>
+
+<p>He sat with the points of his extended fingers touching each its mate of
+the opposite hand, and mused for several moments. Suddenly he seized a
+pencil, and rapidly jotted down figures, lines, and characters that
+meant nothing to any mortal but himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Figures don't lie!" he shouted to aforesaid bust. "That depends,
+Doctor, on whether they are legitimately used or not. Sometimes they are
+made to represent the vilest untruth," said a voice behind him. The
+Doctor wheeled about and encountered the genial countenance of Mr. A.L.
+Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"Hullo! Denison. Just the man I wanted to see. Sit down."</p>
+
+<p>"What's up now, Doctor? Anyone hurt or seriously sick?" inquired
+Denison, as he occupied a chair.</p>
+
+<p>For answer the Doctor read aloud the account of Dr. Nansen's failure to
+reach the North Pole, and then said: "I do not wonder that he failed. No
+one will succeed upon any such lines or plans."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Doctor, you don't suppose that anyone will ever get there and
+back alive, do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whether they will or not, I do not know; but that it is a perfectly
+feasible and rational undertaking, under proper conditions, I as firmly
+believe as I do that I am alive," and he brought his fist down upon the
+desk by way of emphasis with a whack that made the various loose
+articles in the little office rattle. Even the bust upon the bracket
+moved about uneasily, whether by way of approbation or not, this
+truthful chronicle ventures no opinion. Denison looked at the flushed
+face and glittering eyes of the Doctor, moved uneasily in his chair,
+and said: "What's up, Doctor? I never knew you to drink. Getting off?"
+tapping his <i>os frontis</i> with his forefinger significantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Denison," replied the Doctor, unheeding the innuendoes of his friend,
+"I tell you that I have a plan for going to, and returning from, the
+North Pole with perfect safety, absolute certainty, and a degree of
+comfort that will reduce the whole expedition to the level of a glorious
+picnic." Denison indulged in a long, low whistle.</p>
+
+<p>"Draw it a little milder, Doctor. Go to and return from the North Pole
+with perfect safety, certainty, comfort, and pleasure! What do you mean?
+I never heard of anything so preposterous in my life!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hitch up to the desk here, and I will soon tell you what I mean," cried
+the Doctor. Denison complied, and the Doctor, seizing a pencil, drew
+upon a leaf of the scratch book, with a few vigorous strokes, a sketch
+of a globe, thus:</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<img src="images/illus04.jpg" alt="silver cloud"  />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>"There," said he, as he gave a few finishing touches. "There you have
+the idea."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, go on."</p>
+
+<p>"This sketch represents a mammoth globe of aluminum, two hundred feet in
+diameter, as you will notice.</p>
+
+<p>"I see," assented Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"We have, then, a great hollow globe, consisting, as I said before, of
+aluminum. I have chosen that material for two obvious reasons; lightness
+and strength. The globe is simply to be floated by heating the
+atmosphere within it."</p>
+
+<p>"What will you heat it with, and how long do you suppose it will be
+before your globe returns to the earth?" asked Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"Your questions are quite practical, and I am ready to answer them.
+There are to be three skins or coverings to our globe, with a foot of
+space (or air blanket, if you please) between them. This affords us two
+air chambers that materially prevent the radiation of heat. Once heated,
+a very little fuel will keep the interior of our great air-ship at the
+desired temperature. You see, at the inferior or lower part of the ship,
+a square apartment attached, plentifully supplied with windows. That
+represents the living and store rooms. The living rooms are to be
+comfortably furnished, and no reason can be alleged why we should not
+enjoy in them absolute comfort. In our store-rooms, we will carry one
+year's supply of food. And in tanks of sufficient size, petroleum (or
+whatever combustible we conclude to be most suitable) for heating and
+cooking purposes. See?"</p>
+
+<p>"I see," said Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"You will observe that so conservative of heat is this arrangement that
+every particle of caloric created in the living rooms, or cabin below,
+helps by that much to float the great globe. All the warmth from cooking
+and heating; the heat and smoke from our pipes and cigars; yea, even the
+animal heat which radiates from our bodies, all subserve the one great
+purpose and function&mdash;keeping up the temperature and buoyant effort of
+the globe. Do you begin to catch on?" fairly shouted the enthusiastic
+Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it looks very well so far," returned Denison slowly. "But, my
+dear sir, I foresee one difficulty that in your enthusiasm you seem to
+have overlooked. You can never guide or steer this immense ship. It must
+go with the wind, and you are just as likely to go to the South Pole as
+to the North, and very unlikely to go to either. You must excuse me,
+but this last is certainly an insuperable obstacle to your making
+anything practicable of your idea."</p>
+
+<p>"I admit at once that this great body could not be steered, nor in any
+degree guided by any apparatus that we could devise," assented the
+Doctor. "But that we should be obliged to float aimlessly, hither and
+thither, altogether the creatures of chance, I do not for a moment
+admit. The equator, receiving as it does, the vertical rays of the sun,
+is by far the hottest portion of the earth. The atmosphere at that
+quarter, being constantly superheated and correspondingly rarified,
+ascends into the vault above. This creates a semi-vacuum below, and the
+cooler atmospheres north and south of the equator rush in and fill the
+aforesaid vacuum. Pouring in from opposite directions with an impetus
+that often amounts to hurricanes, they boil up as they meet, miles into
+the firmament above. They then set off in two strong currents toward
+either Pole. What is the natural inference? The navigators of our
+air-ship have the power to raise and lower at pleasure. Obviously, there
+is but one thing for sensible men to do: Let her rise until we strike a
+northerly current, if necessary, and remain in it so long as it is
+favorable; when it changes, rise or lower until another favorable
+current is found, etc. Do you happen to think of any more 'insuperable'
+obstacles, my dear sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I must say that while I am not convinced of the practicability of
+your scheme, still you meet my objections in a way that is quite
+surprising, and which shows that you have given the matter much thought;
+yet I am not sure that you will not run upon difficulties that will make
+it altogether impossible. For instance, there is the cost of so vast an
+undertaking. It would cost hundreds of thousands, at the least
+calculation."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Denison, you have struck the only real difficulty that I can think
+of. I really have no idea of who will furnish the money. I had not
+thought even of asking anyone to do so."</p>
+
+<p>Patients came in at this juncture, and Denison took his departure. A few
+days later, however, he returned, and when the Doctor was at leisure,
+opened the conversation by asking if anything had developed with regard
+to the air-ship building.</p>
+
+<p>"O, ho!" cried Dr. Jones, "you are getting into my way of thinking on
+that subject, are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to tell you the truth, I have thought of it considerably since I
+saw you. I would like, at least, to see it tried."</p>
+
+<p>"There is but one way to do: If you get interested sufficiently to wish
+to take hold, we will see if we cannot stir up our friends and form a
+stock company. Or, failing in that, we might have a working model built,
+and I think we could induce the Government to take hold of the matter."</p>
+
+<p>Denison called frequently during the following month, and it was evident
+that he was fast becoming imbued with the Doctor's ideas and
+enthusiasm.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Two Men Resolve to Go Picnicking.</p>
+
+
+<p>One afternoon, the Doctor being at leisure, he and Denison talked long
+and earnestly of their never-failing theme, the aluminum globe. Denison
+finally said:</p>
+
+<p>"You know, Doctor, that I never go into anything without due
+consideration. I have studied this matter over carefully, and am willing
+to chance it with you. We have been acquainted a great many years, and I
+never knew you to make any bad breaks. I have nothing else to do at
+present, and have a few thousands that I am willing to risk in this
+business. If I lose it I shall let it go for experience and blame no one
+but myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Denison, you know very well that I would not lead you into anything
+that would do you an injury, financially or otherwise, for anything in
+the world. I had not thought, indeed, of asking you to take any part or
+stock in this scheme. I believe in it with all my soul, but had not
+allowed myself to seriously think of promoting or investing in it. You
+had better think of it for a while longer."</p>
+
+<p>"As I told you," returned Denison, "I have given it very serious thought
+for several weeks. I have every confidence in the world in you, and my
+mind is thoroughly made up now that I wish to go with you into this
+enterprise. You know that since my wife died I have done little or
+nothing. I have no family to occupy my mind, and this is the first time
+since her death that I have felt any interest in anything. It took
+something extraordinary, like your scheme, to wake me up. So here I am,
+Doctor, yours for the North Pole!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, old friend, you are a man of the right spirit," said Dr. Jones,
+taking him by the hand, "and I am willing to do with you what we can to
+get the Government interested in this matter. What shall be our first
+move?"</p>
+
+<p>"How can you leave your business or get any time to do anything in this
+undertaking?" asked Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you: I have been right here, at the old stand, for
+twenty-odd years. In all that time I have never taken a vacation of any
+sort. I have for years been intending to do so, but something always
+prevented. Now I have an opportunity to put a good man into my place,
+and I feel the necessity of taking a rest of a year or so. This looks
+like just the chance for me. So you may consider that question settled.
+Now, what shall be our first move?"</p>
+
+<p>"Since we are each determined to take hold of this venture, Doctor, I
+suppose that the first thing will be to get an architect to figure on
+the thing, and give us necessary figures and data. And I have just the
+man&mdash;Will Marsh, office on Main Street. He is an extraordinary fellow, a
+real genius, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. Let's see him
+right away. I'm catching your spirit of enthusiasm, Doctor, and what
+does a man amount to without enthusiasm in this age of the world?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, of course, the enthusiast is numbered with the cranks," replied
+Dr. Jones. "But, Denison, the cranks are the only men who accomplish
+anything of note in this world. I have really great respect for cranks,
+if they only are honest and not too abusive. So we may as well
+anticipate the dear public, and enroll ourselves among the cranks."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," returned Denison, "'Sail on!' as Joaquin Miller has
+Columbus say to the faint-hearted sailing master. 'The North Pole or
+bust!' is my motto now."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right, that's right," grinned the Doctor, amused to see the
+enthusiasm he had aroused in his friend. "And now let's to business. I
+am ready to go with you and see the architect."</p>
+
+<p>So together they walked to the office of that gentleman. They found him
+in and at leisure, and they immediately opened their business to him.
+The Doctor took the lead, Denison occasionally offering a suggestion.
+Mr. Marsh proved to be a good listener, jotting down the items as they
+were given him, and they made excellent progress. Evidently Dr. Jones
+had studied the subject very thoroughly, for he gave measurements and
+specifications with a readiness and accuracy that were surprising.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, Mr. Marsh, there are doubtless some important points that have
+not occurred to me, and which you will discover. What we want at
+present is an approximate estimate of the cost, carrying and floating
+capacity of our globe. I think you have the idea as nearly as we can
+give it, and please let us know all about it as soon as possible," said
+Dr. Jones as they were about to depart.</p>
+
+<p>"I will do so, sir," replied the architect, "but you understand that
+your project is so extraordinary&mdash;if I may be allowed to say so&mdash;that it
+will require several days before I can give you any definite
+information. I must go to the city and ascertain the prices of material,
+etc."</p>
+
+<p>"We understand that, Mr. Marsh; only please do not neglect to attend to
+it immediately."</p>
+
+<p>With this parting injunction they bade him good-day and departed, each
+to his home.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Mrs. Jones Offers Some Objections.</p>
+
+
+<p>But Dr. Jones met great opposition in a quarter that was not so easily
+disposed of. He had a wife. Mrs. Jones was a very intelligent and lovely
+woman, younger by some fifteen years than the Doctor. She must be
+consulted. He broached the subject very cautiously, now and then
+expatiating upon the extreme ease and comfort with which the trip to the
+North Pole might be made. He bought histories of the many Arctic
+explorations, and read them aloud to her. At first she listened
+indifferently, not dreaming for a moment that the Doctor was burning
+with a desire to become an Arctic explorer. Day after day he enlarged
+and dilated upon his plan. Denison often dropped in of an evening, and
+the conversation invariably drifted into the old topic, the aluminum
+globe and the trip to the North Pole.</p>
+
+<p>One evening the architect, Mr. Marsh, with a large paper roll in his
+hand, came with Denison to the Doctor's residence. After the usual
+greetings the Doctor said, "Mrs. Jones, I think we will take possession
+of the dining-room, as we wish to use the table. Come in with us, for I
+am sure that you are greatly interested in the business we have on hand
+to-night."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Jones good-naturedly complied, and sat engaged with some knitting,
+while the roll brought by the architect was spread upon the table, and
+weights laid upon its corners. The two schemers gave a cry of delight as
+a truly magnificent sketch of the globe unfolded before their eyes.
+Floating in the firmament, thousands of feet above the earth, with a
+panoramic view of forests, lakes, rivers, mountains and hill elevations,
+fruitful valleys thickly dotted with towns, villages, farms, little
+specks that represented houses, green fields, etc., fading away into
+indistinctness in the far distances of the horizon, all done with such
+patient and faithful regard for detail and artistic appreciation of
+color and perspective, that Mrs. Jones joined in the chorus of
+expressions of unqualified admiration. It was done in water colors, and
+the enraptured Doctor seized one end of it and cried: "Take hold of one
+end, Denison, and help me hold it up against the wall. There, Maggie!
+Denison! Did you ever see anything so absolutely beautiful?"</p>
+
+<p>They declared that they never had. The artist, meantime, stood with
+flushed cheek, his arms folded across his breast, modest and quiet.</p>
+
+<p>"Get tacks and a hammer, Maggie, and we'll fasten it to the wall; then
+we can all sit and enjoy this glorious panorama."</p>
+
+<p>The painting was quickly tacked up in a position for inspection, and all
+sat admiringly before it.</p>
+
+<p>"By the way, Mr. Marsh, you must have done something in the line of
+aeronautism, or you never could have made that painting," observed the
+Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Doctor, I have never made any balloon ascensions, but I have
+climbed many mountains, both in Europe and America, and have made
+numerous sketches from vast elevations. I have simply drawn upon these
+for my material, and in this painting you have a blending of several of
+them. Of course, I have taxed my imagination to some extent. The central
+object, the globe, air-ship, or whatever you may be pleased to call it,
+is your own conception, or my conception of your idea."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am more than pleased with your work. Your execution has so far
+transcended my idea that I take no credit at all in this instance. But
+now we must never rest until we have materialized this splendid
+conception."</p>
+
+<p>So they sat admiring and chatting over the painting some little time.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Marsh, have you anything more to show us to-night?" asked
+Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he replied, "I have some figures and data that I received from
+the city a day or two since."</p>
+
+<p>Drawing their chairs about the table, Mr. Marsh read from a small
+memorandum-book estimate prices of materials, amount and weight of same,
+cost of labor, and finally what he deemed to be the approximate cost of
+the globe complete, furnished and equipped for a one year's voyage.</p>
+
+<p>"I have some suggestions to offer, Doctor. You spoke of having three
+skins or envelopes of aluminum, with air chambers between them that
+would prevent the radiation of heat. Now, I think that we can do better
+than that, though without doubt your idea is practical and would answer
+the purpose; yet I have a plan to offer that will dispense with one
+envelope, and will more effectually conserve heat. Zinc is the best
+nonconductor of heat that I know of. One thin layer of this metal within
+a few inches of the external covering of aluminum will serve you a much
+better purpose and will greatly reduce the cost of construction."</p>
+
+<p>This suggestion met with the immediate approval of the Doctor and
+Denison. They talked and planned until quite a late hour. After the
+departure of the two men Mrs. Jones said:</p>
+
+<p>"Are you seriously thinking of going into this wild scheme, Doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Maggie, what do you think of it? Don't you see how perfectly
+feasible and beautiful it is?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, so far as I know, it may do well enough. But how can you do
+anything with it, and what good would it do you if you could?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Maggie! How can you ask such a question! Think of the glory of
+accomplishing that which has defeated some of the best and bravest men
+that the world has ever produced. And think of the importance this
+accomplishment might be to science. Is the undying fame that would
+attach to such a deed to be lightly esteemed? Oh, my dear wife! you know
+how steadily and conscientiously I have labored all these years. More
+than a quarter of a century have I devoted to the care of the sick, with
+scarcely a moment's recreation. The time has come when I feel that I
+must take a vacation. Further than this, I feel that I can do the world
+greater service with my idea of reaching the North Pole, besides
+settling a question as to the possibility of aerial navigation for long
+distances. How can I better spend a year or so than in the promotion of
+this idea? Be a good, brave little wife, as you always have been, and
+don't oppose me in this thing upon which my heart is set."</p>
+
+<p>"And who is to sail this great balloon, or air-ship?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as the Dutch captain said when the harbor inspector asked 'Who is
+the captain of this ship?' 'I ish de feller!'"</p>
+
+<p>With these words he assumed a melodramatic attitude. But Mrs. Jones was
+not to be won by any facetiae, and walked up to him, placing her hands
+upon his shoulders, said: "Do you think for one moment that I will ever
+consent to your going off on so fearfully perilous an expedition as
+this? How I should feel to see you sail off into the blue sky, with an
+almost absolute certainty of never seeing you again! I should go insane.
+What would my days and nights be, even though you went and returned in
+all the safety you anticipate? I should go insane in less than a week
+with anxiety. Do as you please so far as promoting the construction of
+the globe is concerned, but never will I consent to your going in it."</p>
+
+<p>"Maggie, Maggie, don't be so foolish. I do not intend going until I have
+perfectly satisfied you that I am not more safe in our home than I
+should be in our great ship."</p>
+
+<p>"All right!" she cried. "You are not to go, then, until I freely
+consent."</p>
+
+<p>"O, hold on!" he answered. "Don't construe me so ungenerously. I only
+said that I would first convince you of my safety."</p>
+
+<p>"That you can never do, and you may as well give it up. It cannot be a
+safe undertaking. It makes me faint to even think of it. Just imagine
+yourself in that cabin now," pointing to Marsh's painting that still
+hung upon the wall.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to heaven I was," growled the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"I just won't hear another word of it!" and she flounced out of the room
+to bed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Mrs. Jones Dictates Terms.</p>
+
+
+<p>Several months have passed since the meeting recorded in our last
+chapter. The enthusiasm of the three men (for Marsh was now a member of
+the company) increased as the days went by. A considerable amount of
+canvassing had been done among the moneyed men of the community, but
+with no success. No one could be found who was willing to risk any
+considerable amount of wealth in an enterprise whose outcome was so
+problematical. Fame is all well enough, but there is very little
+sentiment about capital.</p>
+
+<p>After many consultations by the three, it was agreed that nothing
+further could be done at home, and the next move would be a trip to
+Washington. The idea of building a model was abandoned, as the beautiful
+drawings and paintings of the architect completely obviated its
+necessity.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor had said but little to Mrs. Jones upon the subject that lay
+nearest his heart since the time recorded in our last chapter. Though he
+went about his professional duties as usual, yet that astute little lady
+thoroughly understood that he was far from laying aside this great
+ambition of his life. And she also realized that a crisis was
+approaching when quick, sharp work must be done, and she had determined
+what she should do.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor, meantime, furtively watched day by day the lovely face of
+his wife. But he might as well have spent the same time studying the
+face of the Sphynx. He could not decide whether she was acting a part
+most beautifully, or had dropped the matter as settled. It cost her a
+great struggle to keep from smiling as she looked into his troubled
+eyes, and at times would be obliged to put her handkerchief to her mouth
+to keep back the smiles that dimpled about its corners. She knew that
+the crisis was at hand, and so persevered in her part; and, better than
+all, she knew that she should come off victor.</p>
+
+<p>All things were ripe for the assault upon the Government board of
+science.</p>
+
+<p>"Meet at my house to-night, gentlemen," said the Doctor. "My
+arrangements are all made, and I could start to-morrow morning if my
+wife would consent. I feel more concerned about getting her acquiescence
+than I do about getting the Government interested. I really fear that
+she is like Sambo's mule: 'When he so quiet an' still like, yo' look
+out! He templatin' trouble den, shuah!' There's something up, and I must
+have it out with her to-night; and I want you to stand in and say all
+you can to help me out. We must convince her that there is not nearly so
+much danger in our globe as there is aboard a train of cars or a
+steamship."</p>
+
+<p>So that evening in the dining-room, and upon the same table, Marsh
+spread the drawings and specifications that represented the smallest
+detail connected with the construction of the globe. Mrs. Jones entered
+into the conversation, made suggestions as to the furnishing of food,
+bedding, furniture, etc., until the three men winked and grinned slyly
+at one another, delighted to see the interest she displayed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Maggie, I am sure that you cannot see any element of danger in
+this trip," said the Doctor, fixing his eyes upon her very anxiously. To
+his surprise and delight she unhesitatingly said:</p>
+
+<p>"No, I do not see why it should be at all dangerous."</p>
+
+<p>"That's my brave little wife!" shouted Dr. Jones, catching her in his
+arms and kissing her upon both cheeks. "What an old lunkhead I have been
+all this time! Why, Maggie, do you know that I have been terribly
+worried lest you should prove foolish and obstinate and would do all you
+could to prevent my going?"</p>
+
+<p>"I knew it all the time," she replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Just listen to the demure little sinner! Knew that I was worrying all
+this time and never let me see that she understood me at all! What a
+little hypocrite you are! But I forgive you, since you are so
+reasonable."</p>
+
+<p>"But my dear hubby, do not jump at conclusions. There is a condition
+connected with my consent."</p>
+
+<p>"And it is granted now, my dear. What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it is a real easy one!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure of that, dear Maggie, for you are the most reasonable woman
+alive. Isn't she, gentlemen?"</p>
+
+<p>Of course the conspirators loudly assented.</p>
+
+<p>"That is very nice of you, gentlemen," said she, bowing gracefully to
+them, "but I know about how much allowance to make for 'soft soap' in
+this case."</p>
+
+<p>"But what is the condition, Maggie?" asked Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"I go with you."</p>
+
+<p>"To Washington? Certainly you shall, honey."</p>
+
+<p>"I go with you in the globe, to the North Pole, or any other place the
+wind may blow us."</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;what!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have said it."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor dropped into a chair with a groan. "I knew it! I knew she
+meant mischief all the time."</p>
+
+<p>"But my dear woman," cried he, jumping from his chair again, "don't you
+see the utter impossibility of your going on so hard and perilous a
+voyage? You could never endure it in the world."</p>
+
+<p>"Hardships and perils, indeed!" said she mischievously. "Haven't you
+said over and over in my presence that this was simply a beautiful
+picnic trip and perfectly safe?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;er&mdash;er," stammered the Doctor, "but, Maggie, it would be no place
+for a woman, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, sir, but I do not know anything of the kind. Do you
+suppose that I have sat here all these months listening to you men talk
+of this scheme without becoming a convert to your theories? No, Doctor,
+I am as enthusiastic as any of you in this matter. The North Pole fever
+is like the measles, very contagious, and I have a severe attack of it.
+Now you have all agreed that I am the most reasonable woman living, and
+you cannot accuse me of being unreasonable simply because I wish to go
+with you on this safe, comfortable and perfectly beautiful picnic
+excursion."</p>
+
+<p>This turn of affairs was so complete a surprise to the three men that
+they sat silent with consternation for a few moments.</p>
+
+<p>"Come to think of it, gentlemen, I am pleased for one that Mrs. Jones
+wishes to accompany us. Why should she not?" said Marsh.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Jones beamed upon him so warmly that he blushed to his ears.</p>
+
+<p>"One vote for me," she gayly exclaimed. "Now, Mr. Denison, on the score
+of old friendship, I claim your franchise."</p>
+
+<p>"And you have it, my dear madam," cried Denison. "Yours for the North
+Pole, Mrs. Jones."</p>
+
+<p>She gave a hand to each of her coadjutors, and turning to Dr. Jones,
+said: "Don't you see what a splendid lobbyist I am, Doctor? You will
+need me when you get to Washington."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor's face was a study. At length he said: "Woman is the most
+unaccountable creature in the universe. I expected to-night to have made
+the plea of my life, and I declare for it, if she hasn't turned the
+tables completely upon me, and actually stands there imploring to go
+with us, instead of going into hysterics and making no end of
+opposition. Well, honey," putting his arm about her waist, "I took you
+for better or worse, but I did not expect to take you to the North Pole.
+I yield to the inevitable, gentlemen. Allow me to introduce you to No.
+4, North Pole Aluminum Globe Co."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>The Government Joins the Picnickers.</p>
+
+
+<p>Not many days later found our friends comfortably located in a hotel in
+the national capital. The Doctor was quite well acquainted with the
+representative from his congressional district, and was supplied with
+letters of introduction from influential parties to members of both
+houses. By a judicious use of these, they managed to obtain a hearing
+before the scientific and geographical departments of the Smithsonian
+Institute. So thoroughly had Dr. Jones and Mr. Marsh mastered the
+details of the subject that they immediately made a favorable impression
+upon that learned body. After some weeks spent in investigation, they
+unanimously voted in favor of the project, and recommended that Congress
+grant appropriations for that purpose.</p>
+
+<p>After a certain amount of lobbying (in which, I am glad to say, No. 4's
+services were not required), an amount in accordance with the
+architect's estimates was passed by both houses, and duly signed by the
+President. Nothing could exceed the joy and satisfaction of the four
+friends. They now hurried to their homes and made arrangements for
+permanently moving to Washington. A few weeks later, we find them
+settled in a pleasant home in the capital, "a busy lot of happy cranks,"
+as Mrs. Jones expressed it.</p>
+
+<p>The building contract was awarded a Washington company, whose foundries
+and shops are located upon the Potomac, adjacent to the city. The work
+is being done under the general supervision of Marsh and the three
+friends. It is not long before the vast scaffolding that is built up as
+the long, slender, silver-like ribs of the aluminum framework are put in
+place, begins to attract the attention of the surrounding populace. And
+well it might, for as the beautiful globe began to assume shape,
+certainly nothing so colossal of the kind had ever been seen before
+upon earth. And as one stepped inside the mighty ball and looked up
+through the vast network of aluminum rods and braces that ran in every
+conceivable direction, looking like silken threads in the great
+distances above, the feeling inspired was one of awe and unbounded
+admiration.</p>
+
+<p>The work was pushed forward with all possible expedition. The summer
+passed rapidly away. As winter drew near, a vast roof was built over the
+globe, and all was securely shut in from the inclemencies of that
+inhospitable season. All winter the hundreds of hammers, busily riveted
+the sheets of aluminum and zinc into place, and by spring the globe, the
+splendid creation that had existed in the brain of Dr. Jones, was an
+actuality. Language is inadequate to describe the sensations of the
+little company of promoters. They said but little, but would often stand
+in a group, gaze upon it, then into each other's eyes, and smile and wag
+their delighted heads.</p>
+
+<p>The newspapers were not slow, meantime, in keeping the public informed
+of all that could be learned of the unique enterprise. Reporters
+besieged the projectors, in season and out. Our friends freely gave them
+all possible information, and no little interest was excited all over
+our great land. People came from every quarter of the Union, many from
+Europe to see the mighty, glistening sphere. The crowds were so vast
+that work was impeded, and it became necessary to restrict admission. A
+nominal entrance fee was charged, but that only seemed to stimulate the
+eager sightseers. So the public were, of necessity, finally entirely
+excluded.</p>
+
+<p>Then the roof of the building was removed, and the whole structure
+gradually, except so much of it as was absolutely necessary to maintain
+the globe in position.</p>
+
+<p>The cabin was attached to the bottom of the globe, forty feet square,
+with ten feet between the floor and ceiling. It was divided off into
+several bedrooms, sitting and dining-rooms, kitchen, smoking-room,
+store-rooms, oil tanks, etc. In the center was a room, fifteen feet
+square, that was called the engine-room. Everything that could be
+thought of that could add to comfort had been supplied, always with
+reference to compactness and weight. Not an ounce of superfluous weight
+would the architect allow. He had calculated very carefully and knew to
+a pound, almost, just what his great ship would carry, and how much
+fuel would keep her afloat a certain number of hours. But the thing that
+aroused the admiration of the public was the aluminum shaft that passed
+from the floor of the cabin straight up through the center of the globe,
+and extended on above it full ninety feet. And from this dizzy height,
+floated "Old Glory," constructed of fine wire of that same beautiful,
+evershining metal, aluminum. Round and round this splendid shaft, up
+through the globe, wound a delicate stairway. From its top stair, one
+stepped out into a small observatory, well supplied with windows upon
+its four sides. The stairway was protected from the hot air of the
+interior of the globe by a zinc coating, so that the mast and stairway
+really passed up through the center of a zinc tube standing on end, and
+about six feet in diameter.</p>
+
+<p>Already it is an inspiring sight to stand in the observatory, situated
+exactly upon the top of the sphere, and look away into the surrounding
+country, up and down the Potomac, and over the lovely capital city. But
+what will it be when suspended in the air, thousands of feet above terra
+firma?</p>
+
+<p>"Do you feel no fear, Maggie?" asked the Doctor, as they stood with
+Marsh and Denison and looked from this great height.</p>
+
+<p>"Not the slightest tremor," she replied, and she looked so brightly and
+bravely into their faces that Denison said: "I really believe, Doctor,
+that she will prove to be the best sailor of the lot."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish we had a female companion for you, Maggie. I have a great mind
+to advertise for one," said Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg you to do no such thing. She will be sure to be finical,
+cowardly, or disagreeable in some way. And then such a host of all sorts
+of creatures as would reply to your advertisement. We shall do very well
+without her," replied Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"But I am sure it would be much pleasanter for you, Maggie. Don't you
+know of a female acquaintance that you would like to have accompany
+you?" persisted Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, let me think. If Mattie Bronson could go, it would afford me the
+greatest pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>"The very thing!" declared the Doctor in his usual emphatic way. "Mattie
+is a lovely, brave, all-around nice girl. Let it be Mattie, by all
+means."</p>
+
+<p>Denison and Marsh expressed their entire satisfaction with this
+arrangement.</p>
+
+<p>"I will write her immediately to come and visit us, and then I am sure
+that we can prevail upon her to go with us," said Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>They then descended the long, slender stairway, and returned to their
+home.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Off on a Shoreless Sea.</p>
+
+
+<p>About the middle of April appeared the following in one of the leading
+papers:</p>
+
+<p>"Last night our citizens, and a tremendous overflow of visitors were
+treated to the most magnificent sight their eyes ever beheld. The great
+aluminum globe, about which all the world has been agog for so long,
+arose and stood for three hours above the city, some two hundred and
+fifty feet. The whole mighty sphere was ablaze with myriads of electric
+lights, from the ball of the tapering flagstaff to the beautiful cabin
+below. As it hung suspended above the city, connected with the earth by
+but a slender aluminum chain that looked like a thread of silver
+piercing the skies, a great hush fell upon the hundreds of thousands of
+gazers below. All Nature seemed auspicious to the occasion. Scarcely a
+zephyr was stirring, and the stars shone brightly down upon the scene
+from cloudless skies. One hundred people, consisting of the President
+and cabinet, senators, congressmen, editors, scientific and literary men
+and women, were the favored party who occupied the gigantic ship.</p>
+
+<p>"Suddenly there fell upon the ears of the waiting multitude the glorious
+soprano voice of Mrs. Jones. So far above, yet so thrillingly sweet and
+distinct, one could scarcely refrain from imagining that the Pearly
+Gates had opened, and we were listening to the voice of one of the
+Redeemed. But that illusion was soon dispelled, and we recognized the
+familiar strains of "Star Spangled Banner." And when the whole hundred
+voices swelled the splendid chorus, a great shout arose from the
+multitude like the sound of many waters, beginning directly beneath the
+globe, and spreading away in every direction like billows from a great
+rock, dropped into the center of a quiet lake.</p>
+
+<p>"And so, under the direction of Professor Marsh, brother of the
+architect of the globe, a beautiful and appropriate musical program was
+rendered, lasting nearly an hour.</p>
+
+<p>"We venture the assertion that no performance was ever rendered to so
+great an audience, and certainly not to one more appreciative. And we
+predict that there will be a great demand for liniments and plasters for
+some weeks to come. For standing two hours or more with the back of
+one's head resting upon the cervical portion of one's spinal column, and
+screaming at the top of one's lungs a good portion of the time, with
+eyes unblinkingly and unwinkingly set upon the inconceivably splendid
+globe, all this we assert to be highly conducive to stiff neck and sore
+throat. And it is a question whether many of that innumerable, entranced
+audience will be able to keep their hearts and minds upon things
+terrestrial for a considerable time to come. From the bottom of our
+hearts, we commiserate every member of the race who missed the sights
+and sounds of last evening.</p>
+
+<p>"All arrangements are now completed, and day after to-morrow, weather
+favorable, Dr. Jones and party expect to sail at the hour of noon, away
+for the North Pole. Nothing has been omitted that could insure the
+success of the expedition, and we feel confident of all that could be
+hoped for, or desired by the enterprising Doctor and friends."</p>
+
+<p>The hour set for sailing had arrived. The day was beautiful, and a
+moderate breeze was blowing toward northwest. With proud, happy hearts
+the party of navigators stood upon the balcony that ran about the four
+sides of the cabin. This balcony was one of the chief embellishments and
+conveniences of the cabin. It was five feet wide, and extended, as
+before said, about the four sides of the cabin. A balustrade four feet
+high was built along its outer edge. A more exhilarating promenade could
+not be conceived, and right well did our friends enjoy it during the
+notable voyage which we are about to record.</p>
+
+<p>The party consisted of Professor J.Q. Gray, the scientific
+representative of the Smithsonian Institute; Miss Mattie Bronson;
+Professor Fred Marsh; our four friends with whom the reader is
+acquainted; and last, but not least, so far as bodily comforts were
+concerned, Ah Sing, the cook.</p>
+
+<p>As the globe arose slowly to the length of its cable, five hundred feet,
+it seemed to the little company upon the balcony as if the universe had
+assembled to see them off. On the streets, public squares, housetops,
+decks of all ships upon the river, were crowds on crowds of people;
+people anywhere, everywhere; far as the eye could reach was one vast,
+countless host. What wonder that the heart of the Doctor swelled and
+quickened as he looked upon the ocean of upturned faces below, and
+realized that from his fertile brain had sprung the mighty object of all
+this attention. How it pulled and surged at its silver-like cable, as if
+it were a thing of life, and desired to be away toward its destination,
+the North Pole!</p>
+
+<p>The hour of noon was announced by hundreds of bells and whistles. The
+Doctor waved a flag over the balustrade, the anchor was cut loose from
+its fastenings, and away bounded the colossal sphere toward the ethereal
+blue. Upward and still up it arose to the height of three thousand feet,
+trending slowly toward the northwest.</p>
+
+<p>The voices of the multitude sounded like the roar of the sea, and as it
+grew fainter and fainter, the stout-hearted little party realized that
+they were effectually cut off from the world&mdash;off on a limitless sea,
+alone with God.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>A Gunpowder Tea-party.</p>
+
+
+<p>Nothing could be completer nor daintier than the cabin and its
+furnishings, divisions, and subdivisions. The rooms of necessity were
+small, but sufficiently large for convenience and comfort. A choice
+selection of best authors had been added by the Doctor. Mr. Will Marsh,
+the architect, had not forgotten a painting, sketching, and
+photographing outfit. Professor Fred Marsh had brought a good supply of
+vocal and instrumental music, and a small aluminum organ of exquisite
+tone and splendid volume. Professor Gray, as a matter of course, was
+abundantly supplied with books, charts, instruments, etc. The ladies did
+not forget to bring knitting, crochet, and sewing work with them. "For
+we cannot be continually craning our necks out of our little nest,
+sightseeing," said Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"And then I suppose that we shall be above the clouds a good share of
+the time, with nothing but a fog bank to look at," added Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Jones carried a plentiful supply of drugs and instruments. "I have
+not given up practice," said he. "There is no telling how many patients
+I may encounter outside of our little crowd, before we return."</p>
+
+<p>But we cannot stop to enumerate all the conveniences and appurtenances
+of the wonderful sky-ship, now hastening toward its destination. More of
+that later on.</p>
+
+<p>Washington and its crowds of excited people were fast disappearing in
+the distance. To say that no fear was experienced upon the part of any
+of the company would not be strictly true. The ladies were pale and
+silent, and stood with their arms about each other. Very little was said
+by any one, for the sensation of skimming through the air at the rate of
+more than twenty miles an hour at this elevation was too novel and
+thrilling to admit of conversation. All experienced more or less of
+vertigo and nausea, but the Doctor promptly controlled these
+disagreeable symptoms with medicines from his case. All stood at their
+post for something near an hour, Sing excepted. He was rattling about
+among his pots, pans, and kettles as unconcernedly as if in the best
+appointed kitchen in Washington. Finally a general conversation was
+entered into as the first qualms of fear and sickness began to wear off.</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted with the performance of our ship," said Will. (We shall
+take the liberty of using the given names of the two brothers hereafter,
+Will and Fred.)</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," returned the Doctor, "how easily and smoothly we are going. When
+one looks inside, it is hard to realize that we are flying at the rate
+of nearly thirty miles an hour through the air, three thousand feet
+above the earth."</p>
+
+<p>"And notice how steadily we are moving. Not a tremor nor movement of any
+sort appreciable. How decidedly superior to car or steamboat traveling.
+Here we have no jar, noise, nor dust," continued Will.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor any kind of danger of shipwreck or collision," added Professor
+Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'm sure that we are a peculiarly favored lot of travelers," said
+Fred, turning to the organ and playing "Away with Melancholy," with
+great spirit.</p>
+
+<p>"How does the temperature in the globe keep up?" asked the Professor of
+Will.</p>
+
+<p>"I am astonished, Professor," he replied, "it has scarcely varied a
+degree since starting, now two hours, and we are burning no fuel at all
+at present."</p>
+
+<p>"That is truly wonderful," answered the Professor. "At this rate we are
+not likely to run out of fuel."</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Will, "we are safe on that score."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor and Will now ascended to the observatory. Professor Gray and
+Denison sat beside the ladies upon the balcony. Each was studying the
+topography of the country with the aid of their field glasses.</p>
+
+<p>"See the people everywhere and all waving their handkerchiefs at us,"
+exclaimed Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"How distinctly we can see their white upturned faces, and how they do
+shout," remarked Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"I can see photographers catching snap shots at us," said Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say that the telegraph and telephone wires are being kept busy
+over us," said Fred, who had just joined the group.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a doubt of it," answered the Professor, "not only in America, but
+all over Christendom."</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Jones and Will now returned from their aerie, the observatory.</p>
+
+<p>"Whew!" exclaimed the Doctor; "if that isn't exercise for you!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is the temperature now?" asked the Professor.</p>
+
+<p>"One hundred and thirty degrees," replied Will. "It has cooled off a few
+degrees."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we have descended to the twenty-five hundred foot level," remarked
+the Professor, after consulting the barometer.</p>
+
+<p>"She will skim along many hours before we need to fire up," returned
+Will.</p>
+
+<p>"And how is the view from the observatory?" inquired Denison of the
+Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the sight of a lifetime," cried Dr. Jones. "Language is utterly
+inadequate to describe it. With the vast, unobstructed view on all
+sides, far as the eye can reach, the great glistening rotund sides of
+the globe rolling away from beneath your feet, giving one a sensation as
+if about to slide off into the awful chasm below, I assure you that it
+is something fearful. But I cast my eye up the shining mast and saw the
+stars and stripes floating there so calmly and serenely, and I
+remembered our glorious mission, and instantly I felt the Everlasting
+Arms about me. I realized as never before in my life, the utter
+littleness of man, and the almightiness of God. Here, floating thousands
+of feet above the earth, we can rest just as implicitly on His promises
+as we ever did in our lives."</p>
+
+<p>These words were said by the Doctor with so much earnestness and
+solemnity that a hush fell upon the company for a few moments. Then Mrs.
+Jones sat at the organ and began singing in a low, sweet voice, Kelso
+Carter's splendid hymn:</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 15em;">
+"Standing on the promises of Christ my King,<br />
+Through eternal ages let his praises ring;<br />
+Glory in the highest, I can shout and sing,<br />
+Standing on the promises of God."<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Every one of the seven were trained vocalists, and, very happily for the
+pleasure of the company, the four parts were so nicely balanced that
+their voices blended in sweetest harmony. The Doctor and Will and
+Denison sang bass; Fred and Professor Gray tenor, Mattie alto, and Mrs.
+Jones soprano. Mattie possessed an exceedingly rich contralto, while
+Mrs. Jones' soprano was strong, sweet, and clear as a bird's. They all
+joined in the chorus, and when the hymn was finished, Ah Sing, who stood
+in the doorway with his white cap and apron on, encored loudly.</p>
+
+<p>"Velly good. Me heap likee," was his verdict.</p>
+
+<p>"It takes the 'Children of the Skies' to sing that hymn!" cried Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"Hear! Hear!" said Mrs. Jones, clapping her hands. "Isn't that poetic
+and appropriate? The Children of the Skies! That was an inspiration on
+your part, Mr. Denison."</p>
+
+<p>Several more pieces were sung, and the newness of their position began
+to wear off toward evening. After this the rooms were assigned to each
+by the Doctor, who was by common consent, recognized as captain of the
+ship. Himself and wife occupied the largest of the sleeping apartments,
+a beautiful bedroom, twelve feet square. How pure, sweet, and clean they
+all were! The ceilings, walls, floors, and furniture, all of that
+marvelous metal, aluminum. Rugs laid about as required were the only
+covering upon the floors. At six o'clock, Sing announced dinner. As they
+repaired to the dining-room and sat in the dainty aluminum chairs about
+the aluminum table, set with a complete service of the same metal, they
+could not repress their expressions of delight. They sat with bowed
+heads while Dr. Jones invoked the Divine blessing upon the food of which
+they were about to partake, and asked His special protection and care
+during the unknown perils before them. As the meal progressed, they grew
+quite talkative and merry.</p>
+
+<p>"This is high living in more senses than one," remarked Fred as he
+finished a plate of soup.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," returned Mrs. Jones, "we have picked up a jewel of a cook."</p>
+
+<p>"How are you getting along, girls?" cried the genial Doctor, from the
+lower end of the table where he sat carving the meat.</p>
+
+<p>"Just splendidly, Doctor," replied Mattie, gaily. "Your picnic is
+turning out to be a grander success than you ever could have dreamed
+of."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," he returned as his eye swept about the room and out of
+the window. "I had my ideas up pretty high, but I must admit that this
+rather exceeds my highest flights of imagination."</p>
+
+<p>"My ideal of pleasure, so far as eating goes, used to be that of sitting
+in a Pullman dining-car, flying at the rate of forty miles an hour or
+more. I have spent an hour at such a table more than once, looking out
+of the great windows as I ate, and thought I knew all about it. But ah!
+I had never dined with the 'Children of the Skies,'" said Will.</p>
+
+<p>And so they pleasantly chatted through the meal. Mrs. Jones, who sat at
+the other end of the table, poured the tea.</p>
+
+<p>"It may be imagination, but everything seems to taste better than common
+aboard this ship," said Professor Gray. "Now, this tea is remarkably
+fragrant and delicious. It is a beverage that I do not as a rule care
+much for. What particular variety of tea is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is the very best quality of Ceylon. I have forbidden the use of any
+other kind by my patients. The Ceylon tea possesses little or no tannic
+acid, and is not nearly so deleterious to weak stomachs as other
+varieties. Speaking of teas, I suppose that you have all heard of one
+brand of tea called 'Gunpowder.' I could tell you a very good story
+about Gunpowder tea if you wish to hear it."</p>
+
+<p>A general desire being expressed to hear it, the Doctor began:</p>
+
+<p>"My maternal grandfather left New York state and moved to the vicinity
+of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1830. Cleveland at that time was a small,
+unimportant lakeport and my grandfather was offered his choice between a
+tract of land upon what is now the most beautiful residence street in
+the world, Euclid Avenue, and a piece at what was called Brighton,
+several miles farther from town. It speaks but little for the old
+gentleman's foresight, but he chose the latter, and so remained a
+comparatively poor man all his life, instead of becoming a millionaire.
+But, by dint of hard work, grandfather prospered as well as his
+neighbors, and was content. In course of time, a hired man became a
+necessary fixture upon the farm, and for many years Pete Wiggs, an
+honest, hardworking German, was grandfather's right-hand man. But Pete,
+jewel of a farmhand though he was, possessed one serious flaw: he
+<i>would</i> have a periodical spree. But, so considerate was he, that he
+always chose a time for his sprees when 'Dere really vos notting else to
+do, Uncle Ezra,' as he assured my grandfather by way of extenuation. So
+it became an understood arrangement that Pete was to be allowed, and
+expected to have, a 'blowout' every spring and fall. One spring day, the
+crops being all in, Pete began making arrangements for one of his
+semi-annuals. 'Now, Pete,' said my grandmother, 'before you get drunk, I
+want you to be sure and not forget to buy me a pound of the new tea I
+have heard of. They call it 'Gunpowder tea.' Now attend to this for me
+before you get to drinking.</p>
+
+<p>'All right, Aunt Lois, so I vill,' replied Pete.</p>
+
+<p>Four or five days later, Pete returned as usual, semi-intoxicated, and
+looking very much the worse for wear.</p>
+
+<p>'Give me dish, Aunt Loish, and I gif you dot Gunpowder dee. Paper proke
+in mine bocket.'</p>
+
+<p>So out of his coat pocket he began to fish great handfuls of tea leaves,
+and a fine, black, granular substance. Grandmother looked at the strange
+mixture critically, and concluded that the reason the tea was so called
+was because part of it so much resembled gunpowder. So she thanked the
+thoughtful Dutchman most kindly, and set it away carefully. A few
+evenings later she invited a number of her neighbors, old cronies, to
+drink Gunpowder tea with her. None of them had ever seen the new variety
+of tea, and all were there, expecting a very great treat indeed.</p>
+
+<p>It was soon poured out and upon the table. Grandmother noticed that its
+color was black as ink, and she felt a thrill of anxiety run down her
+spinal column as she poured it into the cups. Aunt Joanna, my
+grandmother's sister, was the oracle of the settlement on social
+matters, and by tacit consent, all awaited until she had first tasted
+the new beverage. Each felt that a great event was at hand, and the fate
+of Gunpowder tea was about to be settled, once and forever, in that
+settlement. So Aunt Joanna, fully alive to a sense of her position and
+responsibility, with great deliberation took a generous sip of the
+candidate for social favor. Her eyes filled with tears; she coughed
+furiously behind her handkerchief, and a spasm of disgust and nausea
+went to her very toes. Then she sat straight, grim, and silent as
+death. Each of the other old ladies went through about the same motions.
+And now grandmother, who had been puttering about, waiting upon her
+guests, noticed that something was wrong.</p>
+
+<p>'Well, Joan, how do you like Gunpowder tea?'</p>
+
+<p>'Taste it, Lois,' was all Aunt Joan would condescend to reply. She
+complied, taking quite a generous swallow.</p>
+
+<p>'Oh! my stars!' she fairly screamed, 'What horrible stuff is this?
+Waugh!'</p>
+
+<p>'Why, that is Gunpowder tea, Lois,' said Aunt Joan with grim sarcasm.
+'Beautiful, isn't it?'</p>
+
+<p>'There is some awful mistake about this,' said grandmother. 'I'll see
+that drunken Pete about it.'</p>
+
+<p>Pete was called in. Grandmother brought the box of tea out before him
+and said: 'Pete, what is the matter with this tea? It has nearly
+poisoned us all to death. What is this black stuff mixed up with the
+tea?'</p>
+
+<p>The Dutchman looked at it stupidly for a moment, then his mouth expanded
+from ear to ear, and he roared with laughter. 'Dunder und blixen, Aunt
+Loish, but dot vos a goot choke on you. Dot vos Gunpowder dee mitout any
+mishtake,' and again he howled with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>The long and short of the matter was, that Pete had bought a pound of
+tea and a pound of gunpowder, and had put the two packages into the same
+pocket before getting drunk. During his drunken brawling and fighting
+the papers had become broken, with the result related."</p>
+
+<p>The evening was balmy and beautiful, and they promenaded about the
+balcony until the shades of night had set in. The twinkling lights of
+the towns and farmhouses began to appear. They were passing over the
+mountainous region of southeastern Pennsylvania, and the globe had
+ascended to the four thousand foot level. The wind had shifted to nearly
+due west.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are we now, Doctor?" asked Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"We are crossing the southern portion of Pennsylvania. We are traveling
+nearly due west. I shall seek a more northerly current to-morrow morning
+if this wind does not become more favorable by that time."</p>
+
+<p>They finally tired of walking and sat conversing until nearly ten
+o'clock, when, by general consent, they retired, except Will, who
+remained up to keep a lookout, and to watch the barometer and
+thermometer.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Relating how the Beautiful Picnic Progressed.</p>
+
+
+<p>Shortly before six o'clock all arose. The Doctor and his wife, at her
+earnest solicitation, ascended to the observatory to witness the
+sunrise. Mattie had manifested symptoms of vertigo that morning on first
+looking out, and decided not to go up with them. The exertion of
+climbing that long flight of stairs flushed the lovely face of Mrs.
+Jones, and her cheeks were like twin roses when they reached the
+observatory. Once there, she was glad to sit and rest. The Doctor opened
+the windows and then sat beside her. Mrs. Jones sat quiet and dumb,
+hands clasped, looking out upon the most glorious scene her eyes had
+ever beheld. The sun was just peeping above the horizon. The painting of
+the clouds; the variegated face of the earth; the pure, balmy
+atmosphere; the great globe beneath their feet; the exquisitely graceful
+shaft that pierced the vault nearly one hundred feet above their heads,
+bearing our beautiful symbol of liberty; all these, combined with the
+inspiration that always attends looking out upon the works of God from
+great elevations, thrilled the souls of the two spectators as they had
+never been before in their lives. Thus they sat in silence drinking in
+the beauties of the morning for nearly a quarter of an hour. Approaching
+steps upon the stairway broke the spell, and the Professor and Fred
+stepped into the observatory. As they looked out upon the transcendent
+loveliness of the scene, the Professor raised his hands above his head
+and cried: "'What is man, that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of
+man that Thou visitest him? Thou hast made him little lower than the
+angels, and crowned him with glory and honor.' You told us yesterday
+that you never felt so little as when you looked out from this
+magnificent aerie; but I declare to you, Doctor, that I feel now that
+God has made man a wonderful being. As we go thus sailing through these
+roseate skies in this most splendid creation that ever came from the
+hands of man, I feel like crying with old Elisha, 'My father! My father!
+The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'"</p>
+
+<p>They sat a few minutes and then descended to the cabin. Mattie, Will,
+and Denison were upon the balcony, speculating as to what city they were
+rapidly approaching. Dr. Jones looked at it through his glasses, and
+said: "That is Columbus, the capital city of Ohio. Those great stone
+buildings you see there, inclosed by high stone walls, constitute the
+state prison. It contains at present, I believe, nearly three thousand
+convicts."</p>
+
+<p>"The poor things!" said Mattie. "Just think of the contrast between
+sailing so smoothly and easily as we are doing, away above the world
+with all its cares and sorrows, and being incarcerated within those
+gloomy walls, many of them for life. I am sure that if they could become
+'Children of the Skies,' they would all reform in a short time."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Mattie," replied the Doctor, "God did infinitely more than that
+for man. He placed him in the garden of Eden, and he transgressed the
+only restrictive law laid upon him. And he became so vile that the Lord
+was compelled to drown them like so many rats. Beautiful and inspiring
+though our present circumstances and surroundings are, yet they could
+never change the hearts of the majority of those miserable men."</p>
+
+<p>Breakfast was now announced by Sing. The bracing atmosphere of this
+upper region seemed to be very appetizing, for they all ate heartily.</p>
+
+<p>The ship was acting splendidly, continuing at nearly the same level of
+the day before, and but little fuel had been burned during the night.
+The wind had shifted to the south, and they were sailing twenty miles an
+hour, due north. The Doctor rubbed his hands gleefully. "We're getting
+there now, ladies and gentlemen, we're getting there finely. Nothing
+could be better."</p>
+
+<p>The sweet, happy valleys of Ohio were so exceedingly beautiful; the
+little towns appeared so pure and lovely to the voyagers; and the people
+were out in such crowds, cheering them so lustily, that our friends
+could do little else than sit through the day and watch them through
+their glasses. And numerous were the dispatches they wrote and cast
+from the balcony. They could see the people rushing eagerly for them, as
+they reached the earth.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish we had a morning paper," sighed Fred. "I do not doubt that we
+receive some mention in it."</p>
+
+<p>"That is about the only thing I have missed so far," said the Professor.
+"But we can well afford to forego that luxury for what we are now
+enjoying."</p>
+
+<p>"And I really do wish we could attend church Sunday mornings," said
+Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! we will have a church service," replied Denison. "I notice that the
+Doctor has brought with him a book of sermons and a Bible. Then we have
+an organ, and the best choir I ever heard. The Doctor or Professor can
+act as parson; and, to make the thing realistic and homelike, I will
+pass the contribution box."</p>
+
+<p>"I will see that he uses a bell punch," cried Fred. This suggestion was
+immediately rejected as unworthy of one of the Children of the Skies.</p>
+
+<p>The Professor sat consulting a map. "We are heading straight for
+Cleveland," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"I am really glad of that," said Dr. Jones. "That is my old native town,
+and I have not seen it for many years. The population has doubled
+several times since I left it, immediately after the war."</p>
+
+<p>An hour or so later, as he stood upon the balcony, the Doctor suddenly
+shouted, "There's Cleveland! And that town this side of it is Berea, the
+great stone quarry place. Do you see on the north side of the town those
+brick and stone buildings in a campus? That is Baldwin University, where
+I attended school several years. You didn't dream, dear old girl," said
+he, tenderly and apostrophizingly to said institution of learning, "that
+you would ever turn out such a sky traveler as I am, did you?"</p>
+
+<p>All the glasses were turned upon the University. "We shall pass directly
+over it," said Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"They have sighted us!" cried the Doctor excitedly. "See the students
+pouring out of the buildings! Let's give them some messages." This they
+did in a liberal shower.</p>
+
+<p>They had lowered to the five hundred foot level, so that a good view
+might be taken of the beautiful metropolis of Ohio&mdash;Cleveland. They were
+just about passing over it.</p>
+
+<p>"What a splendid city it has grown to be," said Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed," replied Dr. Jones. "That portion of the city," continued
+he, pointing with his finger, "was formerly called Brooklyn Center. I
+was born a mile or so from there. Yes!" he cried, looking earnestly
+through his glass, "I am quite sure that I can see the old two-story
+farmhouse where I was born. It is, sure as shooting! There is
+grandfather's farm where the 'Gunpowder tea' party was held that I told
+you of. And off here are the Heights, or South Cleveland. In 1862, when
+I joined the army, that was Camp Cleveland. It was then covered with
+rough wooden barracks, but now you see that it is densely built up with
+houses. My regiment, the 124th O.V.I. was in camp there three months
+before we went south."</p>
+
+<p>"You must have been a very small soldier at that time," said Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he replied, "I was but fifteen years old at that time. I didn't
+do much good or harm, for I was but a snare drummer the first two years
+of my soldiering, and the last year I was detailed as mounted orderly at
+brigade headquarters. But just see the people! Give them some messages!
+We shall be out of 'Yankee Doodle' land very soon."</p>
+
+<p>So the half million (more or less) of Clevelanders were treated to a
+shower of greetings.</p>
+
+<p>"If I had thought sooner, I would have dropped anchor here and given my
+old townies a handshake," said the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"Too late now, Doctor. We have passed the principal portion of the city,
+and will be above Lake Erie in two or three minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, I see," sighed the Doctor. "But we may see you again.
+Good-bye, Cleveland."</p>
+
+<p>The blue water of Lake Erie was now rolling beneath them. Steamers and
+sail vessels thickly dotted the face of the beautiful lake; for the
+traffic and travel upon these great inland seas are exceedingly large.
+The Canadian shores were visible, and when Sing announced dinner, the
+splendid domain of Her Majesty Victoria, Ontario, lay widespread before
+them. It was hard to realize that they were not still in their own
+land, so much like it did the peaceful towns, villages, and farms
+appear.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, the five men, in the little smoking-room, lighted their
+pipes and cigars, and entered into a general chat.</p>
+
+<p>"If this wind holds, we shall be in the Arctics in two or three days,"
+said Will.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose that we shall then be obliged to get out our furs," replied
+Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"No," returned the architect. "These walls are double as well as the
+floor, with air chambers between, and I can turn hot air into them at
+pleasure. The windows and doors are all double, also, and Jack Frost can
+never penetrate this cabin."</p>
+
+<p>"What a contrast between this luxurious sail through the sky, and the
+buffetings upon sea and land, the hunger, cold, and oftentimes death,
+suffered by former Arctic explorers," said the Professor. "And, Doctor,"
+he continued, "if we make a successful trip, the matter of aerial
+navigation will have been settled. What a power this ship would have
+been in the late war of the Rebellion."</p>
+
+<p>"The war would have been very quickly terminated if our globe had been
+in existence at that time," returned Dr. Jones. "We could have sailed
+above the reach of their best guns and dropped bombs upon them that
+would have destroyed their forts, gunboats, and armies at will. But I am
+glad things were as they were. We fought a fair fight to the finish, and
+settled forever the question of human slavery in America. Had the first
+few battles of the war been won by the North, the South might have laid
+down their arms, and have been permitted to retain their institution of
+slavery. When Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, I remember
+that even we soldiers in the field received the news with a sort of
+shock, and thought our President over-bold. We had not thought of that
+extreme measure as a result of the war. We were simply out to preserve
+the Union."</p>
+
+<p>"And right well you did it, Doctor," said Denison. "I have always
+noticed in reading the history of that war, that in the latter part of
+it you fought with much greater skill and judgment than you did in the
+first year or two."</p>
+
+<p>"That is quite true, and nothing more than what might have been
+expected," replied Dr. Jones. "It is marvelous what we accomplished with
+an absolutely empty treasury, no credit, no standing army to speak of,
+and our little navy scattered to the four ends of the earth. The vast,
+splendidly drilled armies which we brought into existence as if by
+magic, were the wonder of the world. We had everything to learn, both
+North and South, in the matter of logistics. Long lines of
+communications had to be kept open, and such splendid raiders as John
+Morgan, Forest, Mosby, etc., were not slow to break them frequently, so
+that I remember going to bed supperless many times after a hard day's
+march, because our rations had been captured and burned. Our wagon
+trains were something immense, while the big Bell tents were in use; but
+after what were called by the boys 'pup tents,' or 'dog tents,' were
+introduced, the wagon trains were cut down at least three-fourths. For
+the pup tents we carried upon our backs, and so dispensed with the great
+Bell tents that were hauled in wagons. Our trains had been so large and
+cumbersome that military movements were inconceivably slow, and the war
+could never have been fought to a successful issue by the North on those
+lines."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose, Doctor, that you were in some of the great battles?" asked
+Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I was in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, through the
+Atlantic campaign; then under General Geo. H. Thomas we marched back
+into Tennessee, fought a desperate battle at Franklin, and a few weeks
+later annihilated the army at Nashville. While we were doing this,
+Sherman was making his renowned march to the sea. But I'll spin you some
+of my experiences before we get back home. Let's join the ladies."</p>
+
+<p>"I should never tire hearing your war stories," said Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and you would be the first one to go to sleep if I should tell you
+of the battle of Chickamauga or Missionary Ridge."</p>
+
+<p>This Fred stoutly denied. "All right," said the Doctor. "I'll test you
+one of these evenings."</p>
+
+<p>"The sooner the better," replied Fred. "And now let's have some music."</p>
+
+<p>They sang several anthems and choruses, and all retired at an early
+hour, except Denison, who stood watch.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>In the Heart of Labrador.</p>
+
+
+<p>The central room of the cabin was called the 'engine room.' It was
+fifteen feet square, with a hole three feet in diameter in one corner,
+now securely covered. It was used for lowering or hoisting objects
+through while the globe was at anchor. An aluminum frame or cage,
+attached to a windlass by a chain of the same material, was used for
+this purpose. A powerful coil steel spring operated the windlass. In
+each of the other corners of the room were anchors of aluminum, also
+attached to windlasses and worked by steel springs. There was a dynamo
+that afforded abundance of light for the ship. This, too, was run by
+spring power. The rooms of the cabin were brilliantly lighted, and the
+spiral stairway, from the foot of the mast which stood upon the center
+of the floor of the engine-room, was illuminated by several lights, up
+to the observatory itself. At the top, or ball of the mast, was a light
+of thirty-two hundred candle power. Altogether, the ship must have been
+at night an object of terrific splendor to the observer below.</p>
+
+<p>Will was the originator of the steel-springs motor idea, and he daily
+attended to winding them with great faithfulness and pride. And it was a
+most invaluable adjunct to the comfort and success of the expedition, as
+will be seen before the end of this history is reached.</p>
+
+<p>At daylight, on the following morning, all were up and looking out upon
+wild Canadian forests. Here and there were small towns and settlements,
+but they realized that they were fast hastening beyond the pale of
+civilization. The wind had moved during the night into the southwest,
+and the Professor informed them that they were sailing at the rate of
+more than thirty miles an hour.</p>
+
+<p>"If this wind will only continue, we shall not be long reaching our
+destination," said the Doctor. "While I am enjoying the trip splendidly,
+yet I am anxious to reach the Pole as soon as possible. After that we
+will start on a general sightseeing tour. But until I have planted our
+aluminum shaft exactly upon the north end of the earth's axis,
+sightseeing is but incidental and secondary."</p>
+
+<p>All day they skimmed like a frigate bird across the face of Canada, at
+an altitude of about two thousand feet. All were delighted with the
+behavior of the ship. Her capacity for floating and retaining heat far
+exceeded their most sanguine expectations.</p>
+
+<p>It was interesting to watch the fast changing appearance of the country,
+and they could note that the timber was rapidly growing smaller.
+Clearings and settlements became more and more rare, and as the day
+closed they were looking upon primitive, unbroken forests, known only to
+hunters, both white and red.</p>
+
+<p>Another night passed without incident. The wind held all night in the
+same quarter. On the following morning the beautiful ship was enveloped
+in a dense fog. "We are in the midst of a great cloud," said Professor
+Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we will rise a few hundred feet and see if we can get out of
+it," replied Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>The temperature within the globe was raised a few degrees, and the ship
+rapidly rose to twenty-five hundred feet altitude. This carried them
+high above the clouds, and it was with new and strange sensations that
+our aerial navigators looked down upon the dense cloud that obscured the
+face of the earth from their view. The sun, meantime, was shining with
+what seemed to them greatly increased splendor in this super-cloud
+region.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, girls," cried the Doctor, "I am for some exercise. Who will mount
+with me to the observatory?"</p>
+
+<p>They each assented, and a few moments later were sitting in that
+elevated place, very warm and breathless from the unwonted exercise of
+the long climb. This was Mattie's first visit to the observatory, and
+her eyes dilated with terror as she looked over the rolling sides of the
+massive globe.</p>
+
+<p>"O, Doctor, Doctor! isn't this perfectly awful! Think of what the very
+slightest mistake or mishap would do. We should go flying down through
+those clouds, and be dashed to pieces in those uninhabited Canadian
+forests. And I suppose that our friends would never hear of us again.</p>
+
+<p>"Tut, tut, Mattie. Cheer up, little girl," said the doctor, very
+soothingly, and patting her head with his steady, strong hand. "No
+mishap is possible. We cannot explode, collapse, burn, collide, nor
+capsize. No enterprise ever entered upon by man possessed so much of
+interest and importance, and was attended by so little of the element of
+danger. You were never safer in your life than you are at this moment.
+Think of it! Here we are above the clouds, the world with all its care
+and heartaches shut out, basking in this glorious sunlight, sailing on
+in this clear, bracing, microbeless atmosphere. The clouds beneath our
+feet, the sun above our heads, and God's empyrean all about us. What can
+be more inspiring and grand? How does the chorus of that old hymn run?</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 15em;">
+'Let us look above the clouds,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Above the clouds, above the clouds;</span><br />
+Up above the stormy clouds<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To fairer worlds on high.'"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor sang this simple chorus in his great sonorous voice that rang
+out over the clouds like a bugle blast.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I declare Doctor, you will not let me get into a real good
+fright," cried Mattie, smiling through eyes filled with tears.</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed, I will not, Mattie. The only fear I have now is that we may
+keep breakfast waiting. Let's descend."</p>
+
+<p>The forenoon passed away very uneventfully. About the middle of the
+afternoon they were treated to a splendid spectacle. A terrific thunder
+storm raged beneath them; and as they looked below into the inky depths
+of the thunder clouds, pierced and riven by jagged lightnings, followed
+by deafening bellowings and crashings of thunder, and then cast their
+eyes up to the sun shining in full-orbed splendor over all, they
+realized as never before the presence and majesty of Omnipotence.</p>
+
+<p>At four o'clock, P.M. the storm clouds cleared away, and the bleak,
+uninviting face of Labrador was plainly visible. The ship had settled to
+an altitude of fifteen hundred feet, and was moving northeasterly at the
+rate of thirty miles an hour.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't that a settlement I see ahead a few miles?" asked Will.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor and Professor Gray decided that it must be a fort or trading
+post. The ship, meantime, was lowering quite rapidly, and was but eight
+hundred feet above the earth.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a mind to drop anchor at that fort for the night," said Dr.
+Jones. "Some fresh meat, especially game and fish, would not be at all
+bad to take. What do you all say?"</p>
+
+<p>A general desire was expressed to do so.</p>
+
+<p>They could see that the inhabitants of the place were greatly excited,
+and were running to and fro. The globe was lowered to within three
+hundred feet of the earth. As they neared the spot, two of the anchors
+were dropped, and soon caught in the birch tree tops. The ship strained
+tremendously at the cables for a moment or two, and then rode easily at
+anchorage, three hundred feet above the buildings.</p>
+
+<p>"Fort ahoy!" shouted the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"Ahoy!" replied a hoarse voice.</p>
+
+<p>"What fort is this?"</p>
+
+<p>"This is not a fort, but Constance House."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we are a party bound for the North Pole, and we wish to buy some
+provisions."</p>
+
+<p>"All right. Come down, and we will do the best we can for you. But I
+think you have scared everybody on the place about to death."</p>
+
+<p>The spring power was turned on, and the windlasses drew the globe to
+within one hundred feet of the earth. Then the Doctor and Denison
+descended in the cage. They met a splendidly built, large man, dressed
+in a semi-arctic suit of woolens and furs. The two voyagers introduced
+themselves, explained their business, and they were received very
+cordially by this man, John Barton, the proprietor and owner of
+Constance House. He invited the whole company to descend and make
+themselves at home as long as they desired to remain. So two by two they
+descended, Sing also joining the group below. The anchors were lashed to
+the trunks of the trees to prevent accidents from sudden gusts of wind.</p>
+
+<p>They found Constance House to be a large one-story stone building, which
+served for both residence and storeroom. One-half of it was devoted to
+the storage of provisions, clothing, and such other goods as are
+required by hunters and trappers. These Mr. Barton exchanged for furs
+with said hunters and trappers. Hunting, trapping, and fishing
+constituted the sole business of the simple-minded inhabitants. Here
+they are born, live, die contentedly, knowing little of and caring
+nothing about the great world which the most of us are so anxious to
+possess.</p>
+
+<p>Barton's family consisted of a wife, two strapping sons, who were
+hunters and trappers, and a daughter. The daughter's name was Jennie,
+aged eighteen. She was a strong, healthy, beautiful girl. Nothing could
+exceed the loveliness of her skin, the whiteness of her even teeth, or
+the graceful shapeliness of her form. Mrs. Jones and Mattie were
+immediately drawn to her. She met their advances freely and frankly,
+though her manners showed at once that she was not accustomed to such
+society. But she was so unaffectedly sweet and pure that the two ladies
+loved her all the better for her unsophistication. Mrs. Barton was an
+invalid, and they did not see her that evening.</p>
+
+<p>After a bountiful supper the whole party drew up to a vast fireplace. In
+it roared a huge fire, for the night was very cold and frosty. For a
+time the air-ship and the object of their voyage was discussed. The
+admiration of Barton and the inhabitants of Constance House for the
+globe was unbounded. The wind had lulled away to a very gentle breeze,
+and the superlatively splendid globe hung above them so majestically,
+and glistened so beautifully in the moonlight, that it is not wonderful
+that these people, who saw and knew so little of the outside world,
+should be struck dumb with wonder and astonishment as they looked upon
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"I must say," said Barton, "that I never experienced such sensations in
+my life as I did when your ship hove in sight. I have been mate of some
+good ships in my time, and have traveled over a good portion of the
+earth. I have seen many strange sights on land and sea, but this beats
+them all by so much that I shall never mention them again. And you are
+going to make the North Pole beyond a peradventure. Nothing could
+please me so well as to make one of your party. But my poor, poor wife!"
+He dropped his face into his hands, and tears trickled down upon his
+massive grey beard. The two sons and Jennie also participated in their
+father's grief.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter with your wife?" asked Mrs. Jones, very gently.
+"Perhaps Dr. Jones might do something for her."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, madam; her case is a hopeless one. I took her down to Montreal
+last year, and the best medical men there were consulted. They could do
+absolutely nothing for her, and I have brought her home to die. I wanted
+to stay there with her, where she could have more of the comforts of
+life, but she preferred to come back to Constance House."</p>
+
+<p>"While I know nothing of the nature of your wife's disease, yet I will
+say that I have cured many cases of so-called incurables. It is not that
+I know more of the nature of disease than the average physician, but I
+use drugs that they know nothing of, will not investigate, look at, nor
+even touch with the longest of tongs," said Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Doctor, my wife's case is cancer. They showed me the latest and
+best authorities, and they invariably gave what they called an
+'unfavorable prognosis.' You would not undertake to say that this
+fearful disease is curable, would you?" cried Barton, very earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor saw that he had a very intelligent and well-informed man to
+deal with. He had conceived a liking for the grand old man, and desired,
+with all his good and kindly heart, to help this noble family in its
+distress and isolation from the civilized world. So he said slowly and
+impressively:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Barton, I came to you this afternoon like a messenger from the
+skies. The way in which I came, and the ship in which I sailed, ought to
+entitle my word to some weight with you. Now I am going to say this: I
+have cured cancers, and believe that a large percentage of them are
+curable. I would like to see your wife, and if I can do anything for
+her, I shall be glad to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, Dr. Jones, with all my heart. Come right in with me," and
+Barton led the way to his wife's room. Half an hour later the Doctor
+came from the sick room, went out, jumped into the cage and mounted to
+the globe. He returned in a few moments and said: "I have here medicine,
+Mr. Barton, that is certain to do your wife a great amount of good. And
+I am quite positive that it will work a perfect cure. Her symptoms point
+so unmistakably and pronouncedly to a certain remedy that I feel safe in
+assuring you of immediate relief. I shall be much surprised if you do
+not see less pain, burning, restlessness, thirst&mdash;in short, a decidedly
+better night than she has known for months."</p>
+
+<p>Constance House was not prepared with sleeping accommodations for so
+large a company of visitors, and at ten o'clock they mounted to the ship
+for the night. At seven o'clock on the following morning they all
+descended again and partook of the substantial breakfast prepared for
+them by Jennie, with the help of a half-breed Indian girl.</p>
+
+<p>The surprise and delight of the family was immeasurable at the
+palliative effects of Dr. Jones' medicine. Mrs. Barton had rested quite
+comfortably nearly all night, a thing that she had not done in many
+months. Barton grasped the Doctor's hand when he first appeared in the
+morning, and could not speak for emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"That is all right, Mr. Barton; just what I expected."</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor, you have inspired me with a degree of hope that I never
+expected to know again. Do you really think you can cure her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Barton, I will just reiterate what I said to you last night: I have
+seen some astonishing cures done by the remedy indicated by the
+symptoms, and in what we call a 'high potency.' I cannot stop to explain
+all this to you, but you can rest assured that it is the only help or
+hope for your wife. Anxious though I am to be off toward our
+destination, yet I am going to stop over and study your wife's symptoms
+more closely, and leave you medicines with written directions as to
+their use."</p>
+
+<p>The joy of the Barton family was unbounded at this announcement of the
+benevolent Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast, Denison, Fred, and Will decided to accompany the Barton
+boys up the river that flowed near Constance House, visiting their
+traps.</p>
+
+<p>"What game do you have in this country?" asked Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"We have reindeer, bear, wolves, foxes, hare, marten, otter, and in the
+spring and summer we have an abundance of geese, ducks, etc.," replied
+Joe, the elder of the boys. Sam was the younger of the brothers, and
+they were aged twenty-three and twenty-one years respectively. The
+voyagers were surprised at the correctness of their speech and other
+indications of education.</p>
+
+<p>"Our mother is an educated woman, and has taken great pains with our
+education," said Sam in reply to a remark of Denison upon the subject.
+"And she has done as much for father. Our long winter nights we always
+spend in reading, music, and sometimes in such games as chess,
+backgammon, drafts, etc. Mother is a most splendid mathematician. She is
+also quite a linguist. But I am afraid that mother's days of teaching
+are over in this world. Dr. Jones is exceedingly kind, but do you really
+think that he has any hopes of curing her?" And the two sons looked
+anxiously into Denison's face as they awaited his reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," replied Denison slowly, as if carefully weighing his words, "I
+have known Dr. Jones more than twenty years very intimately, and I tell
+you candidly that you may rely implicitly upon his word. He is a
+physician of remarkable skill, and to my positive knowledge has cured
+several cases of cancer that had been, like your mother's, given up as
+incurable. So I should hope a great deal if he gives you encouragement."</p>
+
+<p>"God is good, and has heard our prayers," said Sam.</p>
+
+<p>While this party spent the day until the middle of the afternoon
+paddling from trap to trap, capturing three otters, and catching several
+dozen beautiful trout and black bass, the Doctor and the Professor
+ascended with Mr. Barton to the ship. As he passed through the elegant
+rooms of the cabin, and saw the wonderful degree of comfort, and even
+luxury, that our voyagers were enjoying, he cried out, like the Queen of
+Sheba, "The half was never told!" And the wonderful metal of which
+everything was composed where practicable&mdash;aluminum&mdash;excited his special
+interest.</p>
+
+<p>"Without this metal you could never have made the trip," he declared.
+But when he had mounted the spiral stairway, and was standing in the
+observatory, for some time he was speechless. As his eye ran up the
+shining mast, then off over the glistening sides of the globe to the
+earth, three hundred feet below, then away over the trackless wastes of
+Labrador, he finally exclaimed, "This, gentlemen, is too wonderful for
+me. I cannot give expression to my feelings. If you had told me that you
+were visitors from Venus or Mars, I should be obliged to believe you."</p>
+
+<p>And so they sat and discussed for an hour or more the object of the
+expedition, and the probability of success. All agreed that, so far as
+human thought and judgment could foresee, failure was hardly possible.
+They descended to the cabin. The aluminum mast especially attracted the
+attention of the old sailor.</p>
+
+<p>"And you intend erecting this magnificent spar at the North Pole!" he
+exclaimed, all his sailor instincts thoroughly aroused. "How do you
+intend to manage that business, Doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be governed in that matter entirely by circumstances," replied
+Dr. Jones. "I do not know what we may find there, and so cannot say
+exactly what we may have to do. But I shall consider the trip a partial
+failure if I do not leave this stately shaft, exactly to the quarter of
+an inch, standing at the North Pole, with that aluminum flag flying at
+its peak, there to float till time shall be no more."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Doctor, I am a thoroughbred British subject, and can't help
+wishing that it was the Union Jack that you were going to leave there;
+but you deserve all the honor of the occasion, and I am glad to bid you
+Godspeed," said Barton heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," replied Dr. Jones, "now let us go down and see further
+about your wife's case. I must be off to-morrow morning, bright and
+early."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor and Barton repaired to the sick chamber. After nearly an hour
+they left the house, walked down to the river bank, and talked long and
+earnestly concerning the treatment of Mrs. Barton.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you just what I am doing for your wife, and the grounds I
+have for hope. I think, under the circumstances, that an expos&eacute; of the
+rationale of my treatment is due you, for two reasons, first, because I
+desire to give you a reason for the hope that is within me, and so make
+you as happy and comfortable as possible by filling you up with a
+lively faith; secondly, because I delight in instructing intelligent
+people in what I conceive to be the only rational and scientific system
+of medicine known to man.</p>
+
+<p>"In this pocket-case book, you will observe that I have taken Mrs.
