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diff --git a/3046-h/3046-h.htm b/3046-h/3046-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8b414f2 --- /dev/null +++ b/3046-h/3046-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6958 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Land of the Changing Sun, by Will. N. Harben + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Land of the Changing Sun, by William N. Harben + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Land of the Changing Sun + +Author: William N. Harben + +Release Date: February 9, 2009 [EBook #3046] +Last Updated: March 12, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAND OF THE CHANGING SUN *** + + + + +Produced by Judith Boss, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE LAND OF THE CHANGING SUN + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Will. N. Harben + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> Chapter I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> Chapter II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> Chapter III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> Chapter IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> Chapter V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> Chapter VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> Chapter VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> Chapter VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> Chapter IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> Chapter X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> Chapter XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> Chapter XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> Chapter XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> Chapter XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> Chapter XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> Chapter XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> Chapter XVII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + Chapter I. + </h2> + <p> + The balloon seemed scarcely to move, though it was slowly sinking toward + the ocean of white clouds which hung between it and the earth. + </p> + <p> + The two inmates of the car were insensible; their faces were bloodless, + their cheeks sunken. They were both young and handsome. Harry Johnston, an + American, was as dark and sallow as a Spaniard. Charles Thorndyke, an + English gentleman, had yellow hair and mustache, blue eyes and a fine + intellectual face. Both were tall, athletic in build and + well-proportioned. + </p> + <p> + Johnston was the first to come to consciousness as the balloon sank into + less rarefied atmosphere. He opened his eyes dreamily and looked curiously + at the white face of his friend in his lap. Then he shook him and tried to + call his name, but his lips made no sound. Drawing himself up a little + with a hand on the edge of the basket, he reached for a water-jug and + sprinkled Thorndyke's face. In a moment he was rewarded by seeing the eyes + of the latter slowly open. + </p> + <p> + “Where are we?” asked Thorndyke in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know;” Johnston answered, “getting nearer to the earth, for we + can breathe more easily. I can't remember much after the professor fell + from the car. My God, old man! I shall never forget the horror in the poor + fellow's eyes as he clung to the rope down there and begged us to save + him. I tried to get you to look, but you were dozing off. I attempted to + draw him up, but the rope on the edge of the basket was tipping it, and + both you and I came near following him. I tried to keep from seeing his + horrible face as the rope began to slip through his fingers. I knew the + instant he let go by our shooting upward.” + </p> + <p> + “I came to myself and looked over when the basket tipped,” replied the + Englishman, “I thought I was going too, but I could not stir a muscle to + prevent it. He said something desperately, but the wind blew it away and + covered his face with his beard, so that I could not see the movement of + his lips.” + </p> + <p> + “It may have been some instructions to us about the management of the + balloon.” + </p> + <p> + “I think not—perhaps a good-bye, or a message to his wife and child. + Poor fellow!” + </p> + <p> + “How long have we been out of our heads?” and Johnston looked over the + side of the car. + </p> + <p> + “I have not the slightest idea. Days and nights may have passed since he + fell.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true. I remember coming to myself for an instant, and it seemed + that we were being jerked along at the rate of a gunshot. My God, it was + awful! It was as black as condensed midnight. I felt your warm body + against me and was glad I was not alone. Then I went off again, but into a + sort of nightmare. I thought I was in Hell, and that you were with me, and + that Professor Helmholtz was Satan.” + </p> + <p> + “Where can we be?” asked Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know; I can't tell what is beneath those clouds. It may be earth, + sea or ocean; we were evidently whisked along in a storm while we were out + of our heads. If we are above the ocean we are lost.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke looked over the edge of the car long and attentively, then he + exclaimed suddenly: + </p> + <p> + “I believe it is the ocean.” + </p> + <p> + “What makes you think so?” + </p> + <p> + “It reflects the sunlight. It is too bright for land. When we got above + the clouds at the start it looked darker below than it does now; we may be + over the middle of the Atlantic.” + </p> + <p> + “We are going down,” said Johnston gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “That we are, and it means something serious.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston made no answer. Half-an-hour went by. Thorndyke looked at the + sun. + </p> + <p> + “If the professor had not dropped the compass, we could find our + bearings,” he sighed. + </p> + <p> + Johnston pointed upward. Thin clouds were floating above them. “We are + almost down,” he said, and as they looked over the sides of the car they + saw the reflection of the sun on the bosom of the ocean, and, a moment + later, they caught sight of the blue billows rising and falling. + </p> + <p> + “I see something that looks like an island,” observed Thorndyke, looking + in the direction toward which the balloon seemed to be drifting. “It is + dark and is surrounded by light. It is far away, but we may reach it if we + do not descend too rapidly.” + </p> + <p> + “Throw out the last bag of sand,” suggested the American, “we need it as + little now as we ever shall.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke cut the bag with his knife and watched the sand filter through + the bottom of the basket and trail along in a graceful stream behind the + balloon. The great flabby bag overhead steadied itself, rose slightly and + drifted on toward the dark spot on the vast expanse of sunlit water. They + could now clearly see that it was a small island, not more than a mile in + circumference. + </p> + <p> + “How far is it?” asked Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “About two miles,” answered the American laconically, “it is a chance for + us, but a slim one.” + </p> + <p> + The balloon gradually sank. For twenty minutes the car glided along not + more than two hundred feet above the waves. The island was now quite near. + It was a barren mound of stone, worn into gullies and sharp precipices by + the action of the waves and rain. Hardly a tree or a shrub was in sight. + </p> + <p> + “It looks like the rocky crown of a great stone mountain hidden in the + ocean,” said the Englishman; “half a mile to the shore, a hundred feet to + the water; at this rate of speed the wind would smash us against those + rocks like a couple of bird's eggs dropped from the clouds. We must fall + into the water and swim ashore. There is no use trying to save the + balloon.” + </p> + <p> + “We had better be about it, then,” said Johnston, rising stiffly and + holding to the ropes. “If we should go down in the water with the balloon + we would get tangled in the ropes and get asphyxiated with the gas. We had + better hang down under the basket and let go at exactly the same time.” + </p> + <p> + The water was not more than forty feet beneath, and the island was getting + nearer every instant. The two aeronauts swung over on opposite sides of + the car and, face to face, hung by their hands beneath. + </p> + <p> + “I dread the plunge,” muttered Thorndyke; “I feel as weak as a sick + kitten; I am not sure that I can swim that distance, but the water looks + still enough.” + </p> + <p> + “I am played out too,” grunted the American, red in the face; “but it + looks like our only chance. Ugh! she made a big dip then. We'd better let + go. I'll count three, and three is the signal. Now ready. One, two, + three!” + </p> + <p> + Down shot the balloonists and up bounded the great liberated bag of gas; + the basket and dangling ropes swung wildly from side to side. The + aeronauts touched the water feet foremost at the same instant, and in half + a minute they rose, not ten feet apart. + </p> + <p> + “Now for it,” sputtered Johnston, shaking his bushy head like a swimming + dog. “Look, the shore is not very far.” Thorndyke was saving his wind, and + said nothing, but accommodated his stroke to that of his companion, and + thus they breasted the gently-rolling billows until finally, completely + exhausted, they climbed up the shelving rocks and lay down in the warm + sunshine. + </p> + <p> + “Not a very encouraging outlook,” said Johnston, rising when his clothing + was dry and climbing a slight elevation. “There is nothing in sight except + a waste of stone. Let's go up to that point and look around.” + </p> + <p> + The ascent was exceedingly trying, for the incline was steep and it was at + times difficult to get a firm footing. But they were repaid for the + exertion, for they had reached the highest point of the island and could + see all over it. As far as their vision reached there was nothing beyond + the little island except the glistening waves that reached out till they + met the sky in all directions. High up in the clouds they saw the balloon, + now steadily drifting with the wind toward the south. + </p> + <p> + “We might as well be dead and done with it,” grumbled Thorndyke. “Ships + are not apt to approach this isolated spot, and even if they did, how + could we give a signal of distress?” + </p> + <p> + Johnston stroked his dark beard thoughtfully, then he pointed toward the + shore. + </p> + <p> + “There are some driftwood and seaweed,” he said; “with my sun-glass I can + soon have a bonfire.” He took a piece of punk from a waterproof box that + he carried in his pocket and focussed the sun's rays on it. “Run down and + bring me an armful of dry seaweed and wood,” he added, intent on his work. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke clambered down to the shore, and in a few minutes returned with + an armful of fuel. Johnston was blowing his punk into a flame, and in a + moment had a blazing fire. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” approved the Englishman, rubbing his hands together over the + flames. “We'll keep it burning and it may do some good.” Then a smile of + satisfaction came over his face as he began to take some clams from his + pockets. “Plenty of these fellows down there, and they are as fat and + juicy as can be. Hurry up and let's bake them. I'm as hungry as a bear. + There is a fine spring of fresh water below, too, so we won't die of + thirst.” + </p> + <p> + They baked the clams and ate them heartily, and then went down to the + spring near the shore. The water was deliciously cool and invigorating. + The sun sank into the quiet ocean and night crept on. The stars came out + slowly, and the moon rose full and red from the waves, adding its beams to + the flickering light of the fire on the hill-top. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose we take a walk all round on the beach,” proposed the Englishman; + “there is no telling what we may find; we may run on something that has + drifted ashore from some wrecked ship.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston consented. They had encompassed the entire island, which was oval + in shape, and were about to ascend to the rock to put fresh fuel on the + fire before lying down to sleep for the night, when Thorndyke noticed a + road that had evidently been worn in the rock by human footsteps. + </p> + <p> + “Made by feet,” he said, bending down and looking closely at the rock and + raking up a handful of white sand, “but whether the feet of savage or + civilized mortal I can't make out.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston was a few yards ahead of him and stooped to pick up something + glittering in the moonlight. It was a tap from the heel of a shoe and was + of solid silver. + </p> + <p> + “Civilized,” he said, holding it out to his companion; “and of the very + highest order of civilization. Whoever heard of people rich enough to wear + silver heel-taps.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure it is silver?” asked the Englishman, examining it closely. + </p> + <p> + “Pure and unalloyed; see how the stone has cut into it, and feel its + weight.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, I believe,” returned Thorndyke, as Johnston put the + strange trophy into his pocket-book, and the two adventurers paused a + moment and looked mutely into each other's eyes. + </p> + <p> + “We haven't the faintest idea of where we are,” said Johnston, his tone + showing that he was becoming more despondent. “We don't know how long we + were unconscious in the balloon, nor where we were taken in the storm. We + may now be in the very centre of the North Polar sea—this knob may + be the very pivot on which this end of the earth revolves.” + </p> + <p> + The Englishman laughed. “No danger; the sun is too natural. From the poles + it would look different.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't mean the old sun that you read so much about, and that they make + so much racket over at home, but another of which we are the original + discoverer—a sun that isn't in old Sol's beat at all, but one that + revolves round the earth from north to south and dips in once a day at the + north and the south poles. See?” + </p> + <p> + The Englishman laughed heartily and slapped his friend on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “I think we are somewhere in the Atlantic; but your finding that heel-tap + does puzzle me.” + </p> + <p> + “We are going to have an adventure, beside which all others of our lives + will pale into insignificance. I feel it in my bones. See how evenly this + road has been worn and it is leading toward the centre of the island.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes the two adventurers came to a point in the road where + tall cliffs on either side stood up perpendicularly. It was dark and cold, + and but a faint light from the moon shone down to them. + </p> + <p> + “I don't like this,” said Johnston, who was behind the Englishman; “we may + be walking into the ambush of an enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw!” and Thorndyke plunged on into the gloomy passage. Presently the + walls began to widen like a letter “Y” and in a great open space they saw + a placid lake on the bosom of which the moon was shining. On all sides the + towering walls rose for hundreds of feet. Speechless with wonder and with + quickly-beating hearts they stumbled forward over the uneven road till + they reached the shore of the lake. The water was so clear and still that + the moon and stars were reflected in it as if in a great mirror. + </p> + <p> + “Look at that!” exclaimed Thorndyke, pointing down into the depths, “what + can that be?” + </p> + <p> + Johnston followed Thorndyke's finger with his eyes. At first he thought + that it was a comet moving across the sky and reflected in the water; but, + on glancing above, he saw his mistake. It looked, at first, like a great + ball of fire rolling along the bottom of the lake with a stream of flame + in its wake. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II. + </h2> + <p> + The two men watched it for several minutes; all the time it seemed to be + growing larger and brighter till, after a while, they saw that the light + came from something shaped like a ship, sharp at both ends, and covered + with oval glass. As it slowly rose to the surface they saw that it + contained five or six men, sitting in easy chairs and reclining on + luxurious divans. One of them sat at a sort of pilot-wheel and was + directing the course of the strange craft, which was moving as gracefully + as a great fish. + </p> + <p> + Then the young men saw the man at the pilot-wheel raise his hand, and from + the water came the musical notes of a great bell. The vessel stopped, and + one of the men sprang up and raised an instrument that looked like a + telescope to his eyes. With this he seemed to be closely searching the + lake shores, for he did not move for several minutes. Then he lowered the + instrument, and when the bell had rung again, the vessel rose slowly and + perpendicularly to the surface and glided to the shore within twenty yards + of where the adventurers stood. + </p> + <p> + “Could they have seen us?” whispered Thorndyke, drawing Johnston nearer + the side of the cliff. + </p> + <p> + “I think so; at all events, they are between us and the outlet; we may as + well make the best of it.” + </p> + <p> + The men, all except the pilot, landed, and a dazzling electric + search-light was turned on the spot where Thorndyke and Johnston stood. + For a moment they were so blinded that they could not see, and then they + heard footsteps, and, their eyes becoming accustomed to the light, they + found themselves surrounded by several men, very strangely clad. They all + wore long cloaks that covered them from head to foot and every man was + more than six feet in height and finely proportioned. One of them, who + seemed to be an officer in command, bowed politely. + </p> + <p> + “I am Captain Tradmos, gentlemen, in the king's service. It is my duty to + make you my prisoners. I must escort you to the palace of the king.” + </p> + <p> + “That's cool,” said Johnston, to conceal the discomfiture that he felt, + “we had no idea that you had a kingdom. We have tramped all over this + island, and you are the first signs of humanity we have met.” + </p> + <p> + He would have recalled his words before he had finished speaking, if he + could have done so, for he saw by the manner of the captain that he had + been over bold. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me,” answered the officer curtly, and with a motion of his hand to + his men he turned toward the odd-looking vessel. + </p> + <p> + The two adventurers obeyed, and the cloaked men fell in behind them. + Neither Johnston nor Thorndyke had ever seen anything like the peculiar + boat that was moored to the rocky shore. It was about forty feet in + length, had a hull shaped like a racing yacht, but which was made of black + rubber inflated with air. It was covered with glass, save for a doorway + about six feet high and three feet wide in the side, and looked like a + great oblong bubble floating on the still dark water. As they approached + the searchlight was extinguished, and they were enabled to see the boat to + a better advantage by the aid of the electric lights that illuminated the + interior. It was with feelings of awe that the two adventurers followed + the captain across the gang-plank into the vessel. + </p> + <p> + The electric light was brilliantly white, and in various places pink, red + and light-blue screens mellowed it into an artistic effect that was very + soothing to the eye. The ceiling was hung with festoons of prisms as + brilliant as the purest diamonds, and in them, owing to the gently + undulatory movement of the vessel, colors more beautiful than those of a + rainbow played entrancingly. Rare pictures in frames of delicate gold were + interspersed among the clusters of prisms, and the floor was covered with + carpets that felt as soft beneath the foot as pillows of eider-down. + </p> + <p> + As he entered the door the officer threw off his gray cloak, and his men + did likewise, disclosing to view the finest uniforms the prisoners had + ever seen. Captain Tradmos's legs were clothed in tights of light-blue + silk, and he wore a blue sack-coat of silk plush and a belt of pliant + gold, the buckles of which were ornamented with brilliant gems. His eyes + were dark and penetrating, and his black hair lay in glossy masses on his + shoulders. He had the head of an Apollo and a brow indicative of the + highest intellect. + </p> + <p> + Leaving his men in the first room that they entered, he gracefully + conducted his prisoners through another room to a small cabin in the stern + of the boat, and told them to make themselves comfortable on the luxurious + couches that lined the circular glass walls. + </p> + <p> + “Our journey will be of considerable length,” he said, “and as you are no + doubt fatigued, you had better take all the rest you can get. I see that + you need food and have ordered a repast which will refresh you.” As he + concluded he touched a button in the wall and instantly a table, laden + with substantial food, rare delicacies and wines, rose through a trap-door + in the floor. He smiled at the expressions of surprise on their faces and + touched a green bottle of wine with his white tapering hand. + </p> + <p> + “The greater part of our journey will be under water, and our wines are + specially prepared to render us capable of subsisting on a rather limited + quantity of air during the voyage, so I advise you to partake of them + freely; you will find them very agreeable to the taste.” + </p> + <p> + “We are very grateful,” bowed Thorndyke, from his seat on a couch. “I am + sure no prisoners were ever more graciously or royally entertained. To be + your prisoner is a pleasure to be remembered.” + </p> + <p> + “Till our heads are cut off, anyway,” put in the irrepressible American. + </p> + <p> + Tradmos smiled good-humoredly. + </p> + <p> + “I shall leave you now,” he said, and with a bow he withdrew. + </p> + <p> + “This is an adventure in earnest,” whispered Johnston; “my stars! what can + they intend to do with us?” + </p> + <p> + “One of the first things will be to take us down to the bottom of this + lake where we saw them awhile ago, and I don't fancy it at all; what if + this blasted glass-case should burst? We may have dropped into a den of + outlaws on a gigantic scale, and it may be necessary to put us out of the + way to keep our mouths closed.” + </p> + <p> + “I am hungry, and am going to eat,” said the American, drawing a cushioned + stool up to the table. “Here goes for some of the wine; remember, it is a + sort of breath-restorer. I am curious enough not to want to collapse till + I have seen this thing through. He said something about a palace and a + king. Where can we be going?” + </p> + <p> + “Down into the centre of the earth, possibly,” and the handsome Englishman + moved a stool to the table and took the glass of green-colored wine that + Johnston pushed toward him. “Some scientists hold that the earth is filled + with water instead of fire. Who knows where this blamed thing may not take + us? Here is to a safe return from the amphibious land!” + </p> + <p> + Both drank their wine simultaneously, lowered their glasses at the same + instant, and gazed into each other's eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever taste such liquor?” asked Thorndyke, “it seems to run like + streams of fire through every vein I have.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston shook his head mutely, and held the sparkling effervescing fluid + between him and the light. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! take it down,” cried the Englishman, “it throws a green color on + your face that makes you look like a corpse.” Johnston clinked the glass + against that of his companion and they drained the glasses. “Hush, what + was that?” asked Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + There was a sound like boiling water outside and as if air were being + pumped out of some receptacle, and the vessel began to move up and down in + a lithe sort of fashion and to bend tortuously from side to side like a + great sluggish fish. Through the partitions of glass they saw one of the + men closing the door, and in a moment the vessel glided away from the + shore. The men all sank into easy positions on the couches, and delightful + music as soft as an Aeolian lyre seemed to be breathed from the walls and + floor. Then the music seemed to die away and a bell down in the vessel's + hull rang. + </p> + <p> + “We are in the middle of the lake,” said Thorndyke, looking through the + glass toward the black cliffy shore; “the next thing will be our descent. + I wonder——” + </p> + <p> + But he was unable to proceed, and Johnston noticed in alarm that his eyes + were slightly protruding from their sockets. The air seemed suddenly to + become more compact as if compressed, and the water was set into such + violent commotion that it was dashed against the glass sides in billows as + white as snow. Then Johnston found that he could not breathe freely, and + he understood the trouble of the Englishman. + </p> + <p> + Captain Tradmos came suddenly to the door. He was smiling as he motioned + toward the wines on the table. + </p> + <p> + “You had better drink more of the wine,” he advised sententiously. + </p> + <p> + Both of the captives rushed to the table. The instant they had swallowed + the wine they felt relieved, but were still weak. The captain bowed and + went away. Thorndyke's hand trembled as he refilled his friend's glass. “I + thought I was gone up,” he said, “I never had such a choky sensation in my + life; you are still purple in the face.” + </p> + <p> + “Eat of what is before you,” said the captain, looking in at the door; + “you cannot stand the increasing pressure unless you do.” + </p> + <p> + They needed no second invitation, for they were half-famished. The fish + and meat were delicious, and the bread was delightfully sweet. + </p> + <p> + “Look outside!” cried Johnston. The water was now still, but it was + gradually rising up the sides of the boat, and in a moment it had closed + over the crystal roof. Both of the captives were conscious of a heavy + sensation in the head and a dull roaring in the ears. Down they went, at + first slowly and then more rapidly, till it seemed to them that they had + descended over a thousand feet. Great monsters like whales swam to the + vessel, as if attracted by the lights, and their massive bodies jarred + against the glass walls as they turned to swim away. They sank about five + hundred feet lower; and all at once the lights went out, and the boat + gradually stopped. + </p> + <p> + It was at once so dark that the two captives could not see each other, + though only the width of the table separated them. Everything was + profoundly still; not a sound came from the men in the other rooms. + Presently Thorndyke whispered, “Look, do you see that red light overhead?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Johnston, “it looks like a star.” + </p> + <p> + “It is our bonfire,” said Thorndyke, “that's what betrayed us.” + </p> + <p> + Again the vessel began to sink, and more rapidly than ever; indeed, as + Thorndyke expressed it, he had the cool feeling that nervous people + experience in going down quickly in an elevator. + </p> + <p> + “If we go any lower,” he added, as the great rubber hull seemed to + struggle like some living monster, “the sides of this thing will collapse + like an egg-shell and we will be as flat as pancakes.” + </p> + <p> + “You need not fear, we have much lower to go!” It was the captain's voice, + but they could not tell from whence it came. Then they heard again the + seductive music, and it was so soothing that they soon fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + They had no idea how long they had slept, but they were awakened by the + ringing of a bell and felt the vessel was coming to a stop. They were + still far beneath the surface; indeed, the boat was resting on the bottom, + for in the light of two or three powerful search-lights they saw a wide + succession of submerged hills, vales, and rugged cliffs. Before them was a + great mountain-side and in it they saw the mouth of a dark tunnel. They + had scarcely noticed it before the vessel rose a little and glided toward + the tunnel and entered it. Through the glass walls they could see that it + was narrow, and that the ragged sides and roof were barely far enough + apart to admit them. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly one of the men came in and drew a curtain down behind them, and, + with a vexed look on his face retired. + </p> + <p> + When he was gone Johnston put his lips close to Thorndyke's ear and + whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Did you see that?” + </p> + <p> + “See what?” + </p> + <p> + “Just as he drew the curtain down I saw what looked to me like a cliff of + solid gold. It had been dug out into a cavern in which I saw a vessel like + this, and men in diving suits digging and loading it.” + </p> + <p> + This took the Englishman's breath away for a moment, then he remarked: + “That accounts for the heel-tap we found; who knows, these people may be + possessors of the richest gold and silver mines on earth.” + </p> + <p> + The bell rang again. “We are rising,” said Johnston. “If this is the only + way of reaching the king's domain, we could never get back to civilization + unless they release us of their own accord, that's certain!” + </p> + <p> + “Heavens, isn't it still!” exclaimed the Englishman. “The machinery of + this thing moves as noiselessly as the backbone of an eel. I wish I could + understand its works.” + </p> + <p> + “I am more concerned about where we are going. I tell you we are being + taken to some wonderful place. People who can construct such marvels of + mechanical skill as this boat will not be behind in other things; then + look at the physiques of those giants.” + </p> + <p> + Just then the man who had drawn down the shade came in and raised it. Both + the captives pretended to be uninterested in his movements, but when he + had withdrawn they looked through the glass eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “See,” whispered Thorndyke, in the ear of his companion, “the walls are + close to us, and are as perpendicular as those of the lake in which they + found us.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston said nothing. His attention was riveted to the walls of rock; the + vessel was rising rapidly. An hour passed. The soft music had ceased, and + the air seemed less dense and fresher. Then the waters suddenly parted + over the roof and ran in crystal streams down the oval glass. + </p> + <p> + They were on the surface, and the vessel was slowly gliding toward the + shore which could not be seen owing to there now being no light except + that inside the boat. Captain Tradmos entered, followed by two of his men + holding black silken bandages. + </p> + <p> + “We must blindfold you,” he said; “captives are not allowed to see the + entrance to our kingdom.” + </p> + <p> + Without a word they submitted. + </p> + <p> + “This way,” said the captain kindly, and, holding to an arm of each, he + piloted them out of the vessel to the shore. Then he led them through what + they imagined to be a long stone corridor or arcade from the ringing + echoes of their feet on the stone pavement. Presently they came to what + seemed to be an elevator, for when they had entered it and sat down, they + heard a metallic door slide back into its place, and they descended + quickly. + </p> + <p> + They could form no idea as to the distance they went down; but Thorndyke + declared afterward that it was over ten thousand feet. When the elevator + stopped Captain Tradmos led them out, and both of the captives were + conscious of breathing the purest, most invigorating air they had ever + inhaled. Instantly their strength returned, and they felt remarkably + buoyant as they were led along over another pavement of polished stone. + </p> + <p> + Tradmos laughed. “You like the atmosphere?” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard of anything like it,” said Thorndyke. “It is so delightful + I can almost taste it.” + </p> + <p> + “It was that which made Alpha what it is—the most wonderful country + in the universe,” said the officer. “There is much in store for you.” + </p> + <p> + The ears of the two captives were greeted by a vague, indefinable hum, + like and yet unlike that of a busy city. It was like many far-off sounds + carefully muffled. Now and then they heard human voices, laughter, and + singing in the distance, and the twanging of musical instruments. + </p> + <p> + Then they knew that they were entering a building of some sort, for they + heard a key turn in a lock and the humming sound in the distance was cut + off. They felt a soft carpet under their feet, and the feet of their + guards no longer clinked on the stones. + </p> + <p> + When the bandages were removed they found themselves in a sumptuous + chamber, alone with the captain. The brilliant light from a + quaintly-shaped candelabrum, in the centre of the chamber, dazzled them, + but in a few minutes their eyes had become accustomed to it. + </p> + <p> + Tradmos seemed to be enjoying the looks of astonishment on their faces as + they glanced at the different objects in the room. + </p> + <p> + “It is night,” he said smilingly. “You need rest after your voyage. Lie + down on the beds and sleep. To-morrow you will be conducted to the palace + of the king.” + </p> + <p> + With a bow he withdrew, and they heard a massive bolt slide into the + socket of a door hidden behind a curtain. The two men gazed at each other + without speaking, for a moment, and then they began to inspect the room. + </p> + <p> + In alcoves half-veiled with silken curtains stood statues in gold and + bronze. The walls and ceilings were decorated with pictures unlike any + they had ever seen. Before one, the picture of an angel flying through a + dark, star-filled sky, they both stood enchanted. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Thorndyke, finding voice finally. “It is not done with + brush or pencil; the features seem alive and, by Jove, you can actually + see it breathe. Don't you see the clouds gliding by, and the wings + moving?” + </p> + <p> + “It is light—it is formed by light!” declared the other + enthusiastically, and he ran to the wall, about six feet from the picture, + and put his hand on a square metal box screwed to the wall. + </p> + <p> + “I have it,” he said quickly, “come here!” + </p> + <p> + The Englishman advanced curiously and examined the box. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you see that tiny speck of light in the side towards the picture? + Well, the view is thrown from this box on the wall, and it is the motion + of the powerful light that gives apparent life to the angel. It is + wonderful.” + </p> + <p> + In a commodious alcove, in a glow of pink light from above, was a + life-sized group of musicians—statues in colored metal of a Spanish + girl playing a mandora, an Italian with a slender calascione, a Russian + playing his jorbon, and an African playing a banjo. Luxurious couches hung + by spiral springs from the ceiling to a convenient height from the floor, + and here and there lay rugs of rare beauty and great ottomans of artistic + designs and colors. + </p> + <p> + “We ought to go to bed,” proposed Thorndyke; “we shall have plenty of time + to see this Aladdin's land before we get away from it.” + </p> + <p> + There were two large downy beds on quaintly wrought bedsteads of brass, + but the two captives decided to sleep together. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke was the first to awaken. The lights in the candelabrum were out, + but a gray light came in at the top and bottom of the window. He rose and + drew the heavy curtain of one of the windows aside. He shrank back in + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III. + </h2> + <p> + “What is it, Thorndyke? What are you looking at?” And the American slowly + left the bed and approached his friend. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke only held the curtain further back and watched Johnston's face + as he looked through the wide plate-glass window. + </p> + <p> + “My gracious!” ejaculated the latter as he drew nearer. It was a wondrous + scene. The building in which they were imprisoned stood on a gentle hill + clad in luxuriant, smoothly-cut grass and ornamented with beautiful + flowers and plants; and below lay a splendid city—a city built on + undulating ground with innumerable grand structures of white marble, with + turrets, domes and pinnacles of gold. Wide streets paved in polished stone + and bordered with lush-green grass interspersed with statues and beds and + mounds of strange plants and flowers stretched away in front of them till + they were lost in the dim, misty distance. Parks filled with pavilions, + pleasure-lakes, fountains and tortuous drives and walks, dotted the + landscape in all directions. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke's breath had clouded the glass of the window, and he rubbed it + with his handkerchief. As he did so the sash slowly, and without a + particle of sound, slid to one side, disclosing a narrow balcony outside. + It had a graceful balustrade, made of carved red-and-white mottled marble, + and on the end of the balcony facing the city sat a great gold and silver + jug, ten feet high, of rare design. The spout was formed by the body of a + dragon with wings extended; the handle was a serpent with the extremity of + its tail coiled around the neck of the jug. + </p> + <p> + The air that came in at the window was fresh and dewy, and laden with the + most entrancing odors. Thorndyke led the way out, treading very gently at + first. Johnston followed him, too much surprised to make any comment. From + this position, their view to the left round the corner of the building was + widened, and new wonders appeared on every hand. + </p> + <p> + Over the polished stone pavements strange vehicles ran noiselessly, as if + the wheels had cushioned tires, and the streets were crowded with an + active, strangely-clad populace. + </p> + <p> + “Look at that!” exclaimed the American, and from a street corner they saw + a queer-looking machine, carrying half-a-dozen passengers, rise like a + bird with wings outspread and fly away toward the east. They watched it + till it disappeared in the distance. + </p> + <p> + “We are indeed in wonderland,” said the Englishman; “I can't make head nor + tail of it. We were on an isolated island, the Lord only knows where, and + have suddenly been transported to a new world!” + </p> + <p> + “I can't feel at all as if we were in the world we were born in,” returned + Johnston. “I feel strange.” + </p> + <p> + “The wine,” suggested the Englishman, “you know it did wonders for us in + that subwater thing.” + </p> + <p> + “No; the wine has nothing to do with it. My head never was clearer. The + very atmosphere is peculiar. The air is invigorating, and I can't get + enough of it.” + </p> + <p> + “That is exactly the way I feel,” was Thorndyke's answer. + </p> + <p> + “Look at the sunlight,” went on Johnston; “it is gray like our dawn, but + see how transparent it is. You can look through it for miles and miles. It + is becoming pink in the east, the sun will soon be up, and I am curious to + see it.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be up now, but we cannot see it for the hills and buildings. My + goodness, see that!” and the Englishman pointed to the east. A flood of + delicate pink light was now pouring into the vast body of gray and was + slowly driving the more sombre color toward the west. The line of + separation was marked—so marked, indeed, that it seemed a vast, + rose-colored billow rolling, widening and sweeping onward like a swell of + the ocean shoreward. On it came rapidly, till the whole landscape was + magically changed. The flowers, the trees, the grass, the waters of the + lakes, the white buildings, the costumes of the people in the streets, + even the sky, changed in aspect. The white clouds looked like fire-lit + smoke, and far toward the west rolled the long line of pink still + struggling with the gray and driving it back. + </p> + <p> + The sun now came into sight, a great bleeding ball of fire slowly rising + above the gilded roofs in the distance. + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, look at our shadows!” exclaimed Johnston, and both men gazed at + the balcony floor in amazement; their shadows were as clearly defined and + black as silhouettes. “How do you account for that?” continued the + American, “I am firmly convinced that this sun is not the orb that shines + over my native land.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke laughed, but his laugh was forced. “How absurd! and yet—” + He extended his hand over the balustrade into the rosy glow, and without + concluding his remark held it back into the shadow of the window-casement. + “By Jove!” he exclaimed; “there is not a particle of warmth in it. It is + exactly the same temperature in the shade as in the light.” He moved back + against the wall. “No; there is no difference; the blamed thing doesn't + give out any warmth.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston's hands were extended in the light. “I believe you are right,” he + declared in awe, “something is wrong.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment appeared from the room behind them a handsome youth, + attired in a suit of scarlet silk that fitted his athletic figure + perfectly. He rapped softly on the window-casement and bowed when they + turned. + </p> + <p> + “Your breakfast is waiting for you,” he announced. They followed him into + a room adjoining the one they had occupied, and found a table holding a + sumptuous repast. The boy gave them seats and handed them golden plates to + eat upon. The fruits, wine and meats were very appetizing, and they ate + with relish. + </p> + <p> + “I believe we are to be conducted to the palace of your king to-morrow,” + ventured the Englishman to the boy. + </p> + <p> + The boy shook his head, but made no reply, and busied himself with + removing the dishes. As they were rising from the table, they heard + footsteps in the hall outside. The door opened. It was Captain Tradmos, + and he was accompanied by a tall, bearded man with a leather case under + his arm. + </p> + <p> + “You must undergo a medical examination,” the captain said smilingly. “It + is our invariable custom, but this is by a special order from the king.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston shuddered as he looked at the odd-looking instruments the medical + man was taking from the case, but Thorndyke watched his movements with + phlegmatic indifference. He stood erect; threw back his shoulders; + expanded his massive chest and struck it with his clenched fist in + pantomimic boastfulness. + </p> + <p> + Tradmos smiled genially; but there was something curt and official in his + tone when he next spoke that took the Englishman slightly aback. “You must + bare your breast over your heart and lungs,” he said; and while Thorndyke + was unbuttoning his shirt, he and the medical man went to the door and + brought into the room a great golden bell hanging in a metallic frame. + </p> + <p> + The bell was so thin and sensitive to the slightest jar or movement that, + although it had been handled with extreme care, the captives could see + that it was vibrating considerably, and the room was filled with a low + metallic sound that not only affected the ear of the hearer but set every + nerve to tingling. The medical man stopped the sound by laying his hand + upon the bell. To a tube in the top of the bell he fastened one end of a + rubber pipe; the other end was finished with a silver device shaped like + the mouth-piece of a speaking tube. This he firmly pressed over the + Englishman's heart. Thorndyke winced and bit his lip, for the strange + thing took hold of his flesh with the tenacity of a powerful suction-pump. + </p> + <p> + “Ouch!” he exclaimed playfully, but Johnston saw that he had turned pale, + and that his face was drawn as if from pain. + </p> + <p> + “Hold still!” ordered the medical man; “it will be over in a minute; now, + be perfectly quiet and listen to the bell!” + </p> + <p> + The Englishman stood motionless, the sinews of his neck drawn and knotted, + his eyes starting from their sockets. Thorndyke felt the rubber tube + quiver suddenly and writhe with the slow energy of a dying snake, and then + from the quivering bell came a low, gurgling sound like a stream of water + being forced backward and forward. + </p> + <p> + Tradmos and the medical man stepped to the bell and inspected a small dial + on its top. + </p> + <p> + “What was that?” gasped the Englishman, purple in the face. + </p> + <p> + “The sound of your blood,” answered Tradmos, as he removed the instrument + from Thorndyke's flesh; “it is as regular as mine; you are very lucky; you + are slightly fatigued, but you will be sound in a day or two.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” replied the Englishman, but he sank into a chair, overcome + with weakness. + </p> + <p> + “Now, I'll take you, please,” said the medical man, motioning Johnston to + rise. + </p> + <p> + “I am slightly nervous,” apologized the latter, as he stood up and + awkwardly fumbled the buttons of his coat. + </p> + <p> + “Nervousness is a mental disease,” said the man, with professional + brusqueness; “it has nothing to do with the body except to dominate it at + times. If you pass your examination you may live to overcome it.” + </p> + <p> + The American looked furtively at Thorndyke, but the head of the Englishman + had sunk on his breast and he seemed to be asleep. Johnston had never felt + so lonely and forsaken in his life. From his childhood he had entertained + a secret fear that he had inherited heart disease, and like Maupassant's + “Coward,” who committed suicide rather than meet a man in a duel, he had + tried in vain to get away from the horrible, ever-present thought by + plunging into perilous adventures. + </p> + <p> + At that moment he felt that he would rather die than know the worst from + the uncanny instrument that had just tortured his strong comrade till he + was overcome with exhaustion. + </p> + <p> + “I never felt better in my life,” he said falteringly, but it seemed to + him that every nerve and muscle in his frame was withering through fear. + His tongue felt clumsy and thick and his knees were quivering as with + ague. + </p> + <p> + “Stand still,” ordered the physician sternly, and Johnston was further + humiliated by having Tradmos sympathetically catch hold of his arm to + steady him. + </p> + <p> + “Your people are far advanced in the sciences,” went on the physician + coldly, “but there are only a few out of their number who know that the + mind governs the body and that fear is its prime enemy. Five minutes ago + you were eating heartily and had your share of physical strength, and yet + the mere thought that you are now to know the actual condition of your + most vital organ has made you as weak as an infant. If you kept up this + state of mind for a month it would kill you. + </p> + <p> + “Now listen,” he went on, as the instrument gripped Johnston's flesh and + the rubber tube began to twist and move as if charged with electricity. + The American held his breath. A sound as of water being forced through + channels that were choked, mingled with a wheezing sound like wind + escaping from a broken bellows came from the bell. + </p> + <p> + “Your frame is all right,” said the medical man, as he released the + trembling American, “but you have long believed in the weakness of your + heart and it has, on that account, become so. You must banish all fear + from your thoughts. You perhaps know that we have a place specially + prepared for those who are not physically sound. I am sorry that you do + not stand a better examination.” + </p> + <p> + Tradmos regarded the American with a look of sympathy as he gave him a + chair and then rang a bell on the table. Thorndyke looked up sleepily, as + an attendant entered with a couple of parcels, and glanced wonderingly at + his friend's white face and bloodshot eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter?” he asked; but Johnston made no reply, for the captain + had opened the parcels and taken out two suits of silken clothing. + </p> + <p> + “Put them on,” he said, giving a suit of gray to Johnston and one of light + blue to Thorndyke. “We shall leave you to change your attire, and I shall + soon come for you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV. + </h2> + <p> + In a few minutes the captain returned and found his prisoners ready to go + with him. Thorndyke looked exceedingly handsome in his glossy tights, + close-fitting sack-coat, tinsel belt and low shoes with buckles of gold. + The natural color had come back into his cheeks, and he was exhilarated + over the prospect of further adventure. + </p> + <p> + It was not so, however, with poor Johnston; his spirits had been so + dampened by the physician's words that he could not rally from his + despondency. His suit fitted his figure as well as that of the Englishman, + but he could not wear it with the same hopeful grace. + </p> + <p> + “Cheer up!” whispered Thorndyke, as they followed the captain through a + long corridor, “if we are on our way to the stake or block we are at least + going dressed like gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + Outside they found the streets lined with spectators eagerly waiting to + see them pass. The men all had suits like those which had been given the + captives, and the women wore flowing gowns like those of ancient Greece. + </p> + <p> + “These are the common people,” whispered Thorndyke to Johnston, “but did + you ever dream of such perfect features and physiques? Every face is full + of merriment and good cheer. I am curious to see the royalty.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston made no reply, for Captain Tradmos turned suddenly and faced + them. + </p> + <p> + “Stand here till I return,” he said, and he went back into the house. + </p> + <p> + “Where in the deuce do you think we are?” pursued Thorndyke with a grim + smile. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't the slightest idea,” sighed Johnston, and he shuddered as he + looked down the long white street with its borders of human faces. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke was observant. + </p> + <p> + “There is not a breath of air stirring,” he said; “and yet the atmosphere + is like impalpable delicacies to a hungry man's stomach. Look at that big + tree, not a leaf is moving, and yet every breath I draw is as fresh as if + it came from a mountain-top. Did you ever see such flowers as those? Look + at that ocean of orchids.” + </p> + <p> + “They think we are a regular monkey-show,” grumbled the American. “Look + how the crowd is gaping and shoving and fighting for places to see us.” + </p> + <p> + “It's your legs they want to behold, old fellow. Do you know I never knew + you had such knotty knee-joints; did you ever have rheumatism? I wish I + had 'em; they wouldn't put me to death—they would make me the chief + attraction in the royal museum.” Thorndyke concluded his jest with a + laugh, but the face of his friend did not brighten. + </p> + <p> + “You bet that medical examination meant something serious,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Pooh!” and the Englishman slapped his friend playfully on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Since I have seen that vast crowd of well-developed people, and remember + what that medicine man said, I have made up my mind that we are going to + be separated.” Poor Johnston's lip was quivering. + </p> + <p> + “Rubbish! but there comes the captain; put on a bold front; talk up New + York; tell 'em about Chicago and the Fair, and ask to be allowed to ride + in their Ferris Wheel—if they ain't got no wheel, ask 'em when the + first train leaves town.” + </p> + <p> + “This is no time for jokes,” growled Johnston, as Tradmos returned. + Tradmos motioned to something that in the distance looked like a carriage, + but which turned out to be a flying machine. It rose gracefully and glided + over the ground and settled at their feet. It was large enough to seat a + dozen people, and there was a little glass-windowed compartment at the end + in which they could see “the driver,” as he was termed by Tradmos. The + mysterious machinery was hidden in the woodwork overhead and beneath. + </p> + <p> + “Get in,” said the captain, and the door flew open as if of its own + accord. Thorndyke went in first and was followed by the moody American. + “Let up on the ague,” jested Thorndyke, nudging his friend with his elbow; + “if you keep on quivering like that you may shake the thing loose from its + moorings and we'd never know what became of us.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston scowled, and the officer, who had overheard the remark, smiled as + he leaned toward the window and gave some directions to the man in the + other compartment. + </p> + <p> + “You both take it rather coolly,” he remarked to Thorndyke. “I took a man + and a woman over this route several years ago and both of them were in a + dead faint; but, in fact, you have nothing to fear. We never have + accidents.” + </p> + <p> + “It is as safe as a balloon, I suppose, and we are at home in them,” said + the Englishman, with just the hint of a swagger in his tone. + </p> + <p> + “But your balloons are poor, primitive things at best,” returned Tradmos + in his soft voice. “They can't be compared to this mode of travel, though, + of course, our machines would not operate in your atmosphere.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” impulsively asked the Englishman. “I thought——” + </p> + <p> + But he did not conclude his remark, for they were rising, and both he and + Johnston leaned apprehensively forward and looked out of one of the + windows. Down below the long lines of people were silently waving their + hats, scarfs and handkerchiefs as the machine swept along over their + heads. As they rose higher the scene below widened like a great circular + fan, and in the delicate roselight, the whole so appealed to Thorndyke's + artistic sense that he ejaculated: + </p> + <p> + “Glorious! Superb! Transcendent!” and he directed Johnston's attention to + the wonderful pinkish haze which lay over the view toward the west like a + vast diaphanous web of rosy sunbeams. + </p> + <p> + “You ask why our air-ships would not operate in your atmosphere,” said the + captain, showing pleasure at Thorndyke's enthusiasm. “It is simple enough + when you have studied the climatic differences between the two countries. + You have much to contend with—the winds, for instance, the heat and + cold, etc.; this is the only known country where the winds are subjugated. + I have never been in your world, but from what I have heard of it I am not + anxious to see it. Your atmosphere and climate are so changeable and so + diverse in different localities that I have heard your people spend much + of their time in seeking congenial climes. I think it was a man who came + from London that claimed he once had a cold—'a bad cold,' I think he + called it. It was a standing joke in the royal family for a long time, and + he heard so much about it that he tried to deny what he had said!” + </p> + <p> + Johnston glanced at the speaker non-plussed, but the captain was looking + at Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “Your climate is delightful here now,” said the Englishman; “is it so long + at a time?” + </p> + <p> + “Perpetually; it is regulated every moment, and every year we perfect it + in some way.” + </p> + <p> + “Perfect it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course, why not? If it ever fails to be up to the usual high + standard, it is owing to neglect of those in charge, and neglect is + punished severely.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke's eyes sought those of the American incredulously. Seeing which + Tradmos looked amused. + </p> + <p> + “You doubt it,” he smiled. “Well, wait till you have been here longer. The + fact is, any one born in our climate could not live in yours. The king + experimented on a man who claimed to have only one lung, but who had two + sound ones when he was cut open. Well, the king sent him to China, or + America, or some such place, and he wheezed himself to death in a week by + your clocks. The weather was too fickle for him. Our system has been + perfected to such an extent that we live four lives to your one, and our + fruits and vegetables are a hundred per cent. better than those in other + countries.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the name of your country?” asked Thorndyke, feeling that he was + not losing anything by his boldness. + </p> + <p> + “Alpha.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is it located?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know.” Tradmos looked out at the window for a moment as if to + ascertain that they were going in the right direction, then he fixed his + dark eyes on Thorndyke and asked hesitatingly:— + </p> + <p> + “I never thought—I—but do you know where your country is + located?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know where this one is. We are taught everything, I think, + except geography.” Nothing more was said for several minutes, then an + exclamation of admiration broke from the Englishman. The color of the + sunlight was changing. From east to west within the entire arc of their + observation rolled an endless billow of lavender light leaving a placid + sea of the same color behind it. On it swept, slowly driving back the pink + glow that had been over everything. + </p> + <p> + “I see you like our sunlight?” said Tradmos, half interrogatively. + </p> + <p> + “Never saw anything like it before.” + </p> + <p> + “Yours is, I think, the same color all day long.” + </p> + <p> + “Except on rainy days.” + </p> + <p> + “Must be a great bore, monotonous—too much sameness. It is white, is + it not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, rather—between white and yellow, I call it.” + </p> + <p> + “Something like our sixth hour, I suppose; this is the fourth hour of + morning. Then come blue, yellow, green, and at noon red. The afternoon is + divided up in the same way. The first hour is green, then follow yellow, + blue, lavender, rose, gray and purple. Yes, I should think you would find + yours somewhat tiresome.” + </p> + <p> + “We can rely on it,” said Johnston speaking for the first time and in a + wavering voice, “it is always there.” + </p> + <p> + “Doing business at the old stand,” laughed Thorndyke, attempting an + Americanism. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that is a comfort, anyway,” said the captain seriously. “In my time + they have had no solar trouble, but some of the old people tell horrible + tales of a period when our sun for several days did not shine at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Can it be possible?” said the Englishman dubiously. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; and the early settlers had a great deal of trouble in different + ways; but I am not at liberty to give you information on that head. It is + the king's special pleasure to have new-comers form their own impressions, + and he is particularly fond of noting their surprise, and, above all, + their approval. People usually come here of their own accord through the + influence of our secret force of agents all over the earth, but you were + brought because you happened to drop on our island and would have found + out too much for our good, and that red light you kept burning night and + day might have given us trouble. There is no telling how long you could + have kept alive on those clams.” + </p> + <p> + “We meant no offence,” apologized Thorndyke; “we——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know it, I was only explaining the situation,” interrupted the + officer. + </p> + <p> + “What is that bright spot to the right?” asked Thorndyke, to change the + subject. + </p> + <p> + “The king's palace; that is the dome. We shall soon be there. Now, I must + not talk to you any longer. Somebody may be watching us with glasses. I + have taken a liking to you, and some time, when I get the opportunity, I + shall give you some useful advice, but I must treat you very formally, at + least till you have had audience with the king.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said the Englishman, and Tradmos stood up in the car to watch + their progress through the circular glass of a little cupola on top. + Thorndyke smiled at Johnston, but the American was in no pleasant mood. + The indifference with which Tradmos had treated him had nettled him. + </p> + <p> + The machine was now slowly descending. A vast pile of white marble, with + many golden domes and spires, rose between them and the earth below. + </p> + <p> + “To the balcony on the central dome,” ordered Tradmos through the window + of the driver's compartment; and the adventurers felt the car sweep round + in a curve that threw them against each other, and the next moment they + had landed on a wide iron balcony encircling a great golden cone that + towered hundreds of feet above them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter V. + </h2> + <p> + “Follow me,” said the captain stiffly, for there were several guards in + white and gold uniforms pacing to and fro on the battlement-like walls. He + led the two adventurers through a door in the base of the dome. At first + they were dazed by a brilliant light from above, and looking up they + beheld a marvel of kaleidoscopic colors formed by a myriad of + electric-lighted prisms sloping gradually from the floor to the apex of + the dome. Thorndyke could compare it to nothing but a stupendous diamond, + the very heart of which the eye penetrated. + </p> + <p> + “Don't look at it now,” advised Tradmos, in an undertone; “it was + constructed to be seen from below, and to light the great rotunda.” + </p> + <p> + Mutely the captives obeyed. At every turn they were greeted with a new + wonder. The captain now led them round a narrow balcony on the inside of + the vast dome, and, looking over the railing down below, they saw a vast + tessellated pavement made of polished stones of various and brilliant + colors and so artistically arranged that, from where they stood, lifelike + pictures of landscapes seemed to rise to meet the vision wherever the eye + rested. Statues of white marble, gold and bronze were placed here and + there, and, in squares of living green, fountains threw up streams of + crystal water. Tradmos paused for them to look down and smiled at their + evident admiration. + </p> + <p> + “How far is it down there?” Thorndyke ventured to ask. + </p> + <p> + “Over a thousand feet,” replied Tradmos. “Look across opposite and you + will see that there are fifty floors beneath us, and each floor has a + balcony like this overlooking the court.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the sound that comes up from below?” asked the Englishman. + </p> + <p> + “It is the voices of the people and their footsteps on the stone.” + </p> + <p> + “What people?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you see them? Your eyes are dazzled by the light; I ought to have + warned you against looking up into the dome. The people are down there; do + the views in the pavement not look a little blurred?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you will look more closely you will see that it is a multitude + of people.” + </p> + <p> + “Great heavens!” exclaimed the Englishman, and he became deeply absorbed + in the contemplation of the rarest sight he had ever seen. As he looked + closely he noticed a black spot growing larger and nearer, and he glanced + inquiringly at the captain. + </p> + <p> + “It is an elevator. There are a great many of them used in the palace, but + none have happened to rise as high as this since we came. The one you see + is coming for us.” The next moment the strange vehicle was floating toward + them. The captain opened the door and preceded the captives into the + interior. + </p> + <p> + “The royal audience chamber,” he said, carelessly, to the driver behind + the glass of the adjoining compartment, and down they floated as lightly + as a bubble—down past balcony after balcony, laden with moving + throngs, until they alighted in a great conservatory. + </p> + <p> + Near them was a tall fountain the water of which was playing weird music + on great bells of glass, some of which hung in the fountain's stream and + others rose and fell, giving forth strange, submerged tones in the foaming + basin. + </p> + <p> + “It is a new invention recently placed here by the king's son who is a + musical genius,” explained Tradmos. “You will be astonished at some of his + inventions.” + </p> + <p> + He led them, as if to avoid the great crowds that they could now hear on + all sides, down a long vista of palms, the branches of which met over + their heads, to the wide door of the audience chamber. A party of men + dressed in uniforms of white silk with gold and silver ornaments bowed + before the captain and made way for him. + </p> + <p> + The captives now found themselves in the most splendid and spacious room + they had ever seen, at the far end of which was a long dais and on it an + elaborate throne. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be obliged to leave you when the king comes,” said Tradmos to + Thorndyke, “but I shall hope to see you again. Don't forget my name and + rank, for I may send you a message some time that may aid you.” “Thank + you,” replied the Englishman, and then as a throng of beautiful young + women came from a room on the side and gathered about the throne he added + inquisitively: “Who are they?” + </p> + <p> + “The wives and daughters of the king and the wives of the princes,” was + the cautious answer, “but don't look at any one of them closely.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see how a fellow can help it; they are ravishingly beautiful, + don't you think so, Johnston?