diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-06 05:25:49 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-06 05:25:49 -0800 |
| commit | ff5eff54ae7900a084933fe75bb291ff6c9b846d (patch) | |
| tree | 800836d5a98b3276ef723e2ffe9d7ea7264e784a | |
| parent | 71789a6a786053a2d4dc2fdfbb498c246ad5a265 (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-8.txt | 3381 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-8.zip | bin | 64870 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h.zip | bin | 483709 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/52913-h.htm | 4443 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/book.png | bin | 364 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/card.png | bin | 249 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 18779 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/external.png | bin | 172 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/frontispiece.jpg | bin | 44282 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p020.jpg | bin | 28700 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p028.jpg | bin | 32366 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p070.jpg | bin | 37089 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p090.png | bin | 6462 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p092.jpg | bin | 38536 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p094.jpg | bin | 24565 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p100.jpg | bin | 26111 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p112.jpg | bin | 29215 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p120.jpg | bin | 25273 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p136.jpg | bin | 36636 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/p142.jpg | bin | 45264 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/52913-h/images/titlepage.png | bin | 14327 -> 0 bytes |
24 files changed, 17 insertions, 7824 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d366aee --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #52913 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52913) diff --git a/old/52913-8.txt b/old/52913-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index bccfa91..0000000 --- a/old/52913-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3381 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's An Anglo-American Alliance, by Gregory Casparian - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: An Anglo-American Alliance - A Serio-Comic Romance and Forecast of the Future - -Author: Gregory Casparian - -Release Date: August 28, 2016 [EBook #52913] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ANGLO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE *** - - - - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (This book was produced from scanned images of -public domain material from the Google Books project.) - - - - - - - - - AN ANGLO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE - - A Serio-Comic Romance - and - Forecast of the Future - - - BY - GREGORY CASPARIAN - - Illustrated and Published by the Author - - - - Mayflower Presses - Floral Park, New York - 1906 - - - - - - - - - Copyrighted, 1906, - by - GREGORY CASPARIAN - - All Rights Reserved - - - - - - - - -TABLE OF CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - Foreword vii-ix - I The Young Ladies' Seminary 11 - II The Initiation 20 - III The Moonlight Soirée 28 - IV Historical Events of the 20th Century 38 - V The Fistic Duel 63 - VI Historical Events of the 20th Century (Concluded) 71 - VII The Regatta 88 - VIII Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba 96 - IX A Ray of Hope 103 - X The Transformation 110 - XI Lord Cunningham, Viceroy of India 116 - XII Adventures of Abou Shimshek, the Astronomer - of Ispahan 120 - XIII Spencer Hamilton 136 - Postscript 143 - - - - - - - - -FOREWORD - - -In presenting this volume to the public it is not the intention of -the author to offer it as a literary masterpiece, but, in his adopted -language--conscious of his limitation--merely to give expression to -his thoughts on certain problems of life that have always seemed to -him of particular significance. - -At present there appears to be a general bombastic clamor among -certain nations who, decrying others as barbarous, claim to have -reached the highest pinnacle of civilization. Yet a glance at the -existing conditions in those self-lauded governments will reveal -rampant corruption among their leaders who, for their own selfish -ends, retard legislations which are absolutely imperative for the -general welfare. It is not necessary to mention other ways in which -the people are being daily betrayed, for this is sufficient to render -any thinking person despondent and pessimistic. - -The causes of the decadence of nations are not the laws which -have been enacted, but the flagrant violation of these very laws, -actuated by greed, avarice and commercialism which are generated in -the individual in power. The only remedy