+Barton's symptoms very carefully and minutely:</p>
+
+<p>"1. A fearful and apprehensive state of mind. She cannot tolerate being
+left alone.</p>
+
+<p>"2. Intolerable thirst for cold water. Drinks often, and but a sip or
+two at a time.</p>
+
+<p>"3. The pains are very sharp, lancinating, and burning.</p>
+
+<p>"4. She is always worse at night, from twelve o'clock until two or
+three, A.M. The pains then are intolerable, and burning like red-hot
+iron, so that you are obliged to hold her in your arms to prevent her
+doing herself injury.</p>
+
+<p>"5. Great restlessness.</p>
+
+<p>"6. Skin yellow, or straw-colored, dry and wrinkled.</p>
+
+<p>"7. Very emaciated and weak.</p>
+
+<p>"There are quite a number of other symptoms of less importance, but all
+are found under but one drug in all the earth, and that drug is arsenic.
+Do not be alarmed at the name, for the doses I give are absolutely
+immaterial and can do no harm. But they do possess a curative power that
+is truly miraculous and past the comprehension of man. What gives me
+greater hope and confidence in your wife's case is the fact that she has
+never been under the surgeon's knife. Operations for cancer not only do
+no good whatever, but they reduce the patient's chances of cure, so that
+after the second or third one the case is rendered absolutely incurable.
+And another thing greatly in her favor is that she has taken but little
+medicine, and so I have been able to get a clear picture of the case.
+And I must strictly forbid the use of any drugs whatever, internally or
+externally, except what I give you."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Doctor, the terrible odor!" said Barton, "Must I not use the
+disinfectant as I have been doing?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; nothing but washing with warm castile soap-suds, two or three times
+daily. The odor will all disappear within a few days."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that is astonishing! And is arsenic the remedy for all cases of
+cancer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not by any manner of means. That is the great mistake of the medical
+world in all ages. They are continually on the lookout for specifics,
+or medicines that cure all cases of any given disease, irrespective of
+symptoms. Every case must be taken upon its individual merits, and
+differentiated upon symptomatology alone. And a drug must be prescribed
+that is indicated by the symptoms. Anything more or less than this is
+unscientific, and a contrariety to one of God's most beautiful and
+universal laws&mdash;'Similia similibus curanter,'&mdash;'Like cures like.' That
+is to say, arsenic is the remedy for your wife, because, when taken in
+material doses, it always produces symptoms identical with those
+manifested in her case. Hence I meet them with immaterial doses of that
+drug. Had her symptoms been different, then I should have been obliged
+to seek and find, if possible, a drug capable of causing this different
+set of symptoms, whatever they might have been. Now this rule of law
+holds good throughout all the field of medicine, except that which is
+purely surgical. Do you catch the idea?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do, Doctor, I do; and I declare that it looks very reasonable as you
+put it. I like the theory, and if it always holds good in practice, then
+it is certainly one of the most beneficent of God's laws."</p>
+
+<p>"Thousands of times, Barton, in an active practice of more than
+twenty-five years, I have tested this law; and I tell you, as an honest
+man, and one who expects to answer for the deeds done in the body at the
+bar of God, that it never failed me once. I have failed many times
+because I could not read aright the symptoms of the case; or when it was
+an incurable affair, rendered so by drugs and surgery," said Dr. Jones
+with great earnestness. "But come, I have given you quite a medical
+lecture. Let's look up the girls and see what they are about."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>A Messenger from the Skies.</p>
+
+
+<p>Mrs. Jones and Mattie had found Jennie to be a lovely, intelligent, and
+more than ordinarily educated girl. While unused to society, yet there
+was an honest straightforwardness about her that was very charming. The
+two ladies became easily intimately acquainted with her. Her whole soul
+was devoted to her mother, and the hope that Dr. Jones had inspired
+shone from her eyes. She became quite cheerful and merry. And the effect
+upon the poor invalid was not less visible. She insisted upon sitting in
+her easy chair by the fireplace, and joined in the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>Sing, meantime, had installed himself as the presiding genius of the
+kitchen, and he and the half-breed Indian girl were getting along
+famously together.</p>
+
+<p>"How long have you lived in this place, Mrs. Barton?" asked Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-three years," replied she.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, have you not found it a very monotonous existence?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did at first; but as my children were born, my mind and heart were so
+taken up by them that time did not hang heavily upon our hands. I really
+believe that we are much happier than the majority of people in the
+towns and cities."</p>
+
+<p>"O, if mother can but get well, it seems to me that I shall never be
+discontented again in Constance House!" exclaimed Jennie, her eyes
+filling with tears.</p>
+
+<p>"My poor girl does long sometimes to see the great world," said Mrs.
+Barton, stroking the head of Jennie, who was sitting upon a stool at her
+feet. "Well, my dear girl, I believe that God, in his infinite mercy,
+has sent us help directly from the skies; for I must say that last
+night, as I lay the first time for many weary months free from pain and
+awful burning and restlessness, that I thanked God as I had never done
+before; and my faith went out to Him so that I felt a great peace settle
+upon me. He has blessed the means being used. I shall recover, my
+darling girl."</p>
+
+<p>Jennie, in a paroxysm of joy, threw herself at her mother's feet, and
+buried her face in her lap, weeping as she had never done in her life.
+At this juncture the Doctor, Professor Gray, and Mr. Barton entered the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>"Tut, tut," said the Doctor, seeing the tears streaming down the faces
+of the four women, "what sort of business is this? You ought to all be
+laughing instead of crying. There is nothing to cry about, I assure
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor," said Mrs. Barton, extending her hand to him, "you do not
+understand. We are rejoicing, and this is just our poor woman's way of
+doing it."</p>
+
+<p>"I see, I see," said the jovial Doctor. "Well, now wipe away your tears,
+and give God all glory. He has sent me, a poor weak mortal, simply as a
+messenger to administer that which will save you from a loathsome
+disease and death. All glory be unto Him."</p>
+
+<p>He then began singing softly and reverently, the others joining:</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 15em;">
+"God moves in a mysterious way<br />
+His wonders to perform,<br />
+He plants his footsteps in the sea,<br />
+And rides upon the storm.<br />
+<br />
+Deep in unfathomable mines<br />
+Of never failing skill,<br />
+He treasures up his bright designs.<br />
+And works his sovereign will.<br />
+<br />
+Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;<br />
+The clouds ye so much dread<br />
+Are big with mercy, and shall break<br />
+In blessings on your head."<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"And now, Mrs. Barton, you must come out and see the chariot in which
+the Lord sent us," cried Dr. Jones gayly.</p>
+
+<p>The poor invalid stood in the door and looked up at the great globe that
+shimmered and glistened like burnished silver in the rays of the
+setting sun. How proudly and serenely it rode above their heads as if
+conscious of its own unparalleled beauty, and its blessed mission in
+this present instance. She gazed upon it a few moments in speechless
+rapture, her poor emaciated hands clasped upon her breast.</p>
+
+<p>"This is too marvelous for me," she cried. "What am I that God should
+send deliverance to me in so glorious and majestic a ship of the skies!
+I am lost in wonder and praise. Glory be to His holy name forever and
+forever."</p>
+
+<p>"Amen!" responded the listeners fervently.</p>
+
+<p>The canoe party returned at four o'clock, P.M. All were tired and ready
+to sit about the generous fire; for evening was at hand, and the air was
+already sharp and frosty.</p>
+
+<p>"And how did it happen, Mr. Barton, that you came to settle away up in
+this barren wilderness?" asked Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know that I know myself," returned Mr. Barton. "I was taken
+sick at a boarding-house in Montreal, and was sent to a hospital. I was
+at that time master of the bark Twilight, a Liverpool craft. Mrs. Barton
+was then a beautiful girl&mdash;don't blush so, Mrs. Barton. Jennie there is
+a perfect reproduction of you as I first saw you, and I should not be
+ashamed of our Jennie anywhere on earth. Well, as I was saying, Mrs.
+Barton, named at that time Miss Constance Schmidt, the daughter of a
+Moravian missionary, visited the hospital frequently as an angel of
+mercy. So far as I was concerned it was a case of love at first sight.
+She nursed me back to health; and, with the usual ingratitude of man, I
+married her for her pains. I then gave up the sea after a trip or two,
+and settled in Montreal. But I could not get used to, nor like the
+conventionalities of city life. So I made a trip into these wilds. I saw
+an opportunity to do a good business in furs; and so, with wife's
+consent, we settled on this spot. I built this house, which I named in
+honor of my wife&mdash;Constance. I have done fairly well financially, and I
+am sure that we have been quite happy and contented. Until Mrs. Barton's
+illness, I was without a care or worry in the world."</p>
+
+<p>"But don't you find the winters very long and terribly cold?" asked
+Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary, we enjoy our winters very much. To be sure, the
+thermometer runs from thirty to fifty degrees below zero; but if the
+wind does not blow, we suffer very little from it."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you do to pass the time?" asked Will.</p>
+
+<p>"The boys, when the weather is favorable, trap and hunt. I am getting a
+little too old and heavy for much of that; so I attend to the chores
+about the place, trade goods for furs to the hunters and Esquimaux. Our
+evenings are passed in reading, one often reading aloud to the rest of
+us. And we have a great deal of music. Joe plays the violin, Sam the
+flute, and Jennie the guitar or dulcimer."</p>
+
+<p>"By the way," cried Fred, "Let's have a musical soiree to-night. What do
+you all say?"</p>
+
+<p>This proposition was enthusiastically received.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Will, let's run up and get the organ. Will you go up?" addressing
+Joe and Sam.</p>
+
+<p>"Go up, my sons, and see this Alladin's palace," said Mr. Barton. "You
+will never see its like again."</p>
+
+<p>In half an hour they returned. The young Bartons were wildly
+enthusiastic in their praises of the globe.</p>
+
+<p>"Jennie, you must not fail to see the wonderful air-ship," cried Joe.
+Mattie, Jennie, Will and Fred visited the globe, returning just in time
+for a splendid supper prepared by the skillful Celestial, Sing. All that
+the larders of both Constance House and the globe afforded had been
+drawn upon, and it is doubtful if in all inhospitable Labrador a more
+elaborate and bountiful table was ever spread.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor, at Mr. Barton's request, asked the Divine blessing, and all
+fell to and ate with an appetite that is known only to those of clear
+consciences and sound digestive organs. Having done justice to the
+really splendid meal, they repaired to the sitting room. The beautiful
+aluminum organ graced the center of the apartment, and the musicians
+gathered about it. Fred was surprised and delighted to find that the
+young Bartons were all really accomplished musicians, and their
+instruments blended in sweetest harmony. So they played a number of
+orchestral pieces that were received with great applause by the
+audience. Then solos, duets, trios, quartettes, choruses, etc., were
+sung, and it is not probable that the Barton family ever spent so
+delightful an evening in their lives. And let us just contemplate the
+scene for a moment. How happy, joyous, and innocent they were, just as
+God intended his children to be. Two days before, this lovely family had
+been in the depths of despair, day by day watching a beloved wife and
+mother dying by inches of a painful, lingering, loathsome disease. Not a
+sound of music had been heard in the house for many days. The violin,
+guitar, and dulcimer had lain utterly neglected and unstrung. Now a
+change has occurred that must have delighted the angels of God. Through
+the unselfishness, skill, and noble-heartedness of one man, has come so
+unexpectedly, as if dropped from the very skies, in the heart of one of
+the most inhospitable portions of the earth, sweet hope and deliverance.
+What wonder that their hearts are light and merry? One thought only mars
+their pleasure: to-morrow morning the Children of the Skies will sail
+away in their glorious sky-ship, probably never to return.</p>
+
+<p>At ten o'clock the company broke up, the ship company ascending, as
+before to their staterooms. Barton would not hear to anything else than
+that they should descend in the morning for the last time. How sad these
+earthly partings are. It will not be so in that better land.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Is the World Growing Better?</p>
+
+
+<p>Before daylight on the following morning they descended to breakfast.
+Mrs. Barton had enjoyed a comfortable night, and Dr. Jones expressed
+himself as delighted with her condition.</p>
+
+<p>"You have everything to hope for," he said to the family. "I leave you
+this medicine, with written directions for its use. Do not repeat the
+dose I have given her so long as improvement continues. When it ceases
+you will do as directed in my written instructions."</p>
+
+<p>The hour of departure had arrived. Farewells had all been said, and the
+company had ascended except the Doctor and his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say what I wish to you," said Barton, taking each of them by
+the hand. "I simply look upon you as messengers from God, and I want to
+give you something more substantial than thanks." He placed a buckskin
+sack of gold in the hand of Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! no, Mr. Barton, my good friend," said the Doctor, handing it back;
+"I won't take a cent. You are ten thousand times welcome to anything I
+have done. I feel myself richly remunerated in the satisfaction of
+leaving you all happy."</p>
+
+<p>"Take it, Mrs. Jones, as a present from me," said Barton, and he pressed
+it into her hand. "You will really hurt me if you do not accept it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will do so, Mr. Barton. Good-bye," and away they shot up to the
+cabin. At a given signal Joe and Sam cast the anchors off, they whizzed
+up to the engine-room, and the mighty ball bounded skyward like a bird
+in the clear, frosty morning air. A very brisk wind was blowing from
+nearly due south, and the voyagers were delighted with the progress they
+made that day toward their destination.</p>
+
+<p>All day they sped at more than forty miles an hour over the vast
+elevated plains that were but barren wastes, growing every hour drearier
+and more desolate.</p>
+
+<p>"Of all the misnomers on earth, the name given this country ranks
+first," said Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the meaning of the word 'Labrador,' Professor?" asked Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"The literal meaning of the word is 'cultivable land.' As to its
+appropriateness, you can judge for yourselves. I do not know who
+bestowed upon it this misfit of a name, but it must have been a hardy
+explorer, who did it in a fit of spleen and wretchedness."</p>
+
+<p>"The Barton family seems to be comfortable and happy in poor old
+Labrador," said Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but my dear madame, they do not live by cultivating the land,"
+returned the Professor. "The seasons are too variable, and the changes
+of temperature are far too sudden to permit raising of crops of any
+kind."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Barton told me that they did raise a little garden stuff, such as
+onions, lettuce, and radishes; but potatoes, corn, etc., invariably are
+nipped by frost, and never mature," said Denison.</p>
+
+<p>The Professor, a few moments before noon, ascended to the observatory
+with sextant and chronometer, and determined the latitude and longitude
+of "Silver Cloud," as Mrs. Jones had named the aluminum ship. He made
+the entry in his logbook.</p>
+
+<p>"There is our exact position now, Doctor," and he placed the point of a
+pencil on the map of Labrador.</p>
+
+<p>"In forty-eight hours we will be within the Arctics at this rate of
+speed," cried Dr. Jones, rubbing his hands with delight.</p>
+
+<p>The face of the country was so uninteresting and monotonous, covered
+more or less with snow, that the voyagers became tired of looking at it,
+and turned their attention to various pursuits within the cabin.
+Becoming tired of music, they read, played games, conversed, etc.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor and Professor were each expert chess players, and their games
+were long and closely contested. Victory perched about as often upon the
+banner of one as the other.</p>
+
+<p>Fred worked daily upon a composition which he entitled "The North Pole
+March," and declared that the music should be played by himself, while
+the rest of the company marched around the aluminum flagstaff, after its
+erection at the summit of the earth, the North Pole. The two ladies were
+greatly interested in Fred's composition, and hummed and sang it with
+him, offering suggestions here and there that were of more or less
+benefit to him.</p>
+
+<p>Denison and Will spent their time attending to the springs, watching the
+thermometers and barometer. This, however, occupied but little of their
+leisure, and they played many games of checkers and backgammon. Will
+took an occasional snapshot with his camera when he saw anything of
+interest. He had taken some excellent photographs of Silver Cloud and
+company, which he had left with the Barton family. Who can doubt that
+they were an unfailing source of delight and tender remembrance to this
+intelligent and interesting family, as they sat about their great
+fireplace during the long winter nights. And the artist had taken some
+sketches of Constance House and inhabitants, which he had brought with
+him. He had converted one of the spare bedrooms into a studio, and spent
+an hour or two daily upon a portrait in oil of Jennie Barton. The fact
+of the matter is, the unadorned beauty and grace of the lovely Jennie
+had touched his artistic taste beyond anything that he had ever
+experienced in his life. And away deep in his heart, almost unknown to
+himself, was a determination to spend a summer season at Constance
+House, as soon after their return from the Pole as possible.</p>
+
+<p>Silver Cloud all this time was hastening with the speed of a carrier
+pigeon, nearly due north. Dr. Jones and Professor Gray could not repress
+their satisfaction each day as their observations showed them to be
+moving straight as an arrow toward the object of their journey. The
+altitude they maintained was very little more or less than three
+thousand feet, and the wind continued from the south at the rate of
+twenty or thirty miles per hour. The outside temperature was balmy and
+bracing during the day, so that the balcony afforded them a splendid
+promenade, where they spent hours daily, exercising in walking round and
+round the spacious cabin, and studying the topography of the country.
+Frequent trips were also made to the observatory, and sitting there with
+the windows open was very inspiring, as well as comfortable. To thus
+sit in so elevated a place with the windows wide open, while in a state
+of perspiration, the result of climbing the long stairway, would seem to
+have been the height of imprudence. But we must remember that such a
+thing as a breeze or draft of air was never felt on board the Silver
+Cloud while in motion. The great ship went exactly with the wind, and at
+precisely the same rate of speed. So, whether the wind blew one or a
+hundred miles an hour, it was always a dead calm aboard the Silver
+Cloud.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the ideal place for all catarrhal and pulmonary cases,"
+declared Dr. Jones. "I shall always prescribe a trip in Silver Cloud for
+this class of patients hereafter."</p>
+
+<p>"I fully believe in its efficacy," said Professor Gray. "But I fear that
+it will be too expensive a prescription for many of your poor patients."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the trouble, that's the trouble," assented the Doctor, shaking
+his head sadly. "Millions are yearly dying that might be saved by this
+and other means on the same line. But the blindness and selfishness of
+mankind is so absolute and infernal that but little philanthropic work
+of this sort can be done. There are some noble exceptions, or we should
+have suffered the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah long since."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Doctor, you believe that the world is getting better, do you not?"
+asked Will.</p>
+
+<p>"In what way?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, in every way. No one can doubt that in the arts and sciences more
+has been done in the past fifty years than in all the previous history
+of the world."</p>
+
+<p>"Granted," assented the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"All right. Then let us look at the social, moral, and spiritual sides
+of the question. Socially, certainly, no period of history can compare
+with the present. We are educating our children, feeding and clothing
+them better than they ever were before in the world."</p>
+
+<p>"I really think we are," again assented Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then," cried Will, glowing with triumph, thinking that he was
+fairly smoking the little Doctor out, "what can you say for <i>your</i> side
+of the question? Was there ever a time when life and property were so
+protected as now? And were there ever so many Bibles and tracts and
+other religious matter published and disseminated as at the present
+time? Missionaries are going by thousands all over the earth, and the
+gospel will soon have been preached to all nations."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, that's so," concurred the Doctor again.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come, Doctor; defend your side of the question," cried Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not know that I had committed myself to either side," returned
+he. "But I will say this much: While I am not pessimistic as to the
+outcome of this struggle going on between God's and Satan's forces in
+the world, yet we should not overlook the fact that the devil is
+fearfully active in these times. While I have admitted all that Will has
+said, yet there is another side to the question. Let me call your
+attention to the fact that there never was a time when there was so much
+rum and tobacco used in the world as to-day. The amount consumed per
+capita is increasing tremendously. Remember that with every missionary
+there are sent in the same ship from seventy-five to one hundred gallons
+of intoxicants, and tobacco galore. Never has this world seen so vast
+preparation for war. The people of all Europe are groaning beneath the
+taxation imposed upon them for the support of vast armies and navies. At
+no time has money been piled up in the hands of the few as at the
+present. Hundreds of millions in many instances are held by a single
+individual. By no sort of philosophy can he be entitled to it, and by no
+system can he come into possession of it without robbing thousands of
+his fellowmen. And as to inventions: surely no man delights more in the
+splendid achievements of our age in this direction than I do. But I
+declare to you that I believe labor-saving machinery to be a mighty
+curse to mankind, because the laborer is being driven closer and closer
+to the wall by the innumerable inventions that are driving him out of
+every field of labor. The great money kings are taking advantage of
+every such invention, and what the end is to be I do not dare predict.
+Ignatius Donnely's fearful picture in his work, Caeser's Column, I hope
+and believe to be terribly overdrawn. And, as I said before, I am not
+pessimistic as to the final outcome; but let us beware of crying 'Peace!
+peace! when there is no peace!' The fact is, gentlemen, I cannot help
+thinking that St. James referred to these very times, when he said in
+the fifth chapter of his epistle: "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl
+for the miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted and
+your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the
+rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as
+it were fire. Ye have heaped up treasure together for the last days.
+Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which
+is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them who have
+reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth." See James,
+5-4. I cannot, in the light of these prophecies, see that the world is
+growing essentially better rapidly, if at all."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Doctor," said Will, "you cannot deny that the children of these
+times are incomparably better clothed, have more and better books, live
+in more comfortable homes, and are enjoying privileges never known to
+children of former generations."</p>
+
+<p>"While I must assent to what you have said, yet all these advantages are
+not unmixed blessings. In my experience as a physician, I have seen very
+many precious lives go out, simply because they could not endure the
+high pressure system of our modern educators. I feel so strongly upon
+this subject that I would prefer that a child of mine should live and
+die absolutely illiterate, than that he should sacrifice one particle of
+health for any conceivable amount of mere book-learning. I once had an
+uncle who was a man of wonderful learning. He was a collegian, a master
+of half a dozen or more languages, and for all this he paid the price of
+his good health. All his life, he suffered the pangs of an outraged
+stomach and nervous system. He could never make any use of his
+splendidly cultivated brain, and was a miserable, unhappy burden to
+himself and friends to the end of his life. His end was sad, tinged with
+the element of ridiculousness. He was sitting in a field one day,
+resting during a short walk, when a great vicious hog attacked him,
+tossed him about, rooted him here and there, and would have certainly
+killed him outright if his cries had not brought assistance. He never
+recovered from the effects of the injuries received on that occasion.
+Suppose poor old uncle could at that time have traded all his dead and
+modern languages for a pair of good stout legs, would it not have been a
+grand bargain for him?"</p>
+
+<p>"But could not your uncle have been more judicious and systematic in the
+prosecution of his studies, and have done the same amount of work
+without detriment to his health?" asked Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt that he might. But our schools are run nowadays upon, as
+I said before, a high-pressure system. Too many children are packed into
+imperfectly ventilated schoolrooms, and the poor teachers are miserably
+overtaxed. But the schools are graded, everything cut and dried, the
+curriculum made by state or county board; and, like the tyrant's
+bedstead, those too long must be cut off, and those too short must be
+stretched. All must fit the bedstead. That great story-teller, Charles
+Dickens, tells the story exactly in his picture of Dr. Blimmer's system
+of teaching. That poor babe, Paul Dombey, might as well have been fed to
+an insatiable ogre as to have been placed in the hands of that pompous
+idiot. And our country is full of little Paul Dombeys, blossoming for
+eternity. How much better to have let the poor little fellow play in the
+sands upon the beach with his sister Florence and old Glubb. But the
+precocious innocent must be murdered by this same senseless system,
+because of the inordinate vanity of a foolish father, and the stupidity
+of his teacher. In vain have I warned hundreds of parents, when I saw
+their children thus being hurried to premature graves. But they are so
+proud of the precocious darlings that they seldom heed until it is too
+late. Faugh! the whole business makes me sick."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Doctor, admitting all you say, what do you suggest as the remedy?
+I have known many statesmen who could see and point out the evils,
+present or imminent, of society or state, with great sagacity and
+accuracy, but when it came to prescribing the remedy, were utterly
+impracticable," said Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"That is right, Professor Gray. It is very little benefit to a sick man
+to tell him that he is sick, or even to make for him a scientific
+diagnosis, if it be not supplemented by the remedy. I have remedial
+measures to suggest. In the first place, I would build schoolhouses upon
+strictly scientific principles; a certain number of cubic yards of pure
+air should be allowed each scholar, and the most perfect system of
+ventilation should always be used. Further, by way of homely
+illustration, I should treat the children upon the same principles that
+we do our horses. Some horses are calculated for heavy draught business,
+others for light draught, roadsters, racers, etc. I need not mention the
+folly of attempting to drive these animals out of their respective
+classes. Now children differ as essentially in their mental capacities
+and requirements as do horses physically. You can by no possible means
+make a mathematician of a scholar who is deficient in the organ of
+calculation. It is a manifest injustice to hitch such a one beside
+another who is a perfect racer in the mathematical field. It is not fair
+to either of them. I claim that each child should be treated upon his
+individual merits, and in accordance with the natural gifts that God has
+bestowed upon him. The graded school system is in direct opposition to
+this idea, and is wholly wrong and unscientific."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as to the curriculum, Doctor," said Will, "suppose you were
+called upon to abridge the list of studies in our public schools, where
+would you begin and end? Isn't it a pity in this age of the world, to
+shut off from the children any one of the branches of science or
+learning?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, that would be a great pity, and far be it from me to do
+anything of the kind. I would not abridge the curriculum for any child;
+it should simply be taught that for which it has a capacity. A teacher
+who is not capable of so discriminating and anticipating the wants of
+each pupil, is not a teacher in the best sense of the word, any more
+than a man is a horse trainer who cannot differentiate between a heavy
+draught-horse and a light roadster. I might say considerable as to
+methods of teaching, but I presume that you have heard enough for once."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but we have not settled the question as to whether the world is
+getting better or not," returned Will. "I am willing to admit that our
+school system is defective. But what do you say as to the safety of life
+and property at this time, compared with any other age of the world?"</p>
+
+<p>"Really, now, I wish an intelligent Armenian were here to answer that
+question."</p>
+
+<p>"But that is not fair, Doctor. The Armenians are in the hands of the
+Turks and we know that they are capable of any conceivable inhumanity.
+I supposed that we were discussing the world so far as civilized. I
+really think that it is a clear case of 'begging the question,' when you
+introduce the Armenian case into the discussion."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you, indeed! And let me inquire, my dear boy, who is responsible for
+this wholesale slaughter of a people whose only crime is that of being
+nominal Christians? Five or six centuries ago the combined governments
+of Europe would have made common cause against the infamous Turk for
+much less than the murder of a Christian nation. But to-day there is so
+much less of manhood in Europe than there was in the days of chivalry,
+that the civilized world is sitting calmly by and permitting this
+unspeakable crime to go on at the sweet will of the bloody-handed Turk.
+And do you not think that God will hold the nations of Europe to a
+strict account for this villainy that marks the closing decade of the
+nineteenth century as the blackest page in human history? God will
+surely avenge Armenia, and woe to Europe when He treads the wine-press
+of His wrath!"</p>
+
+<p>As Will offered no reply, the discussion closed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Greenland's Icy Mountains and the Russian Bear.</p>
+
+
+<p>Upon the morning of the third day from Constance House the wind shifted
+almost due west. Silver Cloud was in latitude 65 deg., longitude 70 deg.
+13 min., and they were driving rapidly toward Greenland.</p>
+
+<p>"We are still two or three points north of east in our course, and will
+let her drive as she goes for the present," said Dr. Jones. "And you
+wouldn't mind seeing Greenland's icy mountains, about which you have
+sung so many years, would you, girls?"</p>
+
+<p>"O let us see Greenland, by all means, Doctor!" cried Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"What noted travelers we will be when we get back to Washington," and he
+placed an arm about each of their waists and galloped them up and down
+the little sitting room several times.</p>
+
+<p>"I do believe that you grow to be more of a boy every year of your
+life," panted Mrs. Jones, as she smoothed her rumpled hair.</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right, Maggie; and what is worse, I do not expect to ever
+improve a bit on that line. Give me the heart of a boy while I live. And
+now, Professor, I am ready to give you revenge for that last game or two
+of chess that went to my credit."</p>
+
+<p>While these two were oblivious to the world in a very closely contested
+game, Mrs. Jones sat knitting while Mattie read aloud to her from a late
+magazine. Denison and Fred were pacing the balcony for their
+"constitutional." Will was working on his oil painting of Jennie Barton,
+and so beautifully had he succeeded in bringing out the lovely features,
+and trusting, fearless spirit that beamed from a pair of dark blue eyes,
+that all the company, even to Sing, expressed their unqualified
+admiration.</p>
+
+<p>"Me sabe," said the acute Mongolian. "Ah! Will heap likee Miss Jennie."</p>
+
+<p>The artist blushed, and they all laughed uproariously at his confusion,
+and Sing went chuckling to the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>The following morning Silver Cloud had nearly crossed Davis Strait, and
+the bold headlands of the western coast of Greenland were in plain view.
+They crossed the western boundary line of that land of perpetual winter,
+just a few miles north of the Arctic Circle.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah!" shouted Dr. Jones. "In the Arctics at last!"</p>
+
+<p>The wind held still a little north of due east, and Silver Cloud rode at
+an elevation of between 3,500 and 4,000 feet. The surface of Greenland
+was cold, dreary, and uninviting to a degree. Vast tracts of ice and
+snow stretched in every direction, far as the eye could see. Away in the
+interior a range of mountains broke the monotony of the landscape.
+Toward morning a violent snowstorm gathered below them and hid the face
+of Greenland from view until next morning. Silver Cloud, meantime, was
+sent up to nearly 5,000 feet altitude, so that they might not collide
+with any mountain peak during the night.</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word," said Professor Gray, as he stood on the balcony the
+following morning, and looked out over the white and ghastly picture of
+desolation, "I thought Labrador the most inappropriately named country
+upon the earth, but think of calling this picture of all that is
+inhospitable and forbidding&mdash;Greenland!"</p>
+
+<p>By noon they were crossing swiftly the ridge that runs the length of
+Greenland, so far as is known. Silver Cloud swept within three hundred
+feet of one lofty peak, covered with eternal ice and snow. Then on and
+on, swift as an eagle, over the high plateaux and steppes of Eastern
+Greenland. Early the following morning they arose to find the Arctic
+Ocean beneath, and Greenland disappearing in the misty horizon behind
+them. The wind bore a point or so more easterly, and Dr. Jones was
+tempted to seek a more favorable current. He descended to the 2,000 foot
+level, but experienced no perceptible change.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we'll stick to my original plan. Anything north of due east or
+west is good enough for us," said he.</p>
+
+<p>But he grew restless as they hour after hour steadily continued upon
+nearly the same latitudinal line, and descended to 1,000 feet
+elevation. There was some change for the better at that altitude for
+many hours. One thing that specially pleased them was the wonderful
+sensitiveness of the globe to the slightest variation of the temperature
+within its interior. The Doctor's plan of using hot air alone as the
+floating power had been modified to the extent of dividing one-half of
+the globe's interior into several compartments by thin sheets of
+aluminum, and these were filled with hydrogen gas. The gas fell but
+little short of the power necessary to float the ship, so that a slight
+elevation of the temperature in the air chamber above that of the
+external atmosphere was sufficient to float the vessel. When it was
+desirable to descend, a trap being opened in the upper and lower parts
+of the air chamber caused the hot air to rush out and the cold air in,
+and the descent could be made rapidly or slowly, at the will of the
+commander. By virtue of the zinc lining of the air chamber the
+temperature would remain at a given point for many hours without the
+consumption of a particle of fuel.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor and Will together had devised a most ingenious method of
+heating the hot-air chamber instantly. By the use of a small air pump
+hundreds of atmospheres could be compressed into a very strong aluminum
+chest or cylinder. Beneath this cylinder were a number of burners that
+heated the compressed air several hundred degrees. As we said before,
+when they desired to descend, an upper and lower trap were opened, the
+hot air rushed out above and the cold air in below, causing the globe to
+descend with great rapidity. This descent could be arrested at any level
+by closing the trap, and a certain amount of the air let off from the
+hot-air chest, and any temperature desired could be attained at once.
+All this could be done at an expense of oil that was ridiculously and
+incredibly small. While they could by no means steer or guide this ship,
+yet, if the Doctor's theory of air currents should prove to be
+scientifically correct, then they were by no means entirely at the mercy
+of any and every adverse gale. And, at the worst, when a favorable
+current could not be found, they could descend to the earth and anchor
+until a fair wind prevailed. One thing further should be explained. When
+it became desirable to ascend suddenly or rapidly, the hot-air chest
+was thrown completely open, and the vast chamber was instantly filled
+with air at any temperature required. When this operation was from any
+cause necessary, the upper trap was closed and all the lower apertures
+opened. The hot air from the chest immediately mounted to the upper end
+of the air chamber, and forced the excess of cold atmosphere out through
+these lower traps. The effect upon the globe was marvelous. It would
+bound skyward like a rocket. By a series of experiments Will had
+ascertained just the amount of pressure per square inch and the
+temperature that was necessary to send the ship to a given altitude. The
+rate of ascent was under perfect control by letting off the hot air
+slowly or rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>"What a mighty engine for good or evil in the world this ship would be,
+if it could be guided or steered," remarked Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt if that can ever be done," replied Will. "The surface presented
+to the current of atmosphere is too great to allow any sort of device to
+operate satisfactorily."</p>
+
+<p>"The Government is making experiments with what is called the aeroplane,
+and the indications are that it is the coming method of aerial
+navigation. But the degree of comfort that we are enjoying can never be
+an attendant of that plan. I shall never cease to wonder at the speed
+with which we are traveling over these Arctic regions in perfect
+comfort. I never felt better in my life, and I have grown to feel as
+safe as I ever did in my home in Washington," said Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>They occasionally saw whales spouting, and it was exceedingly
+interesting to watch the great icebergs that floated here and there over
+the face of the deep. Some of them towered like crystal mountains,
+hundreds of feet into the air.</p>
+
+<p>"Just think how incomprehensibly great these masses of ice are,"
+observed Professor Gray. "It is estimated that but one-eighth of the
+berg protrudes above the surface. Now look at that monster! Not less
+than eighteen or twenty miles long, and from five to six hundred feet
+high, making it in the neighborhood of a mile in thickness. Ah! see that
+big fellow turning over! Did you ever see anything so grand! I don't
+wonder that navigating these seas is next to impossible."</p>
+
+<p>They were all standing upon the balcony when they beheld this startling
+scene.</p>
+
+<p>For two whole days the beautiful ship continued steadily upon nearly the
+same course. The Professor pointed out their position upon the map at
+latitude 70 deg. 35 min., and longitude 50 deg. 20 min., East Greenwich.
+At this point they encountered a terrible gale from the north. The
+Doctor raised higher and higher, until they reached an altitude of ten
+thousand feet. Still they flew at amazing speed toward the south. He
+ascended to fifteen thousand, then twenty thousand feet elevation, but
+on they went into the heart of Russia. Will went up into the globe and
+hurriedly returned.</p>
+
+<p>"You must lower, Doctor! The strain upon the rods is tremendous! The
+outside atmospheric resistance is so slight at this elevation that we
+shall certainly explode if you ascend any higher."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we will descend and anchor at the first favorable spot, and there
+await a south wind. There seems to be a great demand for air at the
+equator just now. Well, let them have it," said he grimly, "but we are
+sure to get a regurgitation in our direction before many days. So down
+we go to study Russian habits and customs."</p>
+
+<p>The upper and lower traps were opened in the air chamber, and they
+rapidly descended to within five or six hundred feet of the earth. They
+could plainly see that the foliage was being thrashed with great
+violence by the gale.</p>
+
+<p>"How shall we manage to safely anchor in this awful wind, Doctor?" asked
+Will anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see that high range of hills just ahead?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, they run east and west. We will drop immediately upon the other
+side of them. There it must be comparatively calm. But sharp is the
+word! We are there now!"</p>
+
+<p>Downward dropped the great ship behind the sheltering crest of the
+hills, and she, in a moment or two, was skimming quite easily along,
+just above the treetops. In what appeared to be a great park, the anchor
+was dropped into the top of a tree. It held securely, and Will and
+Denison descended in the cage and made a very strong aluminum cable
+fast about the trunk of the tree. After all was made secure, Dr. Jones
+and Professor Gray also descended. The little company then began looking
+around for signs of life.</p>
+
+<p>"I see a large stone building down this avenue," cried Will.</p>
+
+<p>"The Professor and I will prospect the place, while you two had better
+remain here until our return," said the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly they set off at a lively pace toward the building. As they
+approached it they looked in vain for signs of human life. They found it
+to be a massive ancient castle, standing in the midst of an extensive
+grove or park. They were somewhat awed by the deathlike silence that
+pervaded the place. They, however, stepped up to a massive oaken door,
+and Dr. Jones seized the ponderous iron knocker and struck several
+vigorous blows. They waited two or three minutes, but could hear no
+sounds within.</p>
+
+<p>"We have struck an enchanted castle, and I must see if I cannot awake
+the Sleeping Beauty within," said Dr. Jones, and he was about to apply
+the knocker again, when a deep bass voice from a window above addressed
+them in a language with which they were unfamiliar.</p>
+
+<p>"We cannot speak your language. Do you speak English?" asked Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you men, angels, or devils, and what do you want," returned the
+voice in fairly good English.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor hastened to give the desired information, and told who they
+were, etc., concisely as possible.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that fearful and wonderful silver ball or globe in which you
+dropped from the skies among us?"</p>
+
+<p>After further explanations the bars were removed, and the massive door
+swung slowly open. There stood before them a large, black-bearded man,
+holding by the collars two large Russian hounds. The brutes growled and
+showed their horrid fangs in a way that made the visitors cringe and
+draw back.</p>
+
+<p>"Please restrain your dogs, sir, for our mission is a perfectly peaceful
+one," said Dr. Jones; and he smiled so blandly that the man seemed to
+dismiss his apprehensions. He gave a signal which summoned two men, to
+whom he consigned the dogs, and they were led away. He now invited them
+to enter, and gave them seats in an adjoining room.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen, I am Count Icanovich, and this is my castle. I welcome you
+to its hospitalities. You must excuse the reception we gave you, for I
+must confess that I have never been so startled in my life as when I saw
+your extraordinary ship come swooping down upon us a few moments ago.
+Half my people are in fits, or hidden away in all sorts of holes and
+corners."</p>
+
+<p>"I am exceedingly sorry, Count, to have come so abruptly and informally
+among you, but I assure you that we are here very much against our own
+wishes. We are bound for the North Pole, but this terrible gale from the
+north necessitated our anchoring for the present. But since fate has
+cast us among you, I am very happy to make the acquaintance of Count
+Icanovich. I am Dr. Jones of Washington City, United States, and this is
+Professor Gray, of Smithsonian Institute, same city."</p>
+
+<p>The Count shook hands with them very cordially, and asked, "How many are
+there of your party?" Upon being told, he immediately desired that they
+all be brought to the castle.</p>
+
+<p>"We see but little of the world in this place," said he, "and we hail
+this break in the humdrum monotony of our life with extreme pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>The two gentlemen returned appropriate acknowledgments of the Count's
+kindness, and arose to return to the globe for the company.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you accompany us to the ship?" asked Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, but I am a victim of sciatic rheumatism, and can do but
+little walking," returned the Count. "I hope, however, before you leave
+us, to be able to inspect your wonderful air-ship."</p>
+
+<p>"Is your sciatica of long standing?" inquired Dr. Jones, all the
+instincts of a good physician being aroused at the presence of
+suffering; and running over in his mind a list of remedies from force of
+long habit.</p>
+
+<p>"About three years. I contracted it from getting wet when warm. I am
+incurable, and must grin and bear to the end."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you feel better quiet, or when moving about?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I must move about. I usually put in hours at night hobbling up and
+down my room."</p>
+
+<p>"The bed feels so hard that you cannot find an easy spot to lie on. You
+are always worse before storms. After sitting a little while you stiffen
+up, feeling much better after moving about. The tendons of your legs
+have a drawing sensation, and feel as if too short. There is more or
+less of numbness and paralysis, and a wooden sort of feeling of the leg
+when walking. You also have lightning-like shocks of pain through the
+limb, now and then. Your attacks come on every few weeks, and it is the
+left limb that is affected. You can be cured."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor rattled these symptoms off with great volubility. The Count
+looked at him with open-eyed wonder. The professor was not less
+astonished at the positiveness with which Dr. Jones thus detailed the
+Count's symptoms without any previous knowledge of the case.</p>
+
+<p>"Whether you be angel or devil, I do not know; but certain it is that
+you have told my symptoms better than I could have done myself. But you
+make a bold assertion when you say that I can be cured. Do you know,
+man, that I have had the best advice in Europe, and have spent a fortune
+seeking relief?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you taking medicine now, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I have thrown physic to the dogs, and may God have mercy on the
+dogs. I am thoroughly disgusted with physic and physicians. And why
+should I not be? Several years since, I saw my wife die of pulmonary
+consumption. And now my only child lies in a chamber above, well
+advanced in the same terrible, wholly incurable disease. As if this were
+not enough, I myself am suffering the pangs of h&mdash;l with a lingering,
+incurable complaint. Why shouldn't I detest the whole lying, infernal
+business?" he roared, striking the floor savagely with his cane.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure enough, sure enough," said the Doctor soothingly and
+sympathetically. "I do not blame you in the least. But we will see if
+something cannot be done for you, Count. I believe in my soul that I can
+cure you, and that right speedily. Let us now hasten back, for our
+people will be alarmed at our long absence."</p>
+
+<p>They found them indeed wondering and anxious. All immediately descended
+and repaired to the castle. The Count met them at the door, and, after
+a formal introduction to each, led them to a large, quite modernly
+furnished drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said the Count, "please make yourselves at home. I intend that
+you shall be my guests while you remain in this vicinity. You will be
+shown to your rooms in a few moments. You will please excuse me now, and
+I will see you at dinner, which will be at six o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>He was about leaving the room, limping painfully, when Dr. Jones stepped
+up to him, and, pulling a small vial from his vest pocket, said: "Put
+out your tongue, Count; I wish to give you a dose of medicine that will
+cure your sciatica."</p>
+
+<p>The Count looked at him suspiciously a moment, then sat down as
+requested, and put out his tongue. Dr. Jones shook a grain or two of
+powder upon it.</p>
+
+<p>"You will suffer less to-night than you have done in a long time. It is
+very possible that this one dose will cure you perfectly and
+permanently."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you frankly, sir, that I have not a particle of faith in your
+minute, tasteless dose affecting me in the slightest," said the Count
+with a half angry glare in his deep-set black eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not care a fig for your faith, sir," replied Dr. Jones in his
+independent American manner. "Happily for you, this is not a Christian
+Science cure that I am performing. You have the indicated remedy in your
+circulation now; and with all due respect, believe what you please."</p>
+
+<p>The company of friends were looking on anxiously, fearing that the
+Doctor was too brusque with the nobleman. But that individual smiled,
+and really seemed quite pleased and amused at Dr. Jones' positive,
+straightforward way of doing business.</p>
+
+<p>"Evidently <i>you</i> are not deficient in the element of faith, Doctor, and
+I can but wish that your faith may not be in vain in this instance."</p>
+
+<p>After the Count had withdrawn, Professor Gray said: "Dr. Jones, I do not
+at all understand how you could tell the Count his symptoms as you did,
+without any previous knowledge of the case. Does sciatic rheumatism
+always present just the same picture, or set of symptoms, that you
+should be able to so rapidly and correctly tell his purely subjective
+sensations?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not by any means, Professor. A scientific prescription, like a stool,
+must have at least three legs to stand upon. You will remember that the
+Count had already told me that moving about, especially at night,
+mitigated his pains; that he contracted his ailment from getting wet;
+and I noticed that he favored the left leg in walking. These were the
+three legs for my stool, or prescription. I felt positive that the
+remedy indicated was Rhus Toxicodendron. So I merely mentioned the
+leading characteristics of that drug, and I was not mistaken. You see,
+then, that I did nothing marvelous nor supernatural. Now, any one of
+many other drugs might have been indicated if the symptoms had been
+different from what they were. The symptoms of the disease must always
+be the same as those that the indicated drug is capable of producing in
+crude doses. Rhus tox. will cure the Count because, in every case of
+poisoning by that drug, there will be produced the symptoms found in his
+case. Like cures like. This is a universal law of God. I feel quite sure
+that the Count will experience great benefit from the one dose I have
+given him."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall watch this case with the greatest interest," said the
+Professor. "You will make a convert of me to your system if you perform
+a cure of so obstinate and painful a disease with an infinitesimal dose
+of medicine."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, my dear sir. I always feel confident of a cure when the
+symptoms are clear cut as in this instance."</p>
+
+<p>A general conversation was now entered into for a few moments, when
+servants entered and signaled them to follow, and each was conducted to
+a comfortable apartment. They shortly after assembled again in the
+drawing-room and awaited the announcement of dinner. Fred opened the
+piano, and he and the ladies sang a trio. They were glad when a servant
+appeared and signaled them to follow him to the dining-room. The Count
+was the only Russian present who could speak English. So he watched
+carefully and interpreted the wants of his guests to the servants, and
+but very little trouble was experienced. They found the cooking very
+palatable, and their mode of living aboard Silver Cloud in the frosty
+atmosphere of the Arctic region had sharpened their appetites
+enormously.</p>
+
+<p>The Count talked with them about their journey, and was much interested
+in the graphic accounts given by the different members of the party of
+their experiences. Will explained the plan and construction of the
+globe. The Count was a good listener, and seemed deeply impressed with
+all that was said upon the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me incredible that you were so short a time ago in
+Washington City, U.S., and are now sitting at my dining table in the
+heart of Russia. And think of the circuitous route by which you came!
+Still I am prepared to believe anything when I look at yonder wonderful
+silver globe, and remember how you dropped among us from the skies as
+you did to-day."</p>
+
+<p>After dinner Will and Denison borrowed a lantern and went to see that
+Silver Cloud was all right for the night. The wind swayed the monster
+ball back and forward gently, and there seemed to be no great strain
+upon the cables.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we had better get out the other two cables," said Will. "I do
+not feel quite safe. A heavy gust might tear it away, and that would be
+a calamity indeed."</p>
+
+<p>So he ascended to the engine-room and passed the cable ends to Denison,
+who made them securely fast to adjoining trees.</p>
+
+<p>A very enjoyable evening was spent in the great drawing-room. Of course
+music constituted the chief source of pleasure. Fred brought his anthem
+and glee books from the cabin of Silver Cloud, and the old walls of the
+castle certainly seldom, if ever, rang with such music as was discoursed
+there that night. The domestics had so far recovered from their fright
+that they now crowded the adjoining hall to hear the singing. So
+ravishing was the harmony to their semi-barbaric ears that, conjoined
+with the marvelous manner of their coming among them, these poor
+creatures were ready to fall down and worship them as heavenly
+visitants. The Count himself seemed to enjoy the music exceedingly, and
+encored long and loudly. When they separated for the night, he shook
+hands cordially with each, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"My good friends, I cannot sufficiently thank you for the pleasure you
+have afforded me this evening. You may be sure that my invalid daughter
+has enjoyed your delightful music. She desired that the door be opened
+so that she has heard it all. She was an accomplished vocal and
+instrumental musician before her illness. Perhaps she may feel well
+enough to see you in the drawing-room to-morrow evening."</p>
+
+<p>Turning then to Dr. Jones, he said: "Well, Doctor, whether it be your
+medicine or music that has charmed away my pains, I do not know; but it
+is certain that I have not been so free from suffering for a long time.
+I bid you all a very good night."</p>
+
+<p>After a consultation it was thought best that two should sleep aboard
+Silver Cloud every night so long as the party remained with the Count.
+So Will and Denison took upon themselves this duty, and immediately
+repaired to the cabin for the night.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Beauty and the Beast.</p>
+
+
+<p>On the following morning all were up early, and enjoyed a long walk
+before breakfast in the park. They did not see the Count until breakfast
+time. He was in a very pleasant mood, and, after inquiring how they had
+rested, turning to Dr. Jones he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have always made a point of rendering credit to whom credit is due. I
+slept eight consecutive hours last night, solidly and dreamlessly as the
+dead. I have had no such rest for years, and this morning, but for the
+stiffness of my limb, should be tempted to challenge you for a
+foot-race. If this be the effect of your medicine, you are the most
+wonderful healer I ever met."</p>
+
+<p>"I am truly happy to hear that you feel so well this morning, Count
+Icanovich. But remember that you do not believe at all in my
+infinitesimal dose, and should not prematurely render me credit. Your
+present improvement may be but a simple coincidence," and the Doctor's
+eyes twinkled mischievously.</p>
+
+<p>"That is right," said the Count good-naturedly; "I deserve your
+sarcasm."</p>
+
+<p>"Now," interposed Mrs. Jones, "I do not think that the Count deserves
+any reproach or sarcasm at all. Here we come among you, total strangers;
+and Dr. Jones, before we have been here two hours, in his usual
+insinuating manner, gets you to swallow a dose of medicine for what you
+have good reason to consider an incurable complaint. I think it quite
+unreasonable to expect you to have the slightest faith in his one little
+dose."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Mrs. Jones," said the Count, bowing to her gravely; "but you
+will allow me to ask," and he set his great black eyes upon her very
+earnestly, "do you think that the Doctor can cure me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do I think so!" cried she, flushing with pride and enthusiasm, "my good
+sir, <i>he has done so already</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>The Count looked at her in astonishment for a moment, then dropped his
+knife and fork upon the table, threw his head back and roared with
+laughter. It was so hearty and contagious that all joined it in spite of
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, friends," said he, wiping the tears from his eyes, "but I
+have not laughed so for years. And this lady's vindication of your
+skill, Dr. Jones, inspires me with greater confidence than anything else
+could have possibly done. All I have to say, madam, is that I accept
+your diagnosis of cure, and shall throw crutches and canes aside."</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast the Count said: "I have a stable full of horses which
+are at your service. I should esteem it a favor if you would use them as
+your own. There are many sights of interest about here. A few miles away
+is the town of P&mdash;&mdash;, a nice little city of about five thousand. No
+doubt you would like to make some purchases. I will accompany you any
+time and act as interpreter."</p>
+
+<p>They thanked him, but concluded not to visit town that day. He then led
+Dr. Jones into his private room and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor, I am desirous that you should see my daughter. I fear that you
+can do little more than palliate her condition, but even that would be
+very much for us. She is a great sufferer, and I shall be extremely
+grateful for anything you can do for her."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor immediately signified his readiness to see her whenever it
+pleased the Count.</p>
+
+<p>"That north wind is still howling, and I am only too happy to be of
+service to your daughter, or any of God's suffering children while I am
+with you. Keep me busy as you like, Count. My greatest delight is to
+cure the sick, and the world is my field since I started on this trip
+for the Pole."</p>
+
+<p>The Count touched a bell, and a female servant entered. He gave her some
+orders in Russian.</p>
+
+<p>She returned in a few moments and spoke to him.</p>
+
+<p>"My daughter is ready to receive us. Will you go up to her now, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"This is my daughter Feodora, Doctor Jones," said the Count as they
+entered her room. A tall, graceful young lady of twenty arose from a
+couch upon which she had been lying, and extended a thin feverish hand
+to the Doctor. She spoke to him in beautiful English, and Dr. Jones
+expressed surprise in his face so that the Count said:</p>
+
+<p>"I spent several years in London, and Feodora became very proficient in
+the language there."</p>
+
+<p>They were all seated, and, after a few casual remarks, Dr. Jones
+requested Feodora to relate to him the history of her illness, and as
+she did so, he carefully noted her symptoms in his case-book. He
+interrupted her as little as possible, preferring to take down the
+history in her own language. After she had finished he made a physical
+examination of her chest. First, he carefully percussed both lungs; that
+is, laid the fingers of the left hand upon the chest and tapped them
+lightly with the finger ends of the right hand, thus producing a more or
+less resonant or hollow sound. He could thus detect any consolidated
+tissue that might be in the lung, or abnormal resonance where there
+chanced to be a cavity. He then, with a stethoscope, ausculated the
+lungs, or listened to the respiratory sounds. He noted the temperature;
+rate and other qualities of the pulse; looked at the tongue and sputa.
+Having now a complete picture of the case or what he termed the
+"totality of the symptoms," he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I must consult my library a few moments. I will be back within an
+hour."</p>
+
+<p>He hastened to the cage, ascended to the cabin, and in a few moments was
+oblivious to everything but the salvation of this precious young life.
+He transcribed from his case-book to a sheet of paper the most
+prominent, unusual, and persistent symptoms. They were:</p>
+
+<p>1. Weeps much, and cannot bear to be left alone. Fears she will die.</p>
+
+<p>2. Great difficulty in breathing; worse from exertion and after
+coughing.</p>
+
+<p>3. Dry, teasing cough, more or less day and night. In paroxysms from
+tickling in the throat, with tenacious mucus, which she cannot raise,
+and must be swallowed. Sputa sometimes consists of pus, mixed with
+blood.</p>
+
+<p>4. Lower third of the right lung particularly affected. She cannot lie
+upon the right side on account of sharp, stitching pains through the
+lung. Sometimes the sharp pains extend through the left lung, with
+violent palpitation of the heart.</p>
+
+<p>5. All these symptoms, cough, pains, etc., are invariably worse at three
+o'clock, A.M., and continue one or two hours.</p>
+
+<p>6. Very profuse night sweats, etc.</p>
+
+<p>There were other concomitant symptoms that we will not stop to
+enumerate. Dr. Jones prepared a powder from a vial labeled Kali
+Carbonicum (cm), and descended and hastened to the castle. His heart was
+jubilant within him, for he knew that he should save this lovely girl.
+He fairly burst into her chamber, glowing with the pleasure he thus felt
+in bearing the gospel of healing.</p>
+
+<p>"Praise God!" he fervently ejaculated, "I have found your remedy. Take
+this please." She opened her mouth and he shook from a tiny vial a dose
+of a white granular powder, just as he did the night before with her
+father.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I want you to cheer right up, and dismiss all thought of dying
+from your mind. I expect that within a very few days you will experience
+great relief. These sharp stitching pains will almost immediately
+disappear, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p>And so he talked to her for a little time so brightly and cheerfully
+that the poor invalid seemed to catch his enthusiastic, hopeful spirit,
+and smiled and chatted in a way that lifted the Count to the very skies.</p>
+
+<p>"Whether there be any efficacy in your powders or not, Doctor Jones,
+there is certainly wonderful potency in your sanguine manner of giving
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, to-night," continued the Doctor, acknowledging the Count's
+compliment with a smile and nod, "I desire to see you in the
+drawing-room. You must have pleasant, cheerful company. No more tears
+and sighing in this dismal room. Throw open the curtains and blinds, let
+God's sunshine and fresh air in. Take no medicine except what I give
+you. I must bring my wife and Mattie to see you, and you and they must
+romp all over this country in a few days&mdash;providing a favorable wind
+does not set in. For I must hie away to the North Pole at the earliest
+practicable moment."</p>
+
+<p>"Please bring your ladies up soon, Doctor. I desire very much to know
+them, and I am sure that company does me good. I am afraid to be alone
+a moment. It has been too quiet in this great castle with no one to talk
+with but the servants. Do send for them immediately, please."</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later they appeared and were introduced to Feodora. They
+were shortly upon very good terms, for each of them was exceedingly well
+bred and possessed of purest womanly instincts.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard your beautiful singing last night, and how I did wish to join
+your company. And do you know that yesterday I had been suffering
+terribly with stitching pains in my side, and I was so tired and
+miserable that I asked God to help me or take me home. Just then your
+great silver ship sailed across my window so that I could see it as I
+lay upon my couch, and do you know that I believed, for a time, that God
+had sent his chariot for me. I did not seem the least frightened, though
+I could hear the screams of the servants in different parts of the
+house, and my nurse had crawled under the bed. I just closed my eyes and
+awaited the summons. I confess that I felt really disappointed when they
+told me the truth of the matter. But now, do you know," grasping the
+good little Doctor's hand, "that I believe this to be God's messenger,
+and through him I am to be restored to health again."</p>
+
+<p>"The Lord grant it," said Dr. Jones. "But now we must leave you a few
+hours. You have had quite enough excitement for once. I expect to see
+you in the drawing-room to-night."</p>
+
+<p>So they withdrew, leaving her smiling and happy. Count Icanovich joined
+the Doctor a few moments later and asked him to sit with him in his
+private office.</p>
+
+<p>"You will understand, Doctor, that I am exceedingly anxious to know your
+opinion of my daughter's condition. You have inspired us with a degree
+of hope that we have not known for a long time. Indeed, Hope spread her
+wings and left this castle long since, and it has been little better
+than a charnel-house until your appearance. Now I ask you to tell me
+candidly whether you entertain any hope of my Feodora's ultimate
+recovery. You may lay your heart open to me, for I should receive her as
+one raised from the dead if you save her. Do not, as you love your own
+soul, attempt to deceive me."</p>
+
+<p>"Count Icanovich," answered Dr. Jones, "I am hardly prepared to give you
+a definite answer. I certainly see great reason to hope all that could
+be expected or desired. A certain remedy is so positively and clearly
+indicated in her case that I shall be greatly disappointed if the most
+distressing of her symptoms do not immediately disappear. After that, so
+much depends upon the hygienic and dietic management that I do not feel
+justified in making an absolutely favorable prognosis."</p>
+
+<p>"What if she were under your immediate supervision for a certain length
+of time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should, under such circumstances, feel quite sure of restoring her to
+perfect health."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, Doctor, if money be any object to you, you shall have your own
+price for remaining until you pronounce her well."</p>
+
+<p>"I am extremely sorry, Count, but that cannot be. My Government has
+built yonder aluminum air-ship at enormous expense at my express desire
+and instigation, with the understanding that I sail with it to the North
+Pole. My obligation is to do so with all possible dispatch. I will leave
+medicine and explicit directions, so that in all probability you will do
+just as well as if I remained."</p>
+
+<p>The nobleman said no more upon the subject, and they joined the company
+in the drawing-room. Will, Fred, and Denison repaired to the stables,
+selected saddle-horses and rode to the town. There they were objects of
+great interest to the inhabitants. The news of the great silver
+globe&mdash;for they all believed it to be of silver, and the strangers to be
+fabulously rich&mdash;with its load of voyagers that came so suddenly and
+mysteriously among them the day before, had spread rapidly. The
+superstitious people were half inclined to regard them as celestial
+visitors, and looked upon them with awe and wonder.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor and the Professor, with the ladies, took a long walk through
+the park. They met many of the natives, who were coming from every
+direction to see the marvelous silver ship.</p>
+
+<p>"I declare," said Mrs. Jones, "that I can hardly realize that all this
+can be true. I have to pinch myself sometimes to see if I am not
+enjoying a long beautiful dream."</p>
+
+<p>"It is romantic to the last degree," replied Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"The wind still holds in the north," remarked Dr. Jones, scanning the
+skies and treetops. "I see that it has veered a few points to the west.
+We will surely get a favorable wind before many days."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it a pity that you cannot stay with that lovely girl until she is
+out of danger?" sighed Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it grieves me exceedingly to be obliged to leave her, but I have
+no option in the matter. If that globe were my private property, I would
+not leave her until she was out of danger. But, under the circumstances,
+I cannot do so. After all," said he, brightening up with the thought,
+"she will probably do as well without me."</p>
+
+<p>"She is the loveliest creature I ever saw," said Mattie. "How gentle,
+beautiful, and patient she is. Much as I desire to visit the North Pole,
+still I would gladly remain here six months or a year if it would do her
+any good."</p>
+
+<p>The day passed away without incident. After dinner all met in the
+drawing-room, and the invalid girl occupied an easy chair among them.
+She extended her hand to Dr. Jones with a grateful smile, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor, I have not passed so comfortable a day for a very long time. I
+shall get well. Your medicine has done wonders for me already. You are,
+no doubt, in great haste to reach your destination, but you must not
+leave me until I am better. If you do, I shall die."</p>
+
+<p>"O, no! my dear Miss Feodora, you will not die. I shall leave you
+medicines that will help you through nicely."</p>
+
+<p>This the Doctor said with all the assurance and cheerfulness he could
+command. But she instinctively detected a slight shade of anxiety or
+uncertainty in his tone. The physician must be a consummate actor who
+can deceive a patient whose perceptions are preternaturally acute as
+were Feodora's. He saw that he had not deceived her, and cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Do not let us think of that subject to-night. This unfavorable wind may
+last many days, and I promise to see you better before I go."</p>
+
+<p>She smiled sweetly and gratefully as he gave her this promise, and
+abandoned herself to the enjoyment of the music, conversation, etc., of
+the evening. Instrumental and vocal music constituted the principal
+source of amusement, and the audience awarded unstinted praise and
+applause. The singers were in the best possible form, not one of them
+complaining of cold or hoarseness, as is customary. Nothing could exceed
+the sweetness and richness of Mrs. Jones' voice. It seemed to fill the
+gloomy halls and rooms of the castle to its farthest confines. And
+Mattie's contralto beautifully and nobly seconded the soprano. The tenor
+and bass could scarcely have been better, and altogether it was a
+concert worthy of the praise of that, or any other, audience.</p>
+
+<p>"You will never know what a change your coming has made in our home,"
+said Feodora to Mrs. Jones and Mattie as they sat beside her. "Before
+your coming, all was so still and dark, and scarcely a sound could be
+heard in the rooms or halls all day. Now see the servants sitting and
+standing about the halls, chatting and laughing as if nothing had ever
+been wrong in the house. And look at papa talking and laughing as if he
+were not the saddest man on earth only two days ago. As for myself, I am
+simply astonished beyond measure. I have really forgotten for a time
+this evening that I am not perfectly well. O, what a beautiful,
+beautiful change! And it is perfectly heavenly to have a respite from
+pain, even if it be but temporary."</p>
+
+<p>The two ladies, one sitting upon either side, smiled their sympathy and
+happiness, and pressed her poor emaciated hands between their own cool,
+soft, plump ones in a way that went directly to her heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us help you up stairs," said Mrs. Jones, "for I am sure that you
+must be getting tired."</p>
+
+<p>She assented, bade the company good-night, and retired with the two
+ladies.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you must let us do everything we can for you while we are here,"
+said Mrs. Jones. "You know that we are to see you better before we go
+away, and I have so much confidence in Dr. Jones' system of medicine
+that I am positive of your recovery."</p>
+
+<p>Leaving her then to the nurse, they retired for the night.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Doctor Jones Commits Treason.</p>
+
+
+<p>As they met at the breakfast table next morning, they found the Count
+joyous and jubilant. Feodora had spent a comparatively comfortable
+night. At the regular hour, 3 o'clock, A.M., the stitching pains and
+cough recurred, but were so much less than usual, and lasted so much
+shorter a time that she was radiant with joy, and thanked Dr. Jones so
+sweetly that the good man was obliged to hem and cough and wipe his nose
+and eyes, and complain of a slight cold which he had contracted. As for
+the nobleman himself, he declared that he was the happiest and soundest
+of all the Czar's subjects.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot understand this matter, Doctor," said he. "I have absolutely
+exhausted the medical science of Europe without the slightest benefit.
+Here you come from the United States, a new country, and supposed to be
+very much behind in all matters of science and letters, yet you have
+done for me and my daughter, as if by magic, what the accumulated
+science and knowledge of Europe have not been able to do at all. Is your
+science a mystic or esoteric affair, and are you the only one in
+possession of the secret?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed, Count Icanovich. So far from my system being esoteric or
+exclusively my own, I have for many years taught and exemplified to the
+best of my ability the law by which I am governed in the selection of
+the remedy. And there are a noble few in my country who are like
+children sitting in the market, crying, 'We have mourned unto you and ye
+would not mourn; we have piped unto you and ye would not dance.' By
+every possible means we have endeavored to induce the dominant school of
+medicine to investigate our claims, but they simply deride and laugh us
+to scorn."</p>
+
+<p>"But surely, Doctor, they cannot deny the evidence of their own senses!
+If you cure that which they cannot, they certainly must heed you.
+Anything else is unthinkable," exclaimed the Count.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir, human nature is past finding out in its capacity for
+stupidity and foolishness. God gives every man the power to choose good
+or evil, and no amount of evidence can dispossess him of this elective
+franchise. Hence he is the arbiter of his own fate. Abraham said to
+Dives concerning his brethren, 'If they believe not Moses and the
+prophets, neither will they believe, though one arose from the dead.'
+Jesus Christ healed the sick, raised the dead, restored the lame, the
+halt, the blind, in the presence of priests, lawyers, and doctors, the
+scientists of those days; and they put him to death in precisely the
+same spirit that they expatriated Samuel Hahnemann for discovering and
+promulgating the only law of cure in God's universe. Human nature has
+not changed a particle since the days of Adam and Eve, and it never will
+be any more nor less than what it is now, except as it is regenerated
+through the Atonement."</p>
+
+<p>"This is marvelously strange," said the Count musingly. "I do not
+remember to have heard of your system more than a few times in my life,
+and then but as something ridiculous or foolish. Cannot something be
+done to bring it before the public?"</p>
+
+<p>"So far as I know, Count Icanovich, there is not a school in Europe
+where the tenets of our system are taught. The dominant school of
+medicine has used its power, and legislation effectually bars us out in
+every European country. Only in America have we colleges, and even there
+whatever privileges we enjoy are the results of deadly and
+uncompromising warfare. So you will understand the difficulties under
+which we labor."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems, then, that it is simply a matter of ignorance with the laity
+that your system has not become universally adopted," interposed
+Professor Gray. "And the 'Regular School,' as they style themselves, is
+exceedingly active in keeping them thus ignorant."</p>
+
+<p>"That is the state of affairs exactly," cried Dr. Jones. "To illustrate
+the fact that we have a law of cure, while the so-called Regulars have
+nothing like it, a certain physician, a number of years ago, sent out
+twenty letters, ten to prominent men of each school. He sent to each the
+ordinary price of a prescription, and represented himself as a patient.
+He detailed precisely the same symptoms to each. Now, if medicine is
+worthy of being called a science, why should there not have been an
+answer, and but one answer, as to the remedy indicated in this case?"</p>
+
+<p>"So I have said a thousand times," exclaimed the Count, excitedly. "And
+I can foretell the denouement so far as the Regular school is concerned:
+You received as many prescriptions that were totally unlike as there
+were men of that school who prescribed for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Right, you are, my lord!" shouted the Doctor. "But eight of them
+responded. No two of their prescriptions at all resembled each other,
+and the aggregate number of drugs prescribed by them was somewhere near
+seventy, if I remember correctly. If all these drugs had been put into a
+jug, the compound would have been a mass of incompatibles that would
+have poisoned any miserable wretch who was fool enough to take it."</p>
+
+<p>"But how did the men of your school do, Doctor?" asked Professor Gray.
+"Did they do any better?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did they!" again shouted Dr. Jones, swelling and flushing with pride.
+"Every one of them prescribed Lycopodium Pollen, which was the indicated
+remedy."</p>
+
+<p>"How many physicians of your school are there in America?" asked the
+Count.</p>
+
+<p>"Something like twelve thousand, I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"And would each of them have prescribed the remedy you mentioned?"</p>
+
+<p>"All worthy of the name would have done so."</p>
+
+<p>"And are not all worthy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am forced to say no! not by a great many. Like every other
+representative system of truth, our greatest source of danger is from
+within. No chain is stronger than its weakest link, as has been said
+many times. The world judges us by our weaklings. Every good thing has
+its hordes of counterfeits."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the Count, "I am deeply interested in this matter. I must
+hear more of it, Doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"And I also am desirous of information upon this all important subject,"
+added Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>The wind had veered around to the west-nor-west. It had materially
+abated in violence, but was still unfavorable for our navigators. And,
+in truth, the Doctor was not nearly so anxious to depart at this time as
+was Professor Gray. The good Doctor's mind was divided between a desire
+to be off for the Arctics, and a professional interest in, and friendly
+solicitude for, the beautiful Feodora. Nothing could exceed the delight
+with which he noted the manifest curative power of the dose which he had
+given her. And he had pledged his word that he would not leave her until
+material improvement was apparent. So it was with a considerable degree
+of resignation that he saw the wind continue northerly.</p>
+
+<p>The matter stood about thus between him and Professor Gray: While Dr.
+Jones was really commander of the expedition, yet the Professor
+represented the Government's interests, and he kept a strict record of
+every day's occurrences. These must be subjected to the inspection of
+the proper authorities upon their return to Washington. The fact that
+Dr. Jones had interested himself in a sick girl in the heart of Russia,
+even though she was the only child of a Count who stood high with the
+Emperor of all the Russias, could not excuse him to his Government for
+holding in abeyance the mighty interests of the expedition upon which it
+had projected him.</p>
+
+<p>For two more days the northerly winds prevailed. Then came the
+hoped-for, yet dreaded, change. At six o'clock in the morning, the
+Professor rapped upon Dr. Jones' chamber door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Doctor," he cried. "Ho! for the North Pole. A glorious breeze
+from due South."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor joined him in a few moments, and they walked into the park.
+The aluminum flag fluttered straight toward the north. The Doctor
+expressed his delight, but there tugged at his heart the thought of
+leaving the poor girl who clung to him for her life. But he did not dare
+to mention this fact to Professor Gray. He knew that no merely
+sentimental grounds would have any weight with that gentleman, and that
+he (the Professor) would hold him strictly accountable to the Government
+for any unnecessary delay.</p>
+
+<p>So, with a sigh, he announced to his party that they would sail as soon
+after breakfast as possible. The Count looked very much distressed, but
+said not a word. After breakfast the Doctor and Count repaired to
+Feodora's room. She had rested beautifully all night, and received them
+with a glad, smiling welcome. But when Dr. Jones announced that he must
+sail within two or three hours, her face became exceedingly sorrowful,
+and she said to him so gently and simply that it touched the hearts of
+the men more than tears could have ever done:</p>
+
+<p>"And do you know what goes with you in your beautiful Silver Cloud?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know that I do. What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"My life."</p>
+
+<p>This unexpected reply caused the Doctor a terrible shock.</p>
+
+<p>"O no! my dear young lady, you are doing splendidly. Just carry out my
+written instructions and you will do as well without me as you would
+with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Dr. Jones, I appreciate your situation, and know that you have no right
+to remain here for my sake, or anyone's else. I will not try to persuade
+you to stay; but I know that when you have gone, Hope will have
+accompanied you, and I shall certainly die."</p>
+
+<p>"My God! My God! Dr. Jones, I cannot endure this," groaned the Count,
+and great tears coursed down his cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me talk with you a few moments privately," said the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>The Count led the way to his office, and when they were seated the
+Doctor began:</p>
+
+<p>"Count Icanovich, I cannot leave you, and yet you see my situation.
+Professor Gray will not consent to an hour's unnecessary delay, and will
+hold me in strictest account to my Government."</p>
+
+<p>"Cannot he be brought to consent to remain a few weeks?" asked the Count
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Not all the gold in Russia would tempt him one moment," declared the
+Doctor emphatically.</p>
+
+<p>"But you must not go and take my darling's life with you!" cried the
+Count desperately.</p>
+
+<p>"Say 'shall not,' and you will hit it exactly," replied the little
+Doctor, winking shrewdly at the Count.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you no special power or authority in this section?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have very great power if I choose to use it. Do I understand you to
+advise me to detain you by force?"</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor grinned, gave a little Frenchy shrug of the shoulders, and
+said: "It would be treason to my country to advise you to do so, sir;
+but if you permit us to go, surely you cannot blame me for going. I very
+much prefer to stay, but only absolute force can prevent my going."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand you perfectly, Doctor, and you need say no more," replied
+the Count, smiling grimly. "It had not occurred to me to treat my guests
+with such discourtesy; but you Americans have an adage, I have
+heard,&mdash;or is it English?&mdash;that a hint is as good as a kick. Well, you
+needn't kick me&mdash;unless I let you go. Now go up to my daughter and cheer
+her up with the news that you are forcibly detained, and will not sail
+till she is cured."</p>
+
+<p>Here the two men clasped hands, threw open their mouths to their widest
+extent, and laughed long and&mdash;silently.</p>
+
+<p>"But now run up to Feodora; she needs you badly, and I have some very
+important business to attend to."</p>
+
+<p>So the Doctor again ascended to Feodora's room. He found there his wife
+and Mattie, all three in tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come, girls, wipe your eyes. Please leave me alone with Miss
+Feodora a few minutes. I will join you down stairs directly."</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said he, "cheer right up. We are not going to leave you until
+your father consents. I have made the arrangement with him, but it must
+not be known to anyone else. You understand, do you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do, Doctor, I do," she cried; "and I promise to get well as soon as I
+can, so as not to detain you any longer than necessary. I shall get
+well! I shall get well!" and she pressed his hand to her lips in the
+ecstacy of her joy.</p>
+
+<p>"There, there," said he, a little sheepishly, withdrawing his hand, "go
+to sleep now, and come down to the drawing-room this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>He had been in the drawing-room but a moment or so when the Professor
+and Will rushed in, each very excited.</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor!" cried Will, "what do you suppose the Count has done?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, I'm sure. What's the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, by Jove, if he hasn't padlocked our cables, and very coolly
+informed us that we cannot sail until he gives us permission!"</p>
+
+<p>"What can he possibly mean!" exclaimed the Doctor in well-assumed
+astonishment. "We must see about this matter. Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"We left him at the globe," said the Professor. "I cannot comprehend the
+meaning of this. Let us go at once and see him."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely he must be joking you," said the Doctor, as they walked rapidly
+toward Silver Cloud.</p>
+
+<p>They found a group standing beneath the globe; and, as Will had said,
+every anchor and cable was heavily padlocked. Dr. Jones stepped briskly
+up to Count Icanovich and said with all the sharpness he could command:
+"What is the meaning of this, Sir Count? Why have you padlocked these
+cables?"</p>
+
+<p>"Evidently I could have but one object; to prevent your casting them
+off."</p>
+
+<p>"But why? What right have you to do so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Simply the right of might. But come," said he, looking over the
+company, "let us talk this matter over together. Shall we return to the
+castle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we ascend to the cabin," said the Doctor. "There we can talk
+without interruption."</p>
+
+<p>So, two by two, they all ascended to the sittingroom of the cabin. The
+Doctor and Count were the first to go up.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall make a great demonstration of anger, and may talk pretty
+sharply, Count, but you will know my meaning," said the former, as they
+landed in the engine-room.</p>
+
+<p>"I perfectly understand; act your part, Doctor."</p>
+
+<p>When they were all seated in the sittingroom, the Doctor immediately
+reiterated the question:</p>
+
+<p>"What is the meaning of this high-handed proceeding, Count Icanovich?"</p>
+
+<p>"It simply means that I cannot consent to let you go at present, Doctor
+Jones."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you really mean to detain us by force?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do, if necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you kindly tell us your object, and by what authority you dare to
+delay a United States' expedition? Do you not know that our Government
+will demand heavy reprisals for this action upon your part?"</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to answer your first question. When you landed among us a few
+days ago, you found us a despairing lot of invalids. We were simply
+waiting death as the only possible escape from our pains and distress.