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be a fool,” snapped the American, “don't you know enough to hold + your tongue.” + </p> + <p> + Tradmos smiled as if amused, and when he had shown them to seats near the + great golden throne, he said: + </p> + <p> + “Stay where you are till the king sends for you, and then go and kneel + before the throne. Do not rise till he bids you.” + </p> + <p> + The captives thanked him and the captain turned away. The eyes of all the + royal party now rested on the strangers, and it was hard for them to + appear unconscious of it. A great crowd was slowly filling the room and an + orchestra in a balcony on the left of the dais began to make delightful + music on instruments the strangers had never before seen. After an + entrancing prelude a sound of singing was heard, and far up in a grand + dome, lighted like the one the captives had just admired over the central + court of the palace, they saw a bevy of maidens, robed in white, moving + about in mid-air, apparently unsupported by anything. + </p> + <p> + “How on earth is that done?” asked Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” returned Johnston, speaking more freely now that the + captain had gone. “I am not surprised at anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Their voices are exquisite, and that orchestra—a Boston symphony + concert couldn't be compared to it.” + </p> + <p> + “There goes the sunlight again,” cried Johnston, “by Jove, it is blue!” + </p> + <p> + The transition was sublime. They seemed transported to some other scene. + The great multitude, the elegantly-dressed attendants about the throne, + the courtiers, the beautiful women, all seemed to change in appearance; on + the view through the wide doors leading to the conservatory, and the great + swarming court beyond, the soft blue light fell like a filmy veil of + enchantment. + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful!” exclaimed the American. + </p> + <p> + “It is ahead of our clocks, anyway,” jested Thorndyke. “Any child that can + count on its fingers could tell that this is the fifth hour of the day.” + </p> + <p> + The music grew louder; there was a harmonious blare of mighty trumpets, + the clang of gongs and cymbals, and then the music softened till it could + scarcely be heard. There was commotion about the throne. + </p> + <p> + The king was coming. Every person on the dais stood motionless, expectant. + A page drew aside the rich curtain from a door on the right, and an old + man, wearing a robe of scarlet ornamented with jewels and a crown set with + sparkling gems, entered and seated himself on the throne. The music sank + lower; so soft did it become that the tinkling bells of the great fountain + outside could be heard throughout the room. + </p> + <p> + The king bowed to the throng on the dais and spoke a few words to a + courtier who advanced as he sat down. The courtier must have spoken of + them, for the king at once looked down at Johnston and Thorn-dyke and + nodded his head. The courtier spoke to a page, and the youth left the dais + and came toward the captives. + </p> + <p> + “We are in for it,” cautioned Thorndyke, “now don't be afraid of your + shadow; we'll come out all right.” + </p> + <p> + “The king has sent for you,” said the page, the next instant. “Go to the + throne.” + </p> + <p> + They were the cynosure of the entire room as they went up the carpeted + steps of the dais and knelt before the king. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VI. + </h2> + <p> + “Rise!” commanded the king, in a deep, well-modulated voice, and when they + had arisen he inspected them critically, his eyes lingering on Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “You look as if you take life easily; you have a jovial countenance,” he + said cordially. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke returned his smile and at once felt at ease. + </p> + <p> + “There is no use in taking it any other way,” he said; “it doesn't amount + to much at best.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong,” returned the king, playing with the jewels on his robe, + “that is because you have been reared as you have—in your + unsystematic world. Here we make life a serious study. It is our object to + assist nature in all things. The efforts of your people amount to nothing + because they are not carried far enough. Your scientists are dreaming + idiots. They are continually groping after the ideal and doing nothing + with the positive. It was for us to carry out everything to perfection. + Show me where we can make a single improvement and you shall become a + prince.” + </p> + <p> + “If my life depended on that, my head would be off this instant,” was the + quick-witted reply of the Englishman. + </p> + <p> + This so pleased the king that he laughed till he shook. “Well said,” he + smiled; “so you like our country?” + </p> + <p> + “Absolutely charmed; my friend (Thorndyke was determined to bring his + companion into favor, if possible) and I have been in raptures ever since + we rose this morning.” + </p> + <p> + A flush of pleasure crossed the face of the king. “You have not seen half + of our wonders yet. I confess that I am pleased with you, sir. The + majority of people who are brought here are so frightened that they grow + morbid and desirous to return to their own countries as soon as they learn + that such a thing is out of the question.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke's stout heart suffered a sudden pang at the words, but he did + not change countenance in the slightest, for the king was closely watching + the effect of his announcement. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” went on the ruler, gratified by the indifference of the + Englishman, “of course, it could not be done. No one, outside of a few of + the royal family and our trusted agents, has ever left us.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't see how any one could be so unappreciative as to want to go,” + answered Thorndyke, with a coolness that surprised even Johnston. “I have + travelled in all countries under the sun—the sun I was born under—and + got so bored with them that my friend and myself took to ballooning for + diversion; but here, there is a delightful surprise at every turn.” + </p> + <p> + “I was told you were aeronauts,” returned the ruler, deigning to cast a + glance at the silent Johnston, who stood with eyes downcast, “and I + confess that it interested me in you.” + </p> + <p> + At that juncture a most beautiful girl glided through the curtains at the + back of the throne and came impulsively toward the king. Her brown hair + fell in rich masses on her bare shoulders; her eyes were large, deep and + brown, and her skin was exquisitely fine in texture and color; her dress + was artistic and well suited to her lithe figure. She held an instrument + resembling a lute in her hands, and stopped suddenly when she noticed that + the king was engaged. + </p> + <p> + “It is my daughter, the Princess Bernardino,” explained the king, as he + heard her light step and turned toward her; “she shall sing for you, and, + yes (nodding to her) you shall dance also.” + </p> + <p> + As she took her position on a great rug in front of the throne, she kept + her eyes on the handsome Englishman as if fascinated by his appearance. + Thorndyke's heart beat quickly; the blood mantled his face and he stood + entranced as she touched the resonant strings with her white fingers and + began to play and sing. An innocent, artless smile parted her lips from + her matchless teeth, and her face glowed with inspiration. Far above in + the nooks and crannies of the vast dome, with its divergent corridors and + arcades, the faint echoes of her voice seemed to reply to her during the + pauses in her song. Then she ceased singing and to the far-away and yet + distinct accompaniment of some stringed instrument in the orchestra, she + began to dance. Holding her instrument in a graceful fashion against her + shoulder as one holds a violin, and with her flowing white gown caught in + the other hand, she bowed and smiled and instantly seemed transformed. + From the statuesque and dreamy singer she became a marvel of graceful + motion. To and fro she swept from end to end of the great rug, her tiny + feet and slim ankles tripping so lightly that she seemed to move without + support through the air. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke stood as if spell-bound, for, at every turn, as if seeking his + approval, she glanced at him inquiringly. When she finished she stood for + a moment in the centre of the rug panting, her beautiful bosom, beneath + its filmy covering of lace, gently rising and falling. Then, asking her + father's consent with a mute glance, she ran forward impulsively, and, + kneeling at Thorndyke's feet, she took his hand and pressed it to her + lips. And rising, suffused with blushes, she tripped from the dais and + disappeared behind the curtain. + </p> + <p> + The king frowned as he looked after her. “It is a mark of preference,” he + said coldly. “It is one of our customs for a dancer or singer to favor + some one of her spectators in that way. My daughter evidently mistook you + for an ambassador from one of my provinces, but it does not matter.” + </p> + <p> + “She is wonderfully beautiful,” replied the tactful Englishman, pretending + not to be flattered by the notice of the princess. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think our people fine looking as a rule?” asked the king, to + change the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Decidedly; I never imagined such a race existed.” + </p> + <p> + Again the king was pleased. “That is one of the objects of our system. + Generation after generation we improve mentally and physically. We are the + only people who have ever attempted to thoroughly study the science of + living. Your medical men may be numbered by the million; your remedies for + your ills change daily; what you say is good for the health to-day is + to-morrow believed to be poison; to-day you try to make blood to give + strength, and half a century ago you believed in taking it from the + weakest of your patients. With all this fuss over health, you will think + nothing of allowing the son of a man who died with a loathsome hereditary + disease to marry a woman whose family has never had a taint of blood. Here + no such thing is thought of. To begin with, no person who is not + thoroughly sound can remain with us. Every heart-beat is heard by our + medical men and every vein is transparent. You see evidences of the + benefit of our system in the men and women around you. All our + conveniences, the excellence of our products, our great inventions are the + result.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been wondering about the size of your country,” ventured Thorndyke + cautiously. + </p> + <p> + The king smiled. “That will be one of the things for you to discover + later,” he returned. “But this, the City of Moron, is the capital; our + provinces, farming lands, smaller cities, towns and hamlets lie around us. + Come with me and I will show you something.” + </p> + <p> + He waved his hand and dismissed a number of courtiers who were waiting to + be called, and rose from the throne and led the two captives into a large + apartment adjoining the throne-room. Here they found six men in blue + uniforms looking into a large circular mirror on a table. They all bowed + and moved aside as the king approached. + </p> + <p> + “These men are the municipal police,” explained the king, resting his hand + on the gold frame of the glass; “they are watching the city.” And when the + strangers drew nearer they were surprised to see reflected, in the deeply + concave glass, the entire city in miniature; its streets, parks, public + buildings, and moving populace. And what seemed to be the most remarkable + feature of the invention was, that the instant the eye rested on any + particular portion of the whole that part was at once magnified so that + every detail of it was clearly observable. + </p> + <p> + “This is an improvement on your police system,” continued the king. “No + sooner does anything go wrong than a red signal is given on the spot of + the trouble and the attention of these officers is immediately called to + it. A flying machine is sent out and the offender is brought to the police + station; but trouble of any nature rarely occurs, and the duties of our + police are merely nominal; my people live in thorough harmony. Now, come + with me and I will give you an idea of the surrounding country.” + </p> + <p> + As the king spoke he led them into a circular room, the roof of which was + of white glass, and the walls were lined with large mirrors. + </p> + <p> + “This is our general observatory from which every part of Alpha can be + seen,” said the king with a touch of pride in his tone. “Look at the + mirror in front of you.” + </p> + <p> + They did as he requested, and at first saw nothing; but, as he went to a + stone table in the centre of the room and touched an electric button, a + grand view of green fields, forests, streams, lakes and farm-houses + flashed upon the mirror. The king laughed at their surprise and touched + another button. As he did so the scene shifted gradually; the landscapes + ran by like a panorama. A pretty village came into sight, and passed; then + a larger town and still a larger; then fields, hills and valleys and + forests of giant trees. + </p> + <p> + “It is that way all over my kingdom,” said the king; “in an hour I can + inspect it all.” + </p> + <p> + “But how is it done?” asked Thorndyke, forgetting himself in wonder. + </p> + <p> + “Through a telescopic invention, aided by electricity and the clearness of + our atmosphere,” replied the king. “It would take too long to go into the + details. The views, however, are reflected to this point from various + observatories throughout the land. Such a system would be impossible in + any other country on account of the clouds and atmospheric changes; but + here we control everything.” + </p> + <p> + “I noticed,” returned the Englishman, “that green fields lie beside + ripening ones and those in which the grain is being harvested.” + </p> + <p> + “We have no change of seasons,” answered the king. “Change of seasons may + be according to nature, but it is in the province of man's intellect to + improve on nature. But I must leave you now; I shall summon you again when + I have the leisure to continue our conversation.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think of it?” asked Johnston, as the king disappeared + behind a curtain in the direction of the audience chamber. + </p> + <p> + “I give it up; I only know that the old fellow's daughter, the Princess + Bernardino is the most beautiful, the most bewitching creature that ever + breathed. Did you notice her eyes and form? Great heavens! was there ever + such a vision of human loveliness? Her grace, her voice, her glances drove + me wild with delight.” + </p> + <p> + “You are dead gone,” grumbled the American despondently; “we'll never get + away from here in the world. I can see that.” + </p> + <p> + “I gave up all hope in that direction some time ago,” said Thorndyke; “and + why should we care? We were awfully bored with life before we came; for my + part I'd as soon end mine up here as anywhere else. Besides, didn't his + majesty say that they live longer under his system than we do?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't take stock in all he says,” growled the American; “he talks like + a Chicago real estate agent who wants to sell a lot. Why doesn't he chop + off our heads and be done with it?” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke burst into a jovial laugh. “You are coming round all right; that + is the first joke you have got off since we came here; his royal Nibs may + need a court-jester and give you a job.” + </p> + <p> + “There goes that blamed sunlight again,” exclaimed Johnston, grasping his + companion's arm, “don't you see it changing?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and this time it is white, like old Sol's natural smile; but isn't + it clear? It seems to me that I could see to the end of the earth in that + light. I want to know how he does it.” + </p> + <p> + “How who does it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the king, of course, it is his work—some sort of invention; + but we must keep civil tongues in our heads when we are dealing with a man + who can color the very light of the sun.” + </p> + <p> + They were walking back toward the great rotunda, and, as they entered the + conservatory, the crowds of men and women stared at them curiously. They + had paused to inspect the statue of a massive stone dragon when a young + officer in glittering uniform approached and addressed Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me,” he said simply; “it is the king's command.” + </p> + <p> + The American started and looked at Thorndyke apprehensively. + </p> + <p> + “Go,” said the latter; “don't hesitate an instant.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Johnston had turned white. He held out his hand to Thorndyke, + “Shake,” he said in a whisper, not intended for the ears of the officer, + “I don't believe that we shall meet again. I felt that we were to be + parted ever since that medical examination.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke's face had altered; an angry flush came in his face and his eyes + flashed, but with an effort he controlled himself. + </p> + <p> + “Tut, tut, don't be silly. I shall wait for you round here; if there is + any foul play I shall make some one suffer for it. You can depend on me to + the end; we are hand in hand in this adventure, old man.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VII. + </h2> + <p> + Johnston followed his guide to a flying machine outside. He hesitated an + instant, as the officer was holding the door open, and looked back toward + the conservatory; but he could not see Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you taking me?” he asked desperately. But the officer did not + seem to hear the question. He was motioning to a tall man of athletic + build who wore a dark blue uniform and who came hastily forward and pushed + the American into the machine. Through the open door Johnston saw + Thorndyke's anxious face as the Englishman emerged from the conservatory + and strode toward them. The two officers entered and closed the glass + door. + </p> + <p> + Then the machine rose and Johnston's spirits sank as they shot upward and + floated easily over the humming crowd into the free white light above the + smokeless city. The poor captive leaned on the window-sill and looked out. + There was no breeze, and no current of air except that caused by their + rapid passage through the atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + Up, up, they went, till the city seemed a blur of mingled white and gray, + and then the color below changed to a vague blue as they flew over the + fields of the open country. + </p> + <p> + The first officer took a glass and a decanter from a receptacle under a + seat, and, pouring a little red fluid into the glass, offered it to the + American. + </p> + <p> + “Drink it,” he said, “it will put you to sleep for a time.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to be drugged.” + </p> + <p> + “The journey will try your nerves. It is harmless.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want it; if I take it, you will have to pour it down my throat.” + </p> + <p> + The officer smiled as he put the glass and decanter away. Faster and + faster flew the machine. They had to put the window down, for the current + of air had become too strong and cool to be pleasant. The color of the + sunlight changed to green, and then at noon, from the zenith, a glorious + red light shimmered down and veiled the earth with such a beautiful + translucent haze that the poor American for a moment almost forgot his + trouble. + </p> + <p> + The afternoon came on. The sunlight became successively green, white, + blue, lavender, rose and gray. The sun was no longer in sight and the gray + in the west was darkening into purple, the last hour of the day. Night was + at hand. Johnston's limbs were growing stiff from inaction, and he had a + strong desire to speak or to hear one of the officers say something, but + they were dozing in their respective corners. The moon had risen and hung + far out in space overhead, but they seemed to be leaving it behind. Later + he felt sure of this, for its light gradually became dimmer and dimmer + till at last they were in total darkness—darkness pierced only by + the powerful search-light which threw its dazzling, trumpet-shaped rays + far ahead. But, search as he would in the direction they were going, the + unfortunate American could see nothing but the ever-receding wall of + blackness. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly they began to descend. The officers awoke and stretched + themselves and yawned. One of them opened the window and Johnston heard a + far-off, roaring sound like that of a multitude of skaters on a vast sheet + of ice. + </p> + <p> + Down, down, they dropped. Johnston's heart was in his mouth. + </p> + <p> + The machine suddenly slackened in its speed and then hung poised in + mid-air. The rays of the search-light were directed downward and slowly + shifted from point to point. Looking down, the American caught glimpses of + rugged rocks, sharp cliffs and yawning chasms. + </p> + <p> + “How is it?” asked the first officer, through a speaking-tube, of the + driver. + </p> + <p> + “A good landing!” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, go down.” And a moment later the machine settled on the uneven + ground. + </p> + <p> + The same officer opened the door, and gently pushed Johnston out. Johnston + expected them to follow him, but the door of the machine closed behind + him. + </p> + <p> + “Stand out of the way,” cried out the officer through the window; “you may + get struck as we rise.” + </p> + <p> + Involuntarily Johnston obeyed. There was a sound of escaping air from + beneath the machine, a fierce commotion in the atmosphere which sucked him + toward the machine, and then the dazzling search-light blinded him, as the + air-ship bounded upward and sailed back over the course it had come. + </p> + <p> + Johnston stood paralyzed with fear. “My God, this is awful!” he exclaimed + in terror, and his knees gave way beneath him and he sank to the rock. + “They have left me here to starve in this hellish darkness!” He remained + there for a moment, his face covered with his hands, then he sprang up + desperately, and started to grope through the darkness, he knew not + whither. He stumbled at almost every step, and ran against boulders which + bruised his hands and face, and went on till his strength was gone. Then + he paused and looked back toward the direction from which he had come. It + seemed to him that he could see the straight line of mighty black wall + above which there was a faint appearance of light. A lump rose in the + throat of the poor fellow, and tears sprang into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + But what was that? Surely it was a sound. It could not have been the wind, + for the air was perfectly still. The sound was repeated. It was like the + moaning of a human voice far away in the dark. Could it be some one in + distress, some poor unfortunate, banished being, like himself? Again he + heard the sound, and this time, it was like the voice of some one talking. + </p> + <p> + “Hello!” shouted the American, and a cold shudder went over him at the + sound of his own husky voice. There was a dead silence, then, like an echo + of his own cry, faintly came the word, “Hello!” + </p> + <p> + Filled with superstitious fear, the American cautiously groped toward the + sound. “Hello, there, who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Help, help!” said the voice, and it was now much nearer. + </p> + <p> + Johnston plunged forward precipitately. “Where are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Here,” and a human form loomed up before him. + </p> + <p> + For a moment neither spoke, then the strange figure said: “I thought at + first that you were some one sent to rescue me, but I see you are alone—damned + like myself.” + </p> + <p> + “It looks that way,” replied Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “When did they bring you?” + </p> + <p> + “Only a moment ago.” + </p> + <p> + “My God, it is awful! A week ago I did not dream of such a fate as this. I + had enemies. The medical men were bribed to vote against me. Am I not + strong? Am I not muscular? Feel my arms and thighs.” + </p> + <p> + He held out an arm and Johnston felt of it. The muscles were like stone. + </p> + <p> + “You are a giant.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you are right; but they reported that there was a taint in my blood. + I was to marry Lallio, the most beautiful creature in our village—Madryl, + you know, the nearest hamlet to the home of the Sun. I was rich, and the + best farmer there. But Lyngale wanted her. She hated him and spat at him + when he spoke against me. He proved by others that my lungs were weak, and + showed them the blood of a slain dog in my fields that they said had come + from my lungs. Ah, they were curs! My lungs weak! Strike my chest with all + your might. Does it not sound like the king's thunder? Strike, I say!” and + as the enfeebled American struck his bare breast he cried:—“Harder, + harder! Pooh, you are a child, see this, and this,” and he emphasized his + words with thunderous blows on his resounding chest. + </p> + <p> + “But it has been so for a century,” he panted; “hundreds have been + unjustly buried alive here. The king thinks it is not murder because they + die of starvation. I have stumbled over the bones of giants here in the + dark lands, and have met dying men that are stronger than the king's + athletes.” + </p> + <p> + “What, are there others here?” gasped the American. + </p> + <p> + The Alphian was silent in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Why, where did you come from?” he asked, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “From New York City.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know of it, and yet I thought I knew of all the places inside the + great endless wall.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston was mystified in his turn. “It is not in your country—your + world, or whatever you call it. It is far away.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, under the white sun! In the 'Ocean Country,' and the world of fierce + winds and disease. And you are from there. I had heard of it before they + banished me; but two days since I came across a dying man, away over + there. He was huddled against the wall, and had fallen and killed himself + in his efforts to climb back to food and light. + </p> + <p> + “I saw him die. He told me that he had come from your land when he was a + child. His trouble was the lungs and he had fallen off to a skeleton. He + talked to me of your wide ocean land. Is it, indeed so great? And has it + no walls about it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is surrounded by water.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot understand,” and, after a pause, in which Johnston could hear + the great fellow's heart beating, he continued; “That must be the Heaven + the man spoke about. And beyond the water is it always dark like this, and + do they banish people there as the king has us?” + </p> + <p> + “No; beyond are other countries. But is there no chance for us to escape + from here?” + </p> + <p> + The Alphian laughed bitterly. “None. What were you banished for?” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly know.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold out your arm. There,” as he grasped Johnston's arm in a clasp of + iron, “I see; you are undeveloped, unfit—none but the healthy and + strong are allowed to live in Alpha. It is right, of course; but it is + hard to bear. But I must lie down. I am wearied with constant rambling. I + am nervous too. I fell asleep awhile ago and dreamt I heard all my friends + in a great clamoring body calling my name, 'Branasko!' and then I awoke + and cried for help.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he sank with a sigh to the ground and rested his head on his + elbows and knees and seemed asleep. The American sat down beside him, and, + for a long time, neither spoke. Branasko broke the silence; he awoke with + a start and eyed his companion in sleepy wonder. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, I dreamt again,” he grunted, “are you asleep?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” was Johnston's reply. “I am hungry and thirsty and cannot sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I, but we must wait till it is lighter, then we can go in search of + food. When I was a boy I learned to catch fish in pools with my hands and + it has prolonged my life here. When the light comes again, I shall show + you how I do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the day does break? I thought it was eternally dark here.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not get very light, because we are behind the sun; but it is + lighter than now, for we get the sun's reflection, enough at least to keep + us from falling into the chasms.” + </p> + <p> + Branasko lowered his head to his knees and slept again, but the American, + though wearied, was wakeful. Several hours passed. The Alphian was + sleeping soundly, his breathing was very heavy and he had rolled down on + his side. + </p> + <p> + Far away in the east the darkness gradually faded into purple, and then + into gray, and slowly hints of pink appeared in the skies. It was dawn. + Johnston touched his companion. The man awoke and looked at him from his + great swollen eyes. + </p> + <p> + “It is day,” he yawned, rising and stretching himself. + </p> + <p> + “But the sun is not in sight.” + </p> + <p> + “No; it shows itself only in the middle of the day, and then but for a few + minutes. We must go now and search for food. I will show you how to catch + the eyeless fish in the black caverns over there.” And he led the American + into the blackness behind them. Every now and then, as they stumbled + along, Johnston would look longingly back toward the faint pink light that + shone above the high black wall. But Branasko hastened on. + </p> + <p> + Presently they came to the edge of a black chasm and the American was + filled with awe, for, from the seemingly fathomless depths, came a great + roaring sound like that of a mighty wind and the air that came from it was + hot, though pure and free from the odor of gas. + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “They are everywhere,” answered Branasko, “if it were not for their hot + breathing the Land of the Changing Sun would be cold and damp.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the sun does not give out heat?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “It is cold?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe so, I have never thought much about it.” + </p> + <p> + The American was mystified, but he did not question farther, for Branasko + was carefully lowering himself into the hot gulf. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me,” he said; “we must cross it to reach the caves. I will guide + you. I have been over this way before.” + </p> + <p> + “But can we stand the heat?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; when we get used to it, it is invigorating. I perspire in + streams, but I feel better afterward. Come on.” + </p> + <p> + Branasko's head only was above the ground. “I am standing on a ledge,” he + said. “Get down beside me. Fear nothing. It is solid; besides, what does + it matter? You can die but once, and it would really be better to fall + down there into the internal fires than to starve slowly.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston shuddered convulsively as he let himself down beside Branasko. + His foot dislodged a stone. With a crash it fell upon a lower ledge and + bounded off and went whizzing down into the depths. Both men listened. + They heard the stone bounding from ledge to ledge till the sound was lost + in the internal roaring. + </p> + <p> + “It is mighty deep,” said Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but follow me; we cannot stop here; we must go along this ledge till + we get to the point where the chasm is narrow enough to jump across. I + have done it.” + </p> + <p> + “The American held to his companion with one hand and the rock with the + other, and they slowly made their way along the narrow ledge, pausing + every now and then to rest. At every step the path grew more perilous and + narrower, and the cliff on their left rose higher and higher, till the + reflected light of the sun had entirely disappeared. At certain points the + hot wind dashed upon them as furiously as the whirling mist in 'The Cave + of Winds' at Niagara Falls. Once Johnston's foot slipped and he fell, but + was drawn back to safety by the strong arm of the Alphian. + </p> + <p> + “Be careful; hold to the cliff's face,” warned Branasko indifferently, and + he moved onward as if nothing unusual had occurred. Presently they reached + a point where a narrow boulder jutted out over the chasm toward the + opposite side, and Branasko cautiously crawled out upon it. When he had + got to its end, Johnston could not see him in the gloom, but his voice + came to him out of the roaring of the chasm. + </p> + <p> + “I can see the other side, and am going to jump.” An instant later, the + American heard the clatter of the Alphian's shoes on the rock, and his + grunt of satisfaction. Then Branasko called out: “Come on; crawl out till + you feel the end of the rock, and then you can see me.” + </p> + <p> + In great trepidation the American slowly crawled out on the narrow rock. + Below him yawned the hot darkness, above hung that black ominous canopy of + nothingness. Slowly he advanced on hands and knees, every moment feeling + the sharp rock growing narrower, till finally he reached the end. He + looked ahead. He could but faintly see the ledge and Branasko's tall form + silhouetted upon it. + </p> + <p> + “See, this is where you have to alight,” cried the Alphian. “Jump, I will + catch you!” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I shall topple over when I stand up,” replied the American. + “The rock is narrow and my head is already swimming. I fear I cannot reach + you. It is no use.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, tut!” exclaimed Branasko. “Stand up quickly, and jump at once. Don't + stop to think about it.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston obeyed. He felt his feet firmly braced on the rock and he sprang + toward the opposite ledge with all his might. Branasko caught him. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” he grunted. “There is another place, we must jump again. It is + further on.” Along this ledge they went for some distance, Branasko + leading the way and holding the arm of the American. + </p> + <p> + “Now here we are, the chasm is a little wider, but the ledge on the other + side is broader.” As he spoke he released Johnston's arm and prepared to + jump. He filled his lungs two or three times. But he seemed to hesitate. + “Pshaw, watching you back there has made me nervous. I never cared before. + If I should happen to fall, go back to where we met, it is safer there + without a guide than here.” + </p> + <p> + Without another word Branasko hurled himself forward. Johnston held his + breath in horror, for Branasko's foot had slipped as he jumped. The + Alphian had struck the opposite ledge, but not with his feet, as he + intended. He clutched it with his hands and hung there for a moment, + struggling to get a foothold in the emptiness beneath him. + </p> + <p> + “It's no use, I am falling; I can hold no longer!” And Johnston,—too + terrified to reply,—heard the poor fellow's hands slipping from the + rock, causing a quantity of loose stones to go rattling down below. With a + low cry Branasko fell. An instant later Johnston heard him strike the + ledge beneath, and heard him cry out in pain. Then all was still except + the echoes of Branasko's cry, which bounded and rebounded from side to + side of the chasm, and grew fainter and fainter, till it was submerged in + the roaring below. Then there was a rattle of stones, and Branasko's voice + sounded: “A narrow escape!” he said faintly. “I am on another ledge”—then + after a slight pause, “it is much wider, I don't know how wide. Are you + listening?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but are you hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. Simply knocked the breath out of me for a moment. There is a + cave behind me, and (for a moment there was silence) I can see a light + ahead in the cave. I think it must be the reflection of the internal fire. + Come down to me and we will explore the cavern, and see where the light + comes from.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't get down there!” shouted Johnston, to make himself heard above a + sudden increase in the roaring in the chasm, “there is no way.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a moment!” came from the Alphian. “This ledge seems to incline + upward.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston stood perfectly motionless, afraid to move from the ledge either + to right or to left, and heard Branasko's footsteps along the rock + beneath. “All right so far,” he called up, and his voice showed that he + had gone to a considerable distance to the left, “the ledge seems to be + still leading gradually upward. I think I can reach you.” + </p> + <p> + Fifteen minutes passed. The lone American could no longer hear Branasko's + footsteps. Johnston was becoming uneasy and the hot air was causing his + head to swim. He was thinking of trying to retrace his footsteps to a + place of more security when he heard footsteps, and then the cheery voice + of Branasko nearly opposite him across the chasm: + </p> + <p> + “Are you there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well; I have discovered a good pathway down to the cave, and a pool + of fish besides. I have saved some for you. I was so hungry I had to eat. + Now, you must jump over to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” declared the American. “I cannot jump so far; besides, you + failed.” + </p> + <p> + Branasko laughed. “I did not leap in the right direction. It is this point + on which I am now standing that I should have tried to reach. Come, I will + catch you.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston could not bear to be considered cowardly, so he stepped to the + verge of the chasm and prepared to jump. His head felt more dizzy as he + thought of the fathomless depths beneath, and the rush of hot air up the + side of the cliff took his breath away, but he braced himself and said + calmly: “All right, I am coming.” The next instant he sprang forward. + Branasko caught him into his arms and they both rolled back on the level + stone. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” cried the Alphian, trying to catch his breath, which Johnston had + knocked out of him by the fall. “You did better than I; you are lighter.” + </p> + <p> + “Where shall we go now?” asked Johnston, regaining his feet and feeling of + his legs and arms to see if he had broken any bones. + </p> + <p> + “Down this winding path to the place where I saw that light. I want to + understand it. But you must first eat this fish. It is delicious. They are + swarming in the pools below.” + </p> + <p> + “And water?” said Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “An abundance of it, and as cold as ice.” + </p> + <p> + As Branasko preceded him down the tortuous path, Johnston ate the raw fish + eagerly. Presently they came to a deep pool of water, and both men threw + themselves down on their stomachs and drank freely. After this they + proceeded slowly for several hundred yards, and finally reached the + entrance to the cave in which Branasko had seen the light. At that + distance it looked like the light of some great conflagration reflected + from the face of a cliff. + </p> + <p> + They entered the cave and made good progress toward the light, for it + showed them the dangerous fissures, sharp boulders and stalactites. They + had walked along in silence for several minutes when the Alphian stopped + abruptly and turned to his companion. “What is the matter?” asked + Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “It cannot come from the internal fires,” replied Branasko, “for the + atmosphere grows cooler as we get nearer the light and away from the + chasm.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston was too much puzzled to formulate a reply, and he simply waited + for the Alphian to continue. + </p> + <p> + “Let's go on,” said Branasko; and in his tone and hesitating manner + Johnston detected the first appearance of superstitious fear that he had + seen in the brawny Alphian. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VIII. + </h2> + <p> + As Thorndyke watched the flying machine that was bearing his friend away a + genuine feeling of pity went over him. Poor Johnston! He had been haunted + all day with the belief that he was to meet with some misfortune from + which Thorndyke was to be spared, and Thorndyke had ridiculed his fears. + When the air-ship had become a mere speck in the sky, the Englishman + turned back into the palace and strolled about in the vast crowd. + </p> + <p> + A handsome young man in uniform approached and touched his hat: + </p> + <p> + “Are you the comrade of the fellow they are just sending away?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Where are they taking him?” + </p> + <p> + “To the 'Barrens,' of course; where do you suppose they would take such a + man? He couldn't pass his examination. You are not a great physical + success yourself, but they say you pleased the king with your tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “To the Barrens,” repeated Thorndyke, too much concerned over the fate of + his comrade to notice the speaker's tone of contempt; “what are they, + where are they?” + </p> + <p> + The Alphian officer changed countenance, as he looked him over with + widening eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Your accent is strange; are you from the other world?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so,—this is a new one to me at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “The world of endless oceans?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And the unchanging sun—forever white and——?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but where the devil is the Barrens?” + </p> + <p> + “Behind the sun, beyond the great endless wall.” + </p> + <p> + “Do they intend to put him to death?” + </p> + <p> + “No, that would be—what do you call it? murder; they will simply + leave him there to die of his own accord. And the king is right. I never + saw such a weakling. He would taint our whole race with his presence.” + </p> + <p> + Without a word Thorndyke abruptly turned from the officer and hastened + toward the apartment of the king. He would demand the return of poor + Johnston or kill the king if his demand was not granted. In his haste and + perturbation, however, he lost his way and wandered into a part of the + palace he had not seen. At every step he was more and more impressed with + the magnificent proportions of the structure and the grandeur of + everything about it. + </p> + <p> + Passing hurriedly through a large hall he saw an assemblage of beautiful + women and handsome men dancing to the music of a great orchestra. Further + on—in a great court—a regiment of soldiers were drilling, + their rapid evolutions making no more sound than if they were moving in + mid-air. In another room he saw a great body of men, women and children in + vari-colored suits bathing in a pool of rose-colored, perfumed water. + </p> + <p> + He was passing on when a woman, closely veiled and simply dressed, touched + his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Be watchful and follow me,” she said, in a low, guarded tone. + </p> + <p> + The heart of the Englishman bounded and his blood rushed to his face, for + the speaker was the Princess Bernardino. She did not pause, but glided on + into the shade of a great palm tree, and, behind a row of thick-growing + ferns of great height and thickness, she waited for him. + </p> + <p> + She lowered her veil as he approached and looked at him from her deep + brown eyes in great concern. He stood spell-bound under the witchery of + her beauty. + </p> + <p> + “I came to warn you, Prince,” she said, and her soft musical voice set + every nerve in Thorndyke's body to tingling with delight. “My father has + banished the faithful slave that you love, but you must not show the anger + that you feel, else he will kill you. You must be exceedingly cautious if + you would save him. My father would punish me severely if he knew that I + had sought you in this way. I was obliged to come in disguise; this dress + belongs to my most trusted maid.” + </p> + <p> + “And you came for my sake?” blurted out the Englishman, much embarrassed; + “I am not worthy of such a high honor.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled and tears rose in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Prince, don't speak to me so! You are far above me. I am weak. I know + nothing. I never cared for other men than the king and my brothers till I + saw you today, but now I would willingly be your slave.” + </p> + <p> + “I am yours forever, and an humble one,” bowed the courteous Englishman. + “The moment I saw you at the throne of your father my heart went out to + you. You wound it up in your music and trampled it under your dancing + feet. I have been over the whole world, and you are the loveliest creature + in it. It is because I saw you, because you are here, that I do not want + to leave your country. They may do as they will with me if they only will + let me see you now and then.” + </p> + <p> + The princess was deeply moved. The blood rushed to her face and beautified + it. Her eyes fell beneath his admiring glance. Thorndyke could not + restrain himself. He caught her slender hand and pressed it passionately + to his lips, and she made only a slight effort to prevent it. + </p> + <p> + “I am your obedient slave; what shall I do?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Do not try to rescue him now,” she said softly. “I shall come to you + again when we are not watched—you can know me by this dress. There + is no need for great haste, he could live in the Barrens several days; I + shall try to think of some way to save him, though such a thing has never + been done—never.” + </p> + <p> + Footsteps were heard on the other side of the row of ferns. A man was + passing and others soon followed him. The bathers were leaving the great + pool. + </p> + <p> + “I must leave you now,” she whispered. “If the king honors you again by + talking of his kingdom, continue to act as you did; your fearlessness and + good humor have pleased him greatly.” + </p> + <p> + “Could I not persuade him to bring Johnston back?” + </p> + <p> + “No; that would be impossible; those who are pronounced physically unfit + are obliged to die. It has been a law for a long time; you must not count + on that. I have, however, another plan, but I cannot tell you of it now, + for they may miss me and wonder where I am, and then, too, my father may + be looking for you. He will naturally desire to see you soon again.” + </p> + <p> + Bowing, she turned away and passed on toward the apartments of the king, + which the Englishman now recognized in the distance. Thorndyke went into + the bathing-room to watch those remaining in the great pool of + rose-colored water. The sight was beautiful. The waves which lapped + against the shelving shores of white marble were pink and white, and the + deeper water was as red as coral. + </p> + <p> + The Englishman was at once troubled over the fate of Johnston and elated + over having won Bernardino's regard. Thoughtfully he strolled away from + the bathers into a great picture-gallery. Here hung on the walls and stood + on pedestals some of the rarest works of art he had ever seen. He passed + through this room and was entering a shady retreat where plants, flowers + and umbrageous trees grew thickly, when he heard a step behind him and the + rustling of a silken skirt against the plants. + </p> + <p> + It was Bernardino. + </p> + <p> + “We can be unobserved here,” she said, taking off her thick veil and + arranging her luxuriant hair. “I hasten back. The king thinks, so my maid + tells me, that I am asleep in my chamber. He is busy with an audience of + police from a neighboring town and will not think of us.” + </p> + <p> + She sat down on a sofa upholstered in leather, and he took a seat beside + her. “I am glad that we can talk alone,” he said, “for I have much to ask + you. First, tell me where we are,—where this strange country is on + the map of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a long story,” she replied, “and it would greatly incense the king + if he should find out that I had told you, for one of his chief pleasures + is to note the surprise and admiration of new-comers over what they see + here. But if you will promise to gratify his vanity in this particular I + will try to explain it all.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise, and you can depend on my not getting you into trouble,” + replied Thorndyke. “I never was so puzzled in my life, with that sullen + sky overhead, the wonderful changing sunlight, and the remarkable + atmosphere. I am both bewildered and entranced. Every moment I see + something new and startling. Where are we?” + </p> + <p> + “Far beneath the ocean and the surface of the earth. I only know what the + king has let fall in my hearing in his conferences with his men of science + and inventors; but I shall try to make you understand how it all came + about.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a long time ago, two hundred years back, I suppose, that one of my + ancestors discovered a little isolated island in the Atlantic Ocean. He + was forced in a storm to land there with his ship and crew to make some + repairs in his vessel. In wandering about over the island he discovered a + narrow entrance to a cave, and, with two or three of his men, he began to + explore it. When they had gone for a mile or two down into the interior of + the cavern, which seemed to lead straight down toward the centre of the + earth, they began to find small pieces of gold. The further they went the + more they found, till at last the very cavern walls seemed lined with it. + </p> + <p> + “They were at first wildly excited over their sudden good fortune and were + about to load their ship with it and return to Europe at once, but the + better judgment of my ancestor prevailed. He explained that, if the world + were informed of the discovery of such an inexhaustible mine of gold, that + the value of the precious metal would decline till it would be worth + little more than some grosser metal, and that if they would only keep + their secret to themselves they could in time control the finances of the + world. So, acting on this suggestion, they only dug out a few thousand + pounds and took part of it to Europe and part of it to America and turned + it into money. + </p> + <p> + “Then, to curtail my story, they elected my ancestor as ruler, and, with + ships loaded with every available convenience that inexhaustible wealth + could procure and a colony of carefully chosen men, they returned to the + island. + </p> + <p> + “After the men and their families had settled in the great roomy mouth of + the cavern my ancestor supplied himself with several strong men and food + and lights, and sought to explore the entire cavern. + </p> + <p> + “To their astonishment they found that it was practically endless. When + they had gone down about sixty or seventy miles below the sea level they + found themselves on a vast, undulating plain, the soil of which was dark + and rich, with the black roof of the cavern arching overhead like the + bottom of a great inverted bowl. And when they had travelled about ten + days and reached the other side my ancestor calculated that the cave must + be over one hundred miles in diameter and almost circular in shape. But + what elated and surprised them most was the remarkable salubrity of the + atmosphere. In all parts of the cave it was exactly the same temperature, + and they found that they scarcely felt any fatigue from their journey, and + that they had little desire to eat the provisions with which they were + supplied. Indeed, the very air seemed permeated with a subtle quality that + gave them strength and energy of mind and body. + </p> + <p> + “Finally, when, after a month had passed, and they returned to their + anxious friends, these people overwhelmed them with exclamations of + surprise over their appearance. And in the light of day the explorers + looked at one another in astonishment, for, in the dim light of the + lanterns they had carried, they had not noticed the great change that had + come over them. They had all become the finest specimens of physical + health that could be imagined. Their bodies had filled out; they were + remarkably strong; their skins shone with healthful color and their eyes + sparkled with intellectual energy, and their minds, even to the humblest + burden-carrier, were astonishingly acute and active. + </p> + <p> + “My ancestor was a remarkable man, and he had hitherto shown much + inventive ability; but in that month in the cave he had developed into an + intellectual giant. After mature deliberation, he proposed a prodigious + scheme to his followers. He explained that, while they might, by using the + utmost discretion, hold the financial world in their power by means of + their inexhaustible wealth, that the laws and restrictions of different + countries prevented men of vast wealth from really enjoying more + privileges than men of moderate means. He grew eloquent in speaking of the + underground atmosphere, and proposed that they light the great cavern from + end to end and make it an ideal place where they could live as it suited + them. + </p> + <p> + “I see that you guess the end. My ancestor was a great student of the + sciences and had already thought of putting electricity to practical use. + You are surprised? Yes, it has been applied to our purposes for two + hundred years, while your people have understood its use such a short + time.” + </p> + <p> + “Great heavens!” exclaimed the Englishman. “I see it all; the sun is an + electric one!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And it runs mechanically over its great course as regularly as + clock-work.” + </p> + <p> + “More accurately, I assure you, but there probably never was a greater + mathematical problem than they solved in deciding on the size the sun + should be and amount of light necessary to fill up all the recesses of the + great vacancy. It was all very crude at the start; for years a great + electric light was simply suspended in the centre of the cavern's roof and + the light did not vary in color. A son of the first king suggested the + plan of giving the sun diurnal movement and the changing light. The moon + and stars were a later development. They found, too, that the light could + not be made to reach certain recesses in the cavern where the roof + approached the earth, so they finally built a great wall to keep the + inhabitants within proscribed boundaries, and to prevent them from + understanding the machinery of the heavens.” + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful!” exclaimed Thorndyke. “But the temperature of the atmosphere, + how does that happen to be so delightful and beneficial?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe they do not themselves thoroughly comprehend that. The heat + comes from the internal fires, and the fresh air from without in some + mysterious way. At first, in a few places, the heat was too severe, but + the scientific men among the first settlers obviated this difficulty by + closing up the hottest of the fissures and opening others in the cooler + parts of the cavern.” + </p> + <p> + “And the people, where did they come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From all parts of the earth. We had agents outside who selected such men + and women that were willing to come, and who filled all the requirements, + mentally and physically.” + </p> + <p> + “But why do they desire to live here instead of out in the world, when + they have all the wealth that they need to assure every advantage.” + </p> + <p> + “They dread death, and it is undoubtedly true that life is prolonged here; + our medical men declare that the longevity of every generation is + improved.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible? But tell me about the sun, when it sets, what becomes of + it?” + </p> + <p> + “It goes back to its place of rising through a great tunnel beneath us.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke sat in deep thought for a moment; then he looked so steadily and + so admiringly into Bernardino's eyes that she grew red with confusion. + “But you, yourself, are you thoroughly content here?” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing else,” she continued. “I have heard little about your + world except that your people are discontented, weak and insane, and that + your changeable weather and your careless laws regarding marriage and + heredity produce perpetual and innumerable diseases; that your people are + not well developed and beautiful; that you war with one another, and that + one tears down what another builds. I have, too, always been happy, and + since you came I am happier still. I don't know what it means. I have + never been so much interested in any one before.” + </p> + <p> + “It is love on the part of both of us,” replied the Englishman + impulsively, taking her hand. “I never was content before. I went roving + over the earth trying to end my life at sea or in balloon voyages, but now + I only want to be with you. I have never dreamed that I could be so happy + or that I would meet any one so beautiful as you are.” + </p> + <p> + Bernardino's delight showed itself in blushes on her face, and Thorndyke, + unable to restrain himself, put his arm around her and drew her to his + breast and kissed her. + </p> + <p> + She sprang up quickly and he saw that she was trembling and that all the + color had fled from her face. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” he asked, in alarm. + </p> + <p> + At first she did not answer, but only looked at him half-frightened, and + then covered her face with her hands. He drew them from her face and + compelled her to look at him. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” he repeated, a strange fear at his heart. + </p> + <p> + “You have broken one of the most sacred laws of our country,” she + faltered, in great embarrassment; “my father would punish me very severely + if he knew of it, and he would banish you; for, to treat me in that + manner, as his daughter, is regarded as an insult to him.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon most humbly,” said the contrite Englishman. “It was all + on account of my ignorance of your customs and my impulsiveness. It shall + never happen again, I promise you.” + </p> + <p> + Her face brightened a little and the color came back slowly. She sat down + again, but not so near Thorndyke, and seemed desirous of changing the + subject. + </p> + <p> + “And do you love the man my father has transported?” she questioned. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is a good, faithful fellow, and it is hard to die so far away + from friends.” + </p> + <p> + “We must try to save him, but I cannot now think of a safe plan. The + police are very vigilant.” + </p> + <p> + “Where was he taken?” + </p> + <p> + “Into the darkness behind the sun—beyond the wall of which I spoke.” + </p> + <p> + A flush of shame came into Thorndyke's face over the remembrance that he + had made no effort to aid poor Johnston, and was sitting listening with + delight to the conversation of Bernardino. He rose suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “I must be doing something to aid him,” he said. “I cannot sit here + inactive while he is in danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Be patient,” she advised, looking at him admiringly; “it is near night; + see, it is the gray light of dusk; the sun is out of sight. To-night, if + possible, I shall come to you. Perhaps I shall approach you without + disguise if you are in the throne-room and my father does not object to my + entertaining you, but for the present we must separate. Adieu.” + </p> + <p> + He bowed low as she turned away, and joined the throng that was passing + along outside. An officer approached him. It was Captain Tradmos, who + bowed and smiled pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you,” he said, with suave pleasantness. + </p> + <p> + “Upon what?” Thorndyke was on his guard at once. + </p> + <p> + “Upon having pleased the king so thoroughly. No stranger, in my memory, + has ever been treated so courteously. Every other new-comer is put under + surveillance, but you are left unwatched.” + </p> + <p> + “He is easily pleased,” said the Englishman, “for I have done nothing to + gratify him.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought he would like you; and I felt that your friend would have to + suffer, but I could not help him.” + </p> + <p> + “He shall not suffer if I can prevent it.” + </p> + <p> + “Sh—be cautious. Those words, implying an inclination to treason, if + spoken to any other officer would place you under immediate arrest. I like + you, therefore I want to warn you against such folly. You are wholly in + the king's power. Another thing I would specially warn you against——” + </p> + <p> + “And that is?” + </p> + <p> + “Not to allow the king to suspect your admiration for the Princess + Bernardino. It would displease the king. She is much taken with you; I saw + it in her eyes when she danced for your entertainment.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke made no reply, but gazed searchingly into the eyes of the + officer. Tradmos laughed. + </p> + <p> + “You are afraid of me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am not, I trust you wholly; I know that you are honorable; I never + make a mistake along that line.” + </p> + <p> + Tradmos bowed, pleased by the compliment. + </p> + <p> + “I shall aid you all I can with my advice, for I know you will not betray + me; but at present I am powerless to give you material aid. Every subject + of this realm is bound to the autocratic will of the king. It is + impossible for any one to get from under his power.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “The only outlet to the upper world is carefully guarded by men who would + not be bribed.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there any chance for my friend?” + </p> + <p> + “None that I can see, but I must walk on; there comes one of the king's + attendants.” + </p> + <p> + “The king has asked to speak to you,” announced the attendant to + Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “I will go with you,” was his reply, and he followed the man through the + crowded corridors into the throne-room of the king. Thorndyke forced a + smile as he saw the king smiling at him as he approached the throne. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of my palace?” asked the king, after Thorndyke had + knelt before him. + </p> + <p> + “It is superb,” answered the Englishman, recalling the advice of + Bernardino. “I am dazed by its splendor, its architecture, and its art. I + have seen nothing to equal it on earth.” + </p> + <p> + The king rose and stood beside him. His manner was both pleasing and + sympathetic. “I am persuaded,” said he, “that you will make a good + subject, and have the interest of Alpha always at heart, but I have often + been mistaken in the character of men and think it best to give you a + timely warning. An attendant will conduct you to a chamber beneath the + palace where it will be your privilege to converse with a man who once + planned to get up a rebellion among my people.” + </p> + <p> + There had come suddenly a stern harshness into the king's tone that roused + the fears of Thorndyke. He was about to reply, but the king held up his + hand. “Wait till you have visited the dungeon of Nordeskyne, then I am + sure that you will be convinced that strict obedience in thought as well + as deed is best for an inhabitant of Alpha.” Speaking thus, he signed to + an attendant who came forward and bowed. + </p> + <p> + “Conduct him to the dungeon of Nordeskyne, and return to me,” ordered the + king. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke's heart was heavy, and he was filled with strange forebodings, + but he simply smiled and bowed, as the attendant led him away. The + attendant opened a door at the back of the throne-room and they were + confronted by darkness. They went along a narrow corridor for some + distance, the darkness thickening at every step. There was no sound except + the sound of the guide's shoes on the smooth stone pavement. Presently the + man released Thorndyke's arm, saying: + </p> + <p> + “It is narrow here, follow close behind, and do not attempt to go back.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall certainly stick to you,” replied the Englishman drily. They + turned a sharp corner suddenly, and were going in another direction when + Thorndyke felt a soft warm hand steal into his from behind, and knew + intuitively that it was Bernardino. The guide was a few feet in advance of + them and she drew Thorndyke's head down and whispered into his ear. + </p> + <p> + “Be brave—by all that you love—for your life, keep your + presence of mind, and——” + </p> + <p> + “What was that?” asked the guide, turning suddenly and catching the + Englishman's arm, “I thought I heard whispering.” + </p> + <p> + “I was saying my prayers, that is all,” and the Englishman pressed the + hand of the princess, who, pressed close against the wall, was gliding + cautiously away. + </p> + <p> + “Prayers, humph—you'll need them later, come on!” and he caught the + Englishman's arm and hastily drew him onward. Thorndyke's spirits sank + lower. The air of the narrow under-ground corridor was cold and damp, and + he quivered from head to foot. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IX. + </h2> + <h3> + Branasko paused again in his walk towards the mysterious light. + </h3> + <p> + “It cannot be from the internal fires,” said he, “for this light is white, + and the glow of the fires is red.” + </p> + <p> + “Let's turn back,” suggested Johnston, “it can do us no good to go down + there; it is only taking us further from the wall.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to understand it,” returned the Alphian thoughtfully; “and, + besides, there can be no more danger there than back among the hot + crevices. We have got to perish anyway, and we might as well spice the + remainder of our lives with whatever adventure we can. Who knows what we + may not discover? There are many things about the land of Alpha that the + inhabitants do not understand.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll follow you anywhere,” acquiesced Johnston; “you are right.” + </p> + <p> + They stumbled on over the rocky surface in silence. At times, the roof of + the cavern sank so low that they had to stoop to pass under it, and again + it rose sharply like the roof of a cathedral, and the rays of the + far-away, but ever-increasing light, shone upon glistening stalactites + that hung from the darkness above them like daggers of diamonds set in + ebony. + </p> + <p> + “It is not so near as I supposed,” said the Alphian wearily. “And the + light seemed to me to be shining on a cliff over which water is pouring in + places. Yes, you can see that it is water by the ripples in the light.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but where can the light itself be?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot yet tell; wait till we get nearer.” + </p> + <p> + In about an hour they came to a wide chasm on the other side of which + towered a vast cliff of white crystal. It was on this that the trembling + light was playing. + </p> + <p> + “Not a waterfall after all,” said Branasko; “see, there is the source of + the reflection,” and he pointed to the left through a series of dark + chambers of the cavern to a dazzling light. “Come, let's go nearer it.” He + moved a few steps forward and then happening to look over his shoulder he + stopped abruptly, and uttered an exclamation of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” And Johnston followed the eyes of the Alphian. + </p> + <p> + “Our shadows on the crystal cliff,” said Branasko in an awed tone; “only + the light from the changing sun could make them so.