for this state is either a -leader of intrepid courage or the awakening of the people themselves -and their demanding reforms by public mandate. - -The true meaning of civilization is Universal Brotherhood, and in -this sense, the leading lights in every stratum of life, whether in -Government or in Commerce, in Religion or in Science, stand arraigned -and indicted before the tribunal of conscience for retarding this -laudable spirit of Brotherhood. - -Why do not Captains of Industry and Commerce, instead of throttling -each other, by a unanimous effort, promulgate laws on a reciprocal -basis among themselves? - -Why do not Scientists, instead of confining their efforts to individual -endeavors, combine their forces so as to enhance the chance of -accomplishing greater results in research and exploration? - -Why do not Spiritual Shepherds, instead of preaching intolerance and -fanaticism, bring their flocks together in harmony? An Oriental scholar -in the Congress of Religions, at the Columbian Fair, declared that -"the flocks are willing to pasture together, but it is the shepherds -who are keeping them apart." - -And in fine, why do not the Nations, each claiming the highest forms -of civilization, instead of disseminating national, sectional and race -hatred, form an alliance, which will advance the cause of Universal -Brotherhood, and brighten the hope of bringing enduring peace to the -world at large? - -In this golden era, with its vast numbers of diplomats, -statesmen, theologians, scientists, and its countless fraternal -organizations,--each preaching, fraternity, love and charity,--what -evil spirit or genii prevents them from forming a union between -two of the foremost and best forms of Governments,--America and -Britain--perfect types in their entity, having similar laws, language -and aspirations? - -Who will be the Savior, through whose agency this happy cross -fertilization, inoculation or union shall be achieved? It was the above -thoughts, and the idea of an alliance between COLUMBIA and BRITANNIA, -that suggested in all seriousness the following frivolously allegorical -narrative,--a potpourri of weird fancy, satire and imagination, a -mosaic of the sublime and the ridiculous, on themes worthy of a master. - -Yet if some reader should find, even in this fantastic guise, an -occasional thought worthy of arousing him to nobler efforts, the -author will consider himself well rewarded. - -In regard to his prophecies for the future, he is willing to be called -a consummate prevaricator should his desire for the betterment of -mankind or the unity of nations take place much sooner than he has -predicted, or the calamities fail to materialize or prove to be much -lighter than he has foreseen. - - - G. C. - - Floral Park, N. Y. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER I - -THE YOUNG LADIES' SEMINARY - - -It is 1960, Anno Domini. The Earth, notwithstanding many dire -predictions of charlatans and religious fanatics, and in spite of -numerous cataclysms, conflagrations and political upheavals, was -rotating serenely on its axis. - -The Diana Young Ladies' Seminary, situated upon the picturesque -hills of Cornwall on the Hudson, is a few miles north of the West -Point Military Academy. The seminary buildings, having formerly been -the palatial homestead of a multi-millionaire, about half a century -previously had been bequeathed to the State of New York, with ample -endowments for its maintenance and development. It had long since -become one of the finest institutions of learning of its kind, not -only of America, but of the whole civilized world. - -The donor of this magnificent seat of knowledge for young ladies was a -man of "polarity," of positive and negative action and reaction. He -was in fact a typical incarnation and embodiment of a dualism, -immortalized by the fertile fancy of Robert Louis Stevenson, in his -story of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." While on the one hand he had an -apparently irresistible and monomaniacal cunning in robbing his fellow -men by monopolizing all the necessities of life, crushing with hellish -unscrupulousness all competition in every channel of industry, and -strewing his wake with industrial wrecks,--on the other hand he busied -himself with the erection of hospitals and churches, and in endowing -colleges with a princely liberality, commensurate to his other nature. - -Emerson, the philosopher, says "The whole universe is so, and so every -one of its parts," that "an inevitable dualism bisects nature," each -thing being a half and suggesting its complement. As the mammoth -Californian redwood tree, which with its towering height looks -overpoweringly stupendous when compared with the tiny otaheite -orange or dwarf Japanese plant, so was the difference in power -of acquisitiveness and possibilities of dispensation between this -colossus compared with ordinary mortals. - -The real motive of his charity could not be divined; whether it -was because, pricked by a guilty conscience, he