+The change that you have brought about by your medical skill and
+knowledge is known to you all, and I need not dwell upon it. Our hearts
+are bursting with gratitude, and it pains me beyond measure to be thus
+obliged to use coercion; but my daughter's interests&mdash;her life&mdash;compel
+me to detain you. She declares that she cannot live if the Doctor leaves
+her, and I cannot and will not permit her only chance of recovery to
+thus fly away in the air. She is all I have on earth, and I swear that
+you shall stay until she consents to let you go."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Count Icanovich, do you not see how impossible it is for us to
+remain?" asked Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"No; I only see how impossible it is for you to go."</p>
+
+<p>"But look at the vast amount of money that our Government has intrusted
+us with for an express purpose. Having accepted this trust, our first
+and only duty is to that Government. And I tell you that whoever dares
+to detain us will have a heavy account to settle with a great and
+powerful nation."</p>
+
+<p>"I perfectly appreciate all that, Professor Gray, and am ready to settle
+any indemnity that may be demanded of me. I tell you, one and all, that
+I count these things as but dross when compared with the life of my
+Feodora. She shall not die if any high-handed outrage that I can commit
+will prevent it. You have heard me."</p>
+
+<p>The voyagers looked at one another in dismay. Here was a predicament
+that no one could have foreseen.</p>
+
+<p>"How long is this delay likely to last?" asked Will.</p>
+
+<p>"Just as long as the interests of my daughter's health demand it,"
+returned the Count.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor gave a hypocritical groan that would have made his fortune
+upon the stage.</p>
+
+<p>"How long will that be, Doctor?" asked Will.</p>
+
+<p>"Three months, at least," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>The Professor duplicated the Doctor's groan with such emphasis that the
+party could not repress their smiles, and the two conspirators did not
+dare look at each other.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Professor, we'll have to accept the inevitable," said Dr. Jones.
+"Let's go down again and continue our studies of Russian customs and
+habits."</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to say, gentlemen, before we descend, that it is best that we
+should have a thorough understanding. I desire to treat you as my
+honored friends and guests, and to allow you every possible liberty and
+pleasure while here. Pledge me your word that you will not attempt to
+sail without my knowledge, or seek governmental interference, and all I
+have is at your command."</p>
+
+<p>"Before I accede to your proposition, I wish to put one question: If Dr.
+Jones will consent to remain, will you permit the rest of the party to
+depart with the ship?" asked the Professor.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be delighted if you can make any such arrangement," quickly
+returned the Count.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say, Doctor?" cried Professor Gray, turning to him.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor pondered a moment or two, and then said:</p>
+
+<p>"It is very great to be the discoverer of the North Pole, but it is very
+much greater to save a human life. My wife and Mattie will remain with
+me, but the rest of you may depart immediately if you wish."</p>
+
+<p>"As for me," said Denison, promptly, "I shall stay with Dr. Jones."</p>
+
+<p>Will and Fred looked at each other a moment, then Fred burst out:</p>
+
+<p>"Let's stick together. The North Pole will be there just the same a few
+months later, and I do not blame Count Icanovich for detaining the
+Doctor under the circumstances. To use a beautiful Americanism, we may
+as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb. In one, in all."</p>
+
+<p>"I stand with the majority," said Will.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, gentlemen, I do not see but that I am in a hopeless minority, and
+must accept the Count's terms," sighed the Professor. "But say, Doctor,
+let me suggest one more idea before settling the matter definitely. Are
+there not men in Russia who practice your system, and who could fill
+your place satisfactorily in this case?"</p>
+
+<p>"I presume there are, but I am unacquainted with them."</p>
+
+<p>"But, gentlemen, my daughter will accept no substitute. I suggested the
+same idea to her, but she would not listen to it. It is Dr. Jones or
+nobody with her. There is no alternative. Dr. Jones must stay." This the
+Count said so decisively that further argument was mutually dropped as
+unavailing.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Sir Count, since fate is against our sailing until the recovery
+of the fair Feodora, I only hope her return to perfect health may be
+unprecedentedly rapid, and I hereby give you the required pledge." With
+this the Professor extended his hand to the Count. The latter seized it
+cordially, then shook hands with each of the rest of the company,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p>"I am so glad that this unpleasant matter has been so easily and
+amicably adjusted. Let us go down now, and the only command that I put
+upon you is that you use my castle as your own, and that you come and go
+as you please."</p>
+
+<p>They all thanked the noble Count, and the whole party set out for the
+castle. When they reached the drawing-room the Professor dropped into a
+chair and said: "I used to be of the opinion that the stories of the
+enchanted castles, Sleeping Beauties and Beasts were all childish
+fiction and romance. But, as the darky said, 'Heah we is.' We have the
+castle, the Beauty, and the Beast. Though I must say of the Beast that
+he is a very amiable old fellow, after all, and I would do just as he is
+doing under the circumstances. This Beauty must be awakened, and Dr.
+Jones is the Prince of Physicians who can do it."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Professor. And now, girls, take off your hats and cloaks,"
+cried the Doctor. "We have concluded to stay with the Count a few
+months."</p>
+
+<p>They looked at him to see if he were not joking.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, Doctor?" asked his wife. "Did you say that we were to
+stay here a few months?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my dear. The Count has persuaded me to remain until Feodora is so
+far recovered that we can safely leave her."</p>
+
+<p>"Well now, I will tell you the truth; I am really glad to hear it." Then
+turning to the company, she proudly said: "This is just like him. I am
+sure that he would not only give up the North Pole, but the whole earth
+to save a human life."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come, sis," said the Doctor, blushing and confused, "you make me
+feel silly. Scatter off, now, and make yourselves at home. We must make
+the Count glad to get rid of us."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>A Model Teacher and Ideal Student.</p>
+
+
+<p>The days and weeks flew swiftly by. The fame of the great air-ship
+spread far and wide, and thousands of visitors came to inspect it and
+the wonderful voyagers. But what especially drew the people, and was
+talked of more than all else, was the marvelous skill of Dr. Jones as a
+healer. The beautiful Feodora improved from day to day, so that she
+daily drove with her devoted and constant companions, Mrs. Jones and
+Mattie. She began to eat heartily, gained flesh rapidly, and her cough
+had nearly left her. Roses of health assumed the place of hectic flush,
+and she was the talk and wonder of everyone who knew of her former
+hopeless condition.</p>
+
+<p>Many were the consultations held by Dr. Jones, with the grateful and
+goodnatured Count for interpreter. Money and honors poured in upon him,
+though he never made any sort of charge for advice or medicine. The
+better class of patients invariably left upon the table one or more
+pieces of gold.</p>
+
+<p>"Maggie, do you know that I have no idea of what to do with all this
+money? If it keeps on this way, I shall be obliged to found a college
+and hospital when we get back to Washington. Wouldn't it be grand if I
+could break down the prejudices and legal barriers in this great
+country, and establish our school upon an even footing with the old
+school?"</p>
+
+<p>"The Count must have influence at court. I should think that he might be
+of great help to you," suggested Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a good thought, and I will have a talk with him upon the
+subject at the first opportunity."</p>
+
+<p>The Count, meantime, was closely watching the Doctor's methods and the
+results. He was delighted to note that many chronic cases recovered
+under the treatment; and acute diseases yielded as if by magic to his
+all-powerful infinitesimal doses.</p>
+
+<p>"This is something utterly incomprehensible," he said to the Doctor one
+evening, as the friends sat with him in his office, smoking and talking.
+"Your medicines are working wonders, and yet I cannot understand how it
+is possible for so minute a particle as is contained in one of your
+doses to act so potently and profoundly upon a great mass of blood,
+flesh, and bones, like the human body. That it does so is beyond
+question. I have watched you carefully, and am thoroughly converted to
+your system."</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't it be a glorious thing for Russia if this system of medicine
+could have at least an opportunity of being heard, and of exemplifying
+the fact that it is founded upon science, and that beside it there is no
+other?" cried Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you had an opportunity, by what method would you prove this
+system to be what you claim for it?" asked Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"By the only method that can satisfy the human mind&mdash;practical
+experience and demonstration. Nothing else will do. Theory is all well
+enough, but if it cannot stand the test of experiment it is of no sort
+of use. There is not a crowned head nor potentate in Europe before whom
+I would not gladly and fearlessly put my system to such test. Give me
+but a clear cut case&mdash;one that has not been spoiled by massive dosage or
+surgery, and I am willing that the system shall stand or fall by the
+result."</p>
+
+<p>"That is perfectly fair, and I know, Doctor, that you would succeed,"
+said the Count. "And I will say, further, that I am at your service to
+promulgate your system in Russia. I have influence at court, and I can
+put it to no better use than to help you present the system of medicine
+which you represent to those in a position to open our door to your
+school."</p>
+
+<p>"If you will do that, sir, I shall never regret our having been blown
+out of our course into Russia. If I can thus be instrumental in the
+salvation of countless thousands of God's suffering children, I shall
+feel that I have not lived in vain, whether I ever reach the North Pole
+or not. Do not think, Professor, that I have in any degree lost
+interest in our original enterprise. But, meantime, I must do what I
+can for humanity when opportunity occurs."</p>
+
+<p>"You are doing that, Doctor, and I heartily sympathize with you in your
+labors," answered the Professor. "I only insist that, when permitted by
+the fair Feodora, we sail immediately for our destination."</p>
+
+<p>"That we will, Professor, and I promise not to enter into any
+arrangements that shall prevent our going as soon as possible," replied
+Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, gentlemen," interrupted the Count, "but I wish to ask the
+Doctor for information. As you know, I have had a considerable amount of
+experience with the regular school of medicine, and you also know that I
+was thoroughly disgusted with it when you came so opportunely. I have
+carefully observed your methods, Dr. Jones, and I notice this essential
+difference between the two schools: The old school physicians are
+exceedingly particular in their examinations and explorations. They seem
+extremely worried about naming the disease and knowing the exact
+condition of the diseased tissues, but they do not appear to be able to
+manage the practical part of the business&mdash;cure. You, as a
+representative of the other system, do not lay so much stress upon these
+things, but do take cognizance of the symptoms in each case with
+surprising particularity. And I notice that you appear to base your
+prescription solely upon what you term the 'totality of symptoms.' How
+nearly am I right?"</p>
+
+<p>"Count, you have apprehended the exact condition of things. It is well
+enough to know all we can of the state of the organ or organs that we
+are treating; but suppose I spend hours examining a patient with all the
+appliances known to medicine, and have determined to a certainty the
+name of the disease with which my patient is afflicted, I am now no
+nearer knowing the remedy indicated in this case than I was before I
+made the examination. I must go back and take all the symptoms into
+account, both subjective and objective before I can intelligently
+prescribe."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not see, then, that it makes any difference whether you know all
+about the condition of the organs, or can name the disease or not," said
+Will.</p>
+
+<p>"Good boy, Will," smiled the Doctor. "You're learning fast. It is an
+absolute fact that some of the best shots I ever made were where
+neither I, nor any living man, could make what we term the
+diagnosis&mdash;that is, name the disease. I will give you a case in point: A
+good many years ago, when I was quite a young physician, there came into
+my office a man who desired me to go with him and see a sick babe. I
+found the most miserable looking three months' old child I had ever
+seen. Nothing could exceed the emaciation and puniness of the little
+creature, and the mother was carrying it about upon a pillow. For six
+weeks it had cried night and day, almost incessantly, except when under
+the influence of opiates. Five old school doctors had done what they
+could, and at last had declared that it could not live. They had not
+been able to establish the diagnosis, and so were at sea as to
+treatment. I sat beside it and studied the case as closely as possible
+for more than an hour. There was but one peculiarity or symptom upon
+which to base a prescription. It was this: It would lie a few moments
+apparently asleep, then it would give a start and begin to scream with
+all its puny power. This would last one or two minutes, when it would as
+suddenly fall asleep again. This, they assured me, was the way it had
+performed all through its illness, except when opiated. 'Pains come and
+go suddenly.' That was all I had to go on. I could not locate the pains,
+nor by any possible means know what the cause of them was; but I did
+know, thank God, what was of infinitely greater importance: I knew the
+drug that had that particular symptom, and that was Belladonna. Into
+half a tumblerful of water I dropped five or six drops of the two
+hundredth dilution of that drug, and put a few drops of this medicated
+water into the poor little thing's mouth."</p>
+
+<p>Here the Doctor stopped, knocked the ashes from his pipe, arose and
+started as if to leave the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on, Doctor," cried Fred; "I am very much interested in that baby.
+How did it come out on your Belladonna solution?"</p>
+
+<p>"O yes! I should have said that it immediately went to sleep, and did
+not awaken for several hours. It never cried again, received no more
+medicine, and in a few weeks would have made a model picture for a
+patent baby food company. It only received the one little dose that I
+gave it."</p>
+
+<p>"I declare," said the Count, laughing heartily, "that it sounds absurd
+beyond anything I ever heard in my life. Yet who has greater reason to
+know it to be absolutely true than myself. Go on, Doctor; I am prepared
+to believe anything you are pleased to tell us of your miraculous
+system."</p>
+
+<p>"Before I go I think I will spin you one more story," said the Doctor,
+reseating himself. "This is what might be termed the reductio ad
+absurdum of prescribing merely for the disease by name, irrespective of
+symptomatology. I was called to see a poor Dutchman who was in the last
+stage of pulmonary consumption. He had just been brought home from a
+certain city, where he had been in a hospital for two or three months.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Hans," I said, "how did they use you at the hospital; they are
+very scientific there, you know, and must have done great things for
+you.'"</p>
+
+<p>"O Doctor!" he groaned, "dondt speak aboudt dem fellers. Dey vos de
+piggest lot of shackasses I efer saw."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Hans, I am surprised at you! What did they do that did not please
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Vell, I tells you. Ven I goes into dot hoshpital, dey oxamines mine
+lungs. Den dey puts me into a pedt mit a pig card hanging ofer mine
+hedt, und dere vos on dot card in pig letters, de vird, CONSUMPTION. I
+tink dey puts dot card dere to encourage me ven I looks at him. Und in a
+leedle pox py mine hedt, dey puts a pottle of medticine und say to me,
+'You dakes a teaspoonful of dot efery dree hours.' So I do dot. It vos
+awful stuff but I sticks to him aboudt dree veeks. Den I can no more
+dake it. It makes me so seek to mine stummick dot I gan no more eat
+anyting. So I say to de steward von morning, 'I gan no more dake dot
+medticine. I must haf some oder kind.' Vell, sir, you should haf seen
+dot feller look at me. He lifts up his hands und says, 'I shoost adtmire
+you, Hans.' 'What for you adtmire me?' 'Pecause you vos de piggest
+kicker dot efer comes into dis hoshpital. Now look at yourself. You vos
+oxamined und put into de ped to which you pelong. Dere ish de card
+hanging ofer your hedt vot tells vot vos der matter mit you. Und den
+dere ish der medticine for consumption in de pottle py your hedt. Dot
+medticine is Doctor Smith's favorite prescription for dot disease. Und
+mit all dot you kicks. Vot more do you want?' 'Vell,' I say, 'I gan no
+more dake dot medticine. It makes me awful seek.' 'Now, Hans, dondt be
+so unreasonable. You pelongs to dot ped, und whoefer goes into dot ped
+dakes dot medticine. Dondt you see?' 'But I dells you dot I gan no more
+dake dot medticine. It vill kill me. If no oder medticine goes mit this
+ped, put me in some oder ped dot has a tifferent pottle, I cares not
+what it is.' But no, sir! dey keeps me in dot ped. So I spidts Doctor
+Smith's tam stuff into de slop bowl, und comes home so quick as I gan."</p>
+
+<p>"I could hardly credit Hans' story, and told it as a joke to an old
+school physician who was familiar with the hospital where Hans had been.
+To my surprise he did not seem to see any joke in it. 'Can it be
+possible,' said I, 'that Hans told the truth?' 'Well,' said he, 'in all
+but one particular I think that he did.' 'And what was that particular?'
+I asked. 'The card above his head did not have on it, 'Consumption,' but
+'Phthisis Pulmonalis.'"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>The Count Steps Over the Line.</p>
+
+
+<p>The Silver Cloud's crew, if we may so term it, had busied themselves in
+various ways, according to their several dispositions and bents of mind.
+Dr. Jones was occupied more or less of the time with the invalids, who
+came to him from far and wide. The most inveterate cases of chronic
+diseases constituted the bulk of his practice, and the cures that he
+made were truly marvelous. The patience and interest of the Count never
+flagged a moment. He continued at his post and interpreted for the
+Doctor with surprising fidelity. Dr. Jones was so pleased with him that
+he explained to his noble student every case for which he proscribed,
+told him the name of the drug and precisely why he gave it. Surely here
+was a model teacher and an ideal student.</p>
+
+<p>Let it not be inferred that our Doctor was infallible, nor that he
+always cured.</p>
+
+<p>"There are many cases that are incurable, Sir Count, and we must learn
+to know them almost by intuition. The causes of failure are numerous,
+but you will notice that they are always to be found in the physician or
+patient; never in the law of cure. If I be not able to apprehend and
+duly estimate the symptoms of a given case, I must, of necessity, fail
+to cure. Or if the patient be unruly, stupid, or willful, he must pay
+the penalty. Frequently, the case has been rendered incurable by massive
+dosage or surgery. My system cures all that is curable when
+intelligently applied. And you will notice that in some instances there
+is an absolute dearth of symptoms. You also observe that I give them a
+dose and tell them to return in a week or ten days. When they return
+they often exhibit a splendid crop of symptoms, and I experience no
+trouble then in finding the remedy. These cases usually have a history
+of suppressed eruption. At some time in their lives the itch, or eczema,
+or some other skin trouble has been driven into their system by
+external medicaments in the form of ointments, washes, etc. Lifelong
+ailments, over which the old school have no control, are the result. A
+large percentage of chronic diseases are due to this cause alone."</p>
+
+<p>And so, during their leisure hours, sitting in the Count's office, or
+peripatetically as they walked together in the park, the enthusiastic
+Doctor taught his willing and attentive pupil.</p>
+
+<p>"Just see those two inseparables!" cried Feodora to Mrs. Jones and
+Mattie, as they sat by the front reception-room window, looking out upon
+the park. The Doctor and Count were promenading before the great
+building, the former with head erect, hands extended before him,
+lecturing upon his favorite theme. The towering figure of the Count
+strode along beside him, hands clasped behind and head bent well
+forward, listening attentively to every word.</p>
+
+<p>"I do believe that my father will be so enthusiastic a convert to the
+Doctor's system, that he will get books and medicines and practice upon
+our poor people when you are gone," said Feodora.</p>
+
+<p>"And he could not do a better thing," answered Mrs. Jones. "I have known
+laymen who made very fine prescribers. The Count could do a vast amount
+of good with a set of books and medicines."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you can rest assured that he will do so," returned Feodora. "My
+father is a very benevolent man naturally, but was fast becoming a
+misanthrope when you came among us. I shall never cease thanking God for
+the northern gale that blew you here."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor shall I, dear Feodora," said Mrs. Jones, kissing her with great
+affection. "And I really dread the time when we must leave you. But you
+are improving so rapidly that we must go before many weeks."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to get well, but I do feel sorry to think of your going. But
+I do not give up ever seeing you again. You will go to the North Pole in
+a short time, and then return home. You will write me from there, both
+you and Mattie, and then my father and I will visit you and bring you
+home with us. You must spend a winter with us in our capital city. It is
+the most beautiful and gayest city in Europe in its season."</p>
+
+<p>"And you shall spend a winter in Washington," returned Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"I have never seen anything so beautiful as Washington," said Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>And so the friends chatted and cemented their acquaintance and
+friendship day by day, planning for future enjoyment of each other's
+society.</p>
+
+<p>The Count and Feodora were greatly interested in their account of their
+visit with the Barton family in Labrador.</p>
+
+<p>"By the way," said Mattie, "let's go up to Will's studio and see his
+painting of Jennie Barton."</p>
+
+<p>Feodora readily assented. "I have been longing for some time to see the
+interior of your beautiful cabin," she said.</p>
+
+<p>They slowly walked to the cage and mounted to the cabin, a distance of
+but fifty feet. They found Will at work upon a local landscape. He was
+delighted to receive the ladies, especially Feodora. "This augurs well
+for our sailing soon, Miss Feodora. And I cannot tell you how glad we
+all are to see you recovering so rapidly."</p>
+
+<p>"I told Feodora that you had made a fine painting of Jennie Barton. We
+have told her all about our visit in Labrador, and she wishes to see
+your painting of Jennie," said Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"I am only too proud to show it her," answered Will, and he removed a
+cloth from the painting that rested upon an easel.</p>
+
+<p>"What a sweet, lovely face!" exclaimed Feodora. "I have never seen
+anything sweeter in my life."</p>
+
+<p>Will hastened to assure her, though he flushed with pride, that it
+lacked very much of doing the fair Jennie justice.</p>
+
+<p>"There is something so good and pure in that face, that it rests one to
+look at it," said the fair Russian.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you accept it from me as a present?" asked Will.</p>
+
+<p>"O Mr. Marsh! would you really part with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall feel greatly honored if you will accept it from me. I intend
+painting another immediately. Whether I shall ever reach my ideal, I do
+not know."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear that you never will until you return to Constance House," said
+Mattie slyly.</p>
+
+<p>"Now Mattie, that is very unkind of you," cried Will with a well-assumed
+severity.</p>
+
+<p>Feodora thanked Will sincerely for his present, and declared that it
+should be hung in her room where she might see it the first thing in the
+morning and the last thing at night. "Surely nothing could be sweeter
+and more interesting than the romance connected with this lovely
+painting," said she.</p>
+
+<p>Professor Gray, meantime, had not been idle all these weeks. He and
+Denison had developed an affinity for each other, and spent many hours
+together, the former teaching the latter much of the geology, botany,
+etc., of the country round about. And with rod and gun they kept the
+Count's table well supplied with game. They also did much riding, and
+for many miles they became familiar objects to the inhabitants. The
+Professor made copious notes of all he saw of interest, intending it as
+subject matter for a future scientific work.</p>
+
+<p>And Fred busied himself with his music. He had discovered among the
+visitors at the castle a young Russian who spoke English tolerably well,
+and who was more than an ordinary violinist. They immediately formed a
+friendship, and daily sought each other's society. Fred became a great
+favorite among the local talent, and many were the concerts they held in
+the castle.</p>
+
+<p>Surely, for prisoners in a foreign land, restrained from going about
+their legitimate business, our friends were enjoying themselves
+wonderfully. The Count and Feodora were never so happy as when doing
+something calculated to enhance the comfort and pleasure of their
+guests. The days flew so swiftly by that the time for their departure
+was near at hand before they were aware of it. Feodora's recovery was
+uninterrupted, and she had gained many pounds of flesh. All
+apprehensions concerning her health had about disappeared. The Count
+continued his medical studies and investigations with unabated zeal and
+interest. The action of the infinitesimal dose was a knotty question. He
+could not deny the fact that they exhibited marvelous power over
+disease, but their immateriality staggered his faith at times, in spite
+of all that he had seen and experienced. But there came a time when he
+stepped over the line forever. He was "Born into the Kingdom," as the
+Doctor expressed it.</p>
+
+<p>There came a messenger at midnight one dark, stormy night, from a castle
+several miles distant. A letter to the Count from a certain Russian
+Prince, implored him to bring the American Doctor immediately to see his
+wife. The Count awoke the Doctor and told him that he would accompany
+him, if he would go; and he would esteem it a personal favor if he would
+attend the call.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, I will go," said Dr. Jones heartily, and he hastily prepared
+himself for the journey.</p>
+
+<p>The rain poured in torrents, and the heavy covered carriage in which
+they rode lumbered uncomfortably over the rough country roads.</p>
+
+<p>"You should introduce the horseless carriage into your country," said
+the Doctor as he bounced about upon his seat. "You would then agitate
+the subject of good roads."</p>
+
+<p>At last they reached their destination, and were hurried to the bedside
+of the suffering Princess. She was a woman of fifty-five, large and
+fleshy, sitting bolt upright in the middle of the bed. Her distress was
+terrible. The Doctor took the symptoms hurriedly as possible. They were:</p>
+
+<p>Violent palpitation of the heart. The bed fairly shook with the action
+of that organ.</p>
+
+<p>Expectorating large quantities of frothy blood.</p>
+
+<p>Breathing exceedingly labored; could not lie back in the least degree.</p>
+
+<p>Stomach and bowels enormously distended with gas; so much so that she
+could not lean forward at all.</p>
+
+<p>Eructations of gas in large quantities, which gave no relief; the least
+particle of food or drink excited these eructations.</p>
+
+<p>A very profuse cold sweat that saturated her clothing and bed.</p>
+
+<p>Great thirst, drinks little and often.</p>
+
+<p>Lower extremities restless, could not keep them quiet.</p>
+
+<p>Very nervous and despairing.</p>
+
+<p>Here was a terrible case, and the little Doctor studied it with the
+greatest possible care. He learned that the Princess had been an invalid
+for many years. She had taken vast quantities of crude drugs, and the
+time had come when her stomach rebelled and would tolerate no more
+drugging. The great physicians of Europe had been consulted, without
+permanent benefit. Her regular medical attendant, with his assistant,
+was now present. Dr. Jones was introduced to them, and such courtesies
+as were possible under the circumstances were extended by each. They
+gave such information as possible through the Count, and declared that
+the Princess must die within a few hours. They now stood powerless by,
+very curious and observant of everything the Doctor did.</p>
+
+<p>He had carefully written out the above symptoms, and now retired for a
+few moments with the Count to an adjoining room. The two Russian
+physicians were asked to join them, as a matter of professional
+courtesy.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a desperate affair," said the Count, "and I fear that your
+infinitesimals will do her very little good."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be so sure, Sir Count. You may see something to-night that will
+remove your last remnant of unbelief," returned the Doctor, as he turned
+over the leaves of a materia medica that he had brought with him.</p>
+
+<p>"There is undoubtedly organic disease of the heart, and other
+complications that I have not time now to investigate. I have the
+totality of symptoms before us, and I have found the remedy that covers
+them precisely." He read to the Count each symptom, and showed how
+exactly they were covered by the drug. Some degree of explanation of
+this was made the native physicians, but it was evidently something new
+to them which they did not at all comprehend.</p>
+
+<p>"And now let us hasten to administer a dose of this drug."</p>
+
+<p>They returned to the sick chamber. Dr. Jones from a small case vial
+dropped a single minim into a teaspoon and wiped it off upon her tongue.
+It seemed so simple and wholly inadequate a thing to do in this very
+urgent affair, that the Count and the two medical men could not repress
+their smiles.</p>
+
+<p>But the Doctor said, "Wait and you shall see the glory of God."</p>
+
+<p>Not more than three minutes later, the royal patient, who was sitting
+perfectly erect, eyes closed, suddenly threw up her hands and cried out
+in the Russian tongue, "My God! What have you given me? I'm drunk!" and
+fell back upon her pillow as if shot. She almost immediately began
+snoring as if sound asleep. The Prince, Count, and two physicians sprang
+forward in great alarm, and were about to raise her to her former
+sitting posture. But Doctor Jones said commandingly, "Let her alone! Do
+not touch her!"</p>
+
+<p>"But she is dying!" cried Count Icanovich.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear Count, she is sleeping beautifully. To awaken her now would
+be fatal. I wish all to leave the room but her nurse."</p>
+
+<p>Several moments later the Doctor followed them to the parlor. The Count
+was greatly agitated, and stepped up to him immediately as he entered.</p>
+
+<p>"How is she now, Doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sleeping as peacefully as a child."</p>
+
+<p>"And is it a natural, healthful sleep?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly so."</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor, you have conquered my last prejudice. The modus operandi of the
+action of your infinitesimals I shall never comprehend. But that they do
+operate, immediately, powerfully, and beneficently, I can no longer
+doubt. Now please let me see the vial from which you poured the
+wonderful drop that you gave Her Highness."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor complied, and the Count held the tiny vial to the light and
+read the label, "Cinchona Officinalis, 30x."</p>
+
+<p>The Prince also took the vial into his hand, looked at it with
+curiosity, and made a remark to the Count.</p>
+
+<p>"His Highness suggests that this must be a poison of fearful power,"
+said the Count to Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Please say to him that it is not a poison in any sense of the word. I
+could swallow every drop of it with perfect impunity," replied Dr.
+Jones.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could exceed the interest and curiosity of the two physicians.
+They looked at the vial and asked questions almost without number. The
+old familiar look of incredulity crept into their eyes when they came to
+an understanding of the immateriality of the dose. They were familiar
+with the dogma of "Similia similibus curanter," or "Like cures like,"
+and repudiated it at once. But they said nothing of it to the Prince or
+Count at this time. The Count again addressed Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"His Highness is lost in wonder at the magical effect of your medicine,
+and desires me to express his heartfelt gratitude and thanks."</p>
+
+<p>The Prince, with tears in his eyes, took the Doctor's hand, and said
+something to him in his own language.</p>
+
+<p>"He says that he can never repay you for what you have done to-night,
+and that you may command him for anything in his power," interpreted the
+Count.</p>
+
+<p>"Say to him that I am more than repaid for anything that I have done.
+Let him give all the glory to God."</p>
+
+<p>After ascertaining that the Princess still slept quietly, the Doctor and
+Count retired for the remaining hours of the night.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Farewell to Beauty and the Beast.</p>
+
+
+<p>The royal patient slept soundly until eight o'clock the following
+morning, or six consecutive hours. This was so entirely new and
+different from anything she had experienced for a very long time, that
+nothing could exceed her own and the astonishment of everyone who was
+acquainted with the facts. Long and painful had been her nights,
+sleepless and full of misery, unless under the influence of a narcotic.
+And, as we said before, she had reached a point where her system would
+endure no more of crude drugging. She always awoke unrefreshed and
+miserable from these unnatural, forced sleeps. So when she awoke this
+morning, refreshed and rested, her gratitude was boundless.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Jones received her grateful expressions with the simple, modest
+dignity that is characteristic of the good and intelligent the world
+over. He made now a critical examination of the heart, and found it
+incurably affected. And there were complications of the digestive
+organs, etc., that we need not stop to mention. He acquainted the Prince
+with the conditions he had found, and showed him why she could not be
+cured. But he assured his royal patron, that she might be kept
+comfortable, and her life indefinitely prolonged by treating her case
+symptomatically as occasion should require.</p>
+
+<p>He remained at the castle several days. In two weeks the royal lady who
+had been devoted to immediate death by that school of medicine which
+arrogates unto itself the terms, "Liberal," "Regular," and "Scientific,"
+walked in her garden!</p>
+
+<p>The effect upon the Count was past our powers of description. "Doctor
+Jones," he cried, "I am converted not only to your system, but to God! I
+realized, as I witnessed the astounding power of the infinitesimal dose
+in this remarkable case, the wisdom and goodness of our Heavenly
+Father. And I now say to you, that I am devoted to your cause, and I
+shall never rest until your school of medicine shall have free course
+throughout all Russia. And you can rest assured that the Prince's
+influence, conjoined with my own, will have sufficient weight at court
+to break down all barriers and opposition to the propagandism of your
+blessed system of medicine. This shall be my life work, and I only wish
+that you were going to stay with me. But I will not urge that point, as
+I know that you are pledged to prosecute your effort to reach the North
+Pole. You will succeed in that enterprise, and the world will ring with
+your praise. But far grander than all this is your simple, sublime faith
+in God, and in the beautiful law by which you are guided in the
+selection of the remedy in the treatment of the sick. I am a far better
+man, physically, morally, and spiritually for having met you."</p>
+
+<p>"If my visit to Russia shall effect the recognition of my school by your
+Government, I shall forever thank God for sending me here. This is
+probably the entering wedge that shall open Europe to us, and induce the
+inquiry and investigation that we crave. Let our system stand or fall
+upon its merits."</p>
+
+<p>And so the friends conversed and laid their plans for the introduction
+of the new medical system into Europe. The Prince also joined them in
+their plans, and his enthusiasm quite equaled that of the Count. Among
+other items, the two noble converts made arrangements to purchase a
+complete stock of books and drugs. Dr. Jones daily taught them the art
+of "taking a case," as he called it; or the examination of a patient and
+writing down the symptoms.</p>
+
+<p>The three months had expired and Feodora's condition was far above the
+danger mark. She was beautiful, rosy, and blushing, romping about with
+Mattie, like a great school-girl. So now the morning of their departure
+was set. The news was heralded far and wide that the great air-ship
+would sail upon a certain day if the wind were favorable.</p>
+
+<p>The morning had arrived, the wind was blowing within a point or two of
+north, and every preparation had been made for hoisting anchors. A vast
+concourse of people had assembled to witness their departure. The many
+friends of the voyagers were present in force, and they loaded them
+with presents, many of them very costly. Dr. Jones' practice had been
+lucrative beyond anything he had ever dreamed of. He found himself
+suddenly made a wealthy man. The gratitude of the people was boundless;
+and the simple-hearted man scarcely knew what to do with all the money
+that poured in upon him. So he caused a considerable portion of it to be
+distributed among the poor peasantry in the vicinity of the castle. He
+felt a great sense of sorrow as he looked upon the many faces that he
+had learned to love. But all was ready and he must away.</p>
+
+<p>"I have spent some of the happiest hours of my life with yourself and
+daughter, my dear Count, and truly hope to visit you again and enjoy
+your hospitality. Good-bye, and God bless you all."</p>
+
+<p>He had shaken hands with all those immediately about him, among whom
+were the Prince and Princess, and stepped with Mrs. Jones into the cage.
+It shot up to the engine-room, the anchors and cables were cast off, and
+the splendid globe, so long bound in chains to the earth, arose
+majestically into the blue vault above. Loud and mighty were the cheers
+that followed them. Silver Cloud, as if impatient at the long delay in
+Russia, rapidly ascended three thousand feet, and flew northward at
+tremendous speed.</p>
+
+<p>"Could deliverance have come to your house and mine more appropriately
+than from the skies, and in yonder silver chariot?" asked the Count of
+his two royal friends, while they stood watching the rapidly
+disappearing Silver Cloud.</p>
+
+<p>"The deliverance has not come to us alone, but to the suffering millions
+of Russia, Count Icanovich. And all through the faithfulness and
+earnestness of that modest, yet wonderful little man, Doctor Jones. But
+as he said over and over again, 'Let us give God all the glory,'"
+replied the Prince.</p>
+
+<p>The company, meanwhile, though much regretting the parting with their
+new found friends, yet were exhilarated with the idea that they were
+again rapidly rushing toward the object of their expedition. Their
+supplies of food, fuel, clothing, etc., had been fully replenished so
+far as was necessary, and nothing should now prevent their reaching the
+Pole at an exceedingly early date. This they were the more anxious to
+do, as the season was getting well advanced, and they desired to be out
+of the Arctic region before winter should set in. This was not a matter
+of so much concern to them, however, as it had been to all previous
+explorers of these frigid regions. The navigators of Silver Cloud had no
+frozen seas nor icebergs to contend with, and could soar above all
+clouds and storms. And the matter of temperature was of little
+consequence to them; for, as Will had said, the cabin was so constructed
+that frost could never penetrate its beautiful aluminum walls.</p>
+
+<p>So they were jubilant and happy. Even Sing&mdash;whom, by the way, we have
+shamefully neglected during the past three months&mdash;joined in the general
+hilarity, and treated them to many Russian dishes that he had picked up
+in the kitchen of the castle, where he had spent his time during their
+stay there.</p>
+
+<p>The wind continued all day from the south, so that by evening they
+sighted the city of Archangel away to their left. All night they sped at
+express train speed toward their destination. When they looked out in
+the morning from the balcony, the northern coast of Russia was
+indistinctly seen in the southern horizon, and they were again floating
+over the floes and bergs of Arctic seas.</p>
+
+<p>"We have crossed the 70th degree of latitude," said the Professor at
+breakfast. "We are heading directly for Franz Joseph Land. We should
+sight that island by noon at our present rate of speed."</p>
+
+<p>All expressed themselves as delighted at the marvelous performance of
+Silver Cloud, and Denison declared that he should never be contented to
+settle down to slow going terrestrial life again.</p>
+
+<p>"I move that we set out for the South Pole as soon as we get back to
+Washington," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"I second the motion!" cried Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know whether women have the elective franchise in this country
+or not," laughingly replied Dr. Jones. "At all events, let's get back to
+Washington before we plan any more expeditions. I do not doubt that the
+South Pole will be our next objective point."</p>
+
+<p>"Just imagine the American flag flying at the two poles of the earth!"
+cried Professor Gray. "What could be more appropriate and grander! I
+believe Denison's motion to be strictly in order. As to Mattie's
+second, I am for female suffrage, here and everywhere upon earth.
+Without it woman is but a slave, and can be but what her lord and
+master, man, permits her to be."</p>
+
+<p>"Hear! hear!" cried the ladies, clapping their hands.</p>
+
+<p>"What an old Bluebeard of a husband you have, haven't you?" said the
+Doctor to Mrs. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! you are fishing for compliments," she returned archly, "But I tell
+you, sir, that I have my eye upon you. Did you all notice how the
+Princess, Feodora, and a lot more of those Russian ladies cried over him
+when we were parting from them?" and she shook her finger at him from
+the lower end of the table, and tried so hard to look jealous and mad,
+and made so dismal a failure of it, that they all laughed heartily.</p>
+
+<p>And so they merrily chatted through the meal. The men then resorted to
+the smoking-room, and when all had lighted their cigars or pipes, Fred
+asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Which of the battles of the war of the great Rebellion do you consider
+to have been the hardest fought, Doctor Jones?"</p>
+
+<p>"Chickamauga is conceded by the majority of our historians to have been
+the most savagely contested of the great battles of the war. Something
+near forty per cent of the men engaged were killed, wounded, or taken
+prisoner."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you in that battle, Doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was."</p>
+
+<p>"I would be glad if you would tell us about it; that is, I mean, your
+own personal experiences."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," returned Dr. Jones, taking a look out of the window by which he
+sat, "we are spinning along at a rattling gait toward Franz Joseph Land,
+and I don't know that we can do any better than tell war stories to pass
+away time.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I told you that I was fifteen years old when I enlisted. The
+battle of Chickamauga occurred September 19, and 20, 1863, one year
+after my enlistment, so that I was a lad of sixteen at the time of the
+battle. You cannot presume that a boy would have seen much that would be
+of historical value, where all was horrible roar of musketry, booming
+of cannon, confusion, and blood-curdling yells of charging battalions.</p>
+
+<p>"The morning of September 19, 1863, dawned upon us beautiful and bright.
+I shall never forget that lovely morning. Throughout the rank and file
+of our army there was a feeling that we were upon the eve of a great
+battle; but we did not dream that the armies of Bragg and Longstreet had
+combined, and we were opposing from fifty-five thousand to seventy-five
+thousand men. But our confidence in our commander, General Rosecranz,
+was so great that we would have fought them just the same if we had
+known of the great odds against us.</p>
+
+<p>"Heavy skirmishing began quite early in the morning along the picket
+lines. This gradually swelled into the incessant roar of pitched battle.
+At about nine o'clock we were ordered to the front at a double-quick. We
+crossed a field, then into a wood where we met the fire of the enemy.
+Being a musician I was counted a noncombatant, and my duties during
+battle consisted in helping the wounded back to hastily extemporized
+hospitals.</p>
+
+<p>"So on we charged into the woods, already densely filled with smoke.
+Then the bullets flew swiftly about us, and men began falling along the
+line. I set to work helping the wounded to the rear. I had just been to
+the hospital with a poor fellow from my company, and hastened back to
+where I had last seen the regiment. They had made a flank movement to
+the left, but I, supposing that they had advanced and were driving the
+enemy like chaff before them, traveled straight on through the woods,
+and out into an open field. What a sight was there! Dead and wounded
+Confederates lay thickly strewn in every direction. I was really in what
+had just been the Confederate lines, and was in imminent peril of being
+shot or captured.</p>
+
+<p>"Several of the wounded spoke to me, 'O Yank! for God's sake, give me a
+drink of water,' I felt alarmed at my position, but I could not resist
+the appeals of these poor fellows. So I gave water to many from the
+canteens that I found scattered about the field. I spread blankets for
+others who asked me; dragged some of them into the shade, for the sun
+was very hot. And so I spent a considerable time among them, doing such
+little offices as I could. For these services they were very grateful,
+some of them calling down the blessings of heaven upon my head. I have
+always been glad that I incurred this risk of life and liberty for these
+dying men. But at last I felt that I dared not stop longer, and started
+to retrace my steps to the woods, when I heard a terrible wailing and
+moaning a few yards to my right. I rushed to the spot and saw a poor
+Confederate boy, about my own age, at the foot of a great poplar tree,
+in the midst of a brush heap, trying to spread his blanket. I did not at
+first see what the cause of his terrible outcry was. 'What is the
+matter, Johnnie?' I asked. He lifted his face to me, and I shall never
+forget the awful sight! A bullet had shot away the anterior part of each
+eye and the bridge of the nose, and in this sightless condition he was
+trying in the midst of the brush heap to spread his blanket and lie down
+to die! As he moved about upon his hands and knees the ends of the dry
+twigs, stiff and merciless as so many wires, would jag his bleeding and
+sightless eyeballs. I could not leave him in this condition, and so
+helped him from the brush heap to a smooth, shady place, spread his
+blanket for him, put a canteen of water by him, and then ran for the
+Union lines, not a moment too soon.</p>
+
+<p>"All day the battle raged with terrible fury until long after the shades
+of night had fallen. Indeed, the heaviest musketry I ever heard occurred
+some time after pitch darkness had completely enveloped us. My supper
+that night was a very plain one. A piece of corn bread, or hoe cake,
+that I had abstracted from the haversack of a dead Southerner, and a
+canteen of cold water constituted that simple meal. I really felt a
+sense of gratitude toward the poor Confederate, who had undoubtedly
+baked the corn bread that morning, little thinking that it was destined
+to be eaten by a miserable Yankee drummer boy. But such is the fate of
+war.</p>
+
+<p>"It had been very hot during the day, but the night was bitterly cold.
+There was a heavy frost that night, and under a thick blanket upon the
+bare ground, I slept by fitful snatches. Let me tell you, friends, that
+the most terrible place upon earth is a battlefield at night. The groans
+of the wounded men and horses are awful beyond anything I ever heard.
+All night I could hear their heartrending cries, but in the pitch
+darkness could do nothing to help them. How many times I thought of my
+far away northern home during that awful night. Should I live through
+the morrow? for the battle would certainly be resumed with the return of
+daylight. Should I ever see mother, brothers and sisters, home and
+friends again?"</p>
+
+<p>Here the Doctor sang softly and slowly part of the pathetic old war
+song:</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 15em;">
+"Comrades brave around me lying,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Filled with thoughts of home and God;</span><br />
+For well they know that on the morrow<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Some must sleep beneath the sod."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>The little party were deeply impressed, for the Doctor was a good story
+teller, and was himself much affected at this point.</p>
+
+<p>"The much longed for, yet dreaded, daylight dawned at last. It was
+Sunday morning. For some reason hostilities were not immediately
+resumed. The sun rose in beauty and splendor, warming our chilled bones
+and blood in a way that was exceedingly grateful to us. For a little
+time all was so quiet and still that it only lacked the sweet tones of
+church bells, calling us to the house of God, to have made us forget
+that we were enemies, and have induced us to rest from our fearful,
+uncanny works for this holy Sabbath at least. But no! soon the battle
+was on again with greater vigor, if possible, than ever. Before noon our
+flanks were completely routed; and, but for that magnificent man, the
+peer of any soldier of any nation or age, General George H. Thomas, it
+is doubtful whether I should be here now, telling my little story. While
+Rosecranz, whipped and beaten, fled to Chattanooga and telegraphed to
+Washington that everything was lost, and the Cumberland army a thing of
+the past, General Thomas, with a few thousand men, checked and held at
+bay this great Southern army, flushed with victory though it was. How
+the mighty host rolled and surged against this single army corps, but
+could not break nor beat them back. While Crittenden's and McCook's
+corps were completely routed and disorganized, Thomas with his 14th
+corps thus stood the brunt of battle, and saved the Army of the
+Cumberland from total annihilation. Well may we call him the Rock of
+Chickamauga!</p>
+
+<p>"My father was quartermaster-sergeant of the regiment and I saw him for
+the first time during the battle on Sunday morning. We were trudging
+along with the rout&mdash;for it could not be called <i>army</i> that Sunday
+afternoon&mdash;toward Chattanooga. We knew that we had sustained defeat, but
+we did not realize how desperate the situation was. A brigadier-general
+was passing us, when a private rushed up to him and asked, 'O General!
+where is the 87th Indiana?"&mdash;I think that was the regiment he mentioned.
+'There is no 87th Indiana. All is lost! Get to Chattanooga!' he
+shouted, and galloped toward the city, unattended by any of his staff.</p>
+
+<p>"'Did you hear that, John?' asked my father.</p>
+
+<p>"'I did,' I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"'Well, if you expect to ever see your mother again, you must do some
+good traveling now.'</p>
+
+<p>"As we had an intense desire to see her again we started down the road
+at a good pace. We distinctly heard the Confederate cavalrymen crying,
+'Stop, you blankety blanked Yankees!' But we felt that our business in
+Chattanooga, demanded immediate attention, and we had no time to spare
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"Passing a certain place, I saw General Thomas standing upon the brow of
+Snodgrass Hill, or Horseshoe Ridge, field glass in hand, intently
+watching the movements of the troops. I distinctly remember his
+full-bearded, leonine face, and little did we know that the fate of the
+Cumberland Army, or possibly of the Nation, rested upon that single man
+that terrible Sunday afternoon. What a mighty responsibility! But there
+he stood, a tower of strength, the Rock of Chickamauga indeed! With but
+a single line he repelled charge after charge of Longstreet's
+consolidated ranks.</p>
+
+<p>"And so we fought the most sanguinary battle of modern times, yet
+utterly bootless so far as immediate results were concerned. One hundred
+and thirty thousand men were engaged with a loss of nearly fifty
+thousand, or a little less than forty per cent. This battle should never
+have been fought. Rosecranz here lost his military prestige that he had
+so splendidly won at Stone's River. Thomas alone achieved on this field
+immortal glory, and was the one great hero of the occasion. The
+Confederates claimed it as a victory, but they should daily thereafter
+have asked a kind Providence to keep them from any more such victories.</p>
+
+<p>"The next day Thomas followed us into Chattanooga, and Bragg and
+Longstreet perched with their armies upon Lookout Mountain and
+Missionary Ridge. From these elevations they watched us with Argus eyes.
+Our supplies were completely cut off and we were soon reduced to the
+point of star&mdash;But here, you fellows are getting tired, and so am I. I
+will tell you about the siege of Chattanooga and battle of Missionary
+Ridge some other time."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Woman Locates the North Pole.</p>
+
+
+<p>Silver Cloud hastened on with the favoring gale from the balmy South. By
+noon the coast of Franz Joseph Land could be seen. They were now near
+the eightieth degree of latitude. During the afternoon they crossed that
+land of eternal winter. Monotonous mountains, hills, and plains of
+everlasting snow and ice wearied the eye, and caused a sense of
+seasickness and vertigo if looked upon too long. The Doctor had treated
+these symptoms in each as they occurred, and our friends had experienced
+but little of the inconvenience due to this cause that is suffered by
+most aeronauts. They had entirely lost their sense of insecurity and
+fear, and nothing could be more comfortable and pleasant than were the
+accommodations of the cabin of Silver Cloud, even in this exceedingly
+high latitude. And oh! those walks about the balcony of Silver Cloud!
+How invigorating and healthful! So vast were the proportions of the
+globe that there was no swaying, shaking, nor trembling ever
+perceptible. It was as if the splendid structure were a rock, and all
+the world a swift flying panorama far beneath them. Very strange and
+weird was the sight of the sun, traveling in one continuous circuit but
+a few degrees above the horizon, never rising nor setting during six
+months of the year. The atmosphere was particularly clear and frosty, so
+that as they promenaded the balcony, or sat in the observatory, they
+were obliged to don their beautiful sealskins, a complete outfit of
+which Count Icanovich had presented to each member of the company.</p>
+
+<p>All were exceedingly happy and jubilant. The wind continued very nearly
+as before, and within twenty-four hours, nothing preventing, they would
+stand at the coveted spot&mdash;the North Pole.</p>
+
+<p>At dinner time Franz Joseph Land was far behind them, and they were
+sailing over the dark blue waters of the Arctic Ocean, more or less
+filled with great floes and icebergs, illustrating to the voyagers the
+terrible perils and hardships through which Arctic explorers had passed,
+and amidst which so many of them had died.</p>
+
+<p>"What wonder," said the Professor, as he scanned the unnavigable seas
+with his glass, "that man has thus far utterly failed in his attempts to
+overcome these insuperable obstacles. Think of the cold, hunger, and
+awful wretchedness these poor fellows have suffered. And Doctor, see! Is
+not that a ship I see yonder? It is! It is!" cried the Professor
+excitedly, pointing to an object sailing in a bit of open sea, her nose
+pointing stubbornly toward the North.</p>
+
+<p>"We can hail them," cried the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>The upper and lower traps of the air chamber were opened, and Silver
+Cloud settled like a great roc toward the toiling little ship. They
+passed nearly directly over it, and at an altitude of but 300 feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Ship ahoy!" shouted the Doctor through a speaking trumpet.</p>
+
+<p>"Ahoy!" came from the vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you bound?"</p>
+
+<p>"North Pole!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sail due west twenty miles and you will find an open sea to the North.
+All closed ahead. Good luck to you! Good-bye!"</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sir! Good-bye!" came cheerily from the quarterdeck of the
+little ship, and they had passed beyond hailing distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor, brave fellows," sighed the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"They have reached an amazingly high latitude," said the Professor.
+"They have crossed the 83rd parallel, very nearly as high as Nansen got
+with his expedition last year."</p>
+
+<p>"I declare that I am sorry for them, and really dislike to take the
+glory of the discovery from them. But we cannot stop now, and it is
+utterly impossible for them to get there anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"They would have soon been shut in, and probably forever as they were
+heading," observed Will.</p>
+
+<p>North and east, as they could distinctly see from their elevation of two
+thousand feet, far as the eye could reach, all was one vast field of
+huge piles of ice, exceedingly rough and broken, with here and there
+towering spires that seemed to reach up toward the globe like grizzly
+arms that would prevent them from penetrating the secrets of the north
+that had been held for untold centuries.</p>
+
+<p>As the Doctor had informed the captain of the ship, away to the west was
+a certain amount of open sea, but it was of limited extent, and the
+prospects of the poor fellows getting much farther looked more than
+doubtful.</p>
+
+<p>"And what is to become of them if they cannot get through?" asked Mrs.
+Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot tell," returned the Doctor, "but the chances are that they
+will be crushed in the ice."</p>
+
+<p>"O dear, what a fate!" cried Mrs. Jones. "Can we do nothing for them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing at all, my dear. They are beyond our reach, and it is not
+likely that they would desert their ship if we could offer to take them
+with us. Such men are not easily turned from their purpose."</p>
+
+<p>"All we can do then is to pray that God will preserve them, and permit
+them to return safely home," said the sympathetic little woman.</p>
+
+<p>"And let us ask Him that this favoring gale may continue a few hours
+longer," added Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>There was no thought of retiring as the usual hour for doing so arrived.
+They all felt impressed with the thought that they were now looking upon
+scenes never before seen by mortal eye, and that they were very near the
+object of their journey. How their hearts warmed and palpitated with the
+thought!</p>
+
+<p>"We have crossed the 85th parallel," said the Professor, "and in six or
+seven hours will reach the Pole at this rate."</p>
+
+<p>"This is the Lord's doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes," quoted the
+Doctor with great fervency.</p>
+
+<p>Busy feet climbed and descended the spiral stairway many times that
+night, but could see nothing but a frozen sea in every direction. The
+wind blew from due south, and they were flying at tremendous speed
+directly toward the Pole as if drawn there by a great magnet. The cold
+was intense&mdash;the thermometer registering more than 60 deg. below zero.
+But as we said before, no wind was ever felt aboard Silver Cloud, and it
+has been ascertained that man can endure almost any degree of cold if
+it be quiet and still.</p>
+
+<p>At midnight they all sat down to a good substantial supper that had been
+prepared by Sing. The aroma of the coffee filled the little dining-room,
+and was grateful to the senses. How merry and happy they were! And they
+ate and drank with appetites that were very complimentary to Sing's
+cooking, and the faithful Mongolian was well pleased to see the food
+thus disappearing.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no place like the Arctics for getting hungry and giving food a
+relish. I declare that I have not eaten so since a boy," exclaimed
+Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"I really eat until I am ashamed of myself," said Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it agrees with you, Mattie," replied Denison. "Just look at her
+plump cheeks, and the beautiful roses upon them!"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I never saw you look so well as you do now," said Mrs. Jones,
+looking at her admiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"And I am glad that I can return the compliment," replied Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"I am of the opinion that a trip to the Arctics in Silver Cloud would
+cure any case of dispepsia in the world," said Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"What a wonderful stimulant coffee is," remarked the Professor, as he
+sipped a cup of that beverage.</p>
+
+<p>"I never realized that fact so much as when in the army," replied Dr.
+Jones. "After a long day's march we would get into camp so tired that we
+could scarcely move. We would start our camp-fires, and very soon after
+you could hear a musical clink, clink, clinking in every direction. It
+was the sound produced by the soldier boys, pounding their coffee fine
+in their tin cups with the butt of their bayonets. And the effect of a
+pint of that hot Government Java coffee was perfectly marvelous. It
+would almost instantly take the aching and tired feeling from the
+muscles, and we could have marched all night if necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot realize that this is midnight," said Mattie, as they stood
+upon the balcony, well wrapped in furs, looking over the vast fields of
+ice and snow. "One would hardly know when to get up or go to bed in this
+wonderful country."</p>
+
+<p>The time rapidly passed; they reached the 86th, 87th, 88th, 89th degrees
+of latitude, and the strain upon their nerves grew to be tremendous. The
+Doctor and Professor could not rest anywhere but in the observatory,
+glasses in hand. Each was pale with excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe that to be land ahead," said the Doctor, pointing to a high
+elevation directly before them.</p>
+
+<p>The Professor looked at it earnestly a few moments and replied:</p>
+
+<p>"It is, Doctor, and we have settled the fact that the North Pole is
+situated upon an island. The open sea at the Pole is a myth, as I always
+believed it to be."</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the party was notified of the fact that land was near at
+hand, and that very shortly the North Pole would be reached. So they all
+assembled upon the balcony, except Sing. That individual could not be
+enthused upon so small a matter as the discovery of the North Pole; and
+after washing the supper dishes and cleaning up the kitchen and
+dining-room, retired as unconcernedly as if nothing unusual were at
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>Rapidly and unerringly as a dart flew the beautiful ship to the place of
+all places upon earth to our exultant voyagers. Nearer and nearer grew
+the elevation before them.</p>
+
+<p>"We are within less than half an hour of the Pole," announced the
+Professor in a low constrained voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Glory be to God!" said Dr. Jones with great solemnity. "I never felt
+His presence more than at this moment. To Him be all the praise."</p>
+
+<p>"Amen!" responded every one of the little company.</p>
+
+<p>They were now passing over the island. They could see that it was
+several miles in diameter, and nearly circular in form. Almost exactly
+in the center arose a conical hill or mountain, about one thousand feet
+in altitude.</p>
+
+<p>"Upon the summit of that mount I am of the opinion we will find the
+North Pole," said Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"And we are heading directly for it!" cried Dr. Jones. "Just a few
+moments more, dear friends, and we shall have reached our journey's end.
+Now get ready to drop the anchor when Professor Gray gives the signal."</p>
+
+<p>Silver Cloud was lowered as they neared the mount. They were just over
+the summit at but fifty feet from the surface. The signal was given, the
+anchors dropped. At first they dragged upon the frozen snow, but soon
+the flukes caught in the crevices of the icy masses, and the great globe
+was securely anchored at the North Pole!</p>
+
+<p>They instantly prepared to descend in the cage. The cold was terrible,
+so much so that they could not have endured it at all but for provisions
+that Dr. Jones had made for this very event. Besides their splendid
+silk-lined and padded sealskin suits, he had brought a large number of
+Japanese fireboxes. The punks in these were lighted, and when all were
+very hot they were wrapped in flannels and distributed about their
+persons inside their sealskins. With this arrangement, Jack Frost's
+chances of nipping their persons were very slim indeed.</p>
+
+<p>The thermometer registered seventy degrees below zero. Having taken
+every possible precaution, the Doctor and Professor descended. Their
+feelings cannot be described as they stepped upon the solidly frozen
+surface, and realized that they were the first human beings who had thus
+stood upon the summit of the earth! After looking about a few moments,
+Professor Gray said:</p>
+
+<p>"We must settle the globe to the earth, and from the observatory I can
+make observations that will locate the Pole exactly."</p>
+
+<p>This was accordingly done. From the observatory with a sextant he made
+an observation every six hours, making allowance for the declination of
+the sun, meantime. This was an exceedingly delicate problem, but the
+Professor was fully equal to it. At the end of twenty-four hours he and
+the Doctor again donned their furs, stepped over the railing of the
+balcony and walked out upon the snow. The rest of the party had amused
+themselves while awaiting the Professor's observations by setting up
+little mounds of ice, upon what they guessed to be the spot where the
+learned Professor would declare the geographical pole to be. His mind,
+meantime, was too engrossed with the momentous business in hand to pay
+the least attention to their frivolities; and, utterly unmindful of the
+fur-clad figures that stood scattered about, each by its respective ice
+mound, he measured a certain number of lengths of a sharp pointed steel
+rod which he carried in his hand, directly to Mrs. Jones, and with a
+side swipe of his foot he swept aside her pile of ice lumps, raised the
+steel rod in both hands and drove it down with all his force just where
+the ice mound had stood, and cried with all his power in a fur-muffled
+voice, "The North Pole!" And Mrs. Jones jumped up and down as nimbly as
+her load of furs and fireboxes would permit, banged her great sealskin
+mittens together, and cried, "Goody! Goody! I guessed it! I am the
+discoverer of the North Pole! I always knew that a woman would be the
+first one there!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>The Planting of the Flagstaff.</p>
+
+
+<p>The whole of the party now shouted&mdash;Sing always excepted. That
+individual was strictly attending to his business in the kitchen during
+the excitement. They ran&mdash;or waddled, for they moved with difficulty,
+loaded as they were&mdash;to the spot where the two men and Mrs. Jones were
+standing. They gathered in a circle about the steel rod that marked the
+exact spot for which the boldest navigators and explorers have longed,
+and striven, and died by thousands during many decades of the past.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor broke out in his sonorous voice, the rest immediately joining
+him in the familiar doxology, "Old Hundred,"</p>
+
+<p>
+"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>When they had finished, at a signal from the Doctor, they all kneeled
+upon the icy pavement, and he offered up a fervent prayer of praise and
+thanksgiving for the preservation of their lives, and for the wonderful
+success that had attended their enterprise. Then in unison they repeated
+the Lord's prayer.</p>
+
+<p>And what could be more appropriate? The echoes first awakened in this
+ultra-frigid region by the human voice were praises to God in song and
+prayer. The ends of the earth had bowed the knee to the Father Almighty,
+and it seemed to the little band to be the beginning of the good time
+foretold, when the glory of God shall cover the earth as the waters do
+the face of the deep.</p>
+
+<p>"Now let us see what Sing has for breakfast, lunch, or whatever meal it
+may be. I have been so interested in our work the last few hours that I
+have paid no attention to time," said Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later they were seated about their dining table, and no
+happier company could be found in Christendom that day.</p>
+
+<p>"Did anyone note the time that we arrived here?" asked Will.</p>
+
+<p>"At 7 o'clock, 45 min., 20 sec., August 6, 19&mdash;, we located the North
+Pole, and planted our steel rod as marker thereof," replied Professor
+Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the next thing on the program, Doctor?" asked Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"We will immediately set about planting our aluminum flagstaff. We are
+liable to a terrible storm at any moment, and might be driven away
+before we had accomplished that important ceremony. It would possibly be
+months before we should encounter so favorable a gale again. Let us not
+rest until we have finished all we came to do, then away for home."</p>
+
+<p>"It is all very well to say 'Plant the flagstaff'; but how on earth can
+we possibly set up a 300 foot metal pole at this extremity of the earth,
+without derrick, blocks and tackles, or any machinery whatever?"
+returned Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll show you a Yankee trick in a short time," cried Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>They hurried through the meal and prepared again to go out into the
+terribly cold atmosphere. The fireboxes were again lighted and
+distributed about their clothing as before. All then went out and
+assembled again about the rod.</p>
+
+<p>"I must get through this crust of ice and see what depth of snow there
+is below," said the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>With the sharp-pointed steel rod he picked and worked several minutes,
+but made very little progress in the flinty ice.</p>
+
+<p>"Get a hammer, Denison," said he.</p>
+
+<p>The tool being procured, they hammered upon the upper end of the rod,
+and drilled as miners do in rock. After some time of this work the
+Doctor said:</p>
+
+<p>"This will never do. We have evidently a great thickness of ice to go
+through, possibly more than we can ever penetrate. We can do no work in
+these fur suits, and we should instantly freeze if we took them off. We
+must settle the globe upon this spot, then we shall be within the cabin
+and can throw off our coats and go to work. We have a big job on hand.
+Let's pull the ship over at once."</p>
+
+<p>The wind had subsided to a nearly dead calm, and it was remarkable how
+all nature seemed to be auspicious to the occasion. She had been forced
+to yield up her secrets, fast locked and frozen by the chill hand of
+Jack Frost so many centuries, and now seemed disposed to surrender them
+with a good grace. The globe was raised a few feet from the earth. Two
+of the anchors were carried to the opposite side of the Pole, and Will
+turned on the spring windlasses. Thus they easily drew the ship to the
+desired spot, and it was slowly settled down so that the "manhole," as
+they called the hole in the floor through which the cage operated, came
+directly over the steel rod, the rod standing precisely in the center of
+the manhole.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my hearties, furs off!" cried the energetic little Doctor. He
+doffed his own suit hurriedly, pulled on a pair of woolen gloves in lieu
+of the sealskin ones, pulled the steel rod out and laid it aside,
+grasped an axe and began chopping into the ice with all his might. The
+ice chips flew about the engine-room in a shower. He was soon obliged to
+stop for breath. Will shoveled the loosened ice out, then seized the axe
+and worked for a short time with the same spirit that animated the
+Doctor. And so by turns they kept the axe and shovel flying, making very
+rapid progress. They soon were too deep to use long-handled tools, and
+resorted to mallet and chisel, and a short-handled hand axe. Slowly and
+more slowly progressed the work as the shaft grew deeper. Finally the
+head of the man in the shaft disappeared below the surface, being now
+nearly seven feet deep.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall have to devise some plan for hoisting before long," said Dr.
+Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't we use the windlass?" suggested Denison.</p>
+
+<p>"So we can!" cried the Doctor. "The steel springs forever! Will never
+did a better thing than when he invented the spring power windlass. We
+may have to go twenty-five or thirty feet. But we will hoist by hand for
+awhile yet."</p>
+
+<p>They had reached the depth of between eight and nine feet, when Will,
+who was in the hole, shouted, "Hurrah! I've broken through!" and he
+tossed up a handful of snow.</p>
+
+<p>"Good boy!" cried the Doctor. "Now try with the rod and see if there be
+another layer of ice within reach."</p>
+
+<p>The rod, which was six feet long, was easily passed its full length into
+the underlying snow.</p>
+
+<p>"All right!" said Dr. Jones. "The flagstaff will settle sufficiently
+deep to hold it there forever. Fire up, Will. I want to rise forty or
+fifty feet above this hole."</p>
+
+<p>This was accomplished in a very few minutes.</p>
+
+<p>"Now let us get the foot of the mast precisely over that hole. I mean to
+let it drop from this height, and its weight will sink it 25 or 30 feet
+into the snow. That, with 9 feet of ice, will hold it for centuries. We
+will fill the space in the ice shaft about the foot of the mast with the
+ice chips that we have taken out, ram them down good and solid, then
+pour water in. This will instantly freeze, and all the gales that ever
+howled can never blow down the finest flagstaff that ever stood upon the
+face of the earth."</p>
+
+<p>The plumb-line was lowered and cables tautened here and slackened there
+until the butt of the great mast stood precisely over the shaft. The
+spiral stair had been so constructed that it nowhere touched the mast.
+At its entrance into, and exit from the globe, heavy collars connected
+the mast with the ship. These were removed, and a heavy trap door, upon
+which the foot of the flagstaff rested, was its only support. A massive
+bolt alone held the trap in place. Will and the Professor were by the
+ice shaft, watching the plumb-line. At a signal, the Doctor struck the
+bolt a heavy blow with a sledge, the trap fell, and the beautiful mast
+shot like a flash of lightning down through the frosty atmosphere,
+entered the ice hole precisely in the center, and sank to the depth of
+35 feet into the snow, which, added to the 9 feet of ice, made a footing
+of 44 feet for the towering flagstaff. The globe was again settled to
+the foot of the mast, the ice chips filled in and rammed solidly, the
+water poured about it, and their work was completed. The ingenuity
+displayed by the Doctor upon this occasion showed him to be a born
+leader of men, and the little band of associates so acknowledged to him
+upon the spot. Dr. Jones shut off their effusive demonstrations as
+quickly as possible. He did not appear to be possessed of any degree of
+love of praise; on the contrary, it always embarrassed and made him
+uncomfortable.</p>
+
+<p>"And now let us eat again," said Dr. Jones. "We must get away from here
+before we sleep."</p>
+
+<p>So they sat down to a hearty dinner, all tired and very hungry. But the
+coffee and smoking food immediately reinvigorated them, and they arose
+from the table anxious to complete their work and be off for home.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we rest a few hours, or go on with our celebration, and
+immediately sail for home&mdash;or wherever the wind may carry us?" asked Dr.
+Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"O, let us go on by all means! plenty of time for rest and sleep," was
+the unanimous decision.</p>
+
+<p>"All right," he replied. "That suits me perfectly. This good weather
+will not last long. The Arctics are subject to fearful and sudden
+storms, and we must be ready to go at any instant. Whatever we are to
+do, let us do quickly."</p>
+
+<p>"I think we should have a patriotic piece or two at the foot of the
+mast, and then our North Pole March. I have had in my mind that it would
+be fine to raise the globe up ten feet or so, and beneath it we will
+have our concert."</p>
+
+<p>"But how can we sing with our mouths all wrapped up in furs? We shall
+instantly freeze if we expose our faces to the cold. See, the
+thermometer now marks nearly 70 degrees below zero."</p>
+
+<p>It was Mattie who put this poser.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you the only thing we can do," said Will. "We have an
+abundance of coal oil. We will set all the pots, pans, and kettles
+aboard ship in a circle around the mast at a sufficient distance from it
+for our purpose. We will fill these dishes with coal oil, set fire to
+them, and within this charmed circle you may sing to your hearts'
+content."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, Will!" cried Dr. Jones. "You've struck it!"</p>
+
+<p>The globe was adjusted, the vessels of oil set in place, the oil
+instantly congealed, but Will had taken the precaution to place into
+each vessel several wicks. He lighted these ends, and in a little while
+the temperature in the circle rose very perceptibly. The organ was then
+brought down and placed by the mast. They threw back their hoods and
+sang America with deep solemnity and feeling. When they had finished,
+Professor Gray said:</p>
+
+<p>"I now propose that we have a speech from Doctor Jones. But first, three
+cheers for the projector of this glorious enterprise and discoverer of
+the North Pole. Hip, hip, hurrah!"</p>
+
+<p>These cheers were given with all possible zest and enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>"Friends and fellow citizens," began the Doctor, smiling good-naturedly
+upon them, "I sincerely thank you for your expressions of good will. I
+did not suppose that I was on the program for a speech. My heart is too
+full for utterance when I contemplate the fact that we now actually
+stand, safe, sound, and comfortable, at that spot so long sought by the
+bravest men of all civilized lands. That the world will receive us with
+open arms, and will heap honors and riches upon us, I do not for a
+moment doubt. But all this will do us no good, on the contrary, much
+harm, if we allow ourselves to become puffed up thereby, and cease to
+give to God all the glory and honor. As for myself, I am only proud of
+this achievement by so much as it shall prove a blessing to mankind. I
+believe that true happiness is found alone in working for others.
+Selfishness is the direct source of all the unhappiness upon earth, and
+is the chief or only difference between a devil and an angel. But I see
+that our fires are fast burning low, and I must hasten.</p>
+
+<p>"So by right of discovery, I claim this island for our great republic,
+the United States of America; and its name shall be, owing to its
+position upon the top of the earth, Summit Island!"</p>
+
+<p>This speech was received with great applause. Fred then struck up on the
+organ the music of the North Pole March. The company began to circle
+about the mast, keeping step to the inspiring notes and singing the four
+parts. By the time this music was ended the fires were nearly burned
+down and the temperature within the circle lowered rapidly. The vessels
+were hastily gathered up and all entered the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>As they were about to hoist the anchors, Professor Gray said:</p>
+
+<p>"I am not perfectly satisfied as to the location of our pole being
+exactly correct. And, to tell you the truth, it has been demonstrated
+that the Pole is not a fixed, unchangeable spot, but really swings about
+in a circle, varying from six to thirty feet in diameter, just as the
+upper end of the stem of a spinning top does when it begins to run down
+or lose its momentum. Now I am positive that our flagstaff stands
+within this circle. But I would like, by another very satisfactory
+experiment, to verify the one we have already made. It will require
+another twenty-four hours."</p>
+
+<p>"By all means, Professor," answered Dr. Jones, "do so. Let us do
+everything possible to establish the fact that we are scientifically
+correct in our location of the Pole. What would you have us do now?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain what I intend doing, and then we will understand and we
+can work intelligently together. I wish to photograph the stars directly
+above our heads. If we were here during the winter season, when the sun
+was below the horizon, we could see the stars distinctly with the
+unassisted eye. But from March 21st to September 21st we cannot do that
+because of continuous daylight. Now you are probably aware that looking
+up from the bottom of a deep well or shaft in the daytime, the stars are
+visible, even in the sunlight. And that is what I purpose doing."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, and where is your shaft that you intend looking up through?"
+inquired Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>The Professor significantly laid his hand upon the zinc tube which
+enveloped the flagstaff. "O ho!" cried the Doctor, "why did not I think
+of that?"</p>
+
+<p>We should have explained before that the spiral stairs ran up between
+two zinc tubes, the one six feet in diameter, and the other two feet in
+diameter. The latter surrounded the mast, and after the globe should
+rise from the flagstaff this tube would indeed be a shaft two hundred
+feet in depth, or two hundred and ten feet, for it extended to the top
+of the roof of the observatory.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, the burners were lighted, the globe arose until the ball of
+the mast was just below the level of the floor of the engine-room. Upon
+looking through the tube after all light had been excluded from the
+engine-room, a bright star could be seen shining down upon them with
+resplendent brilliancy.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Will," cried Professor Gray, "I wish you could go up and lower a
+plumb-line from the exact center of the top of the shaft. I want to see
+if our tube stands perpendicularly. If it does, and the plumb-line
+points straight through the center of it to yonder star, then we are at
+the exact spot we seek."</p>
+
+<p>The line was lowered, and after a little adjustment of the cables, the
+lower end of the plumb-line passed through the exact center of the tube.
+The Professor ran his eye up the line and smiled with satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at it, Doctor," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that is wonderful!" cried Dr. Jones. "Look at it Fred, Denison.
+The line runs precisely in alignment with the star."</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said Professor Gray, after all had verified this last
+statement, "let's not lose a moment's time. Get your camera out. We want
+a twenty-four hours' exposure through our shaft, and photograph that
+star. If we be exactly at the Pole, it will describe a perfect circle
+upon the sensitive plate. If we are not so located, the line upon the
+plate will form an ellipse."</p>
+
+<p>The camera was set as suggested by the Professor, and then the party
+retired for the night. We say "night," but the reader will constantly
+bear in mind that this term is not used with reference to daylight or
+darkness, simply to the clock, or time of day.</p>
+
+<p>There was an absolute, dead calm during the following twenty-four hours
+after Will had set the camera. Nature was so extraordinarily kind to Dr.
+Jones during the time that we almost tremble for our reputation for
+veracity as we record the last-mentioned fact. Any swaying of the globe
+by the wind would have effectually prevented anything like a good
+negative being made. But the globe remained in the exact position, the
+atmosphere in the hot air chamber being kept up sufficiently so that a
+steady strain was maintained upon the four cables. At the end of the
+time mentioned the Professor examined the negative with a magnifying
+glass, and pronounced the test perfectly satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p>The globe was lowered down the mast for the last time. Denison and Will
+ran out and loosened the anchors Slowly the ship then glided up the
+beautiful mast. The flag, which had been wrapped about the small upper
+end of the staff to prevent injury being done it while passing through
+the tube, was shaken out at the moment it left the floor of the
+engine-room. Its fastenings to the peak had been made doubly secure, and
+it was tenderly manipulated through the final opening by loving hands.