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston shuddered superstitiously at the tone of Branasko's quivering + voice, and their giant shadows which stood out on the smooth crystal like + silhouettes. So clear-cut were they, that, in his own shadow, the American + could see his breast heaving and in Branasko's the quivering of the + Alphian's huge body and limbs. + </p> + <p> + “If we have happened upon the home of the sun, only the spirit of the dead + kings could tell what will become of us,” said Branasko. + </p> + <p> + “Puh! you are blindly superstitious,” said Johnston; “what if we do come + upon the sun? Let's go down there and look into the mystery.” + </p> + <p> + Branasko fell into the rear and the American stoutly pushed ahead toward + the light which was every moment increasing. As they advanced the cave got + larger until it opened out into a larger plain over which hung fathomless + darkness, and out of the plain a great dazzling globe of light was slowly + rising. + </p> + <p> + “It is the sun itself,” exclaimed Branasko, and he sank to the earth and + covered his face with his hands. “I have not thought ever to see it out of + the sky.” + </p> + <p> + The American was deeply thrilled by the grand sight. He sat down by + Branasko and together they watched the vast ball of light emerge from the + black earth and gradually disappear in a great hole in the roof of the + cavern. It left a broad stream of light behind it, and, now that the sun + itself was out of view, the silent spectators could see the great square + hole from which it had risen. + </p> + <p> + As if by mutual consent, they rose and made their way over the rocks to + the verge of the hole, which seemed several thousand feet square. At + first, owing to the brightness of the sun overhead, they could see + nothing; but, as the great orb gradually disappeared, they began to see + lights and the figures of men moving about below. Later they observed the + polished parts of stupendous machinery—machinery that moved almost + noiselessly. + </p> + <p> + Johnston caught sight of a great net-work of moving cables reaching from + the machinery up through the hole above and exclaimed enthusiastically:—“A + mechanical sun! electric daylight! What genius! A world in a great cave! + Hundreds of square miles and thousands of well organized people living + under the light of an artificial sun!” + </p> + <p> + The Alphian looked at him astonished. “Is it not so in your country?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + Johnston smiled. “The great sun that lights the outer world is as much + greater than that ball of light as Alpha is greater than a grain of sand. + But this surely is the greatest achievement of man. But while I now + understand how your sun goes over the whole of Alpha, I cannot see how it + returns.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have not heard of the great tunnel of the Sun,” replied the + Alphian. + </p> + <p> + “No,what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “It runs beneath Alpha and connects the rising and setting points of the + sun. There is a point beneath the king's palace where, by a staircase, the + king and his officers may go down and inspect the sun as it is on its way + back to the east during the day.” + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful!” + </p> + <p> + “And once a year a royal party goes in the sun over its entire course. It + is said that it is sumptuously furnished inside, and not too warm, the + lights being only innumerable small ones on the outside.” + </p> + <p> + The two men were silent for a moment then Johnston said: + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps we might be able to get into it unobserved and be thus carried + over to the other side, or reach the palace through the tunnel.” + </p> + <p> + Branasko started convulsively, and then, as he looked into the earnest + eyes of the American, he said despondently: + </p> + <p> + “We have got to die, anyway; it may be well for us to think of it; but on + the other side, in the Barrens, there is no more chance for escape than + here. But the adventure would at least give us something to think about; + let's try it.” + </p> + <p> + “All right; but how can we get down there where the sun starts to rise?” + asked the American, peering cautiously over the edge of the hole. + </p> + <p> + “There must be some way,” answered Branasko. “Ah, see! further to the left + there are some ledges; let's see what can be done that way.” + </p> + <p> + “I am with you.” + </p> + <p> + The rays of the departing sun were almost gone, and the electric lights + down among the machinery seemed afar off like stars reflected in deep + water. With great difficulty the two men lowered themselves from one sharp + ledge to another till they had gone half down to the bottom. + </p> + <p> + “It is no use,” said Branasko, peering over the lowest ledge. “There are + no more ledges and this one juts out so far that even if there were + smaller ones beneath we could not get to them.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” agreed the American, “but look, is not that a lake + beneath? I think it must be, for the lights are reflected on its surface.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” answered Branasko; “and I now see a chance for us to get + down safely.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “The workers are too far from the lake to see us; we can drop into the + water and swim ashore.” + </p> + <p> + “Would they not hear the splashing of our bodies?” + </p> + <p> + “I think not; but first let's experiment with a big stone.” + </p> + <p> + Suiting the action to the word, they secured a stone weighing about + seventy-five pounds and brought it to the ledge. Carefully poising it in + mid-air, they let it go. Down it went, cutting the air with a sharp + whizzing sound. They listened breathlessly, but heard no sound as the rock + struck the water, and the men among the machinery seemed undisturbed. Only + the widening circles of rings on the lake's surface indicated where the + stone had fallen. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” ejaculated the Alphian; “are you equal to such a plunge? The water + must be deep, and we won't be hurt at all if only we can keep our feet + downward and hold our breath long enough. Our clothing will soon dry down + there, for feel the warmth that comes from below.” + </p> + <p> + The Alphian slowly crawled out on the sharpest projection of the ledge. + “Are you willing to try it?” he asked, over his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, wait till you see me swim ashore, and then follow.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston shuddered as the strong fellow swung himself over the ledge and + hung downward. + </p> + <p> + “Adieu,” said Branasko, and he let go. Down he fell, as straight as an + arrow, into the shadows below. For an instant Johnston heard the + fluttering of the fellow's clothing as he fell through the darkness, and + then there was no sound except the low whirr of the cables and the + monotonous hum of the great wheels beneath. Then the smooth surface of the + lake was broken in a white foaming spot, and, later, he saw something + small and dark slowly swimming shoreward. It was Branasko, and the men to + the right had not heard or seen him. + </p> + <p> + Johnston saw him reach the shore, then he crawled out to the point of the + projecting rock and tremblingly lowered himself till he hung downward as + Branasko had done. He had just drawn a deep breath preparatory to letting + go his hold, when, chancing to look down, he saw a long narrow barge + slowly emerging from the cliff directly under him. For an instant he was + so much startled that he almost lost his grip on the rock. He tried to + climb back on the ledge, but his strength was gone. He felt that he could + not hold out till the boat had passed. Death was before him, and a + horrible one. The boat seemed to crawl. Everything was a blur before his + eyes. His fingers began to relax, and with a low cry he fell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter X. + </h2> + <p> + To Thorndyke the dark corridor seemed endless. The king's last words had + now a sinister meaning, and Bernardino's whispered warning filled him with + dread. “Keep your presence of mind,” she urged; was it then, some + frightful mental ordeal he was about to pass through? + </p> + <p> + Presently they came to a door. Thorndyke heard his guide feeling for the + bolt and key-hole. The rattling of the keys sounded like a ghostly threat + in the empty corridors. The air was as damp as a fog, and the stones were + cold and slimy. After a moment the guard succeeded in unlocking the door + and roughly pushed the Englishman forward. The door closed with a little + puff, and Thorndyke felt about him for the guide; but he was alone. For a + moment there was no sound. With the closing of the door it seemed to him + that he was cut off from every living creature. In the awful silence he + could hear his own heart beating like a drum. + </p> + <p> + “Stand where you are!” came in a hissing whisper from the darkness near + by, and then the invisible whisperer moved away, making a weird sound as + he slid his hand along a wall, till it died away in the distance. + </p> + <p> + A cold thrill ran over him. He was a brave man and feared no living man or + beast, but the superstitious fears of his childhood now came upon him with + redoubled force. For several minutes he did not stir; presently he put out + his hand to the door and his blood ran cold. There was no knob, latch, or + key-hole, and he could feel the soft padding into which the door closed to + keep out sound. Then he remembered the warning of the princess, and strove + with all his might to fight down his apprehensions. “For your life keep + your presence of mind,” he repeated over and over, but try as he would his + terror over-powered him. He laughed out loud, but in the dreadful silence + and darkness his laugh sounded unearthly. + </p> + <p> + A cold perspiration broke out on him. It seemed as if hours passed before + he again heard the sliding noise on the wall. Some one was coming to him. + The sound grew louder and nearer, till a firm hand was laid on his arm; it + felt as cold as ice through his clothing. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” a voice whispered, and the Englishman was led forward. Presently + another door opened—a door that closed after them without any sound. + Here the silence was more intensified, the darkness thicker as if + compressed like air. + </p> + <p> + Hands were placed on the shoulders of Thorndyke and he was gently forced + into a chair. As soon as he was seated two metal clamps grasped like a + vise his arms between the elbows and the shoulders, and two more fastened + round his ankles. + </p> + <p> + There was a faint puff of air from the door and the prisoner felt that he + was alone. Terror held him in bondage. He tried to think of Bernardino, + but in vain. Did they intend to drive him to madness? He began to suspect + that the king had discovered his natural superstition and had decided to + put it to a test. What he had undergone so far he felt was but the + introduction to greater terrors in store for him. + </p> + <p> + There was a sigh far away in the darkness—then a groan that seemed + to flit about in space, as if seeking to escape the dark, and then died + away in a low moan of despair. Before him the blackness seemed to hang + like a dark curtain about ten yards in front of him, and in it shone a + tiny speck of light no larger than the head of a pin, and which was so + bright that he could not look at it steadily. It increased to the size of + a pea, and then he discovered that, at times, it would seem miles away in + space and then again to draw quite near to hand. Glancing down, he noticed + that it cast a bright round spot about an inch in diameter on the floor, + and that the spot was slowly revolving in a circle so small that its + motion was hardly observable. Surely the mind of a superstitious man was + never so punished! When Thorndyke looked steadily at the spot, the black + floor seemed to recede, and the spot to sink far down into the empty + darkness below like a solitary star; So realistic was this that the + Englishman could not keep from fancying that this chair was poised in some + way over fathomless space. Presently he noticed that the spot had ceased + its circular movement and was slowly—almost as slowly as the + movement of the hand of a clock—advancing in a straight line toward + him. + </p> + <p> + No such terror had ever before possessed the stout heart of the + Englishman. As the uncanny spot, ever growing brighter, advanced toward + him, he thought his heart had stopped beating; his brain was in a whirl. + After a long while the spot reached his feet and began to climb up his + legs. With a shudder and a smothered cry, he tried to draw his feet away, + but they were too firmly manacled. + </p> + <p> + “It is searching for my heart,” thought Thorndyke. “My God, when it + reaches it, I shall die!” As the strange spot, gleaming like a burning + diamond in whose heart leaped a thousand different colored flames, and + which seemed possessed of some strange hellish purpose, crossed his thighs + and began to climb up his body, the brain of the prisoner seemed on fire. + He tried to close his eyes, but, horror of horrors! his eyelids were + paralyzed. It was almost over his heart, and Thorndyke was fainting + through sheer mental exhaustion when it stopped, began to descend slowly, + and, then, with a rapid, wavering motion, it fell to the floor, flashed + about in the darkness, and vanished. + </p> + <p> + An hour dragged slowly by. What would happen next? The Englishman felt + that his frightful ordeal was not over. To his surprise the darkness began + to lighten till he could see dimly the outlines of the chamber. It was + bare save for the chair he occupied against a wall, and a couch on the + opposite side of the room. The couch held something which looked like a + human body covered with a white cloth. He could see where the sheet + rounded over the head and rose sharply at the feet. + </p> + <p> + Something told him that it was a corpse and a new terror possessed him. + For several minutes he gazed at the couch in dreadful suspense, then his + heart stopped pulsing as the figure on the couch began to move. Slowly the + sheet fell from the head and the figure sat up stiffly. There was a faint + hum of hidden machinery at the couch, and a flashing blue and green line + running from the couch to the wall betrayed the presence of an electric + wire. + </p> + <p> + Slowly the figure rose, and with creaking, rattling joints stood erect. + Pale lights shone in the orbits of the eyes and the sound of harsh + automatic breathing came from the mouth and nostrils. Slowly and haltingly + the figure advanced toward Thorndyke. The poor fellow tried to wrench + himself free from the chair, but he could not stir an inch. On came the + figure, its long arms swinging mechanically, and its feet slurring over + the stone pavement. + </p> + <p> + When within ten feet of the Englishman it stopped, nodded its head three + or four times, and slowly opened its mouth. There was a sharp, whirring + noise, such as comes from a phonograph, and a voice spoke: + </p> + <p> + “My voice shall sound on earth for a million years after my spirit has + left my body; and I shall wander about my dark dungeon as a warning to men + not to do as I have done.” + </p> + <p> + The voice ceased, but the whirring sound in the creature's breast went on. + The figure shambled nearer to Thorndyke and the voice began again: + </p> + <p> + “I disobeyed the laws of great Alpha and her imperial king and am to die. + Beware of the temptation to search into the royal motives or attempt to + escape. The fate of all the inhabitants of Alpha, the wonderful Land of + the Changing Sun, is in the hands of its ruler. Beware! My death-torture + is to be lingering and horrible. I sink into deepest dejection. I was + eager to return to my native land and tried to escape. Behold my + punishment! Even my bones and flesh will not be allowed to rest or decay. + Beware, the king is just and good, but he will be obeyed!” + </p> + <p> + Slowly the figure retreated toward the couch and lay down on it. The + whirring sound ceased, the light along the wire went out, and the darkness + thickened till the couch and the outlines of the chamber were obscured. + Then Thorndyke's chair was lifted, as if by unseen hands, and he was borne + backward. In a moment he felt the cool, damp air of the corridor, and some + one raised him to his feet and led him back to the throne-room. + </p> + <p> + In the bright light which burst on him as the door opened, the beautiful + women and handsome men moving about the throne were to him like a glimpse + of Paradise. The attendant left him at the door and he walked in, so dazed + and weak that he hardly knew what to do. No one seemed to notice him and + the king was engaged in an animated conversation with several ladies who + were sitting at his feet. + </p> + <p> + In a bevy of women Thorndyke noticed Bernardino. She gave him a quick, + sympathetic glance of recognition and then looked down discreetly. + Presently she left the others and moved on till she had disappeared behind + a great carved wine-cistern which stood on the backs of four crouching + golden leopards in a retired part of the room. Something in her sudden + movement made the Englishman think she wanted to speak to him, and he went + to her. He was not mistaken, for she smiled as he approached. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad,” she whispered, touching his arm impulsively, and then quickly + removing her hand as if afraid of detection. + </p> + <p> + “Glad of what?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Glad that you stood that—that torture so well; several men have + died in that chair and some went mad.” + </p> + <p> + “I remembered your advice; that saved me.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a plan for us to try to rescue your friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I had forgotten him! what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Tradmos likes you and has consented to aid us. We shall need an + air-ship and he has one at his disposal which is used only for + governmental purposes.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with the air-ship?” + </p> + <p> + “To go beyond and over the great wall.” + </p> + <p> + “But can we get away from here without being seen?” + </p> + <p> + “Under ordinary circumstances, neither by day nor night, but tomorrow the + king has planned to let his people witness a 'War of the Elements.'” + </p> + <p> + “A War of the Elements?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the grandest fete of Alpha. There will be a frightful storm in the + sky; no light for hours; the thunder will be musical and the lightning + will seem to set the world on fire. That will be our chance. When it is + darkest we shall try to get away unseen. We may fail. Such a daring thing + has never been attempted by any one. If we are detected we shall suffer + death as the penalty, the king could never pardon such a bold violation of + law.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XI. + </h2> + <p> + Johnston clung tenaciously to the rock. He tried to look down to see if + the barge had passed beneath him, but the intense strain on his arm now + drew his head back, so that he could not do so. Once more he made an + effort to regain his position on the rock, but he was not able to raise + himself an inch. + </p> + <p> + He felt certain that the fall would kill him, and he groaned in agony. His + fingers were benumbed and beginning to slip. Then he fell. The air whizzed + in his ears. He tried to keep his feet downward, but it was no use. He was + whirled heels over head many times, and his senses were leaving him when + he was restored by a plunge into the cold water. + </p> + <p> + Down he sank. It seemed to him that he never would lose his momentum and + that he would strangle before he could rise to the surface. Finally, + however, he came up more dead than alive. He had narrowly missed the + flat-boat, for he saw it receding from him only a few yards away. On the + shore stood Branasko motioning to him; and, slowly, for his strength was + almost gone, Johnston swam toward him. + </p> + <p> + The latter waded out into the shallow water and drew him ashore. + </p> + <p> + “You had a narrow escape,” he said, with a dry laugh. “I saw the boat come + from under the cliff just as you hung down from the ledge. At first I + hoped that you would get back on the rock, but when I saw you try and do + it and fail I thought that you were lost.” + </p> + <p> + The American could not speak for exhaustion; but, as he looked at the + departing craft with concern, Branasko laughed again: “Oh, you thought it + had a crew; so did I at first, but it has no one aboard. It is drawn by a + cable, and seems to be laden with coal.” + </p> + <p> + “Did they notice our fall up there?” panted Johnston, nodding toward the + lights in the distance. + </p> + <p> + “No, they are farther away than I thought.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what ought we to do?” “Hide here among the rocks till our clothing + dries and then look about us. We have nearly twenty-four hours to wait for + the sun to return through the tunnel.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the tunnel?” + </p> + <p> + “Over on the other side of that black hill. There, you can see the mouth + of the tunnel through which the sun comes.” + </p> + <p> + “We need sleep,” said the Alphian, when their clothing was dry, “and it + may be a long time before we get a chance to get it. Let us lie down in + the shadow of that rock and rest.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston consented, and, lying down together, they soon dropped asleep. + They slept soundly. + </p> + <p> + Johnston was the first to awake. He felt so refreshed that he knew he must + have been unconscious several hours. He touched Branasko and the latter + sat up and rubbed his eyes and looked about him bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “I had a horrible dream,” he said shuddering. “I thought that we were in + the sun and over the capital city when it fell down. I thought the fall + was awful, and that all Alpha was aflame. Then the fires went out. + Everything was black, and the whole world rang with cries of terrified + people. Ugh! I don't want to dream so again; I'd rather not sleep at all. + But hush! what is that?” + </p> + <p> + Far away, as if in the centre of the earth, they heard a low monotonous + rumbling. They listened breathlessly. Every moment the sound increased. + They could feel the ground trembling as if shaken by an earthquake. + </p> + <p> + “It is the coming sun,” said Branasko. “We must get nearer the tunnel and + see what can be done. It would be useless to try to go back now.” + </p> + <p> + Stealing along in the shadow of the cliffs to keep from being seen by the + workmen on the plateau above, they climbed over a rocky incline and saw in + the side of a towering cliff, a great black hole. It was the mouth of the + tunnel. Into it ran eight wide tracks of railway and six mammoth cables + each twenty or thirty feet in diameter. + </p> + <p> + “The sun cannot be far away now,” remarked the Alphian. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not lighted?” + </p> + <p> + “I presume not; I think it comes through in darkness. The light is saved + for its passage over Alpha.” + </p> + <p> + “Would it not be as safe for us to attempt to walk through the tunnel to + the palace of the king?” + </p> + <p> + “Never; it would be over fifty miles in utter darkness. There may be a + thousand trestles and bridges over frightful chasms: for the most part, I + have heard the tunnel is a natural channel or a succession of caverns + united by tunnels. The other is the safer way, though it certainly is + risky enough.” + </p> + <p> + Louder and nearer grew the rumbling noise, and a faint light began to + shine from the tunnel and flash on the cliff opposite. + </p> + <p> + “It is the sun's headlight,” explained Branasko. + </p> + <p> + Johnston was thrilled to the centre of his being as he saw the light + playing over the polished tracks and cables and illuminating the walls of + the great tunnel. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there was a deep, mellow-toned stroke of a bell in the sun, and, + as the two men shrank involuntarily into the deeper shade of the cliff, + the great globe, a stupendous ball of crystal, five hundred feet in + height, slowly emerged from the mouth of the tunnel and came to a stop + under the opening in the rock which led to the space above. + </p> + <p> + “What had we better do now?” said Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “Wait,” cautioned Branasko, and he drew the American to a great boulder + nearer the sun, from behind which they could, without being seen, watch + the action of the crowd of workmen that was hurriedly approaching. They + placed ladders of steel against the sides of the sun and swarmed over it + like bees. + </p> + <p> + “They are cleaning the glass and adjusting the lights,” said the Alphian; + “wait till they go round to the other side. Don't you see that square + opening near the ground?” + </p> + <p> + The American nodded. + </p> + <p> + “It is the door,” said Branasko, “and we must try to enter it while they + are on the other side. Let us slip nearer; there is another rock ahead + that we can hide behind.” Suiting the action to the word, Branasko led the + way, stooping near to the ground until both were safely ensconced behind + the boulder in question. They were now so near that they could hear the + electricians rubbing the glass. + </p> + <p> + One who seemed to be superintending the work opened the door and went into + the sun and lighted a bright light. From where they were crouched Johnston + and Branasko caught a view of a little hall, a flight of stairs, and some + pictures on the walls. + </p> + <p> + Presently the man extinguished the light and came out. + </p> + <p> + “They are removing their ladders from this side,” said Branasko in a + whisper. “Be ready; we must act quickly and without a particle of sound. + Run straight for that door and climb up the steps immediately.” + </p> + <p> + The men had all gone round to the other side, and no one was in sight. + </p> + <p> + “Quick! Follow me,” and bending low to the earth the Alphian darted across + the intervening space and into the doorway. Johnston was quite as + successful. As he entered the door he saw Branasko crawling up the + carpeted stairs ahead of him, and, on his all-fours, he followed. The + first landing was large, and there in the wall they found a closet. It + would have been dark but for a dim light that streamed down from above. + Branasko opened the closet door. “We must hide here for the present,” he + whispered. + </p> + <p> + They had barely got seated on the floor and closed the door when a bright + light broke round them and they heard somebody ascending the stairs. The + person passed by and went on further up. The two adventurers dared not + exchange a word. They could hear the footsteps above and the sound of the + electricians outside as they polished the lights and moved their ladders + from place to place. + </p> + <p> + “If he should stay, what could we do?” asked Johnston, after a long pause, + and when the footsteps sounded farther away. + </p> + <p> + “There are two of us and one of him,” grimly replied the brawny Alphian. + </p> + <p> + Johnston shuddered. “Let's not commit murder in any emergency,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “It would not be murder; every man has a right to save his own life.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing more was said just then, for the footsteps were growing nearer. + The man was descending. He crossed the landing they were on and went down + the last flight of stairs and out of the door. + </p> + <p> + Branasko rubbed his rough hands together. “We are going alone,” he said + with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + There was a sound of sliding ladders on the walls outside. The workmen had + finished their task. A moment later a great bell overhead rang mellowly; + the colossal sphere trembled and rocked and then rose and swung easily + forward like the car of a balloon. + </p> + <p> + “We are rising,” said the Alphian, in a tone of superstitious awe. + Johnston said nothing. There was a cool, sinking sensation in his stomach + and his head was swimming. Branasko, however, was in possession of all his + faculties. + </p> + <p> + “We shall soon be through the shaft we first discovered and throw our + light over Alpha.” As he spoke the space about them broke into blinding + brightness and for a few moments they could only open their eyes for an + instant at a time. After a while Branasko opened the closet door and they + went up the stairs. + </p> + <p> + The first apartment they entered was most luxuriously furnished. Sofas, + couches and reclining-chairs were scattered here and there over the + elegant carpet, and statues of gold and marble stood in alcoves and niches + and strange stereopticon lanterns, hanging from the ceiling threw + ever-changing and life-like pictures on the walls. The light streamed in + from without through small circular windows. After they had walked about + the room for some minutes, the Alphian pointed to a half-open door and a + staircase at one side of the room. + </p> + <p> + “I think it leads to some sort of observatory on top,” he said. “I have + heard that when the royal family makes this voyage they are fond of + looking out from it. Suppose we see.” Johnston acquiesced, and Branasko + opened the door. From the increased brightness that came in they were + assured that the stairs led outward. + </p> + <p> + Ascending many flights of stairs and traversing a narrow winding gallery + which seemed to be gradually sloping upward, they finally reached the + outside, and found themselves on a platform about forty feet square + surrounded by iron balustrades. Above hung impenetrable blackness, below + curved a majestic sphere of white light. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XII. + </h2> + <p> + The sunlight was fading into gray when the princess turned to leave + Thorndyke. Night was drawing near. + </p> + <p> + “Have they assigned you a chamber yet?” she paused to ask. + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Then they have overlooked it; I shall remind the king.” + </p> + <p> + Her beautiful, lithe form was clearly outlined against the red glow of the + massive swinging lamp as she moved gracefully away, and Thorndyke's heart + bounded with admiration and hope as he thought of her growing regard for + him. He resumed his seat among the flowers, listening, as if in a + delightful dream, to the seductive music from bands in different parts of + the palace and the never-ceasing sound in the air which seemed to him to + be the concentrated echo of all the sounds in the strange country + rebounding from the vast cavern roof. + </p> + <p> + It grew darker. The gray outside had changed to purple. In the palace the + brilliant electric lights in prismatic globes refused to allow the day to + die. He was thinking of returning to the throne-room when a page in silken + attire approached from the direction of the king's quarters. + </p> + <p> + “To your chambers, master,” he announced, bowing respectfully. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke arose and followed him to an elevator near by. They ascended to + the highest balcony of the great rotunda. Here they alighted and turned to + the right, the page leading the way, a key in his hand. Presently the page + stopped at a door and unlocked it and preceded the Englishman into the + room. As they entered an electric light in a chandelier flashed up + automatically. + </p> + <p> + It was a sumptuous apartment, and adjoining it were several connecting + rooms all elegantly furnished. The page crossed the room and opened a door + to a little stairway. + </p> + <p> + “It leads to the roof,” he said. “The princess told me to call your + attention to it, that you might go out and view the starlight.” + </p> + <p> + When the page had retired, Thorndyke, feeling lonely, ascended the stairs + to the roof. It was perfectly flat save for the great dome which stood in + the centre and the numerous pinnacles and cupolas on every hand, and was + very spacious. The Englishman's loneliness increased, for no matter in + what direction he looked, there was not a living soul in sight. Far in + front of him he saw a stone parapet. He went to this and looked down on + the city. The electric lights were vari-colored, and arranged so that when + seen from a distance or from a great height they assumed artistic designs + that were beautiful to behold. + </p> + <p> + The regular streets and rows of buildings stretched away till the light in + the farthest distance seemed an ocean of blending colors. Overhead the + vault was black, and only here and there shone a star; but as he looked + upward they began to flash into being, and so rapidly that the sky seemed + a vast battlefield of electricity. + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful! Wonderful!” he ejaculated enthusiastically, when the black + dome was filled with twinkling stars. He leaned for a long time against + the parapet, listening to the music from the streets below, and watching + the flying-machines with their vari-colored lights rise from the little + parks at the intersection of the streets and dart away over the roofs like + big fireflies. Then he began to feel sleepy, and, going back to his + chambers, he retired. + </p> + <p> + When he awoke the next morning, the rosy glow of the sun was shining in at + his windows. On rising he was surprised to find a delectable breakfast + spread on a table in his sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + “Treating me like a lord, any way,” he said drily. “I can't say I dislike + the thing as a whole.” When he had satisfied his sharp hunger he went out + into a corridor and seeing an elevator he entered it and went down to the + throne-room. The king was just leaving his throne, but seeing Thorndyke he + turned to him with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “How did you sleep?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Well, indeed,” replied Thorndyke, with a low bow. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot talk to you now. I intended to, but I have promised my people a + 'War of the Elements' to-day and am busy. You will enjoy it, I trust.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of it, your Majesty.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, be about the palace, for it is a good point from which to view the + display.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he turned away and the Englishman, as if drawn there by + the memory of his last conversation with Bernardino, sought the retreat + where he had bidden her good-night. He sat down on the seat they had + occupied, and gave himself over to delightful reveries about her beauty + and loveliness of nature. Looking up suddenly he saw a pair of white hands + part the palm leaves in front of him and the subject of his thoughts + emerged into view. + </p> + <p> + She wore a regal gown and beautiful silken head-dress set with fine gems, + and gave him a warm glance of friendly greeting. + </p> + <p> + “I half hoped to find you here,” she said, blushing modestly under his + ardent gaze; “that is, I knew you would not know where to go——” + She paused, her face suffused with blushes. + </p> + <p> + “I did not hope to find you here,” he said, coming to her aid gallantly, + “but it was a delight to sit here where I last saw you.” + </p> + <p> + She blushed even deeper, and a pleased look flashed into her eyes. “It was + important that I should see you this morning,” she continued, with a + womanly desire to disguise her own feeling. “I wanted to tell you where to + meet me when the storm begins.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “On the roof of the palace, near the stairs leading down to your chambers. + At first it will be very dark, and it is then that we must get out of + sight of the palace. No other flying-machines will be in the air, and + Captain Tradmos thinks, if we are very careful, we can get away safely + before the display of lightning.” + </p> + <p> + “If we find my friend what can we do with him?” + </p> + <p> + She hesitated a moment, a look of perplexity on her face, then she said: + “We can bring him back and keep him hidden in your chambers till some + better arrangement can be made. We shall think of some expedient before + long, but at present he must be saved from starvation.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke attempted to draw her to a seat beside him, but she held back. + “No,” she said resolutely, “it would never do for us to be seen together. + If my father should suspect anything now, all hope would be lost.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke reluctantly released her hand. + </p> + <p> + “You are right, I beg your pardon,” he said humbly. “I shall meet you + promptly. Of course I want to save poor Johnston, but the delight of being + with you again, even for a moment, so intoxicates me that I forget even my + duty to him.” + </p> + <p> + After she left him he wandered out in the streets along the busy + thoroughfares, and into the beautiful parks, the flowers and foliage + changing color as each new hour dawned. The fragrance of the flowers + delighted his sense of smell, and the luscious fruits hung from vine and + tree in great abundance. + </p> + <p> + He was impatient for the time to arrive at which he was to meet the + princess. After awhile he noticed the people closing the shops and booths, + and in holiday dress going to the parks and public squares. He hastened to + the palace. The great rotunda and the throne-room were energetically + astir. Everybody wore rich apparel and was talking of the coming fete. The + king was on his throne surrounded by his men of science. In a cluster of + ladies in court dress, the Englishman recognized Bernardino. Catching his + eye, she looked startled for an instant, and, then, with a furtive glance + at the king, she swept her eyes back to Thorndyke and raised them + significantly toward his chambers. He understood, and his quick movement + was his reply. He turned immediately to an elevator that was going up, and + entered it. Again he was alone on the palace roof. The color of the + sunlight looked so natural that he studied it closely to see if he could + not detect something artificial in its appearance, but in vain. He found + that it did not pain his eyes to look at the sun steadily. He took from + his pocket a small sunglass, and focussed the rays on his hand, but the + heat was not intensified sufficiently to burn him. + </p> + <p> + Just then he heard a loud blast of a trumpet in a tall tower to the left + of the palace. It seemed a momentous signal. The jostling crowds in the + streets below suddenly stood motionless. Every eye was raised to the sky. + Not a sound broke the stillness. Following the glances of the crowd a few + minutes later, Thorndyke noticed a dark cloud rising in the west, and + spreading along the horizon. A feeling of awe came over him as it + gradually increased in volume, and, in vast black billows, began to roll + up toward the sun. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly out of the stillness came a faraway rumble like a fusillade of + cannon, now dying down low, again reaching such a height that it pained + the ears. Belated flying-machines darted across the sky here and there, + like storm-frightened birds, but they soon settled to earth. Every eye was + on the cloud which was now gashed with dazzling, vivid, electric flashes. + Thorndyke looked over the vast roof. He was alone. He walked to the + western parapet to get a broader view. + </p> + <p> + The clouds had increased till almost a third of the heavens were obscured + by the madly whirling blackness. There was a rumble in the cloud, or + beyond it, like thunder, and yet it was not, unless thunder can be + attuned, for the sound was like the music of a great orchestra magnified a + thousand-fold. The grand harmony died down. There was a blinding flash of + electricity in the clouds, and the Englishman involuntarily covered his + eyes with his hands. When he looked again the blackness was covering the + sun. For a moment its disk showed blood-red through the fringe of the + cloud and then disappeared. Total darkness fell on everything. + </p> + <p> + The silence was profound. The very air seemed stagnant. + </p> + <p> + Then the wind overhead, by some unseen force, was lashed into fury, and + all the sky was filled with whirlpools of deeper blackness. Suddenly there + was a flash of soft golden light; this was followed by streams of pink, of + blue and of purple till the whole heavens were hung with banners, flags, + and rain-bows of flame. Again darkness fell, and it seemed all the deeper + after the gorgeous scene which had preceded it. Thorndyke strained his + sight to detect something moving below, but nothing could be seen, and no + sound came up from the motionless crowds. + </p> + <p> + Behind him he heard a soft footstep on the stone tiling. It drew nearer. A + hand was being carefully slid along the parapet. The hand reached him and + touched his arm. + </p> + <p> + It was the princess. “Ah, I have at last found you,” she whispered, “I saw + you in the lightning, but lost you again.” + </p> + <p> + He put his arm round her and drew her into his embrace. He tried to speak, + but uttered only an inarticulate sound. + </p> + <p> + “I could not possibly come earlier,” she apologized, nestling against him + so closely that he could feel the quick and excited beating of her heart. + “My father kept me with him till only a moment ago. Captain Tradmos will + be here soon.” + </p> + <p> + “When do we start?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “That is the trouble,” she replied. “We had counted on getting away in the + darkness, before the display of lightning, but there is more danger now. + If our flying-machine were noticed the search-lights would be turned on us + and we would be discovered at once.” + </p> + <p> + “But even if we get safely away in the darkness when could we return?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that would be easy,” she replied. “As soon as the fete is over, + commerce will be resumed and the air will be filled with air-ships that + have been delayed in their regular business, and, in the disguises which I + have for us both, we could come back without rousing suspicion. We could + alight in Winter Park and return home later.” + </p> + <p> + “What is Winter Park?” + </p> + <p> + “You have not seen it? You must do so; it is one of the wonders of Alpha. + It is a vast park enclosed with high walls and covered with a roof of + glass. Inside the snow falls, and we have sleighing and coasting and lakes + of ice for skating. It was an invention of the king. The snowstorms there + are beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke's reply was drowned in a harmonious explosion like that of tuned + cannon; this was followed by the chimes of great bells which seemed to + swing back and forth miles overhead. + </p> + <p> + “Listen!” whispered Bernardino, “father calls it 'musical thunder,' and he + declares that it is produced in no other country but this.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not; he is right.” And the heart of the Englishman was stirred by + deep emotion. He had never dreamed that anything could so completely chain + his fancy and elevate his imagination as what he heard. The musical + clangor died down. The strange harmony grew more entrancing as it + softened. Then the whole eastern sky began to flush with rosy, shimmering + light. + </p> + <p> + “My father calls this the 'Ideal Dawn of Day,'” whispered Bernardino. “See + the faint golden halo near the horizon; that is where the sun is supposed + to be.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it done?” asked the Englishman. + </p> + <p> + “Few of our people know. It is a secret held only by the king and half a + dozen scientists. The whole thing, however, is operated by two men in a + room in the dome of the palace. The musician is a young German who was + becoming the wonder of the musical world when father induced him to come + to us. I have met him. He says he has been thoroughly happy here. He lives + on music. He showed me the instrument he used to play, a little thing he + called a violin, and its tones could not reach beyond the limits of a + small room. He laughs at it now and says the instrument that father gave + him to play on has strings drawn from the centre of the earth to the stars + of heaven.” + </p> + <p> + The rose-light had spread over the horizon and climbed almost to the + zenith, and with the dying booming and gentle clangor it began to fade + till all was dark again. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Tradmos ought to be here now,” continued the princess, glancing + uneasily toward the stairway. “We may not have so good an opportunity as + this.” + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes went by. + </p> + <p> + “Surely, something has gone wrong,” whispered Bernardino. “I have never + seen the darkness last so long as this; besides, can't you hear the + muttering of the people?” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke acknowledged that he did. He was about to add something else, + but was prevented by a loud blast from the trumpet in the tower. + </p> + <p> + Bernardino shrank from him and fell to trembling. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” he asked. “The trumpet!” she gasped, “something + awful has happened!” + </p> + <p> + A moment of profound silence, then the murmuring of the crowd rose + sullenly like the moaning of a rising storm; a search-light flashed up in + the gloom and swept its uncertain stream from point to point, but it died + out. Another and another shone for an instant in different parts of the + city, but they all failed. + </p> + <p> + “Something awful has happened,” repeated Bernardino, as if to herself; + “the lights will not burn!” + </p> + <p> + “Had we not better go down?” asked Thorndyke anxiously, excited by her + unusual perturbation. + </p> + <p> + For answer she mutely drew him to the eastern parapet. Far away in the + east there still lingered a faint hint of pink, but all over the whole + landscape darkness rested. + </p> + <p> + “See!” she exclaimed, pointing upward, “the clouds are thinning over the + sun, and yet there is no light. What can be the matter?” + </p> + <p> + At that juncture they heard soft steps on the roof and a voice calling: + </p> + <p> + “Bernardino! Princess Bernardino!” + </p> + <p> + “It is Tradmos,” she ejaculated gladly, then she called out softly: + </p> + <p> + “Tradmos! Tradmos!” + </p> + <p> + “Here!” the voice said, and a figure loomed up before them. It was the + captain. He was panting violently, as if he had been running. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” she asked, clasping his arm. + </p> + <p> + “The sun has gone out,” he announced. + </p> + <p> + A groan escaped her lips and she swayed into Thorndyke's arms. + </p> + <p> + “The clouds are thinning over the sun, yet there is no light. The king is + excited; he fears a panic!” + </p> + <p> + “Has such a thing never happened?” asked Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “An hundred years ago; then thousands lost their lives. As soon as the + people suspect the cause of the delay they will go mad with fear.” + </p> + <p> + “What can we do?” asked the princess, recovering her self-possession. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, wait!” replied Tradmos. “This is as safe a place as you could + find. Perhaps the trouble may be averted. Look!” + </p> + <p> + The disk of the veiled sun was aglow with a faintly trembling light; but + it went out. The silence was profound. The populace seemed unable to grasp + the situation, but when the light had flickered over the black face of the + sun once more and again expired, a sullen murmur rose and grew as it + passed from lip to lip. + </p> + <p> + It became a threatening roar, broken by an occasional cry of pain and a + dismal groan of terror. There was a crash as if a mountain had been burst + by explosives. + </p> + <p> + “The swinging bridge has been thrown down!” said Tradmos. + </p> + <p> + Light after light flashed up in different parts of the city, but they were + so small and so far apart that they seemed to add to the darkness rather + than to lessen it. + </p> + <p> + “The moon, it will rise!” cried the princess. + </p> + <p> + “It cannot,” said Tradmos in his beard, “at least not for several hours.” + </p> + <p> + “They will kill my father,” she said despondently, “they always hold him + responsible for any accident.” + </p> + <p> + “They cannot reach him,” consoled Tradmos. “He is safe for the present at + least.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible to make the repairs needed?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know. When the accident happened long ago the sun was just + rising.” + </p> + <p> + “Has it stopped?” + </p> + <p> + “I think not; it has simply gone out; the electric connection has, in some + way, been cut off.” + </p> + <p> + The tumult seemed to have extended to the very limits of the city, and was + constantly increasing. The smashing of timber and the falling of heavy + stones were heard near by. + </p> + <p> + Tradmos leaned far over the parapet. “They are coming toward us!” he said; + “they intend to destroy the palace; we must try to get down, but we shall + meet danger even there.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIII. + </h2> + <p> + Johnston and Branasko looked down at the great ball of light below them in + silent wonder. Johnston was the first to speak. He pointed to the four + massive cables which supported the sun at each corner of the platform and + extended upward till they were enveloped in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “They hold us up,” he said, “where do they go to?” + </p> + <p> + “To the big trucks which run on the tracks near the roof of the cavern; + the endless cables are up there, too, but we can not see them with this + glare about us.” + </p> + <p> + “We can see nothing of Alpha from here,” remarked Johnston disappointedly, + “we can see nothing beyond our circle of light.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to look down from this height at night,” said the Alphian. + “It would be a great view.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” Johnston went to one side of the platform and laid his + hand on the spokes of a polished metal wheel shaped like the pilot-wheel + of a steamboat. Branasko hastened to him. + </p> + <p> + “Don't touch it,” he warned. “It looks as if it were to turn the electric + connection off and on. If the sun should go out, the consequences would be + awful. The people of Alpha would go mad with fear.” + </p> + <p> + The American withdrew his hand, and he and Branasko walked back to the + centre of the platform. Johnston uttered an exclamation of surprise. “The + light is changing.” + </p> + <p> + And it was, for it was gradually fading into a purple that was + delightfully soothing to the eye after the painful brightness of a moment + before. + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” said the Alphian, “we are running very slow and are only + now about to approach the great wall, for purple is the color of the first + morning hour.” + </p> + <p> + “But how is the light changed?” asked Johnston curiously. + </p> + <p> + “By some shifting of glasses through which the rays shine, I presume,” + returned the Alphian; “but the mechanism seems to be concealed in the + walls of the globe.” + </p> + <p> + Not a word was spoken for an hour. They had lain down on the platform near + the iron railing which encompassed it, and Branasko was dozing + intermittently. Again the light began to change gradually. This time it + was gray. Johnston put out his hand to touch Branasko, but the Alphian was + awake. He sat up and nodded smiling. “Wait till the next hour,” he said; + “it will be rose-color; that is the most beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + Slowly the hours dragged by till the yellow light showed that it was the + sixth hour. Branasko had been exploring the vast interior below and came + back to Johnston who was asleep on the floor of the platform. + </p> + <p> + “I have just thought of something,” said Branasko. “This is the day + appointed by the king to entertain his subjects with a grand display of + the elements.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand,” said Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “The king,” explained the Alphian, “darkens the sun with clouds so that + all Alpha is blacker than night, and then he produces great storms in the + sky, and lightning and musical thunder. We may, perhaps, hear the music, + but we cannot witness the storm and electric display on account of the + light about us. It usually begins at this hour; so be silent and listen.” + </p> + <p> + After a few minutes there was a rumble from below like the roar of a + volcano and an answering echo from the black dome overhead. This died away + and was succeeded by a crash of musical thunder that thrilled Johnston's + being to its very core. Branasko's face was aglow with enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + “Grand, glorious!” he ejaculated, “but if only you could see the lightning + and the dawn in the east you would remember it all your life. The sunlight + is cut off from Alpha by the clouds, and there is no light except the + wonderful effects in the sky.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston had gone back to the wheel and was examining it curiously. + </p> + <p> + “I have a mind to turn off the current for a moment anyway,” he said + doggedly; “if the sun is hidden they would not discover it.” + </p> + <p> + Branasko came to him, a weird look of interest in his eyes. “That is + true,” he said; “besides, what matters it? We may not live to see another + day.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston acted on a sudden impulse. He intended only to frighten Branasko + by moving the wheel slightly, and he had turned it barely an eighth of an + inch, when, as if controlled by some powerful spring, it whirled round at + a great rate, making a loud rattling noise. To their dismay the light went + out. + </p> + <p> + “My God! what have I done?” gasped the American in alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Settled our fate, I have no doubt,” muttered the Alphian from the + darkness. + </p> + <p> + Johnston had recoiled from the whirling wheel, and now cautiously groped + back to it, and attempted to turn it. It would not move. + </p> + <p> + “It has caught some way,” he groaned under his breath. + </p> + <p> + “And we have no light to find the cause of the trouble,” added the + Alphian, who had knelt down and was feeling about the wheel. Presently he + rose. + </p> + <p> + “I give it up,” he sighed, “I cannot understand it. The machinery is + somewhere inside.” + </p> + <p> + “It has grown colder,” shuddered Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “We were warmed by the light, of course,” remarked Branasko, “and now we + feel the dampness more. We are going at a frightful speed.” + </p> + <p> + Just then there was a jar, and the sun swung so violently from side to + side that the two men were prostrated on the floor. The speed seemed to + slacken. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if we are going to stop,” groaned the American, and he sat up + and held to Branasko. “Perhaps they will draw us back to rectify the + mistake, and then——” + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be done,” interrupted the Alphian. “The machinery runs only one + way. We shall simply have to finish our journey in darkness.” + </p> + <p> + “They may catch us on the other side before the sun starts back through + the tunnel,” suggested the American. + </p> + <p> + “Not unlikely,” returned Branasko. “There, we are going ahead again. One + thing in our favor is that we can more easily escape capture in darkness + than if the sun were shining.” + </p> + <p> + “Does the sun stop before entering the tunnel?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” replied Branasko; “perhaps somebody will be there to see + what is wrong with the light. We must have our wits about us when we + land.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston was looking over the edge of the platform. “If the king's display + is taking place down there I can see no sign of it.” + </p> + <p> + “How stupid of us!” ejaculated Branasko. “Of course, clouds sufficiently + dense to hide the sun from Alpha would also prevent us from seeing the + display below. I ought to——” + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by a grand outburst of harmony. The whole earth seemed + to vibrate with sublime melody. “Our blunder has not been discovered yet,” + finished Branasko, after a pause, “else the fete down below would have + been over. I am cold; shall we go inside?” + </p> + <p> + Johnston's answer was taken out of his mouth by a loud rattling beneath + the floor, near the wheel he had just turned; the sun shook spasmodically + for an instant, and its entire surface was faintly illuminated, but the + light failed signally. + </p> + <p> + “It must have been an extra current of electricity sent to relight the + lamps,” remarked Johnston; and, as he concluded, the sun trembled again, + and another flash and failure occurred. “Look,” cried the American, “the + clouds are thinning; see the lights below! They have discovered the + accident!” + </p> + <p> + They both leaned over the railing and looked below. As far as the eye + could reach, within the arc of their vision, they could see fitful lights + flashing up, here and there, and going out again. And then they heard + faint sounds of crashing masonry and the condensed roar of human voices, + which seemed to come from above rather than from below. The Alphian + turned. “I cannot stand the cold,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Johnston followed him. The rapid motion of the swinging sphere made him + dizzy, and he caught Branasko's arm to keep from falling. + </p> + <p> + “How can we tell when we go over the wall?” he asked anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “We shall have to guess at it,” was the answer. “At any rate we must be + near the lower door so as to get out quickly if it is necessary to do so + to escape detection.” + </p> + <p> + In the darkness they slowly made their way down the stairs to the great + room. + </p> + <p> + “There ought to be some way of making a light,” said the Alphian, and his + voice sounded loud and hollow in the empty chamber. After several failures + to find the stairs they descended to the door they had entered. Branasko + opened it a little, and a breeze came in. They sat down on the stone, and + after a while, in sheer fatigue, they fell asleep. Hours passed. Branasko + rose with a start, and shook Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “Our speed is lessening,” he exclaimed. “We must be going down. Be ready + to jump out the instant we stop. There, let me open the door wider.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIV. + </h2> + <p> + When Tradmos spoke the words of warning, Thorndyke put his arm round the + princess and drew her after Tradmos, who was hastening away in the gloom. + </p> + <p> + “Wait,” she said, drawing back. “Let us not get excited. We are really as + safe here as there; for in their madness they will kill one another and + trample them under foot.” She led him to a parapet overlooking the great + court below. “Hear them,” she said, in pity, “listen to their blows and + cries. That was a woman's voice, and some man must have struck her.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what is best to do,” said the Englishman. “I want to protect you, + but I am helpless; I don't know which way to turn.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait,” she said simply, and the Englishman thought she drew closer to + him, as if touched by his words. + </p> + <p> + There was a crash of timbers—a massive door had fallen—a + scrambling of feet on the stone pavement, and they could see the dark + human mass surging into the court through the corridors leading from the + streets. + </p> + <p> + “What are they doing?” asked Thorn dyke. + </p> + <p> + She shrank from the parapet as if she had been struck. + </p> + <p> + “Tearing the pillars down,” she replied aghast; “this part of the palace + will fall. Oh, what can be done!” + </p> + <p> + There was a grinding of stone upon stone, a mad yell from an hundred + throats, the crash of glass, and, with a thunderous sound, a colossal + pillar fell to the earth. The roof beneath the feet of the princess and + Thorndyke trembled and sagged, and the tiling split and showered about + them. + </p> + <p> + Raising Bernardino in his arms, as if she were an infant, Thorndyke sprang + toward the stairway leading to his chambers, but the roof had sunken till + it was steep and slippery. One instant he was toppling over backward, the + next, by a mighty effort, he had recovered his equilibrium, and finally + managed to reach a safer place. As he hurried on another pillar went down. + The roof sagged lower, and an avalanche of mortar and tiling slid into the + court below. Yells, groans, and cries of fury rent the air. + </p> + <p> + Bernardino had fainted. Thorndyke tried to restore her to consciousness, + but dared not put her from him for an instant. On he ran, and presently + reached a flight of stairs which he thought led to his chambers. He + descended them, and was hastening along a narrow corridor on the floor + beneath when Bernardino opened her eyes. She asked to be released from his + arms. He put her down, but supported her along the corridor. + </p> + <p> + “We have lost our way,” he said, as he discovered that the corridor, + instead of leading to his chambers, turned off obliquely in another + direction. + </p> + <p> + “Let's go on anyway,” she suggested; “it may lead us out. I have never + been here before. I—” A great crash drowned her words. The floor + quivered and swayed, but it did not fall. On they ran through the + darkness, till Thorndyke felt a heavy curtain before. He paused abruptly, + not knowing what to do. Bernardino felt of its texture, perplexed for an + instant. + </p> + <p> + “Draw it aside, it seems to hang across the corridor,” she said. He obeyed + her, and only a few yards further on they saw another curtain with bars of + light above and below it. They drew this aside, and found themselves on + the threshold of a most beautiful apartment. + </p> + <p> + In the mosaic floor were pictures cut in colored stones, and the ceiling + was a silken canopy as filmy and as delicately blue as the sky on a + summer's night. The floor was strewn with richly embroidered pillows, + couches, rugs and ottomans; and here and there were palm trees and beds of + flowers and grottoes. A solitary light, representing the moon, showed + through the silken canopy in whose folds little lights sparkled like + far-off stars. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke looked at the princess inquiringly. She was bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “I have no idea where we are,” she murmured. “I am sure I have never been + here before; but there is another apartment beyond. Listen! I hear cries.” + </p> + <p> + “Some one in distress,” he answered, and he drew her across the room and + through a door into another room more beautiful than the one they had just + left. Here, huddled together at a window overlooking the court, were six + or eight beautiful young women. They were staring out into the darkness, + and moaning and muttering low cries of despair. + </p> + <p> + “It is my father's ladies,” ejaculated the princess aghast. “He would be + angry if he knew we had come here. No one but himself enters these + apartments.” + </p> + <p> + Just then one of the women turned a lovely and despairing face toward + them, and came forward and knelt at the feet of Bernardino. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, save us, Princess,” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Be calm,” said the princess, touching the white brow of the woman. “The + danger may soon pass; this portion of the palace is too strongly built for + them to injure it.” Then she turned to Thorndyke: “We must hasten on and + find our way down; it would never do for us to be seen here.” Then she + turned to the kneeling woman and said gently: “I hope you will say nothing + to the king of this; we lost our way in trying to get down from the roof.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not,” gladly promised the woman, and seeing that Bernardino knew + not which way to turn, she guided them to a door opening into a + dimly-lighted corridor. “It will take you out to the balconies and down to + the audience-chamber,” she said. The princess thanked her, and she and the + Englishman descended several flights of stairs. Reaching one of the + balconies they met the denser darkness of the outside and the deafening + clang and clamor of the multitude. There was no light of any kind, and + Thorndyke and his charge had to press close against the balustrade of the + balcony to keep from being crushed by the mad torrent of humanity. + </p> + <p> + Now and then a strident voice would rise above the din:— + </p> + <p> + “Down with the palace! Death to the king!” + </p> + <p> + The trumpet in the tower sounded again and again. + </p> + <p> + “It is my father trying to attract their attention,” explained the + princess. “Something very serious has happened for once. In speaking of + the time the sun went out before, he told me that he had made an invention + which, in such a crisis, would instantly restore confidence to the people. + I cannot understand why he does not use it. Oh, I am afraid they will kill + him!” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke tried to console her, for he saw that she was weeping, but just + then there was a strange lull in the general tumult. What could have + happened? + </p> + <p> + “The dawn! the ideal dawn!” cried Bernardino, pointing to the eastern sky. + Thorndyke looked in wonder. A purple light had spread along the horizon, + and as it gradually softened into gray and slowly turned to pink, the + noise of the populace died down. No sound could now be heard save the low + groans of wounded men and women. What a sight met the view as the + rose-light shimmered over the city! The dead and dying lay under the feet + of the crowd. Almost every creature bore some mark of violence. Eyes were + blood-shot, clothing torn, limbs were bleeding, and mingled fury and + sudden hope struggled in each ashen face. The young trees and shrubbery + had been trampled under foot, and walls, arcades and triumphal arches had + been thrown down. The fragments of statues lay here and there, and the + bodies of human beings filled the basins of broken fountains. + </p> + <p> + “It is not the sun,” explained Bernardino; “but the invention my father + spoke of. He is doing it to calm them.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke made no answer. He stood as if transfixed, gazing at the + horizon. The rose-light had spread over a third of the sky when gradually + there appeared in its centre a bright circle of yellow light. The yellow + light faded, leaving a perfect picture of the throne of the king; and as + the now silent masses looked at the picture, a curtain behind the throne + parted and the king himself appeared. He advanced and sat on the throne, + and turned a calm face towards his subjects. + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful!” ejaculated Bernardino, and her face was full of hope. “See + what he will do!” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the picture?” asked Thorndyke; “can it be seen by all of—of + the people?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, by all Alpha, for it is on the sky.” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke said nothing further, for the king had stood up, and with hands + out-stretched was bowing. Above the circle of light, as if cut out of the + solid blackness, in flaming letters stood the word, + </p> + <p> + “SILENCE!” + </p> + <p> + And there was silence. Even the lips of the wounded men closed as the king + began to speak. The sound of his voice seemed as far away as the stars, + and to permeate all space:— + </p> + <p> + “All danger is over. Tidings from the west state that the sun is setting. + No harm has come to it. It will rise in the morning, and the moon and + stars will be out in a few hours. Let the dead be removed, the wounded + cared for, and everything be repaired. This is my will.” + </p> + <p> + That was all. The king bowed sedately and retired from the throne, and the + circle and pink glow faded from the black sky. The stillness was unbroken + for a moment, then glad murmurings were heard in all directions. + </p> + <p> + “They are lighting the palace,” cried the princess. “See, down there is + the arcade leading to the rotunda.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad it is over,” said Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + She grasped his arm and impulsively looked into his face. “But your + friend, we have forgotten him, and done nothing to save him, and now it is + too late.” + </p> + <p> + “We could not help it; we had to think of our own safety.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall send for Captain Tradmos and try to devise some other plan,” she + said, as they descended the stairs. + </p> + <p> + “We should not be seen together,” she added, as they approached the + throne-room; “besides, you ought to go to your chambers. No one is allowed + to be out when the dead is being removed.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the dead taken?” + </p> + <p> + “Over the wall, to be burned in the internal fires,” she concluded, as she + was leaving him. + </p> + <p> + He found everything in order in his rooms and he lay down and tried to + sleep, but he was too much excited over the happenings of the day. Hours + must have passed when his attention was drawn to a bright light shining on + the wall of his room. He went to a window and looked out on the court. The + light came from the rising moon. + </p> + <p> + Below lay the ruins of fallen columns, capitals, cornices and statues. + Figures in black cloaks and cowls were removing the dead from the debris. + With a fluttering sound something swooped down past his window to the + ground. It looked like a great bird, carrying the car of a flying-machine. + Thorndyke watched its circular descent to the earth, and shuddered with + horror as the black figures filled the car with bodies and the gruesome + machine spread its wings and rose slowly till it was clear of the domes + and pinnacles of the palace, and then flew away westward. + </p> + <p> + Other machines came, and, one after another, received their ghastly + burdens and departed. In a short time all the dead was removed, and + hundreds of workmen came from the palace and began repairing the fallen + masonry. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke went back to his couch and tried to sleep, but in vain. Slowly + the hours of night passed, and as the purple of dawn rose in the east he + dressed himself and went up on the roof. The moon had gone down and the + stars were fading from the sky. The dark earth below showed no signs of + life; but as the purple light softened into gray he saw that the streets + of the city were filled with silent expectant people, all watching the + eastern sky. And, as the gray light flushed into rose, and the rose began + to scintillate with gold, they began to stir, and a hum of joyful voices + was heard. The promised day had come. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XV. + </h2> + <h3> + The sun was, indeed, slowing up. The two men peered out at the door. + </h3> + <p> + “It would be unlucky for us if it should not come so near to the earth as + it did on the other side,” whispered Branasko. + </p> + <p> + “I can hardly feel any motion to the thing at all,” replied the American. + “Look! for some reason it is not so dark below. I can see the rocks. + Surely we have already passed over the wall.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so,” returned the Alphian. “Come; we must be quick and watch our + opportunity to land. I can't imagine where the light comes from unless it + be from the people waiting for the arrival of the sun.” Every instant the + speed was lessening. Overhead the cables were beginning to creak and + groan, and, now and then, the great globe swung perilously near some tall + stony peak, or passed under a mighty stalactite. Slower and slower it got + till, when within a few feet of the ground, it stopped its onward motion + and only swung back and forth like a pendulum. + </p> + <p> + “Quick,” whispered Branasko, “we must get down while it is swinging, no + time to lose—not an instant!” And as the sun moved backward, with + his hand on the doorsill, he leaped to the earth. Johnston followed him. + They were not a moment too soon, for about fifty yards away they saw a + body of sixty or seventy men with lights in their hands hastening toward + them. + </p> + <p> + “Just in time,” exulted Branasko, and he quickly drew Johnston into a + little cave in the face of a cliff. Crouching behind a great rock, they + saw and heard the men as they approached. + </p> + <p> + Some of them walked around the sun, and two, evidently in authority, + entered the door. The others were placing ladders against the side of the + sphere, when suddenly there was a loud clattering in the interior, a + whirling of wheels under the platform above, and the surface of the sun + burst into light. + </p> + <p> + The two refugees were momentarily blinded. Branasko had the presence of + mind to quickly draw his companion down close to the earth behind the + rock. “They could see us in the light,” he whispered. + </p> + <p> + There was a joyous clamoring of voices among the men, and they withdrew + several yards to look at the sun. This drew them nearer the hiding-place + of the two refugees. + </p> + <p> + “Only an accident,” said a voice; “it won't happen again.” + </p> + <p> + Then one of them went into the sun and the lights died out. In a moment + the sun began to move. Slowly and majestically it swept over the rocky + earth, followed by the crowd, till it reached a great hole and sank into + it. + </p> + <p> + “Gone into the tunnel,” said the Alphian, as the crowd disappeared behind + the cliff. + </p> + <p> + “What are we to do now?” asked Johnston. “We certainly can't go through + with the sun.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till the next trip,” grimly replied Branasko. + </p> + <p> + The rumbling noise from the big hole gradually died away, and the two men + left their hiding-place. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” asked Johnston. He pointed to the west, where a red light + shone against the towering cliffs. + </p> + <p> + “It must be the internal fires,” answered Branasko, with a noticeable + shudder. “Let's go nearer; I have heard that there is a point near here + where one can look down into the Lake of Flame.” + </p> + <p> + “The Lake of Flame!” echoed the American, “What is that?” “It is where all + of the dead of Alpha is cast by the black 'vultures of death.'” + </p> + <p> + Johnston said nothing, for it was difficult to keep up with the Alphian, + who was bounding over rocks and dangerous fissures toward the red glow in + the distance. + </p> + <p> + At every step the atmosphere got warmer, and they detected a slight + gaseous odor in the air. Finally, after an arduous tramp of an hour, they + climbed up a steep hill and looked sharply down into a vast bubbling lake + of molten matter more than a thousand yards below. Branasko noticed a + stone weighing several tons evenly balanced on the verge of the great + gulf, and pushed it with both his hands. It rocked, broke loose from its + slender hold on the cliff and bounded out into the red space. Down it + went, lessen-ing as it sank till it became a mere black speck and then + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “That's where the dead go,” said Branasko gloomily. + </p> + <p> + Just then the American, happening to glance up, saw something like a huge + black bird with outspread wings circling about in the red light over the + pit. Branasko saw it, too, and his face paled and a tremolo was in his + voice when he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “It is one of the 'vultures of death;' don't stir; we won't be seen if we + remain where we are!” The strange machine sank lower over the lake of + fire, till, as if buoyed up on the hot air, with faintly quivering wings, + it paused. A man opened a door of the black car and carelessly threw out + the bodies of a woman and a child. + </p> + <p> + The bodies whirled over and over and disappeared in the pit, and the man + closed the door. The machine then rose and gracefully winged its flight to + the east. In a moment others came with their grim burdens, and still + others, till the mouth of the pit was dark with them. + </p> + <p> + “Something has happened,” whispered Branasko, “some great calamity, for + surely so many people do not die in Alpha in a single day.” + </p> + <p> + For an hour they watched the coming and going of the vultures, till, + finally the last one hovered over the lake of fire. Suddenly the machine + swerved so near to Branasko and Johnston that they shrank close to the + earth to keep from being seen. Something was evidently wrong with the + machine, for there was a wild look of desperation on the driver's face as + he tugged excitedly at the pilot-wheel. But all his efforts only caused + the air-ship to dart irregularly from side to side, and, now and then, to + strike the rocks of the pit's mouth, to shoot up suddenly, or to sink + dangerously down toward the fire. + </p> + <p> + “He is losing control of it,” whispered Branasko, “he does not know what + to do. See, he is trying to lighten the load, by kicking out the body.” + </p> + <p> + That was true, and, as the machine made a sudden plunge toward the cliff a + few yards to the left of the refugees, the dead body, which the driver had + managed to move to the door with his feet, fell out and lodged upon the + edge of the cliff instead of falling into the fiery depths. The machine + bounded up a few yards and paused, now apparently under the control of its + driver. The man looked down hesitatingly at the corpse for a moment and + then lowered the machine to the sloping rock near where the body lay. He + alighted and cautiously crept down the steep incline to the body. He + raised it in his arms and was about to cast it from him when his foot + slipped, and with a cry of horror he fell with his burden over the cliff's + edge into the red abyss. + </p> + <p> + Johnston uttered an exclamation of horror, but Branasko was unmoved. After + a moment he rose, and carefully scanning the space overhead, he crawled on + hands and knees toward the machine. Johnston heard him chuckling to + himself and uttering spasmodic laughs, and he watched him closely as he + reached the machine. For several minutes he seemed to be inspecting it + critically, both inside and out; then he stood away from it, a bold, black + silhouette on a background of flame, and motioned the American to come to + him. + </p> + <p> + Johnston promptly, but not without many misgivings, obeyed his signal. + “What are you up to?” asked he, as the Alphian assisted him to rise from + his hands and knees. + </p> + <p> + Branasko touched the machine and smiled. His face was shining with + enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + “The question of our returning to Alpha is settled,” he said + sententiously. + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “We can go in this.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you manage it?” + </p> + <p> + “Easily; that fellow must have been drunk; the machine is in good order, I + think.” + </p> + <p> + “When do you propose to start?” and the American eyed the funeral-car + dubiously. + </p> + <p> + “The night is before us; we could not get a better time.” As he spoke he + entered the car and laid his hand on the wheel. Johnston, obeying his nod, + followed, shuddering as he remarked the traces of blood on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “All right!” Branasko turned the wheel slowly, and the wings outside began + to flap, and the car mounted into the air like a startled bird and flew + out quickly over the pit. + </p> + <p> + Branasko bit his lip, and Johnston heard him stifle an exclamation of + impatience. As for the American, he was at once thrilled and fascinated by + the awful sight below; he could now see beneath the overhanging mouth of + the pit, and look far down into a boundless lake of molten matter that + seemed as restless as an ocean in a storm. + </p> + <p> + Then the air became so hot he could hardly breathe. He looked at the + Alphian in alarm. The latter was whirling the wheel first one way and then + another with a startled look of fear in his eyes, and then Johnston + noticed that the walls of the pit were rising about them, and the black + canopy overhead rapidly receding. + </p> + <p> + They were sinking down into the fire. + </p> + <p> + Almost wild with terror, the American sprang toward the wheel, but + Branasko pushed him away roughly. + </p> + <p> + “Stand back,” he ordered gruffly. “It is the heat; let me alone!” + </p> + <p> + The American sank into his seat. The heat became more and more intense. + Both men were purple in the face, and the perspiration was rolling from + their bodies in streams. Down sank the machine. + </p> + <p> + “I can't manage it,” said Branasko hoarsely, “we'd as well give up.” Just + then Johnston noticed the mouth of a cave behind Branasko. + </p> + <p> + “Look,” he cried, “can't we get into it?” + </p> + <p> + Branasko looked over his shoulder, and, as he saw the cave, he uttered a + glad cry. He quickly turned the wheel and drew out a lever at his right. + The machine obeyed instantly; it swerved round suddenly and dived into the + cave. The cool air soon revived them, and Branasko had little trouble in + bringing the car to a resting-place on the rocky floor of the cave. Before + them hung impenetrable darkness, behind a curtain of red light. + </p> + <p> + “We are in a pretty pickle now,” said Johnston despondently, as they + alighted from the car. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing to do but to make the best of it,” sighed Branasko. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps this cave may lead out into some place of safety.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston's eyes had become somewhat accustomed to the gloom, and he began + to peer into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “I see a light,” he exclaimed; “it cannot be a reflection from the fire in + the pit, for it is whiter.” + </p> + <p> + The Alphian gazed at it steadily for a moment, then he said decidedly: “We + must go and see what it is.” Without another word he started toward the + white, star-like spot, sliding his hand over the rocky wall, and springing + over a fissure in the floor. + </p> + <p> + Gradually the light grew brighter, till, as they suddenly rounded a cliff, + a grand sight burst upon their view. They found themselves in a vast + dome-shaped cavern, thousands of yards in diameter and height. And almost + in the centre of the floor, from a red and purple mound of cooling lava, + leapt a white stream of molten matter from the floor to the dome. And in + the black dome, where the lava turned to molten spray, hung countless + stalactites of every color known to the artistic eye. And from the foot of + the fountain ran a tortuous rivulet that lighted the walls and roof of a + narrow chamber that extended for miles down toward the bowels of the + earth. + </p> + <p> + Branasko was delighted. + </p> + <p> + “The king does not know of this,” he declared, “else he would make it + accessible to his people, and call it one of the wonders of Alpha. By + accidentally sinking into the pit we have discovered it. But,” he + concluded, “we must at once try to find some way out other than that by + which we came.” + </p> + <p> + They turned from the beautiful fountain, and, holding to each other's + hands, and aided by the light behind them, they stumbled laboriously + through the semi-darkness. Branasko's ears were very acute. He paused to + listen. + </p> + <p> + “Hark ye!” he cautioned. + </p> + <p> + The combined roar of the pit and the fountain of lava had sunk to a low + murmur, but ahead of them they now heard a rushing sound like a distant + tornado. + </p> + <p> + “Come on,” said the Alphian, and he drew his companion after him with an + eagerness the American was slow to understand. The light in the cavern + gradually grew brighter. By a circuitous route they were again approaching + the pit of fire, though it was still hidden from sight. + </p> + <p> + Finally they reached a point where the wind was blowing stiffly, and + further on a volume of cold spray suddenly dashed upon them and wet them + to the skin. And when their eyes had become accustomed to the rolling + mist, they saw a great lake, and pouring into it from high above was a + mighty waterfall. + </p> + <p> + “Mercy!” ejaculated the Alphian, in great alarm. “If this is salt water we + are lost. All Alpha will come to an end!” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” And Johnston wondered if Branasko's trials and + struggle could have turned his brain. + </p> + <p> + “If it be salt water, then it has broken in from the ocean above Alpha,” + he explained. “The king has often said that not a drop of the ocean has + ever entered the great cavern.” + </p> + <p> + Branasko stooped and wet his hand in a little pool at his feet. “I am + almost afraid to taste it,” said he, holding his hand near his mouth. “It + would settle all our fates.” He waited a moment and then touched his + fingers to his tongue. + </p> + <p> + “Salt!” That was all he said for several moments. He folded his arms and + looked mutely toward the boiling lake. Presently he raised his eyes to the + great hole in the roof, and groaned: “The break is gradually widening. + These stones are freshly broken, and the great bowl is filling.” + </p> + <p> + “It will fill all Alpha with water and drown every soul in it,” added the + terrified American. + </p> + <p> + “That, however, is not the most immediate danger,” said Branasko wisely. + “They would first suffocate, and later their bodies would be swallowed up + in the stomach of the earth.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + Branasko shrugged his shoulders. “As soon as this bowl is filled with + water, which would not take many hours, it would run over into the lake of + fire and produce an explosion that would rend Alpha from end to end.” + </p> + <p> + “Who knows, it might turn the whole Atlantic into the centre of the earth, + and destroy the entire earth.” But Branasko was unable to grasp the full + magnitude of the remark, for to him the world was simply a vast cavern + lighted by human ingenuity. He fastened a narrow splinter of stone upright + in the shallow water at his feet, and, lying down on his stomach with his + eyes close to it, he studied it for several minutes. When he got up, a + desperate gleam was in his dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + “It is rising fast,” he said. “We must attempt to get to the capitol and + warn the king. It is possible that he may be able to stop the opening. The + only thing left to us is to try our machine again.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston found it hard to keep pace with him as he bounded out of the mist + and on toward the faint glow ahead. Reaching the flying machine Branasko + entered it and turned on a small electric light. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” he grunted with satisfaction, “I have found a light. I can now see + what is the matter with it.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston stood outside and heard him hammering on the metal parts in the + car, and became so absorbed in thinking of the peril of their position + that he was startled when Branasko cried out to him:—“All right. I + think we can make it do; a pin has lost out, but perhaps I can hold the + piece in place with my foot. If only we can stand the heat of the pit long + enough to rise above it, we may escape.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston followed him into the car. Branasko seated himself firmly and + gave the wheel a little turn. Slowly the machine rose. “See!” cried + Branasko, “it is under control. We must not be too hasty. Now for the + pit!” + </p> + <p> + The heart of the American was in his mouth as the long black wings waved + up and down and the air-ship, like some live thing, shuddered and swept + gracefully out of the mouth of the cave into the glare and heat of the + pit. + </p> + <p> + “Hold your breath!” yelled Branasko, and he bent lower into the car to + escape the shower of hot ashes that was falling about them. Far out over + the lake in a straight line they glided, and there came to a sudden halt. + Johnston's eyes were glued on his companion's face. Branasko sat doubled + up, every muscle drawn, his eyes bulging from their sockets. Would he be + strong enough? To Johnston everything seemed in a whirl. The walls of the + pit were rising around them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVI. + </h2> + <p> + Thorndyke went down into his chambers to make his toilet and was ready to + leave when there was a soft rap on his door. He opened it, and to his + surprise saw Bernardino modestly draw herself back into the shadow of the + hall. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, but I must speak to you,” she stammered in confusion. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” he asked, going out to her. + </p> + <p> + “I want to advise you to avoid my father to-day. He is greatly + disappointed with the accident of yesterday, and he is never courteous to + strangers when he is displeased. He was particularly anxious to have you + entertained by the fete.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; I shall keep out of his way,” promised the Englishman. “Where + had I better stay—here in my rooms?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he might send for you. If you would care to see Winter Park, I can go + with you as your guide.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be delighted; nothing could please me more.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” (as a servant passed in the room with a tray) “that is your + breakfast. Meet me at the fountain at the north entrance of the palace in + half an hour.” And, drawing her veil over her face, she vanished in the + darkness of the corridor. + </p> + <p> + After he had breakfasted and sent the man away, he hastened below to the + place designated by the princess. She was waiting for him under the palm + trees, and was so disguised that he would not have known her but for her + low amused laugh as he was about to pass her. + </p> + <p> + “It would not do for any one to suspect me,” she explained; “my father + would never forgive me for doing this.” She pointed to a flying-machine + near by. “We must take the air; I have made all the arrangements. Winter + Park is beyond the limits of the city.” + </p> + <p> + He followed her across the grass to the machine and into the car. They + could see the driver behind the glass of the narrow compartment in which + he sat, and when he turned the polished metal wheel the machine rose like + a liberated balloon. + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke looked out of the window. The blue haze of the fifth hour of the + morning was breaking over everything, and as the domes, pinnacles, and + vari-colored roofs fell away in the beautiful light, the breast of the + Englishman heaved with delightful emotions. Bernardino was watching his + face with a gratified smile. + </p> + <p> + “You like Alpha,” she said, half anxiously, half inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Very much,” he replied; “but I want to show you the great world I came + from;—and some day perhaps I can.” + </p> + <p> + The blood ran into her cheeks suddenly, and then as quickly receded, + leaving a wistful expression in her eyes. She sighed. “It has been my + dream for a long time. I have always imagined that it is more wonderful + than Alpha; but you know there is no chance for you to return now.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall manage to escape some way and you shall go with me as my wife.” + </p> + <p> + Her blushes came again. “I did not know that you cared that much for me,” + she said. Then, as if to change the subject, she pointed through the + window. “See, we are approaching the Park, and shall descend in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + He looked out of the window and then drew his head in quickly. + </p> + <p> + “We are coming down into a big lake!” he cried out. “Oh, no, it is only + the glass roof of the park,” she laughed; “true, it does look like water + in the sunlight.” + </p> + <p> + The machine sank lower and finally rested on a plot of grass in a little + square ornamented with beds of flowers and white statues. Thorndyke saw a + seemingly endless wall, so high that he could not calculate its height. + Bernardino preceded him in at a great arching door in the wall, and they + found themselves in a stone-paved vestibule several hundred feet square. + </p> + <p> + A maid servant came forward at once and brought heavy fur clothing for + them and invited them into separate toilet rooms. When he came out + Bernardino was waiting for him. He could hardly breathe, so thick were the + furs he had put on. + </p> + <p> + “It is warm here, but it will be colder in a moment,” said the princess. + And she led him to a door across the room. When the door was opened, + Thorndyke uttered an exclamation of astonishment. Before their eyes lay a + wide expanse of snow-covered roads, woodlands and frozen lakes and + streams. The air was as crisp and invigorating as a Canadian winter. + </p> + <p> + Bernardino led him to a pavilion where a number of pleasure-seekers were + gathered and selected a sleigh and two mettlesome horses. She took the + reins from the man, and sprang lightly into the graceful cutter. Thorndyke + followed her and wrapped the thick robes about her feet. Away they sped + like the wind down the smooth road, through a leafless forest. Overhead + the glass roof could not be seen, but a lowering gray cloud hung over them + and a light snow was falling. + </p> + <p> + “Winter Park is a great resort,” the princess explained; “we get tired of + the unchanging climate, and it is pleasant to visit such a place as this. + There is a winter park in every town of any size in Alpha.” + </p> + <p> + They drove along the shore of a beautiful lake, on the frozen surface of + which hundreds of skaters were darting here and there, and passed + hillsides on which crowds of young people were coasting in sleds. When + they had driven about ten miles in a circuitous route she turned the + horses round. + </p> + <p> + “We had better return,” she said; “you have not seen all of the Park, but + we can visit it some other time.” + </p> + <p> + Outside they found their flying-machine awaiting them, and were soon on + the way back to the city. They parted at the fountain in the park, she + hastening to the palace, and he turning to stroll through the little wood + behind him. + </p> + <p> + He was passing a thick bunch of trees when he was startled by hearing his + name called. He turned round, but at first saw no one. + </p> + <p> + “Thorndyke!” There it was again, and then he saw a hand beckoning to him + from a hedge of ferns at his right. He stepped back a few paces; a man + came out of the wood. + </p> + <p> + It was Johnston, his face was white and haggard, his clothing rent and + soiled. + </p> + <p> + “My God, can it be you?” gasped the Englishman. + </p> + <p> + “Nobody else,” groaned Johnston, cautiously advancing and laying a + trembling hand on the arm of Thorndyke; “but don't talk loud, they will + find me.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you come from?” + </p> + <p> + Johnston pointed first to the east, and then swept his hand over the sky + to the west. + </p> + <p> + “Over the wall,” he said despondently. “From the dead lands behind the + sun.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you get back here?” + </p> + <p> + For reply Johnston parted the fern leaves and pointed to the lank figure + of the tall Alphian, who lay curled up on the grass as if asleep. “He + brought me in that flying-machine there; but he has spent all his strength + in trying to manage the thing, which was out of order, and now he is + helpless. Twice we came within an inch of sinking down into the internal + fires. The last time we escaped only by the breadth of a hair; if he had + not had the endurance of a man of iron he would have succumbed to the heat + and we would have been lost. We sank so far down that I became insensible + and never knew a thing till the fresh air revived me. See, my beard and + hair are singed, and look how he is blistered. Poor fellow! He is a hero.” + Johnston stepped back and shook the Alphian, but the poor fellow's head + only rolled to one side, showing his bloodshot eyes. He was insensible. + </p> + <p> + “He is in a bad fix,” said Thorndyke; “where did he come from?” + </p> + <p> + “Banished like myself; we met over there in the dark and roamed about + together.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know; I was following his lead. We will both be put to death if + we are discovered.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he not tell you his plan?” + </p> + <p> + Johnston started visibly. “Oh, I forgot,” he exclaimed. “He declares that + all this vast cavern is in danger. Over in the west we discovered a hole + in the roof through which the ocean is streaming in a torrent. He + calculated that before many hours the water would overflow into the + internal fires and produce a volcanic eruption that will swallow up all of + Alpha.” + </p> + <p> + “Merciful Heaven! and you are hiding here at such a moment? The king must + be informed at once.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston had grown suddenly paler. “It may not be as bad as Branasko + feared, and the king would have no mercy on me and him.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave that to me,” said Thorndyke; “I have made a good friend of the + Princess Bernardino. She will tell me what is best to do. Remain here.” + </p> + <p> + In breathless haste, Thorndyke went into the audience chamber. Fortunately + the king was not on his throne, and he caught sight of the confidential + maid of the princess. + </p> + <p> + She saw him approaching, and withdrew behind a cluster of tall white jars + of porcelain containing rare plants. + </p> + <p> + “I must see your mistress,” he said; “tell her to come to me at once; we + are in great peril!” + </p> + <p> + The girl swept her eyes over the balconies and the throne and said: “She + is in her apartments, sir; I shall bring her.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell her to meet me at the fountain where we last met,” and he hastened + back to the spot mentioned. + </p> + <p> + She soon came. “What is it?” she asked excitedly. + </p> + <p> + “Johnston is back,” he replied. “He is in the wood there with a fellow who + escaped with him in a disabled flying-machine. He says the sea has broken + through over in the west and is streaming into Alpha in a torrent.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely there is some mistake,” she said; “such a thing has never + happened.” + </p> + <p> + “It may have been caused by the explosives during the storm,” went on + Thorndyke. “Branasko, the Alphian who was with Johnston, says we are in + imminent peril.” + </p> + <p> + “There must be some mistake,” she repeated incredulously, as she looked to + westward. The green glow of the second hour of the afternoon lay over + everything. She stood mute and motionless for a long time, looking + steadily at the horizon; then she started suddenly, changed her position, + and shaded her eyes from the sunlight. + </p> + <p> + “It really does seem to me that there is a cloud rising, and it is unlike + any cloud I ever saw.” + </p> + <p> + “I see it too!” cried the Englishman; “it must be that the water has + already reached the internal fires.” + </p> + <p> + Bernardino was very pale when she turned to him. + </p> + <p> + “My father must know this at once; come with me.” + </p> + <p> + Into the palace, through the vast rotunda, past the throne, and into the + very apartment of the king himself she led him hastily. A royal attendant + met them and held up his hands warningly. “The king is asleep,” he said in + an undertone. + </p> + <p> + “Wake him—wake him at once!” commanded the excited girl. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, it would offend him,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + She did not pause an instant, but darting past the man and running to the + king's couch, she drew the curtain aside and touched the sleeper. He waked + in anger, but her first word disarmed him. + </p> + <p> + “Alpha is in danger.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” he growled, half awake. “The sea is breaking through in the west, + and running into the internal fires.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that?” + </p> + <p> + “A dense cloud is rising in the west, and:——” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” the word came from far down in his throat, and he was + ghastly pale. He ran to the table and touched a button and, to the + astonishment of Thorndyke, the walls on the western side of the room + silently parted, showing a little balcony overlooking the street below. + The king went hastily out and looked toward the west. The others followed + him. The princess stifled a cry of alarm when she glanced at the sky. + </p> + <p> + Great black, rolling clouds were rapidly spreading along the horizon. + </p> + <p> + The king looked at them as helplessly as a frightened child. “The air!” he + groaned. “It is hot!” and then he held out his hand to the princess, and + showed her a flake of soot on it, and he dumbly pointed to others that + were falling about them. + </p> + <p> + “How did you discover it?” he asked, and Thorndyke saw that he was trying + to appear calm. + </p> + <p> + “Mr.