used this means as -a palliative for his sins, or whether he was entirely oblivious of -wrong-doing and was prompted only by a frank desire for doing good, -was never determined. But at any rate after his death it was found -that he had donated his palaces, with munificent endowment funds, -to establish this educational institution for females. Moreover, -it is not my intention to write a biography of this dual monster of -money-maniac and philanthropist, for his deeds are written on the -graves and sorrowing hearts of his victims, as well as in the grateful -remembrance and esteem of his beneficiaries. - -Besides, we are told that God works good even through the agency of -the devil, and if he really had been a satellite of Satan, the great -usefulness and wide influence for good of the Seminary demonstrated -the veracity of the above statement. - -The Diana Seminary had proven its right to its high place in the public -esteem. Its fame had reached every corner of the earth. Young women, -not only from America but from every clime and nation, flocked thither -seeking to perfect themselves in such branches of education as are the -necessary requirements of the fair sex to fit them to reign supreme -in any capacity, from teaching in a country school to presiding on -regal thrones and guiding the destinies of Nations. - -The Diana Seminary had become particularly famous for the especial -branches of a curriculum which rendered the young ladies magnificently -lovely in form, chic in habilaments, brilliant and vivacious in -conversation, serene and dignified in carriage, sweet and optimistic -in nature, pure in sentiments, and in addition conferred upon them all -the necessary qualifications of accomplished housewives, virtues all -of which are inherent in American women and susceptible of highest -development. - -The graduates of this Seminary were always eagerly sought in marriage, -not only by the deserving young men living near the college, but -also by the nobility and even the royalty of Europe. The demands of -the latter class were indeed so great as to alarm the fond parents -across the ocean for the future happiness of their daughters, and they -were thus compelled to send their beloved ones to this Institution in -order to acquire that polish which their American sisters had proven -so desirable. - -Amongst the many English maidens who were there matriculated was -beautiful Aurora Cunningham, the only daughter of the Secretary of -Foreign affairs of Great Britain. - -It is unnecessary to dwell upon the beauty and charms of Aurora. It -is true that she could not be compared with the Goddesses of ancient -Greece, nor did she resemble the bewitching sylvan nymphs depicted -by the brush and pen of masters of art. She was a mortal; suffice -it to say, that she was a graceful girl of exquisitely moulded form, -of medium height, with luxuriant golden tresses, which, shimmering in -the sunlight, justified her baptismal name. Her large, dreamy blue -eyes mirrored the purity of her soul, and the dimples on her cheeks -were so deep and alluring that all who looked upon them felt their -compelling charm. - -She was, in a word, a typical English maiden. Highly accomplished, -and though dainty in demeanor, nevertheless she was not one of those -frail, ailing butterflies who exist and thrive only in artificial -atmosphere. Having been reared with greatest care, by means of a -complete course of calisthenics and out-of-door sports, with all her -refined mien she was a hardy and healthy specimen of feminine beauty as -well as a leader in all the strenuous pastimes of the Diana Seminary. - -She was called the "sunshine" of the Seminary, and none other merited -the appellation so well. Consequently she was idolized by the rest of -the students and was much sought after by the gallant young men in the -vicinity. After the manner of girl students who are given to violent -friendships, Aurora was devoted to her room-mate in the person of a -charming American girl named Margaret MacDonald, the daughter of a -Western Senator. - -Margaret was entirely the opposite of Aurora,--her very antithesis. She -was somewhat taller, with sparkling black eyes and raven hair, of -imposing dignity and carriage, but withal the equal of Aurora in -the matter of natural gifts and accomplishments. She had, moreover, -a captivating frivolity and aggressiveness which almost bordered -on masculinity. - -Perhaps it was this complete diversity of temperament and of type -that engendered an intense affinity between the girls. For although -diametrically differing even in their exposition of ideas, they were -drawn to each other with a mysterious sympathy which attracted the -attention of outsiders and furnished ample excuse for comment. Directly -after their first meeting they had become inseparable companions -and confidants. - -As the time passed this strange attachment grew so marked and its -manifestations so alarmingly flagrant that they themselves became -aware of its dangerous consequences. They