+The whole company involuntarily shouted at the inspiring sight. The
+ship was lowered as it moved away, and the patriotic voyagers were
+treated to a side view of the most beautiful, thrilling sight upon
+earth&mdash;the American flag flying at the North Pole at the peak of the
+loftiest flagstaff ever erected! Well might their hearts swell with
+pride and their voices break forth in songs of triumph and praise. The
+Star Spangled Banner! Emblem of Liberty! How exquisitely meet that it
+should be thus planted forever at the summit of the earth, a terror to
+tyrants, and a never-failing beacon of Light and Freedom to all people
+of the world!</p>
+
+<p>The Professor pointed out certain conformations of the mountain's
+summit, and said: "This island is of volcanic formation, and this
+mountain an extinct volcano. Yonder flagstaff stands upon the center of
+a crater that has been filled with many centuries of ice and snow. At
+some future time I hope to return prepared to penetrate this coat of
+mail and determine, if possible, whether Summit Island has ever been the
+habitat of any form of life, animal or vegetable."</p>
+
+<p>Professor Gray had made such observations by the aid of instruments as
+should be of interest to science. This he did while the others were
+sinking the ice shaft, and during the time of the photographing of the
+star.</p>
+
+<p>They were straining their eyes from the observatory to catch the last
+glimpse of "Old Glory," when a sudden storm gathered about the island,
+and it was shut out from view. They involuntarily cast their eyes up to
+its former place, and they realized that Silver Cloud had been
+dismantled of her chief beauty and glory.</p>
+
+<p>"This will never do," exclaimed Dr. Jones. "Silver Cloud is like a bird
+of paradise with its tail feathers all plucked. We must replace that
+pole and flag as soon as we return to Washington."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems like a cruelty to leave them in such a fearful place," said
+Mrs. Jones. "Think of the awful storms that will gather and howl around
+them for ages."</p>
+
+<p>"They will outlast them all, praise God!" replied the Doctor. "As a
+'Government of the people, for the people, and by the people shall not
+perish from the earth,' so shall our flag and staff defy all the Arctic
+storms that ever blew."</p>
+
+<p>Then they descended to the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it is about time to see which way we are heading," said the
+Professor. "We are pointing straight for Alaska, as nearly as I can
+judge," he said a few moments later.</p>
+
+<p>All retired but Dr. Jones. He said that he really preferred to sit and
+rest awhile before going to bed. So he sat for several hours, looking
+occasionally at the barometer, thermometer, etc. Toward morning he
+called Denison to "take the helm," as he jocosely termed it.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.</p>
+
+
+<p>Will had not neglected to take numerous photographs of Summit Island,
+the flag and staff; and with his kodak he had stepped outside the circle
+and taken a "shot" at them as they circled about the mast, protected
+from cruel Jack Frost by a wall of fire, as they awakened the echoes in
+these hyperborean regions in the lively strains of North Pole March.</p>
+
+<p>He exhibited this photograph to them on the following day, and all were
+delighted with it.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I wish you would give me several of these, Mr. Marsh!" cried
+Mattie. "I wish to give them to my friends."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have all you want of them, Mattie, upon just one condition,"
+he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"And what is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't call me Mr. Marsh again on this trip. No formalities should be
+allowed among the Children of the Skies."</p>
+
+<p>"Agreed, Mist&mdash;Will," replied Mattie, gaily. "You may put me down for
+one dozen on those terms."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, won't they be a sensation, when we show them in Washington?" said
+Will, viewing the picture critically. "I really think I will make it the
+subject of an oil painting."</p>
+
+<p>"And I want that painting at any price, if you will ever sell it," cried
+the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"I will paint one for each of the company&mdash;except Sing. That apathetic
+heathen would not care half so much for it as he would for a highly
+colored chromo."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be so hard upon poor Sing. I am sure that he would be just
+delighted with one of those paintings," said Mattie.</p>
+
+<p>"Call him in and let's see. If there is a particle of the aesthetic
+about him, I have failed thus far to see it," declared Will.</p>
+
+<p>So Mattie called Sing from the kitchen. He looked so neat in his white
+apron and cap that Will began to fear that he had slandered the poor
+fellow. He was shown the photograph, and Mattie said:</p>
+
+<p>"You sabe that picture, Sing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, me sabe."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>Sing grinned a moment as he looked slyly around upon, the company, and
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Allee samee makee foolee lound flagpole."</p>
+
+<p>All roared with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"That is about what we did, and no mistake," said the Doctor, wiping his
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Sing," said Mattie, looking her very pleasantest at the wily
+Mongolian, "I have called you in to prove that you heap likee pretty
+things. Now, you would likee a pretty oil painting, big picture, allee
+samee that?" pointing to the photograph.</p>
+
+<p>Sing's face was a picture of indifference, and he said,</p>
+
+<p>"Me no care."</p>
+
+<p>"What! not care for beautiful oil painting?" cried Mattie, desperately,
+seeing Will's eyes twinkling with fun and triumph. "Well, there is
+something in the world that you think pretty, isn't there Sing?"</p>
+
+<p>"O, yes!" promptly replied Sing, his face breaking out in smiles, "me
+tinkee Miss Mattie heap pletty. Me heap likee Miss Mattie."</p>
+
+<p>This open avowal of admiration was more than Mattie had bargained for,
+and she blushed furiously. The whole party clapped their hands and
+laughed, while Will fell upon the floor and rolled about in an ecstacy
+of fun and laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't I tell you, Mattie, that he was an incorrigible case?" cried
+Will, as he assumed a sitting posture on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"And do you mean to say that Sing has no taste at all, simply because he
+admires me?" said Mattie very severely.</p>
+
+<p>"O, no! Mattie. I really admire Sing's taste, and acknowledge that I
+have shamefully abused the poor fellow," said Will, rising to his feet.
+"But the way he turned the tables on you and made you blush is the best
+fun I have seen on the trip."</p>
+
+<p>And so they indulged in light hearted conversation, music, reading,
+painting, chess, etc., as they sped over the frozen seas, homeward
+bound. Toward evening a strong north wind set in and the Professor
+declared that they were heading straight for the mouth of the Mackenzie
+River.</p>
+
+<p>"In two or three days we shall be in the United States if this gale
+continues," said the Professor. "We are traveling at tremendous
+speed&mdash;nearly sixty miles an hour."</p>
+
+<p>"I only hope that it continues, for I do not doubt that the friends have
+long since given us up as dead," replied Dr. Jones. "We have been gone
+now nearly four months, and have had no opportunity to communicate with
+them since we left. What a glorious time it will be when we get back and
+tell them how easily and comfortably we accomplished our object."</p>
+
+<p>And so they enjoyed many an hour in anticipation of their reception by
+friends who were mourning them as lost forever. And they were assured of
+hearty expressions of admiration from a generous public. And the
+Government would make proper acknowledgments.</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor," said Fred in the evening after dinner, "I wish you would tell
+us about the siege of Chattanooga, and Battle of Missionary Ridge and
+Lookout Mountain."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," returned the Doctor. "If agreeable to all, I don't mind
+spinning a war yarn. Let me see; I left off at our entrance into
+Chattanooga. Well, Bragg's army was sitting upon the surrounding hills
+and mountains, watching us with eagle eyes. They cut off our lines of
+communication and supplies, and we soon began to feel the pangs of
+hunger. I saw stalwart men upon their hands and knees in the mud hunting
+for grains of corn that had rattled from the army wagons into the road.
+I saw horses in a battery adjoining my regiment gnaw nearly through
+great oak trees in the torments of hunger. And when they were fed their
+miserable pittance of corn, guards were necessary to keep the gaunt,
+hungry men from stealing it from the perishing brutes.</p>
+
+<p>"Desertions became exceedingly frequent; so much so that nearly every
+roll-call noted one or more missing from each regiment. What with
+sickness, deaths, and desertions, our ranks were becoming rapidly
+decimated. A council of war was held. General Sheridan, commanding at
+that time the 2nd division, 4th army corps, volunteered to make an
+example of two captured deserters in one of his regiments. His offer was
+accepted, and a morning or two later the whole army was notified to
+witness the execution of these deserters. Such extremities had not been
+resorted to for simply running away home (for they had not attempted to
+desert to the enemy), and we could not believe that they would be shot.
+But we did not know Phil Sheridan.</p>
+
+<p>"Who could have dreamed on that morning that this trim little man, who
+sat his horse like a centaur as he watched with critical eye the
+carrying out of the horrible details of this double execution, was soon
+to take rank among the greatest generals in the world's history?</p>
+
+<p>"At the appointed time we gathered informally in a great mass in an open
+plain south of the town. The brigade to which the doomed men belonged
+was formed into the three sides of a hollow square, two ranks, open
+order. Two graves were dug in the fourth side of the square, and there
+the execution was to occur. Soon were heard the unearthly wailings of
+Dead March in Saul, played by a brass band. Behind the band were two
+coffins in a hearse, draped in black. Following these walked the
+condemned men, surrounded by guards with fixed bayonets. The firing
+party brought up the rear of the procession. They marched slowly around
+the three sides of the square between the silent ranks, finally reaching
+the graves and upon the edge of each was set its respective coffin. The
+two men were marched up beside the coffins, and who can imagine their
+feelings as they thus looked down into their deep, cold graves, where
+they were to lie a few moments later, until the trump of God should
+resurrect their dishonored dust to stand before his dread tribunal! One
+would have thought that under these awful circumstances they surely
+would have cried to God for mercy! One of them did; and kneeling near
+his coffin the poor wretch received the last rites of the church of
+Rome. But the other scornfully refused the consolations of religion in
+any form, and cried out a few moments later, as he sat blindfolded upon
+his coffin and heard the ominous clicking of the cocking of the muskets
+that he knew were aimed at him, 'Boys, take me there!' Accompanying
+these words he tore open the bosom of his shirt, exposed his bare
+breast, and a moment later each fell upon his face to the ground&mdash;a
+corpse! Thus ended the most tragical event I ever witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>"And so the weary siege dragged on. We made a night descent upon the
+enemy in boats. They were encamped upon the river a few miles below
+Chattanooga, where they effectually cut off our communications with
+Bridgeport. We attacked them in the blackness of a very dark night, and
+completely routed them. This opened up communications with our base of
+supplies, and our rations were greatly increased from that time on.</p>
+
+<p>"On the morning of November 23d, a little before noon, the 3d division
+of the 4th Army corps, the one to which I belonged, was ordered into the
+open plain that lay between us and Missionary Ridge. Here we deployed
+into line of battle. Sheridan's division followed and formed on our
+right. The eleventh corps, commanded by General O.O. Howard, massed in
+the rear. Then followed the 3d division of the 14th corps, General Baird
+in command, while the 1st division of the same corps, under General
+Johnston, stood at arms in the rear of the center in the intrenchments.</p>
+
+<p>"From their aerie upon the surrounding hills the Confederates
+complacently viewed the magnificent pageant, mistaking it for a grand
+review. So secure were they in their apparently impregnable positions
+that we carried Orchard Knob and captured nearly the whole picket line
+before they realized that we were not dress parading. And so, under the
+immediate eye of General Grant, who stood upon Fort Wood, a very
+commanding position, from which he could see every man of us, we carried
+two miles of the enemy's first line of defense. Probably a more
+inspiring sight was never seen by mortal eye. Upon us were the eyes of a
+whole city, many of our own comrades, and tens of thousands of brave and
+vigilant enemies.</p>
+
+<p>"So we rested upon Orchard Knob that night, having taken thus the
+initiative in the great battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.
+That night was a busy one all along the lines of both armies. Mystic
+signs were written upon the skies all night by the signal corps of each
+army. Hooker upon the right was preparing to assault Lookout Mt. We of
+the center spent the night strengthening our line of breastworks upon
+Orchard Knob. Sherman, on the left, succeeded in crossing the Tennessee
+River before morning in small boats with two divisions of his army, the
+remaining two divisions crossing early in the day upon a hastily
+constructed bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"And the Confederates were equally active. All night long their signal
+torches were working upon the mountain and hilltops. The Southern
+commander, General Bragg, evidently considered Lookout Mountain
+impregnable, and withdrew many troops from that point, concentrating
+them upon his extreme right, in anticipation of Sherman's attack.</p>
+
+<p>"Lookout was enveloped in dense fog the first part of the following day,
+which enabled Hooker to dispose of his troops from that point as he
+desired, preparatory for attack, with little or no opposition. At eleven
+o'clock the fog began to lift, the attack commenced, and to us below was
+unveiled one of the grandest, most soul-stirring exhibition of courage
+and love of country ever witnessed! Thousands of blue-coated boys
+pressed their way up the steep slopes of this mighty mountain, in spite
+of the desperate resistance of a foe well worthy of their steel. Well
+might we below raise a great shout of exultation and sympathy. The guns
+of Wood and adjacent forts thundered out salvos of praise and
+encouragement. On they went, step by step, until far into the night, and
+achieved that victory that immortalized every man of them. The following
+morning we beheld 'Old Glory' proudly waving from the great barren rock,
+Point Lookout, and it seemed as if we should burst the very skies with
+the shout that went up from thousands of loyal throats.</p>
+
+<p>"While Hooker and his boys were thus making one of the most glorious
+pages of history, Sherman had completed preparations for an assault upon
+Bragg's right wing. Nearly all day on the 25th, the third day of the
+battle, Sherman vainly endeavored to turn the enemy's right flank. They
+were strongly entrenched, and hurled the Union forces down the slopes of
+Missionary Ridge time after time, though the assaults were made with the
+utmost courage and determination. Grant, Thomas, and Sheridan, from
+Orchard Knob, watched these desperate efforts upon the part of Sherman.
+He was sent all the reenforcements that could operate, and Baird's
+division was returned because there was not room for them to
+participate.</p>
+
+<p>"All day long we of the center of this great battle line had stood at
+arms, watching the grand spectacular movements of the two wings,
+expecting momentarily to be ordered forward. The sun was getting well
+down the western slope when we received the signal from Fort Wood to
+charge the lower line of works at the foot of Missionary Ridge. This we
+did easily, but the cross-fire from the second line midway up the Ridge
+was so galling that the position was untenable. One of two things must
+be done: retreat or carry the Ridge. The first alternative I do not
+think occurred to anyone, for they leaped the breastworks, and in spite
+of the enemy's utmost endeavors and natural obstructions, the second
+line in a few moments was ours. But not a moment did they stop, and in
+an incredibly short time the Ridge was carried, the captured artillery
+wheeled about and was pouring shot and shell into the fleeing ranks of
+the enemy!</p>
+
+<p>"As the visitor now stands and contemplates the acclivities, and
+considers what it meant to charge such a foe so well fortified, if he be
+a Bible student, he will be reminded of the case of the Edomites. They
+were the direct descendants of Esau, and inhabited Mount Seir. This
+mount is an immense pile of rock in the southern part of Palestine. Here
+the Edomites dug out their homes in the solid rock, and so fortified
+themselves that they were the Gibraltar of ancient times. From these
+mountain fastnesses they made predatory incursions upon their neighbors,
+and for ages easily repelled all efforts at reprisal. And so they came
+intolerably insolent, and feared neither God nor man. But one day
+Jeremiah prophesied of them: 'Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and
+the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the cleft of the rock,
+and holdest the height of the hill! Though thou shouldst make thy nest
+as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the
+Lord.'</p>
+
+<p>"He is but an indifferent reader of history who does not see the hand of
+Almighty God displayed upon the side of Liberty and Union throughout all
+this tremendous war. Even so great a man as W.E. Gladstone, the 'Grand
+Old Man' of England, said that the eighteen millions of the North could
+not subdue the eleven millions of the South. But he did not know that
+the edict had gone forth from the court of Heaven that these who
+arrogantly held the height of the hill must come down from thence. And
+so we fought and won this grandest battle of the war&mdash;and perhaps of the
+world."</p>
+
+<p>Here the Doctor paused and looked around upon his audience. He had
+worked himself into a fine glow as these splendid reminiscences passed
+before his mind. To his horror he found his hearers fast asleep, except
+the Professor, and his eyes were winking and blinking suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you are not an interested lot of fellows!" cried Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>Fred roused at this juncture and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, Doctor. That is the most thrilling story I ever heard."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you really think so?" asked the Doctor very sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>"O yes! Doctor, I assure you that I heard every word of it."</p>
+
+<p>"And what was I just talking about?"</p>
+
+<p>"Um&mdash;ah&mdash;O yes, I remember. It was where the two deserters were sitting
+on their coffins and were just about to be shot. I want to hear that
+out," and Fred looked the picture of anxiety and interestedness.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you, though!" snorted Dr. Jones. "If I served you right, I would
+drop you through the manhole, just to wake you up."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Things Material and Spiritual.</p>
+
+
+<p>The wind continued all night as last noted, and Silver Cloud, without a
+tremor or swaying motion of any kind, was scurrying across the barren
+wastes of the Arctics at marvelous speed. At noon upon the second day
+from the Pole, Professor Gray took an observation, and announced that
+they then were at latitude 68 deg., 20 min., longitude 120 deg. 16 min.,
+West Greenwich.</p>
+
+<p>"We are about crossing the Arctic circle. We are just above the barren
+grounds north of Great Bear Lake," said the Professor. "Shortly after
+breakfast to-morrow morning we will cross the northern boundary of the
+United States at our present speed."</p>
+
+<p>"What great body of water is that I see ahead?" asked Denison a little
+later.</p>
+
+<p>"That is Great Bear Lake," replied Professor Gray. "See how the
+vegetation begins to show up."</p>
+
+<p>The weather was superb, and the lake lay calm and smooth beneath them as
+a mirror. While they were tearing through the skies at express train
+speed, their elevation being a little over 3,000 feet, they could
+plainly see through their glasses that small birch trees and evergreens
+upon the banks were nearly motionless.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you see an illustration of my theory," cried the delighted Doctor.
+"Here are we in a gale; below, scarcely a breath of air is stirring. It
+did not work in Russia, and we were obliged to anchor. But I shall
+regard that as a providential affair and shall stick to my theory. I
+would not for anything have failed to plant the good seed which we left
+there. Great good will come of it, and it may be the commencement of a
+general recognition throughout all Europe of God's great law of cure. If
+so, I shall count that as of infinitely greater importance than the
+location of the North Pole."</p>
+
+<p>The wind veered to the northwest toward evening, and a consultation of
+the map showed that they were heading precisely as they wished to. On
+the following morning, they crossed what the Professor informed them was
+the Lake of the Woods.</p>
+
+<p>"Before noon we shall be well into Northern Minnesota. We are peculiarly
+favored upon this trip. It is very doubtful whether we would encounter
+so many favorable gales in any number of future trips."</p>
+
+<p>"We are not home yet, Professor, and we may have an opportunity to test
+the Doctor's theory as to air currents," said Will.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after breakfast a further change in the wind occurred, and they
+found themselves going due east. They watched through their glasses the
+foliage below, but could see no difference in the direction of the lower
+atmospheric stratum.</p>
+
+<p>"We will go as we look for a time," said the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"What do I see yonder!" cried Denison. "A train of passenger cars, sure
+as you live! That must be the Canadian Pacific."</p>
+
+<p>"It is," replied Professor Gray. "And away to the south, you see Lake
+Superior. We are passing along its northern coast."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't those little settlements look beautiful!" said Mrs. Jones. "See
+the little white church yonder with its tiny spire! It just seems to me
+as if I should like to stop and attend service in that pretty little
+church."</p>
+
+<p>"See the people rushing out to look at us!" observed Dr. Jones. "Suppose
+we lower to within a few hundred feet of them, and give them a good
+sight at the ship."</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly Silver Cloud settled rapidly as it neared the little town.
+They crossed the village at a height of about 500 feet. They could see
+that the people were terribly frightened. Some were lying upon the
+ground as if dead; others were upon their knees with their hands
+stretched toward the globe that glistened like a star in the sunlight.
+Many were rushing screaming into their houses. A few could be seen
+fleeing from town, afoot or horseback, at the top of their speed.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be alarmed, good people," shouted Dr. Jones. "We are only
+aeronauts who have been to the North Pole. Good-bye!"</p>
+
+<p>"I won't do that again," said he. "Some of those people may die from the
+effects of this fright. But here we are again for home."</p>
+
+<p>Silver Cloud had again mounted skyward and encountered a splendid breeze
+from the north. A few moments later the blue, crystal waters of Lake
+Superior were undulating beneath them.</p>
+
+<p>"Just see the shipping!" ejaculated Denison. "I sailed to the upper end
+of this great lake to Duluth, twenty-five years ago. Then but few
+steamers came up so far, and not many sailing vessels except those in
+the iron and copper trade. Now see them in every direction! I am
+astonished at the amount of traffic on these lakes."</p>
+
+<p>Only those who have been away from their native land, and especially if
+their travels have extended over the barren wastes of the extreme north,
+can fully appreciate the immortal Scott:</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 15em;">
+"Breathes there a man with soul so dead<br />
+Who never to himself hath said;<br />
+'This is my own, my native land!'"<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>They traveled so rapidly over Upper Michigan that by evening they were
+across the strait of Mackinaw. Then the wind lulled to a ten-mile breeze
+and veered a point or two easterly. The great pine forests below were a
+cheerful contrast to the illimitable fields of ice and snow and
+uncultivable lands which they had so lately traversed. The farms and
+villages grew thicker every hour and their twinkling lights were
+pleasant sights to the voyagers as the night came on.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, all being tired from a long day of sightseeing, they
+gathered in the little smoking-room for their usual evening chat. For
+some reason, this time the conversation took a turn not unusual among
+creatures who have to do with two worlds, the spiritual and material.</p>
+
+<p>"I would like to ask you, Dr. Jones," said the Professor, "if you ever
+encountered, or had any experience with what you were positive was
+supernatural?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have," answered the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Doctor, I confess that I never saw or heard anything in my life
+that could not be explained upon natural principles. It is not that I am
+especially skeptical, but my life has been spent in the study of things
+material, and the laws that govern them. So it may be that I have not
+been in a state of mind to apprehend spiritual phenomena, as I might
+otherwise have done. However that may be, I am very desirous of hearing
+a relation of your experiences on that line."</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing, Professor Gray," replied Dr. Jones, "that I am more
+positive of than that we are constantly surrounded by, and in actual
+contact with, spiritual forces. And further, that if we were but in a
+receptive condition, or were in the attitude toward God that we should
+be, we might, like Elisha's servant, see the hosts of the Lord camping
+upon the hills round about us. But my individual belief would be of no
+value if not based upon experience.</p>
+
+<p>"The first thing I ever saw that I recognized as purely spiritual in its
+character was at the deathbed of a four year old boy. I was myself at
+this time but twelve years old, but I received an impression that I can
+never forget. I was standing at the foot of his little bed, his father
+and mother and three or four brothers and sisters were ranged along the
+sides and by his head. He was gasping in the last struggle with the grim
+monster, when he suddenly threw his hands toward the ceiling and cried
+out in a clear, strong voice, 'O papa! see there!' His little face that
+had been so distorted with suffering lightened up with the glory of the
+better world. His arms gradually sank to his side, and he was dead. But
+that heavenly smile remained upon his face long after death. One may
+explain away this glory-burst through the eyes of a dying child, calling
+it hallucination of a fevered or diseased brain if they will, but to me
+it was a revelation of spirit land.</p>
+
+<p>"A few years ago I was permitted again to get a glimpse of the pearly
+gates, and this time it was the hand of a sweet little girl who lifted
+aside the veil for her sorrowing friends and myself. She was in the last
+extremity with diphtheritic croup. Her face was bloated and blue-black
+with suffocation. Her eyes were nearly bursting from their sockets,
+glassy and staring; and her face, always so sweet and beautiful, was now
+distorted so that her mother could not endure the sight, and cried in
+her agony, 'My God! is this my little Bertha? I cannot believe it!'
+Bertha, in her expiring effort for breath, had raised upon her knees in
+bed, when suddenly, as in the other case, she raised her hands, her face
+illumined with the 'light that is not seen upon sea or land,' and she
+said in a strong, clear whisper&mdash;for her vocal cords were so involved in
+the diphtheritic membranes that her voice was gone completely&mdash;'O mamma!
+I see Jesus!' The ecstasy lasted a moment or so, and then I laid her
+back upon the pillow&mdash;dead! Here again is an opportunity for the
+agnostic to cavil and reject such evidence. But of one thing you may be
+sure: If he derives as much pleasure from his unbelief as I do in
+believing, then he is a very happy man.</p>
+
+<p>"And now I will relate what to me was still more startling and wonderful
+on the line of spiritual evidence or experience. I practiced medicine a
+few years in the Sierra Mountains, California. I was called one
+afternoon to see a patient in a mining camp some twelve or fifteen miles
+away. I rode a faithful, sure-footed little mare, and chose a short cut
+over a dangerous mountain trail. I had a deep ca&ntilde;on to cross, and was
+coming down into it on my return, when night set in. It became so dark
+that I could not see the trail, but fully trusted my little mare. I
+dropped the reins upon her neck and let her choose her own way and gait.
+We were on the most dangerous part of the trail, where it was not more
+than twelve or fifteen inches wide, and upon my left hand was a black
+chasm, some fifty or seventy-five feet deep. I was singing a hymn as
+unconcernedly as I ever did in my life, when suddenly something said to
+me, 'Get off that horse!' I did not stop to reason or ask questions, but
+promptly threw myself off on the right side and stood a moment by the
+animal, not knowing what the meaning could be. It was not an audible
+voice that had spoken to me, yet it was none the less distinct and
+unmistakable. I stood two or three minutes thus, waiting for further
+developments. Then I stepped down in front of Mollie&mdash;as I called the
+mare&mdash;into the trail, and started to lead her. I did not dare to get
+into the saddle again, though I could not imagine what was coming next.
+I had not proceeded ten feet, when I came to an exceedingly steep pitch
+in the trail. I had gone down this pitch but a few feet when something
+held me and I could go no farther. I nearly fell over the obstruction
+which I felt holding my legs. I reached down and found a heavy wire
+drawn very tightly across the trail, just above my knees. You will never
+know the feelings I experienced at that moment. I saw in an instant that
+my Heavenly Father had interposed and saved me from a violent death."</p>
+
+<p>"What was that wire, and how came it there?" asked Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"It was a telegraph wire. The pole on the opposite side of the ca&ntilde;on had
+been washed from its footing, and was hanging by its full weight from
+the wire, thus drawing it very taut across the trail."</p>
+
+<p>"Could not this warning which you received be accounted for from a
+psychological standpoint?" asked Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"I will answer your question by asking another: If we reject the
+spiritual side of man's nature, then we have nothing left of him but the
+material. Now I ask you as a physicist, what is there in the laws
+governing matter that could in any degree account for the phenomenon
+that I have just related?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," answered the Professor.</p>
+
+<p>"That is right, Professor. And I prefer to recognize the hand of God in
+this, and to believe that He exercises a special care over his children;
+that not a hair falls from the head of one of his believing children
+without the Father's notice. It is so much better to simply trust and
+believe. Nothing is so detestable as the spirit of skepticism abroad in
+the land to-day. The ministry itself is more or less permeated and
+honeycombed with the abominations called 'Higher Criticism,'
+'Evolution,' etc. They would have us believe that the Bible is filled
+with interpolations, and that wicked men and devils, careless
+translators or copyists have been allowed to destroy to a very great
+extent the validity of that book. Now I simply take this stand: God has
+created you and me, and has endowed us each with an immortal principle
+which we call soul. He has placed us in this probationary state and has
+set before us two ways: The straight and narrow way that leads to
+Eternal Life, and the broad way that leads to Eternal Death. In order
+that we may know His will and so be able to fulfill the conditions of
+salvation, He has given us the Holy Bible. He is responsible for the
+validity of that book, and we may defy all the smart Alecks and devils
+in the universe to invalidate a single essential word of it. The gist of
+the whole matter reduces to a simple syllogism.</p>
+
+<p>"The major proposition is: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou
+shalt be saved.</p>
+
+<p>"The minor proposition: I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.</p>
+
+<p>"The conclusion: Therefore I am saved.</p>
+
+<p>"This is my faith, and He is able to keep that which I have committed
+unto Him, Bible and all, till that day. I have given you several
+experiences that are not to be lightly explained away, nor scoffed aside
+by skepticism. I could relate you another still more wonderful
+experience, one on a par with Saul's conversion as he went to Damascus
+to kill the saints. I refer to my own conversion. But I think that you
+have had enough for once."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me ask one question further, Doctor," said the Professor. "As we
+have disposed of the psychological hypothesis in explanation of the
+source of the impression that you received upon the trail, and which
+without doubt saved your life, we must accept the spiritual. I wish to
+ask, then, if it might not have been the spirit of a departed friend who
+thus warned you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir!" replied the Doctor with great emphasis. "Departed spirits
+have no such functions. On the other hand, we are told that 'He giveth
+His angels charge concerning thee to keep thee in all thy ways. They
+shall bear thee up in their hands lest at any time thou dash thy foot
+against a stone.' And again: The angel of the Lord encampeth round about
+them that fear Him, and delivereth them. Also: Are they not ministering
+spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation?
+It means infinitely much to be the child of a King. Angels to bear us up
+in their hands and to minister unto us if we will but comply with the
+terms. So there is no need of spooks, wraiths, and ghosts of departed
+men in our lives. God gives us all the light necessary. He lighteth
+every man that cometh into the world."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Doctor, there is still another difficulty that I think you have
+not met or settled. I have acquaintances that I know are sincere in
+their belief that they receive communications from departed friends.
+They are people who do not accept the Christian faith, and you have
+established the fact, from a biblical standpoint, that He giveth his
+angels charge over those who are Christians, or heirs of salvation. If,
+then, the spiritualist receives communications from the spirit world,
+and they come neither through angels nor departed friends, from whom do
+they come?"</p>
+
+<p>"The Devil!"</p>
+
+<p>"What!"</p>
+
+<p>"The Devil, or one of his legions of imps."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, Doctor, but how is one to know whether his communications be
+from a good or evil spirit? How, for instance, do you know whether your
+communication which warned you of the wire across the trail was from an
+angel or devil?"</p>
+
+<p>"That question is not worthy of you, Professor Gray. In all the history
+of this poor, sin-cursed world, the Devil never did one kind act to a
+human being. He never wiped away a tear of sorrow, or mitigated a
+heartache or pain, nor ever will. Jesus settled that matter when the
+Jews accused Him of casting out devils through the prince of devils,
+Beelzebub. If Satan be divided against Satan, his kingdom cannot stand.
+When Satan warns one servant of God of danger, and saves him from death
+his kingdom will fall. But say, let's to bed. We must be out by daylight
+in the morning."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Familiar Scenes and Faces.</p>
+
+
+<p>Silver Cloud was wafted by a gentle breeze to the center of Lower
+Michigan. For two or three hours after sunrise there was nearly a dead
+calm. Then a brisk breeze from due east arose, and they started for Lake
+Michigan at a great speed.</p>
+
+<p>"This will never do," said Dr. Jones. "We will go down and get fresh
+supplies and the morning papers. There lies a good-looking town a few
+miles west. We will anchor there. Stand by the anchor, boys."</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments Silver Cloud, with her characteristic swiftness,
+descended upon the town, and soon was safely anchored to several large
+trees in the center of it. It proved to be the thrifty little town of
+L&mdash;&mdash;r, of between three and four thousand inhabitants. Silver Cloud was
+drawn to within fifty or sixty feet of the earth, and the voyagers
+rapidly descended in the cage to the main street.</p>
+
+<p>That all the men, women, and children crowded to the vicinity of the
+globe, and that our friends were the cynosure of thousands of wondering
+eyes will be readily believed. And the glistening sphere that gently
+oscillated in the breeze above the city excited the unbounded
+astonishment and praise of all. Newspaper reporters gathered eagerly
+about the party, and plied them with questions concerning their trip and
+adventures. All, of course, were acquainted with the facts concerning
+their sailing from Washington four months previously, and a few of them
+had witnessed that notable event. The travelers were informed that they
+had been mourned as lost for many weeks past, and Government was fitting
+out a party to seek them as soon as possible. The general opinion was,
+that the globe had collapsed or exploded, and that the foolhardy
+explorers had all perished in the forests of Upper Canada. This was the
+accepted theory, and nothing could exceed the severity with which the
+editors of the papers politically opposed to the administration censured
+it for the extravagance and all-round idiocy of the whole "Aluminum
+Bubble Scheme," as they termed it. Dr. Jones was voted a lunatic, and
+the balance of the party was commiserated in the "Ahs!" and "Dear me's!"
+and "Poor things!" of the whole nation.</p>
+
+<p>And we can well imagine that the telegraph wires were kept busy that day
+all over the land. And the papers which in their previous issues had
+inveighed so cuttingly and mercilessly against the Government and Dr.
+Jones, and everybody in any way connected with the Aluminum Globe
+Bubble, now came out in flaming double headings, under telegraphic
+dispatches and in editorials, sounding the praises of Dr. Jones and
+company in unbounded terms of commendation. They had always predicted
+their speedy and triumphant return, so they had, etc.</p>
+
+<p>Telegrams and phonograms poured in upon them until they were really
+unable to attend to them. Very numerous were the offers of engagements
+to Dr. Jones and Professor Gray for a course of lectures at liberal
+prices.</p>
+
+<p>"I was satisfied, Professor, that we should stir them up," said Dr.
+Jones, perspiring and glowing with the excitement and hurry, "but I did
+not look for this avalanche. I would rather be off into our native
+element, the deep blue sky, than to be smothered in this fashion."</p>
+
+<p>"Keep cool, Doctor," replied Professor Gray. "You may as well get used
+to being lionized, for you will get no end of it at Washington."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Professor. I'll do the best I can, but I really do not enjoy
+so much of it. Suppose we give the people a reception at the Opera
+House."</p>
+
+<p>"O good!" cried Mattie. "And let's give them a concert. We can render
+them an hour of music that I am sure will please them very much."</p>
+
+<p>"Good girl!" shouted Fred, who was always in for anything in the line of
+music and innocent pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>All instantly agreed, and the town and neighboring places were informed
+of the fact of the intended reception that night. All necessary
+preparations were made, and it is needless to say that the building was
+packed to its utmost limits long before the appointed hour.</p>
+
+<p>At eight o'clock the curtain raised, and our friends marched upon the
+stage and sang in their best form an anthem of praise and thanksgiving
+to God. All were in the pink of health, free from all carking cares and
+vanities of life, and they sang as if inspired. Such singing had never
+been heard by the audience; and this fact, added to the romance
+connected with the occasion, carried the thousands of listeners
+completely off their feet. The encore that went up at the conclusion of
+the piece was tremendous beyond description. Nor would the excited
+audience cease an instant until our friends had rendered another song.
+Then Dr. Jones stepped forward, and raising his hand to invoke silence,
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Your mayor will now address a few words to you."</p>
+
+<p>The mayor, a typical aldermanic looking person, advanced to the front of
+the stage and began a set speech after the stereotyped fashion. He was
+thoroughly imbued with the idea that the navigators of the great
+aluminum ship had premeditatedly visited their important city before
+going on to Washington, and it was no matter of surprise to him that
+they had done so. He thanked them, however, etc. He was discussing the
+landing of the Pilgrim Fathers and was evidently wound up for an hour,
+and the audience was beginning to move restlessly. A low murmur of
+disapprobation ran through the house as the untimely, uninteresting
+speech dragged its weary length, when a gallery god cried out: "Did you
+bring that thing from the North Pole, Dr. Jones? Trot it off and give us
+some more music." The audience received this shot with shouts of
+laughter and approval, and they did not stop until the crestfallen mayor
+backed off the stage.</p>
+
+<p>An hour was then spent in solos, duets, quartettes, choruses, etc. Then
+Dr. Jones made a speech of a few moments' length, in which he gave an
+account of the leading incidents of their wonderful trip. He especially
+dwelt upon the planting of the aluminum flagstaff at the North Pole, and
+when he assured them that the flag of our Union, as they sat in that
+comfortable opera-house, was flying at the peak of that superlatively
+splendid shaft at the very apex of the earth, the emotions of the
+assemblage could not be restrained, and they broke forth in thunders of
+applause.</p>
+
+<p>Their return to the ship was a triumphal procession. The streets were
+packed with people who waited to see them ascend to their cabin.</p>
+
+<p>Early the following morning the wind had shifted to the northwest, and
+the anchors were hoisted immediately. How beautiful the little town and
+surrounding country appeared to the aeronauts in the early morning light
+from their one thousand feet elevation.</p>
+
+<p>"I had no conception of the beauty of this world until I saw it from the
+balcony of the Silver Cloud," observed Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"There is but one trouble in this beautiful world, and that is with its
+inhabitants," replied Dr. Jones. "We should have the restoration of Eden
+immediately if all men would but serve God and observe the Golden Rule.
+Not another tear or sigh would ever be seen or heard again upon earth.
+But O the pity of it! Man, willfully blind, goes stumbling on through
+the short span of life, blighted and blighting everything about him with
+unbelief. Full of misery and heartaches here, he goes into Eternity to
+stand at the bar of God, naked and undone, and hears the fearful
+sentence, 'Anathema Maranatha!' or 'Cursed and banished from God!' And
+all this in the lovely world that lies spread out before us this morning
+like the primitive Garden of the Lord, fresh as it came from His
+bountiful hand. It fills my soul with sadness when I think of our
+infinite foolishness. I do not wonder that Jesus wept over Jerusalem."</p>
+
+<p>The whole company were assembled upon the balcony, and drew in long
+inspirations of the balmy morning air.</p>
+
+<p>"What a panorama!" cried Mrs. Jones. "I am forever spoilt for living a
+terrestrial life again. We are Children of the Skies, and those low
+vales are well enough for those who are contented therewith. But this is
+our native element!" and she spread her hands toward the upper blue.
+"Why, if I were to be confined to that humdrum existence again, I should
+be like&mdash;like&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"&mdash;a fish out of water," suggested Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"Now that is real mean," pouted Mrs. Jones. "I was trying to give
+expression to the inspiration excited by this lovely scene in the form
+of poesy, but you have spoilt it all with your prosaic comparison."</p>
+
+<p>"I am just too sorry for any use at all," returned Fred, looking
+anything but regretful. "But, really now, Mrs. Jones, how could you
+possibly express the idea better?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are moving straight for Washington," said the Professor, consulting
+a map in his hand, "and at this speed we shall not be far from it at
+bedtime to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"We can prepare ourselves for a grand reception," remarked Denison. "The
+good people of L&mdash;&mdash;r gave us an earnest of what we may expect."</p>
+
+<p>"It is rather pleasant to be lionized, but we shall be obliged to draw
+the lines somewhere," said Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"We can always retreat to Silver Cloud when tired of being interviewed,
+wined, and dined," interposed Will.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's plant another flagstaff at the South Pole, Doctor," cried Mattie.
+"I never feel so well as when afloat upon this boundless sea."</p>
+
+<p>"Well done, Mattie," returned the Doctor, patting her on the head. "What
+a bold little navigator you have grown to be! And boundless sea is quite
+poetic, too. But as to starting immediately for the South Pole, I do not
+think we can do so. Perhaps we may, however, and you can rest assured
+that this sort of life suits me amazingly. I shall favor sailing for the
+South Pole at the earliest practicable moment."</p>
+
+<p>"One thing is certain, and that is, that if we are to be the first to
+reach the South Pole, we cannot put the expedition off too long," said
+Will. "Others will imitate us and get there before us if we give them
+time. We must sail within a few weeks at farthest."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," assented Dr. Jones. "But let us see what Sing has for
+breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>So they entered the dining-room and ate with appetites known to but few
+terrestrials. And why shouldn't they? Their sanitary environments were
+perfect; their minds were free from all worldly cares. Ennui and
+monotony were entirely unknown aboard Silver Cloud, because of the
+constantly changing panorama of land and sea. There were no heartaches
+nor burning envies among them, for all were pure-minded and lived as
+God's children should live the world over. Why shouldn't they be plump
+and pure and clean, inside and out? "We have all outgrown our clothes,"
+as Dr. Jones expressed it.</p>
+
+<p>It was a busy day aboard ship. The whole country was on the lookout for
+them. The Doctor lowered to within five or six hundred feet of the
+earth, and the cries of the multitudes that gathered in every town and
+country corner continually rang in their ears.</p>
+
+<p>"Detroit lies directly in our course. Do you see it yonder?" said
+Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"O yes!" cried Mrs. Jones. "I am glad that we shall get a good view of
+the beautiful city of Detroit. Away to the left is Lake St. Clair, isn't
+it?"'</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered the Professor, "and that is the Detroit River. There is
+the city. Across upon the opposite side is the city of Windsor. Just see
+the crowds of people! We are being well advertised by telegraph."</p>
+
+<p>The squares, streets, and housetops of Detroit were black with people.
+Such cheering was never heard in that city as when Silver Cloud
+majestically passed over it. The guns of the fort below the city poured
+out thundering salutes of welcome.</p>
+
+<p>"The poor, dear people!" said Mrs. Jones. "I am so glad that we can give
+them a few moment's pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet we have done nothing marvelous," returned Dr. Jones. "We have
+only made use of one of God's laws, and without any hardship or special
+exertion, have been to the North Pole and back through the kindness of
+Providence, who furnishes us with extraordinarily favoring gales. The
+people, as well as ourselves, should give all the glory to God."</p>
+
+<p>"You are too modest by far, Doctor," replied Professor Gray. "You may as
+well prepare yourself for unstinted praise and honor. What you have done
+is simple and easy enough now that it has been accomplished; but it is
+the conception of the idea, and courage and faith that you have
+exhibited, that the world will honor. It was precisely so with
+Christopher Columbus. To cross the Atlantic was a comparatively easy
+affair after he had led the way. You may as well prepare yourself to
+stand in the niche beside the discoverer of America. You are in for it,
+sir, and I am exceedingly pleased that you are. For I know that you are
+worthy of these honors, and will not become spoilt and puffed up
+thereby. Accept my heartfelt congratulations, Doctor Jones," and the two
+shook hands cordially.</p>
+
+<p>"And mine," said Denison, also shaking the Doctor's hand. So they all
+expressed their spontaneous and sincere respect for the hero of the
+expedition who had so evidently excited the praise and honor of the
+entire civilized earth. The little man was deeply affected.</p>
+
+<p>"I should be but an arrant humbug to affect to despise the honor that
+the world seems disposed to bestow upon us. I say us, for I cannot and
+will not take it all to myself. I may have been the originator of the
+idea, but I could have done nothing without your co-operation, dear
+friends. But this is very unprofitable conversation. Let's talk about
+something else. There's my old duck pond, Lake Erie. Scores of times
+have I sailed from one end of it to the other; and hundreds of times
+have I bathed in its limpid waters. There is no spot on earth that I
+love as I do beautiful, historic Lake Erie."</p>
+
+<p>This was the grand and peculiar feature of Dr. Jones' character&mdash;an
+utter disregard for his own aggrandizement and self-interest, and a
+sincere desire to make everybody about him happy and comfortable. And,
+underlying it all, was a sublime faith in Almighty God. These three
+essentials make the great man: modesty, unselfishness, and faith in God.
+Anyone is great who possesses them, and no one is great who lacks either
+of them. If the reader has not gathered that Dr. Jones' character was a
+most happy combination of these cardinal virtues, then we have in no
+degree done him justice. And while he was kind and loving to all about
+him, yet he was terribly severe with the incorrigibly mean and vicious.
+If he had a great fault, it was in this particular. No one could be more
+loving and tender with a penitent; but the stiff-necked and haughty, the
+oppressors of the poor, were an abomination unto him.</p>
+
+<p>"I used to fear that I was too savage when I came into contact with such
+people," said he; "but one day, while reading the 15th Psalm, I received
+a flood of light upon the subject. This psalm begins by asking: 'Lord,
+who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?' In
+enumerating the qualifications of such person, the psalmist says: 'He
+that contemneth the evil man, but he honoreth them that fear the Lord,'
+Now that word 'contemn,' for the first time, attracted my special
+attention. I had read it scores of times, but had never realized how
+strong a term was here used. No stronger is to be found in the language.
+It means to despise, detest, spurn, etc. I was startled, but I was at
+the same time glad. I could not help it, but I always did despise and
+detest a man who would grind the face of the poor, or who would keep
+back the wage of the laborer. Not that I would judge him, or take
+vengeance upon him; and I must forgive him and receive him as my brother
+when he repents. But until he does turn from the evil of his ways, and
+does his best at making restitution, I can do a jolly good job at
+'contemning' him."</p>
+
+<p>The blue south shore of the lake soon became visible. A more entrancing
+picture than that of Silver Cloud floating swiftly over the great lake,
+so thickly dotted with steamers and sailing vessels, cannot be imagined.
+The exhilaration of the occupants as they looked from their commanding
+altitude upon this delightful scenery was extreme. Many adjectives are
+used in describing the scenery and experiences connected with this
+notable voyage, but language is far too feeble to do the subject full
+justice.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor pointed out the various islands, lakeports, etc., with all of
+which he was perfectly familiar. The wind became more westerly, and they
+passed into Ohio away to the east of Cleveland.</p>
+
+<p>"I would have been glad to have stopped a little while at Cleveland,"
+said Dr. Jones, "but we must hasten on while the wind is favorable."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it absolutely necessary that we take Silver Cloud to Washington?"
+asked Denison. "Suppose the winds should be contrary for a considerable
+time, could we not anchor, and Professor Gray, the ladies, and yourself
+take the train for the Capital?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and we will do that if necessary. But I much prefer that we sail
+there together. It would then look as if we could come and go as we
+liked, and give some degree of color to my theory, that we can find any
+current we wish by hunting for it."</p>
+
+<p>"That is all right in America, but doesn't hold good in Russia, Doctor,"
+said Will, laughingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, sonny," good-humoredly replied the Doctor. "All rules have
+their exceptions, and we happened to strike a full-grown, lusty one that
+time. But I shall always be thankful that my rule failed for once. I
+think more of the seed I sowed there than I do of our planting the
+flagstaff at the North Pole."</p>
+
+<p>The wind continued very brisk, a little north of west, and the ship was
+heading considerably north of Washington.</p>
+
+<p>"We are pointing straight as a gun barrel for New York City," said Will,
+who was consulting a map.</p>
+
+<p>"New York is considerably east of Washington," remarked the Doctor,
+looking over the map with Will. "I will tell you what we will do. If the
+wind continues as it now is we will go on to New York and await a
+favorable wind. What do you all think of that proposition?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing could be more appropriate, since we must anchor, than that it
+should be at the metropolis of America," answered Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>So it was agreed that they should make New York their next anchorage if
+possible. Along in the afternoon they were near the center of
+Pennsylvania and were approaching a large town. The people were
+evidently looking for them, for immense crowds could be seen gathered in
+many places.</p>
+
+<p>"I think that I will send a telegram from here to the mayor of New York
+that we will try and make that city to-night. At what time should we
+arrive there at our present speed?" he inquired of Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>The Professor consulted his watch and map a moment, and replied, "About
+eight o'clock this evening, Doctor."</p>
+
+<p>The telegram was written accordingly. Silver Cloud descended to within
+four hundred feet of the earth, and when over the center of the city,
+the Doctor leaned over the balustrade and shouted, "Will you please
+forward this message for me?" As he said this he dropped the message,
+wrapped about a silver half dollar. One of the thousands of willing
+hands caught it, and a voice answered, "Aye, aye, Doctor Jones!"</p>
+
+<p>"They all have your name, Doctor. You are the best known man in America
+to-day. And I doubt if there is one in the world so much talked of as
+you are," said Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"And that just shows how small a matter makes one famous. A few months
+ago I was an humble, inconsequential country doctor. My greatest delight
+and ambition at that time was to find the indicated remedy, and see the
+sick recover. And I declare to you now, that while I enjoy this racing
+through the skies, and the roar and acclamation of the multitudes, yet
+all these are but secondary and insignificant to my mind, when compared
+with that other great ambition of my life&mdash;the recognition by the
+medical world of the fact that there is an immutable law of God for our
+guidance in the selection of the remedy for the sick. And my daily
+prayer now is that my Father will keep me humble, so that he can use me
+to this end. For I tell you, friends," and the Doctor struck the table
+near him a mighty blow with his fist by way of emphasis, "that God can
+use no man who feels his own importance, and is inclined to take all the
+glory to himself. He is simply a weak-minded bungler, who gets into the
+way and frustrates whatever designs God might otherwise have worked
+through him."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor was upon his favorite theme&mdash;the propagandism of the peculiar
+system of medicine of which he was so faithful and successful a
+practitioner&mdash;and they had left the city far behind them, when he again
+paid attention to the rapidly changing scenery below. The wind had
+increased to a strong gale, and they were crossing the full length of
+Pennsylvania at astounding speed. They passed over the mountain ranges
+of the eastern part of the state, with as little concern or thought as
+if they had been level plain or water. So greatly had their speed
+accelerated, that by six o'clock the smoke of the great city was
+discernible immediately before them. The beautiful Hudson looked like a
+silver ribbon trending away to the north. New York bay with its shipping
+from all quarters of the earth, Liberty Lighting the World, the
+suspension bridge, and the tall buildings of the city, were all
+distinctly seen by the voyagers at a great distance. The booming of
+cannon announced to our friends that they had been sighted by those upon
+the lookout for them. A few moments later they had crossed the river
+and were skimming over the housetops, looking for an anchorage.</p>
+
+<p>"There is Central Park. We shall pass over the south end of it. That is
+the place for us to drop anchor," said the Professor.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Professor. Stand by boys! Let them go!" cried the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>Down to the earth went two anchors. They almost immediately caught in
+the strong limbs of the shade trees and Silver Cloud was again safely
+anchored. It was well that this immense park had chanced to be their
+stopping place, for the people were wild with excitement, and poured
+into it like a mighty flood. The shout that went up was deafening as the
+Doctor and Professor descended to the ground. The whole party came down,
+two by two, the fastenings of the globe were made doubly secure, a posse
+of policemen put in charge of it, and then they submitted themselves to
+the committee of reception appointed by the mayor. Carriages awaited
+them, and they were conveyed to a hotel as rapidly as the densely
+crowded streets would permit. No conqueror ever received a more
+tremendous ovation! Frequently the carriages were brought to a dead
+standstill, and only the most strenuous efforts of scores of policemen
+could make a passage for them. But finally their enthusiasm broke
+through all barriers. The horses were taken from the vehicles, and
+hundreds of friendly hands grasped the ropes attached to the ends of the
+tongues, and then better progress was made. The Doctor bore his honors
+with gentle dignity, taking off his hat, and bowing frequently to the
+right and left to his excited and enthusiastic countrymen who thus
+delighted to do him honor. If Mrs. Jones' eyes filled with tears of
+pride and delight as she witnessed this outpouring of the hearts of the
+people to the man whom she loved above anything upon earth, surely no
+one will censure her for that. The travelers had met with some hearty
+receptions, but never with anything like this. It was not the male
+portion only who were demonstrative, but the ladies were equally active
+in their expressions of appreciation. The carriages were literally
+filled with rich bouquets of flowers that rained into them. And when
+they could bring them to a standstill, the crush about the vehicles
+almost threatened their destruction. They shook hands with as many as
+climbed up within reach, not a few of whom were ladies.</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word, girls, I don't know but they will eat us up," said the
+Doctor to his wife and Mattie, who sat beside him in the leading landau.</p>
+
+<p>But all things earthly have an end, and the party finally landed at the
+entrance of the hotel. Here the press was tremendous, and it was with
+extreme difficulty that they at last reached the parlor, where the mayor
+and many distinguished citizens awaited them.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear you have had a rough passage through our streets," said the
+mayor.</p>
+
+<p>"I give you my word, sir, that we have been in more danger during the
+last half hour than in all the balance of our voyage," replied Dr.
+Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"You have stirred the world, and turned it upside down, and you will
+have to stand the consequences of your unprecedented popularity. It is
+so refreshing to see a man do the impossible with the nonchalance and
+ease that you have displayed that you must not complain if we nearly
+kill you with the best intentions in the world. But I promise that we
+will endeavor to make it as easy for you as possible, while with us."</p>
+
+<p>"I have lived all my life in New York, but I am sure that I never saw
+our city so excited as it is to-night," said another gentleman. "Just
+listen to them! Come out upon the balcony and look at them."</p>
+
+<p>As they stepped out and looked up and down Broadway, far as they could
+see the great thoroughfare was filled with people. The voyagers were
+instantly recognized, and such a roar as went up from that vast
+multitude! It continued until the mayor stepped forward and raised his
+hand to command silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Speak to them a few words, Doctor, and send them home," said he.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor stepped forward and cried at the top of his powerful voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Friends and fellow countrymen. Of course, I expected you would be glad
+to see a party who travel in so splendid a chariot as the great aluminum
+ship. And I take it for granted that you are all aware that Silver
+Cloud, as we have named the globe, carried us to the North Pole and
+back safely and pleasantly. And to-night, as we stand in the great
+metropolis of the Western hemisphere, there flies from the most splendid
+flagstaff upon earth, located precisely at the northern extremity of the
+earth's axis, the Flag of our Union! (At this point, the patriotic
+enthusiasm of the hearers could not be restrained, and for several
+minutes the Doctor stood and awaited the subsidence of the cheering.)
+But I have a proposition to make you. The Mayor desires that you all
+retire now to your homes, and I promise you that to-morrow night we will
+tell you all about our trip, and show you how we planted the flagstaff
+at the North Pole. I bid you all good night."</p>
+
+<p>"That was good, Doctor, and I think that now they will disperse quite
+satisfied," said the mayor. "You are the city's guests, remember, and we
+are extremely desirous of rendering you every possible honor and
+pleasure. I do not doubt that you are all fatigued with so much
+excitement and sightseeing as you have been through to-day, and we will
+let you retire. Good-night."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>The World at the Feet of Doctor Jones.</p>
+
+
+<p>The following morning our friends were up be-times and were soon engaged
+in the busiest day of their lives. The wind was still unfavorable for
+their passage to Washington, and they abandoned themselves to the
+numerous duties that pressed upon them, and hospitalities of the
+friendly Gothamites. Messages almost innumerable and visitors by
+thousands poured in upon them. Mrs. Jones, Mattie, and Denison acted as
+secretaries for Dr. Jones, while Will and Fred performed the same office
+for Professor Gray. Reporters by scores besieged them at all hours. The
+Doctor disposed of these importunate visitors by appointing an hour when
+he met them in a body in a private room, and there answered their
+numerous questions. At three o'clock P.M. the mayor called, and through
+a private exit the whole party was led to carriages, and shown a
+considerable portion of the better part of the city. They drove to the
+globe and found it surrounded by thousands of admirers. Silver Cloud
+proudly floated above them, gently oscillating in the breeze, slightly
+bowing to the right and left, as if complacently acknowledging the
+admiration and praises of its visitors.</p>
+
+<p>The carriages were driven as near as possible to the globe. Will and
+Denison worked their way to the cage and ascended to the cabin. The vast
+throng watched this proceeding with intense interest, and made the
+welkin ring with their shouts as the two men safely entered the manhole.
+They examined the thermometer, trimmed the burners that were necessary
+to be kept alight, wound up the motor springs, and then descended with a
+rapidity that caused the spectators to hold their breaths.</p>
+
+<p>After several hours' driving, during which time the mayor pointed out
+many objects of interest, they were driven to their hotel and left to
+rest and prepare for the evening's entertainment. They had been
+informed that the largest building in the city had been engaged, and the
+whole party of Arctic explorers were earnestly requested to meet the
+public that evening in said building. This they consented to do. There
+was not the slightest snobbishness about Dr. Jones, or it certainly
+would have manifested itself now when the world was at his feet. But the
+little man was as kind and unaffectedly friendly now as ever in his
+life. He was a close student of human nature too, and thoroughly
+understood that they were fully capable of crying "Hosannah!" to-day,
+and "Crucify him! crucify him!" to-morrow. Human nature is not different
+from what it was thousands of years ago. It is no better and no worse.
+Unregenerate man is out of harmony with his Maker; and being possessed
+of a finite mind, he can never be right, do right, nor keep right until
+he places himself unreservedly into God's hands.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 15em;">
+"Just as I am, without one plea,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But that thy blood was shed for me,</span><br />
+And that thou bidst me come to thee,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">O Lamb of God! I come."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"When I would do good, evil is ever present with me," was St. Paul's
+experience. It is yours and it is mine, gentle reader. There is no
+escape from it, except through the blood of Christ. Then shall we commit
+all our ways unto Him, and shall never be moved. This is the one great
+cause of man's inconstancy. He is constantly seeking after that which
+shall satisfy the cravings of his never dying soul, but refuses the
+light which God gives him. He sips from every cup of worldly pleasure,
+and madly rushes after the sensation of the hour, be it good or bad. One
+after the other, they pall upon his wearied senses, and he dashes them
+from his lips in disgust. Happy alone is he who listens to that Voice,
+'Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.'</p>
+
+<p>That evening, before many thousands of people, our friends did what they
+could to please them. They sang as they never had done in their lives.
+It is unnecessary to say that their efforts were received with
+tremendous rounds of encores by the delighted host. The music was
+interspersed with appropriate speeches from the mayor and other civic
+dignitaries. They all spoke in unlimited terms of praise of the man who
+had conceived the idea of the aluminum globe, and who had had the
+courage of his convictions. He had added undying glory to the land that
+bore him, and now that land delighted to honor him by every means within
+her power, etc.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor and Professor each spoke at some length, giving the history
+of the expedition and the importance of it to the scientific world. The
+Doctor told them of the planting of the aluminum flagstaff in terse,
+graphic language, and concluded by saying:</p>
+
+<p>"And now friends, we will conclude the evening's performance by giving
+you an exact representation of how we marched about the flagstaff and
+sang Professor Marsh's composition, 'The North Pole March.' You must
+imagine the thermometer sixty or more degrees below zero in order to
+appreciate the scene."</p>
+
+<p>A fair representation of the foot of the flagstaff had been improvised,
+and the stage was made to look like a field of snow and ice. In a circle
+about the pole were set vessels of burning oil. Within this circle the
+friends marched to the beautiful music that Fred played upon the
+aluminum organ (for even that instrument had been brought by Denison and
+Will from the globe, that the scene might lack nothing in realism.)</p>
+
+<p>And so real was the scene as they marched in their sealskin suits&mdash;poor
+Sing among them, though he could not sing&mdash;and so inspiring was the
+music, that the vast assemblage sat still as death, every sense strained
+to the highest tension, that they might not lose a movement nor note.
+When they finished, the shout that went up was a tremendous lungburst
+that was simply deafening. Men, women, and children jumped upon their
+feet, waved their handkerchiefs, and screamed and shouted themselves
+hoarse. Nor would they cease until the lights had all been turned low,
+and they realized that the Children of the Skies would appear no more
+that night. They had improved the opportunity while the multitude thus
+encored to make their escape in their carriages to the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, Doctor, but you will be responsible for many cases of
+lunacy among our people," said the mayor. "I never saw them so utterly
+carried away as they were with your company and the globe. All you have
+to do is to take to the stage and you can bankrupt the nation."</p>
+
+<p>After a quiet supper with a select party of notables of the city, our
+friends were permitted to retire for the night.</p>
+
+<p>"I am anxious to get on to Washington. This is very pleasant, but I much
+prefer the cabin of Silver Cloud, with you, my dear friends, to all this
+hustling, cramming, and jambing. The people are kind as they can be, and
+are doing everything for our comfort and pleasure, but I never could
+endure being crowded. Give me plenty of elbow room or give me death!"
+cried Dr. Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Who would have thought that our march about the pole would make such a
+sensation!" said Mrs. Jones. "Your North Pole March will make your
+fortune, Fred. You should immediately copyright and publish it. You
+could sell thousands of copies to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Mrs. Jones; I will profit by your suggestion," answered
+Fred, gayly. "Dear old Silver Cloud is making us all famous and rich.
+Strike while the iron's hot;' 'Make hay while the sun shines;' etc. My
+next attempt will be the Silver Cloud Waltz. This is the tide in my
+affairs, and I must be thrifty enough to take it at its flood."</p>
+
+<p>On the following morning after breakfast it was observed that the wind
+was from the nor-nor-east, or nearly exactly toward their destination.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we sail to-day, or accept further hospitalities of New York?"
+asked Dr. Jones of the company. The unanimous decision was that they
+sail immediately.</p>
+
+<p>The mayor was telephoned that they would sail within one or two hours,
+the wind being favorable. A few moments later that gentleman appeared in
+the parlor where they were sitting and said hastily:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Doctor, we cannot let you go to-day. We have a splendid program
+laid out for you, and our people will be greatly disappointed if you do
+not stop at least another day. Besides, great excursions by steamers
+and rail are expected to-morrow. We cannot let you off for two or three
+days yet."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to remain as
+long as you desire. But my commands are peremptory from Washington to
+report there at the earliest practicable moment. So I really have no
+option in the matter, and must sail this very morning," replied Dr.
+Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Such being the case, Doctor, I am too good a citizen to urge you to
+disobey orders. We will say no more about it, but thank you for the
+pleasure you have given us, and wish you 'Bon Voyage.'"</p>
+
+<p>"You may do better than that, sir. We should be exceedingly pleased to
+have you and your family accompany us to Washington. We can promise you
+the sensation and pleasure of your lifetime," returned the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"O do come, sir!" cried Mrs. Jones. "Bring your family and give them the
+greatest treat this world affords."</p>
+
+<p>"I will consult them, immediately. But I fear that they are poor
+sailors, and can hardly be persuaded to venture a trip in an air-ship."</p>
+
+<p>"I will see that they do not suffer from seasickness," said the Doctor.
+"Prevail upon them to come if possible, for I know you will never regret
+it. Now shall we remain here, or meet you at the globe?"</p>
+
+<p>"Remain here, please, and I will return with all possible expedition."</p>
+
+<p>A half hour later he returned with his wife and two daughters, the
+latter being stylish, lovely girls of about Mattie's age. All three were
+in a state of more or less nervousness and trepidation at the idea of a
+sail through the sky, and yet they could not resist the desire to go.</p>
+
+<p>"O Mrs. Jones! Miss Bronson! don't you feel awfully frightened away up
+there, thousands of feet from the earth?" asked one of the girls.</p>
+
+<p>"Not the least bit!" replied Mrs. Jones. "So far from that, will you
+believe me, I feel better and fully as safe in the cabin of our Silver
+Cloud, five thousand feet from the earth, as I do in this parlor."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you hear that, mamma?" cried the elder girl. "And what an
+appropriate, beautiful name&mdash;Silver Cloud. Well, I am determined to be
+a good sailor, and enjoy this trip as I never did anything in my life."</p>
+
+<p>"I will meet you within an hour at the ship," said the mayor. "I must
+attend to some business before I can go," and he hurried away.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later they were all standing upon the balcony of Silver Cloud,
+excepting Will and Denison. They were standing by the spring motors to
+hoist and stow the anchors.</p>
+
+<p>The news had spread that the great globe was about to sail, and people
+were rushing by thousands to witness its departure. The signal was
+given, and Silver Cloud arose so majestically and beautifully above the
+great city that the people roared like another Niagara at the
+transcendently glorious spectacle! It rose to the height of eight
+hundred feet, and moved rapidly toward the southwest. They maintained
+this comparatively low altitude on account of their visitors manifesting
+symptoms of extreme terror, especially the young ladies. But Mrs. Jones
+and Mattie soothed and petted them, and assured them so positively of
+their perfect safety that by degrees they became quiet, and in a short
+time were enjoying the scenery, and watching through their glasses the
+main objects of interest.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Jones." said the mayor's wife, "I do not wonder that you prefer
+the cabin of this ship to the parlor of our grandest city hotel. This is
+the most inspiring scene I ever witnessed, and one that I should never
+grow tired of. How cool and pure this atmosphere is! I am sure that
+nothing could add to the beauty of the scenery or your splendid ship."</p>
+
+<p>"O madam! but you should have seen Silver Cloud before we robbed her of
+her chief ornament, the flagstaff. That was her glory, as a fine head of
+hair is a woman's," replied Dr. Jones, who had overheard the lady's
+remark. "I shall never be satisfied until we have replaced it."</p>
+
+<p>The ship, meantime, was hastening at a forty mile gait toward the
+Capital. The trip was one long thrill of excitement and pleasure to the
+visitors. The Doctor had settled all symptoms of nausea with his
+well-selected remedies, and nothing more could be desired to add to
+their pleasure and comfort.</p>
+
+<p>At the hour of noon they sat down to lunch. They ate but little, the
+excitement having more or less destroyed their appetites. But they sat a
+considerable time at the table and talked animatedly upon various
+topics; principally, though, of the ship and their voyage to and from
+the Pole. The ladies could not sufficiently admire and praise the
+beauty, cleanliness, and comfort of the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>Fred was seated beside Grace, the younger of the sisters, and they were
+discussing music. She praised his North Pole March in unstinted terms,
+until he blushed to the ears with delight. She and her elder sister,
+Rose, were musicians of a high order, and had graduated at the leading
+musical conservatories of America. They had besides spent several years
+in Europe in the pursuit of knowledge in that line. Fred asked Grace to
+promenade the balcony with him. She immediately accepted the
+proposition, and they were soon oblivious to the world in the discussion
+of their favorite theme&mdash;music. No doubt the inspiring scene below and
+all about them drew out all the finer sentiments of their beings. And
+what could two handsome, heartwhole, sentimental young beings do but
+fall&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 15em;">
+"Not over the balustrade!"<br />
+O no! but into love!<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>The whole company now came out upon the balcony, and they slowly
+promenaded about the four sides of the cabin. We cannot describe the
+witchery and beauty of the fast-flying panorama below. Our pen falters,
+and the picture must be left to the imagination of the reader.</p>
+
+<p>The mayor was very familiar with the topography of the country, and
+pointed out the various rivers, mountain ranges, cities, towns, etc.
+About three o'clock the capitol buildings, Washington monument, and
+other tall structures about the city hove in sight. They were
+immediately seen, for the great guns in all the forts about the city
+fired thundering salutes.</p>
+
+<p>"They are loaded to the muzzle for us, Doctor," said Professor Gray.</p>
+
+<p>"It appears so," he replied. "I only wish it was all over with."</p>
+
+<p>"What park is that?" he asked a few moments later, pointing to one that
+lay directly in their course. The Professor mentioned its name, and
+thought it a very convenient place for anchorage. Accordingly, Silver
+Cloud swooped down upon it with a velocity that fairly took away the
+breath of the mayor and family. A few moments later, Silver Cloud was
+safely anchored, after her voyage of many thousands of miles, at her
+starting point. In a little less than four months they had made the most
+extraordinary trip known in the world's history, that of Columbus not
+excepted, and were now safely returned!</p>
+
+<p>Two by two they descended to earth, and, as in New York, carriages
+awaited them. Evidently preparations for their reception had been made
+upon a colossal scale. The air was thundering and riven with the voices
+of the innumerable hosts, brass bands on every hand in full blast, so
+that it was impossible to hear a word said by the nearest neighbor.</p>
+
+<p>The police, fire, and military forces were out in full strength. The
+voyagers, mayor of New York and family, were seated in landaus, and with
+ropes the girls of all the public schools, each dressed in pure white
+and bearing in her hand an American flag, drew the vehicles through the
+principal streets of the city. Each of the little maids wore upon her
+bare head a chaplet of flowers, and the scene was one of indescribable
+beauty. And as they walked they sang in sweetest harmony,</p>
+
+<p>
+"See, the conquering hero comes."<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Jones was affected to tears at this sight, and could scarcely
+contain himself. At last the procession stopped before the grand central
+entrance of the capitol building. Upon the top steps they were met by
+the President and his cabinet, many members of both houses, though
+Congress was not in session at this season. Ministers and
+plenipotentiaries from nearly every court in the world were also there.
+Judges, statesmen, and journalists were in attendance by scores. Nothing
+was left undone that could in any way add to the honor and glory of the
+hero of the day. The modesty and unaffected dignity with which he
+received it all, clothed him as with a garment, and was a marvel to even
+those who knew him best.</p>
+
+<p>But it would prove tedious to the reader if we were to relate in detail
+all the speech-making and public receptions tendered our friends. The
+Doctor and Professor before vast audiences told the story of their
+journey, the planting of the pole, the scientific value of observations
+made by Professor Gray, etc. The concert and North Pole March were
+rendered several times.</p>
+
+<p>In a week or so the furore began to subside, and the company were glad
+to settle down to a comparatively quiet life in a large furnished house,
+which the Doctor rented. Callers were coming and going continually
+during several hours daily, and invitations to parties, dinners,
+concerts, operas, etc., were very numerous. The mayor and family
+returned to New York after spending a week with the friends. They
+declared that they envied them their trip to the South Pole, and should
+never be satisfied until they had enjoyed another sail in Silver Cloud.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor and Professor were kept very busy in consultation with
+governmental officials and scientific men. The naval and military
+departments were especially interested in the probabilities and
+possibilities of the use of air-ships in warfare. An arrangement was
+made to take a party of military men on a trip in Silver Cloud. A very
+successful and brilliant voyage of several hundreds of miles to the
+south and return was made, during which the Doctor actually encountered
+an opportunity to exemplify his theory as to air currents. While they
+were driving rapidly south at an altitude of but four or five hundred
+feet, he rapidly rose several thousand feet and encountered a splendid
+northerly current that carried them back to their starting point in a
+way that pleased the little man wonderfully well. This was a great
+triumph for the Doctor, and impressed the governmental party as of vast
+importance, and added immensely to the effectiveness of the ship in the
+art of war.</p>
+
+<p>The Government made Will a very liberal offer to act as architect and
+constructor of another ship similar to Silver Cloud, with such
+improvements as experience had suggested to him. He accepted the offer,
+and would enter upon his duties immediately after their return from the
+South Pole. The Government had immediately acquiesced to their
+proposition to seek the South Pole, and even urged that they get out as
+soon as possible. The aluminum pole, a fac-simile of the one already
+planted, was being constructed.</p>
+
+<p>One day, a month after their return, Mrs. Jones and Mattie were summoned
+to the parlor at an early hour for callers. They found there a large
+elderly gentleman and two ladies.</p>
+
+<p>"O Mattie!" cried the younger, "don't you know us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why! is it possible that you are our friends from Constance House? It
+is, Maggie, it is! And this is Jennie Barton!"</p>
+
+<p>"I declare that I was never so surprised and delighted in my life! Can
+this be Mrs. Barton?" And then such kissing and handshaking.</p>
+
+<p>"And how do you do, Mrs. Barton? I would not have known you. How you
+have improved!" And Mrs. Jones scanned her face very critically. "Are
+you entirely recovered?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is so much better that we no longer consider her an invalid. But I
+was desirous that the Doctor should see her again, and so we have come
+down. We were in Montreal when I saw in a paper an account of your
+return to Washington. That was the first we had heard of you since you
+sailed from Constance House, and you can well believe that we were
+exceedingly pleased to hear of your safe return. So we made up our minds
+that we would run down and see you at once," said Mr. Barton.</p>
+
+<p>After they had conversed a few moments and had inquired after Joe and
+Sam, Mrs. Jones conducted them to two chambers, insisting that they must
+be her guests while in the city.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor and other members of the party were delighted to met the
+Bartons. Dr. Jones was well pleased with the progress that Mrs. Barton
+had made. He considered her cure but a question of a short time, but
+insisted, in order that no chances might be incurred, that she should
+remain during the winter at Washington. He did not anticipate that they
+would be gone more than thirty days on their South Pole expedition, and
+certainly not more than two months. And so they arranged that they
+should stay at least until the return of the expedition.</p>
+
+<p>"And that settles it that we are to remain here until next summer, for
+it is very late even now for us to return to Constance House. So I will
+write the boys to that effect, and shall settle down to the study of
+American politics," said John Barton.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Ho! for the South Pole!</p>
+
+
+<p>Silver Cloud, meantime, had been returned to the place of her birth, the
+great iron works upon the Potomac river. Another shapely three hundred
+feet mast had been manufactured and erected. One morning about the
+middle of September, the globe arose above the glittering mast and
+slowly settled upon it. The fastenings were soon adjusted, the flag of
+aluminum nailed to the peak, and Silver Cloud was herself again, ready
+for another trip to the ends of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>Will had made a number of additions and alterations, among which was an
+increase in the size and strength of the coiled springs that were used
+for hoisting purposes and running the dynamo. A powerful searchlight had
+been added, and the electrical appliances greatly increased. Among other
+things, he had a two horse power steam engine set up. This was to be
+used for winding the springs. Good old John Barton was never happier in
+his life than at this period. His interest in the globe was intense, and
+he daily spent hours with Will at the iron works. He made several
+valuable suggestions, and his hard common sense and experience were of
+no little value to the architect.</p>
+
+<p>"If I were not getting so far along in years, and mother was perfectly
+well and willing, I should like nothing better than to go with you this
+trip," said he to Dr. Jones. "But we will stay and keep house for you
+until your return."</p>
+
+<p>"And that will be but a very few weeks, I am quite sure," answered the
+Doctor. "It is not likely that we shall be made prisoners three months
+this trip. And that reminds me that I received a letter from Count
+Icanovich this morning, Maggie, and it inclosed one from Feodora to
+you."</p>
+
+<p>The letters were hastily read. They were well, and Feodora had never
+been better in her life. The Count had been studying and practicing the
+new system of medicine, and, to his unbounded delight, had made some
+center shots. His enthusiasm was steadily increasing, and he implored
+the Doctor to return to Russia and co-operate with him in introducing
+this God-given system into that vast empire. He assured him that they
+had everything to hope for. The Princess was getting on quite
+comfortably, and the fame of what Dr. Jones had done for her had become
+national. Numerous physicians of note had called upon and written the
+Prince and himself to ascertain the facts concerning the marvelous cures
+that had been reported to them. The Prince and Princess sent their
+sincere regards, etc. Feodora wrote in a lively strain to Mrs. Jones and
+Mattie, and urged them to return to their castle for a good visit as
+soon as possible. These letters were answered promptly, the Doctor
+giving advice concerning a case or two that the Count had found
+puzzling. He promised them a visit as soon after their return from the
+South Pole as possible.</p>
+
+<p>Two or three mornings later Washington was again packed with visitors to
+witness the departure of Silver Cloud for the southern extremity of the
+earth. Greater enthusiasm than before was expressed by everyone, for now
+there were no skeptics, and everybody cheered with might and main.</p>
+
+<p>As on the previous occasion, the hour of noon was selected for sailing.
+This gave people from the surrounding country an opportunity to come in
+and witness the magnificent scene. It was declared a holiday by general
+consent, and it is no exaggeration to say that nearly the whole earth
+was represented in the unnumbered hosts that filled the streets, covered
+the housetops and surrounding hills, and every spot and place that
+afforded any possibility of seeing the ascent of the globe.</p>
+
+<p>The friends and acquaintances that the company collectively and
+individually had formed were out in full force. Numerous and hearty were
+the handshakings; "Good-bye," and "Bon Voyage," were heard on every
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>The globe was anchored at but fifty feet from the earth. The cage had
+been enlarged so that the voyagers now ascended four at a time. This
+they did a few minutes before noon. The organ was taken out upon the
+balcony, and "God be with you till we meet again," was sung by our
+friends. The three Bartons stood just below and opposite the choir,
+tears of friendship and gratitude streaming down their faces. We will
+state here (quite privately be it understood) that Will and Jennie had
+come to an understanding that seemed to be very satisfactory to them,
+and their leavetaking was more affectionate than is usual with mere
+acquaintances, or even intimate friends. It is the old story. Cupid has
+done his work again. Well, God bless them, and may a parson step in and
+complete the love god's work very soon after Silver Cloud shall have
+returned. And Fred visited Grace at the mayor's house in New York. There
+may be trouble of the same sort brewing there.</p>
+
+<p>But the bells and whistles have announced the hour for Bailing. The
+anchors were tripped, and Silver Cloud arose with the majesty of the
+Queen of Night, nearly perpendicularly above the city to the height of
+three thousand feet; there, to the extreme satisfaction of Dr. Jones, a
+brisk breeze from the northeast was encountered, and away sailed the
+beautiful globe until the straining eyes of the multitude saw it as a
+bright star-like point in the heavens, and then it disappeared&mdash;bound
+for the SOUTH POLE.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>THE END.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
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+</pre>
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+</body>
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@@ -0,0 +1,7403 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Doctor Jones' Picnic, by S. E. Chapman
+
+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: Doctor Jones' Picnic
+
+Author: S. E. Chapman
+
+Release Date: December 7, 2008 [EBook #27434]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOCTOR JONES' PICNIC ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Clarke,Graeme Mackreth and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+DOCTOR JONES' PICNIC
+
+BY
+
+S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.
+
+
+SAN FRANCISCO
+
+THE WHITAKER & RAY CO.
+
+PUBLISHERS
+
+
+
+
+Copyrighted 1898, by
+
+S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.
+
+All Rights Reserved
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+I must confess that I offer this romance to the reading public with no
+little trepidation. I am fully aware of having transcended the ordinary
+rules and paths of legitimate romance, and that I have presumed to
+broach fearlessly the deep things of God. The scope of the work is
+infinitely beyond the remotest thought of the writer when he began this
+labor; but as it grew, deepened and broadened upon his hands from day to
+day, like Noah's dove he could find no rest for the sole of his foot,
+and found it impossible to stop short of the Millennium.
+
+The author is ready to substantiate the marvelous cures performed by Dr.
+Jones, for they are cases from practice. One of the objects of this work
+is to stimulate scientific investigation of the law of cure which guided
+the worthy Doctor in his selection of the remedy in a given case.
+
+As to whether Silver Cloud and her achievements be possible or not, I am
+not specially concerned. And whether there are air currents in the
+"upper deep," as described within these pages, is a matter of little or
+no consequence. We are desirous of being fair and magnanimous, and will
+let the burden of proof rest upon the "other fellow."
+
+When we come to the consideration of the means by which the grand finale
+was brought about, then I stand by my colors, and claim to have
+delineated the only way "out of the woods" for the suffering world. And,
+further, the denouement is but the inevitable result of the adoption of
+Golden Ruleism by the world.