—this gentleman's friend has returned from banishment, and——” + </p> + <p> + “Returned! has the wall been destroyed?” + </p> + <p> + “No; he accidentally discovered the danger, and came in a flying-machine + to warn you.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is he? bring him to me, quick!” + </p> + <p> + “But you will not ——” + </p> + <p> + He waved his hand impatiently. “Go; if Alpha is saved he shall be at + liberty—if it is not, what does it matter?” + </p> + <p> + Thorndyke hastened away after Johnston, who, when he was told of the + king's words, readily accompanied his friend to the presence of the ruler. + They found him with his daughter still on the balcony. + </p> + <p> + “How did you discover this?” asked the king, turning to the American. + </p> + <p> + As quickly as possible, Johnston related his adventures, and particularly + the story of the shooting fountain and the fall of salt water. The king + did not wait for him to conclude. He ran back into his chamber, touched + another button, and the next instant alarm-bells were ringing all over the + city. + </p> + <p> + “A signal to the protectors,” explained the princess to Thorndyke; “by + this time they are ringing all over Alpha. Oh, what will become of us?” as + she spoke she leaned over the balustrade and looked down into the street. + Vast crowds had gathered and were motionless, except at points where the + purple-clad “protectors” rushed from public buildings to assemble in + squads on the street corner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVII. + </h2> + <h3> + Bernardino turned to look after her father as he was leaving the room. + </h3> + <p> + “He is going to the observatory,” she said to Thorndyke and Johnston. “Let + us go also.” And they followed the king into the room with the glass roof + and walls covered with mirrors which he had shown the strangers several + days before. A white-headed old man stood at the stand, his fingers + trembling over the half circle of electric buttons. In a mirror before him + he was studying the reflection of a town of perhaps a hundred houses. The + streets were filled with excited citizens, and a squad of protectors stood + ready for action near a row of flying-machines. + </p> + <p> + “Ornethelo,” said the king, and at the sound of his voice the old man + turned and bowed humbly. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” went on the king, “I will take your place a moment.” + </p> + <p> + He went to the stand and touched a button. Instantly the scene changed; + fields, forests, streams and hills ran by in a murky blur, and then a + larger town flashed on the mirror. Here the same stir and alertness + characterized the scene. The gaze of every inhabitant was fixed on the + threatening horizon. Rapidly the scenes shifted at the king's will, till a + hundred cities, towns and villages had been reviewed. + </p> + <p> + “Enough! They are all ready—all faithful,” groaned the king, “and, + Ornethelo, they may all have to perish to-day, and all for our ambition. + Poor mortals!” + </p> + <p> + Ornethelo's face was half submerged in the beard on his breast, but he + looked up suddenly and spoke: + </p> + <p> + “For their sakes, then, we ought not to delay; there may yet be hope.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Ornethelo.” There was a ring of hope in the voice of the + king. “Quick! show me my capitol, that I may see if all the protectors are + ready.” + </p> + <p> + Ornethelo touched another button, and, as if seen from a great height, the + fair and wondrous city dawned before the eyes of the spectators. In every + street policemen and protectors and flying-machines stood in orderly + readiness. The housetops were colored with the variegated costumes of men, + women and children. Over all lay the wondrous sunlight, through the green + splendor of which the flakes of soot were falling like black snow. + </p> + <p> + The king touched the old man's arm. “I must see beyond the walls; are the + connections made?” + </p> + <p> + “Ready, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Try them; they must not fail me now!” + </p> + <p> + The old man tremblingly unlocked a cabinet on the table, and another row + of electric buttons was displayed. Ornethelo touched one. Immediately + there was a sharp clicking sound under the stand, and the view was swept + from the mirror. Nothing could be seen but a dark suggestion of towering + cliffs and yawning caverns. + </p> + <p> + “Not the east, Ornethelo,” cried the king impatiently. “Go on! the west! + the west!” + </p> + <p> + The black landscape flashed by like a glimpse of night from a flying + train, and then a blur of redly illuminated smoke in rolling billows + seemed to swell out from the surface of the mirror into the room. + </p> + <p> + “There, slow!” cried the king, and then a frightful scene burst upon their + sight. They beheld a great belching pit of fire and flames. The sky from + the earth to the zenith was a vast expanse of illuminated smoke, and the + black landscape round about was cut by rivulets of molten lava rolling on + and on like restless streams of quicksilver. + </p> + <p> + The king leaned against the stand as if faint with despair. “Call Prince + Arthur!” he ordered, and almost at that instant the young man appeared. + </p> + <p> + “Father!” + </p> + <p> + The king pointed a quivering finger at the mirror, and said huskily: + </p> + <p> + “Let not the sun go down! Let its light be white as at noon.” + </p> + <p> + “But, father, it has never been done before; it——” + </p> + <p> + “Alpha has never faced such danger. All our dream is about to end. Go!” + </p> + <p> + Without a word the young man hastened away, and it seemed scarcely a + moment before the sunlight streaming in at the oval glass roof changed + from green to white. + </p> + <p> + The king pushed Ornethelo impatiently aside; his eyes held a dull gleam of + despair, and he seemed to have grown ten years older. He touched a button, + and the awful scene at the pit gave place to a bright view of the capitol, + which was plainly seen from its crowded centre to its scattering suburbs. + The squads of “protectors” stood like armies ready for battle, their rigid + faces still toward the awful west. + </p> + <p> + “They are ready—the signal!” yelled the king, waving his hand, “the + signal!” Ornethelo caught his breath suddenly and tottered as he went + across the room, and touched a button on the wall. The king's eyes were + glued on the mirrored view of the capitol, his trembling hands held out, + as if commanding silence. Then a deafening trumpet blast broke on the ear. + The masses of citizens pressed near the edges of the roofs and close + against the walls along the streets, as the protectors rushed into the + flying-machines. Another trumpet-blast, and away they flew, a long black + line, every instant growing smaller as it receded in the murky distance. + The princess, white and silent, led Thorndyke and Johnston back to the + balcony. The line of machines was now a mere thread in the sky, but the + ominous cloud in the west had increased, and fine sand and ashes were + added to the fall of soot. + </p> + <p> + “What was that?” gasped the princess. It was a low rumble like distant + thunder, and the balcony shook violently. + </p> + <p> + “An earthquake,” said Thorndyke. “I am really afraid there is not a ghost + of a chance for us; the water running into the fire is sure to cause an + eruption of some sort, and even a slight one would be likely to enlarge + the opening to the ocean.” + </p> + <p> + Johnston nodded knowingly as he looked into his friend's face, but, + considering the presence of the princess, he said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “My brother, Prince Marentel, is the greatest man in our kingdom,” she re + marked. “He has taken enough explosives to remove a mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “How will he use them?” asked Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, but I fancy he will try to close the opening in some way.” + </p> + <p> + The latter slowly shook his head. “I fear he will fail. The fall must be + as voluminous as Niagara by this time.” + </p> + <p> + “My father must have lost hope, or he would not have stopped the sun,” + sighed the princess, and she cast a sad glance towards the west. The + rolling clouds had become more dense, and the rumbling and booming in the + distance was growing more frequent. A thin gray cloud passed before the + sun, and a dim shadow fell over the city. + </p> + <p> + “That is a natural cloud,” said Thorndyke; “it comes from the steam that + rises from the pit.” + </p> + <p> + “It is exactly like our rain clouds,” returned the princess; “but it comes + from the steam, as you say. But let us go into the Electric Auditorium and + hear the news. As soon as anything is done we will hear of it there.” The + others had no time to question her, for she was hastening into the + corridor outside. She piloted them down a flight of stairs into a large + circular room beneath the surface of the ground. It was filled with seats + like a modern theatre, and in the place where the stage would have been, + stood a mighty mirror over an hundred feet square. She led them to a + private box in front of the mirror. The room was filled from the first row + of chairs to the rear with a silent, anxious crowd. In the massive frame + of the mirror were numerous bell-shaped trumpets like those on the + ordinary phonograph, though much larger. + </p> + <p> + “Watch the mirror,” whispered Bernardino as she sat down. + </p> + <p> + And at that instant the surface of the great glass began to glow like the + sky at dawn, and all the lights in the room went out. Then from the + trumpets in the frame came the loud ringing of musical bells. + </p> + <p> + “They are ready,” whispered Bernardino; “now watch and listen.” + </p> + <p> + The pink light on the mirror faded, and a life-like reflection appeared—the + reflection of a young man standing on a rock in bold relief against a dark + background of rugged, slabbering cliffs and the forbidding mouths of + caves. + </p> + <p> + “Waldmeer!” ejaculated the princess, and she relapsed into silence. + </p> + <p> + The young man held in his hand a cup-shaped instrument from which extended + a wire to the ground. He raised it to his lips, and instantly a calm, + deliberate voice came from the mirror, soft and low and yet loud, enough + to reach the most remote parts of the great room. + </p> + <p> + “The ocean,” began he, “is pouring into the 'Volcano of the Dead' in a + gradually increasing torrent. Prince Marentel hopes temporarily to delay + the crisis by partially turning the torrent away from the pit into the + lowlands of the country. For that purpose a portion of the endless wall is + being torn down, and Marentel's forces are placing their explosives. After + this is done an attempt will be made to stop the original break. There is, + however, little hope. The prince has warned the king to be prepared for + the worst.” + </p> + <p> + At this point, the speaker turned as if startled toward the red glare at + his right. He quickly picked up another instrument attached to a wire and + put it to his ear. A look of horror changed his face as he turned to the + audience and began to speak:—“The opening in the wall is not + progressing rapidly. Workmen are drowning and the tunnel of the sun is + filling with water. It will be impossible for the sun to go through to the + east.” + </p> + <p> + Just then there was a far-away crash, and instantly the mirror was void. + There was now no sound except the low groans of women in the audience and + the subdued curses of maddened men. The silence was profound. Then the + mirror began to glow, and the image of another man took Waldmeer's place. + </p> + <p> + “It is the Mayor of Telmantio,” whispered the princess, “a place near the + western limits of Alpha.” + </p> + <p> + He held a like instrument to the one used by Waldmeer, and through it + spoke:—“Venus, one of the great stars, has been shaken from the + firmament. It fell in the suburbs of Telmantio, and many lives were lost.” + </p> + <p> + That was all, and the figure vanished. Presently Waldmeer reappeared. He + seemed to be standing nearer the pit, for the entire background was + aflame; volumes of black smoke now and then hid him from view, and a thick + shower of ashes and small stones were falling round him. He spoke, but his + voice was drowned in a deafening explosion, and the whole landscape about + him seemed afire. In the semi-darkness hundreds of protectors could be + seen struggling in the rushing water, moving stones and building a dam. + Waldmeer again faced his far-off audience and spoke:—“Prince + Marentel has turned the course of the stream. All now depends on the + success or failure of his final test with explosives, which will take + place in about half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “We ought to go outside again,” suggested Bernardino, as Waldmeer's image + disappeared; “my father might want us.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing no one in the king's apartment, they passed through it to the + balcony. Half the sky was now covered with mingled fog and smoke, and the + sun could be seen only now and then. A drizzling rain was falling—a + rain that brought down clots of ashes and soot. But this made no + difference to the throngs in the now muddy and slippery streets. They + stood shivering in damp and soiled clothing, their blearing eyes fixed + hopelessly on the lowering signs in the west. Johnston noticed a bent + figure crouched against a wall beneath them. It was Branasko. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” inquired the princess. + </p> + <p> + “Branasko, the companion of my adventures,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “Call him to us,” she said eagerly, and the American went down to the + Alphian. + </p> + <p> + As they entered together, Branasko uncovered his dishevelled head and + bowed most humbly. + </p> + <p> + “You look tired and sick and hungry; have you eaten anything today?” she + asked. + </p> + <p> + “Not in two days,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + The princess called to a frightened maid who was wringing her hands in a + corridor. + </p> + <p> + “Give this man food and drink at once,” she ordered, and Branasko, with a + grateful bow and glance, withdrew. Johnston followed him to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing,” he said. “If the danger passes we are safe; the king has + promised to pardon me, and he will do the same for you.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no hope for any of us,” replied Branasko grimly; “but I do not + want to die with this gnawing in my stomach; adieu.” + </p> + <p> + “If the worst comes, is there any chance for us to escape from here to the + outer world?” the Englishman was asking the princess when Johnston turned + back to them. + </p> + <p> + “For a few hundred, yes,—by the sub-water ships, but for all, no; + and, then, my father would not consent to rescue a part and not the whole + of his subjects. He would not try to save himself or any of his family.” + </p> + <p> + The clouds still covered the sun; but on the eastern sky its rays were + shining gloriously. Ever and anon there sounded from afar a low rumbling + as if the earth were swelling with heat. + </p> + <p> + Johnston left the two lovers together and went to the door of the Electric + Auditorium, and over the heads of the breathless crowd he watched the + great mirror. After a few moments Waldmeer appeared and spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Prince Marentel is operating with great difficulty. A large quantity of + his explosives has been injured by water, but he hopes there is enough + left intact to serve his purpose. The final explosion will soon take + place. The greatest peril hangs over Alpha.” + </p> + <p> + Waldmeer's reflection was becoming in-distinct, and sick at heart the + American elbowed his way through the muttering crowd into the corridor. + Here he met Branasko, and together they walked back to Thorndyke and the + princess, who were mutely watching the signs in the east. Just then the + sun slowly emerged from the cloud. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” cried Bernardino in horror. “The cloud is not moving; the sun has + not stopped! It is going down and we shall soon be in utter darkness. Oh, + it is awful—to die in this way!” + </p> + <p> + The king had just returned, and he over-heard her words. He came hastily + to the edge of the balcony, and gazed at the sun. The others held their + breath and waited. His face became more rigid; he swayed a little as he + turned to her. + </p> + <p> + “You are right, my daughter,” he groaned; “it is going down; the cowardly + dogs in the east have deserted their posts. It is going down! It will sink + into a tunnel filled with water, and the light of Alpha will be + extinguished forever. We are undone! Say your prayers, my child, your + prayers, I tell you, for an Infinite God is angry at our pretensions!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't despair, father,” and Bernardino put her arms gently round the old + man's neck. “You understand the solar machinery; could you not stop the + sun?” + </p> + <p> + The eyes of the old man flashed. He seemed electrified as he drew himself + from her embrace and looked anxiously over the balustrade to a + flying-machine in the street below. + </p> + <p> + “I might reach the east in time,” he cried; “yes, you are right, I was + acting cowardly. The fastest air-ship in Alpha is ready, and Nanleon can + drive it to its utmost speed. If the worst comes, I shall see you no more, + good-bye!” He kissed her brow tenderly, and her eyes filled as he hastened + away. Down below they saw him spring lightly into the gold-mounted car, + and the next instant the graceful vessel rose above the palace roof and + sped like an arrow across the sky toward the east. + </p> + <p> + A faint cheer broke from the lips of the crowd which seemed suddenly to + take new hope from the king's departure. Some of them waved their hats and + scarfs, and many watched the air-ship till it had disappeared in the murky + distance. + </p> + <p> + “He may not get there in time!” cried the princess; “it seems to be going + down faster than it ever did before, and he has a great distance to go.” + </p> + <p> + The little party on the balcony were silent for a long time. Presently + Bernardino turned her tearful eyes to the face of Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “The smoke and steam do not seem so voluminous, do you think all will go + well?” + </p> + <p> + The Englishman slowly shook his head. “I don't want to depress you more + than you are; but I think at such a time we ought to realize the worst. It + is true, the clouds are not so heavy, and the earth-quakes are less + frequent, but, unfortunately, it is owing to the fact that the volume of + water has been turned away from the pit into the tunnel. Be prepared for + the worst. If your father cannot reach the machinery in the east soon + enough, our light will go out; and, worse than that, if Prince Marentel + should fail in his next venture with explosives, all hope will be gone.” + </p> + <p> + “I have never desired to live so much as now,” she answered, inclining + with an air of tenderness toward him. “I never knew what it was to fear + death till—till you came to us.” + </p> + <p> + He made no reply. There was a lump in his throat and he could not trust + his voice to speech. Branasko and Johnston left them together to go into + the Electric Auditorium. They returned in great haste. + </p> + <p> + “The prince is ready for the explosion,” panted Johnston. “Thorndyke, old + man, this is simply awful! It is not like standing up to be shot at, or + being jerked through the clouds in a balloon. It seems to me that out + there is the endless space of infinity, and that all the material world is + coming to an end. My God! look at that hellish fire, the awful smoke and + that black sky! Oh, the blasphemy of a such a paltry imitation of the + handiwork of the Creator! We are damned! I say damned, and by a just and + angry God!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be a fool,” said Thorndyke, and he threw a warning glance at + Bernardino, who, with staring, distended eyes was listening to Johnston. + </p> + <p> + “No, he is right,” she said in a low tone. “I have never seen your world, + but I know my people must be woefully wrong. In your land they say men + teach things about Infinity and an eternal life for the soul; and that one + may prepare for that life by living pure, and in striving to attain a high + spiritual state. Oh, why have you not told me about that? It is the one + important thing. I have long wanted to know if my soul will be safe at + death, but I can learn nothing of my people. They have always tried to + rival God, and, in their mad pursuit of perfection in science, they have + been reduced to—this. That black cloud is the frown of God, hose mad + flames may burst forth at any moment and engulf us.” + </p> + <p> + She uttered a low groan and hung her head as if in prayer. Johnston and + Thorndyke were awed to silence. Never had the Englishman loved her as at + that moment. She was no longer simply a beautiful human creature, but a + divinity, speaking truths from Heaven itself. He felt too unworthy to + stand in her presence, and yet his heart was aching to comfort her. + </p> + <p> + She raised her pallid face heavenward and extended her fair, fragile hands + toward the lowering sky and began to pray. “My Creator,” she said + reverently, childishly, “I have never come to Thee, but they say that + people far away from this dark land, under Thy own sun, moon and stars do + ask aid of Thee, and I, too, want Thy help. Forgive me and my people. They + have been sinful, and vain, and thoughtless, but let them not perish in + utter gloom. Forgive them, O thou Maker of all that exists—thou + Creator of pain that we may love joy, Creator of evil that we may know + good, turn not from us! We are but thoughtless children—and Thy + children—give us time to realize the awful error of our hollow + pretensions! Give them all now, at once, if they are to die, that spirit + which is awakened in me by the awful majesty of Thy anger! Hear me, O + God!” And with a sob she sank on her knees, clasped her hands and raised + them upward. Thorndyke tried to lift her up, but she shook her head and + continued her prayer in silence. A marked change had come over Branasko. + He looked at Johnston and Thorndyke in a strange, helpless way, and then, + in a corner of the balcony the begrimed and tattered man fell on his + knees. He knew not the meaning of prayer, but there was something in the + reverent attitude of the princess that drew his untutored being toward his + Maker. He covered his face with his hands and his shaggy head sank to his + knees. + </p> + <p> + Johnston hastened back into the Auditorium. Returning in a moment, he + found the Englishman tenderly lifting Bernardino from her knees and + Branasko still crouching in a corner. + </p> + <p> + “What is the news?” asked Thorndyke. + </p> + <p> + “Everything is ready for the explosion. The prince seems only waiting + because he dreads failure. The people in there are so frightened that they + cannot move from their seats.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Branasko raised a haggard face and looked appealingly at the + princess. She caught his eye. + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing, good man,” she said; “the God of the Christians will not + harm us; we are safe in His hands. I felt it here in my heart when I + prayed to Him. Oh, why has my father and the other kings of Alpha not + taught us that grand simple truth! But before I die I want to leave this + dark pit of sin, and look out once into endless, world-filled space.” + </p> + <p> + A joyous flush came into the face of the Alphian. His fear had vanished. + She had promised him safety. He bowed worshipfully, but he spoke not, for + Bernardino was eagerly pointing to the sun. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” she cried gleefully, with the merry tremolo of a happy, surprised + child. “The sun is not moving. Father has been successful! It is a good + omen! God will save us!” + </p> + <p> + It was true; the sun was standing still. A deep silence was on the city. + The crowds in the street neither moved nor spoke. Without a murmur or + complaint they stood facing the frowning west. Suddenly the silence was + interrupted by a low volcanic rumble. The earth heaved, and rolled, and + far away in the suburbs of the city the spire of a public building fell + with a loud crash. A groan swept from mouth to mouth and then died away. + </p> + <p> + “The cloud is increasing rapidly,” said Thorndyke. “I can really see + little hope. I shall return in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + While he was gone Bernardino knelt and prayed. Again overcome with fear + Branasko crouched down in his corner. Another shudder and rumble from the + earth, another long moan from the people. Thorndyke came back. He spoke to + the princess: + </p> + <p> + “The dam built by Prince Marentel has been swept away. The ocean is + pouring into the internal fires. There is scarcely any hope now.” + </p> + <p> + Branasko groaned, but Bernardino's face was aglow with celestial faith. + She shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “They will not be destroyed in this way,” she said; “they have had no + chance to know God.” + </p> + <p> + “It all depends on the explosion which may take place at any moment,” and + Thorndyke took her into his arms and whispered into her ear, “I do not + care for myself; but I cannot bear to think of your suffering pain.” + </p> + <p> + She answered only by pressing his hand. The clouds were now rolling upward + in greater volume than ever. It was growing darker. The little group on + the balcony could now scarcely see the people below them. The fall of damp + ashes was resumed. The air had grown hot and close. + </p> + <p> + Boom! Boom! Boom! the streets of the city rose and fell with the + undulating motion of a swelling sea. Blacker and blacker grew the sky; + closer and closer the atmosphere; damper and damper became the fog; + thicker and thicker fell the wet sand and ashes. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps we would be safer in the streets,” suggested Thorndyke, drawing + Bernardino closer into his arms, “the palace may fall on us.” + </p> + <p> + But the princess shook her head. “Father would not know where to find me, + I shall await him here.” Branasko had edged nearer to her. His eyes were + glued on her face and he hung on her words as if his fate were in her + hands. He had no regard for the opinions of the others. + </p> + <p> + “The explosion will soon take place now unless something has happened + contrary to the expectations of the prince,” said the Englishman. + </p> + <p> + Boom! Boom! kr-kr-kr-kr-boom! The noise seemed to shake the earth to its + centre. Now the far-away pit was belching forth fire and molten lava + rather than steam and smoke. The flames had spread out against the sloping + roof of the cavern, and seemed to extend for a mile along the horizon. + “They can do nothing in that heat,” exclaimed Johnston; “they could not + get near enough to the pit. Thorndyke, old fellow, I can't see a ghost of + a chance. We might as well say good-bye.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” It was the voice of the princess. “I feel that we shall not be + lost, I say.” And as she spoke Branasko crept toward her and raised the + hem of her gown to his white lips. Something dark came between them and + the far-off glare. It was a flying-machine. + </p> + <p> + “It is father,” cried Bernardino, and she called out to him: “Father! + father! Here we are, waiting for you!” In a moment he was with them. + </p> + <p> + “All right in the east,” he said gloomily. “Baryonay is there. They + deserted him, but they returned when the flames went down. This is awful, + daughter; it means death! It means annihilation!” + </p> + <p> + She put her arms round his neck and drew his face close to hers. “No, no,” + she said earnestly; “I see with a new light—a new spiritual light. + There is mercy in the divine heart of Him that made the walls of our + little world and constructed countless other worlds. I have prayed for + mercy, and into my heart has come a sweet peace I never knew before. We + shall not be lost. He will give us time to give up our sinful life here + and seek Him.” + </p> + <p> + The old man quivered as with ague; he searched her face eagerly, drew her + spasmodically into his arms, and then sank to the floor, overcome with + exhaustion. + </p> + <p> + The roar in the west was increasing. Hot ashes, gravel and small stones + were falling on the roofs and the people. Now and then a cry of pain was + heard, but they would not seek the shelter of the buildings. If they had + to die they wanted to fall facing the enemy. Suddenly the king rose. He + looked to the west and groaned. Something told them that the explosion was + coming. Expectation, horrible suspense was in the air. There was a mighty + flare of light. The entire heavens were lighted from horizon to horizon, + and then the light went out. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I thought it——” but the princess did not finish her + sentence. + </p> + <p> + “The explosion,” said Thorndyke, “the sound will follow in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + “My God, have mercy on us!” cried the king. But his prayer was drowned in + a deafening sound. Bernardino had leaned into the arms of her lover. + “Don't despair,” he said tenderly, “the prince may have been successful.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel that he has,” she replied. “But, oh, it is dreadful!” + </p> + <p> + The crowds below seemed to understand that their fate depended on the news + that would reach them in a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + Boom! Boom! kr-kr-kr-kr-boom! There seemed to be no lessening of the + volcanic disturbance, and the earth groaned and rocked and quivered as + before. + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible to tell yet,” groaned the king. “Oh, God, save us; give + us a chance to escape this awful doom!” + </p> + <p> + Johnston bethought himself that he might learn something in the Electric + Auditorium and he went into it. It was empty and dark; not a soul was + there save himself. He was turning to leave when his eye was drawn to the + great mirror by a faint pink glow appearing upon it. He stood still, a + superstitious fear coming over him as he thought of being alone with a + possible messenger from the far-away scene of disaster. The light went out + tremblingly; then it flashed up again, and the American thought he saw the + face of Waldmeer. The light grew steadier, stronger. It was Waldmeer, but + he was submerged in smoke. Hark! he was speaking. + </p> + <p> + “Marentel is successful! Entrance closed temporarily, and will be + strengthened!” + </p> + <p> + Johnston rushed out to the balcony. “I have been to the Auditorium,” he + announced. “I have seen Waldmeer. He says the experiment was successful. + It is closed temporarily, and can be strengthened.” + </p> + <p> + The king grasped the hand of the American. “Thank God!” he ejaculated, “if + I can only save my people I shall desire nothing more.” The princess moved + toward him affectionately, but he put her aside and retired into the + palace. + </p> + <p> + “He will at once communicate with the people,” remarked Bernardino + hopefully, and she turned her face again toward the west. The red glare + was dying down, and the dense clouds in the sky were thinning. In an hour + the face of the sun broke through the smoke, and the flying-machines of + the protectors began to return. + </p> + <p> + That night the king caused the pink light of the “Ideal Dawn” to flood the + eastern sky, and, as before, he appeared in a circle of dazzling light and + addressed his subjects: + </p> + <p> + “All danger to life is over; but the ultimate fate of Alpha is sealed. + Prince Marentel has effectually closed the entrance of the ocean, but the + internal fires are gradually burning through the rocky bed of the ocean. + In a couple of years Alpha will be demolished. All our wealth shall be + equally distributed among you, and my ships shall transport you to + whatever destination you desire. Let there be no haste. Order shall be + preserved throughout.” + </p> + <p> + That was all. The king bowed and the picture faded from view. A deep + silence was over everything. The only light came from the stars and from + the moon. Then there was a sound like the wind passing over a vast forest + of dry-leaved trees—the people were returning to their homes. + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought they would greet the king's announcement with a + cheer of joy,” said Thorndyke to the princess, as they returned to the + palace. + </p> + <p> + “They don't know whether to weep or laugh,” she replied. “They love Alpha, + and the other world will be strange to most of them. As for myself, now + that I am to leave, I feel a few misgivings.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall see that you are perfectly happy,” he said tenderly. “You are to + be my wife. I shall always love you and care for you; you need have no + fears.” + </p> + <p> + And a moment later, with joyous tears and face aglow, she assured him she + had none. + </p> + <p> + THE END. <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Land of the Changing Sun, by William N. 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