realized that if they gave -free license to indiscreet emotional demonstrations in the class -room or in public, not only would their actions not be tolerated -by the College faculty and cause their expulsion from the Seminary, -but they would also be subjected to unendurable ostracism by the rest -of the students. But still worse was the confronting fact that they -would undoubtedly become the topic of unpleasant notoriety through -the publicity given by the sensational press. They had therefore the -good judgment to pledge themselves to control their emotions in the -presence of the class, and to exercise wide-awake circumspection in -their behavior in public and towards the opposite sex. - -It is needless to say that by the happy faculty of diplomacy, -inherent in them, they succeeded with consummate delicacy and skill -in maintaining their natural poise and normal attitude throughout -the seminary course. - -Like the magnetic pole the Diana Seminary had become the center of -attraction for the adjacent youths, especially the Academy boys, -who on all gala occasions were welcome guests at the Seminary. - -The experiment of co-education had long since been proven a failure. By -the well known law of electricity, that bodies similarly electrified -repel each other, and bodies oppositely electrified attract, it -seems that the constant familiarity and co-mingling of the two sexes -in co-educational institutions at the romantic age of puberty had -a somewhat similar effect and breeded contempt, blunting that keen -fondness for each other which seems natural, and so was not surprising -that in such institutions both sexes, when leaving college, separated -more like enemies than friends and lovers. - -The isolation of the sexes naturally created an intensity of affection -and a desire for association, and when the two periodically came in -contact caused that rapturous thrill of hearts and nascent unification -of souls. This undoubtedly was the plausible explanation, at least -one of the reasons, why the Seminary girls were always in demand and -were participants of so many happy unions. - -The only exception to the rule were Aurora and Margaret who, although -in every way agreeable to the aspirants for their hearts and hands, -refrained from making an alliance throughout their college course. It -was piteously amusing, however, to see those gallant swains from the -Academy heading for the Seminary whenever opportunity presented. Their -hearts were filled with intense ardor and their lips and pubescent -moustaches were pregnant with the microbes of Eros,--in a high state -of fermentation--blurting out with tense anxiety the momentous query, -"Wilt thou be mine?" to Aurora or Margaret, only to return vanquished -by the cold decisive negative. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER II - -THE INITIATION - - -There was no cause for ennui at the Diana Seminary. Notwithstanding -the serious course of study, there was ample jollity. The tedium -of their leisure hours was beguiled with all kinds of recreations -according to the seasons of the year. - -There were the various Seminary teams in basket ball, fencing, golfing, -calisthenics and amateur theatricals. The girls also indulged in -excursions to the exhibitions of the Academy boys, on their gala -days of mimic warfare in the campus, as well as to their contests -on the diamond or gridiron at foot ball. This latter sport having -reached in those days the top notch of perfection, it furnished the -fair spectators thrills of excitement when the contestants in their -improved steel helmets and cuirass, with pronged leggings and spiked -shoes looked like veritable knights of the chivalric ages. It gave -an additional source of lingering pleasure and admiration at such -contests when half a dozen ambulances were required to cart away the -gladiators in hors du combat. - -Besides all the above recreations, the Seminary girls had also their -various secret organizations which furnished ample work for winter -months. One of the most notable of these fraternities was called the -D. N. A., signifying "Daughters of the New Alliance." - -A brief description of the sacred rites of this unique fraternity, -on an interesting initiation, may not here be amiss. It took place -during the incumbency of the two principal organizers and charter -members--Aurora and Margaret,--the latter occupying at the time the -most exalted position of Reverend High Priestess and the former that -of Supreme Guide. The initiation in question was remarkable for the -singular coincidence that the applicants for membership were discovered -to be of half a dozen nationalities--French, German, Scotch, Irish, -Italian and Hebrew,--and this unusual circumstance lent the occasion -widespread sensation among the other members and made the session -most memorable. - -A peep in the temple revealed a bewildering spectacle, an "Adamless -Eden" of loveliness as it were. Margaret MacDonald, enveloped in -gorgeously embroidered Grecian robes, enthroned