+
+No thinking man can fail to see that there is something fearfully and
+radically wrong in this world of ours. The few are getting too much, and
+the millions are getting far too little. The cry of the poor fills the
+earth, and many are the plans that have been devised for the relief of
+the innumerable sufferers; but there is an essential defect in each of
+them, nor is there relief to be obtained short of the power of Almighty
+God. This is fully comprehended in what we have been pleased to call
+Golden Ruleism, in the 2nd and 3d volumes.
+
+Many students and writers upon the signs of the times take an extremely
+pessimistic view of the situation, and believe that we shall witness
+"blood to the horses' bridles." No one can deny that things are
+desperately bad, and that something must be done soon to relieve the
+strain or the very worst may be apprehended; yet the author prefers to
+see things through optimistic eyes, and believes that God will raise up
+a Moses, (or Doctor Jones, if you please,) who will lead us to a higher
+and better state than this world has yet ever known. The old adage 'It
+is always darkest just before dawn,' is beautifully applicable to the
+present state of the world. So I take courage and launch my book out
+upon the tempestuous sea of humanity, trusting that it may be welcomed
+as the harbinger of a better and happier era. I am sure that it bears to
+the world the olive branch of peace.
+
+As is usual with prefaces, this one is anticipatory and can only be
+appreciated after one has perused the book. So I make the request of the
+reader that he re-read it after having become acquainted with the scheme
+and scope of the work.
+
+This volume is to be immediately followed by volumes two and three,
+which complete the set.
+
+S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.
+
+Napa, Cal., Dec. 13th, 1897.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+                                                             PAGE.
+
+Chapter I.  "Figures don't lie."                                1
+
+"  II.   Two men resolve to go picnicking.                      7
+
+"  III.  Mrs. Jones offers some objections.                    10
+
+"  IV.  Mrs. Jones dictates terms.                             14
+
+"  V.    The Government joins the picnickers.                  18
+
+"  VI.   Off on a shoreless sea.                               22
+
+"  VII.  A Gunpowder tea party.                                25
+
+"  VIII. Relating how the beautiful picnic progressed.         32
+
+"  IX.   In the heart of Labrador.                             38
+
+"  X.    A message from the skies.                             49
+
+"  XI.   Is the world growing better?                          54
+
+"  XII.  Greenland's Icy Mountains and the Russian Bear.       63
+
+"  XIII.  Beauty and the Beast.                                75
+
+"  XIV.   Doctor Jones commits treason.                        83
+
+"  XV.    A model teacher and an ideal student.                94
+
+"  XVI.   The Count steps over the line.                      100
+
+"  XVII.  Farewell to Beauty and the Beast.                   108
+
+"  XVIII. Woman locates the North Pole.                       118
+
+"  XIX.   The planting of the Flagstaff.                      125
+
+"  XX.    Battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.    135
+
+"  XXI.   Things material and spiritual.                      143
+
+"  XXII.  Familiar scenes and faces.                          151
+
+"  XXIII. The world at the feet of Doctor Jones.              164
+
+"  XXIV. Ho! for the SOUTH POLE!                              175
+
+
+
+
+DOCTOR JONES' PICNIC.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+"Figures Don't Lie."
+
+
+The North Pole! That spot upon earth so environed with trackless fields
+of unbroken snow and mountains of ice; with an atmosphere so cold that
+none but the bravest and hardiest of mankind can breathe it and live.
+And yet these apparently insuperable obstacles have but stimulated men
+to do and dare all things, so that they might but reach that _ultima
+thule_. In vain have our utilitarians cried, "Qui bono?" God has planted
+within man the spirit of lordship and domination; and, true to that
+spirit, he will never rest until Nature shall have yielded up to him her
+last secret, and his restless foot shall have trodden the wildest and
+farthest spot of earth. Then, and not till then, will he stand crowned
+"Lord of Creation."
+
+In this faithful history of the discovery and exact location of the
+North Pole, it is not necessary to bring before the reader in historical
+review the many illustrious names and grand heroisms of former explorers
+of Arctic regions. They did marvelous deeds, beyond the comprehension of
+those who did not actually participate in them. They sacrificed
+thousands of noble lives, and undoubtedly did all that could be done
+with the means at their command. Ah! there we have struck the keynote.
+The means at their command were inadequate, and nothing but failure and
+disaster could result from their best laid plans and efforts.
+
+Dr. Jonathan Jones sat in his office in the populous, thriving city of
+R----, situated in one of our western states. He occupied an easy chair,
+heels upon a low, flat-topped writing desk, newspaper in hand, reading
+an account of the failure of Dr. Nansen to reach the North Pole. That
+renowned and hardy explorer proposed reaching the spot by floating on an
+ice floe. We are all familiar with the fact that he did actually get to
+within about three hundred miles of the coveted spot, but was obliged to
+turn back for want of dogs and sledges.
+
+Dr. Jones laid the paper down with a groan. "Will they never learn?" he
+apostrophizingly cried to a bust of Hahnemann that rested upon a bracket
+in a corner of the room. "They can never get there on any such lines. I
+believe it to be a perfectly feasible scheme, if worked out on simple
+scientific principles. If I had capital, I would try it."
+
+He sat with the points of his extended fingers touching each its mate of
+the opposite hand, and mused for several moments. Suddenly he seized a
+pencil, and rapidly jotted down figures, lines, and characters that
+meant nothing to any mortal but himself.
+
+"Figures don't lie!" he shouted to aforesaid bust. "That depends,
+Doctor, on whether they are legitimately used or not. Sometimes they are
+made to represent the vilest untruth," said a voice behind him. The
+Doctor wheeled about and encountered the genial countenance of Mr. A.L.
+Denison.
+
+"Hullo! Denison. Just the man I wanted to see. Sit down."
+
+"What's up now, Doctor? Anyone hurt or seriously sick?" inquired
+Denison, as he occupied a chair.
+
+For answer the Doctor read aloud the account of Dr. Nansen's failure to
+reach the North Pole, and then said: "I do not wonder that he failed. No
+one will succeed upon any such lines or plans."
+
+"Well, Doctor, you don't suppose that anyone will ever get there and
+back alive, do you?"
+
+"Whether they will or not, I do not know; but that it is a perfectly
+feasible and rational undertaking, under proper conditions, I as firmly
+believe as I do that I am alive," and he brought his fist down upon the
+desk by way of emphasis with a whack that made the various loose
+articles in the little office rattle. Even the bust upon the bracket
+moved about uneasily, whether by way of approbation or not, this
+truthful chronicle ventures no opinion. Denison looked at the flushed
+face and glittering eyes of the Doctor, moved uneasily in his chair,
+and said: "What's up, Doctor? I never knew you to drink. Getting off?"
+tapping his _os frontis_ with his forefinger significantly.
+
+"Denison," replied the Doctor, unheeding the innuendoes of his friend,
+"I tell you that I have a plan for going to, and returning from, the
+North Pole with perfect safety, absolute certainty, and a degree of
+comfort that will reduce the whole expedition to the level of a glorious
+picnic." Denison indulged in a long, low whistle.
+
+"Draw it a little milder, Doctor. Go to and return from the North Pole
+with perfect safety, certainty, comfort, and pleasure! What do you mean?
+I never heard of anything so preposterous in my life!"
+
+"Hitch up to the desk here, and I will soon tell you what I mean," cried
+the Doctor. Denison complied, and the Doctor, seizing a pencil, drew
+upon a leaf of the scratch book, with a few vigorous strokes, a sketch
+of a globe, thus:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"There," said he, as he gave a few finishing touches. "There you have
+the idea."
+
+"Well, go on."
+
+"This sketch represents a mammoth globe of aluminum, two hundred feet in
+diameter, as you will notice.
+
+"I see," assented Denison.
+
+"We have, then, a great hollow globe, consisting, as I said before, of
+aluminum. I have chosen that material for two obvious reasons; lightness
+and strength. The globe is simply to be floated by heating the
+atmosphere within it."
+
+"What will you heat it with, and how long do you suppose it will be
+before your globe returns to the earth?" asked Denison.
+
+"Your questions are quite practical, and I am ready to answer them.
+There are to be three skins or coverings to our globe, with a foot of
+space (or air blanket, if you please) between them. This affords us two
+air chambers that materially prevent the radiation of heat. Once heated,
+a very little fuel will keep the interior of our great air-ship at the
+desired temperature. You see, at the inferior or lower part of the ship,
+a square apartment attached, plentifully supplied with windows. That
+represents the living and store rooms. The living rooms are to be
+comfortably furnished, and no reason can be alleged why we should not
+enjoy in them absolute comfort. In our store-rooms, we will carry one
+year's supply of food. And in tanks of sufficient size, petroleum (or
+whatever combustible we conclude to be most suitable) for heating and
+cooking purposes. See?"
+
+"I see," said Denison.
+
+"You will observe that so conservative of heat is this arrangement that
+every particle of caloric created in the living rooms, or cabin below,
+helps by that much to float the great globe. All the warmth from cooking
+and heating; the heat and smoke from our pipes and cigars; yea, even the
+animal heat which radiates from our bodies, all subserve the one great
+purpose and function--keeping up the temperature and buoyant effort of
+the globe. Do you begin to catch on?" fairly shouted the enthusiastic
+Doctor.
+
+"Well, it looks very well so far," returned Denison slowly. "But, my
+dear sir, I foresee one difficulty that in your enthusiasm you seem to
+have overlooked. You can never guide or steer this immense ship. It must
+go with the wind, and you are just as likely to go to the South Pole as
+to the North, and very unlikely to go to either. You must excuse me,
+but this last is certainly an insuperable obstacle to your making
+anything practicable of your idea."
+
+"I admit at once that this great body could not be steered, nor in any
+degree guided by any apparatus that we could devise," assented the
+Doctor. "But that we should be obliged to float aimlessly, hither and
+thither, altogether the creatures of chance, I do not for a moment
+admit. The equator, receiving as it does, the vertical rays of the sun,
+is by far the hottest portion of the earth. The atmosphere at that
+quarter, being constantly superheated and correspondingly rarified,
+ascends into the vault above. This creates a semi-vacuum below, and the
+cooler atmospheres north and south of the equator rush in and fill the
+aforesaid vacuum. Pouring in from opposite directions with an impetus
+that often amounts to hurricanes, they boil up as they meet, miles into
+the firmament above. They then set off in two strong currents toward
+either Pole. What is the natural inference? The navigators of our
+air-ship have the power to raise and lower at pleasure. Obviously, there
+is but one thing for sensible men to do: Let her rise until we strike a
+northerly current, if necessary, and remain in it so long as it is
+favorable; when it changes, rise or lower until another favorable
+current is found, etc. Do you happen to think of any more 'insuperable'
+obstacles, my dear sir?"
+
+"Well, I must say that while I am not convinced of the practicability of
+your scheme, still you meet my objections in a way that is quite
+surprising, and which shows that you have given the matter much thought;
+yet I am not sure that you will not run upon difficulties that will make
+it altogether impossible. For instance, there is the cost of so vast an
+undertaking. It would cost hundreds of thousands, at the least
+calculation."
+
+"Now, Denison, you have struck the only real difficulty that I can think
+of. I really have no idea of who will furnish the money. I had not
+thought even of asking anyone to do so."
+
+Patients came in at this juncture, and Denison took his departure. A few
+days later, however, he returned, and when the Doctor was at leisure,
+opened the conversation by asking if anything had developed with regard
+to the air-ship building.
+
+"O, ho!" cried Dr. Jones, "you are getting into my way of thinking on
+that subject, are you?"
+
+"Well, to tell you the truth, I have thought of it considerably since I
+saw you. I would like, at least, to see it tried."
+
+"There is but one way to do: If you get interested sufficiently to wish
+to take hold, we will see if we cannot stir up our friends and form a
+stock company. Or, failing in that, we might have a working model built,
+and I think we could induce the Government to take hold of the matter."
+
+Denison called frequently during the following month, and it was evident
+that he was fast becoming imbued with the Doctor's ideas and
+enthusiasm.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Two Men Resolve to Go Picnicking.
+
+
+One afternoon, the Doctor being at leisure, he and Denison talked long
+and earnestly of their never-failing theme, the aluminum globe. Denison
+finally said:
+
+"You know, Doctor, that I never go into anything without due
+consideration. I have studied this matter over carefully, and am willing
+to chance it with you. We have been acquainted a great many years, and I
+never knew you to make any bad breaks. I have nothing else to do at
+present, and have a few thousands that I am willing to risk in this
+business. If I lose it I shall let it go for experience and blame no one
+but myself."
+
+"Denison, you know very well that I would not lead you into anything
+that would do you an injury, financially or otherwise, for anything in
+the world. I had not thought, indeed, of asking you to take any part or
+stock in this scheme. I believe in it with all my soul, but had not
+allowed myself to seriously think of promoting or investing in it. You
+had better think of it for a while longer."
+
+"As I told you," returned Denison, "I have given it very serious thought
+for several weeks. I have every confidence in the world in you, and my
+mind is thoroughly made up now that I wish to go with you into this
+enterprise. You know that since my wife died I have done little or
+nothing. I have no family to occupy my mind, and this is the first time
+since her death that I have felt any interest in anything. It took
+something extraordinary, like your scheme, to wake me up. So here I am,
+Doctor, yours for the North Pole!"
+
+"Well, old friend, you are a man of the right spirit," said Dr. Jones,
+taking him by the hand, "and I am willing to do with you what we can to
+get the Government interested in this matter. What shall be our first
+move?"
+
+"How can you leave your business or get any time to do anything in this
+undertaking?" asked Denison.
+
+"I will tell you: I have been right here, at the old stand, for
+twenty-odd years. In all that time I have never taken a vacation of any
+sort. I have for years been intending to do so, but something always
+prevented. Now I have an opportunity to put a good man into my place,
+and I feel the necessity of taking a rest of a year or so. This looks
+like just the chance for me. So you may consider that question settled.
+Now, what shall be our first move?"
+
+"Since we are each determined to take hold of this venture, Doctor, I
+suppose that the first thing will be to get an architect to figure on
+the thing, and give us necessary figures and data. And I have just the
+man--Will Marsh, office on Main Street. He is an extraordinary fellow, a
+real genius, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. Let's see him
+right away. I'm catching your spirit of enthusiasm, Doctor, and what
+does a man amount to without enthusiasm in this age of the world?"
+
+"Well, of course, the enthusiast is numbered with the cranks," replied
+Dr. Jones. "But, Denison, the cranks are the only men who accomplish
+anything of note in this world. I have really great respect for cranks,
+if they only are honest and not too abusive. So we may as well
+anticipate the dear public, and enroll ourselves among the cranks."
+
+"All right," returned Denison, "'Sail on!' as Joaquin Miller has
+Columbus say to the faint-hearted sailing master. 'The North Pole or
+bust!' is my motto now."
+
+"That's right, that's right," grinned the Doctor, amused to see the
+enthusiasm he had aroused in his friend. "And now let's to business. I
+am ready to go with you and see the architect."
+
+So together they walked to the office of that gentleman. They found him
+in and at leisure, and they immediately opened their business to him.
+The Doctor took the lead, Denison occasionally offering a suggestion.
+Mr. Marsh proved to be a good listener, jotting down the items as they
+were given him, and they made excellent progress. Evidently Dr. Jones
+had studied the subject very thoroughly, for he gave measurements and
+specifications with a readiness and accuracy that were surprising.
+
+"And now, Mr. Marsh, there are doubtless some important points that have
+not occurred to me, and which you will discover. What we want at
+present is an approximate estimate of the cost, carrying and floating
+capacity of our globe. I think you have the idea as nearly as we can
+give it, and please let us know all about it as soon as possible," said
+Dr. Jones as they were about to depart.
+
+"I will do so, sir," replied the architect, "but you understand that
+your project is so extraordinary--if I may be allowed to say so--that it
+will require several days before I can give you any definite
+information. I must go to the city and ascertain the prices of material,
+etc."
+
+"We understand that, Mr. Marsh; only please do not neglect to attend to
+it immediately."
+
+With this parting injunction they bade him good-day and departed, each
+to his home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Mrs. Jones Offers Some Objections.
+
+
+But Dr. Jones met great opposition in a quarter that was not so easily
+disposed of. He had a wife. Mrs. Jones was a very intelligent and lovely
+woman, younger by some fifteen years than the Doctor. She must be
+consulted. He broached the subject very cautiously, now and then
+expatiating upon the extreme ease and comfort with which the trip to the
+North Pole might be made. He bought histories of the many Arctic
+explorations, and read them aloud to her. At first she listened
+indifferently, not dreaming for a moment that the Doctor was burning
+with a desire to become an Arctic explorer. Day after day he enlarged
+and dilated upon his plan. Denison often dropped in of an evening, and
+the conversation invariably drifted into the old topic, the aluminum
+globe and the trip to the North Pole.
+
+One evening the architect, Mr. Marsh, with a large paper roll in his
+hand, came with Denison to the Doctor's residence. After the usual
+greetings the Doctor said, "Mrs. Jones, I think we will take possession
+of the dining-room, as we wish to use the table. Come in with us, for I
+am sure that you are greatly interested in the business we have on hand
+to-night."
+
+Mrs. Jones good-naturedly complied, and sat engaged with some knitting,
+while the roll brought by the architect was spread upon the table, and
+weights laid upon its corners. The two schemers gave a cry of delight as
+a truly magnificent sketch of the globe unfolded before their eyes.
+Floating in the firmament, thousands of feet above the earth, with a
+panoramic view of forests, lakes, rivers, mountains and hill elevations,
+fruitful valleys thickly dotted with towns, villages, farms, little
+specks that represented houses, green fields, etc., fading away into
+indistinctness in the far distances of the horizon, all done with such
+patient and faithful regard for detail and artistic appreciation of
+color and perspective, that Mrs. Jones joined in the chorus of
+expressions of unqualified admiration. It was done in water colors, and
+the enraptured Doctor seized one end of it and cried: "Take hold of one
+end, Denison, and help me hold it up against the wall. There, Maggie!
+Denison! Did you ever see anything so absolutely beautiful?"
+
+They declared that they never had. The artist, meantime, stood with
+flushed cheek, his arms folded across his breast, modest and quiet.
+
+"Get tacks and a hammer, Maggie, and we'll fasten it to the wall; then
+we can all sit and enjoy this glorious panorama."
+
+The painting was quickly tacked up in a position for inspection, and all
+sat admiringly before it.
+
+"By the way, Mr. Marsh, you must have done something in the line of
+aeronautism, or you never could have made that painting," observed the
+Doctor.
+
+"No, Doctor, I have never made any balloon ascensions, but I have
+climbed many mountains, both in Europe and America, and have made
+numerous sketches from vast elevations. I have simply drawn upon these
+for my material, and in this painting you have a blending of several of
+them. Of course, I have taxed my imagination to some extent. The central
+object, the globe, air-ship, or whatever you may be pleased to call it,
+is your own conception, or my conception of your idea."
+
+"Well, I am more than pleased with your work. Your execution has so far
+transcended my idea that I take no credit at all in this instance. But
+now we must never rest until we have materialized this splendid
+conception."
+
+So they sat admiring and chatting over the painting some little time.
+
+"Well, Marsh, have you anything more to show us to-night?" asked
+Denison.
+
+"Yes," he replied, "I have some figures and data that I received from
+the city a day or two since."
+
+Drawing their chairs about the table, Mr. Marsh read from a small
+memorandum-book estimate prices of materials, amount and weight of same,
+cost of labor, and finally what he deemed to be the approximate cost of
+the globe complete, furnished and equipped for a one year's voyage.
+
+"I have some suggestions to offer, Doctor. You spoke of having three
+skins or envelopes of aluminum, with air chambers between them that
+would prevent the radiation of heat. Now, I think that we can do better
+than that, though without doubt your idea is practical and would answer
+the purpose; yet I have a plan to offer that will dispense with one
+envelope, and will more effectually conserve heat. Zinc is the best
+nonconductor of heat that I know of. One thin layer of this metal within
+a few inches of the external covering of aluminum will serve you a much
+better purpose and will greatly reduce the cost of construction."
+
+This suggestion met with the immediate approval of the Doctor and
+Denison. They talked and planned until quite a late hour. After the
+departure of the two men Mrs. Jones said:
+
+"Are you seriously thinking of going into this wild scheme, Doctor?"
+
+"Well, Maggie, what do you think of it? Don't you see how perfectly
+feasible and beautiful it is?"
+
+"Why, so far as I know, it may do well enough. But how can you do
+anything with it, and what good would it do you if you could?"
+
+"My dear Maggie! How can you ask such a question! Think of the glory of
+accomplishing that which has defeated some of the best and bravest men
+that the world has ever produced. And think of the importance this
+accomplishment might be to science. Is the undying fame that would
+attach to such a deed to be lightly esteemed? Oh, my dear wife! you know
+how steadily and conscientiously I have labored all these years. More
+than a quarter of a century have I devoted to the care of the sick, with
+scarcely a moment's recreation. The time has come when I feel that I
+must take a vacation. Further than this, I feel that I can do the world
+greater service with my idea of reaching the North Pole, besides
+settling a question as to the possibility of aerial navigation for long
+distances. How can I better spend a year or so than in the promotion of
+this idea? Be a good, brave little wife, as you always have been, and
+don't oppose me in this thing upon which my heart is set."
+
+"And who is to sail this great balloon, or air-ship?"
+
+"Well, as the Dutch captain said when the harbor inspector asked 'Who is
+the captain of this ship?' 'I ish de feller!'"
+
+With these words he assumed a melodramatic attitude. But Mrs. Jones was
+not to be won by any facetiae, and walked up to him, placing her hands
+upon his shoulders, said: "Do you think for one moment that I will ever
+consent to your going off on so fearfully perilous an expedition as
+this? How I should feel to see you sail off into the blue sky, with an
+almost absolute certainty of never seeing you again! I should go insane.
+What would my days and nights be, even though you went and returned in
+all the safety you anticipate? I should go insane in less than a week
+with anxiety. Do as you please so far as promoting the construction of
+the globe is concerned, but never will I consent to your going in it."
+
+"Maggie, Maggie, don't be so foolish. I do not intend going until I have
+perfectly satisfied you that I am not more safe in our home than I
+should be in our great ship."
+
+"All right!" she cried. "You are not to go, then, until I freely
+consent."
+
+"O, hold on!" he answered. "Don't construe me so ungenerously. I only
+said that I would first convince you of my safety."
+
+"That you can never do, and you may as well give it up. It cannot be a
+safe undertaking. It makes me faint to even think of it. Just imagine
+yourself in that cabin now," pointing to Marsh's painting that still
+hung upon the wall.
+
+"I wish to heaven I was," growled the Doctor.
+
+"I just won't hear another word of it!" and she flounced out of the room
+to bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Mrs. Jones Dictates Terms.
+
+
+Several months have passed since the meeting recorded in our last
+chapter. The enthusiasm of the three men (for Marsh was now a member of
+the company) increased as the days went by. A considerable amount of
+canvassing had been done among the moneyed men of the community, but
+with no success. No one could be found who was willing to risk any
+considerable amount of wealth in an enterprise whose outcome was so
+problematical. Fame is all well enough, but there is very little
+sentiment about capital.
+
+After many consultations by the three, it was agreed that nothing
+further could be done at home, and the next move would be a trip to
+Washington. The idea of building a model was abandoned, as the beautiful
+drawings and paintings of the architect completely obviated its
+necessity.
+
+The Doctor had said but little to Mrs. Jones upon the subject that lay
+nearest his heart since the time recorded in our last chapter. Though he
+went about his professional duties as usual, yet that astute little lady
+thoroughly understood that he was far from laying aside this great
+ambition of his life. And she also realized that a crisis was
+approaching when quick, sharp work must be done, and she had determined
+what she should do.
+
+The Doctor, meantime, furtively watched day by day the lovely face of
+his wife. But he might as well have spent the same time studying the
+face of the Sphynx. He could not decide whether she was acting a part
+most beautifully, or had dropped the matter as settled. It cost her a
+great struggle to keep from smiling as she looked into his troubled
+eyes, and at times would be obliged to put her handkerchief to her mouth
+to keep back the smiles that dimpled about its corners. She knew that
+the crisis was at hand, and so persevered in her part; and, better than
+all, she knew that she should come off victor.
+
+All things were ripe for the assault upon the Government board of
+science.
+
+"Meet at my house to-night, gentlemen," said the Doctor. "My
+arrangements are all made, and I could start to-morrow morning if my
+wife would consent. I feel more concerned about getting her acquiescence
+than I do about getting the Government interested. I really fear that
+she is like Sambo's mule: 'When he so quiet an' still like, yo' look
+out! He templatin' trouble den, shuah!' There's something up, and I must
+have it out with her to-night; and I want you to stand in and say all
+you can to help me out. We must convince her that there is not nearly so
+much danger in our globe as there is aboard a train of cars or a
+steamship."
+
+So that evening in the dining-room, and upon the same table, Marsh
+spread the drawings and specifications that represented the smallest
+detail connected with the construction of the globe. Mrs. Jones entered
+into the conversation, made suggestions as to the furnishing of food,
+bedding, furniture, etc., until the three men winked and grinned slyly
+at one another, delighted to see the interest she displayed.
+
+"Now, Maggie, I am sure that you cannot see any element of danger in
+this trip," said the Doctor, fixing his eyes upon her very anxiously. To
+his surprise and delight she unhesitatingly said:
+
+"No, I do not see why it should be at all dangerous."
+
+"That's my brave little wife!" shouted Dr. Jones, catching her in his
+arms and kissing her upon both cheeks. "What an old lunkhead I have been
+all this time! Why, Maggie, do you know that I have been terribly
+worried lest you should prove foolish and obstinate and would do all you
+could to prevent my going?"
+
+"I knew it all the time," she replied.
+
+"Just listen to the demure little sinner! Knew that I was worrying all
+this time and never let me see that she understood me at all! What a
+little hypocrite you are! But I forgive you, since you are so
+reasonable."
+
+"But my dear hubby, do not jump at conclusions. There is a condition
+connected with my consent."
+
+"And it is granted now, my dear. What is it?"
+
+"Oh, it is a real easy one!"
+
+"I am sure of that, dear Maggie, for you are the most reasonable woman
+alive. Isn't she, gentlemen?"
+
+Of course the conspirators loudly assented.
+
+"That is very nice of you, gentlemen," said she, bowing gracefully to
+them, "but I know about how much allowance to make for 'soft soap' in
+this case."
+
+"But what is the condition, Maggie?" asked Dr. Jones.
+
+"I go with you."
+
+"To Washington? Certainly you shall, honey."
+
+"I go with you in the globe, to the North Pole, or any other place the
+wind may blow us."
+
+"You--what!"
+
+"I have said it."
+
+The Doctor dropped into a chair with a groan. "I knew it! I knew she
+meant mischief all the time."
+
+"But my dear woman," cried he, jumping from his chair again, "don't you
+see the utter impossibility of your going on so hard and perilous a
+voyage? You could never endure it in the world."
+
+"Hardships and perils, indeed!" said she mischievously. "Haven't you
+said over and over in my presence that this was simply a beautiful
+picnic trip and perfectly safe?"
+
+"Well--er--er," stammered the Doctor, "but, Maggie, it would be no place
+for a woman, you know."
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir, but I do not know anything of the kind. Do you
+suppose that I have sat here all these months listening to you men talk
+of this scheme without becoming a convert to your theories? No, Doctor,
+I am as enthusiastic as any of you in this matter. The North Pole fever
+is like the measles, very contagious, and I have a severe attack of it.
+Now you have all agreed that I am the most reasonable woman living, and
+you cannot accuse me of being unreasonable simply because I wish to go
+with you on this safe, comfortable and perfectly beautiful picnic
+excursion."
+
+This turn of affairs was so complete a surprise to the three men that
+they sat silent with consternation for a few moments.
+
+"Come to think of it, gentlemen, I am pleased for one that Mrs. Jones
+wishes to accompany us. Why should she not?" said Marsh.
+
+Mrs. Jones beamed upon him so warmly that he blushed to his ears.
+
+"One vote for me," she gayly exclaimed. "Now, Mr. Denison, on the score
+of old friendship, I claim your franchise."
+
+"And you have it, my dear madam," cried Denison. "Yours for the North
+Pole, Mrs. Jones."
+
+She gave a hand to each of her coadjutors, and turning to Dr. Jones,
+said: "Don't you see what a splendid lobbyist I am, Doctor? You will
+need me when you get to Washington."
+
+The Doctor's face was a study. At length he said: "Woman is the most
+unaccountable creature in the universe. I expected to-night to have made
+the plea of my life, and I declare for it, if she hasn't turned the
+tables completely upon me, and actually stands there imploring to go
+with us, instead of going into hysterics and making no end of
+opposition. Well, honey," putting his arm about her waist, "I took you
+for better or worse, but I did not expect to take you to the North Pole.
+I yield to the inevitable, gentlemen. Allow me to introduce you to No.
+4, North Pole Aluminum Globe Co."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Government Joins the Picnickers.
+
+
+Not many days later found our friends comfortably located in a hotel in
+the national capital. The Doctor was quite well acquainted with the
+representative from his congressional district, and was supplied with
+letters of introduction from influential parties to members of both
+houses. By a judicious use of these, they managed to obtain a hearing
+before the scientific and geographical departments of the Smithsonian
+Institute. So thoroughly had Dr. Jones and Mr. Marsh mastered the
+details of the subject that they immediately made a favorable impression
+upon that learned body. After some weeks spent in investigation, they
+unanimously voted in favor of the project, and recommended that Congress
+grant appropriations for that purpose.
+
+After a certain amount of lobbying (in which, I am glad to say, No. 4's
+services were not required), an amount in accordance with the
+architect's estimates was passed by both houses, and duly signed by the
+President. Nothing could exceed the joy and satisfaction of the four
+friends. They now hurried to their homes and made arrangements for
+permanently moving to Washington. A few weeks later, we find them
+settled in a pleasant home in the capital, "a busy lot of happy cranks,"
+as Mrs. Jones expressed it.
+
+The building contract was awarded a Washington company, whose foundries
+and shops are located upon the Potomac, adjacent to the city. The work
+is being done under the general supervision of Marsh and the three
+friends. It is not long before the vast scaffolding that is built up as
+the long, slender, silver-like ribs of the aluminum framework are put in
+place, begins to attract the attention of the surrounding populace. And
+well it might, for as the beautiful globe began to assume shape,
+certainly nothing so colossal of the kind had ever been seen before
+upon earth. And as one stepped inside the mighty ball and looked up
+through the vast network of aluminum rods and braces that ran in every
+conceivable direction, looking like silken threads in the great
+distances above, the feeling inspired was one of awe and unbounded
+admiration.
+
+The work was pushed forward with all possible expedition. The summer
+passed rapidly away. As winter drew near, a vast roof was built over the
+globe, and all was securely shut in from the inclemencies of that
+inhospitable season. All winter the hundreds of hammers, busily riveted
+the sheets of aluminum and zinc into place, and by spring the globe, the
+splendid creation that had existed in the brain of Dr. Jones, was an
+actuality. Language is inadequate to describe the sensations of the
+little company of promoters. They said but little, but would often stand
+in a group, gaze upon it, then into each other's eyes, and smile and wag
+their delighted heads.
+
+The newspapers were not slow, meantime, in keeping the public informed
+of all that could be learned of the unique enterprise. Reporters
+besieged the projectors, in season and out. Our friends freely gave them
+all possible information, and no little interest was excited all over
+our great land. People came from every quarter of the Union, many from
+Europe to see the mighty, glistening sphere. The crowds were so vast
+that work was impeded, and it became necessary to restrict admission. A
+nominal entrance fee was charged, but that only seemed to stimulate the
+eager sightseers. So the public were, of necessity, finally entirely
+excluded.
+
+Then the roof of the building was removed, and the whole structure
+gradually, except so much of it as was absolutely necessary to maintain
+the globe in position.
+
+The cabin was attached to the bottom of the globe, forty feet square,
+with ten feet between the floor and ceiling. It was divided off into
+several bedrooms, sitting and dining-rooms, kitchen, smoking-room,
+store-rooms, oil tanks, etc. In the center was a room, fifteen feet
+square, that was called the engine-room. Everything that could be
+thought of that could add to comfort had been supplied, always with
+reference to compactness and weight. Not an ounce of superfluous weight
+would the architect allow. He had calculated very carefully and knew to
+a pound, almost, just what his great ship would carry, and how much
+fuel would keep her afloat a certain number of hours. But the thing that
+aroused the admiration of the public was the aluminum shaft that passed
+from the floor of the cabin straight up through the center of the globe,
+and extended on above it full ninety feet. And from this dizzy height,
+floated "Old Glory," constructed of fine wire of that same beautiful,
+evershining metal, aluminum. Round and round this splendid shaft, up
+through the globe, wound a delicate stairway. From its top stair, one
+stepped out into a small observatory, well supplied with windows upon
+its four sides. The stairway was protected from the hot air of the
+interior of the globe by a zinc coating, so that the mast and stairway
+really passed up through the center of a zinc tube standing on end, and
+about six feet in diameter.
+
+Already it is an inspiring sight to stand in the observatory, situated
+exactly upon the top of the sphere, and look away into the surrounding
+country, up and down the Potomac, and over the lovely capital city. But
+what will it be when suspended in the air, thousands of feet above terra
+firma?
+
+"Do you feel no fear, Maggie?" asked the Doctor, as they stood with
+Marsh and Denison and looked from this great height.
+
+"Not the slightest tremor," she replied, and she looked so brightly and
+bravely into their faces that Denison said: "I really believe, Doctor,
+that she will prove to be the best sailor of the lot."
+
+"I wish we had a female companion for you, Maggie. I have a great mind
+to advertise for one," said Dr. Jones.
+
+"I beg you to do no such thing. She will be sure to be finical,
+cowardly, or disagreeable in some way. And then such a host of all sorts
+of creatures as would reply to your advertisement. We shall do very well
+without her," replied Mrs. Jones.
+
+"But I am sure it would be much pleasanter for you, Maggie. Don't you
+know of a female acquaintance that you would like to have accompany
+you?" persisted Dr. Jones.
+
+"Well, let me think. If Mattie Bronson could go, it would afford me the
+greatest pleasure."
+
+"The very thing!" declared the Doctor in his usual emphatic way. "Mattie
+is a lovely, brave, all-around nice girl. Let it be Mattie, by all
+means."
+
+Denison and Marsh expressed their entire satisfaction with this
+arrangement.
+
+"I will write her immediately to come and visit us, and then I am sure
+that we can prevail upon her to go with us," said Mrs. Jones.
+
+They then descended the long, slender stairway, and returned to their
+home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Off on a Shoreless Sea.
+
+
+About the middle of April appeared the following in one of the leading
+papers:
+
+"Last night our citizens, and a tremendous overflow of visitors were
+treated to the most magnificent sight their eyes ever beheld. The great
+aluminum globe, about which all the world has been agog for so long,
+arose and stood for three hours above the city, some two hundred and
+fifty feet. The whole mighty sphere was ablaze with myriads of electric
+lights, from the ball of the tapering flagstaff to the beautiful cabin
+below. As it hung suspended above the city, connected with the earth by
+but a slender aluminum chain that looked like a thread of silver
+piercing the skies, a great hush fell upon the hundreds of thousands of
+gazers below. All Nature seemed auspicious to the occasion. Scarcely a
+zephyr was stirring, and the stars shone brightly down upon the scene
+from cloudless skies. One hundred people, consisting of the President
+and cabinet, senators, congressmen, editors, scientific and literary men
+and women, were the favored party who occupied the gigantic ship.
+
+"Suddenly there fell upon the ears of the waiting multitude the glorious
+soprano voice of Mrs. Jones. So far above, yet so thrillingly sweet and
+distinct, one could scarcely refrain from imagining that the Pearly
+Gates had opened, and we were listening to the voice of one of the
+Redeemed. But that illusion was soon dispelled, and we recognized the
+familiar strains of "Star Spangled Banner." And when the whole hundred
+voices swelled the splendid chorus, a great shout arose from the
+multitude like the sound of many waters, beginning directly beneath the
+globe, and spreading away in every direction like billows from a great
+rock, dropped into the center of a quiet lake.
+
+"And so, under the direction of Professor Marsh, brother of the
+architect of the globe, a beautiful and appropriate musical program was
+rendered, lasting nearly an hour.
+
+"We venture the assertion that no performance was ever rendered to so
+great an audience, and certainly not to one more appreciative. And we
+predict that there will be a great demand for liniments and plasters for
+some weeks to come. For standing two hours or more with the back of
+one's head resting upon the cervical portion of one's spinal column, and
+screaming at the top of one's lungs a good portion of the time, with
+eyes unblinkingly and unwinkingly set upon the inconceivably splendid
+globe, all this we assert to be highly conducive to stiff neck and sore
+throat. And it is a question whether many of that innumerable, entranced
+audience will be able to keep their hearts and minds upon things
+terrestrial for a considerable time to come. From the bottom of our
+hearts, we commiserate every member of the race who missed the sights
+and sounds of last evening.
+
+"All arrangements are now completed, and day after to-morrow, weather
+favorable, Dr. Jones and party expect to sail at the hour of noon, away
+for the North Pole. Nothing has been omitted that could insure the
+success of the expedition, and we feel confident of all that could be
+hoped for, or desired by the enterprising Doctor and friends."
+
+The hour set for sailing had arrived. The day was beautiful, and a
+moderate breeze was blowing toward northwest. With proud, happy hearts
+the party of navigators stood upon the balcony that ran about the four
+sides of the cabin. This balcony was one of the chief embellishments and
+conveniences of the cabin. It was five feet wide, and extended, as
+before said, about the four sides of the cabin. A balustrade four feet
+high was built along its outer edge. A more exhilarating promenade could
+not be conceived, and right well did our friends enjoy it during the
+notable voyage which we are about to record.
+
+The party consisted of Professor J.Q. Gray, the scientific
+representative of the Smithsonian Institute; Miss Mattie Bronson;
+Professor Fred Marsh; our four friends with whom the reader is
+acquainted; and last, but not least, so far as bodily comforts were
+concerned, Ah Sing, the cook.
+
+As the globe arose slowly to the length of its cable, five hundred feet,
+it seemed to the little company upon the balcony as if the universe had
+assembled to see them off. On the streets, public squares, housetops,
+decks of all ships upon the river, were crowds on crowds of people;
+people anywhere, everywhere; far as the eye could reach was one vast,
+countless host. What wonder that the heart of the Doctor swelled and
+quickened as he looked upon the ocean of upturned faces below, and
+realized that from his fertile brain had sprung the mighty object of all
+this attention. How it pulled and surged at its silver-like cable, as if
+it were a thing of life, and desired to be away toward its destination,
+the North Pole!
+
+The hour of noon was announced by hundreds of bells and whistles. The
+Doctor waved a flag over the balustrade, the anchor was cut loose from
+its fastenings, and away bounded the colossal sphere toward the ethereal
+blue. Upward and still up it arose to the height of three thousand feet,
+trending slowly toward the northwest.
+
+The voices of the multitude sounded like the roar of the sea, and as it
+grew fainter and fainter, the stout-hearted little party realized that
+they were effectually cut off from the world--off on a limitless sea,
+alone with God.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+A Gunpowder Tea-party.
+
+
+Nothing could be completer nor daintier than the cabin and its
+furnishings, divisions, and subdivisions. The rooms of necessity were
+small, but sufficiently large for convenience and comfort. A choice
+selection of best authors had been added by the Doctor. Mr. Will Marsh,
+the architect, had not forgotten a painting, sketching, and
+photographing outfit. Professor Fred Marsh had brought a good supply of
+vocal and instrumental music, and a small aluminum organ of exquisite
+tone and splendid volume. Professor Gray, as a matter of course, was
+abundantly supplied with books, charts, instruments, etc. The ladies did
+not forget to bring knitting, crochet, and sewing work with them. "For
+we cannot be continually craning our necks out of our little nest,
+sightseeing," said Mrs. Jones.
+
+"And then I suppose that we shall be above the clouds a good share of
+the time, with nothing but a fog bank to look at," added Mattie.
+
+Dr. Jones carried a plentiful supply of drugs and instruments. "I have
+not given up practice," said he. "There is no telling how many patients
+I may encounter outside of our little crowd, before we return."
+
+But we cannot stop to enumerate all the conveniences and appurtenances
+of the wonderful sky-ship, now hastening toward its destination. More of
+that later on.
+
+Washington and its crowds of excited people were fast disappearing in
+the distance. To say that no fear was experienced upon the part of any
+of the company would not be strictly true. The ladies were pale and
+silent, and stood with their arms about each other. Very little was said
+by any one, for the sensation of skimming through the air at the rate of
+more than twenty miles an hour at this elevation was too novel and
+thrilling to admit of conversation. All experienced more or less of
+vertigo and nausea, but the Doctor promptly controlled these
+disagreeable symptoms with medicines from his case. All stood at their
+post for something near an hour, Sing excepted. He was rattling about
+among his pots, pans, and kettles as unconcernedly as if in the best
+appointed kitchen in Washington. Finally a general conversation was
+entered into as the first qualms of fear and sickness began to wear off.
+
+"I am delighted with the performance of our ship," said Will. (We shall
+take the liberty of using the given names of the two brothers hereafter,
+Will and Fred.)
+
+"Yes," returned the Doctor, "how easily and smoothly we are going. When
+one looks inside, it is hard to realize that we are flying at the rate
+of nearly thirty miles an hour through the air, three thousand feet
+above the earth."
+
+"And notice how steadily we are moving. Not a tremor nor movement of any
+sort appreciable. How decidedly superior to car or steamboat traveling.
+Here we have no jar, noise, nor dust," continued Will.
+
+"Nor any kind of danger of shipwreck or collision," added Professor
+Gray.
+
+"Well, I'm sure that we are a peculiarly favored lot of travelers," said
+Fred, turning to the organ and playing "Away with Melancholy," with
+great spirit.
+
+"How does the temperature in the globe keep up?" asked the Professor of
+Will.
+
+"I am astonished, Professor," he replied, "it has scarcely varied a
+degree since starting, now two hours, and we are burning no fuel at all
+at present."
+
+"That is truly wonderful," answered the Professor. "At this rate we are
+not likely to run out of fuel."
+
+"No," said Will, "we are safe on that score."
+
+The Doctor and Will now ascended to the observatory. Professor Gray and
+Denison sat beside the ladies upon the balcony. Each was studying the
+topography of the country with the aid of their field glasses.
+
+"See the people everywhere and all waving their handkerchiefs at us,"
+exclaimed Mattie.
+
+"How distinctly we can see their white upturned faces, and how they do
+shout," remarked Mrs. Jones.
+
+"I can see photographers catching snap shots at us," said Denison.
+
+"I dare say that the telegraph and telephone wires are being kept busy
+over us," said Fred, who had just joined the group.
+
+"Not a doubt of it," answered the Professor, "not only in America, but
+all over Christendom."
+
+Dr. Jones and Will now returned from their aerie, the observatory.
+
+"Whew!" exclaimed the Doctor; "if that isn't exercise for you!"
+
+"What is the temperature now?" asked the Professor.
+
+"One hundred and thirty degrees," replied Will. "It has cooled off a few
+degrees."
+
+"Yes, we have descended to the twenty-five hundred foot level," remarked
+the Professor, after consulting the barometer.
+
+"She will skim along many hours before we need to fire up," returned
+Will.
+
+"And how is the view from the observatory?" inquired Denison of the
+Doctor.
+
+"That is the sight of a lifetime," cried Dr. Jones. "Language is utterly
+inadequate to describe it. With the vast, unobstructed view on all
+sides, far as the eye can reach, the great glistening rotund sides of
+the globe rolling away from beneath your feet, giving one a sensation as
+if about to slide off into the awful chasm below, I assure you that it
+is something fearful. But I cast my eye up the shining mast and saw the
+stars and stripes floating there so calmly and serenely, and I
+remembered our glorious mission, and instantly I felt the Everlasting
+Arms about me. I realized as never before in my life, the utter
+littleness of man, and the almightiness of God. Here, floating thousands
+of feet above the earth, we can rest just as implicitly on His promises
+as we ever did in our lives."
+
+These words were said by the Doctor with so much earnestness and
+solemnity that a hush fell upon the company for a few moments. Then Mrs.
+Jones sat at the organ and began singing in a low, sweet voice, Kelso
+Carter's splendid hymn:
+
+   "Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
+   Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
+   Glory in the highest, I can shout and sing,
+   Standing on the promises of God."
+
+Every one of the seven were trained vocalists, and, very happily for the
+pleasure of the company, the four parts were so nicely balanced that
+their voices blended in sweetest harmony. The Doctor and Will and
+Denison sang bass; Fred and Professor Gray tenor, Mattie alto, and Mrs.
+Jones soprano. Mattie possessed an exceedingly rich contralto, while
+Mrs. Jones' soprano was strong, sweet, and clear as a bird's. They all
+joined in the chorus, and when the hymn was finished, Ah Sing, who stood
+in the doorway with his white cap and apron on, encored loudly.
+
+"Velly good. Me heap likee," was his verdict.
+
+"It takes the 'Children of the Skies' to sing that hymn!" cried Denison.
+
+"Hear! Hear!" said Mrs. Jones, clapping her hands. "Isn't that poetic
+and appropriate? The Children of the Skies! That was an inspiration on
+your part, Mr. Denison."
+
+Several more pieces were sung, and the newness of their position began
+to wear off toward evening. After this the rooms were assigned to each
+by the Doctor, who was by common consent, recognized as captain of the
+ship. Himself and wife occupied the largest of the sleeping apartments,
+a beautiful bedroom, twelve feet square. How pure, sweet, and clean they
+all were! The ceilings, walls, floors, and furniture, all of that
+marvelous metal, aluminum. Rugs laid about as required were the only
+covering upon the floors. At six o'clock, Sing announced dinner. As they
+repaired to the dining-room and sat in the dainty aluminum chairs about
+the aluminum table, set with a complete service of the same metal, they
+could not repress their expressions of delight. They sat with bowed
+heads while Dr. Jones invoked the Divine blessing upon the food of which
+they were about to partake, and asked His special protection and care
+during the unknown perils before them. As the meal progressed, they grew
+quite talkative and merry.
+
+"This is high living in more senses than one," remarked Fred as he
+finished a plate of soup.
+
+"Yes," returned Mrs. Jones, "we have picked up a jewel of a cook."
+
+"How are you getting along, girls?" cried the genial Doctor, from the
+lower end of the table where he sat carving the meat.
+
+"Just splendidly, Doctor," replied Mattie, gaily. "Your picnic is
+turning out to be a grander success than you ever could have dreamed
+of."
+
+"I don't know," he returned as his eye swept about the room and out of
+the window. "I had my ideas up pretty high, but I must admit that this
+rather exceeds my highest flights of imagination."
+
+"My ideal of pleasure, so far as eating goes, used to be that of sitting
+in a Pullman dining-car, flying at the rate of forty miles an hour or
+more. I have spent an hour at such a table more than once, looking out
+of the great windows as I ate, and thought I knew all about it. But ah!
+I had never dined with the 'Children of the Skies,'" said Will.
+
+And so they pleasantly chatted through the meal. Mrs. Jones, who sat at
+the other end of the table, poured the tea.
+
+"It may be imagination, but everything seems to taste better than common
+aboard this ship," said Professor Gray. "Now, this tea is remarkably
+fragrant and delicious. It is a beverage that I do not as a rule care
+much for. What particular variety of tea is it?"
+
+"It is the very best quality of Ceylon. I have forbidden the use of any
+other kind by my patients. The Ceylon tea possesses little or no tannic
+acid, and is not nearly so deleterious to weak stomachs as other
+varieties. Speaking of teas, I suppose that you have all heard of one
+brand of tea called 'Gunpowder.' I could tell you a very good story
+about Gunpowder tea if you wish to hear it."
+
+A general desire being expressed to hear it, the Doctor began:
+
+"My maternal grandfather left New York state and moved to the vicinity
+of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1830. Cleveland at that time was a small,
+unimportant lakeport and my grandfather was offered his choice between a
+tract of land upon what is now the most beautiful residence street in
+the world, Euclid Avenue, and a piece at what was called Brighton,
+several miles farther from town. It speaks but little for the old
+gentleman's foresight, but he chose the latter, and so remained a
+comparatively poor man all his life, instead of becoming a millionaire.
+But, by dint of hard work, grandfather prospered as well as his
+neighbors, and was content. In course of time, a hired man became a
+necessary fixture upon the farm, and for many years Pete Wiggs, an
+honest, hardworking German, was grandfather's right-hand man. But Pete,
+jewel of a farmhand though he was, possessed one serious flaw: he
+_would_ have a periodical spree. But, so considerate was he, that he
+always chose a time for his sprees when 'Dere really vos notting else to
+do, Uncle Ezra,' as he assured my grandfather by way of extenuation. So
+it became an understood arrangement that Pete was to be allowed, and
+expected to have, a 'blowout' every spring and fall. One spring day, the
+crops being all in, Pete began making arrangements for one of his
+semi-annuals. 'Now, Pete,' said my grandmother, 'before you get drunk, I
+want you to be sure and not forget to buy me a pound of the new tea I
+have heard of. They call it 'Gunpowder tea.' Now attend to this for me
+before you get to drinking.
+
+'All right, Aunt Lois, so I vill,' replied Pete.
+
+Four or five days later, Pete returned as usual, semi-intoxicated, and
+looking very much the worse for wear.
+
+'Give me dish, Aunt Loish, and I gif you dot Gunpowder dee. Paper proke
+in mine bocket.'
+
+So out of his coat pocket he began to fish great handfuls of tea leaves,
+and a fine, black, granular substance. Grandmother looked at the strange
+mixture critically, and concluded that the reason the tea was so called
+was because part of it so much resembled gunpowder. So she thanked the
+thoughtful Dutchman most kindly, and set it away carefully. A few
+evenings later she invited a number of her neighbors, old cronies, to
+drink Gunpowder tea with her. None of them had ever seen the new variety
+of tea, and all were there, expecting a very great treat indeed.
+
+It was soon poured out and upon the table. Grandmother noticed that its
+color was black as ink, and she felt a thrill of anxiety run down her
+spinal column as she poured it into the cups. Aunt Joanna, my
+grandmother's sister, was the oracle of the settlement on social
+matters, and by tacit consent, all awaited until she had first tasted
+the new beverage. Each felt that a great event was at hand, and the fate
+of Gunpowder tea was about to be settled, once and forever, in that
+settlement. So Aunt Joanna, fully alive to a sense of her position and
+responsibility, with great deliberation took a generous sip of the
+candidate for social favor. Her eyes filled with tears; she coughed
+furiously behind her handkerchief, and a spasm of disgust and nausea
+went to her very toes. Then she sat straight, grim, and silent as
+death. Each of the other old ladies went through about the same motions.
+And now grandmother, who had been puttering about, waiting upon her
+guests, noticed that something was wrong.
+
+'Well, Joan, how do you like Gunpowder tea?'
+
+'Taste it, Lois,' was all Aunt Joan would condescend to reply. She
+complied, taking quite a generous swallow.
+
+'Oh! my stars!' she fairly screamed, 'What horrible stuff is this?
+Waugh!'
+
+'Why, that is Gunpowder tea, Lois,' said Aunt Joan with grim sarcasm.
+'Beautiful, isn't it?'
+
+'There is some awful mistake about this,' said grandmother. 'I'll see
+that drunken Pete about it.'
+
+Pete was called in. Grandmother brought the box of tea out before him
+and said: 'Pete, what is the matter with this tea? It has nearly
+poisoned us all to death. What is this black stuff mixed up with the
+tea?'
+
+The Dutchman looked at it stupidly for a moment, then his mouth expanded
+from ear to ear, and he roared with laughter. 'Dunder und blixen, Aunt
+Loish, but dot vos a goot choke on you. Dot vos Gunpowder dee mitout any
+mishtake,' and again he howled with laughter.
+
+The long and short of the matter was, that Pete had bought a pound of
+tea and a pound of gunpowder, and had put the two packages into the same
+pocket before getting drunk. During his drunken brawling and fighting
+the papers had become broken, with the result related."
+
+The evening was balmy and beautiful, and they promenaded about the
+balcony until the shades of night had set in. The twinkling lights of
+the towns and farmhouses began to appear. They were passing over the
+mountainous region of southeastern Pennsylvania, and the globe had
+ascended to the four thousand foot level. The wind had shifted to nearly
+due west.
+
+"Where are we now, Doctor?" asked Mattie.
+
+"We are crossing the southern portion of Pennsylvania. We are traveling
+nearly due west. I shall seek a more northerly current to-morrow morning
+if this wind does not become more favorable by that time."
+
+They finally tired of walking and sat conversing until nearly ten
+o'clock, when, by general consent, they retired, except Will, who
+remained up to keep a lookout, and to watch the barometer and
+thermometer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Relating how the Beautiful Picnic Progressed.
+
+
+Shortly before six o'clock all arose. The Doctor and his wife, at her
+earnest solicitation, ascended to the observatory to witness the
+sunrise. Mattie had manifested symptoms of vertigo that morning on first
+looking out, and decided not to go up with them. The exertion of
+climbing that long flight of stairs flushed the lovely face of Mrs.
+Jones, and her cheeks were like twin roses when they reached the
+observatory. Once there, she was glad to sit and rest. The Doctor opened
+the windows and then sat beside her. Mrs. Jones sat quiet and dumb,
+hands clasped, looking out upon the most glorious scene her eyes had
+ever beheld. The sun was just peeping above the horizon. The painting of
+the clouds; the variegated face of the earth; the pure, balmy
+atmosphere; the great globe beneath their feet; the exquisitely graceful
+shaft that pierced the vault nearly one hundred feet above their heads,
+bearing our beautiful symbol of liberty; all these, combined with the
+inspiration that always attends looking out upon the works of God from
+great elevations, thrilled the souls of the two spectators as they had
+never been before in their lives. Thus they sat in silence drinking in
+the beauties of the morning for nearly a quarter of an hour. Approaching
+steps upon the stairway broke the spell, and the Professor and Fred
+stepped into the observatory. As they looked out upon the transcendent
+loveliness of the scene, the Professor raised his hands above his head
+and cried: "'What is man, that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of
+man that Thou visitest him? Thou hast made him little lower than the
+angels, and crowned him with glory and honor.' You told us yesterday
+that you never felt so little as when you looked out from this
+magnificent aerie; but I declare to you, Doctor, that I feel now that
+God has made man a wonderful being. As we go thus sailing through these
+roseate skies in this most splendid creation that ever came from the
+hands of man, I feel like crying with old Elisha, 'My father! My father!
+The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'"
+
+They sat a few minutes and then descended to the cabin. Mattie, Will,
+and Denison were upon the balcony, speculating as to what city they were
+rapidly approaching. Dr. Jones looked at it through his glasses, and
+said: "That is Columbus, the capital city of Ohio. Those great stone
+buildings you see there, inclosed by high stone walls, constitute the
+state prison. It contains at present, I believe, nearly three thousand
+convicts."
+
+"The poor things!" said Mattie. "Just think of the contrast between
+sailing so smoothly and easily as we are doing, away above the world
+with all its cares and sorrows, and being incarcerated within those
+gloomy walls, many of them for life. I am sure that if they could become
+'Children of the Skies,' they would all reform in a short time."
+
+"No, no, Mattie," replied the Doctor, "God did infinitely more than that
+for man. He placed him in the garden of Eden, and he transgressed the
+only restrictive law laid upon him. And he became so vile that the Lord
+was compelled to drown them like so many rats. Beautiful and inspiring
+though our present circumstances and surroundings are, yet they could
+never change the hearts of the majority of those miserable men."
+
+Breakfast was now announced by Sing. The bracing atmosphere of this
+upper region seemed to be very appetizing, for they all ate heartily.
+
+The ship was acting splendidly, continuing at nearly the same level of
+the day before, and but little fuel had been burned during the night.
+The wind had shifted to the south, and they were sailing twenty miles an
+hour, due north. The Doctor rubbed his hands gleefully. "We're getting
+there now, ladies and gentlemen, we're getting there finely. Nothing
+could be better."
+
+The sweet, happy valleys of Ohio were so exceedingly beautiful; the
+little towns appeared so pure and lovely to the voyagers; and the people
+were out in such crowds, cheering them so lustily, that our friends
+could do little else than sit through the day and watch them through
+their glasses. And numerous were the dispatches they wrote and cast
+from the balcony. They could see the people rushing eagerly for them, as
+they reached the earth.
+
+"I wish we had a morning paper," sighed Fred. "I do not doubt that we
+receive some mention in it."
+
+"That is about the only thing I have missed so far," said the Professor.
+"But we can well afford to forego that luxury for what we are now
+enjoying."
+
+"And I really do wish we could attend church Sunday mornings," said
+Mattie.
+
+"Oh! we will have a church service," replied Denison. "I notice that the
+Doctor has brought with him a book of sermons and a Bible. Then we have
+an organ, and the best choir I ever heard. The Doctor or Professor can
+act as parson; and, to make the thing realistic and homelike, I will
+pass the contribution box."
+
+"I will see that he uses a bell punch," cried Fred. This suggestion was
+immediately rejected as unworthy of one of the Children of the Skies.
+
+The Professor sat consulting a map. "We are heading straight for
+Cleveland," he remarked.
+
+"I am really glad of that," said Dr. Jones. "That is my old native town,
+and I have not seen it for many years. The population has doubled
+several times since I left it, immediately after the war."
+
+An hour or so later, as he stood upon the balcony, the Doctor suddenly
+shouted, "There's Cleveland! And that town this side of it is Berea, the
+great stone quarry place. Do you see on the north side of the town those
+brick and stone buildings in a campus? That is Baldwin University, where
+I attended school several years. You didn't dream, dear old girl," said
+he, tenderly and apostrophizingly to said institution of learning, "that
+you would ever turn out such a sky traveler as I am, did you?"
+
+All the glasses were turned upon the University. "We shall pass directly
+over it," said Fred.
+
+"They have sighted us!" cried the Doctor excitedly. "See the students
+pouring out of the buildings! Let's give them some messages." This they
+did in a liberal shower.
+
+They had lowered to the five hundred foot level, so that a good view
+might be taken of the beautiful metropolis of Ohio--Cleveland. They were
+just about passing over it.
+
+"What a splendid city it has grown to be," said Professor Gray.
+
+"Yes, indeed," replied Dr. Jones. "That portion of the city," continued
+he, pointing with his finger, "was formerly called Brooklyn Center. I
+was born a mile or so from there. Yes!" he cried, looking earnestly
+through his glass, "I am quite sure that I can see the old two-story
+farmhouse where I was born. It is, sure as shooting! There is
+grandfather's farm where the 'Gunpowder tea' party was held that I told
+you of. And off here are the Heights, or South Cleveland. In 1862, when
+I joined the army, that was Camp Cleveland. It was then covered with
+rough wooden barracks, but now you see that it is densely built up with
+houses. My regiment, the 124th O.V.I. was in camp there three months
+before we went south."
+
+"You must have been a very small soldier at that time," said Mattie.
+
+"Yes," he replied, "I was but fifteen years old at that time. I didn't
+do much good or harm, for I was but a snare drummer the first two years
+of my soldiering, and the last year I was detailed as mounted orderly at
+brigade headquarters. But just see the people! Give them some messages!
+We shall be out of 'Yankee Doodle' land very soon."
+
+So the half million (more or less) of Clevelanders were treated to a
+shower of greetings.
+
+"If I had thought sooner, I would have dropped anchor here and given my
+old townies a handshake," said the Doctor.
+
+"Too late now, Doctor. We have passed the principal portion of the city,
+and will be above Lake Erie in two or three minutes."
+
+"Yes, yes, I see," sighed the Doctor. "But we may see you again.
+Good-bye, Cleveland."
+
+The blue water of Lake Erie was now rolling beneath them. Steamers and
+sail vessels thickly dotted the face of the beautiful lake; for the
+traffic and travel upon these great inland seas are exceedingly large.
+The Canadian shores were visible, and when Sing announced dinner, the
+splendid domain of Her Majesty Victoria, Ontario, lay widespread before
+them. It was hard to realize that they were not still in their own
+land, so much like it did the peaceful towns, villages, and farms
+appear.
+
+After dinner, the five men, in the little smoking-room, lighted their
+pipes and cigars, and entered into a general chat.
+
+"If this wind holds, we shall be in the Arctics in two or three days,"
+said Will.
+
+"I suppose that we shall then be obliged to get out our furs," replied
+Fred.
+
+"No," returned the architect. "These walls are double as well as the
+floor, with air chambers between, and I can turn hot air into them at
+pleasure. The windows and doors are all double, also, and Jack Frost can
+never penetrate this cabin."
+
+"What a contrast between this luxurious sail through the sky, and the
+buffetings upon sea and land, the hunger, cold, and oftentimes death,
+suffered by former Arctic explorers," said the Professor. "And, Doctor,"
+he continued, "if we make a successful trip, the matter of aerial
+navigation will have been settled. What a power this ship would have
+been in the late war of the Rebellion."
+
+"The war would have been very quickly terminated if our globe had been
+in existence at that time," returned Dr. Jones. "We could have sailed
+above the reach of their best guns and dropped bombs upon them that
+would have destroyed their forts, gunboats, and armies at will. But I am
+glad things were as they were. We fought a fair fight to the finish, and
+settled forever the question of human slavery in America. Had the first
+few battles of the war been won by the North, the South might have laid
+down their arms, and have been permitted to retain their institution of
+slavery. When Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, I remember
+that even we soldiers in the field received the news with a sort of
+shock, and thought our President over-bold. We had not thought of that
+extreme measure as a result of the war. We were simply out to preserve
+the Union."
+
+"And right well you did it, Doctor," said Denison. "I have always
+noticed in reading the history of that war, that in the latter part of
+it you fought with much greater skill and judgment than you did in the
+first year or two."
+
+"That is quite true, and nothing more than what might have been
+expected," replied Dr. Jones. "It is marvelous what we accomplished with
+an absolutely empty treasury, no credit, no standing army to speak of,
+and our little navy scattered to the four ends of the earth. The vast,
+splendidly drilled armies which we brought into existence as if by
+magic, were the wonder of the world. We had everything to learn, both
+North and South, in the matter of logistics. Long lines of
+communications had to be kept open, and such splendid raiders as John
+Morgan, Forest, Mosby, etc., were not slow to break them frequently, so
+that I remember going to bed supperless many times after a hard day's
+march, because our rations had been captured and burned. Our wagon
+trains were something immense, while the big Bell tents were in use; but
+after what were called by the boys 'pup tents,' or 'dog tents,' were
+introduced, the wagon trains were cut down at least three-fourths. For
+the pup tents we carried upon our backs, and so dispensed with the great
+Bell tents that were hauled in wagons. Our trains had been so large and
+cumbersome that military movements were inconceivably slow, and the war
+could never have been fought to a successful issue by the North on those
+lines."
+
+"I suppose, Doctor, that you were in some of the great battles?" asked
+Fred.
+
+"Yes, I was in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, through the
+Atlantic campaign; then under General Geo. H. Thomas we marched back
+into Tennessee, fought a desperate battle at Franklin, and a few weeks
+later annihilated the army at Nashville. While we were doing this,
+Sherman was making his renowned march to the sea. But I'll spin you some
+of my experiences before we get back home. Let's join the ladies."
+
+"I should never tire hearing your war stories," said Fred.
+
+"Yes; and you would be the first one to go to sleep if I should tell you
+of the battle of Chickamauga or Missionary Ridge."
+
+This Fred stoutly denied. "All right," said the Doctor. "I'll test you
+one of these evenings."
+
+"The sooner the better," replied Fred. "And now let's have some music."
+
+They sang several anthems and choruses, and all retired at an early
+hour, except Denison, who stood watch.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+In the Heart of Labrador.
+
+
+The central room of the cabin was called the 'engine room.' It was
+fifteen feet square, with a hole three feet in diameter in one corner,
+now securely covered. It was used for lowering or hoisting objects
+through while the globe was at anchor. An aluminum frame or cage,
+attached to a windlass by a chain of the same material, was used for
+this purpose. A powerful coil steel spring operated the windlass. In
+each of the other corners of the room were anchors of aluminum, also
+attached to windlasses and worked by steel springs. There was a dynamo
+that afforded abundance of light for the ship. This, too, was run by
+spring power. The rooms of the cabin were brilliantly lighted, and the
+spiral stairway, from the foot of the mast which stood upon the center
+of the floor of the engine-room, was illuminated by several lights, up
+to the observatory itself. At the top, or ball of the mast, was a light
+of thirty-two hundred candle power. Altogether, the ship must have been
+at night an object of terrific splendor to the observer below.
+
+Will was the originator of the steel-springs motor idea, and he daily
+attended to winding them with great faithfulness and pride. And it was a
+most invaluable adjunct to the comfort and success of the expedition, as
+will be seen before the end of this history is reached.
+
+At daylight, on the following morning, all were up and looking out upon
+wild Canadian forests. Here and there were small towns and settlements,
+but they realized that they were fast hastening beyond the pale of
+civilization. The wind had moved during the night into the southwest,
+and the Professor informed them that they were sailing at the rate of
+more than thirty miles an hour.
+
+"If this wind will only continue, we shall not be long reaching our
+destination," said the Doctor. "While I am enjoying the trip splendidly,
+yet I am anxious to reach the Pole as soon as possible. After that we
+will start on a general sightseeing tour. But until I have planted our
+aluminum shaft exactly upon the north end of the earth's axis,
+sightseeing is but incidental and secondary."
+
+All day they skimmed like a frigate bird across the face of Canada, at
+an altitude of about two thousand feet. All were delighted with the
+behavior of the ship. Her capacity for floating and retaining heat far
+exceeded their most sanguine expectations.
+
+It was interesting to watch the fast changing appearance of the country,
+and they could note that the timber was rapidly growing smaller.
+Clearings and settlements became more and more rare, and as the day
+closed they were looking upon primitive, unbroken forests, known only to
+hunters, both white and red.
+
+Another night passed without incident. The wind held all night in the
+same quarter. On the following morning the beautiful ship was enveloped
+in a dense fog. "We are in the midst of a great cloud," said Professor
+Gray.
+
+"I think we will rise a few hundred feet and see if we can get out of
+it," replied Dr. Jones.
+
+The temperature within the globe was raised a few degrees, and the ship
+rapidly rose to twenty-five hundred feet altitude. This carried them
+high above the clouds, and it was with new and strange sensations that
+our aerial navigators looked down upon the dense cloud that obscured the
+face of the earth from their view. The sun, meantime, was shining with
+what seemed to them greatly increased splendor in this super-cloud
+region.
+
+"Well, girls," cried the Doctor, "I am for some exercise. Who will mount
+with me to the observatory?"
+
+They each assented, and a few moments later were sitting in that
+elevated place, very warm and breathless from the unwonted exercise of
+the long climb. This was Mattie's first visit to the observatory, and
+her eyes dilated with terror as she looked over the rolling sides of the
+massive globe.
+
+"O, Doctor, Doctor! isn't this perfectly awful! Think of what the very
+slightest mistake or mishap would do. We should go flying down through
+those clouds, and be dashed to pieces in those uninhabited Canadian
+forests. And I suppose that our friends would never hear of us again.
+
+"Tut, tut, Mattie. Cheer up, little girl," said the doctor, very
+soothingly, and patting her head with his steady, strong hand. "No
+mishap is possible. We cannot explode, collapse, burn, collide, nor
+capsize. No enterprise ever entered upon by man possessed so much of
+interest and importance, and was attended by so little of the element of
+danger. You were never safer in your life than you are at this moment.
+Think of it! Here we are above the clouds, the world with all its care
+and heartaches shut out, basking in this glorious sunlight, sailing on
+in this clear, bracing, microbeless atmosphere. The clouds beneath our
+feet, the sun above our heads, and God's empyrean all about us. What can
+be more inspiring and grand? How does the chorus of that old hymn run?
+
+   'Let us look above the clouds,
+     Above the clouds, above the clouds;
+   Up above the stormy clouds
+     To fairer worlds on high.'"
+
+The Doctor sang this simple chorus in his great sonorous voice that rang
+out over the clouds like a bugle blast.
+
+"Well, I declare Doctor, you will not let me get into a real good
+fright," cried Mattie, smiling through eyes filled with tears.
+
+"No, indeed, I will not, Mattie. The only fear I have now is that we may
+keep breakfast waiting. Let's descend."
+
+The forenoon passed away very uneventfully. About the middle of the
+afternoon they were treated to a splendid spectacle. A terrific thunder
+storm raged beneath them; and as they looked below into the inky depths
+of the thunder clouds, pierced and riven by jagged lightnings, followed
+by deafening bellowings and crashings of thunder, and then cast their
+eyes up to the sun shining in full-orbed splendor over all, they
+realized as never before the presence and majesty of Omnipotence.
+
+At four o'clock, P.M. the storm clouds cleared away, and the bleak,
+uninviting face of Labrador was plainly visible. The ship had settled to
+an altitude of fifteen hundred feet, and was moving northeasterly at the
+rate of thirty miles an hour.
+
+"Isn't that a settlement I see ahead a few miles?" asked Will.
+
+The Doctor and Professor Gray decided that it must be a fort or trading
+post. The ship, meantime, was lowering quite rapidly, and was but eight
+hundred feet above the earth.
+
+"I have a mind to drop anchor at that fort for the night," said Dr.
+Jones. "Some fresh meat, especially game and fish, would not be at all
+bad to take. What do you all say?"
+
+A general desire was expressed to do so.
+
+They could see that the inhabitants of the place were greatly excited,
+and were running to and fro. The globe was lowered to within three
+hundred feet of the earth. As they neared the spot, two of the anchors
+were dropped, and soon caught in the birch tree tops. The ship strained
+tremendously at the cables for a moment or two, and then rode easily at
+anchorage, three hundred feet above the buildings.
+
+"Fort ahoy!" shouted the Doctor.
+
+"Ahoy!" replied a hoarse voice.
+
+"What fort is this?"
+
+"This is not a fort, but Constance House."
+
+"Well, we are a party bound for the North Pole, and we wish to buy some
+provisions."
+
+"All right. Come down, and we will do the best we can for you. But I
+think you have scared everybody on the place about to death."
+
+The spring power was turned on, and the windlasses drew the globe to
+within one hundred feet of the earth. Then the Doctor and Denison
+descended in the cage. They met a splendidly built, large man, dressed
+in a semi-arctic suit of woolens and furs. The two voyagers introduced
+themselves, explained their business, and they were received very
+cordially by this man, John Barton, the proprietor and owner of
+Constance House. He invited the whole company to descend and make
+themselves at home as long as they desired to remain. So two by two they
+descended, Sing also joining the group below. The anchors were lashed to
+the trunks of the trees to prevent accidents from sudden gusts of wind.
+
+They found Constance House to be a large one-story stone building, which
+served for both residence and storeroom. One-half of it was devoted to
+the storage of provisions, clothing, and such other goods as are
+required by hunters and trappers. These Mr. Barton exchanged for furs
+with said hunters and trappers. Hunting, trapping, and fishing
+constituted the sole business of the simple-minded inhabitants. Here
+they are born, live, die contentedly, knowing little of and caring
+nothing about the great world which the most of us are so anxious to
+possess.
+
+Barton's family consisted of a wife, two strapping sons, who were
+hunters and trappers, and a daughter. The daughter's name was Jennie,
+aged eighteen. She was a strong, healthy, beautiful girl. Nothing could
+exceed the loveliness of her skin, the whiteness of her even teeth, or
+the graceful shapeliness of her form. Mrs. Jones and Mattie were
+immediately drawn to her. She met their advances freely and frankly,
+though her manners showed at once that she was not accustomed to such
+society. But she was so unaffectedly sweet and pure that the two ladies
+loved her all the better for her unsophistication. Mrs. Barton was an
+invalid, and they did not see her that evening.
+
+After a bountiful supper the whole party drew up to a vast fireplace. In
+it roared a huge fire, for the night was very cold and frosty. For a
+time the air-ship and the object of their voyage was discussed. The
+admiration of Barton and the inhabitants of Constance House for the
+globe was unbounded. The wind had lulled away to a very gentle breeze,
+and the superlatively splendid globe hung above them so majestically,
+and glistened so beautifully in the moonlight, that it is not wonderful
+that these people, who saw and knew so little of the outside world,
+should be struck dumb with wonder and astonishment as they looked upon
+it.
+
+"I must say," said Barton, "that I never experienced such sensations in
+my life as I did when your ship hove in sight. I have been mate of some
+good ships in my time, and have traveled over a good portion of the
+earth. I have seen many strange sights on land and sea, but this beats
+them all by so much that I shall never mention them again. And you are
+going to make the North Pole beyond a peradventure. Nothing could
+please me so well as to make one of your party. But my poor, poor wife!"
+He dropped his face into his hands, and tears trickled down upon his
+massive grey beard. The two sons and Jennie also participated in their
+father's grief.
+
+"What is the matter with your wife?" asked Mrs. Jones, very gently.
+"Perhaps Dr. Jones might do something for her."
+
+"No, no, madam; her case is a hopeless one. I took her down to Montreal
+last year, and the best medical men there were consulted. They could do
+absolutely nothing for her, and I have brought her home to die. I wanted
+to stay there with her, where she could have more of the comforts of
+life, but she preferred to come back to Constance House."
+
+"While I know nothing of the nature of your wife's disease, yet I will
+say that I have cured many cases of so-called incurables. It is not that
+I know more of the nature of disease than the average physician, but I
+use drugs that they know nothing of, will not investigate, look at, nor
+even touch with the longest of tongs," said Dr. Jones.
+
+"But, Doctor, my wife's case is cancer. They showed me the latest and
+best authorities, and they invariably gave what they called an
+'unfavorable prognosis.' You would not undertake to say that this
+fearful disease is curable, would you?" cried Barton, very earnestly.
+
+The Doctor saw that he had a very intelligent and well-informed man to
+deal with. He had conceived a liking for the grand old man, and desired,
+with all his good and kindly heart, to help this noble family in its
+distress and isolation from the civilized world. So he said slowly and
+impressively:
+
+"Mr. Barton, I came to you this afternoon like a messenger from the
+skies. The way in which I came, and the ship in which I sailed, ought to
+entitle my word to some weight with you. Now I am going to say this: I
+have cured cancers, and believe that a large percentage of them are
+curable. I would like to see your wife, and if I can do anything for
+her, I shall be glad to do it."
+
+"I thank you, Dr. Jones, with all my heart. Come right in with me," and
+Barton led the way to his wife's room. Half an hour later the Doctor
+came from the sick room, went out, jumped into the cage and mounted to
+the globe. He returned in a few moments and said: "I have here medicine,
+Mr. Barton, that is certain to do your wife a great amount of good. And
+I am quite positive that it will work a perfect cure. Her symptoms point
+so unmistakably and pronouncedly to a certain remedy that I feel safe in
+assuring you of immediate relief. I shall be much surprised if you do
+not see less pain, burning, restlessness, thirst--in short, a decidedly
+better night than she has known for months."
+
+Constance House was not prepared with sleeping accommodations for so
+large a company of visitors, and at ten o'clock they mounted to the ship
+for the night. At seven o'clock on the following morning they all
+descended again and partook of the substantial breakfast prepared for
+them by Jennie, with the help of a half-breed Indian girl.
+
+The surprise and delight of the family was immeasurable at the
+palliative effects of Dr. Jones' medicine. Mrs. Barton had rested quite
+comfortably nearly all night, a thing that she had not done in many
+months. Barton grasped the Doctor's hand when he first appeared in the
+morning, and could not speak for emotion.
+
+"That is all right, Mr. Barton; just what I expected."
+
+"Doctor, you have inspired me with a degree of hope that I never
+expected to know again. Do you really think you can cure her?"
+
+"Mr. Barton, I will just reiterate what I said to you last night: I have
+seen some astonishing cures done by the remedy indicated by the
+symptoms, and in what we call a 'high potency.' I cannot stop to explain
+all this to you, but you can rest assured that it is the only help or
+hope for your wife. Anxious though I am to be off toward our
+destination, yet I am going to stop over and study your wife's symptoms
+more closely, and leave you medicines with written directions as to
+their use."
+
+The joy of the Barton family was unbounded at this announcement of the
+benevolent Doctor.
+
+After breakfast, Denison, Fred, and Will decided to accompany the Barton
+boys up the river that flowed near Constance House, visiting their
+traps.
+
+"What game do you have in this country?" asked Denison.
+
+"We have reindeer, bear, wolves, foxes, hare, marten, otter, and in the
+spring and summer we have an abundance of geese, ducks, etc.," replied
+Joe, the elder of the boys. Sam was the younger of the brothers, and
+they were aged twenty-three and twenty-one years respectively. The
+voyagers were surprised at the correctness of their speech and other
+indications of education.
+
+"Our mother is an educated woman, and has taken great pains with our
+education," said Sam in reply to a remark of Denison upon the subject.
+"And she has done as much for father. Our long winter nights we always
+spend in reading, music, and sometimes in such games as chess,
+backgammon, drafts, etc. Mother is a most splendid mathematician. She is
+also quite a linguist. But I am afraid that mother's days of teaching
+are over in this world. Dr. Jones is exceedingly kind, but do you really
+think that he has any hopes of curing her?" And the two sons looked
+anxiously into Denison's face as they awaited his reply.
+
+"Well," replied Denison slowly, as if carefully weighing his words, "I
+have known Dr. Jones more than twenty years very intimately, and I tell
+you candidly that you may rely implicitly upon his word. He is a
+physician of remarkable skill, and to my positive knowledge has cured
+several cases of cancer that had been, like your mother's, given up as
+incurable. So I should hope a great deal if he gives you encouragement."
+
+"God is good, and has heard our prayers," said Sam.
+
+While this party spent the day until the middle of the afternoon
+paddling from trap to trap, capturing three otters, and catching several
+dozen beautiful trout and black bass, the Doctor and the Professor
+ascended with Mr. Barton to the ship. As he passed through the elegant
+rooms of the cabin, and saw the wonderful degree of comfort, and even
+luxury, that our voyagers were enjoying, he cried out, like the Queen of
+Sheba, "The half was never told!" And the wonderful metal of which
+everything was composed where practicable--aluminum--excited his special
+interest.
+
+"Without this metal you could never have made the trip," he declared.
+But when he had mounted the spiral stairway, and was standing in the
+observatory, for some time he was speechless. As his eye ran up the
+shining mast, then off over the glistening sides of the globe to the
+earth, three hundred feet below, then away over the trackless wastes of
+Labrador, he finally exclaimed, "This, gentlemen, is too wonderful for
+me. I cannot give expression to my feelings. If you had told me that you
+were visitors from Venus or Mars, I should be obliged to believe you."
+
+And so they sat and discussed for an hour or more the object of the
+expedition, and the probability of success. All agreed that, so far as
+human thought and judgment could foresee, failure was hardly possible.
+They descended to the cabin. The aluminum mast especially attracted the
+attention of the old sailor.
+
+"And you intend erecting this magnificent spar at the North Pole!" he
+exclaimed, all his sailor instincts thoroughly aroused. "How do you
+intend to manage that business, Doctor?"
+
+"We shall be governed in that matter entirely by circumstances," replied
+Dr. Jones. "I do not know what we may find there, and so cannot say
+exactly what we may have to do. But I shall consider the trip a partial
+failure if I do not leave this stately shaft, exactly to the quarter of
+an inch, standing at the North Pole, with that aluminum flag flying at
+its peak, there to float till time shall be no more."
+
+"Well, Doctor, I am a thoroughbred British subject, and can't help
+wishing that it was the Union Jack that you were going to leave there;
+but you deserve all the honor of the occasion, and I am glad to bid you
+Godspeed," said Barton heartily.
+
+"Thank you," replied Dr. Jones, "now let us go down and see further
+about your wife's case. I must be off to-morrow morning, bright and
+early."
+
+The Doctor and Barton repaired to the sick chamber. After nearly an hour
+they left the house, walked down to the river bank, and talked long and
+earnestly concerning the treatment of Mrs. Barton.
+
+"I will tell you just what I am doing for your wife, and the grounds I
+have for hope. I think, under the circumstances, that an expose of the
+rationale of my treatment is due you, for two reasons, first, because I
+desire to give you a reason for the hope that is within me, and so make
+you as happy and comfortable as possible by filling you up with a
+lively faith; secondly, because I delight in instructing intelligent
+people in what I conceive to be the only rational and scientific system
+of medicine known to man.
+
+"In this pocket-case book, you will observe that I have taken Mrs.
+Barton's symptoms very carefully and minutely:
+
+"1. A fearful and apprehensive state of mind. She cannot tolerate being
+left alone.
+
+"2. Intolerable thirst for cold water. Drinks often, and but a sip or
+two at a time.
+
+"3. The pains are very sharp, lancinating, and burning.
+
+"4. She is always worse at night, from twelve o'clock until two or
+three, A.M. The pains then are intolerable, and burning like red-hot
+iron, so that you are obliged to hold her in your arms to prevent her
+doing herself injury.
+
+"5. Great restlessness.
+
+"6. Skin yellow, or straw-colored, dry and wrinkled.
+
+"7. Very emaciated and weak.
+
+"There are quite a number of other symptoms of less importance, but all
+are found under but one drug in all the earth, and that drug is arsenic.
+Do not be alarmed at the name, for the doses I give are absolutely
+immaterial and can do no harm. But they do possess a curative power that
+is truly miraculous and past the comprehension of man. What gives me
+greater hope and confidence in your wife's case is the fact that she has
+never been under the surgeon's knife. Operations for cancer not only do
+no good whatever, but they reduce the patient's chances of cure, so that
+after the second or third one the case is rendered absolutely incurable.
+And another thing greatly in her favor is that she has taken but little
+medicine, and so I have been able to get a clear picture of the case.
+And I must strictly forbid the use of any drugs whatever, internally or
+externally, except what I give you."
+
+"But, Doctor, the terrible odor!" said Barton, "Must I not use the
+disinfectant as I have been doing?"
+
+"No; nothing but washing with warm castile soap-suds, two or three times
+daily. The odor will all disappear within a few days."
+
+"Well, that is astonishing! And is arsenic the remedy for all cases of
+cancer?"
+
+"Not by any manner of means. That is the great mistake of the medical
+world in all ages. They are continually on the lookout for specifics,
+or medicines that cure all cases of any given disease, irrespective of
+symptoms. Every case must be taken upon its individual merits, and
+differentiated upon symptomatology alone. And a drug must be prescribed
+that is indicated by the symptoms. Anything more or less than this is
+unscientific, and a contrariety to one of God's most beautiful and
+universal laws--'Similia similibus curanter,'--'Like cures like.' That
+is to say, arsenic is the remedy for your wife, because, when taken in
+material doses, it always produces symptoms identical with those
+manifested in her case. Hence I meet them with immaterial doses of that
+drug. Had her symptoms been different, then I should have been obliged
+to seek and find, if possible, a drug capable of causing this different
+set of symptoms, whatever they might have been. Now this rule of law
+holds good throughout all the field of medicine, except that which is
+purely surgical. Do you catch the idea?"
+
+"I do, Doctor, I do; and I declare that it looks very reasonable as you
+put it. I like the theory, and if it always holds good in practice, then
+it is certainly one of the most beneficent of God's laws."
+
+"Thousands of times, Barton, in an active practice of more than
+twenty-five years, I have tested this law; and I tell you, as an honest
+man, and one who expects to answer for the deeds done in the body at the
+bar of God, that it never failed me once. I have failed many times
+because I could not read aright the symptoms of the case; or when it was
+an incurable affair, rendered so by drugs and surgery," said Dr. Jones
+with great earnestness. "But come, I have given you quite a medical
+lecture. Let's look up the girls and see what they are about."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A Messenger from the Skies.
+
+
+Mrs. Jones and Mattie had found Jennie to be a lovely, intelligent, and
+more than ordinarily educated girl. While unused to society, yet there
+was an honest straightforwardness about her that was very charming. The
+two ladies became easily intimately acquainted with her. Her whole soul
+was devoted to her mother, and the hope that Dr. Jones had inspired
+shone from her eyes. She became quite cheerful and merry. And the effect
+upon the poor invalid was not less visible. She insisted upon sitting in
+her easy chair by the fireplace, and joined in the conversation.
+
+Sing, meantime, had installed himself as the presiding genius of the
+kitchen, and he and the half-breed Indian girl were getting along
+famously together.
+
+"How long have you lived in this place, Mrs. Barton?" asked Mrs. Jones.
+
+"Twenty-three years," replied she.
+
+"Well, have you not found it a very monotonous existence?"
+
+"I did at first; but as my children were born, my mind and heart were so
+taken up by them that time did not hang heavily upon our hands. I really
+believe that we are much happier than the majority of people in the
+towns and cities."
+
+"O, if mother can but get well, it seems to me that I shall never be
+discontented again in Constance House!" exclaimed Jennie, her eyes
+filling with tears.
+
+"My poor girl does long sometimes to see the great world," said Mrs.
+Barton, stroking the head of Jennie, who was sitting upon a stool at her
+feet. "Well, my dear girl, I believe that God, in his infinite mercy,
+has sent us help directly from the skies; for I must say that last
+night, as I lay the first time for many weary months free from pain and
+awful burning and restlessness, that I thanked God as I had never done
+before; and my faith went out to Him so that I felt a great peace settle
+upon me. He has blessed the means being used. I shall recover, my
+darling girl."
+
+Jennie, in a paroxysm of joy, threw herself at her mother's feet, and
+buried her face in her lap, weeping as she had never done in her life.
+At this juncture the Doctor, Professor Gray, and Mr. Barton entered the
+room.
+
+"Tut, tut," said the Doctor, seeing the tears streaming down the faces
+of the four women, "what sort of business is this? You ought to all be
+laughing instead of crying. There is nothing to cry about, I assure
+you."
+
+"Doctor," said Mrs. Barton, extending her hand to him, "you do not
+understand. We are rejoicing, and this is just our poor woman's way of
+doing it."
+
+"I see, I see," said the jovial Doctor. "Well, now wipe away your tears,
+and give God all glory. He has sent me, a poor weak mortal, simply as a
+messenger to administer that which will save you from a loathsome
+disease and death. All glory be unto Him."
+
+He then began singing softly and reverently, the others joining:
+
+   "God moves in a mysterious way
+   His wonders to perform,
+   He plants his footsteps in the sea,
+   And rides upon the storm.
+
+   Deep in unfathomable mines
+   Of never failing skill,
+   He treasures up his bright designs.
+   And works his sovereign will.
+
+   Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
+   The clouds ye so much dread
+   Are big with mercy, and shall break
+   In blessings on your head."
+
+"And now, Mrs. Barton, you must come out and see the chariot in which
+the Lord sent us," cried Dr. Jones gayly.
+
+The poor invalid stood in the door and looked up at the great globe that
+shimmered and glistened like burnished silver in the rays of the
+setting sun. How proudly and serenely it rode above their heads as if
+conscious of its own unparalleled beauty, and its blessed mission in
+this present instance. She gazed upon it a few moments in speechless
+rapture, her poor emaciated hands clasped upon her breast.
+
+"This is too marvelous for me," she cried. "What am I that God should
+send deliverance to me in so glorious and majestic a ship of the skies!
+I am lost in wonder and praise. Glory be to His holy name forever and
+forever."
+
+"Amen!" responded the listeners fervently.
+
+The canoe party returned at four o'clock, P.M. All were tired and ready
+to sit about the generous fire; for evening was at hand, and the air was
+already sharp and frosty.
+
+"And how did it happen, Mr. Barton, that you came to settle away up in
+this barren wilderness?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"I do not know that I know myself," returned Mr. Barton. "I was taken
+sick at a boarding-house in Montreal, and was sent to a hospital. I was
+at that time master of the bark Twilight, a Liverpool craft. Mrs. Barton
+was then a beautiful girl--don't blush so, Mrs. Barton. Jennie there is
+a perfect reproduction of you as I first saw you, and I should not be
+ashamed of our Jennie anywhere on earth. Well, as I was saying, Mrs.
+Barton, named at that time Miss Constance Schmidt, the daughter of a
+Moravian missionary, visited the hospital frequently as an angel of
+mercy. So far as I was concerned it was a case of love at first sight.
+She nursed me back to health; and, with the usual ingratitude of man, I
+married her for her pains. I then gave up the sea after a trip or two,
+and settled in Montreal. But I could not get used to, nor like the
+conventionalities of city life. So I made a trip into these wilds. I saw
+an opportunity to do a good business in furs; and so, with wife's
+consent, we settled on this spot. I built this house, which I named in
+honor of my wife--Constance. I have done fairly well financially, and I
+am sure that we have been quite happy and contented. Until Mrs. Barton's
+illness, I was without a care or worry in the world."
+
+"But don't you find the winters very long and terribly cold?" asked
+Fred.
+
+"On the contrary, we enjoy our winters very much. To be sure, the
+thermometer runs from thirty to fifty degrees below zero; but if the
+wind does not blow, we suffer very little from it."
+
+"What do you do to pass the time?" asked Will.
+
+"The boys, when the weather is favorable, trap and hunt. I am getting a
+little too old and heavy for much of that; so I attend to the chores
+about the place, trade goods for furs to the hunters and Esquimaux. Our
+evenings are passed in reading, one often reading aloud to the rest of
+us. And we have a great deal of music. Joe plays the violin, Sam the
+flute, and Jennie the guitar or dulcimer."
+
+"By the way," cried Fred, "Let's have a musical soiree to-night. What do
+you all say?"
+
+This proposition was enthusiastically received.
+
+"Come, Will, let's run up and get the organ. Will you go up?" addressing
+Joe and Sam.
+
+"Go up, my sons, and see this Alladin's palace," said Mr. Barton. "You
+will never see its like again."
+
+In half an hour they returned. The young Bartons were wildly
+enthusiastic in their praises of the globe.
+
+"Jennie, you must not fail to see the wonderful air-ship," cried Joe.
+Mattie, Jennie, Will and Fred visited the globe, returning just in time
+for a splendid supper prepared by the skillful Celestial, Sing. All that
+the larders of both Constance House and the globe afforded had been
+drawn upon, and it is doubtful if in all inhospitable Labrador a more
+elaborate and bountiful table was ever spread.
+
+The Doctor, at Mr. Barton's request, asked the Divine blessing, and all
+fell to and ate with an appetite that is known only to those of clear
+consciences and sound digestive organs. Having done justice to the
+really splendid meal, they repaired to the sitting room. The beautiful
+aluminum organ graced the center of the apartment, and the musicians
+gathered about it. Fred was surprised and delighted to find that the
+young Bartons were all really accomplished musicians, and their
+instruments blended in sweetest harmony. So they played a number of
+orchestral pieces that were received with great applause by the
+audience. Then solos, duets, trios, quartettes, choruses, etc., were
+sung, and it is not probable that the Barton family ever spent so
+delightful an evening in their lives. And let us just contemplate the
+scene for a moment. How happy, joyous, and innocent they were, just as
+God intended his children to be. Two days before, this lovely family had
+been in the depths of despair, day by day watching a beloved wife and
+mother dying by inches of a painful, lingering, loathsome disease. Not a
+sound of music had been heard in the house for many days. The violin,
+guitar, and dulcimer had lain utterly neglected and unstrung. Now a
+change has occurred that must have delighted the angels of God. Through
+the unselfishness, skill, and noble-heartedness of one man, has come so
+unexpectedly, as if dropped from the very skies, in the heart of one of
+the most inhospitable portions of the earth, sweet hope and deliverance.
+What wonder that their hearts are light and merry? One thought only mars
+their pleasure: to-morrow morning the Children of the Skies will sail
+away in their glorious sky-ship, probably never to return.
+
+At ten o'clock the company broke up, the ship company ascending, as
+before to their staterooms. Barton would not hear to anything else than
+that they should descend in the morning for the last time. How sad these
+earthly partings are. It will not be so in that better land.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Is the World Growing Better?
+
+
+Before daylight on the following morning they descended to breakfast.
+Mrs. Barton had enjoyed a comfortable night, and Dr. Jones expressed
+himself as delighted with her condition.
+
+"You have everything to hope for," he said to the family. "I leave you
+this medicine, with written directions for its use. Do not repeat the
+dose I have given her so long as improvement continues. When it ceases
+you will do as directed in my written instructions."
+
+The hour of departure had arrived. Farewells had all been said, and the
+company had ascended except the Doctor and his wife.
+
+"I cannot say what I wish to you," said Barton, taking each of them by
+the hand. "I simply look upon you as messengers from God, and I want to
+give you something more substantial than thanks." He placed a buckskin
+sack of gold in the hand of Dr. Jones.
+
+"Oh! no, Mr. Barton, my good friend," said the Doctor, handing it back;
+"I won't take a cent. You are ten thousand times welcome to anything I
+have done. I feel myself richly remunerated in the satisfaction of
+leaving you all happy."
+
+"Take it, Mrs. Jones, as a present from me," said Barton, and he pressed
+it into her hand. "You will really hurt me if you do not accept it."
+
+"Then I will do so, Mr. Barton. Good-bye," and away they shot up to the
+cabin. At a given signal Joe and Sam cast the anchors off, they whizzed
+up to the engine-room, and the mighty ball bounded skyward like a bird
+in the clear, frosty morning air. A very brisk wind was blowing from
+nearly due south, and the voyagers were delighted with the progress they
+made that day toward their destination.
+
+All day they sped at more than forty miles an hour over the vast
+elevated plains that were but barren wastes, growing every hour drearier
+and more desolate.
+
+"Of all the misnomers on earth, the name given this country ranks
+first," said Professor Gray.
+
+"What is the meaning of the word 'Labrador,' Professor?" asked Denison.
+
+"The literal meaning of the word is 'cultivable land.' As to its
+appropriateness, you can judge for yourselves. I do not know who
+bestowed upon it this misfit of a name, but it must have been a hardy
+explorer, who did it in a fit of spleen and wretchedness."
+
+"The Barton family seems to be comfortable and happy in poor old
+Labrador," said Mrs. Jones.
+
+"Yes, but my dear madame, they do not live by cultivating the land,"
+returned the Professor. "The seasons are too variable, and the changes
+of temperature are far too sudden to permit raising of crops of any
+kind."
+
+"Mr. Barton told me that they did raise a little garden stuff, such as
+onions, lettuce, and radishes; but potatoes, corn, etc., invariably are
+nipped by frost, and never mature," said Denison.
+
+The Professor, a few moments before noon, ascended to the observatory
+with sextant and chronometer, and determined the latitude and longitude
+of "Silver Cloud," as Mrs. Jones had named the aluminum ship. He made
+the entry in his logbook.
+
+"There is our exact position now, Doctor," and he placed the point of a
+pencil on the map of Labrador.
+
+"In forty-eight hours we will be within the Arctics at this rate of
+speed," cried Dr. Jones, rubbing his hands with delight.
+
+The face of the country was so uninteresting and monotonous, covered
+more or less with snow, that the voyagers became tired of looking at it,
+and turned their attention to various pursuits within the cabin.
+Becoming tired of music, they read, played games, conversed, etc.
+
+The Doctor and Professor were each expert chess players, and their games
+were long and closely contested. Victory perched about as often upon the
+banner of one as the other.
+
+Fred worked daily upon a composition which he entitled "The North Pole
+March," and declared that the music should be played by himself, while
+the rest of the company marched around the aluminum flagstaff, after its
+erection at the summit of the earth, the North Pole. The two ladies were
+greatly interested in Fred's composition, and hummed and sang it with
+him, offering suggestions here and there that were of more or less
+benefit to him.
+
+Denison and Will spent their time attending to the springs, watching the
+thermometers and barometer. This, however, occupied but little of their
+leisure, and they played many games of checkers and backgammon. Will
+took an occasional snapshot with his camera when he saw anything of
+interest. He had taken some excellent photographs of Silver Cloud and
+company, which he had left with the Barton family. Who can doubt that
+they were an unfailing source of delight and tender remembrance to this
+intelligent and interesting family, as they sat about their great
+fireplace during the long winter nights. And the artist had taken some
+sketches of Constance House and inhabitants, which he had brought with
+him. He had converted one of the spare bedrooms into a studio, and spent
+an hour or two daily upon a portrait in oil of Jennie Barton. The fact
+of the matter is, the unadorned beauty and grace of the lovely Jennie
+had touched his artistic taste beyond anything that he had ever
+experienced in his life. And away deep in his heart, almost unknown to
+himself, was a determination to spend a summer season at Constance
+House, as soon after their return from the Pole as possible.
+
+Silver Cloud all this time was hastening with the speed of a carrier
+pigeon, nearly due north. Dr. Jones and Professor Gray could not repress
+their satisfaction each day as their observations showed them to be
+moving straight as an arrow toward the object of their journey. The
+altitude they maintained was very little more or less than three
+thousand feet, and the wind continued from the south at the rate of
+twenty or thirty miles per hour. The outside temperature was balmy and
+bracing during the day, so that the balcony afforded them a splendid
+promenade, where they spent hours daily, exercising in walking round and
+round the spacious cabin, and studying the topography of the country.
+Frequent trips were also made to the observatory, and sitting there with
+the windows open was very inspiring, as well as comfortable. To thus
+sit in so elevated a place with the windows wide open, while in a state
+of perspiration, the result of climbing the long stairway, would seem to
+have been the height of imprudence. But we must remember that such a
+thing as a breeze or draft of air was never felt on board the Silver
+Cloud while in motion. The great ship went exactly with the wind, and at
+precisely the same rate of speed. So, whether the wind blew one or a
+hundred miles an hour, it was always a dead calm aboard the Silver
+Cloud.
+
+"This is the ideal place for all catarrhal and pulmonary cases,"
+declared Dr. Jones. "I shall always prescribe a trip in Silver Cloud for
+this class of patients hereafter."
+
+"I fully believe in its efficacy," said Professor Gray. "But I fear that
+it will be too expensive a prescription for many of your poor patients."
+
+"That's the trouble, that's the trouble," assented the Doctor, shaking
+his head sadly. "Millions are yearly dying that might be saved by this
+and other means on the same line. But the blindness and selfishness of
+mankind is so absolute and infernal that but little philanthropic work
+of this sort can be done. There are some noble exceptions, or we should
+have suffered the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah long since."
+
+"But, Doctor, you believe that the world is getting better, do you not?"
+asked Will.
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"Well, in every way. No one can doubt that in the arts and sciences more
+has been done in the past fifty years than in all the previous history
+of the world."
+
+"Granted," assented the Doctor.
+
+"All right. Then let us look at the social, moral, and spiritual sides
+of the question. Socially, certainly, no period of history can compare
+with the present. We are educating our children, feeding and clothing
+them better than they ever were before in the world."
+
+"I really think we are," again assented Dr. Jones.
+
+"Well, then," cried Will, glowing with triumph, thinking that he was
+fairly smoking the little Doctor out, "what can you say for _your_ side
+of the question? Was there ever a time when life and property were so
+protected as now? And were there ever so many Bibles and tracts and
+other religious matter published and disseminated as at the present
+time? Missionaries are going by thousands all over the earth, and the
+gospel will soon have been preached to all nations."
+
+"That's so, that's so," concurred the Doctor again.
+
+"Come, come, Doctor; defend your side of the question," cried Fred.
+
+"I did not know that I had committed myself to either side," returned
+he. "But I will say this much: While I am not pessimistic as to the
+outcome of this struggle going on between God's and Satan's forces in
+the world, yet we should not overlook the fact that the devil is
+fearfully active in these times. While I have admitted all that Will has
+said, yet there is another side to the question. Let me call your
+attention to the fact that there never was a time when there was so much
+rum and tobacco used in the world as to-day. The amount consumed per
+capita is increasing tremendously. Remember that with every missionary
+there are sent in the same ship from seventy-five to one hundred gallons
+of intoxicants, and tobacco galore. Never has this world seen so vast
+preparation for war. The people of all Europe are groaning beneath the
+taxation imposed upon them for the support of vast armies and navies. At
+no time has money been piled up in the hands of the few as at the
+present. Hundreds of millions in many instances are held by a single
+individual. By no sort of philosophy can he be entitled to it, and by no
+system can he come into possession of it without robbing thousands of
+his fellowmen. And as to inventions: surely no man delights more in the
+splendid achievements of our age in this direction than I do. But I
+declare to you that I believe labor-saving machinery to be a mighty
+curse to mankind, because the laborer is being driven closer and closer
+to the wall by the innumerable inventions that are driving him out of
+every field of labor. The great money kings are taking advantage of
+every such invention, and what the end is to be I do not dare predict.
+Ignatius Donnely's fearful picture in his work, Caeser's Column, I hope
+and believe to be terribly overdrawn. And, as I said before, I am not
+pessimistic as to the final outcome; but let us beware of crying 'Peace!
+peace! when there is no peace!' The fact is, gentlemen, I cannot help
+thinking that St. James referred to these very times, when he said in
+the fifth chapter of his epistle: "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl
+for the miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted and
+your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the
+rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as
+it were fire. Ye have heaped up treasure together for the last days.
+Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which
+is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them who have
+reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth." See James,
+5-4. I cannot, in the light of these prophecies, see that the world is
+growing essentially better rapidly, if at all."
+
+"But, Doctor," said Will, "you cannot deny that the children of these
+times are incomparably better clothed, have more and better books, live
+in more comfortable homes, and are enjoying privileges never known to
+children of former generations."
+
+"While I must assent to what you have said, yet all these advantages are
+not unmixed blessings. In my experience as a physician, I have seen very
+many precious lives go out, simply because they could not endure the
+high pressure system of our modern educators. I feel so strongly upon
+this subject that I would prefer that a child of mine should live and
+die absolutely illiterate, than that he should sacrifice one particle of
+health for any conceivable amount of mere book-learning. I once had an
+uncle who was a man of wonderful learning. He was a collegian, a master
+of half a dozen or more languages, and for all this he paid the price of
+his good health. All his life, he suffered the pangs of an outraged
+stomach and nervous system. He could never make any use of his
+splendidly cultivated brain, and was a miserable, unhappy burden to
+himself and friends to the end of his life. His end was sad, tinged with
+the element of ridiculousness. He was sitting in a field one day,
+resting during a short walk, when a great vicious hog attacked him,
+tossed him about, rooted him here and there, and would have certainly
+killed him outright if his cries had not brought assistance. He never
+recovered from the effects of the injuries received on that occasion.
+Suppose poor old uncle could at that time have traded all his dead and
+modern languages for a pair of good stout legs, would it not have been a
+grand bargain for him?"
+
+"But could not your uncle have been more judicious and systematic in the
+prosecution of his studies, and have done the same amount of work
+without detriment to his health?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"I do not doubt that he might. But our schools are run nowadays upon, as
+I said before, a high-pressure system. Too many children are packed into
+imperfectly ventilated schoolrooms, and the poor teachers are miserably
+overtaxed. But the schools are graded, everything cut and dried, the
+curriculum made by state or county board; and, like the tyrant's
+bedstead, those too long must be cut off, and those too short must be
+stretched. All must fit the bedstead. That great story-teller, Charles
+Dickens, tells the story exactly in his picture of Dr. Blimmer's system
+of teaching. That poor babe, Paul Dombey, might as well have been fed to
+an insatiable ogre as to have been placed in the hands of that pompous
+idiot. And our country is full of little Paul Dombeys, blossoming for
+eternity. How much better to have let the poor little fellow play in the
+sands upon the beach with his sister Florence and old Glubb. But the
+precocious innocent must be murdered by this same senseless system,
+because of the inordinate vanity of a foolish father, and the stupidity
+of his teacher. In vain have I warned hundreds of parents, when I saw
+their children thus being hurried to premature graves. But they are so
+proud of the precocious darlings that they seldom heed until it is too
+late. Faugh! the whole business makes me sick."
+
+"Well, Doctor, admitting all you say, what do you suggest as the remedy?
+I have known many statesmen who could see and point out the evils,
+present or imminent, of society or state, with great sagacity and
+accuracy, but when it came to prescribing the remedy, were utterly
+impracticable," said Professor Gray.
+
+"That is right, Professor Gray. It is very little benefit to a sick man
+to tell him that he is sick, or even to make for him a scientific
+diagnosis, if it be not supplemented by the remedy. I have remedial
+measures to suggest. In the first place, I would build schoolhouses upon
+strictly scientific principles; a certain number of cubic yards of pure
+air should be allowed each scholar, and the most perfect system of
+ventilation should always be used. Further, by way of homely
+illustration, I should treat the children upon the same principles that
+we do our horses. Some horses are calculated for heavy draught business,
+others for light draught, roadsters, racers, etc. I need not mention the
+folly of attempting to drive these animals out of their respective
+classes. Now children differ as essentially in their mental capacities
+and requirements as do horses physically. You can by no possible means
+make a mathematician of a scholar who is deficient in the organ of
+calculation. It is a manifest injustice to hitch such a one beside
+another who is a perfect racer in the mathematical field. It is not fair
+to either of them. I claim that each child should be treated upon his
+individual merits, and in accordance with the natural gifts that God has
+bestowed upon him. The graded school system is in direct opposition to
+this idea, and is wholly wrong and unscientific."
+
+"Well, as to the curriculum, Doctor," said Will, "suppose you were
+called upon to abridge the list of studies in our public schools, where
+would you begin and end? Isn't it a pity in this age of the world, to
+shut off from the children any one of the branches of science or
+learning?"
+
+"Indeed, that would be a great pity, and far be it from me to do
+anything of the kind. I would not abridge the curriculum for any child;
+it should simply be taught that for which it has a capacity. A teacher
+who is not capable of so discriminating and anticipating the wants of
+each pupil, is not a teacher in the best sense of the word, any more
+than a man is a horse trainer who cannot differentiate between a heavy
+draught-horse and a light roadster. I might say considerable as to
+methods of teaching, but I presume that you have heard enough for once."
+
+"Yes, but we have not settled the question as to whether the world is
+getting better or not," returned Will. "I am willing to admit that our
+school system is defective. But what do you say as to the safety of life
+and property at this time, compared with any other age of the world?"
+
+"Really, now, I wish an intelligent Armenian were here to answer that
+question."
+
+"But that is not fair, Doctor. The Armenians are in the hands of the
+Turks and we know that they are capable of any conceivable inhumanity.
+I supposed that we were discussing the world so far as civilized. I
+really think that it is a clear case of 'begging the question,' when you
+introduce the Armenian case into the discussion."
+
+"Do you, indeed! And let me inquire, my dear boy, who is responsible for
+this wholesale slaughter of a people whose only crime is that of being
+nominal Christians? Five or six centuries ago the combined governments
+of Europe would have made common cause against the infamous Turk for
+much less than the murder of a Christian nation. But to-day there is so
+much less of manhood in Europe than there was in the days of chivalry,
+that the civilized world is sitting calmly by and permitting this
+unspeakable crime to go on at the sweet will of the bloody-handed Turk.
+And do you not think that God will hold the nations of Europe to a
+strict account for this villainy that marks the closing decade of the
+nineteenth century as the blackest page in human history? God will
+surely avenge Armenia, and woe to Europe when He treads the wine-press
+of His wrath!"
+
+As Will offered no reply, the discussion closed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Greenland's Icy Mountains and the Russian Bear.
+
+
+Upon the morning of the third day from Constance House the wind shifted
+almost due west. Silver Cloud was in latitude 65 deg., longitude 70 deg.
+13 min., and they were driving rapidly toward Greenland.
+
+"We are still two or three points north of east in our course, and will
+let her drive as she goes for the present," said Dr. Jones. "And you
+wouldn't mind seeing Greenland's icy mountains, about which you have
+sung so many years, would you, girls?"
+
+"O let us see Greenland, by all means, Doctor!" cried Mattie.
+
+"What noted travelers we will be when we get back to Washington," and he
+placed an arm about each of their waists and galloped them up and down
+the little sitting room several times.
+
+"I do believe that you grow to be more of a boy every year of your
+life," panted Mrs. Jones, as she smoothed her rumpled hair.
+
+"You are quite right, Maggie; and what is worse, I do not expect to ever
+improve a bit on that line. Give me the heart of a boy while I live. And
+now, Professor, I am ready to give you revenge for that last game or two
+of chess that went to my credit."
+
+While these two were oblivious to the world in a very closely contested
+game, Mrs. Jones sat knitting while Mattie read aloud to her from a late
+magazine. Denison and Fred were pacing the balcony for their
+"constitutional." Will was working on his oil painting of Jennie Barton,
+and so beautifully had he succeeded in bringing out the lovely features,
+and trusting, fearless spirit that beamed from a pair of dark blue eyes,
+that all the company, even to Sing, expressed their unqualified
+admiration.
+
+"Me sabe," said the acute Mongolian. "Ah! Will heap likee Miss Jennie."
+
+The artist blushed, and they all laughed uproariously at his confusion,
+and Sing went chuckling to the kitchen.
+
+The following morning Silver Cloud had nearly crossed Davis Strait, and
+the bold headlands of the western coast of Greenland were in plain view.
+They crossed the western boundary line of that land of perpetual winter,
+just a few miles north of the Arctic Circle.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted Dr. Jones. "In the Arctics at last!"
+
+The wind held still a little north of due east, and Silver Cloud rode at
+an elevation of between 3,500 and 4,000 feet. The surface of Greenland
+was cold, dreary, and uninviting to a degree. Vast tracts of ice and
+snow stretched in every direction, far as the eye could see. Away in the
+interior a range of mountains broke the monotony of the landscape.
+Toward morning a violent snowstorm gathered below them and hid the face
+of Greenland from view until next morning. Silver Cloud, meantime, was
+sent up to nearly 5,000 feet altitude, so that they might not collide
+with any mountain peak during the night.
+
+"Upon my word," said Professor Gray, as he stood on the balcony the
+following morning, and looked out over the white and ghastly picture of
+desolation, "I thought Labrador the most inappropriately named country
+upon the earth, but think of calling this picture of all that is
+inhospitable and forbidding--Greenland!"
+
+By noon they were crossing swiftly the ridge that runs the length of
+Greenland, so far as is known. Silver Cloud swept within three hundred
+feet of one lofty peak, covered with eternal ice and snow. Then on and
+on, swift as an eagle, over the high plateaux and steppes of Eastern
+Greenland. Early the following morning they arose to find the Arctic
+Ocean beneath, and Greenland disappearing in the misty horizon behind
+them. The wind bore a point or so more easterly, and Dr. Jones was
+tempted to seek a more favorable current. He descended to the 2,000 foot
+level, but experienced no perceptible change.
+
+"Well, we'll stick to my original plan. Anything north of due east or
+west is good enough for us," said he.
+
+But he grew restless as they hour after hour steadily continued upon
+nearly the same latitudinal line, and descended to 1,000 feet
+elevation. There was some change for the better at that altitude for
+many hours. One thing that specially pleased them was the wonderful
+sensitiveness of the globe to the slightest variation of the temperature
+within its interior. The Doctor's plan of using hot air alone as the
+floating power had been modified to the extent of dividing one-half of
+the globe's interior into several compartments by thin sheets of
+aluminum, and these were filled with hydrogen gas. The gas fell but
+little short of the power necessary to float the ship, so that a slight
+elevation of the temperature in the air chamber above that of the
+external atmosphere was sufficient to float the vessel. When it was
+desirable to descend, a trap being opened in the upper and lower parts
+of the air chamber caused the hot air to rush out and the cold air in,
+and the descent could be made rapidly or slowly, at the will of the
+commander. By virtue of the zinc lining of the air chamber the
+temperature would remain at a given point for many hours without the
+consumption of a particle of fuel.
+
+The Doctor and Will together had devised a most ingenious method of
+heating the hot-air chamber instantly. By the use of a small air pump
+hundreds of atmospheres could be compressed into a very strong aluminum
+chest or cylinder. Beneath this cylinder were a number of burners that
+heated the compressed air several hundred degrees. As we said before,
+when they desired to descend, an upper and lower trap were opened, the
+hot air rushed out above and the cold air in below, causing the globe to
+descend with great rapidity. This descent could be arrested at any level
+by closing the trap, and a certain amount of the air let off from the
+hot-air chest, and any temperature desired could be attained at once.
+All this could be done at an expense of oil that was ridiculously and
+incredibly small. While they could by no means steer or guide this ship,
+yet, if the Doctor's theory of air currents should prove to be
+scientifically correct, then they were by no means entirely at the mercy
+of any and every adverse gale. And, at the worst, when a favorable
+current could not be found, they could descend to the earth and anchor
+until a fair wind prevailed. One thing further should be explained. When
+it became desirable to ascend suddenly or rapidly, the hot-air chest
+was thrown completely open, and the vast chamber was instantly filled
+with air at any temperature required. When this operation was from any
+cause necessary, the upper trap was closed and all the lower apertures
+opened. The hot air from the chest immediately mounted to the upper end
+of the air chamber, and forced the excess of cold atmosphere out through
+these lower traps. The effect upon the globe was marvelous. It would
+bound skyward like a rocket. By a series of experiments Will had
+ascertained just the amount of pressure per square inch and the
+temperature that was necessary to send the ship to a given altitude. The
+rate of ascent was under perfect control by letting off the hot air
+slowly or rapidly.
+
+"What a mighty engine for good or evil in the world this ship would be,
+if it could be guided or steered," remarked Professor Gray.
+
+"I doubt if that can ever be done," replied Will. "The surface presented
+to the current of atmosphere is too great to allow any sort of device to
+operate satisfactorily."
+
+"The Government is making experiments with what is called the aeroplane,
+and the indications are that it is the coming method of aerial
+navigation. But the degree of comfort that we are enjoying can never be
+an attendant of that plan. I shall never cease to wonder at the speed
+with which we are traveling over these Arctic regions in perfect
+comfort. I never felt better in my life, and I have grown to feel as
+safe as I ever did in my home in Washington," said Professor Gray.
+
+They occasionally saw whales spouting, and it was exceedingly
+interesting to watch the great icebergs that floated here and there over
+the face of the deep. Some of them towered like crystal mountains,
+hundreds of feet into the air.
+
+"Just think how incomprehensibly great these masses of ice are,"
+observed Professor Gray. "It is estimated that but one-eighth of the
+berg protrudes above the surface. Now look at that monster! Not less
+than eighteen or twenty miles long, and from five to six hundred feet
+high, making it in the neighborhood of a mile in thickness. Ah! see that
+big fellow turning over! Did you ever see anything so grand! I don't
+wonder that navigating these seas is next to impossible."
+
+They were all standing upon the balcony when they beheld this startling
+scene.
+
+For two whole days the beautiful ship continued steadily upon nearly the
+same course. The Professor pointed out their position upon the map at
+latitude 70 deg. 35 min., and longitude 50 deg. 20 min., East Greenwich.
+At this point they encountered a terrible gale from the north. The
+Doctor raised higher and higher, until they reached an altitude of ten
+thousand feet. Still they flew at amazing speed toward the south. He
+ascended to fifteen thousand, then twenty thousand feet elevation, but
+on they went into the heart of Russia. Will went up into the globe and
+hurriedly returned.
+
+"You must lower, Doctor! The strain upon the rods is tremendous! The
+outside atmospheric resistance is so slight at this elevation that we
+shall certainly explode if you ascend any higher."
+
+"Then we will descend and anchor at the first favorable spot, and there
+await a south wind. There seems to be a great demand for air at the
+equator just now. Well, let them have it," said he grimly, "but we are
+sure to get a regurgitation in our direction before many days. So down
+we go to study Russian habits and customs."
+
+The upper and lower traps were opened in the air chamber, and they
+rapidly descended to within five or six hundred feet of the earth. They
+could plainly see that the foliage was being thrashed with great
+violence by the gale.
+
+"How shall we manage to safely anchor in this awful wind, Doctor?" asked
+Will anxiously.
+
+"Do you see that high range of hills just ahead?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, they run east and west. We will drop immediately upon the other
+side of them. There it must be comparatively calm. But sharp is the
+word! We are there now!"
+
+Downward dropped the great ship behind the sheltering crest of the
+hills, and she, in a moment or two, was skimming quite easily along,
+just above the treetops. In what appeared to be a great park, the anchor
+was dropped into the top of a tree. It held securely, and Will and
+Denison descended in the cage and made a very strong aluminum cable
+fast about the trunk of the tree. After all was made secure, Dr. Jones
+and Professor Gray also descended. The little company then began looking
+around for signs of life.
+
+"I see a large stone building down this avenue," cried Will.
+
+"The Professor and I will prospect the place, while you two had better
+remain here until our return," said the Doctor.
+
+Accordingly they set off at a lively pace toward the building. As they
+approached it they looked in vain for signs of human life. They found it
+to be a massive ancient castle, standing in the midst of an extensive
+grove or park. They were somewhat awed by the deathlike silence that
+pervaded the place. They, however, stepped up to a massive oaken door,
+and Dr. Jones seized the ponderous iron knocker and struck several
+vigorous blows. They waited two or three minutes, but could hear no
+sounds within.
+
+"We have struck an enchanted castle, and I must see if I cannot awake
+the Sleeping Beauty within," said Dr. Jones, and he was about to apply
+the knocker again, when a deep bass voice from a window above addressed
+them in a language with which they were unfamiliar.
+
+"We cannot speak your language. Do you speak English?" asked Dr. Jones.
+
+"Are you men, angels, or devils, and what do you want," returned the
+voice in fairly good English.
+
+The Doctor hastened to give the desired information, and told who they
+were, etc., concisely as possible.
+
+"What is that fearful and wonderful silver ball or globe in which you
+dropped from the skies among us?"
+
+After further explanations the bars were removed, and the massive door
+swung slowly open. There stood before them a large, black-bearded man,
+holding by the collars two large Russian hounds. The brutes growled and
+showed their horrid fangs in a way that made the visitors cringe and
+draw back.
+
+"Please restrain your dogs, sir, for our mission is a perfectly peaceful
+one," said Dr. Jones; and he smiled so blandly that the man seemed to
+dismiss his apprehensions. He gave a signal which summoned two men, to
+whom he consigned the dogs, and they were led away. He now invited them
+to enter, and gave them seats in an adjoining room.
+
+"Gentlemen, I am Count Icanovich, and this is my castle. I welcome you
+to its hospitalities. You must excuse the reception we gave you, for I
+must confess that I have never been so startled in my life as when I saw
+your extraordinary ship come swooping down upon us a few moments ago.
+Half my people are in fits, or hidden away in all sorts of holes and
+corners."
+
+"I am exceedingly sorry, Count, to have come so abruptly and informally
+among you, but I assure you that we are here very much against our own
+wishes. We are bound for the North Pole, but this terrible gale from the
+north necessitated our anchoring for the present. But since fate has
+cast us among you, I am very happy to make the acquaintance of Count
+Icanovich. I am Dr. Jones of Washington City, United States, and this is
+Professor Gray, of Smithsonian Institute, same city."
+
+The Count shook hands with them very cordially, and asked, "How many are
+there of your party?" Upon being told, he immediately desired that they
+all be brought to the castle.
+
+"We see but little of the world in this place," said he, "and we hail
+this break in the humdrum monotony of our life with extreme pleasure."
+
+The two gentlemen returned appropriate acknowledgments of the Count's
+kindness, and arose to return to the globe for the company.
+
+"Will you accompany us to the ship?" asked Dr. Jones.
+
+"I thank you, but I am a victim of sciatic rheumatism, and can do but
+little walking," returned the Count. "I hope, however, before you leave
+us, to be able to inspect your wonderful air-ship."
+
+"Is your sciatica of long standing?" inquired Dr. Jones, all the
+instincts of a good physician being aroused at the presence of
+suffering; and running over in his mind a list of remedies from force of
+long habit.
+
+"About three years. I contracted it from getting wet when warm. I am
+incurable, and must grin and bear to the end."
+
+"Do you feel better quiet, or when moving about?"
+
+"Oh! I must move about. I usually put in hours at night hobbling up and
+down my room."
+
+"The bed feels so hard that you cannot find an easy spot to lie on. You
+are always worse before storms. After sitting a little while you stiffen
+up, feeling much better after moving about. The tendons of your legs
+have a drawing sensation, and feel as if too short. There is more or
+less of numbness and paralysis, and a wooden sort of feeling of the leg
+when walking. You also have lightning-like shocks of pain through the
+limb, now and then. Your attacks come on every few weeks, and it is the
+left limb that is affected. You can be cured."
+
+The doctor rattled these symptoms off with great volubility. The Count
+looked at him with open-eyed wonder. The professor was not less
+astonished at the positiveness with which Dr. Jones thus detailed the
+Count's symptoms without any previous knowledge of the case.
+
+"Whether you be angel or devil, I do not know; but certain it is that
+you have told my symptoms better than I could have done myself. But you
+make a bold assertion when you say that I can be cured. Do you know,
+man, that I have had the best advice in Europe, and have spent a fortune
+seeking relief?"
+
+"Are you taking medicine now, sir?"
+
+"No. I have thrown physic to the dogs, and may God have mercy on the
+dogs. I am thoroughly disgusted with physic and physicians. And why
+should I not be? Several years since, I saw my wife die of pulmonary
+consumption. And now my only child lies in a chamber above, well
+advanced in the same terrible, wholly incurable disease. As if this were
+not enough, I myself am suffering the pangs of h--l with a lingering,
+incurable complaint. Why shouldn't I detest the whole lying, infernal
+business?" he roared, striking the floor savagely with his cane.
+
+"Sure enough, sure enough," said the Doctor soothingly and
+sympathetically. "I do not blame you in the least. But we will see if
+something cannot be done for you, Count. I believe in my soul that I can
+cure you, and that right speedily. Let us now hasten back, for our
+people will be alarmed at our long absence."
+
+They found them indeed wondering and anxious. All immediately descended
+and repaired to the castle. The Count met them at the door, and, after
+a formal introduction to each, led them to a large, quite modernly
+furnished drawing-room.
+
+"Now," said the Count, "please make yourselves at home. I intend that
+you shall be my guests while you remain in this vicinity. You will be
+shown to your rooms in a few moments. You will please excuse me now, and
+I will see you at dinner, which will be at six o'clock."
+
+He was about leaving the room, limping painfully, when Dr. Jones stepped
+up to him, and, pulling a small vial from his vest pocket, said: "Put
+out your tongue, Count; I wish to give you a dose of medicine that will
+cure your sciatica."
+
+The Count looked at him suspiciously a moment, then sat down as
+requested, and put out his tongue. Dr. Jones shook a grain or two of
+powder upon it.
+
+"You will suffer less to-night than you have done in a long time. It is
+very possible that this one dose will cure you perfectly and
+permanently."
+
+"I tell you frankly, sir, that I have not a particle of faith in your
+minute, tasteless dose affecting me in the slightest," said the Count
+with a half angry glare in his deep-set black eyes.
+
+"I do not care a fig for your faith, sir," replied Dr. Jones in his
+independent American manner. "Happily for you, this is not a Christian
+Science cure that I am performing. You have the indicated remedy in your
+circulation now; and with all due respect, believe what you please."
+
+The company of friends were looking on anxiously, fearing that the
+Doctor was too brusque with the nobleman. But that individual smiled,
+and really seemed quite pleased and amused at Dr. Jones' positive,
+straightforward way of doing business.
+
+"Evidently _you_ are not deficient in the element of faith, Doctor, and
+I can but wish that your faith may not be in vain in this instance."
+
+After the Count had withdrawn, Professor Gray said: "Dr. Jones, I do not
+at all understand how you could tell the Count his symptoms as you did,
+without any previous knowledge of the case. Does sciatic rheumatism
+always present just the same picture, or set of symptoms, that you
+should be able to so rapidly and correctly tell his purely subjective
+sensations?"
+
+"Not by any means, Professor. A scientific prescription, like a stool,
+must have at least three legs to stand upon. You will remember that the
+Count had already told me that moving about, especially at night,
+mitigated his pains; that he contracted his ailment from getting wet;
+and I noticed that he favored the left leg in walking. These were the
+three legs for my stool, or prescription. I felt positive that the
+remedy indicated was Rhus Toxicodendron. So I merely mentioned the
+leading characteristics of that drug, and I was not mistaken. You see,
+then, that I did nothing marvelous nor supernatural. Now, any one of
+many other drugs might have been indicated if the symptoms had been
+different from what they were. The symptoms of the disease must always
+be the same as those that the indicated drug is capable of producing in
+crude doses. Rhus tox. will cure the Count because, in every case of
+poisoning by that drug, there will be produced the symptoms found in his
+case. Like cures like. This is a universal law of God. I feel quite sure
+that the Count will experience great benefit from the one dose I have
+given him."
+
+"I shall watch this case with the greatest interest," said the
+Professor. "You will make a convert of me to your system if you perform
+a cure of so obstinate and painful a disease with an infinitesimal dose
+of medicine."
+
+"All right, my dear sir. I always feel confident of a cure when the
+symptoms are clear cut as in this instance."
+
+A general conversation was now entered into for a few moments, when
+servants entered and signaled them to follow, and each was conducted to
+a comfortable apartment. They shortly after assembled again in the
+drawing-room and awaited the announcement of dinner. Fred opened the
+piano, and he and the ladies sang a trio. They were glad when a servant
+appeared and signaled them to follow him to the dining-room. The Count
+was the only Russian present who could speak English. So he watched
+carefully and interpreted the wants of his guests to the servants, and
+but very little trouble was experienced. They found the cooking very
+palatable, and their mode of living aboard Silver Cloud in the frosty
+atmosphere of the Arctic region had sharpened their appetites
+enormously.
+
+The Count talked with them about their journey, and was much interested
+in the graphic accounts given by the different members of the party of
+their experiences. Will explained the plan and construction of the
+globe. The Count was a good listener, and seemed deeply impressed with
+all that was said upon the subject.
+
+"It seems to me incredible that you were so short a time ago in
+Washington City, U.S., and are now sitting at my dining table in the
+heart of Russia. And think of the circuitous route by which you came!
+Still I am prepared to believe anything when I look at yonder wonderful
+silver globe, and remember how you dropped among us from the skies as
+you did to-day."
+
+After dinner Will and Denison borrowed a lantern and went to see that
+Silver Cloud was all right for the night. The wind swayed the monster
+ball back and forward gently, and there seemed to be no great strain
+upon the cables.
+
+"I think we had better get out the other two cables," said Will. "I do
+not feel quite safe. A heavy gust might tear it away, and that would be
+a calamity indeed."
+
+So he ascended to the engine-room and passed the cable ends to Denison,
+who made them securely fast to adjoining trees.
+
+A very enjoyable evening was spent in the great drawing-room. Of course
+music constituted the chief source of pleasure. Fred brought his anthem
+and glee books from the cabin of Silver Cloud, and the old walls of the
+castle certainly seldom, if ever, rang with such music as was discoursed
+there that night. The domestics had so far recovered from their fright
+that they now crowded the adjoining hall to hear the singing. So
+ravishing was the harmony to their semi-barbaric ears that, conjoined
+with the marvelous manner of their coming among them, these poor
+creatures were ready to fall down and worship them as heavenly
+visitants. The Count himself seemed to enjoy the music exceedingly, and
+encored long and loudly. When they separated for the night, he shook
+hands cordially with each, and said:
+
+"My good friends, I cannot sufficiently thank you for the pleasure you
+have afforded me this evening. You may be sure that my invalid daughter
+has enjoyed your delightful music. She desired that the door be opened
+so that she has heard it all. She was an accomplished vocal and
+instrumental musician before her illness. Perhaps she may feel well
+enough to see you in the drawing-room to-morrow evening."
+
+Turning then to Dr. Jones, he said: "Well, Doctor, whether it be your
+medicine or music that has charmed away my pains, I do not know; but it
+is certain that I have not been so free from suffering for a long time.
+I bid you all a very good night."
+
+After a consultation it was thought best that two should sleep aboard
+Silver Cloud every night so long as the party remained with the Count.
+So Will and Denison took upon themselves this duty, and immediately
+repaired to the cabin for the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Beauty and the Beast.
+
+
+On the following morning all were up early, and enjoyed a long walk
+before breakfast in the park. They did not see the Count until breakfast
+time. He was in a very pleasant mood, and, after inquiring how they had
+rested, turning to Dr. Jones he said:
+
+"I have always made a point of rendering credit to whom credit is due. I
+slept eight consecutive hours last night, solidly and dreamlessly as the
+dead. I have had no such rest for years, and this morning, but for the
+stiffness of my limb, should be tempted to challenge you for a
+foot-race. If this be the effect of your medicine, you are the most
+wonderful healer I ever met."
+
+"I am truly happy to hear that you feel so well this morning, Count
+Icanovich. But remember that you do not believe at all in my
+infinitesimal dose, and should not prematurely render me credit. Your
+present improvement may be but a simple coincidence," and the Doctor's
+eyes twinkled mischievously.
+
+"That is right," said the Count good-naturedly; "I deserve your
+sarcasm."
+
+"Now," interposed Mrs. Jones, "I do not think that the Count deserves
+any reproach or sarcasm at all. Here we come among you, total strangers;
+and Dr. Jones, before we have been here two hours, in his usual
+insinuating manner, gets you to swallow a dose of medicine for what you
+have good reason to consider an incurable complaint. I think it quite
+unreasonable to expect you to have the slightest faith in his one little
+dose."
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Jones," said the Count, bowing to her gravely; "but you
+will allow me to ask," and he set his great black eyes upon her very
+earnestly, "do you think that the Doctor can cure me?"
+
+"Do I think so!" cried she, flushing with pride and enthusiasm, "my good
+sir, _he has done so already_!"
+
+The Count looked at her in astonishment for a moment, then dropped his
+knife and fork upon the table, threw his head back and roared with
+laughter. It was so hearty and contagious that all joined it in spite of
+themselves.
+
+"Excuse me, friends," said he, wiping the tears from his eyes, "but I
+have not laughed so for years. And this lady's vindication of your
+skill, Dr. Jones, inspires me with greater confidence than anything else
+could have possibly done. All I have to say, madam, is that I accept
+your diagnosis of cure, and shall throw crutches and canes aside."
+
+After breakfast the Count said: "I have a stable full of horses which
+are at your service. I should esteem it a favor if you would use them as
+your own. There are many sights of interest about here. A few miles away
+is the town of P----, a nice little city of about five thousand. No
+doubt you would like to make some purchases. I will accompany you any
+time and act as interpreter."
+
+They thanked him, but concluded not to visit town that day. He then led
+Dr. Jones into his private room and said:
+
+"Doctor, I am desirous that you should see my daughter. I fear that you
+can do little more than palliate her condition, but even that would be
+very much for us. She is a great sufferer, and I shall be extremely
+grateful for anything you can do for her."
+
+The Doctor immediately signified his readiness to see her whenever it
+pleased the Count.
+
+"That north wind is still howling, and I am only too happy to be of
+service to your daughter, or any of God's suffering children while I am
+with you. Keep me busy as you like, Count. My greatest delight is to
+cure the sick, and the world is my field since I started on this trip
+for the Pole."
+
+The Count touched a bell, and a female servant entered. He gave her some
+orders in Russian.
+
+She returned in a few moments and spoke to him.
+
+"My daughter is ready to receive us. Will you go up to her now, sir?"
+
+"This is my daughter Feodora, Doctor Jones," said the Count as they
+entered her room. A tall, graceful young lady of twenty arose from a
+couch upon which she had been lying, and extended a thin feverish hand
+to the Doctor. She spoke to him in beautiful English, and Dr. Jones
+expressed surprise in his face so that the Count said:
+
+"I spent several years in London, and Feodora became very proficient in
+the language there."
+
+They were all seated, and, after a few casual remarks, Dr. Jones
+requested Feodora to relate to him the history of her illness, and as
+she did so, he carefully noted her symptoms in his case-book. He
+interrupted her as little as possible, preferring to take down the
+history in her own language. After she had finished he made a physical
+examination of her chest. First, he carefully percussed both lungs; that
+is, laid the fingers of the left hand upon the chest and tapped them
+lightly with the finger ends of the right hand, thus producing a more or
+less resonant or hollow sound. He could thus detect any consolidated
+tissue that might be in the lung, or abnormal resonance where there
+chanced to be a cavity. He then, with a stethoscope, ausculated the
+lungs, or listened to the respiratory sounds. He noted the temperature;
+rate and other qualities of the pulse; looked at the tongue and sputa.
+Having now a complete picture of the case or what he termed the
+"totality of the symptoms," he said:
+
+"I must consult my library a few moments. I will be back within an
+hour."
+
+He hastened to the cage, ascended to the cabin, and in a few moments was
+oblivious to everything but the salvation of this precious young life.
+He transcribed from his case-book to a sheet of paper the most
+prominent, unusual, and persistent symptoms. They were:
+
+1. Weeps much, and cannot bear to be left alone. Fears she will die.
+
+2. Great difficulty in breathing; worse from exertion and after
+coughing.
+
+3. Dry, teasing cough, more or less day and night. In paroxysms from
+tickling in the throat, with tenacious mucus, which she cannot raise,
+and must be swallowed. Sputa sometimes consists of pus, mixed with
+blood.
+
+4. Lower third of the right lung particularly affected. She cannot lie
+upon the right side on account of sharp, stitching pains through the
+lung. Sometimes the sharp pains extend through the left lung, with
+violent palpitation of the heart.
+
+5. All these symptoms, cough, pains, etc., are invariably worse at three
+o'clock, A.M., and continue one or two hours.
+
+6. Very profuse night sweats, etc.
+
+There were other concomitant symptoms that we will not stop to
+enumerate. Dr. Jones prepared a powder from a vial labeled Kali
+Carbonicum (cm), and descended and hastened to the castle. His heart was
+jubilant within him, for he knew that he should save this lovely girl.
+He fairly burst into her chamber, glowing with the pleasure he thus felt
+in bearing the gospel of healing.
+
+"Praise God!" he fervently ejaculated, "I have found your remedy. Take
+this please." She opened her mouth and he shook from a tiny vial a dose
+of a white granular powder, just as he did the night before with her
+father.
+
+"Now, I want you to cheer right up, and dismiss all thought of dying
+from your mind. I expect that within a very few days you will experience
+great relief. These sharp stitching pains will almost immediately
+disappear, I am sure."
+
+And so he talked to her for a little time so brightly and cheerfully
+that the poor invalid seemed to catch his enthusiastic, hopeful spirit,
+and smiled and chatted in a way that lifted the Count to the very skies.
+
+"Whether there be any efficacy in your powders or not, Doctor Jones,
+there is certainly wonderful potency in your sanguine manner of giving
+them."
+
+"Now, to-night," continued the Doctor, acknowledging the Count's
+compliment with a smile and nod, "I desire to see you in the
+drawing-room. You must have pleasant, cheerful company. No more tears
+and sighing in this dismal room. Throw open the curtains and blinds, let
+God's sunshine and fresh air in. Take no medicine except what I give
+you. I must bring my wife and Mattie to see you, and you and they must
+romp all over this country in a few days--providing a favorable wind
+does not set in. For I must hie away to the North Pole at the earliest
+practicable moment."
+
+"Please bring your ladies up soon, Doctor. I desire very much to know
+them, and I am sure that company does me good. I am afraid to be alone
+a moment. It has been too quiet in this great castle with no one to talk
+with but the servants. Do send for them immediately, please."
+
+A few moments later they appeared and were introduced to Feodora. They
+were shortly upon very good terms, for each of them was exceedingly well
+bred and possessed of purest womanly instincts.
+
+"I heard your beautiful singing last night, and how I did wish to join
+your company. And do you know that yesterday I had been suffering
+terribly with stitching pains in my side, and I was so tired and
+miserable that I asked God to help me or take me home. Just then your
+great silver ship sailed across my window so that I could see it as I
+lay upon my couch, and do you know that I believed, for a time, that God
+had sent his chariot for me. I did not seem the least frightened, though
+I could hear the screams of the servants in different parts of the
+house, and my nurse had crawled under the bed. I just closed my eyes and
+awaited the summons. I confess that I felt really disappointed when they
+told me the truth of the matter. But now, do you know," grasping the
+good little Doctor's hand, "that I believe this to be God's messenger,
+and through him I am to be restored to health again."
+
+"The Lord grant it," said Dr. Jones. "But now we must leave you a few
+hours. You have had quite enough excitement for once. I expect to see
+you in the drawing-room to-night."
+
+So they withdrew, leaving her smiling and happy. Count Icanovich joined
+the Doctor a few moments later and asked him to sit with him in his
+private office.
+
+"You will understand, Doctor, that I am exceedingly anxious to know your
+opinion of my daughter's condition. You have inspired us with a degree
+of hope that we have not known for a long time. Indeed, Hope spread her
+wings and left this castle long since, and it has been little better
+than a charnel-house until your appearance. Now I ask you to tell me
+candidly whether you entertain any hope of my Feodora's ultimate
+recovery. You may lay your heart open to me, for I should receive her as
+one raised from the dead if you save her. Do not, as you love your own
+soul, attempt to deceive me."
+
+"Count Icanovich," answered Dr. Jones, "I am hardly prepared to give you
+a definite answer. I certainly see great reason to hope all that could
+be expected or desired. A certain remedy is so positively and clearly
+indicated in her case that I shall be greatly disappointed if the most
+distressing of her symptoms do not immediately disappear. After that, so
+much depends upon the hygienic and dietic management that I do not feel
+justified in making an absolutely favorable prognosis."
+
+"What if she were under your immediate supervision for a certain length
+of time?"
+
+"I should, under such circumstances, feel quite sure of restoring her to
+perfect health."
+
+"Then, Doctor, if money be any object to you, you shall have your own
+price for remaining until you pronounce her well."
+
+"I am extremely sorry, Count, but that cannot be. My Government has
+built yonder aluminum air-ship at enormous expense at my express desire
+and instigation, with the understanding that I sail with it to the North
+Pole. My obligation is to do so with all possible dispatch. I will leave
+medicine and explicit directions, so that in all probability you will do
+just as well as if I remained."
+
+The nobleman said no more upon the subject, and they joined the company
+in the drawing-room. Will, Fred, and Denison repaired to the stables,
+selected saddle-horses and rode to the town. There they were objects of
+great interest to the inhabitants. The news of the great silver
+globe--for they all believed it to be of silver, and the strangers to be
+fabulously rich--with its load of voyagers that came so suddenly and
+mysteriously among them the day before, had spread rapidly. The
+superstitious people were half inclined to regard them as celestial
+visitors, and looked upon them with awe and wonder.
+
+The Doctor and the Professor, with the ladies, took a long walk through
+the park. They met many of the natives, who were coming from every
+direction to see the marvelous silver ship.
+
+"I declare," said Mrs. Jones, "that I can hardly realize that all this
+can be true. I have to pinch myself sometimes to see if I am not
+enjoying a long beautiful dream."
+
+"It is romantic to the last degree," replied Professor Gray.
+
+"The wind still holds in the north," remarked Dr. Jones, scanning the
+skies and treetops. "I see that it has veered a few points to the west.
+We will surely get a favorable wind before many days."
+
+"Isn't it a pity that you cannot stay with that lovely girl until she is
+out of danger?" sighed Mrs. Jones.
+
+"Yes, it grieves me exceedingly to be obliged to leave her, but I have
+no option in the matter. If that globe were my private property, I would
+not leave her until she was out of danger. But, under the circumstances,
+I cannot do so. After all," said he, brightening up with the thought,
+"she will probably do as well without me."
+
+"She is the loveliest creature I ever saw," said Mattie. "How gentle,
+beautiful, and patient she is. Much as I desire to visit the North Pole,
+still I would gladly remain here six months or a year if it would do her
+any good."
+
+The day passed away without incident. After dinner all met in the
+drawing-room, and the invalid girl occupied an easy chair among them.
+She extended her hand to Dr. Jones with a grateful smile, and said:
+
+"Doctor, I have not passed so comfortable a day for a very long time. I
+shall get well. Your medicine has done wonders for me already. You are,
+no doubt, in great haste to reach your destination, but you must not
+leave me until I am better. If you do, I shall die."
+
+"O, no! my dear Miss Feodora, you will not die. I shall leave you
+medicines that will help you through nicely."
+
+This the Doctor said with all the assurance and cheerfulness he could
+command. But she instinctively detected a slight shade of anxiety or
+uncertainty in his tone. The physician must be a consummate actor who
+can deceive a patient whose perceptions are preternaturally acute as
+were Feodora's. He saw that he had not deceived her, and cried:
+
+"Do not let us think of that subject to-night. This unfavorable wind may
+last many days, and I promise to see you better before I go."
+
+She smiled sweetly and gratefully as he gave her this promise, and
+abandoned herself to the enjoyment of the music, conversation, etc., of
+the evening. Instrumental and vocal music constituted the principal
+source of amusement, and the audience awarded unstinted praise and
+applause. The singers were in the best possible form, not one of them
+complaining of cold or hoarseness, as is customary. Nothing could exceed
+the sweetness and richness of Mrs. Jones' voice. It seemed to fill the
+gloomy halls and rooms of the castle to its farthest confines. And
+Mattie's contralto beautifully and nobly seconded the soprano. The tenor
+and bass could scarcely have been better, and altogether it was a
+concert worthy of the praise of that, or any other, audience.
+
+"You will never know what a change your coming has made in our home,"
+said Feodora to Mrs. Jones and Mattie as they sat beside her. "Before
+your coming, all was so still and dark, and scarcely a sound could be
+heard in the rooms or halls all day. Now see the servants sitting and
+standing about the halls, chatting and laughing as if nothing had ever
+been wrong in the house. And look at papa talking and laughing as if he
+were not the saddest man on earth only two days ago. As for myself, I am
+simply astonished beyond measure. I have really forgotten for a time
+this evening that I am not perfectly well. O, what a beautiful,
+beautiful change! And it is perfectly heavenly to have a respite from
+pain, even if it be but temporary."
+
+The two ladies, one sitting upon either side, smiled their sympathy and
+happiness, and pressed her poor emaciated hands between their own cool,
+soft, plump ones in a way that went directly to her heart.
+
+"Let us help you up stairs," said Mrs. Jones, "for I am sure that you
+must be getting tired."
+
+She assented, bade the company good-night, and retired with the two
+ladies.
+
+"Now you must let us do everything we can for you while we are here,"
+said Mrs. Jones. "You know that we are to see you better before we go
+away, and I have so much confidence in Dr. Jones' system of medicine
+that I am positive of your recovery."
+
+Leaving her then to the nurse, they retired for the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Doctor Jones Commits Treason.
+
+
+As they met at the breakfast table next morning, they found the Count
+joyous and jubilant. Feodora had spent a comparatively comfortable
+night. At the regular hour, 3 o'clock, A.M., the stitching pains and
+cough recurred, but were so much less than usual, and lasted so much
+shorter a time that she was radiant with joy, and thanked Dr. Jones so
+sweetly that the good man was obliged to hem and cough and wipe his nose
+and eyes, and complain of a slight cold which he had contracted. As for
+the nobleman himself, he declared that he was the happiest and soundest
+of all the Czar's subjects.
+
+"I cannot understand this matter, Doctor," said he. "I have absolutely
+exhausted the medical science of Europe without the slightest benefit.
+Here you come from the United States, a new country, and supposed to be
+very much behind in all matters of science and letters, yet you have
+done for me and my daughter, as if by magic, what the accumulated
+science and knowledge of Europe have not been able to do at all. Is your
+science a mystic or esoteric affair, and are you the only one in
+possession of the secret?"
+
+"No, indeed, Count Icanovich. So far from my system being esoteric or
+exclusively my own, I have for many years taught and exemplified to the
+best of my ability the law by which I am governed in the selection of
+the remedy. And there are a noble few in my country who are like
+children sitting in the market, crying, 'We have mourned unto you and ye
+would not mourn; we have piped unto you and ye would not dance.' By
+every possible means we have endeavored to induce the dominant school of
+medicine to investigate our claims, but they simply deride and laugh us
+to scorn."
+
+"But surely, Doctor, they cannot deny the evidence of their own senses!
+If you cure that which they cannot, they certainly must heed you.
+Anything else is unthinkable," exclaimed the Count.
+
+"My dear sir, human nature is past finding out in its capacity for
+stupidity and foolishness. God gives every man the power to choose good
+or evil, and no amount of evidence can dispossess him of this elective
+franchise. Hence he is the arbiter of his own fate. Abraham said to
+Dives concerning his brethren, 'If they believe not Moses and the
+prophets, neither will they believe, though one arose from the dead.'
+Jesus Christ healed the sick, raised the dead, restored the lame, the
+halt, the blind, in the presence of priests, lawyers, and doctors, the
+scientists of those days; and they put him to death in precisely the
+same spirit that they expatriated Samuel Hahnemann for discovering and
+promulgating the only law of cure in God's universe. Human nature has
+not changed a particle since the days of Adam and Eve, and it never will
+be any more nor less than what it is now, except as it is regenerated
+through the Atonement."
+
+"This is marvelously strange," said the Count musingly. "I do not
+remember to have heard of your system more than a few times in my life,
+and then but as something ridiculous or foolish. Cannot something be
+done to bring it before the public?"
+
+"So far as I know, Count Icanovich, there is not a school in Europe
+where the tenets of our system are taught. The dominant school of
+medicine has used its power, and legislation effectually bars us out in
+every European country. Only in America have we colleges, and even there
+whatever privileges we enjoy are the results of deadly and
+uncompromising warfare. So you will understand the difficulties under
+which we labor."
+
+"It seems, then, that it is simply a matter of ignorance with the laity
+that your system has not become universally adopted," interposed
+Professor Gray. "And the 'Regular School,' as they style themselves, is
+exceedingly active in keeping them thus ignorant."
+
+"That is the state of affairs exactly," cried Dr. Jones. "To illustrate
+the fact that we have a law of cure, while the so-called Regulars have
+nothing like it, a certain physician, a number of years ago, sent out
+twenty letters, ten to prominent men of each school. He sent to each the
+ordinary price of a prescription, and represented himself as a patient.
+He detailed precisely the same symptoms to each. Now, if medicine is
+worthy of being called a science, why should there not have been an
+answer, and but one answer, as to the remedy indicated in this case?"
+
+"So I have said a thousand times," exclaimed the Count, excitedly. "And
+I can foretell the denouement so far as the Regular school is concerned:
+You received as many prescriptions that were totally unlike as there
+were men of that school who prescribed for you."
+
+"Right, you are, my lord!" shouted the Doctor. "But eight of them
+responded. No two of their prescriptions at all resembled each other,
+and the aggregate number of drugs prescribed by them was somewhere near
+seventy, if I remember correctly. If all these drugs had been put into a
+jug, the compound would have been a mass of incompatibles that would
+have poisoned any miserable wretch who was fool enough to take it."
+
+"But how did the men of your school do, Doctor?" asked Professor Gray.
+"Did they do any better?"
+
+"Did they!" again shouted Dr. Jones, swelling and flushing with pride.
+"Every one of them prescribed Lycopodium Pollen, which was the indicated
+remedy."
+
+"How many physicians of your school are there in America?" asked the
+Count.
+
+"Something like twelve thousand, I believe."
+
+"And would each of them have prescribed the remedy you mentioned?"
+
+"All worthy of the name would have done so."
+
+"And are not all worthy?"
+
+"I am forced to say no! not by a great many. Like every other
+representative system of truth, our greatest source of danger is from
+within. No chain is stronger than its weakest link, as has been said
+many times. The world judges us by our weaklings. Every good thing has
+its hordes of counterfeits."
+
+"Well," said the Count, "I am deeply interested in this matter. I must
+hear more of it, Doctor."
+
+"And I also am desirous of information upon this all important subject,"
+added Professor Gray.
+
+The wind had veered around to the west-nor-west. It had materially
+abated in violence, but was still unfavorable for our navigators. And,
+in truth, the Doctor was not nearly so anxious to depart at this time as
+was Professor Gray. The good Doctor's mind was divided between a desire
+to be off for the Arctics, and a professional interest in, and friendly
+solicitude for, the beautiful Feodora. Nothing could exceed the delight
+with which he noted the manifest curative power of the dose which he had
+given her. And he had pledged his word that he would not leave her until
+material improvement was apparent. So it was with a considerable degree
+of resignation that he saw the wind continue northerly.
+
+The matter stood about thus between him and Professor Gray: While Dr.
+Jones was really commander of the expedition, yet the Professor
+represented the Government's interests, and he kept a strict record of
+every day's occurrences. These must be subjected to the inspection of
+the proper authorities upon their return to Washington. The fact that
+Dr. Jones had interested himself in a sick girl in the heart of Russia,
+even though she was the only child of a Count who stood high with the
+Emperor of all the Russias, could not excuse him to his Government for
+holding in abeyance the mighty interests of the expedition upon which it
+had projected him.
+
+For two more days the northerly winds prevailed. Then came the
+hoped-for, yet dreaded, change. At six o'clock in the morning, the
+Professor rapped upon Dr. Jones' chamber door.
+
+"Come, Doctor," he cried. "Ho! for the North Pole. A glorious breeze
+from due South."
+
+The Doctor joined him in a few moments, and they walked into the park.
+The aluminum flag fluttered straight toward the north. The Doctor
+expressed his delight, but there tugged at his heart the thought of
+leaving the poor girl who clung to him for her life. But he did not dare
+to mention this fact to Professor Gray. He knew that no merely
+sentimental grounds would have any weight with that gentleman, and that
+he (the Professor) would hold him strictly accountable to the Government
+for any unnecessary delay.
+
+So, with a sigh, he announced to his party that they would sail as soon
+after breakfast as possible. The Count looked very much distressed, but
+said not a word. After breakfast the Doctor and Count repaired to
+Feodora's room. She had rested beautifully all night, and received them
+with a glad, smiling welcome. But when Dr. Jones announced that he must
+sail within two or three hours, her face became exceedingly sorrowful,
+and she said to him so gently and simply that it touched the hearts of
+the men more than tears could have ever done:
+
+"And do you know what goes with you in your beautiful Silver Cloud?"
+
+"I do not know that I do. What do you mean?"
+
+"My life."
+
+This unexpected reply caused the Doctor a terrible shock.
+
+"O no! my dear young lady, you are doing splendidly. Just carry out my
+written instructions and you will do as well without me as you would
+with me."
+
+"Dr. Jones, I appreciate your situation, and know that you have no right
+to remain here for my sake, or anyone's else. I will not try to persuade
+you to stay; but I know that when you have gone, Hope will have
+accompanied you, and I shall certainly die."
+
+"My God! My God! Dr. Jones, I cannot endure this," groaned the Count,
+and great tears coursed down his cheeks.
+
+"Let me talk with you a few moments privately," said the Doctor.
+
+The Count led the way to his office, and when they were seated the
+Doctor began:
+
+"Count Icanovich, I cannot leave you, and yet you see my situation.
+Professor Gray will not consent to an hour's unnecessary delay, and will
+hold me in strictest account to my Government."
+
+"Cannot he be brought to consent to remain a few weeks?" asked the Count
+anxiously.
+
+"Not all the gold in Russia would tempt him one moment," declared the
+Doctor emphatically.
+
+"But you must not go and take my darling's life with you!" cried the
+Count desperately.
+
+"Say 'shall not,' and you will hit it exactly," replied the little
+Doctor, winking shrewdly at the Count.
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Have you no special power or authority in this section?"
+
+"I have very great power if I choose to use it. Do I understand you to
+advise me to detain you by force?"