on an elevated dais, -a golden sceptre in hand, and a brilliant diadem on her shapely head, -presented an imposing figure as High Priestess, while Aurora in a -tight fitting cuirass of variegated spangles, holding a trident, -performed her official duties. Other functionaries attired in chaste -Grecian costumes occupied their respective positions. - -In the proscenium the applicants, attired in their respective national -costumes, followed the assistant guide to the gate of the temple when, -on pressing a button, an extremely melodious chant surged through the -atmosphere. This called the attention of the Supreme Guide to the fact -that there were applicants for membership. The Supreme Guide in the -same manner then made the announcement to the high priestess, and the -latter commanded them to be admitted to the temple. At the clanking -of the cymbals and the sounding of the fanfares as if by magic the -gate was ajar, revealing to the eyes of the new disciples a dazzling -scene of harmoniously blended loveliness. They filed in and arranged -themselves in the shape of a crescent at the lower end of the temple. - -In the centre of the room, on an alabaster table, they could discern -a glass receptacle in which, squirming and wriggling, were a quantity -of angle worms; on another similar table close by they could see a -golden cage, wherein half a dozen tiny rodents were playing tag. In -one corner a fierce, pugnacious billy-goat was butting with vicious -vigor against one of the Grecian columns of the temple. - -When the sound of the fanfares subsided the High Priestess, rising -suddenly and striking three times on the marble floor with her magic -sceptre, commanded silence, and in a sweet voice spoke thus: - -"Supreme Guide of the order of D. N. A. what bringest thou to this -sanctuary?" - -The guide answered in pathetic tones: "Thou High Priestess of the -order of D. N. A., I bring thee greeting. I bring thee also jewels -rare, for thy shrine; gems, not still life or crystals petrified, -but forms divine, animate with heaving breasts, with radiant brows, -and sparkling eyes that volumes speak, that even Cupid, dazed, would -soon forget his ancient Psyche fair, and yet unable be whom amongst -these for himself to take." - -"Have they signified their willingness to be tested for courage -and fortitude?" - -"They have." - -"Are they ready to travel through the tortuous path of the -inquisition?" - -"They are." - -"Then prithee, take them to the ante-chamber that their eyes may be -blindfolded and the robes of chastity may be thrown over them. Then -bring them thither through the tortuous path of the inquisition to -my presence." - -Accordingly they were taken to the ante-room and while being prepared -for the journey they were given plain intimation that they were to make -a repast of the angle worms and fondly handle the young rodents, while -direct hints of riding the bellicose goat were thrown out, as though -this were the least of the test to which they were to be subjected. - -Preparation for their return to the Temple being completed, their -readiness was again communicated as before and to the solemn but -inspiring Andante of Faust they began to wind through a path of -serpentine evolutions. On their journey many strange and threatening -voices came to their ears, some cursing their undertaking and -advising them to return before too late, some whispering that they -were about to step into an abyss or to encounter dire disaster. But by -the guidance and occasional prod by the trident of timid and erratic -disciples they proceeded onward with cautious steps. When almost at -the end of their journey, however, there was a sharp cry from one of -the applicants which caused the procession to halt. - -Lady Rosa Redmont Davitt, the daughter of an Irish noble,--a comely -girl, with laughing eyes, full of wit and humor and with a strong -combative instinct, withal very popular at the seminary--gave vent -to her distress in a piquant but pleasing accent: - -"Ouch! Your Riverence," said she, "It is not that I moind to ride the -wild billy goat, or am afraid to swallow the serpints, but divil a -bit I can shtand this pinching of my goide, your Riverince; my back -is almost bhlack and bhlue." - -"It is well that thou hast spoken," said the Priestess; "it was -because of thy untractable erratic steps and non-susceptibility to -the promptings of thy guide that thou hast suffered, for according -to the ratio of the loyalty and sensitiveness to her touch, thy -sufferings will come to an end. Follow thou, then, fair maid, with -keen perception to the subtle touch of thy guide. Supreme Guide of -the order of D. N. A. let the procession proceed." - -The march having been resumed and finished, they stood thus blindfolded -before the High Priestess in order to be tested for courage and -fortitude. Each applicant was led by the guide before her, who, for -fortitude, administered the angle worm, and for courage trailed the -mouse over their limbs. It is perhaps unnecessary to mention