+
+The Doctor grinned, gave a little Frenchy shrug of the shoulders, and
+said: "It would be treason to my country to advise you to do so, sir;
+but if you permit us to go, surely you cannot blame me for going. I very
+much prefer to stay, but only absolute force can prevent my going."
+
+"I understand you perfectly, Doctor, and you need say no more," replied
+the Count, smiling grimly. "It had not occurred to me to treat my guests
+with such discourtesy; but you Americans have an adage, I have
+heard,--or is it English?--that a hint is as good as a kick. Well, you
+needn't kick me--unless I let you go. Now go up to my daughter and cheer
+her up with the news that you are forcibly detained, and will not sail
+till she is cured."
+
+Here the two men clasped hands, threw open their mouths to their widest
+extent, and laughed long and--silently.
+
+"But now run up to Feodora; she needs you badly, and I have some very
+important business to attend to."
+
+So the Doctor again ascended to Feodora's room. He found there his wife
+and Mattie, all three in tears.
+
+"Come, come, girls, wipe your eyes. Please leave me alone with Miss
+Feodora a few minutes. I will join you down stairs directly."
+
+"And now," said he, "cheer right up. We are not going to leave you until
+your father consents. I have made the arrangement with him, but it must
+not be known to anyone else. You understand, do you not?"
+
+"I do, Doctor, I do," she cried; "and I promise to get well as soon as I
+can, so as not to detain you any longer than necessary. I shall get
+well! I shall get well!" and she pressed his hand to her lips in the
+ecstacy of her joy.
+
+"There, there," said he, a little sheepishly, withdrawing his hand, "go
+to sleep now, and come down to the drawing-room this afternoon."
+
+He had been in the drawing-room but a moment or so when the Professor
+and Will rushed in, each very excited.
+
+"Doctor!" cried Will, "what do you suppose the Count has done?"
+
+"I don't know, I'm sure. What's the matter?"
+
+"Well, by Jove, if he hasn't padlocked our cables, and very coolly
+informed us that we cannot sail until he gives us permission!"
+
+"What can he possibly mean!" exclaimed the Doctor in well-assumed
+astonishment. "We must see about this matter. Where is he?"
+
+"We left him at the globe," said the Professor. "I cannot comprehend the
+meaning of this. Let us go at once and see him."
+
+"Surely he must be joking you," said the Doctor, as they walked rapidly
+toward Silver Cloud.
+
+They found a group standing beneath the globe; and, as Will had said,
+every anchor and cable was heavily padlocked. Dr. Jones stepped briskly
+up to Count Icanovich and said with all the sharpness he could command:
+"What is the meaning of this, Sir Count? Why have you padlocked these
+cables?"
+
+"Evidently I could have but one object; to prevent your casting them
+off."
+
+"But why? What right have you to do so?"
+
+"Simply the right of might. But come," said he, looking over the
+company, "let us talk this matter over together. Shall we return to the
+castle?"
+
+"Suppose we ascend to the cabin," said the Doctor. "There we can talk
+without interruption."
+
+So, two by two, they all ascended to the sittingroom of the cabin. The
+Doctor and Count were the first to go up.
+
+"I shall make a great demonstration of anger, and may talk pretty
+sharply, Count, but you will know my meaning," said the former, as they
+landed in the engine-room.
+
+"I perfectly understand; act your part, Doctor."
+
+When they were all seated in the sittingroom, the Doctor immediately
+reiterated the question:
+
+"What is the meaning of this high-handed proceeding, Count Icanovich?"
+
+"It simply means that I cannot consent to let you go at present, Doctor
+Jones."
+
+"And do you really mean to detain us by force?"
+
+"I do, if necessary."
+
+"Will you kindly tell us your object, and by what authority you dare to
+delay a United States' expedition? Do you not know that our Government
+will demand heavy reprisals for this action upon your part?"
+
+"Allow me to answer your first question. When you landed among us a few
+days ago, you found us a despairing lot of invalids. We were simply
+waiting death as the only possible escape from our pains and distress.
+The change that you have brought about by your medical skill and
+knowledge is known to you all, and I need not dwell upon it. Our hearts
+are bursting with gratitude, and it pains me beyond measure to be thus
+obliged to use coercion; but my daughter's interests--her life--compel
+me to detain you. She declares that she cannot live if the Doctor leaves
+her, and I cannot and will not permit her only chance of recovery to
+thus fly away in the air. She is all I have on earth, and I swear that
+you shall stay until she consents to let you go."
+
+"But, Count Icanovich, do you not see how impossible it is for us to
+remain?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"No; I only see how impossible it is for you to go."
+
+"But look at the vast amount of money that our Government has intrusted
+us with for an express purpose. Having accepted this trust, our first
+and only duty is to that Government. And I tell you that whoever dares
+to detain us will have a heavy account to settle with a great and
+powerful nation."
+
+"I perfectly appreciate all that, Professor Gray, and am ready to settle
+any indemnity that may be demanded of me. I tell you, one and all, that
+I count these things as but dross when compared with the life of my
+Feodora. She shall not die if any high-handed outrage that I can commit
+will prevent it. You have heard me."
+
+The voyagers looked at one another in dismay. Here was a predicament
+that no one could have foreseen.
+
+"How long is this delay likely to last?" asked Will.
+
+"Just as long as the interests of my daughter's health demand it,"
+returned the Count.
+
+The Doctor gave a hypocritical groan that would have made his fortune
+upon the stage.
+
+"How long will that be, Doctor?" asked Will.
+
+"Three months, at least," was the reply.
+
+The Professor duplicated the Doctor's groan with such emphasis that the
+party could not repress their smiles, and the two conspirators did not
+dare look at each other.
+
+"Well, Professor, we'll have to accept the inevitable," said Dr. Jones.
+"Let's go down again and continue our studies of Russian customs and
+habits."
+
+"Allow me to say, gentlemen, before we descend, that it is best that we
+should have a thorough understanding. I desire to treat you as my
+honored friends and guests, and to allow you every possible liberty and
+pleasure while here. Pledge me your word that you will not attempt to
+sail without my knowledge, or seek governmental interference, and all I
+have is at your command."
+
+"Before I accede to your proposition, I wish to put one question: If Dr.
+Jones will consent to remain, will you permit the rest of the party to
+depart with the ship?" asked the Professor.
+
+"I shall be delighted if you can make any such arrangement," quickly
+returned the Count.
+
+"What do you say, Doctor?" cried Professor Gray, turning to him.
+
+The Doctor pondered a moment or two, and then said:
+
+"It is very great to be the discoverer of the North Pole, but it is very
+much greater to save a human life. My wife and Mattie will remain with
+me, but the rest of you may depart immediately if you wish."
+
+"As for me," said Denison, promptly, "I shall stay with Dr. Jones."
+
+Will and Fred looked at each other a moment, then Fred burst out:
+
+"Let's stick together. The North Pole will be there just the same a few
+months later, and I do not blame Count Icanovich for detaining the
+Doctor under the circumstances. To use a beautiful Americanism, we may
+as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb. In one, in all."
+
+"I stand with the majority," said Will.
+
+"Well, gentlemen, I do not see but that I am in a hopeless minority, and
+must accept the Count's terms," sighed the Professor. "But say, Doctor,
+let me suggest one more idea before settling the matter definitely. Are
+there not men in Russia who practice your system, and who could fill
+your place satisfactorily in this case?"
+
+"I presume there are, but I am unacquainted with them."
+
+"But, gentlemen, my daughter will accept no substitute. I suggested the
+same idea to her, but she would not listen to it. It is Dr. Jones or
+nobody with her. There is no alternative. Dr. Jones must stay." This the
+Count said so decisively that further argument was mutually dropped as
+unavailing.
+
+"Well, Sir Count, since fate is against our sailing until the recovery
+of the fair Feodora, I only hope her return to perfect health may be
+unprecedentedly rapid, and I hereby give you the required pledge." With
+this the Professor extended his hand to the Count. The latter seized it
+cordially, then shook hands with each of the rest of the company,
+saying:
+
+"I am so glad that this unpleasant matter has been so easily and
+amicably adjusted. Let us go down now, and the only command that I put
+upon you is that you use my castle as your own, and that you come and go
+as you please."
+
+They all thanked the noble Count, and the whole party set out for the
+castle. When they reached the drawing-room the Professor dropped into a
+chair and said: "I used to be of the opinion that the stories of the
+enchanted castles, Sleeping Beauties and Beasts were all childish
+fiction and romance. But, as the darky said, 'Heah we is.' We have the
+castle, the Beauty, and the Beast. Though I must say of the Beast that
+he is a very amiable old fellow, after all, and I would do just as he is
+doing under the circumstances. This Beauty must be awakened, and Dr.
+Jones is the Prince of Physicians who can do it."
+
+"Thank you, Professor. And now, girls, take off your hats and cloaks,"
+cried the Doctor. "We have concluded to stay with the Count a few
+months."
+
+They looked at him to see if he were not joking.
+
+"What do you mean, Doctor?" asked his wife. "Did you say that we were to
+stay here a few months?"
+
+"Yes, my dear. The Count has persuaded me to remain until Feodora is so
+far recovered that we can safely leave her."
+
+"Well now, I will tell you the truth; I am really glad to hear it." Then
+turning to the company, she proudly said: "This is just like him. I am
+sure that he would not only give up the North Pole, but the whole earth
+to save a human life."
+
+"Come, come, sis," said the Doctor, blushing and confused, "you make me
+feel silly. Scatter off, now, and make yourselves at home. We must make
+the Count glad to get rid of us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A Model Teacher and Ideal Student.
+
+
+The days and weeks flew swiftly by. The fame of the great air-ship
+spread far and wide, and thousands of visitors came to inspect it and
+the wonderful voyagers. But what especially drew the people, and was
+talked of more than all else, was the marvelous skill of Dr. Jones as a
+healer. The beautiful Feodora improved from day to day, so that she
+daily drove with her devoted and constant companions, Mrs. Jones and
+Mattie. She began to eat heartily, gained flesh rapidly, and her cough
+had nearly left her. Roses of health assumed the place of hectic flush,
+and she was the talk and wonder of everyone who knew of her former
+hopeless condition.
+
+Many were the consultations held by Dr. Jones, with the grateful and
+goodnatured Count for interpreter. Money and honors poured in upon him,
+though he never made any sort of charge for advice or medicine. The
+better class of patients invariably left upon the table one or more
+pieces of gold.
+
+"Maggie, do you know that I have no idea of what to do with all this
+money? If it keeps on this way, I shall be obliged to found a college
+and hospital when we get back to Washington. Wouldn't it be grand if I
+could break down the prejudices and legal barriers in this great
+country, and establish our school upon an even footing with the old
+school?"
+
+"The Count must have influence at court. I should think that he might be
+of great help to you," suggested Mrs. Jones.
+
+"That is a good thought, and I will have a talk with him upon the
+subject at the first opportunity."
+
+The Count, meantime, was closely watching the Doctor's methods and the
+results. He was delighted to note that many chronic cases recovered
+under the treatment; and acute diseases yielded as if by magic to his
+all-powerful infinitesimal doses.
+
+"This is something utterly incomprehensible," he said to the Doctor one
+evening, as the friends sat with him in his office, smoking and talking.
+"Your medicines are working wonders, and yet I cannot understand how it
+is possible for so minute a particle as is contained in one of your
+doses to act so potently and profoundly upon a great mass of blood,
+flesh, and bones, like the human body. That it does so is beyond
+question. I have watched you carefully, and am thoroughly converted to
+your system."
+
+"Wouldn't it be a glorious thing for Russia if this system of medicine
+could have at least an opportunity of being heard, and of exemplifying
+the fact that it is founded upon science, and that beside it there is no
+other?" cried Dr. Jones.
+
+"Suppose you had an opportunity, by what method would you prove this
+system to be what you claim for it?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"By the only method that can satisfy the human mind--practical
+experience and demonstration. Nothing else will do. Theory is all well
+enough, but if it cannot stand the test of experiment it is of no sort
+of use. There is not a crowned head nor potentate in Europe before whom
+I would not gladly and fearlessly put my system to such test. Give me
+but a clear cut case--one that has not been spoiled by massive dosage or
+surgery, and I am willing that the system shall stand or fall by the
+result."
+
+"That is perfectly fair, and I know, Doctor, that you would succeed,"
+said the Count. "And I will say, further, that I am at your service to
+promulgate your system in Russia. I have influence at court, and I can
+put it to no better use than to help you present the system of medicine
+which you represent to those in a position to open our door to your
+school."
+
+"If you will do that, sir, I shall never regret our having been blown
+out of our course into Russia. If I can thus be instrumental in the
+salvation of countless thousands of God's suffering children, I shall
+feel that I have not lived in vain, whether I ever reach the North Pole
+or not. Do not think, Professor, that I have in any degree lost
+interest in our original enterprise. But, meantime, I must do what I
+can for humanity when opportunity occurs."
+
+"You are doing that, Doctor, and I heartily sympathize with you in your
+labors," answered the Professor. "I only insist that, when permitted by
+the fair Feodora, we sail immediately for our destination."
+
+"That we will, Professor, and I promise not to enter into any
+arrangements that shall prevent our going as soon as possible," replied
+Dr. Jones.
+
+"Excuse me, gentlemen," interrupted the Count, "but I wish to ask the
+Doctor for information. As you know, I have had a considerable amount of
+experience with the regular school of medicine, and you also know that I
+was thoroughly disgusted with it when you came so opportunely. I have
+carefully observed your methods, Dr. Jones, and I notice this essential
+difference between the two schools: The old school physicians are
+exceedingly particular in their examinations and explorations. They seem
+extremely worried about naming the disease and knowing the exact
+condition of the diseased tissues, but they do not appear to be able to
+manage the practical part of the business--cure. You, as a
+representative of the other system, do not lay so much stress upon these
+things, but do take cognizance of the symptoms in each case with
+surprising particularity. And I notice that you appear to base your
+prescription solely upon what you term the 'totality of symptoms.' How
+nearly am I right?"
+
+"Count, you have apprehended the exact condition of things. It is well
+enough to know all we can of the state of the organ or organs that we
+are treating; but suppose I spend hours examining a patient with all the
+appliances known to medicine, and have determined to a certainty the
+name of the disease with which my patient is afflicted, I am now no
+nearer knowing the remedy indicated in this case than I was before I
+made the examination. I must go back and take all the symptoms into
+account, both subjective and objective before I can intelligently
+prescribe."
+
+"I do not see, then, that it makes any difference whether you know all
+about the condition of the organs, or can name the disease or not," said
+Will.
+
+"Good boy, Will," smiled the Doctor. "You're learning fast. It is an
+absolute fact that some of the best shots I ever made were where
+neither I, nor any living man, could make what we term the
+diagnosis--that is, name the disease. I will give you a case in point: A
+good many years ago, when I was quite a young physician, there came into
+my office a man who desired me to go with him and see a sick babe. I
+found the most miserable looking three months' old child I had ever
+seen. Nothing could exceed the emaciation and puniness of the little
+creature, and the mother was carrying it about upon a pillow. For six
+weeks it had cried night and day, almost incessantly, except when under
+the influence of opiates. Five old school doctors had done what they
+could, and at last had declared that it could not live. They had not
+been able to establish the diagnosis, and so were at sea as to
+treatment. I sat beside it and studied the case as closely as possible
+for more than an hour. There was but one peculiarity or symptom upon
+which to base a prescription. It was this: It would lie a few moments
+apparently asleep, then it would give a start and begin to scream with
+all its puny power. This would last one or two minutes, when it would as
+suddenly fall asleep again. This, they assured me, was the way it had
+performed all through its illness, except when opiated. 'Pains come and
+go suddenly.' That was all I had to go on. I could not locate the pains,
+nor by any possible means know what the cause of them was; but I did
+know, thank God, what was of infinitely greater importance: I knew the
+drug that had that particular symptom, and that was Belladonna. Into
+half a tumblerful of water I dropped five or six drops of the two
+hundredth dilution of that drug, and put a few drops of this medicated
+water into the poor little thing's mouth."
+
+Here the Doctor stopped, knocked the ashes from his pipe, arose and
+started as if to leave the room.
+
+"Hold on, Doctor," cried Fred; "I am very much interested in that baby.
+How did it come out on your Belladonna solution?"
+
+"O yes! I should have said that it immediately went to sleep, and did
+not awaken for several hours. It never cried again, received no more
+medicine, and in a few weeks would have made a model picture for a
+patent baby food company. It only received the one little dose that I
+gave it."
+
+"I declare," said the Count, laughing heartily, "that it sounds absurd
+beyond anything I ever heard in my life. Yet who has greater reason to
+know it to be absolutely true than myself. Go on, Doctor; I am prepared
+to believe anything you are pleased to tell us of your miraculous
+system."
+
+"Before I go I think I will spin you one more story," said the Doctor,
+reseating himself. "This is what might be termed the reductio ad
+absurdum of prescribing merely for the disease by name, irrespective of
+symptomatology. I was called to see a poor Dutchman who was in the last
+stage of pulmonary consumption. He had just been brought home from a
+certain city, where he had been in a hospital for two or three months.
+
+"Well, Hans," I said, "how did they use you at the hospital; they are
+very scientific there, you know, and must have done great things for
+you.'"
+
+"O Doctor!" he groaned, "dondt speak aboudt dem fellers. Dey vos de
+piggest lot of shackasses I efer saw."
+
+"Why, Hans, I am surprised at you! What did they do that did not please
+you?"
+
+"Vell, I tells you. Ven I goes into dot hoshpital, dey oxamines mine
+lungs. Den dey puts me into a pedt mit a pig card hanging ofer mine
+hedt, und dere vos on dot card in pig letters, de vird, CONSUMPTION. I
+tink dey puts dot card dere to encourage me ven I looks at him. Und in a
+leedle pox py mine hedt, dey puts a pottle of medticine und say to me,
+'You dakes a teaspoonful of dot efery dree hours.' So I do dot. It vos
+awful stuff but I sticks to him aboudt dree veeks. Den I can no more
+dake it. It makes me so seek to mine stummick dot I gan no more eat
+anyting. So I say to de steward von morning, 'I gan no more dake dot
+medticine. I must haf some oder kind.' Vell, sir, you should haf seen
+dot feller look at me. He lifts up his hands und says, 'I shoost adtmire
+you, Hans.' 'What for you adtmire me?' 'Pecause you vos de piggest
+kicker dot efer comes into dis hoshpital. Now look at yourself. You vos
+oxamined und put into de ped to which you pelong. Dere ish de card
+hanging ofer your hedt vot tells vot vos der matter mit you. Und den
+dere ish der medticine for consumption in de pottle py your hedt. Dot
+medticine is Doctor Smith's favorite prescription for dot disease. Und
+mit all dot you kicks. Vot more do you want?' 'Vell,' I say, 'I gan no
+more dake dot medticine. It makes me awful seek.' 'Now, Hans, dondt be
+so unreasonable. You pelongs to dot ped, und whoefer goes into dot ped
+dakes dot medticine. Dondt you see?' 'But I dells you dot I gan no more
+dake dot medticine. It vill kill me. If no oder medticine goes mit this
+ped, put me in some oder ped dot has a tifferent pottle, I cares not
+what it is.' But no, sir! dey keeps me in dot ped. So I spidts Doctor
+Smith's tam stuff into de slop bowl, und comes home so quick as I gan."
+
+"I could hardly credit Hans' story, and told it as a joke to an old
+school physician who was familiar with the hospital where Hans had been.
+To my surprise he did not seem to see any joke in it. 'Can it be
+possible,' said I, 'that Hans told the truth?' 'Well,' said he, 'in all
+but one particular I think that he did.' 'And what was that particular?'
+I asked. 'The card above his head did not have on it, 'Consumption,' but
+'Phthisis Pulmonalis.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+The Count Steps Over the Line.
+
+
+The Silver Cloud's crew, if we may so term it, had busied themselves in
+various ways, according to their several dispositions and bents of mind.
+Dr. Jones was occupied more or less of the time with the invalids, who
+came to him from far and wide. The most inveterate cases of chronic
+diseases constituted the bulk of his practice, and the cures that he
+made were truly marvelous. The patience and interest of the Count never
+flagged a moment. He continued at his post and interpreted for the
+Doctor with surprising fidelity. Dr. Jones was so pleased with him that
+he explained to his noble student every case for which he proscribed,
+told him the name of the drug and precisely why he gave it. Surely here
+was a model teacher and an ideal student.
+
+Let it not be inferred that our Doctor was infallible, nor that he
+always cured.
+
+"There are many cases that are incurable, Sir Count, and we must learn
+to know them almost by intuition. The causes of failure are numerous,
+but you will notice that they are always to be found in the physician or
+patient; never in the law of cure. If I be not able to apprehend and
+duly estimate the symptoms of a given case, I must, of necessity, fail
+to cure. Or if the patient be unruly, stupid, or willful, he must pay
+the penalty. Frequently, the case has been rendered incurable by massive
+dosage or surgery. My system cures all that is curable when
+intelligently applied. And you will notice that in some instances there
+is an absolute dearth of symptoms. You also observe that I give them a
+dose and tell them to return in a week or ten days. When they return
+they often exhibit a splendid crop of symptoms, and I experience no
+trouble then in finding the remedy. These cases usually have a history
+of suppressed eruption. At some time in their lives the itch, or eczema,
+or some other skin trouble has been driven into their system by
+external medicaments in the form of ointments, washes, etc. Lifelong
+ailments, over which the old school have no control, are the result. A
+large percentage of chronic diseases are due to this cause alone."
+
+And so, during their leisure hours, sitting in the Count's office, or
+peripatetically as they walked together in the park, the enthusiastic
+Doctor taught his willing and attentive pupil.
+
+"Just see those two inseparables!" cried Feodora to Mrs. Jones and
+Mattie, as they sat by the front reception-room window, looking out upon
+the park. The Doctor and Count were promenading before the great
+building, the former with head erect, hands extended before him,
+lecturing upon his favorite theme. The towering figure of the Count
+strode along beside him, hands clasped behind and head bent well
+forward, listening attentively to every word.
+
+"I do believe that my father will be so enthusiastic a convert to the
+Doctor's system, that he will get books and medicines and practice upon
+our poor people when you are gone," said Feodora.
+
+"And he could not do a better thing," answered Mrs. Jones. "I have known
+laymen who made very fine prescribers. The Count could do a vast amount
+of good with a set of books and medicines."
+
+"Then you can rest assured that he will do so," returned Feodora. "My
+father is a very benevolent man naturally, but was fast becoming a
+misanthrope when you came among us. I shall never cease thanking God for
+the northern gale that blew you here."
+
+"Nor shall I, dear Feodora," said Mrs. Jones, kissing her with great
+affection. "And I really dread the time when we must leave you. But you
+are improving so rapidly that we must go before many weeks."
+
+"I am glad to get well, but I do feel sorry to think of your going. But
+I do not give up ever seeing you again. You will go to the North Pole in
+a short time, and then return home. You will write me from there, both
+you and Mattie, and then my father and I will visit you and bring you
+home with us. You must spend a winter with us in our capital city. It is
+the most beautiful and gayest city in Europe in its season."
+
+"And you shall spend a winter in Washington," returned Mrs. Jones.
+
+"I have never seen anything so beautiful as Washington," said Mattie.
+
+And so the friends chatted and cemented their acquaintance and
+friendship day by day, planning for future enjoyment of each other's
+society.
+
+The Count and Feodora were greatly interested in their account of their
+visit with the Barton family in Labrador.
+
+"By the way," said Mattie, "let's go up to Will's studio and see his
+painting of Jennie Barton."
+
+Feodora readily assented. "I have been longing for some time to see the
+interior of your beautiful cabin," she said.
+
+They slowly walked to the cage and mounted to the cabin, a distance of
+but fifty feet. They found Will at work upon a local landscape. He was
+delighted to receive the ladies, especially Feodora. "This augurs well
+for our sailing soon, Miss Feodora. And I cannot tell you how glad we
+all are to see you recovering so rapidly."
+
+"I told Feodora that you had made a fine painting of Jennie Barton. We
+have told her all about our visit in Labrador, and she wishes to see
+your painting of Jennie," said Mattie.
+
+"I am only too proud to show it her," answered Will, and he removed a
+cloth from the painting that rested upon an easel.
+
+"What a sweet, lovely face!" exclaimed Feodora. "I have never seen
+anything sweeter in my life."
+
+Will hastened to assure her, though he flushed with pride, that it
+lacked very much of doing the fair Jennie justice.
+
+"There is something so good and pure in that face, that it rests one to
+look at it," said the fair Russian.
+
+"Would you accept it from me as a present?" asked Will.
+
+"O Mr. Marsh! would you really part with it?"
+
+"I shall feel greatly honored if you will accept it from me. I intend
+painting another immediately. Whether I shall ever reach my ideal, I do
+not know."
+
+"I fear that you never will until you return to Constance House," said
+Mattie slyly.
+
+"Now Mattie, that is very unkind of you," cried Will with a well-assumed
+severity.
+
+Feodora thanked Will sincerely for his present, and declared that it
+should be hung in her room where she might see it the first thing in the
+morning and the last thing at night. "Surely nothing could be sweeter
+and more interesting than the romance connected with this lovely
+painting," said she.
+
+Professor Gray, meantime, had not been idle all these weeks. He and
+Denison had developed an affinity for each other, and spent many hours
+together, the former teaching the latter much of the geology, botany,
+etc., of the country round about. And with rod and gun they kept the
+Count's table well supplied with game. They also did much riding, and
+for many miles they became familiar objects to the inhabitants. The
+Professor made copious notes of all he saw of interest, intending it as
+subject matter for a future scientific work.
+
+And Fred busied himself with his music. He had discovered among the
+visitors at the castle a young Russian who spoke English tolerably well,
+and who was more than an ordinary violinist. They immediately formed a
+friendship, and daily sought each other's society. Fred became a great
+favorite among the local talent, and many were the concerts they held in
+the castle.
+
+Surely, for prisoners in a foreign land, restrained from going about
+their legitimate business, our friends were enjoying themselves
+wonderfully. The Count and Feodora were never so happy as when doing
+something calculated to enhance the comfort and pleasure of their
+guests. The days flew so swiftly by that the time for their departure
+was near at hand before they were aware of it. Feodora's recovery was
+uninterrupted, and she had gained many pounds of flesh. All
+apprehensions concerning her health had about disappeared. The Count
+continued his medical studies and investigations with unabated zeal and
+interest. The action of the infinitesimal dose was a knotty question. He
+could not deny the fact that they exhibited marvelous power over
+disease, but their immateriality staggered his faith at times, in spite
+of all that he had seen and experienced. But there came a time when he
+stepped over the line forever. He was "Born into the Kingdom," as the
+Doctor expressed it.
+
+There came a messenger at midnight one dark, stormy night, from a castle
+several miles distant. A letter to the Count from a certain Russian
+Prince, implored him to bring the American Doctor immediately to see his
+wife. The Count awoke the Doctor and told him that he would accompany
+him, if he would go; and he would esteem it a personal favor if he would
+attend the call.
+
+"Certainly, I will go," said Dr. Jones heartily, and he hastily prepared
+himself for the journey.
+
+The rain poured in torrents, and the heavy covered carriage in which
+they rode lumbered uncomfortably over the rough country roads.
+
+"You should introduce the horseless carriage into your country," said
+the Doctor as he bounced about upon his seat. "You would then agitate
+the subject of good roads."
+
+At last they reached their destination, and were hurried to the bedside
+of the suffering Princess. She was a woman of fifty-five, large and
+fleshy, sitting bolt upright in the middle of the bed. Her distress was
+terrible. The Doctor took the symptoms hurriedly as possible. They were:
+
+Violent palpitation of the heart. The bed fairly shook with the action
+of that organ.
+
+Expectorating large quantities of frothy blood.
+
+Breathing exceedingly labored; could not lie back in the least degree.
+
+Stomach and bowels enormously distended with gas; so much so that she
+could not lean forward at all.
+
+Eructations of gas in large quantities, which gave no relief; the least
+particle of food or drink excited these eructations.
+
+A very profuse cold sweat that saturated her clothing and bed.
+
+Great thirst, drinks little and often.
+
+Lower extremities restless, could not keep them quiet.
+
+Very nervous and despairing.
+
+Here was a terrible case, and the little Doctor studied it with the
+greatest possible care. He learned that the Princess had been an invalid
+for many years. She had taken vast quantities of crude drugs, and the
+time had come when her stomach rebelled and would tolerate no more
+drugging. The great physicians of Europe had been consulted, without
+permanent benefit. Her regular medical attendant, with his assistant,
+was now present. Dr. Jones was introduced to them, and such courtesies
+as were possible under the circumstances were extended by each. They
+gave such information as possible through the Count, and declared that
+the Princess must die within a few hours. They now stood powerless by,
+very curious and observant of everything the Doctor did.
+
+He had carefully written out the above symptoms, and now retired for a
+few moments with the Count to an adjoining room. The two Russian
+physicians were asked to join them, as a matter of professional
+courtesy.
+
+"This is a desperate affair," said the Count, "and I fear that your
+infinitesimals will do her very little good."
+
+"Don't be so sure, Sir Count. You may see something to-night that will
+remove your last remnant of unbelief," returned the Doctor, as he turned
+over the leaves of a materia medica that he had brought with him.
+
+"There is undoubtedly organic disease of the heart, and other
+complications that I have not time now to investigate. I have the
+totality of symptoms before us, and I have found the remedy that covers
+them precisely." He read to the Count each symptom, and showed how
+exactly they were covered by the drug. Some degree of explanation of
+this was made the native physicians, but it was evidently something new
+to them which they did not at all comprehend.
+
+"And now let us hasten to administer a dose of this drug."
+
+They returned to the sick chamber. Dr. Jones from a small case vial
+dropped a single minim into a teaspoon and wiped it off upon her tongue.
+It seemed so simple and wholly inadequate a thing to do in this very
+urgent affair, that the Count and the two medical men could not repress
+their smiles.
+
+But the Doctor said, "Wait and you shall see the glory of God."
+
+Not more than three minutes later, the royal patient, who was sitting
+perfectly erect, eyes closed, suddenly threw up her hands and cried out
+in the Russian tongue, "My God! What have you given me? I'm drunk!" and
+fell back upon her pillow as if shot. She almost immediately began
+snoring as if sound asleep. The Prince, Count, and two physicians sprang
+forward in great alarm, and were about to raise her to her former
+sitting posture. But Doctor Jones said commandingly, "Let her alone! Do
+not touch her!"
+
+"But she is dying!" cried Count Icanovich.
+
+"No, my dear Count, she is sleeping beautifully. To awaken her now would
+be fatal. I wish all to leave the room but her nurse."
+
+Several moments later the Doctor followed them to the parlor. The Count
+was greatly agitated, and stepped up to him immediately as he entered.
+
+"How is she now, Doctor?"
+
+"Sleeping as peacefully as a child."
+
+"And is it a natural, healthful sleep?"
+
+"Perfectly so."
+
+"Doctor, you have conquered my last prejudice. The modus operandi of the
+action of your infinitesimals I shall never comprehend. But that they do
+operate, immediately, powerfully, and beneficently, I can no longer
+doubt. Now please let me see the vial from which you poured the
+wonderful drop that you gave Her Highness."
+
+The Doctor complied, and the Count held the tiny vial to the light and
+read the label, "Cinchona Officinalis, 30x."
+
+The Prince also took the vial into his hand, looked at it with
+curiosity, and made a remark to the Count.
+
+"His Highness suggests that this must be a poison of fearful power,"
+said the Count to Dr. Jones.
+
+"Please say to him that it is not a poison in any sense of the word. I
+could swallow every drop of it with perfect impunity," replied Dr.
+Jones.
+
+Nothing could exceed the interest and curiosity of the two physicians.
+They looked at the vial and asked questions almost without number. The
+old familiar look of incredulity crept into their eyes when they came to
+an understanding of the immateriality of the dose. They were familiar
+with the dogma of "Similia similibus curanter," or "Like cures like,"
+and repudiated it at once. But they said nothing of it to the Prince or
+Count at this time. The Count again addressed Dr. Jones.
+
+"His Highness is lost in wonder at the magical effect of your medicine,
+and desires me to express his heartfelt gratitude and thanks."
+
+The Prince, with tears in his eyes, took the Doctor's hand, and said
+something to him in his own language.
+
+"He says that he can never repay you for what you have done to-night,
+and that you may command him for anything in his power," interpreted the
+Count.
+
+"Say to him that I am more than repaid for anything that I have done.
+Let him give all the glory to God."
+
+After ascertaining that the Princess still slept quietly, the Doctor and
+Count retired for the remaining hours of the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Farewell to Beauty and the Beast.
+
+
+The royal patient slept soundly until eight o'clock the following
+morning, or six consecutive hours. This was so entirely new and
+different from anything she had experienced for a very long time, that
+nothing could exceed her own and the astonishment of everyone who was
+acquainted with the facts. Long and painful had been her nights,
+sleepless and full of misery, unless under the influence of a narcotic.
+And, as we said before, she had reached a point where her system would
+endure no more of crude drugging. She always awoke unrefreshed and
+miserable from these unnatural, forced sleeps. So when she awoke this
+morning, refreshed and rested, her gratitude was boundless.
+
+Dr. Jones received her grateful expressions with the simple, modest
+dignity that is characteristic of the good and intelligent the world
+over. He made now a critical examination of the heart, and found it
+incurably affected. And there were complications of the digestive
+organs, etc., that we need not stop to mention. He acquainted the Prince
+with the conditions he had found, and showed him why she could not be
+cured. But he assured his royal patron, that she might be kept
+comfortable, and her life indefinitely prolonged by treating her case
+symptomatically as occasion should require.
+
+He remained at the castle several days. In two weeks the royal lady who
+had been devoted to immediate death by that school of medicine which
+arrogates unto itself the terms, "Liberal," "Regular," and "Scientific,"
+walked in her garden!
+
+The effect upon the Count was past our powers of description. "Doctor
+Jones," he cried, "I am converted not only to your system, but to God! I
+realized, as I witnessed the astounding power of the infinitesimal dose
+in this remarkable case, the wisdom and goodness of our Heavenly
+Father. And I now say to you, that I am devoted to your cause, and I
+shall never rest until your school of medicine shall have free course
+throughout all Russia. And you can rest assured that the Prince's
+influence, conjoined with my own, will have sufficient weight at court
+to break down all barriers and opposition to the propagandism of your
+blessed system of medicine. This shall be my life work, and I only wish
+that you were going to stay with me. But I will not urge that point, as
+I know that you are pledged to prosecute your effort to reach the North
+Pole. You will succeed in that enterprise, and the world will ring with
+your praise. But far grander than all this is your simple, sublime faith
+in God, and in the beautiful law by which you are guided in the
+selection of the remedy in the treatment of the sick. I am a far better
+man, physically, morally, and spiritually for having met you."
+
+"If my visit to Russia shall effect the recognition of my school by your
+Government, I shall forever thank God for sending me here. This is
+probably the entering wedge that shall open Europe to us, and induce the
+inquiry and investigation that we crave. Let our system stand or fall
+upon its merits."
+
+And so the friends conversed and laid their plans for the introduction
+of the new medical system into Europe. The Prince also joined them in
+their plans, and his enthusiasm quite equaled that of the Count. Among
+other items, the two noble converts made arrangements to purchase a
+complete stock of books and drugs. Dr. Jones daily taught them the art
+of "taking a case," as he called it; or the examination of a patient and
+writing down the symptoms.
+
+The three months had expired and Feodora's condition was far above the
+danger mark. She was beautiful, rosy, and blushing, romping about with
+Mattie, like a great school-girl. So now the morning of their departure
+was set. The news was heralded far and wide that the great air-ship
+would sail upon a certain day if the wind were favorable.
+
+The morning had arrived, the wind was blowing within a point or two of
+north, and every preparation had been made for hoisting anchors. A vast
+concourse of people had assembled to witness their departure. The many
+friends of the voyagers were present in force, and they loaded them
+with presents, many of them very costly. Dr. Jones' practice had been
+lucrative beyond anything he had ever dreamed of. He found himself
+suddenly made a wealthy man. The gratitude of the people was boundless;
+and the simple-hearted man scarcely knew what to do with all the money
+that poured in upon him. So he caused a considerable portion of it to be
+distributed among the poor peasantry in the vicinity of the castle. He
+felt a great sense of sorrow as he looked upon the many faces that he
+had learned to love. But all was ready and he must away.
+
+"I have spent some of the happiest hours of my life with yourself and
+daughter, my dear Count, and truly hope to visit you again and enjoy
+your hospitality. Good-bye, and God bless you all."
+
+He had shaken hands with all those immediately about him, among whom
+were the Prince and Princess, and stepped with Mrs. Jones into the cage.
+It shot up to the engine-room, the anchors and cables were cast off, and
+the splendid globe, so long bound in chains to the earth, arose
+majestically into the blue vault above. Loud and mighty were the cheers
+that followed them. Silver Cloud, as if impatient at the long delay in
+Russia, rapidly ascended three thousand feet, and flew northward at
+tremendous speed.
+
+"Could deliverance have come to your house and mine more appropriately
+than from the skies, and in yonder silver chariot?" asked the Count of
+his two royal friends, while they stood watching the rapidly
+disappearing Silver Cloud.
+
+"The deliverance has not come to us alone, but to the suffering millions
+of Russia, Count Icanovich. And all through the faithfulness and
+earnestness of that modest, yet wonderful little man, Doctor Jones. But
+as he said over and over again, 'Let us give God all the glory,'"
+replied the Prince.
+
+The company, meanwhile, though much regretting the parting with their
+new found friends, yet were exhilarated with the idea that they were
+again rapidly rushing toward the object of their expedition. Their
+supplies of food, fuel, clothing, etc., had been fully replenished so
+far as was necessary, and nothing should now prevent their reaching the
+Pole at an exceedingly early date. This they were the more anxious to
+do, as the season was getting well advanced, and they desired to be out
+of the Arctic region before winter should set in. This was not a matter
+of so much concern to them, however, as it had been to all previous
+explorers of these frigid regions. The navigators of Silver Cloud had no
+frozen seas nor icebergs to contend with, and could soar above all
+clouds and storms. And the matter of temperature was of little
+consequence to them; for, as Will had said, the cabin was so constructed
+that frost could never penetrate its beautiful aluminum walls.
+
+So they were jubilant and happy. Even Sing--whom, by the way, we have
+shamefully neglected during the past three months--joined in the general
+hilarity, and treated them to many Russian dishes that he had picked up
+in the kitchen of the castle, where he had spent his time during their
+stay there.
+
+The wind continued all day from the south, so that by evening they
+sighted the city of Archangel away to their left. All night they sped at
+express train speed toward their destination. When they looked out in
+the morning from the balcony, the northern coast of Russia was
+indistinctly seen in the southern horizon, and they were again floating
+over the floes and bergs of Arctic seas.
+
+"We have crossed the 70th degree of latitude," said the Professor at
+breakfast. "We are heading directly for Franz Joseph Land. We should
+sight that island by noon at our present rate of speed."
+
+All expressed themselves as delighted at the marvelous performance of
+Silver Cloud, and Denison declared that he should never be contented to
+settle down to slow going terrestrial life again.
+
+"I move that we set out for the South Pole as soon as we get back to
+Washington," said he.
+
+"I second the motion!" cried Mattie.
+
+"I don't know whether women have the elective franchise in this country
+or not," laughingly replied Dr. Jones. "At all events, let's get back to
+Washington before we plan any more expeditions. I do not doubt that the
+South Pole will be our next objective point."
+
+"Just imagine the American flag flying at the two poles of the earth!"
+cried Professor Gray. "What could be more appropriate and grander! I
+believe Denison's motion to be strictly in order. As to Mattie's
+second, I am for female suffrage, here and everywhere upon earth.
+Without it woman is but a slave, and can be but what her lord and
+master, man, permits her to be."
+
+"Hear! hear!" cried the ladies, clapping their hands.
+
+"What an old Bluebeard of a husband you have, haven't you?" said the
+Doctor to Mrs. Jones.
+
+"Oh! you are fishing for compliments," she returned archly, "But I tell
+you, sir, that I have my eye upon you. Did you all notice how the
+Princess, Feodora, and a lot more of those Russian ladies cried over him
+when we were parting from them?" and she shook her finger at him from
+the lower end of the table, and tried so hard to look jealous and mad,
+and made so dismal a failure of it, that they all laughed heartily.
+
+And so they merrily chatted through the meal. The men then resorted to
+the smoking-room, and when all had lighted their cigars or pipes, Fred
+asked:
+
+"Which of the battles of the war of the great Rebellion do you consider
+to have been the hardest fought, Doctor Jones?"
+
+"Chickamauga is conceded by the majority of our historians to have been
+the most savagely contested of the great battles of the war. Something
+near forty per cent of the men engaged were killed, wounded, or taken
+prisoner."
+
+"Were you in that battle, Doctor?"
+
+"I was."
+
+"I would be glad if you would tell us about it; that is, I mean, your
+own personal experiences."
+
+"Well," returned Dr. Jones, taking a look out of the window by which he
+sat, "we are spinning along at a rattling gait toward Franz Joseph Land,
+and I don't know that we can do any better than tell war stories to pass
+away time.
+
+"I believe I told you that I was fifteen years old when I enlisted. The
+battle of Chickamauga occurred September 19, and 20, 1863, one year
+after my enlistment, so that I was a lad of sixteen at the time of the
+battle. You cannot presume that a boy would have seen much that would be
+of historical value, where all was horrible roar of musketry, booming
+of cannon, confusion, and blood-curdling yells of charging battalions.
+
+"The morning of September 19, 1863, dawned upon us beautiful and bright.
+I shall never forget that lovely morning. Throughout the rank and file
+of our army there was a feeling that we were upon the eve of a great
+battle; but we did not dream that the armies of Bragg and Longstreet had
+combined, and we were opposing from fifty-five thousand to seventy-five
+thousand men. But our confidence in our commander, General Rosecranz,
+was so great that we would have fought them just the same if we had
+known of the great odds against us.
+
+"Heavy skirmishing began quite early in the morning along the picket
+lines. This gradually swelled into the incessant roar of pitched battle.
+At about nine o'clock we were ordered to the front at a double-quick. We
+crossed a field, then into a wood where we met the fire of the enemy.
+Being a musician I was counted a noncombatant, and my duties during
+battle consisted in helping the wounded back to hastily extemporized
+hospitals.
+
+"So on we charged into the woods, already densely filled with smoke.
+Then the bullets flew swiftly about us, and men began falling along the
+line. I set to work helping the wounded to the rear. I had just been to
+the hospital with a poor fellow from my company, and hastened back to
+where I had last seen the regiment. They had made a flank movement to
+the left, but I, supposing that they had advanced and were driving the
+enemy like chaff before them, traveled straight on through the woods,
+and out into an open field. What a sight was there! Dead and wounded
+Confederates lay thickly strewn in every direction. I was really in what
+had just been the Confederate lines, and was in imminent peril of being
+shot or captured.
+
+"Several of the wounded spoke to me, 'O Yank! for God's sake, give me a
+drink of water,' I felt alarmed at my position, but I could not resist
+the appeals of these poor fellows. So I gave water to many from the
+canteens that I found scattered about the field. I spread blankets for
+others who asked me; dragged some of them into the shade, for the sun
+was very hot. And so I spent a considerable time among them, doing such
+little offices as I could. For these services they were very grateful,
+some of them calling down the blessings of heaven upon my head. I have
+always been glad that I incurred this risk of life and liberty for these
+dying men. But at last I felt that I dared not stop longer, and started
+to retrace my steps to the woods, when I heard a terrible wailing and
+moaning a few yards to my right. I rushed to the spot and saw a poor
+Confederate boy, about my own age, at the foot of a great poplar tree,
+in the midst of a brush heap, trying to spread his blanket. I did not at
+first see what the cause of his terrible outcry was. 'What is the
+matter, Johnnie?' I asked. He lifted his face to me, and I shall never
+forget the awful sight! A bullet had shot away the anterior part of each
+eye and the bridge of the nose, and in this sightless condition he was
+trying in the midst of the brush heap to spread his blanket and lie down
+to die! As he moved about upon his hands and knees the ends of the dry
+twigs, stiff and merciless as so many wires, would jag his bleeding and
+sightless eyeballs. I could not leave him in this condition, and so
+helped him from the brush heap to a smooth, shady place, spread his
+blanket for him, put a canteen of water by him, and then ran for the
+Union lines, not a moment too soon.
+
+"All day the battle raged with terrible fury until long after the shades
+of night had fallen. Indeed, the heaviest musketry I ever heard occurred
+some time after pitch darkness had completely enveloped us. My supper
+that night was a very plain one. A piece of corn bread, or hoe cake,
+that I had abstracted from the haversack of a dead Southerner, and a
+canteen of cold water constituted that simple meal. I really felt a
+sense of gratitude toward the poor Confederate, who had undoubtedly
+baked the corn bread that morning, little thinking that it was destined
+to be eaten by a miserable Yankee drummer boy. But such is the fate of
+war.
+
+"It had been very hot during the day, but the night was bitterly cold.
+There was a heavy frost that night, and under a thick blanket upon the
+bare ground, I slept by fitful snatches. Let me tell you, friends, that
+the most terrible place upon earth is a battlefield at night. The groans
+of the wounded men and horses are awful beyond anything I ever heard.
+All night I could hear their heartrending cries, but in the pitch
+darkness could do nothing to help them. How many times I thought of my
+far away northern home during that awful night. Should I live through
+the morrow? for the battle would certainly be resumed with the return of
+daylight. Should I ever see mother, brothers and sisters, home and
+friends again?"
+
+Here the Doctor sang softly and slowly part of the pathetic old war
+song:
+
+   "Comrades brave around me lying,
+     Filled with thoughts of home and God;
+   For well they know that on the morrow
+     Some must sleep beneath the sod."
+
+The little party were deeply impressed, for the Doctor was a good story
+teller, and was himself much affected at this point.
+
+"The much longed for, yet dreaded, daylight dawned at last. It was
+Sunday morning. For some reason hostilities were not immediately
+resumed. The sun rose in beauty and splendor, warming our chilled bones
+and blood in a way that was exceedingly grateful to us. For a little
+time all was so quiet and still that it only lacked the sweet tones of
+church bells, calling us to the house of God, to have made us forget
+that we were enemies, and have induced us to rest from our fearful,
+uncanny works for this holy Sabbath at least. But no! soon the battle
+was on again with greater vigor, if possible, than ever. Before noon our
+flanks were completely routed; and, but for that magnificent man, the
+peer of any soldier of any nation or age, General George H. Thomas, it
+is doubtful whether I should be here now, telling my little story. While
+Rosecranz, whipped and beaten, fled to Chattanooga and telegraphed to
+Washington that everything was lost, and the Cumberland army a thing of
+the past, General Thomas, with a few thousand men, checked and held at
+bay this great Southern army, flushed with victory though it was. How
+the mighty host rolled and surged against this single army corps, but
+could not break nor beat them back. While Crittenden's and McCook's
+corps were completely routed and disorganized, Thomas with his 14th
+corps thus stood the brunt of battle, and saved the Army of the
+Cumberland from total annihilation. Well may we call him the Rock of
+Chickamauga!
+
+"My father was quartermaster-sergeant of the regiment and I saw him for
+the first time during the battle on Sunday morning. We were trudging
+along with the rout--for it could not be called _army_ that Sunday
+afternoon--toward Chattanooga. We knew that we had sustained defeat, but
+we did not realize how desperate the situation was. A brigadier-general
+was passing us, when a private rushed up to him and asked, 'O General!
+where is the 87th Indiana?"--I think that was the regiment he mentioned.
+'There is no 87th Indiana. All is lost! Get to Chattanooga!' he
+shouted, and galloped toward the city, unattended by any of his staff.
+
+"'Did you hear that, John?' asked my father.
+
+"'I did,' I replied.
+
+"'Well, if you expect to ever see your mother again, you must do some
+good traveling now.'
+
+"As we had an intense desire to see her again we started down the road
+at a good pace. We distinctly heard the Confederate cavalrymen crying,
+'Stop, you blankety blanked Yankees!' But we felt that our business in
+Chattanooga, demanded immediate attention, and we had no time to spare
+them.
+
+"Passing a certain place, I saw General Thomas standing upon the brow of
+Snodgrass Hill, or Horseshoe Ridge, field glass in hand, intently
+watching the movements of the troops. I distinctly remember his
+full-bearded, leonine face, and little did we know that the fate of the
+Cumberland Army, or possibly of the Nation, rested upon that single man
+that terrible Sunday afternoon. What a mighty responsibility! But there
+he stood, a tower of strength, the Rock of Chickamauga indeed! With but
+a single line he repelled charge after charge of Longstreet's
+consolidated ranks.
+
+"And so we fought the most sanguinary battle of modern times, yet
+utterly bootless so far as immediate results were concerned. One hundred
+and thirty thousand men were engaged with a loss of nearly fifty
+thousand, or a little less than forty per cent. This battle should never
+have been fought. Rosecranz here lost his military prestige that he had
+so splendidly won at Stone's River. Thomas alone achieved on this field
+immortal glory, and was the one great hero of the occasion. The
+Confederates claimed it as a victory, but they should daily thereafter
+have asked a kind Providence to keep them from any more such victories.
+
+"The next day Thomas followed us into Chattanooga, and Bragg and
+Longstreet perched with their armies upon Lookout Mountain and
+Missionary Ridge. From these elevations they watched us with Argus eyes.
+Our supplies were completely cut off and we were soon reduced to the
+point of star--But here, you fellows are getting tired, and so am I. I
+will tell you about the siege of Chattanooga and battle of Missionary
+Ridge some other time."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+Woman Locates the North Pole.
+
+
+Silver Cloud hastened on with the favoring gale from the balmy South. By
+noon the coast of Franz Joseph Land could be seen. They were now near
+the eightieth degree of latitude. During the afternoon they crossed that
+land of eternal winter. Monotonous mountains, hills, and plains of
+everlasting snow and ice wearied the eye, and caused a sense of
+seasickness and vertigo if looked upon too long. The Doctor had treated
+these symptoms in each as they occurred, and our friends had experienced
+but little of the inconvenience due to this cause that is suffered by
+most aeronauts. They had entirely lost their sense of insecurity and
+fear, and nothing could be more comfortable and pleasant than were the
+accommodations of the cabin of Silver Cloud, even in this exceedingly
+high latitude. And oh! those walks about the balcony of Silver Cloud!
+How invigorating and healthful! So vast were the proportions of the
+globe that there was no swaying, shaking, nor trembling ever
+perceptible. It was as if the splendid structure were a rock, and all
+the world a swift flying panorama far beneath them. Very strange and
+weird was the sight of the sun, traveling in one continuous circuit but
+a few degrees above the horizon, never rising nor setting during six
+months of the year. The atmosphere was particularly clear and frosty, so
+that as they promenaded the balcony, or sat in the observatory, they
+were obliged to don their beautiful sealskins, a complete outfit of
+which Count Icanovich had presented to each member of the company.
+
+All were exceedingly happy and jubilant. The wind continued very nearly
+as before, and within twenty-four hours, nothing preventing, they would
+stand at the coveted spot--the North Pole.
+
+At dinner time Franz Joseph Land was far behind them, and they were
+sailing over the dark blue waters of the Arctic Ocean, more or less
+filled with great floes and icebergs, illustrating to the voyagers the
+terrible perils and hardships through which Arctic explorers had passed,
+and amidst which so many of them had died.
+
+"What wonder," said the Professor, as he scanned the unnavigable seas
+with his glass, "that man has thus far utterly failed in his attempts to
+overcome these insuperable obstacles. Think of the cold, hunger, and
+awful wretchedness these poor fellows have suffered. And Doctor, see! Is
+not that a ship I see yonder? It is! It is!" cried the Professor
+excitedly, pointing to an object sailing in a bit of open sea, her nose
+pointing stubbornly toward the North.
+
+"We can hail them," cried the Doctor.
+
+The upper and lower traps of the air chamber were opened, and Silver
+Cloud settled like a great roc toward the toiling little ship. They
+passed nearly directly over it, and at an altitude of but 300 feet.
+
+"Ship ahoy!" shouted the Doctor through a speaking trumpet.
+
+"Ahoy!" came from the vessel.
+
+"Where are you bound?"
+
+"North Pole!"
+
+"Sail due west twenty miles and you will find an open sea to the North.
+All closed ahead. Good luck to you! Good-bye!"
+
+"Aye, aye, sir! Good-bye!" came cheerily from the quarterdeck of the
+little ship, and they had passed beyond hailing distance.
+
+"Poor, brave fellows," sighed the Doctor.
+
+"They have reached an amazingly high latitude," said the Professor.
+"They have crossed the 83rd parallel, very nearly as high as Nansen got
+with his expedition last year."
+
+"I declare that I am sorry for them, and really dislike to take the
+glory of the discovery from them. But we cannot stop now, and it is
+utterly impossible for them to get there anyway."
+
+"They would have soon been shut in, and probably forever as they were
+heading," observed Will.
+
+North and east, as they could distinctly see from their elevation of two
+thousand feet, far as the eye could reach, all was one vast field of
+huge piles of ice, exceedingly rough and broken, with here and there
+towering spires that seemed to reach up toward the globe like grizzly
+arms that would prevent them from penetrating the secrets of the north
+that had been held for untold centuries.
+
+As the Doctor had informed the captain of the ship, away to the west was
+a certain amount of open sea, but it was of limited extent, and the
+prospects of the poor fellows getting much farther looked more than
+doubtful.
+
+"And what is to become of them if they cannot get through?" asked Mrs.
+Jones.
+
+"I cannot tell," returned the Doctor, "but the chances are that they
+will be crushed in the ice."
+
+"O dear, what a fate!" cried Mrs. Jones. "Can we do nothing for them?"
+
+"Nothing at all, my dear. They are beyond our reach, and it is not
+likely that they would desert their ship if we could offer to take them
+with us. Such men are not easily turned from their purpose."
+
+"All we can do then is to pray that God will preserve them, and permit
+them to return safely home," said the sympathetic little woman.
+
+"And let us ask Him that this favoring gale may continue a few hours
+longer," added Dr. Jones.
+
+There was no thought of retiring as the usual hour for doing so arrived.
+They all felt impressed with the thought that they were now looking upon
+scenes never before seen by mortal eye, and that they were very near the
+object of their journey. How their hearts warmed and palpitated with the
+thought!
+
+"We have crossed the 85th parallel," said the Professor, "and in six or
+seven hours will reach the Pole at this rate."
+
+"This is the Lord's doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes," quoted the
+Doctor with great fervency.
+
+Busy feet climbed and descended the spiral stairway many times that
+night, but could see nothing but a frozen sea in every direction. The
+wind blew from due south, and they were flying at tremendous speed
+directly toward the Pole as if drawn there by a great magnet. The cold
+was intense--the thermometer registering more than 60 deg. below zero.
+But as we said before, no wind was ever felt aboard Silver Cloud, and it
+has been ascertained that man can endure almost any degree of cold if
+it be quiet and still.
+
+At midnight they all sat down to a good substantial supper that had been
+prepared by Sing. The aroma of the coffee filled the little dining-room,
+and was grateful to the senses. How merry and happy they were! And they
+ate and drank with appetites that were very complimentary to Sing's
+cooking, and the faithful Mongolian was well pleased to see the food
+thus disappearing.
+
+"There is no place like the Arctics for getting hungry and giving food a
+relish. I declare that I have not eaten so since a boy," exclaimed
+Denison.
+
+"I really eat until I am ashamed of myself," said Mattie.
+
+"Well, it agrees with you, Mattie," replied Denison. "Just look at her
+plump cheeks, and the beautiful roses upon them!"
+
+"Indeed, I never saw you look so well as you do now," said Mrs. Jones,
+looking at her admiringly.
+
+"And I am glad that I can return the compliment," replied Mattie.
+
+"I am of the opinion that a trip to the Arctics in Silver Cloud would
+cure any case of dispepsia in the world," said Dr. Jones.
+
+"What a wonderful stimulant coffee is," remarked the Professor, as he
+sipped a cup of that beverage.
+
+"I never realized that fact so much as when in the army," replied Dr.
+Jones. "After a long day's march we would get into camp so tired that we
+could scarcely move. We would start our camp-fires, and very soon after
+you could hear a musical clink, clink, clinking in every direction. It
+was the sound produced by the soldier boys, pounding their coffee fine
+in their tin cups with the butt of their bayonets. And the effect of a
+pint of that hot Government Java coffee was perfectly marvelous. It
+would almost instantly take the aching and tired feeling from the
+muscles, and we could have marched all night if necessary."
+
+"I cannot realize that this is midnight," said Mattie, as they stood
+upon the balcony, well wrapped in furs, looking over the vast fields of
+ice and snow. "One would hardly know when to get up or go to bed in this
+wonderful country."
+
+The time rapidly passed; they reached the 86th, 87th, 88th, 89th degrees
+of latitude, and the strain upon their nerves grew to be tremendous. The
+Doctor and Professor could not rest anywhere but in the observatory,
+glasses in hand. Each was pale with excitement.
+
+"I believe that to be land ahead," said the Doctor, pointing to a high
+elevation directly before them.
+
+The Professor looked at it earnestly a few moments and replied:
+
+"It is, Doctor, and we have settled the fact that the North Pole is
+situated upon an island. The open sea at the Pole is a myth, as I always
+believed it to be."
+
+The rest of the party was notified of the fact that land was near at
+hand, and that very shortly the North Pole would be reached. So they all
+assembled upon the balcony, except Sing. That individual could not be
+enthused upon so small a matter as the discovery of the North Pole; and
+after washing the supper dishes and cleaning up the kitchen and
+dining-room, retired as unconcernedly as if nothing unusual were at
+hand.
+
+Rapidly and unerringly as a dart flew the beautiful ship to the place of
+all places upon earth to our exultant voyagers. Nearer and nearer grew
+the elevation before them.
+
+"We are within less than half an hour of the Pole," announced the
+Professor in a low constrained voice.
+
+"Glory be to God!" said Dr. Jones with great solemnity. "I never felt
+His presence more than at this moment. To Him be all the praise."
+
+"Amen!" responded every one of the little company.
+
+They were now passing over the island. They could see that it was
+several miles in diameter, and nearly circular in form. Almost exactly
+in the center arose a conical hill or mountain, about one thousand feet
+in altitude.
+
+"Upon the summit of that mount I am of the opinion we will find the
+North Pole," said Professor Gray.
+
+"And we are heading directly for it!" cried Dr. Jones. "Just a few
+moments more, dear friends, and we shall have reached our journey's end.
+Now get ready to drop the anchor when Professor Gray gives the signal."
+
+Silver Cloud was lowered as they neared the mount. They were just over
+the summit at but fifty feet from the surface. The signal was given, the
+anchors dropped. At first they dragged upon the frozen snow, but soon
+the flukes caught in the crevices of the icy masses, and the great globe
+was securely anchored at the North Pole!
+
+They instantly prepared to descend in the cage. The cold was terrible,
+so much so that they could not have endured it at all but for provisions
+that Dr. Jones had made for this very event. Besides their splendid
+silk-lined and padded sealskin suits, he had brought a large number of
+Japanese fireboxes. The punks in these were lighted, and when all were
+very hot they were wrapped in flannels and distributed about their
+persons inside their sealskins. With this arrangement, Jack Frost's
+chances of nipping their persons were very slim indeed.
+
+The thermometer registered seventy degrees below zero. Having taken
+every possible precaution, the Doctor and Professor descended. Their
+feelings cannot be described as they stepped upon the solidly frozen
+surface, and realized that they were the first human beings who had thus
+stood upon the summit of the earth! After looking about a few moments,
+Professor Gray said:
+
+"We must settle the globe to the earth, and from the observatory I can
+make observations that will locate the Pole exactly."
+
+This was accordingly done. From the observatory with a sextant he made
+an observation every six hours, making allowance for the declination of
+the sun, meantime. This was an exceedingly delicate problem, but the
+Professor was fully equal to it. At the end of twenty-four hours he and
+the Doctor again donned their furs, stepped over the railing of the
+balcony and walked out upon the snow. The rest of the party had amused
+themselves while awaiting the Professor's observations by setting up
+little mounds of ice, upon what they guessed to be the spot where the
+learned Professor would declare the geographical pole to be. His mind,
+meantime, was too engrossed with the momentous business in hand to pay
+the least attention to their frivolities; and, utterly unmindful of the
+fur-clad figures that stood scattered about, each by its respective ice
+mound, he measured a certain number of lengths of a sharp pointed steel
+rod which he carried in his hand, directly to Mrs. Jones, and with a
+side swipe of his foot he swept aside her pile of ice lumps, raised the
+steel rod in both hands and drove it down with all his force just where
+the ice mound had stood, and cried with all his power in a fur-muffled
+voice, "The North Pole!" And Mrs. Jones jumped up and down as nimbly as
+her load of furs and fireboxes would permit, banged her great sealskin
+mittens together, and cried, "Goody! Goody! I guessed it! I am the
+discoverer of the North Pole! I always knew that a woman would be the
+first one there!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+The Planting of the Flagstaff.
+
+
+The whole of the party now shouted--Sing always excepted. That
+individual was strictly attending to his business in the kitchen during
+the excitement. They ran--or waddled, for they moved with difficulty,
+loaded as they were--to the spot where the two men and Mrs. Jones were
+standing. They gathered in a circle about the steel rod that marked the
+exact spot for which the boldest navigators and explorers have longed,
+and striven, and died by thousands during many decades of the past.
+
+The Doctor broke out in his sonorous voice, the rest immediately joining
+him in the familiar doxology, "Old Hundred,"
+
+   "Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
+
+When they had finished, at a signal from the Doctor, they all kneeled
+upon the icy pavement, and he offered up a fervent prayer of praise and
+thanksgiving for the preservation of their lives, and for the wonderful
+success that had attended their enterprise. Then in unison they repeated
+the Lord's prayer.
+
+And what could be more appropriate? The echoes first awakened in this
+ultra-frigid region by the human voice were praises to God in song and
+prayer. The ends of the earth had bowed the knee to the Father Almighty,
+and it seemed to the little band to be the beginning of the good time
+foretold, when the glory of God shall cover the earth as the waters do
+the face of the deep.
+
+"Now let us see what Sing has for breakfast, lunch, or whatever meal it
+may be. I have been so interested in our work the last few hours that I
+have paid no attention to time," said Dr. Jones.
+
+A few moments later they were seated about their dining table, and no
+happier company could be found in Christendom that day.
+
+"Did anyone note the time that we arrived here?" asked Will.
+
+"At 7 o'clock, 45 min., 20 sec., August 6, 19--, we located the North
+Pole, and planted our steel rod as marker thereof," replied Professor
+Gray.
+
+"What is the next thing on the program, Doctor?" asked Denison.
+
+"We will immediately set about planting our aluminum flagstaff. We are
+liable to a terrible storm at any moment, and might be driven away
+before we had accomplished that important ceremony. It would possibly be
+months before we should encounter so favorable a gale again. Let us not
+rest until we have finished all we came to do, then away for home."
+
+"It is all very well to say 'Plant the flagstaff'; but how on earth can
+we possibly set up a 300 foot metal pole at this extremity of the earth,
+without derrick, blocks and tackles, or any machinery whatever?"
+returned Denison.
+
+"I'll show you a Yankee trick in a short time," cried Dr. Jones.
+
+They hurried through the meal and prepared again to go out into the
+terribly cold atmosphere. The fireboxes were again lighted and
+distributed about their clothing as before. All then went out and
+assembled again about the rod.
+
+"I must get through this crust of ice and see what depth of snow there
+is below," said the Doctor.
+
+With the sharp-pointed steel rod he picked and worked several minutes,
+but made very little progress in the flinty ice.
+
+"Get a hammer, Denison," said he.
+
+The tool being procured, they hammered upon the upper end of the rod,
+and drilled as miners do in rock. After some time of this work the
+Doctor said:
+
+"This will never do. We have evidently a great thickness of ice to go
+through, possibly more than we can ever penetrate. We can do no work in
+these fur suits, and we should instantly freeze if we took them off. We
+must settle the globe upon this spot, then we shall be within the cabin
+and can throw off our coats and go to work. We have a big job on hand.
+Let's pull the ship over at once."
+
+The wind had subsided to a nearly dead calm, and it was remarkable how
+all nature seemed to be auspicious to the occasion. She had been forced
+to yield up her secrets, fast locked and frozen by the chill hand of
+Jack Frost so many centuries, and now seemed disposed to surrender them
+with a good grace. The globe was raised a few feet from the earth. Two
+of the anchors were carried to the opposite side of the Pole, and Will
+turned on the spring windlasses. Thus they easily drew the ship to the
+desired spot, and it was slowly settled down so that the "manhole," as
+they called the hole in the floor through which the cage operated, came
+directly over the steel rod, the rod standing precisely in the center of
+the manhole.
+
+"Now, my hearties, furs off!" cried the energetic little Doctor. He
+doffed his own suit hurriedly, pulled on a pair of woolen gloves in lieu
+of the sealskin ones, pulled the steel rod out and laid it aside,
+grasped an axe and began chopping into the ice with all his might. The
+ice chips flew about the engine-room in a shower. He was soon obliged to
+stop for breath. Will shoveled the loosened ice out, then seized the axe
+and worked for a short time with the same spirit that animated the
+Doctor. And so by turns they kept the axe and shovel flying, making very
+rapid progress. They soon were too deep to use long-handled tools, and
+resorted to mallet and chisel, and a short-handled hand axe. Slowly and
+more slowly progressed the work as the shaft grew deeper. Finally the
+head of the man in the shaft disappeared below the surface, being now
+nearly seven feet deep.
+
+"We shall have to devise some plan for hoisting before long," said Dr.
+Jones.
+
+"Can't we use the windlass?" suggested Denison.
+
+"So we can!" cried the Doctor. "The steel springs forever! Will never
+did a better thing than when he invented the spring power windlass. We
+may have to go twenty-five or thirty feet. But we will hoist by hand for
+awhile yet."
+
+They had reached the depth of between eight and nine feet, when Will,
+who was in the hole, shouted, "Hurrah! I've broken through!" and he
+tossed up a handful of snow.
+
+"Good boy!" cried the Doctor. "Now try with the rod and see if there be
+another layer of ice within reach."
+
+The rod, which was six feet long, was easily passed its full length into
+the underlying snow.
+
+"All right!" said Dr. Jones. "The flagstaff will settle sufficiently
+deep to hold it there forever. Fire up, Will. I want to rise forty or
+fifty feet above this hole."
+
+This was accomplished in a very few minutes.
+
+"Now let us get the foot of the mast precisely over that hole. I mean to
+let it drop from this height, and its weight will sink it 25 or 30 feet
+into the snow. That, with 9 feet of ice, will hold it for centuries. We
+will fill the space in the ice shaft about the foot of the mast with the
+ice chips that we have taken out, ram them down good and solid, then
+pour water in. This will instantly freeze, and all the gales that ever
+howled can never blow down the finest flagstaff that ever stood upon the
+face of the earth."
+
+The plumb-line was lowered and cables tautened here and slackened there
+until the butt of the great mast stood precisely over the shaft. The
+spiral stair had been so constructed that it nowhere touched the mast.
+At its entrance into, and exit from the globe, heavy collars connected
+the mast with the ship. These were removed, and a heavy trap door, upon
+which the foot of the flagstaff rested, was its only support. A massive
+bolt alone held the trap in place. Will and the Professor were by the
+ice shaft, watching the plumb-line. At a signal, the Doctor struck the
+bolt a heavy blow with a sledge, the trap fell, and the beautiful mast
+shot like a flash of lightning down through the frosty atmosphere,
+entered the ice hole precisely in the center, and sank to the depth of
+35 feet into the snow, which, added to the 9 feet of ice, made a footing
+of 44 feet for the towering flagstaff. The globe was again settled to
+the foot of the mast, the ice chips filled in and rammed solidly, the
+water poured about it, and their work was completed. The ingenuity
+displayed by the Doctor upon this occasion showed him to be a born
+leader of men, and the little band of associates so acknowledged to him
+upon the spot. Dr. Jones shut off their effusive demonstrations as
+quickly as possible. He did not appear to be possessed of any degree of
+love of praise; on the contrary, it always embarrassed and made him
+uncomfortable.
+
+"And now let us eat again," said Dr. Jones. "We must get away from here
+before we sleep."
+
+So they sat down to a hearty dinner, all tired and very hungry. But the
+coffee and smoking food immediately reinvigorated them, and they arose
+from the table anxious to complete their work and be off for home.
+
+"Shall we rest a few hours, or go on with our celebration, and
+immediately sail for home--or wherever the wind may carry us?" asked Dr.
+Jones.
+
+"O, let us go on by all means! plenty of time for rest and sleep," was
+the unanimous decision.
+
+"All right," he replied. "That suits me perfectly. This good weather
+will not last long. The Arctics are subject to fearful and sudden
+storms, and we must be ready to go at any instant. Whatever we are to
+do, let us do quickly."
+
+"I think we should have a patriotic piece or two at the foot of the
+mast, and then our North Pole March. I have had in my mind that it would
+be fine to raise the globe up ten feet or so, and beneath it we will
+have our concert."
+
+"But how can we sing with our mouths all wrapped up in furs? We shall
+instantly freeze if we expose our faces to the cold. See, the
+thermometer now marks nearly 70 degrees below zero."
+
+It was Mattie who put this poser.
+
+"I will tell you the only thing we can do," said Will. "We have an
+abundance of coal oil. We will set all the pots, pans, and kettles
+aboard ship in a circle around the mast at a sufficient distance from it
+for our purpose. We will fill these dishes with coal oil, set fire to
+them, and within this charmed circle you may sing to your hearts'
+content."
+
+"Aye, aye, Will!" cried Dr. Jones. "You've struck it!"
+
+The globe was adjusted, the vessels of oil set in place, the oil
+instantly congealed, but Will had taken the precaution to place into
+each vessel several wicks. He lighted these ends, and in a little while
+the temperature in the circle rose very perceptibly. The organ was then
+brought down and placed by the mast. They threw back their hoods and
+sang America with deep solemnity and feeling. When they had finished,
+Professor Gray said:
+
+"I now propose that we have a speech from Doctor Jones. But first, three
+cheers for the projector of this glorious enterprise and discoverer of
+the North Pole. Hip, hip, hurrah!"
+
+These cheers were given with all possible zest and enthusiasm.
+
+"Friends and fellow citizens," began the Doctor, smiling good-naturedly
+upon them, "I sincerely thank you for your expressions of good will. I
+did not suppose that I was on the program for a speech. My heart is too
+full for utterance when I contemplate the fact that we now actually
+stand, safe, sound, and comfortable, at that spot so long sought by the
+bravest men of all civilized lands. That the world will receive us with
+open arms, and will heap honors and riches upon us, I do not for a
+moment doubt. But all this will do us no good, on the contrary, much
+harm, if we allow ourselves to become puffed up thereby, and cease to
+give to God all the glory and honor. As for myself, I am only proud of
+this achievement by so much as it shall prove a blessing to mankind. I
+believe that true happiness is found alone in working for others.
+Selfishness is the direct source of all the unhappiness upon earth, and
+is the chief or only difference between a devil and an angel. But I see
+that our fires are fast burning low, and I must hasten.
+
+"So by right of discovery, I claim this island for our great republic,
+the United States of America; and its name shall be, owing to its
+position upon the top of the earth, Summit Island!"
+
+This speech was received with great applause. Fred then struck up on the
+organ the music of the North Pole March. The company began to circle
+about the mast, keeping step to the inspiring notes and singing the four
+parts. By the time this music was ended the fires were nearly burned
+down and the temperature within the circle lowered rapidly. The vessels
+were hastily gathered up and all entered the cabin.
+
+As they were about to hoist the anchors, Professor Gray said:
+
+"I am not perfectly satisfied as to the location of our pole being
+exactly correct. And, to tell you the truth, it has been demonstrated
+that the Pole is not a fixed, unchangeable spot, but really swings about
+in a circle, varying from six to thirty feet in diameter, just as the
+upper end of the stem of a spinning top does when it begins to run down
+or lose its momentum. Now I am positive that our flagstaff stands
+within this circle. But I would like, by another very satisfactory
+experiment, to verify the one we have already made. It will require
+another twenty-four hours."
+
+"By all means, Professor," answered Dr. Jones, "do so. Let us do
+everything possible to establish the fact that we are scientifically
+correct in our location of the Pole. What would you have us do now?"
+
+"I will explain what I intend doing, and then we will understand and we
+can work intelligently together. I wish to photograph the stars directly
+above our heads. If we were here during the winter season, when the sun
+was below the horizon, we could see the stars distinctly with the
+unassisted eye. But from March 21st to September 21st we cannot do that
+because of continuous daylight. Now you are probably aware that looking
+up from the bottom of a deep well or shaft in the daytime, the stars are
+visible, even in the sunlight. And that is what I purpose doing."
+
+"Well, and where is your shaft that you intend looking up through?"
+inquired Dr. Jones.
+
+The Professor significantly laid his hand upon the zinc tube which
+enveloped the flagstaff. "O ho!" cried the Doctor, "why did not I think
+of that?"
+
+We should have explained before that the spiral stairs ran up between
+two zinc tubes, the one six feet in diameter, and the other two feet in
+diameter. The latter surrounded the mast, and after the globe should
+rise from the flagstaff this tube would indeed be a shaft two hundred
+feet in depth, or two hundred and ten feet, for it extended to the top
+of the roof of the observatory.
+
+Accordingly, the burners were lighted, the globe arose until the ball of
+the mast was just below the level of the floor of the engine-room. Upon
+looking through the tube after all light had been excluded from the
+engine-room, a bright star could be seen shining down upon them with
+resplendent brilliancy.
+
+"Now, Will," cried Professor Gray, "I wish you could go up and lower a
+plumb-line from the exact center of the top of the shaft. I want to see
+if our tube stands perpendicularly. If it does, and the plumb-line
+points straight through the center of it to yonder star, then we are at
+the exact spot we seek."
+
+The line was lowered, and after a little adjustment of the cables, the
+lower end of the plumb-line passed through the exact center of the tube.
+The Professor ran his eye up the line and smiled with satisfaction.
+
+"Look at it, Doctor," he said.
+
+"Well, that is wonderful!" cried Dr. Jones. "Look at it Fred, Denison.
+The line runs precisely in alignment with the star."
+
+"And now," said Professor Gray, after all had verified this last
+statement, "let's not lose a moment's time. Get your camera out. We want
+a twenty-four hours' exposure through our shaft, and photograph that
+star. If we be exactly at the Pole, it will describe a perfect circle
+upon the sensitive plate. If we are not so located, the line upon the
+plate will form an ellipse."
+
+The camera was set as suggested by the Professor, and then the party
+retired for the night. We say "night," but the reader will constantly
+bear in mind that this term is not used with reference to daylight or
+darkness, simply to the clock, or time of day.
+
+There was an absolute, dead calm during the following twenty-four hours
+after Will had set the camera. Nature was so extraordinarily kind to Dr.
+Jones during the time that we almost tremble for our reputation for
+veracity as we record the last-mentioned fact. Any swaying of the globe
+by the wind would have effectually prevented anything like a good
+negative being made. But the globe remained in the exact position, the
+atmosphere in the hot air chamber being kept up sufficiently so that a
+steady strain was maintained upon the four cables. At the end of the
+time mentioned the Professor examined the negative with a magnifying
+glass, and pronounced the test perfectly satisfactory.
+
+The globe was lowered down the mast for the last time. Denison and Will
+ran out and loosened the anchors Slowly the ship then glided up the
+beautiful mast. The flag, which had been wrapped about the small upper
+end of the staff to prevent injury being done it while passing through
+the tube, was shaken out at the moment it left the floor of the
+engine-room. Its fastenings to the peak had been made doubly secure, and
+it was tenderly manipulated through the final opening by loving hands.
+The whole company involuntarily shouted at the inspiring sight. The
+ship was lowered as it moved away, and the patriotic voyagers were
+treated to a side view of the most beautiful, thrilling sight upon
+earth--the American flag flying at the North Pole at the peak of the
+loftiest flagstaff ever erected! Well might their hearts swell with
+pride and their voices break forth in songs of triumph and praise. The
+Star Spangled Banner! Emblem of Liberty! How exquisitely meet that it
+should be thus planted forever at the summit of the earth, a terror to
+tyrants, and a never-failing beacon of Light and Freedom to all people
+of the world!
+
+The Professor pointed out certain conformations of the mountain's
+summit, and said: "This island is of volcanic formation, and this
+mountain an extinct volcano. Yonder flagstaff stands upon the center of
+a crater that has been filled with many centuries of ice and snow. At
+some future time I hope to return prepared to penetrate this coat of
+mail and determine, if possible, whether Summit Island has ever been the
+habitat of any form of life, animal or vegetable."
+
+Professor Gray had made such observations by the aid of instruments as
+should be of interest to science. This he did while the others were
+sinking the ice shaft, and during the time of the photographing of the
+star.
+
+They were straining their eyes from the observatory to catch the last
+glimpse of "Old Glory," when a sudden storm gathered about the island,
+and it was shut out from view. They involuntarily cast their eyes up to
+its former place, and they realized that Silver Cloud had been
+dismantled of her chief beauty and glory.
+
+"This will never do," exclaimed Dr. Jones. "Silver Cloud is like a bird
+of paradise with its tail feathers all plucked. We must replace that
+pole and flag as soon as we return to Washington."
+
+"It seems like a cruelty to leave them in such a fearful place," said
+Mrs. Jones. "Think of the awful storms that will gather and howl around
+them for ages."
+
+"They will outlast them all, praise God!" replied the Doctor. "As a
+'Government of the people, for the people, and by the people shall not
+perish from the earth,' so shall our flag and staff defy all the Arctic
+storms that ever blew."
+
+Then they descended to the cabin.
+
+"I think it is about time to see which way we are heading," said the
+Professor. "We are pointing straight for Alaska, as nearly as I can
+judge," he said a few moments later.
+
+All retired but Dr. Jones. He said that he really preferred to sit and
+rest awhile before going to bed. So he sat for several hours, looking
+occasionally at the barometer, thermometer, etc. Toward morning he
+called Denison to "take the helm," as he jocosely termed it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+Battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.
+
+
+Will had not neglected to take numerous photographs of Summit Island,
+the flag and staff; and with his kodak he had stepped outside the circle
+and taken a "shot" at them as they circled about the mast, protected
+from cruel Jack Frost by a wall of fire, as they awakened the echoes in
+these hyperborean regions in the lively strains of North Pole March.
+
+He exhibited this photograph to them on the following day, and all were
+delighted with it.
+
+"Oh, I wish you would give me several of these, Mr. Marsh!" cried
+Mattie. "I wish to give them to my friends."
+
+"You shall have all you want of them, Mattie, upon just one condition,"
+he answered.
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"Don't call me Mr. Marsh again on this trip. No formalities should be
+allowed among the Children of the Skies."
+
+"Agreed, Mist--Will," replied Mattie, gaily. "You may put me down for
+one dozen on those terms."
+
+"Well, won't they be a sensation, when we show them in Washington?" said
+Will, viewing the picture critically. "I really think I will make it the
+subject of an oil painting."
+
+"And I want that painting at any price, if you will ever sell it," cried
+the Doctor.
+
+"I will paint one for each of the company--except Sing. That apathetic
+heathen would not care half so much for it as he would for a highly
+colored chromo."
+
+"Don't be so hard upon poor Sing. I am sure that he would be just
+delighted with one of those paintings," said Mattie.
+
+"Call him in and let's see. If there is a particle of the aesthetic
+about him, I have failed thus far to see it," declared Will.
+
+So Mattie called Sing from the kitchen. He looked so neat in his white
+apron and cap that Will began to fear that he had slandered the poor
+fellow. He was shown the photograph, and Mattie said:
+
+"You sabe that picture, Sing?"
+
+"Yes, me sabe."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+Sing grinned a moment as he looked slyly around upon, the company, and
+answered:
+
+"Allee samee makee foolee lound flagpole."
+
+All roared with laughter.
+
+"That is about what we did, and no mistake," said the Doctor, wiping his
+eyes.
+
+"Well, Sing," said Mattie, looking her very pleasantest at the wily
+Mongolian, "I have called you in to prove that you heap likee pretty
+things. Now, you would likee a pretty oil painting, big picture, allee
+samee that?" pointing to the photograph.
+
+Sing's face was a picture of indifference, and he said,
+
+"Me no care."
+
+"What! not care for beautiful oil painting?" cried Mattie, desperately,
+seeing Will's eyes twinkling with fun and triumph. "Well, there is
+something in the world that you think pretty, isn't there Sing?"
+
+"O, yes!" promptly replied Sing, his face breaking out in smiles, "me
+tinkee Miss Mattie heap pletty. Me heap likee Miss Mattie."
+
+This open avowal of admiration was more than Mattie had bargained for,
+and she blushed furiously. The whole party clapped their hands and
+laughed, while Will fell upon the floor and rolled about in an ecstacy
+of fun and laughter.
+
+"Didn't I tell you, Mattie, that he was an incorrigible case?" cried
+Will, as he assumed a sitting posture on the floor.
+
+"And do you mean to say that Sing has no taste at all, simply because he
+admires me?" said Mattie very severely.
+
+"O, no! Mattie. I really admire Sing's taste, and acknowledge that I
+have shamefully abused the poor fellow," said Will, rising to his feet.
+"But the way he turned the tables on you and made you blush is the best
+fun I have seen on the trip."
+
+And so they indulged in light hearted conversation, music, reading,
+painting, chess, etc., as they sped over the frozen seas, homeward
+bound. Toward evening a strong north wind set in and the Professor
+declared that they were heading straight for the mouth of the Mackenzie
+River.
+
+"In two or three days we shall be in the United States if this gale
+continues," said the Professor. "We are traveling at tremendous
+speed--nearly sixty miles an hour."
+
+"I only hope that it continues, for I do not doubt that the friends have
+long since given us up as dead," replied Dr. Jones. "We have been gone
+now nearly four months, and have had no opportunity to communicate with
+them since we left. What a glorious time it will be when we get back and
+tell them how easily and comfortably we accomplished our object."
+
+And so they enjoyed many an hour in anticipation of their reception by
+friends who were mourning them as lost forever. And they were assured of
+hearty expressions of admiration from a generous public. And the
+Government would make proper acknowledgments.
+
+"Doctor," said Fred in the evening after dinner, "I wish you would tell
+us about the siege of Chattanooga, and Battle of Missionary Ridge and
+Lookout Mountain."
+
+"All right," returned the Doctor. "If agreeable to all, I don't mind
+spinning a war yarn. Let me see; I left off at our entrance into
+Chattanooga. Well, Bragg's army was sitting upon the surrounding hills
+and mountains, watching us with eagle eyes. They cut off our lines of
+communication and supplies, and we soon began to feel the pangs of
+hunger. I saw stalwart men upon their hands and knees in the mud hunting
+for grains of corn that had rattled from the army wagons into the road.
+I saw horses in a battery adjoining my regiment gnaw nearly through
+great oak trees in the torments of hunger. And when they were fed their
+miserable pittance of corn, guards were necessary to keep the gaunt,
+hungry men from stealing it from the perishing brutes.
+
+"Desertions became exceedingly frequent; so much so that nearly every
+roll-call noted one or more missing from each regiment. What with
+sickness, deaths, and desertions, our ranks were becoming rapidly
+decimated. A council of war was held. General Sheridan, commanding at
+that time the 2nd division, 4th army corps, volunteered to make an
+example of two captured deserters in one of his regiments. His offer was
+accepted, and a morning or two later the whole army was notified to
+witness the execution of these deserters. Such extremities had not been
+resorted to for simply running away home (for they had not attempted to
+desert to the enemy), and we could not believe that they would be shot.
+But we did not know Phil Sheridan.
+
+"Who could have dreamed on that morning that this trim little man, who
+sat his horse like a centaur as he watched with critical eye the
+carrying out of the horrible details of this double execution, was soon
+to take rank among the greatest generals in the world's history?
+
+"At the appointed time we gathered informally in a great mass in an open
+plain south of the town. The brigade to which the doomed men belonged
+was formed into the three sides of a hollow square, two ranks, open
+order. Two graves were dug in the fourth side of the square, and there
+the execution was to occur. Soon were heard the unearthly wailings of
+Dead March in Saul, played by a brass band. Behind the band were two
+coffins in a hearse, draped in black. Following these walked the
+condemned men, surrounded by guards with fixed bayonets. The firing
+party brought up the rear of the procession. They marched slowly around
+the three sides of the square between the silent ranks, finally reaching
+the graves and upon the edge of each was set its respective coffin. The
+two men were marched up beside the coffins, and who can imagine their
+feelings as they thus looked down into their deep, cold graves, where
+they were to lie a few moments later, until the trump of God should
+resurrect their dishonored dust to stand before his dread tribunal! One
+would have thought that under these awful circumstances they surely
+would have cried to God for mercy! One of them did; and kneeling near
+his coffin the poor wretch received the last rites of the church of
+Rome. But the other scornfully refused the consolations of religion in
+any form, and cried out a few moments later, as he sat blindfolded upon
+his coffin and heard the ominous clicking of the cocking of the muskets
+that he knew were aimed at him, 'Boys, take me there!' Accompanying
+these words he tore open the bosom of his shirt, exposed his bare
+breast, and a moment later each fell upon his face to the ground--a
+corpse! Thus ended the most tragical event I ever witnessed.
+
+"And so the weary siege dragged on. We made a night descent upon the
+enemy in boats. They were encamped upon the river a few miles below
+Chattanooga, where they effectually cut off our communications with
+Bridgeport. We attacked them in the blackness of a very dark night, and
+completely routed them. This opened up communications with our base of
+supplies, and our rations were greatly increased from that time on.
+
+"On the morning of November 23d, a little before noon, the 3d division
+of the 4th Army corps, the one to which I belonged, was ordered into the
+open plain that lay between us and Missionary Ridge. Here we deployed
+into line of battle. Sheridan's division followed and formed on our
+right. The eleventh corps, commanded by General O.O. Howard, massed in
+the rear. Then followed the 3d division of the 14th corps, General Baird
+in command, while the 1st division of the same corps, under General
+Johnston, stood at arms in the rear of the center in the intrenchments.
+
+"From their aerie upon the surrounding hills the Confederates
+complacently viewed the magnificent pageant, mistaking it for a grand
+review. So secure were they in their apparently impregnable positions
+that we carried Orchard Knob and captured nearly the whole picket line
+before they realized that we were not dress parading. And so, under the
+immediate eye of General Grant, who stood upon Fort Wood, a very
+commanding position, from which he could see every man of us, we carried
+two miles of the enemy's first line of defense. Probably a more
+inspiring sight was never seen by mortal eye. Upon us were the eyes of a
+whole city, many of our own comrades, and tens of thousands of brave and
+vigilant enemies.
+
+"So we rested upon Orchard Knob that night, having taken thus the
+initiative in the great battle of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain.
+That night was a busy one all along the lines of both armies. Mystic
+signs were written upon the skies all night by the signal corps of each
+army. Hooker upon the right was preparing to assault Lookout Mt. We of
+the center spent the night strengthening our line of breastworks upon
+Orchard Knob. Sherman, on the left, succeeded in crossing the Tennessee
+River before morning in small boats with two divisions of his army, the
+remaining two divisions crossing early in the day upon a hastily
+constructed bridge.
+
+"And the Confederates were equally active. All night long their signal
+torches were working upon the mountain and hilltops. The Southern
+commander, General Bragg, evidently considered Lookout Mountain
+impregnable, and withdrew many troops from that point, concentrating
+them upon his extreme right, in anticipation of Sherman's attack.
+
+"Lookout was enveloped in dense fog the first part of the following day,
+which enabled Hooker to dispose of his troops from that point as he
+desired, preparatory for attack, with little or no opposition. At eleven
+o'clock the fog began to lift, the attack commenced, and to us below was
+unveiled one of the grandest, most soul-stirring exhibition of courage
+and love of country ever witnessed! Thousands of blue-coated boys
+pressed their way up the steep slopes of this mighty mountain, in spite
+of the desperate resistance of a foe well worthy of their steel. Well
+might we below raise a great shout of exultation and sympathy. The guns
+of Wood and adjacent forts thundered out salvos of praise and
+encouragement. On they went, step by step, until far into the night, and
+achieved that victory that immortalized every man of them. The following
+morning we beheld 'Old Glory' proudly waving from the great barren rock,
+Point Lookout, and it seemed as if we should burst the very skies with
+the shout that went up from thousands of loyal throats.
+
+"While Hooker and his boys were thus making one of the most glorious
+pages of history, Sherman had completed preparations for an assault upon
+Bragg's right wing. Nearly all day on the 25th, the third day of the
+battle, Sherman vainly endeavored to turn the enemy's right flank. They
+were strongly entrenched, and hurled the Union forces down the slopes of
+Missionary Ridge time after time, though the assaults were made with the
+utmost courage and determination. Grant, Thomas, and Sheridan, from
+Orchard Knob, watched these desperate efforts upon the part of Sherman.
+He was sent all the reenforcements that could operate, and Baird's
+division was returned because there was not room for them to
+participate.
+
+"All day long we of the center of this great battle line had stood at
+arms, watching the grand spectacular movements of the two wings,
+expecting momentarily to be ordered forward. The sun was getting well
+down the western slope when we received the signal from Fort Wood to
+charge the lower line of works at the foot of Missionary Ridge. This we
+did easily, but the cross-fire from the second line midway up the Ridge
+was so galling that the position was untenable. One of two things must
+be done: retreat or carry the Ridge. The first alternative I do not
+think occurred to anyone, for they leaped the breastworks, and in spite
+of the enemy's utmost endeavors and natural obstructions, the second
+line in a few moments was ours. But not a moment did they stop, and in
+an incredibly short time the Ridge was carried, the captured artillery
+wheeled about and was pouring shot and shell into the fleeing ranks of
+the enemy!
+
+"As the visitor now stands and contemplates the acclivities, and
+considers what it meant to charge such a foe so well fortified, if he be
+a Bible student, he will be reminded of the case of the Edomites. They
+were the direct descendants of Esau, and inhabited Mount Seir. This
+mount is an immense pile of rock in the southern part of Palestine. Here
+the Edomites dug out their homes in the solid rock, and so fortified
+themselves that they were the Gibraltar of ancient times. From these
+mountain fastnesses they made predatory incursions upon their neighbors,
+and for ages easily repelled all efforts at reprisal. And so they came
+intolerably insolent, and feared neither God nor man. But one day
+Jeremiah prophesied of them: 'Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and
+the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the cleft of the rock,
+and holdest the height of the hill! Though thou shouldst make thy nest
+as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the
+Lord.'
+
+"He is but an indifferent reader of history who does not see the hand of
+Almighty God displayed upon the side of Liberty and Union throughout all
+this tremendous war. Even so great a man as W.E. Gladstone, the 'Grand
+Old Man' of England, said that the eighteen millions of the North could
+not subdue the eleven millions of the South. But he did not know that
+the edict had gone forth from the court of Heaven that these who
+arrogantly held the height of the hill must come down from thence. And
+so we fought and won this grandest battle of the war--and perhaps of the
+world."
+
+Here the Doctor paused and looked around upon his audience. He had
+worked himself into a fine glow as these splendid reminiscences passed
+before his mind. To his horror he found his hearers fast asleep, except
+the Professor, and his eyes were winking and blinking suspiciously.
+
+"Well, if you are not an interested lot of fellows!" cried Dr. Jones.
+
+Fred roused at this juncture and said:
+
+"Go on, Doctor. That is the most thrilling story I ever heard."
+
+"Do you really think so?" asked the Doctor very sarcastically.
+
+"O yes! Doctor, I assure you that I heard every word of it."
+
+"And what was I just talking about?"
+
+"Um--ah--O yes, I remember. It was where the two deserters were sitting
+on their coffins and were just about to be shot. I want to hear that
+out," and Fred looked the picture of anxiety and interestedness.
+
+"Do you, though!" snorted Dr. Jones. "If I served you right, I would
+drop you through the manhole, just to wake you up."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+Things Material and Spiritual.
+
+
+The wind continued all night as last noted, and Silver Cloud, without a
+tremor or swaying motion of any kind, was scurrying across the barren
+wastes of the Arctics at marvelous speed. At noon upon the second day
+from the Pole, Professor Gray took an observation, and announced that
+they then were at latitude 68 deg., 20 min., longitude 120 deg. 16 min.,
+West Greenwich.
+
+"We are about crossing the Arctic circle. We are just above the barren
+grounds north of Great Bear Lake," said the Professor. "Shortly after
+breakfast to-morrow morning we will cross the northern boundary of the
+United States at our present speed."
+
+"What great body of water is that I see ahead?" asked Denison a little
+later.
+
+"That is Great Bear Lake," replied Professor Gray. "See how the
+vegetation begins to show up."
+
+The weather was superb, and the lake lay calm and smooth beneath them as
+a mirror. While they were tearing through the skies at express train
+speed, their elevation being a little over 3,000 feet, they could
+plainly see through their glasses that small birch trees and evergreens
+upon the banks were nearly motionless.
+
+"Now you see an illustration of my theory," cried the delighted Doctor.
+"Here are we in a gale; below, scarcely a breath of air is stirring. It
+did not work in Russia, and we were obliged to anchor. But I shall
+regard that as a providential affair and shall stick to my theory. I
+would not for anything have failed to plant the good seed which we left
+there. Great good will come of it, and it may be the commencement of a
+general recognition throughout all Europe of God's great law of cure. If
+so, I shall count that as of infinitely greater importance than the
+location of the North Pole."
+
+The wind veered to the northwest toward evening, and a consultation of
+the map showed that they were heading precisely as they wished to. On
+the following morning, they crossed what the Professor informed them was
+the Lake of the Woods.
+
+"Before noon we shall be well into Northern Minnesota. We are peculiarly
+favored upon this trip. It is very doubtful whether we would encounter
+so many favorable gales in any number of future trips."
+
+"We are not home yet, Professor, and we may have an opportunity to test
+the Doctor's theory as to air currents," said Will.
+
+Soon after breakfast a further change in the wind occurred, and they
+found themselves going due east. They watched through their glasses the
+foliage below, but could see no difference in the direction of the lower
+atmospheric stratum.
+
+"We will go as we look for a time," said the Doctor.
+
+"What do I see yonder!" cried Denison. "A train of passenger cars, sure
+as you live! That must be the Canadian Pacific."
+
+"It is," replied Professor Gray. "And away to the south, you see Lake
+Superior. We are passing along its northern coast."
+
+"Don't those little settlements look beautiful!" said Mrs. Jones. "See
+the little white church yonder with its tiny spire! It just seems to me
+as if I should like to stop and attend service in that pretty little
+church."
+
+"See the people rushing out to look at us!" observed Dr. Jones. "Suppose
+we lower to within a few hundred feet of them, and give them a good
+sight at the ship."
+
+Accordingly Silver Cloud settled rapidly as it neared the little town.
+They crossed the village at a height of about 500 feet. They could see
+that the people were terribly frightened. Some were lying upon the
+ground as if dead; others were upon their knees with their hands
+stretched toward the globe that glistened like a star in the sunlight.
+Many were rushing screaming into their houses. A few could be seen
+fleeing from town, afoot or horseback, at the top of their speed.
+
+"Don't be alarmed, good people," shouted Dr. Jones. "We are only
+aeronauts who have been to the North Pole. Good-bye!"
+
+"I won't do that again," said he. "Some of those people may die from the
+effects of this fright. But here we are again for home."
+
+Silver Cloud had again mounted skyward and encountered a splendid breeze
+from the north. A few moments later the blue, crystal waters of Lake
+Superior were undulating beneath them.
+
+"Just see the shipping!" ejaculated Denison. "I sailed to the upper end
+of this great lake to Duluth, twenty-five years ago. Then but few
+steamers came up so far, and not many sailing vessels except those in
+the iron and copper trade. Now see them in every direction! I am
+astonished at the amount of traffic on these lakes."
+
+Only those who have been away from their native land, and especially if
+their travels have extended over the barren wastes of the extreme north,
+can fully appreciate the immortal Scott:
+
+   "Breathes there a man with soul so dead
+   Who never to himself hath said;
+   'This is my own, my native land!'"
+
+They traveled so rapidly over Upper Michigan that by evening they were
+across the strait of Mackinaw. Then the wind lulled to a ten-mile breeze
+and veered a point or two easterly. The great pine forests below were a
+cheerful contrast to the illimitable fields of ice and snow and
+uncultivable lands which they had so lately traversed. The farms and
+villages grew thicker every hour and their twinkling lights were
+pleasant sights to the voyagers as the night came on.
+
+After dinner, all being tired from a long day of sightseeing, they
+gathered in the little smoking-room for their usual evening chat. For
+some reason, this time the conversation took a turn not unusual among
+creatures who have to do with two worlds, the spiritual and material.
+
+"I would like to ask you, Dr. Jones," said the Professor, "if you ever
+encountered, or had any experience with what you were positive was
+supernatural?"
+
+"I have," answered the Doctor.
+
+"Well, Doctor, I confess that I never saw or heard anything in my life
+that could not be explained upon natural principles. It is not that I am
+especially skeptical, but my life has been spent in the study of things
+material, and the laws that govern them. So it may be that I have not
+been in a state of mind to apprehend spiritual phenomena, as I might
+otherwise have done. However that may be, I am very desirous of hearing
+a relation of your experiences on that line."
+
+"There is nothing, Professor Gray," replied Dr. Jones, "that I am more
+positive of than that we are constantly surrounded by, and in actual
+contact with, spiritual forces. And further, that if we were but in a
+receptive condition, or were in the attitude toward God that we should
+be, we might, like Elisha's servant, see the hosts of the Lord camping
+upon the hills round about us. But my individual belief would be of no
+value if not based upon experience.
+
+"The first thing I ever saw that I recognized as purely spiritual in its
+character was at the deathbed of a four year old boy. I was myself at
+this time but twelve years old, but I received an impression that I can
+never forget. I was standing at the foot of his little bed, his father
+and mother and three or four brothers and sisters were ranged along the
+sides and by his head. He was gasping in the last struggle with the grim
+monster, when he suddenly threw his hands toward the ceiling and cried
+out in a clear, strong voice, 'O papa! see there!' His little face that
+had been so distorted with suffering lightened up with the glory of the
+better world. His arms gradually sank to his side, and he was dead. But
+that heavenly smile remained upon his face long after death. One may
+explain away this glory-burst through the eyes of a dying child, calling
+it hallucination of a fevered or diseased brain if they will, but to me
+it was a revelation of spirit land.
+
+"A few years ago I was permitted again to get a glimpse of the pearly
+gates, and this time it was the hand of a sweet little girl who lifted
+aside the veil for her sorrowing friends and myself. She was in the last
+extremity with diphtheritic croup. Her face was bloated and blue-black
+with suffocation. Her eyes were nearly bursting from their sockets,
+glassy and staring; and her face, always so sweet and beautiful, was now
+distorted so that her mother could not endure the sight, and cried in
+her agony, 'My God! is this my little Bertha? I cannot believe it!'
+Bertha, in her expiring effort for breath, had raised upon her knees in
+bed, when suddenly, as in the other case, she raised her hands, her face
+illumined with the 'light that is not seen upon sea or land,' and she
+said in a strong, clear whisper--for her vocal cords were so involved in
+the diphtheritic membranes that her voice was gone completely--'O mamma!
+I see Jesus!' The ecstasy lasted a moment or so, and then I laid her
+back upon the pillow--dead! Here again is an opportunity for the
+agnostic to cavil and reject such evidence. But of one thing you may be
+sure: If he derives as much pleasure from his unbelief as I do in
+believing, then he is a very happy man.
+
+"And now I will relate what to me was still more startling and wonderful
+on the line of spiritual evidence or experience. I practiced medicine a
+few years in the Sierra Mountains, California. I was called one
+afternoon to see a patient in a mining camp some twelve or fifteen miles
+away. I rode a faithful, sure-footed little mare, and chose a short cut
+over a dangerous mountain trail. I had a deep canyon to cross, and was
+coming down into it on my return, when night set in. It became so dark
+that I could not see the trail, but fully trusted my little mare. I
+dropped the reins upon her neck and let her choose her own way and gait.
+We were on the most dangerous part of the trail, where it was not more
+than twelve or fifteen inches wide, and upon my left hand was a black
+chasm, some fifty or seventy-five feet deep. I was singing a hymn as
+unconcernedly as I ever did in my life, when suddenly something said to
+me, 'Get off that horse!' I did not stop to reason or ask questions, but
+promptly threw myself off on the right side and stood a moment by the
+animal, not knowing what the meaning could be. It was not an audible
+voice that had spoken to me, yet it was none the less distinct and
+unmistakable. I stood two or three minutes thus, waiting for further
+developments. Then I stepped down in front of Mollie--as I called the
+mare--into the trail, and started to lead her. I did not dare to get
+into the saddle again, though I could not imagine what was coming next.
+I had not proceeded ten feet, when I came to an exceedingly steep pitch
+in the trail. I had gone down this pitch but a few feet when something
+held me and I could go no farther. I nearly fell over the obstruction
+which I felt holding my legs. I reached down and found a heavy wire
+drawn very tightly across the trail, just above my knees. You will never
+know the feelings I experienced at that moment. I saw in an instant that
+my Heavenly Father had interposed and saved me from a violent death."
+
+"What was that wire, and how came it there?" asked Fred.
+
+"It was a telegraph wire. The pole on the opposite side of the canyon had
+been washed from its footing, and was hanging by its full weight from
+the wire, thus drawing it very taut across the trail."
+
+"Could not this warning which you received be accounted for from a
+psychological standpoint?" asked Professor Gray.
+
+"I will answer your question by asking another: If we reject the
+spiritual side of man's nature, then we have nothing left of him but the
+material. Now I ask you as a physicist, what is there in the laws
+governing matter that could in any degree account for the phenomenon
+that I have just related?"
+
+"Nothing," answered the Professor.
+
+"That is right, Professor. And I prefer to recognize the hand of God in
+this, and to believe that He exercises a special care over his children;
+that not a hair falls from the head of one of his believing children
+without the Father's notice. It is so much better to simply trust and
+believe. Nothing is so detestable as the spirit of skepticism abroad in
+the land to-day. The ministry itself is more or less permeated and
+honeycombed with the abominations called 'Higher Criticism,'
+'Evolution,' etc. They would have us believe that the Bible is filled
+with interpolations, and that wicked men and devils, careless
+translators or copyists have been allowed to destroy to a very great
+extent the validity of that book. Now I simply take this stand: God has
+created you and me, and has endowed us each with an immortal principle
+which we call soul. He has placed us in this probationary state and has
+set before us two ways: The straight and narrow way that leads to
+Eternal Life, and the broad way that leads to Eternal Death. In order
+that we may know His will and so be able to fulfill the conditions of
+salvation, He has given us the Holy Bible. He is responsible for the
+validity of that book, and we may defy all the smart Alecks and devils
+in the universe to invalidate a single essential word of it. The gist of
+the whole matter reduces to a simple syllogism.
+
+"The major proposition is: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou
+shalt be saved.
+
+"The minor proposition: I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+"The conclusion: Therefore I am saved.
+
+"This is my faith, and He is able to keep that which I have committed
+unto Him, Bible and all, till that day. I have given you several
+experiences that are not to be lightly explained away, nor scoffed aside
+by skepticism. I could relate you another still more wonderful
+experience, one on a par with Saul's conversion as he went to Damascus
+to kill the saints. I refer to my own conversion. But I think that you
+have had enough for once."
+
+"Let me ask one question further, Doctor," said the Professor. "As we
+have disposed of the psychological hypothesis in explanation of the
+source of the impression that you received upon the trail, and which
+without doubt saved your life, we must accept the spiritual. I wish to
+ask, then, if it might not have been the spirit of a departed friend who
+thus warned you?"
+
+"No, sir!" replied the Doctor with great emphasis. "Departed spirits
+have no such functions. On the other hand, we are told that 'He giveth
+His angels charge concerning thee to keep thee in all thy ways. They
+shall bear thee up in their hands lest at any time thou dash thy foot
+against a stone.' And again: The angel of the Lord encampeth round about
+them that fear Him, and delivereth them. Also: Are they not ministering
+spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation?
+It means infinitely much to be the child of a King. Angels to bear us up
+in their hands and to minister unto us if we will but comply with the
+terms. So there is no need of spooks, wraiths, and ghosts of departed
+men in our lives. God gives us all the light necessary. He lighteth
+every man that cometh into the world."
+
+"Well, Doctor, there is still another difficulty that I think you have
+not met or settled. I have acquaintances that I know are sincere in
+their belief that they receive communications from departed friends.
+They are people who do not accept the Christian faith, and you have
+established the fact, from a biblical standpoint, that He giveth his
+angels charge over those who are Christians, or heirs of salvation. If,
+then, the spiritualist receives communications from the spirit world,
+and they come neither through angels nor departed friends, from whom do
+they come?"
+
+"The Devil!"
+
+"What!"
+
+"The Devil, or one of his legions of imps."
+
+"Excuse me, Doctor, but how is one to know whether his communications be
+from a good or evil spirit? How, for instance, do you know whether your
+communication which warned you of the wire across the trail was from an
+angel or devil?"
+
+"That question is not worthy of you, Professor Gray. In all the history
+of this poor, sin-cursed world, the Devil never did one kind act to a
+human being. He never wiped away a tear of sorrow, or mitigated a
+heartache or pain, nor ever will. Jesus settled that matter when the
+Jews accused Him of casting out devils through the prince of devils,
+Beelzebub. If Satan be divided against Satan, his kingdom cannot stand.
+When Satan warns one servant of God of danger, and saves him from death
+his kingdom will fall. But say, let's to bed. We must be out by daylight
+in the morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+Familiar Scenes and Faces.
+
+
+Silver Cloud was wafted by a gentle breeze to the center of Lower
+Michigan. For two or three hours after sunrise there was nearly a dead
+calm. Then a brisk breeze from due east arose, and they started for Lake
+Michigan at a great speed.
+
+"This will never do," said Dr. Jones. "We will go down and get fresh
+supplies and the morning papers. There lies a good-looking town a few
+miles west. We will anchor there. Stand by the anchor, boys."
+
+In a few moments Silver Cloud, with her characteristic swiftness,
+descended upon the town, and soon was safely anchored to several large
+trees in the center of it. It proved to be the thrifty little town of
+L----r, of between three and four thousand inhabitants. Silver Cloud was
+drawn to within fifty or sixty feet of the earth, and the voyagers
+rapidly descended in the cage to the main street.
+
+That all the men, women, and children crowded to the vicinity of the
+globe, and that our friends were the cynosure of thousands of wondering
+eyes will be readily believed. And the glistening sphere that gently
+oscillated in the breeze above the city excited the unbounded
+astonishment and praise of all. Newspaper reporters gathered eagerly
+about the party, and plied them with questions concerning their trip and
+adventures. All, of course, were acquainted with the facts concerning
+their sailing from Washington four months previously, and a few of them
+had witnessed that notable event. The travelers were informed that they
+had been mourned as lost for many weeks past, and Government was fitting
+out a party to seek them as soon as possible. The general opinion was,
+that the globe had collapsed or exploded, and that the foolhardy
+explorers had all perished in the forests of Upper Canada. This was the
+accepted theory, and nothing could exceed the severity with which the
+editors of the papers politically opposed to the administration censured
+it for the extravagance and all-round idiocy of the whole "Aluminum
+Bubble Scheme," as they termed it. Dr. Jones was voted a lunatic, and
+the balance of the party was commiserated in the "Ahs!" and "Dear me's!"
+and "Poor things!" of the whole nation.
+
+And we can well imagine that the telegraph wires were kept busy that day
+all over the land. And the papers which in their previous issues had
+inveighed so cuttingly and mercilessly against the Government and Dr.
+Jones, and everybody in any way connected with the Aluminum Globe
+Bubble, now came out in flaming double headings, under telegraphic
+dispatches and in editorials, sounding the praises of Dr. Jones and
+company in unbounded terms of commendation. They had always predicted
+their speedy and triumphant return, so they had, etc.
+
+Telegrams and phonograms poured in upon them until they were really
+unable to attend to them. Very numerous were the offers of engagements
+to Dr. Jones and Professor Gray for a course of lectures at liberal
+prices.
+
+"I was satisfied, Professor, that we should stir them up," said Dr.
+Jones, perspiring and glowing with the excitement and hurry, "but I did
+not look for this avalanche. I would rather be off into our native
+element, the deep blue sky, than to be smothered in this fashion."
+
+"Keep cool, Doctor," replied Professor Gray. "You may as well get used
+to being lionized, for you will get no end of it at Washington."
+
+"All right, Professor. I'll do the best I can, but I really do not enjoy
+so much of it. Suppose we give the people a reception at the Opera
+House."
+
+"O good!" cried Mattie. "And let's give them a concert. We can render
+them an hour of music that I am sure will please them very much."
+
+"Good girl!" shouted Fred, who was always in for anything in the line of
+music and innocent pleasure.
+
+All instantly agreed, and the town and neighboring places were informed
+of the fact of the intended reception that night. All necessary
+preparations were made, and it is needless to say that the building was
+packed to its utmost limits long before the appointed hour.
+
+At eight o'clock the curtain raised, and our friends marched upon the
+stage and sang in their best form an anthem of praise and thanksgiving
+to God. All were in the pink of health, free from all carking cares and
+vanities of life, and they sang as if inspired. Such singing had never
+been heard by the audience; and this fact, added to the romance
+connected with the occasion, carried the thousands of listeners
+completely off their feet. The encore that went up at the conclusion of
+the piece was tremendous beyond description. Nor would the excited
+audience cease an instant until our friends had rendered another song.
+Then Dr. Jones stepped forward, and raising his hand to invoke silence,
+said:
+
+"Your mayor will now address a few words to you."
+
+The mayor, a typical aldermanic looking person, advanced to the front of
+the stage and began a set speech after the stereotyped fashion. He was
+thoroughly imbued with the idea that the navigators of the great
+aluminum ship had premeditatedly visited their important city before
+going on to Washington, and it was no matter of surprise to him that
+they had done so. He thanked them, however, etc. He was discussing the
+landing of the Pilgrim Fathers and was evidently wound up for an hour,
+and the audience was beginning to move restlessly. A low murmur of
+disapprobation ran through the house as the untimely, uninteresting
+speech dragged its weary length, when a gallery god cried out: "Did you
+bring that thing from the North Pole, Dr. Jones? Trot it off and give us
+some more music." The audience received this shot with shouts of
+laughter and approval, and they did not stop until the crestfallen mayor
+backed off the stage.
+
+An hour was then spent in solos, duets, quartettes, choruses, etc. Then
+Dr. Jones made a speech of a few moments' length, in which he gave an
+account of the leading incidents of their wonderful trip. He especially
+dwelt upon the planting of the aluminum flagstaff at the North Pole, and
+when he assured them that the flag of our Union, as they sat in that
+comfortable opera-house, was flying at the peak of that superlatively
+splendid shaft at the very apex of the earth, the emotions of the
+assemblage could not be restrained, and they broke forth in thunders of
+applause.
+
+Their return to the ship was a triumphal procession. The streets were
+packed with people who waited to see them ascend to their cabin.
+
+Early the following morning the wind had shifted to the northwest, and
+the anchors were hoisted immediately. How beautiful the little town and
+surrounding country appeared to the aeronauts in the early morning light
+from their one thousand feet elevation.
+
+"I had no conception of the beauty of this world until I saw it from the
+balcony of the Silver Cloud," observed Professor Gray.
+
+"There is but one trouble in this beautiful world, and that is with its
+inhabitants," replied Dr. Jones. "We should have the restoration of Eden
+immediately if all men would but serve God and observe the Golden Rule.
+Not another tear or sigh would ever be seen or heard again upon earth.
+But O the pity of it! Man, willfully blind, goes stumbling on through
+the short span of life, blighted and blighting everything about him with
+unbelief. Full of misery and heartaches here, he goes into Eternity to
+stand at the bar of God, naked and undone, and hears the fearful
+sentence, 'Anathema Maranatha!' or 'Cursed and banished from God!' And
+all this in the lovely world that lies spread out before us this morning
+like the primitive Garden of the Lord, fresh as it came from His
+bountiful hand. It fills my soul with sadness when I think of our
+infinite foolishness. I do not wonder that Jesus wept over Jerusalem."
+
+The whole company were assembled upon the balcony, and drew in long
+inspirations of the balmy morning air.
+
+"What a panorama!" cried Mrs. Jones. "I am forever spoilt for living a
+terrestrial life again. We are Children of the Skies, and those low
+vales are well enough for those who are contented therewith. But this is
+our native element!" and she spread her hands toward the upper blue.
+"Why, if I were to be confined to that humdrum existence again, I should
+be like--like--"
+
+"--a fish out of water," suggested Fred.
+
+"Now that is real mean," pouted Mrs. Jones. "I was trying to give
+expression to the inspiration excited by this lovely scene in the form
+of poesy, but you have spoilt it all with your prosaic comparison."
+
+"I am just too sorry for any use at all," returned Fred, looking
+anything but regretful. "But, really now, Mrs. Jones, how could you
+possibly express the idea better?"
+
+"We are moving straight for Washington," said the Professor, consulting
+a map in his hand, "and at this speed we shall not be far from it at
+bedtime to-night."
+
+"We can prepare ourselves for a grand reception," remarked Denison. "The
+good people of L----r gave us an earnest of what we may expect."
+
+"It is rather pleasant to be lionized, but we shall be obliged to draw
+the lines somewhere," said Dr. Jones.
+
+"We can always retreat to Silver Cloud when tired of being interviewed,
+wined, and dined," interposed Will.
+
+"Let's plant another flagstaff at the South Pole, Doctor," cried Mattie.
+"I never feel so well as when afloat upon this boundless sea."
+
+"Well done, Mattie," returned the Doctor, patting her on the head. "What
+a bold little navigator you have grown to be! And boundless sea is quite
+poetic, too. But as to starting immediately for the South Pole, I do not
+think we can do so. Perhaps we may, however, and you can rest assured
+that this sort of life suits me amazingly. I shall favor sailing for the
+South Pole at the earliest practicable moment."
+
+"One thing is certain, and that is, that if we are to be the first to
+reach the South Pole, we cannot put the expedition off too long," said
+Will. "Others will imitate us and get there before us if we give them
+time. We must sail within a few weeks at farthest."
+
+"That is true," assented Dr. Jones. "But let us see what Sing has for
+breakfast."
+
+So they entered the dining-room and ate with appetites known to but few
+terrestrials. And why shouldn't they? Their sanitary environments were
+perfect; their minds were free from all worldly cares. Ennui and
+monotony were entirely unknown aboard Silver Cloud, because of the
+constantly changing panorama of land and sea. There were no heartaches
+nor burning envies among them, for all were pure-minded and lived as
+God's children should live the world over. Why shouldn't they be plump
+and pure and clean, inside and out? "We have all outgrown our clothes,"
+as Dr. Jones expressed it.
+
+It was a busy day aboard ship. The whole country was on the lookout for
+them. The Doctor lowered to within five or six hundred feet of the
+earth, and the cries of the multitudes that gathered in every town and
+country corner continually rang in their ears.
+
+"Detroit lies directly in our course. Do you see it yonder?" said
+Professor Gray.
+
+"O yes!" cried Mrs. Jones. "I am glad that we shall get a good view of
+the beautiful city of Detroit. Away to the left is Lake St. Clair, isn't
+it?"'
+
+"Yes," answered the Professor, "and that is the Detroit River. There is
+the city. Across upon the opposite side is the city of Windsor. Just see
+the crowds of people! We are being well advertised by telegraph."
+
+The squares, streets, and housetops of Detroit were black with people.
+Such cheering was never heard in that city as when Silver Cloud
+majestically passed over it. The guns of the fort below the city poured
+out thundering salutes of welcome.
+
+"The poor, dear people!" said Mrs. Jones. "I am so glad that we can give
+them a few moment's pleasure."
+
+"And yet we have done nothing marvelous," returned Dr. Jones. "We have
+only made use of one of God's laws, and without any hardship or special
+exertion, have been to the North Pole and back through the kindness of
+Providence, who furnishes us with extraordinarily favoring gales. The
+people, as well as ourselves, should give all the glory to God."
+
+"You are too modest by far, Doctor," replied Professor Gray. "You may as
+well prepare yourself for unstinted praise and honor. What you have done
+is simple and easy enough now that it has been accomplished; but it is
+the conception of the idea, and courage and faith that you have
+exhibited, that the world will honor. It was precisely so with
+Christopher Columbus. To cross the Atlantic was a comparatively easy
+affair after he had led the way. You may as well prepare yourself to
+stand in the niche beside the discoverer of America. You are in for it,
+sir, and I am exceedingly pleased that you are. For I know that you are
+worthy of these honors, and will not become spoilt and puffed up
+thereby. Accept my heartfelt congratulations, Doctor Jones," and the two
+shook hands cordially.
+
+"And mine," said Denison, also shaking the Doctor's hand. So they all
+expressed their spontaneous and sincere respect for the hero of the
+expedition who had so evidently excited the praise and honor of the
+entire civilized earth. The little man was deeply affected.
+
+"I should be but an arrant humbug to affect to despise the honor that
+the world seems disposed to bestow upon us. I say us, for I cannot and
+will not take it all to myself. I may have been the originator of the
+idea, but I could have done nothing without your co-operation, dear
+friends. But this is very unprofitable conversation. Let's talk about
+something else. There's my old duck pond, Lake Erie. Scores of times
+have I sailed from one end of it to the other; and hundreds of times
+have I bathed in its limpid waters. There is no spot on earth that I
+love as I do beautiful, historic Lake Erie."
+
+This was the grand and peculiar feature of Dr. Jones' character--an
+utter disregard for his own aggrandizement and self-interest, and a
+sincere desire to make everybody about him happy and comfortable. And,
+underlying it all, was a sublime faith in Almighty God. These three
+essentials make the great man: modesty, unselfishness, and faith in God.
+Anyone is great who possesses them, and no one is great who lacks either
+of them. If the reader has not gathered that Dr. Jones' character was a
+most happy combination of these cardinal virtues, then we have in no
+degree done him justice. And while he was kind and loving to all about
+him, yet he was terribly severe with the incorrigibly mean and vicious.
+If he had a great fault, it was in this particular. No one could be more
+loving and tender with a penitent; but the stiff-necked and haughty, the
+oppressors of the poor, were an abomination unto him.
+
+"I used to fear that I was too savage when I came into contact with such
+people," said he; "but one day, while reading the 15th Psalm, I received
+a flood of light upon the subject. This psalm begins by asking: 'Lord,
+who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?' In
+enumerating the qualifications of such person, the psalmist says: 'He
+that contemneth the evil man, but he honoreth them that fear the Lord,'
+Now that word 'contemn,' for the first time, attracted my special
+attention. I had read it scores of times, but had never realized how
+strong a term was here used. No stronger is to be found in the language.
+It means to despise, detest, spurn, etc. I was startled, but I was at
+the same time glad. I could not help it, but I always did despise and
+detest a man who would grind the face of the poor, or who would keep
+back the wage of the laborer. Not that I would judge him, or take
+vengeance upon him; and I must forgive him and receive him as my brother
+when he repents. But until he does turn from the evil of his ways, and
+does his best at making restitution, I can do a jolly good job at
+'contemning' him."
+
+The blue south shore of the lake soon became visible. A more entrancing
+picture than that of Silver Cloud floating swiftly over the great lake,
+so thickly dotted with steamers and sailing vessels, cannot be imagined.
+The exhilaration of the occupants as they looked from their commanding
+altitude upon this delightful scenery was extreme. Many adjectives are
+used in describing the scenery and experiences connected with this
+notable voyage, but language is far too feeble to do the subject full
+justice.
+
+The Doctor pointed out the various islands, lakeports, etc., with all of
+which he was perfectly familiar. The wind became more westerly, and they
+passed into Ohio away to the east of Cleveland.
+
+"I would have been glad to have stopped a little while at Cleveland,"
+said Dr. Jones, "but we must hasten on while the wind is favorable."
+
+"Is it absolutely necessary that we take Silver Cloud to Washington?"
+asked Denison. "Suppose the winds should be contrary for a considerable
+time, could we not anchor, and Professor Gray, the ladies, and yourself
+take the train for the Capital?"
+
+"Yes, and we will do that if necessary. But I much prefer that we sail
+there together. It would then look as if we could come and go as we
+liked, and give some degree of color to my theory, that we can find any
+current we wish by hunting for it."
+
+"That is all right in America, but doesn't hold good in Russia, Doctor,"
+said Will, laughingly.
+
+"Never mind, sonny," good-humoredly replied the Doctor. "All rules have
+their exceptions, and we happened to strike a full-grown, lusty one that
+time. But I shall always be thankful that my rule failed for once. I
+think more of the seed I sowed there than I do of our planting the
+flagstaff at the North Pole."
+
+The wind continued very brisk, a little north of west, and the ship was
+heading considerably north of Washington.
+
+"We are pointing straight as a gun barrel for New York City," said Will,
+who was consulting a map.
+
+"New York is considerably east of Washington," remarked the Doctor,
+looking over the map with Will. "I will tell you what we will do. If the
+wind continues as it now is we will go on to New York and await a
+favorable wind. What do you all think of that proposition?"
+
+"Nothing could be more appropriate, since we must anchor, than that it
+should be at the metropolis of America," answered Professor Gray.
+
+So it was agreed that they should make New York their next anchorage if
+possible. Along in the afternoon they were near the center of
+Pennsylvania and were approaching a large town. The people were
+evidently looking for them, for immense crowds could be seen gathered in
+many places.
+
+"I think that I will send a telegram from here to the mayor of New York
+that we will try and make that city to-night. At what time should we
+arrive there at our present speed?" he inquired of Professor Gray.
+
+The Professor consulted his watch and map a moment, and replied, "About
+eight o'clock this evening, Doctor."
+
+The telegram was written accordingly. Silver Cloud descended to within
+four hundred feet of the earth, and when over the center of the city,
+the Doctor leaned over the balustrade and shouted, "Will you please
+forward this message for me?" As he said this he dropped the message,
+wrapped about a silver half dollar. One of the thousands of willing
+hands caught it, and a voice answered, "Aye, aye, Doctor Jones!"
+
+"They all have your name, Doctor. You are the best known man in America
+to-day. And I doubt if there is one in the world so much talked of as
+you are," said Professor Gray.
+
+"And that just shows how small a matter makes one famous. A few months
+ago I was an humble, inconsequential country doctor. My greatest delight
+and ambition at that time was to find the indicated remedy, and see the
+sick recover. And I declare to you now, that while I enjoy this racing
+through the skies, and the roar and acclamation of the multitudes, yet
+all these are but secondary and insignificant to my mind, when compared
+with that other great ambition of my life--the recognition by the
+medical world of the fact that there is an immutable law of God for our
+guidance in the selection of the remedy for the sick. And my daily
+prayer now is that my Father will keep me humble, so that he can use me
+to this end. For I tell you, friends," and the Doctor struck the table
+near him a mighty blow with his fist by way of emphasis, "that God can
+use no man who feels his own importance, and is inclined to take all the
+glory to himself. He is simply a weak-minded bungler, who gets into the
+way and frustrates whatever designs God might otherwise have worked
+through him."
+
+The Doctor was upon his favorite theme--the propagandism of the peculiar
+system of medicine of which he was so faithful and successful a
+practitioner--and they had left the city far behind them, when he again
+paid attention to the rapidly changing scenery below. The wind had
+increased to a strong gale, and they were crossing the full length of
+Pennsylvania at astounding speed. They passed over the mountain ranges
+of the eastern part of the state, with as little concern or thought as
+if they had been level plain or water. So greatly had their speed
+accelerated, that by six o'clock the smoke of the great city was
+discernible immediately before them. The beautiful Hudson looked like a
+silver ribbon trending away to the north. New York bay with its shipping
+from all quarters of the earth, Liberty Lighting the World, the
+suspension bridge, and the tall buildings of the city, were all
+distinctly seen by the voyagers at a great distance. The booming of
+cannon announced to our friends that they had been sighted by those upon
+the lookout for them. A few moments later they had crossed the river
+and were skimming over the housetops, looking for an anchorage.
+
+"There is Central Park. We shall pass over the south end of it. That is
+the place for us to drop anchor," said the Professor.
+
+"All right, Professor. Stand by boys! Let them go!" cried the Doctor.
+
+Down to the earth went two anchors. They almost immediately caught in
+the strong limbs of the shade trees and Silver Cloud was again safely
+anchored. It was well that this immense park had chanced to be their
+stopping place, for the people were wild with excitement, and poured
+into it like a mighty flood. The shout that went up was deafening as the
+Doctor and Professor descended to the ground. The whole party came down,
+two by two, the fastenings of the globe were made doubly secure, a posse
+of policemen put in charge of it, and then they submitted themselves to
+the committee of reception appointed by the mayor. Carriages awaited
+them, and they were conveyed to a hotel as rapidly as the densely
+crowded streets would permit. No conqueror ever received a more
+tremendous ovation! Frequently the carriages were brought to a dead
+standstill, and only the most strenuous efforts of scores of policemen
+could make a passage for them. But finally their enthusiasm broke
+through all barriers. The horses were taken from the vehicles, and
+hundreds of friendly hands grasped the ropes attached to the ends of the
+tongues, and then better progress was made. The Doctor bore his honors
+with gentle dignity, taking off his hat, and bowing frequently to the
+right and left to his excited and enthusiastic countrymen who thus
+delighted to do him honor. If Mrs. Jones' eyes filled with tears of
+pride and delight as she witnessed this outpouring of the hearts of the
+people to the man whom she loved above anything upon earth, surely no
+one will censure her for that. The travelers had met with some hearty
+receptions, but never with anything like this. It was not the male
+portion only who were demonstrative, but the ladies were equally active
+in their expressions of appreciation. The carriages were literally
+filled with rich bouquets of flowers that rained into them. And when
+they could bring them to a standstill, the crush about the vehicles
+almost threatened their destruction. They shook hands with as many as
+climbed up within reach, not a few of whom were ladies.
+
+"Upon my word, girls, I don't know but they will eat us up," said the
+Doctor to his wife and Mattie, who sat beside him in the leading landau.
+
+But all things earthly have an end, and the party finally landed at the
+entrance of the hotel. Here the press was tremendous, and it was with
+extreme difficulty that they at last reached the parlor, where the mayor
+and many distinguished citizens awaited them.
+
+"I fear you have had a rough passage through our streets," said the
+mayor.
+
+"I give you my word, sir, that we have been in more danger during the
+last half hour than in all the balance of our voyage," replied Dr.
+Jones.
+
+"You have stirred the world, and turned it upside down, and you will
+have to stand the consequences of your unprecedented popularity. It is
+so refreshing to see a man do the impossible with the nonchalance and
+ease that you have displayed that you must not complain if we nearly
+kill you with the best intentions in the world. But I promise that we
+will endeavor to make it as easy for you as possible, while with us."
+
+"I have lived all my life in New York, but I am sure that I never saw
+our city so excited as it is to-night," said another gentleman. "Just
+listen to them! Come out upon the balcony and look at them."
+
+As they stepped out and looked up and down Broadway, far as they could
+see the great thoroughfare was filled with people. The voyagers were
+instantly recognized, and such a roar as went up from that vast
+multitude! It continued until the mayor stepped forward and raised his
+hand to command silence.
+
+"Speak to them a few words, Doctor, and send them home," said he.
+
+The Doctor stepped forward and cried at the top of his powerful voice:
+
+"Friends and fellow countrymen. Of course, I expected you would be glad
+to see a party who travel in so splendid a chariot as the great aluminum
+ship. And I take it for granted that you are all aware that Silver
+Cloud, as we have named the globe, carried us to the North Pole and
+back safely and pleasantly. And to-night, as we stand in the great
+metropolis of the Western hemisphere, there flies from the most splendid
+flagstaff upon earth, located precisely at the northern extremity of the
+earth's axis, the Flag of our Union! (At this point, the patriotic
+enthusiasm of the hearers could not be restrained, and for several
+minutes the Doctor stood and awaited the subsidence of the cheering.)
+But I have a proposition to make you. The Mayor desires that you all
+retire now to your homes, and I promise you that to-morrow night we will
+tell you all about our trip, and show you how we planted the flagstaff
+at the North Pole. I bid you all good night."
+
+"That was good, Doctor, and I think that now they will disperse quite
+satisfied," said the mayor. "You are the city's guests, remember, and we
+are extremely desirous of rendering you every possible honor and
+pleasure. I do not doubt that you are all fatigued with so much
+excitement and sightseeing as you have been through to-day, and we will
+let you retire. Good-night."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+The World at the Feet of Doctor Jones.
+
+
+The following morning our friends were up be-times and were soon engaged
+in the busiest day of their lives. The wind was still unfavorable for
+their passage to Washington, and they abandoned themselves to the
+numerous duties that pressed upon them, and hospitalities of the
+friendly Gothamites. Messages almost innumerable and visitors by
+thousands poured in upon them. Mrs. Jones, Mattie, and Denison acted as
+secretaries for Dr. Jones, while Will and Fred performed the same office
+for Professor Gray. Reporters by scores besieged them at all hours. The
+Doctor disposed of these importunate visitors by appointing an hour when
+he met them in a body in a private room, and there answered their
+numerous questions. At three o'clock P.M. the mayor called, and through
+a private exit the whole party was led to carriages, and shown a
+considerable portion of the better part of the city. They drove to the
+globe and found it surrounded by thousands of admirers. Silver Cloud
+proudly floated above them, gently oscillating in the breeze, slightly
+bowing to the right and left, as if complacently acknowledging the
+admiration and praises of its visitors.
+
+The carriages were driven as near as possible to the globe. Will and
+Denison worked their way to the cage and ascended to the cabin. The vast
+throng watched this proceeding with intense interest, and made the
+welkin ring with their shouts as the two men safely entered the manhole.
+They examined the thermometer, trimmed the burners that were necessary
+to be kept alight, wound up the motor springs, and then descended with a
+rapidity that caused the spectators to hold their breaths.
+
+After several hours' driving, during which time the mayor pointed out
+many objects of interest, they were driven to their hotel and left to
+rest and prepare for the evening's entertainment. They had been
+informed that the largest building in the city had been engaged, and the
+whole party of Arctic explorers were earnestly requested to meet the
+public that evening in said building. This they consented to do. There
+was not the slightest snobbishness about Dr. Jones, or it certainly
+would have manifested itself now when the world was at his feet. But the
+little man was as kind and unaffectedly friendly now as ever in his
+life. He was a close student of human nature too, and thoroughly
+understood that they were fully capable of crying "Hosannah!" to-day,
+and "Crucify him! crucify him!" to-morrow. Human nature is not different
+from what it was thousands of years ago. It is no better and no worse.
+Unregenerate man is out of harmony with his Maker; and being possessed
+of a finite mind, he can never be right, do right, nor keep right until
+he places himself unreservedly into God's hands.
+
+   "Just as I am, without one plea,
+     But that thy blood was shed for me,
+   And that thou bidst me come to thee,
+     O Lamb of God! I come."
+
+"When I would do good, evil is ever present with me," was St. Paul's
+experience. It is yours and it is mine, gentle reader. There is no
+escape from it, except through the blood of Christ. Then shall we commit
+all our ways unto Him, and shall never be moved. This is the one great
+cause of man's inconstancy. He is constantly seeking after that which
+shall satisfy the cravings of his never dying soul, but refuses the
+light which God gives him. He sips from every cup of worldly pleasure,
+and madly rushes after the sensation of the hour, be it good or bad. One
+after the other, they pall upon his wearied senses, and he dashes them
+from his lips in disgust. Happy alone is he who listens to that Voice,
+'Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.'
+
+That evening, before many thousands of people, our friends did what they
+could to please them. They sang as they never had done in their lives.
+It is unnecessary to say that their efforts were received with
+tremendous rounds of encores by the delighted host. The music was
+interspersed with appropriate speeches from the mayor and other civic
+dignitaries. They all spoke in unlimited terms of praise of the man who
+had conceived the idea of the aluminum globe, and who had had the
+courage of his convictions. He had added undying glory to the land that
+bore him, and now that land delighted to honor him by every means within
+her power, etc.
+
+The Doctor and Professor each spoke at some length, giving the history
+of the expedition and the importance of it to the scientific world. The
+Doctor told them of the planting of the aluminum flagstaff in terse,
+graphic language, and concluded by saying:
+
+"And now friends, we will conclude the evening's performance by giving
+you an exact representation of how we marched about the flagstaff and
+sang Professor Marsh's composition, 'The North Pole March.' You must
+imagine the thermometer sixty or more degrees below zero in order to
+appreciate the scene."
+
+A fair representation of the foot of the flagstaff had been improvised,
+and the stage was made to look like a field of snow and ice. In a circle
+about the pole were set vessels of burning oil. Within this circle the
+friends marched to the beautiful music that Fred played upon the
+aluminum organ (for even that instrument had been brought by Denison and
+Will from the globe, that the scene might lack nothing in realism.)
+
+And so real was the scene as they marched in their sealskin suits--poor
+Sing among them, though he could not sing--and so inspiring was the
+music, that the vast assemblage sat still as death, every sense strained
+to the highest tension, that they might not lose a movement nor note.
+When they finished, the shout that went up was a tremendous lungburst
+that was simply deafening. Men, women, and children jumped upon their
+feet, waved their handkerchiefs, and screamed and shouted themselves
+hoarse. Nor would they cease until the lights had all been turned low,
+and they realized that the Children of the Skies would appear no more
+that night. They had improved the opportunity while the multitude thus
+encored to make their escape in their carriages to the hotel.
+
+"I don't know, Doctor, but you will be responsible for many cases of
+lunacy among our people," said the mayor. "I never saw them so utterly
+carried away as they were with your company and the globe. All you have
+to do is to take to the stage and you can bankrupt the nation."
+
+After a quiet supper with a select party of notables of the city, our
+friends were permitted to retire for the night.
+
+"I am anxious to get on to Washington. This is very pleasant, but I much
+prefer the cabin of Silver Cloud, with you, my dear friends, to all this
+hustling, cramming, and jambing. The people are kind as they can be, and
+are doing everything for our comfort and pleasure, but I never could
+endure being crowded. Give me plenty of elbow room or give me death!"
+cried Dr. Jones.
+
+"Who would have thought that our march about the pole would make such a
+sensation!" said Mrs. Jones. "Your North Pole March will make your
+fortune, Fred. You should immediately copyright and publish it. You
+could sell thousands of copies to-morrow."
+
+"All right, Mrs. Jones; I will profit by your suggestion," answered
+Fred, gayly. "Dear old Silver Cloud is making us all famous and rich.
+Strike while the iron's hot;' 'Make hay while the sun shines;' etc. My
+next attempt will be the Silver Cloud Waltz. This is the tide in my
+affairs, and I must be thrifty enough to take it at its flood."
+
+On the following morning after breakfast it was observed that the wind
+was from the nor-nor-east, or nearly exactly toward their destination.
+
+"Shall we sail to-day, or accept further hospitalities of New York?"
+asked Dr. Jones of the company. The unanimous decision was that they
+sail immediately.
+
+The mayor was telephoned that they would sail within one or two hours,
+the wind being favorable. A few moments later that gentleman appeared in
+the parlor where they were sitting and said hastily:
+
+"My dear Doctor, we cannot let you go to-day. We have a splendid program
+laid out for you, and our people will be greatly disappointed if you do
+not stop at least another day. Besides, great excursions by steamers
+and rail are expected to-morrow. We cannot let you off for two or three
+days yet."
+
+"My dear sir, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to remain as
+long as you desire. But my commands are peremptory from Washington to
+report there at the earliest practicable moment. So I really have no
+option in the matter, and must sail this very morning," replied Dr.
+Jones.
+
+"Such being the case, Doctor, I am too good a citizen to urge you to
+disobey orders. We will say no more about it, but thank you for the
+pleasure you have given us, and wish you 'Bon Voyage.'"
+
+"You may do better than that, sir. We should be exceedingly pleased to
+have you and your family accompany us to Washington. We can promise you
+the sensation and pleasure of your lifetime," returned the Doctor.
+
+"O do come, sir!" cried Mrs. Jones. "Bring your family and give them the
+greatest treat this world affords."
+
+"I will consult them, immediately. But I fear that they are poor
+sailors, and can hardly be persuaded to venture a trip in an air-ship."
+
+"I will see that they do not suffer from seasickness," said the Doctor.
+"Prevail upon them to come if possible, for I know you will never regret
+it. Now shall we remain here, or meet you at the globe?"
+
+"Remain here, please, and I will return with all possible expedition."
+
+A half hour later he returned with his wife and two daughters, the
+latter being stylish, lovely girls of about Mattie's age. All three were
+in a state of more or less nervousness and trepidation at the idea of a
+sail through the sky, and yet they could not resist the desire to go.
+
+"O Mrs. Jones! Miss Bronson! don't you feel awfully frightened away up
+there, thousands of feet from the earth?" asked one of the girls.
+
+"Not the least bit!" replied Mrs. Jones. "So far from that, will you
+believe me, I feel better and fully as safe in the cabin of our Silver
+Cloud, five thousand feet from the earth, as I do in this parlor."
+
+"Do you hear that, mamma?" cried the elder girl. "And what an
+appropriate, beautiful name--Silver Cloud. Well, I am determined to be
+a good sailor, and enjoy this trip as I never did anything in my life."
+
+"I will meet you within an hour at the ship," said the mayor. "I must
+attend to some business before I can go," and he hurried away.
+
+An hour later they were all standing upon the balcony of Silver Cloud,
+excepting Will and Denison. They were standing by the spring motors to
+hoist and stow the anchors.
+
+The news had spread that the great globe was about to sail, and people
+were rushing by thousands to witness its departure. The signal was
+given, and Silver Cloud arose so majestically and beautifully above the
+great city that the people roared like another Niagara at the
+transcendently glorious spectacle! It rose to the height of eight
+hundred feet, and moved rapidly toward the southwest. They maintained
+this comparatively low altitude on account of their visitors manifesting
+symptoms of extreme terror, especially the young ladies. But Mrs. Jones
+and Mattie soothed and petted them, and assured them so positively of
+their perfect safety that by degrees they became quiet, and in a short
+time were enjoying the scenery, and watching through their glasses the
+main objects of interest.
+
+"Mrs. Jones." said the mayor's wife, "I do not wonder that you prefer
+the cabin of this ship to the parlor of our grandest city hotel. This is
+the most inspiring scene I ever witnessed, and one that I should never
+grow tired of. How cool and pure this atmosphere is! I am sure that
+nothing could add to the beauty of the scenery or your splendid ship."
+
+"O madam! but you should have seen Silver Cloud before we robbed her of
+her chief ornament, the flagstaff. That was her glory, as a fine head of
+hair is a woman's," replied Dr. Jones, who had overheard the lady's
+remark. "I shall never be satisfied until we have replaced it."
+
+The ship, meantime, was hastening at a forty mile gait toward the
+Capital. The trip was one long thrill of excitement and pleasure to the
+visitors. The Doctor had settled all symptoms of nausea with his
+well-selected remedies, and nothing more could be desired to add to
+their pleasure and comfort.
+
+At the hour of noon they sat down to lunch. They ate but little, the
+excitement having more or less destroyed their appetites. But they sat a
+considerable time at the table and talked animatedly upon various
+topics; principally, though, of the ship and their voyage to and from
+the Pole. The ladies could not sufficiently admire and praise the
+beauty, cleanliness, and comfort of the cabin.
+
+Fred was seated beside Grace, the younger of the sisters, and they were
+discussing music. She praised his North Pole March in unstinted terms,
+until he blushed to the ears with delight. She and her elder sister,
+Rose, were musicians of a high order, and had graduated at the leading
+musical conservatories of America. They had besides spent several years
+in Europe in the pursuit of knowledge in that line. Fred asked Grace to
+promenade the balcony with him. She immediately accepted the
+proposition, and they were soon oblivious to the world in the discussion
+of their favorite theme--music. No doubt the inspiring scene below and
+all about them drew out all the finer sentiments of their beings. And
+what could two handsome, heartwhole, sentimental young beings do but
+fall----
+
+   "Not over the balustrade!"
+   O no! but into love!
+
+The whole company now came out upon the balcony, and they slowly
+promenaded about the four sides of the cabin. We cannot describe the
+witchery and beauty of the fast-flying panorama below. Our pen falters,
+and the picture must be left to the imagination of the reader.
+
+The mayor was very familiar with the topography of the country, and
+pointed out the various rivers, mountain ranges, cities, towns, etc.
+About three o'clock the capitol buildings, Washington monument, and
+other tall structures about the city hove in sight. They were
+immediately seen, for the great guns in all the forts about the city
+fired thundering salutes.
+
+"They are loaded to the muzzle for us, Doctor," said Professor Gray.
+
+"It appears so," he replied. "I only wish it was all over with."
+
+"What park is that?" he asked a few moments later, pointing to one that
+lay directly in their course. The Professor mentioned its name, and
+thought it a very convenient place for anchorage. Accordingly, Silver
+Cloud swooped down upon it with a velocity that fairly took away the
+breath of the mayor and family. A few moments later, Silver Cloud was
+safely anchored, after her voyage of many thousands of miles, at her
+starting point. In a little less than four months they had made the most
+extraordinary trip known in the world's history, that of Columbus not
+excepted, and were now safely returned!
+
+Two by two they descended to earth, and, as in New York, carriages
+awaited them. Evidently preparations for their reception had been made
+upon a colossal scale. The air was thundering and riven with the voices
+of the innumerable hosts, brass bands on every hand in full blast, so
+that it was impossible to hear a word said by the nearest neighbor.
+
+The police, fire, and military forces were out in full strength. The
+voyagers, mayor of New York and family, were seated in landaus, and with
+ropes the girls of all the public schools, each dressed in pure white
+and bearing in her hand an American flag, drew the vehicles through the
+principal streets of the city. Each of the little maids wore upon her
+bare head a chaplet of flowers, and the scene was one of indescribable
+beauty. And as they walked they sang in sweetest harmony,
+
+   "See, the conquering hero comes."
+
+Dr. Jones was affected to tears at this sight, and could scarcely
+contain himself. At last the procession stopped before the grand central
+entrance of the capitol building. Upon the top steps they were met by
+the President and his cabinet, many members of both houses, though
+Congress was not in session at this season. Ministers and
+plenipotentiaries from nearly every court in the world were also there.
+Judges, statesmen, and journalists were in attendance by scores. Nothing
+was left undone that could in any way add to the honor and glory of the
+hero of the day. The modesty and unaffected dignity with which he
+received it all, clothed him as with a garment, and was a marvel to even
+those who knew him best.
+
+But it would prove tedious to the reader if we were to relate in detail
+all the speech-making and public receptions tendered our friends. The
+Doctor and Professor before vast audiences told the story of their
+journey, the planting of the pole, the scientific value of observations
+made by Professor Gray, etc. The concert and North Pole March were
+rendered several times.
+
+In a week or so the furore began to subside, and the company were glad
+to settle down to a comparatively quiet life in a large furnished house,
+which the Doctor rented. Callers were coming and going continually
+during several hours daily, and invitations to parties, dinners,
+concerts, operas, etc., were very numerous. The mayor and family
+returned to New York after spending a week with the friends. They
+declared that they envied them their trip to the South Pole, and should
+never be satisfied until they had enjoyed another sail in Silver Cloud.
+
+The Doctor and Professor were kept very busy in consultation with
+governmental officials and scientific men. The naval and military
+departments were especially interested in the probabilities and
+possibilities of the use of air-ships in warfare. An arrangement was
+made to take a party of military men on a trip in Silver Cloud. A very
+successful and brilliant voyage of several hundreds of miles to the
+south and return was made, during which the Doctor actually encountered
+an opportunity to exemplify his theory as to air currents. While they
+were driving rapidly south at an altitude of but four or five hundred
+feet, he rapidly rose several thousand feet and encountered a splendid
+northerly current that carried them back to their starting point in a
+way that pleased the little man wonderfully well. This was a great
+triumph for the Doctor, and impressed the governmental party as of vast
+importance, and added immensely to the effectiveness of the ship in the
+art of war.
+
+The Government made Will a very liberal offer to act as architect and
+constructor of another ship similar to Silver Cloud, with such
+improvements as experience had suggested to him. He accepted the offer,
+and would enter upon his duties immediately after their return from the
+South Pole. The Government had immediately acquiesced to their
+proposition to seek the South Pole, and even urged that they get out as
+soon as possible. The aluminum pole, a fac-simile of the one already
+planted, was being constructed.
+
+One day, a month after their return, Mrs. Jones and Mattie were summoned
+to the parlor at an early hour for callers. They found there a large
+elderly gentleman and two ladies.
+
+"O Mattie!" cried the younger, "don't you know us?"
+
+"Why! is it possible that you are our friends from Constance House? It
+is, Maggie, it is! And this is Jennie Barton!"
+
+"I declare that I was never so surprised and delighted in my life! Can
+this be Mrs. Barton?" And then such kissing and handshaking.
+
+"And how do you do, Mrs. Barton? I would not have known you. How you
+have improved!" And Mrs. Jones scanned her face very critically. "Are
+you entirely recovered?"
+
+"She is so much better that we no longer consider her an invalid. But I
+was desirous that the Doctor should see her again, and so we have come
+down. We were in Montreal when I saw in a paper an account of your
+return to Washington. That was the first we had heard of you since you
+sailed from Constance House, and you can well believe that we were
+exceedingly pleased to hear of your safe return. So we made up our minds
+that we would run down and see you at once," said Mr. Barton.
+
+After they had conversed a few moments and had inquired after Joe and
+Sam, Mrs. Jones conducted them to two chambers, insisting that they must
+be her guests while in the city.
+
+The Doctor and other members of the party were delighted to met the
+Bartons. Dr. Jones was well pleased with the progress that Mrs. Barton
+had made. He considered her cure but a question of a short time, but
+insisted, in order that no chances might be incurred, that she should
+remain during the winter at Washington. He did not anticipate that they
+would be gone more than thirty days on their South Pole expedition, and
+certainly not more than two months. And so they arranged that they
+should stay at least until the return of the expedition.
+
+"And that settles it that we are to remain here until next summer, for
+it is very late even now for us to return to Constance House. So I will
+write the boys to that effect, and shall settle down to the study of
+American politics," said John Barton.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+Ho! for the South Pole!
+
+
+Silver Cloud, meantime, had been returned to the place of her birth, the
+great iron works upon the Potomac river. Another shapely three hundred
+feet mast had been manufactured and erected. One morning about the
+middle of September, the globe arose above the glittering mast and
+slowly settled upon it. The fastenings were soon adjusted, the flag of
+aluminum nailed to the peak, and Silver Cloud was herself again, ready
+for another trip to the ends of the earth.
+
+Will had made a number of additions and alterations, among which was an
+increase in the size and strength of the coiled springs that were used
+for hoisting purposes and running the dynamo. A powerful searchlight had
+been added, and the electrical appliances greatly increased. Among other
+things, he had a two horse power steam engine set up. This was to be
+used for winding the springs. Good old John Barton was never happier in
+his life than at this period. His interest in the globe was intense, and
+he daily spent hours with Will at the iron works. He made several
+valuable suggestions, and his hard common sense and experience were of
+no little value to the architect.
+
+"If I were not getting so far along in years, and mother was perfectly
+well and willing, I should like nothing better than to go with you this
+trip," said he to Dr. Jones. "But we will stay and keep house for you
+until your return."
+
+"And that will be but a very few weeks, I am quite sure," answered the
+Doctor. "It is not likely that we shall be made prisoners three months
+this trip. And that reminds me that I received a letter from Count
+Icanovich this morning, Maggie, and it inclosed one from Feodora to
+you."
+
+The letters were hastily read. They were well, and Feodora had never
+been better in her life. The Count had been studying and practicing the
+new system of medicine, and, to his unbounded delight, had made some
+center shots. His enthusiasm was steadily increasing, and he implored
+the Doctor to return to Russia and co-operate with him in introducing
+this God-given system into that vast empire. He assured him that they
+had everything to hope for. The Princess was getting on quite
+comfortably, and the fame of what Dr. Jones had done for her had become
+national. Numerous physicians of note had called upon and written the
+Prince and himself to ascertain the facts concerning the marvelous cures
+that had been reported to them. The Prince and Princess sent their
+sincere regards, etc. Feodora wrote in a lively strain to Mrs. Jones and
+Mattie, and urged them to return to their castle for a good visit as
+soon as possible. These letters were answered promptly, the Doctor
+giving advice concerning a case or two that the Count had found
+puzzling. He promised them a visit as soon after their return from the
+South Pole as possible.
+
+Two or three mornings later Washington was again packed with visitors to
+witness the departure of Silver Cloud for the southern extremity of the
+earth. Greater enthusiasm than before was expressed by everyone, for now
+there were no skeptics, and everybody cheered with might and main.
+
+As on the previous occasion, the hour of noon was selected for sailing.
+This gave people from the surrounding country an opportunity to come in
+and witness the magnificent scene. It was declared a holiday by general
+consent, and it is no exaggeration to say that nearly the whole earth
+was represented in the unnumbered hosts that filled the streets, covered
+the housetops and surrounding hills, and every spot and place that
+afforded any possibility of seeing the ascent of the globe.
+
+The friends and acquaintances that the company collectively and
+individually had formed were out in full force. Numerous and hearty were
+the handshakings; "Good-bye," and "Bon Voyage," were heard on every
+hand.
+
+The globe was anchored at but fifty feet from the earth. The cage had
+been enlarged so that the voyagers now ascended four at a time. This
+they did a few minutes before noon. The organ was taken out upon the
+balcony, and "God be with you till we meet again," was sung by our
+friends. The three Bartons stood just below and opposite the choir,
+tears of friendship and gratitude streaming down their faces. We will
+state here (quite privately be it understood) that Will and Jennie had
+come to an understanding that seemed to be very satisfactory to them,
+and their leavetaking was more affectionate than is usual with mere
+acquaintances, or even intimate friends. It is the old story. Cupid has
+done his work again. Well, God bless them, and may a parson step in and
+complete the love god's work very soon after Silver Cloud shall have
+returned. And Fred visited Grace at the mayor's house in New York. There
+may be trouble of the same sort brewing there.
+
+But the bells and whistles have announced the hour for Bailing. The
+anchors were tripped, and Silver Cloud arose with the majesty of the
+Queen of Night, nearly perpendicularly above the city to the height of
+three thousand feet; there, to the extreme satisfaction of Dr. Jones, a
+brisk breeze from the northeast was encountered, and away sailed the
+beautiful globe until the straining eyes of the multitude saw it as a
+bright star-like point in the heavens, and then it disappeared--bound
+for the SOUTH POLE.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Doctor Jones' Picnic, by S. E. Chapman
+
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