that -macaroni was substituted for the angle worm and that an artificial -mouse served as a lively rodent. - -When these sacred and solemn rites were performed the applicants were -taken through numerous evolutions of a march to the centre of the -room, in front of a table, whereon rested in the folds of American -and British colors the Constitution and By-laws of the Order. There -the oath of Allegiance was administered and at a thunderous outburst -of music, the bandages were cut asunder and the applicants found -themselves in the glow of a diffused light. Standing in the middle of -the room, surrounded by rows of graceful girls arrayed in immaculate -Grecian costumes, were all the other members of the Order. While the -High Priestess, majestically waving her sceptred arm, proclaimed them -tried and true members of D. N. A. - -The ceremonies were concluded by the singing of the National Anthems. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER III - -THE MOONLIGHT SOIRÉE - - -Margaret was reclining on a divan in her luxurious study, perusing a -letter. The room was redolent with the perfume of June roses, and the -warm rays of the afternoon sun, filtering through the stained glass -windows--now and then obscured by the swaying leaves and branches of -the trees--were flitting across her lovely form as if playing hide -and seek. - -Suddenly the door burst open and Aurora, somewhat flushed, holding -in her hand a note, entered the room, exclaiming excitedly: - -"Horrible! Margie, horrible! I do not know what to do! It will be -extremely h'embawassing aw, don't you know." - -"What is it Aurora, is that Jewsky after you again?" [1] asked Margaret -with a rougish smile, glancing toward her chum. - -"I do not think he is a 'Ebrew, my dear, his signature aw, is some -foreign sounding name. Carlos Do-Do-Do-Don Seville." - -"Well, I don't care what he is. The dodo is an extinct bird you -know. He looks like a Jewsky anyway. The idea, pray what has he to -say?" questioned Margaret, contracting her eyebrows to a frown. - -"He writes that he will grace aw, our moonlight reception with 'is -presence. Horrid, Margie, horrid! I hate him!" - -"Fiddlesticks! Rats!" retorted Margaret. "It is up to us then. If he -bobs up tomorrow night at the show, there will be something doing. That -Dago is positively the limit. He is perfectly horrid. If I see him -ogling me once that night, I'll 'cut the chains of my tongue loose' -at him, the wretch!" - -"Aw, really, how brave you are Margie!" replied Aurora, looking -admiringly at her classmate. "You will not desert me? By the way," -went on Aurora, gradually recovering her composure, "I just met Norma -Southworth coming from the modiste with her graduation gown. It was -such a bonnie gown, aw, so lurid and so sweet, don't you know." - -"I bet you hers won't cut any ice with my togs, when they arrive -tomorrow. Aurora, you and I will make a jim-dandy pair on graduation -day. I am curious, however, to get a glimpse of her dream of a gown, -but before we start, my dear, let us once more go over the details -of tomorrow night's event." - -"It makes me somewhat nervous to think about it. I wish truly it was -all h'over, Margie." - -"So do I, Aurora. I am afraid we'll make a beastly flunk at the show, -aren't you?" - -"Bah Jove, it will be awfully dweddful, Margie, to make a failure, -after so many months of preparation. I hope we will come h'out all -right," said Aurora with thoughtful anxiety. - -After they finished their examination of the program, both started -out to inspect Norma's gown, intending from thence to go to the final -rehearsal. While crossing the Grand Court of the Seminary they spied -Professor Cielo Allenson coming toward them on his motor-cycle. - -"There comes the dear 'Old Guard'" said Aurora. "Isn't 'e a dear, -aw, isn't 'e sweet?" - -"To be sure Aurora, I am head over heels in love with his lilacs; -aren't they elegant?" was the ready rejoinder of Margaret. - -"Eh, what! aw, really, 'ow often must I caution you not to use such -h'expressions," said Aurora, reproachfully. "'E may 'ear you, Margie, -'e may 'ear you." - -"There, ring off, sweet child, you better pick up your 'h's' and get -a gait on, or else we'll be late for practice," laughed Margaret. - -"Oh, how do you do?" piped both girls. - -The professor, slackening his pace, greeted them courteously: "I -presume you ladies are well prepared for the ordeal of tomorrow night?" - -"Quite so, Professor; we are looking forward with extreme pleasure to -meeting our gallant adversaries under your charge," answered Margaret. - -"H'in fact, we are now going to our final rehearsal," added Aurora. - -"Well, I wish you success, ladies; I must be off myself, to give the -boys at the Academy my last instructions; so goodby." - -"Good afternoon, Professor; goodby." - - - -The June graduation day of 1960 at the Seminary was not far distant, -falling on the second week of the month. The recitations had been -discontinued and the only sessions that were held by the professors -were chiefly for purposes of review. - -The students meanwhile beguiled their time by indulging in frequent -class receptions, which were given by the various grades and societies, -each vieing with others to excel all previous functions in originality, -splendor and novelty. That to be given by the senior class, to which -Aurora and Margaret belonged, was near at hand. Long before the date -agreed upon, the senior class had agreed to make it an out-of-door -affair eclipsing all previous efforts in brilliancy of conception -and prodigality of arrangements. - -It was to be a "Soirée Artistique!" a Tableau Vivant -Extravaganza! followed by a moonlight dance and reception. Their guests -of honor were to be no less than embryo generals from the West Point -Military Academy! Truly it was a magnificent conception and it was -chiefly due to the indefatigable efforts of Aurora and Margaret that it -culminated in a stupendous success with the night of the open air Fête. - -The spacious, velvety lawn was profusely and fittingly decorated. From -column to column festoons of June roses and evergreens crossed and -entwined in bewildering array. The colossal statue of Diana with her -hounds--the patron Saint of the Seminary--and the alternate gold and -silver peristyles leading to the wondrously designed parterre, were -enveloped in a mass of phosphorescent glow from the radium globules. - -The statuettes and fountains were bejewelled by innumerable actinium -bulbs. Ensconced in the branches of the trees and bushes the electrical -nightingales gave forth their continuous warbles of subdued sweetness, -while from poles especially erected for the occasion electric globes -in kaleidoscopic hues diffused the ambient atmosphere with their -spirituelle glow. The moon, like an overseer, hung high in the canopy -of space, casting its silvery light over the radiant scene. - -The graceful figures of the maidens in their fantastic winged costumes -of Celestial Amazons, and the grotesque forms of the boys, attired in -Indian outfits, glittering with beads and feathers--"chaperoned" by the -venerable Professor Cielo Allenson--each tribe in turn illustrating -their weird national customs, in war or peace, in mirth or sorrow, -filled the select spectators with throes of thrilling excitement. What -hitherto had seemed only ordinary, mundane surroundings was changed -into a realistic happy-hunting-ground or savage fairyland, a vision -of alternate celestial or barbaric splendor, the grandeur of which -is beyond the power of human ability to describe. - -The secret of unparalleled excellence of the disguises of the boys was -due to the fact that at the end of the Freshmen year at the Military -Academy, when they were preparing for the celebration of their academic -year, the Sophomores had kidnapped the whole Freshmen Class, and by a -pre-arranged plan, experts having been hired, had tatooed them all over -their faces as Indians on the warpath, thus leaving a lasting souvenir -of class antagonism! Being disfigured for life, they had made the -best of their misfortune by appearing in the role of Indian warriors, -delighted that for once this misfortune had proven an advantage. - -There was nothing to mar this auspicious occasion except that, near -its close, a trivial wordy demonstration took place between Professor -Cielo Allenson and an intruder named Carlos Don Seville. - -Still, even the most pleasant and successful events have their -aftermath and this affair left several of them. When Aurora and -Margaret entered their rooms heaped with triumphant compliments for -their consummate skill in planning this grand farewell fête they were -sad, sad through an impulsive intuition. - -Hardly had they crossed the threshold of their room when they fell -into each other's arms, sobbing bitterly from the bottom of their -hearts. Each instinctively knew why the other wept. The final class -reception had a deep significance to them, as it meant that graduation -day was near at hand. In the natural course of events each would now -go her way to a distant home. It meant separation! - -Separation! It was impossible for them calmly to accept the full -significance of that word in their infatuation for each other. Some -time elapsed before either gained sufficient composure to speak. Each -attempt resulted in a collapse and a paroxysm of hysterical weeping. - -Margaret, as if dazed with the frenzy of that strange passion, clung -to Aurora, exclaiming hysterically: "How can it be, Aurora? It cannot -be. It cannot be! Better death than separation!" - -By the gentle, soothing words of Aurora, however, they gradually -recovered their composure, but were not fully pacified until that -very night they made a solemn compact, bound by an inviolable oath, -not to make any alliance with any suitor whatever and to remain united -to each other in souls until death should them part. - -It was that night also that in the height of their fatuous ardor of -love Aurora wrote an impromptu poem of fealty, entitled "Wilt Thou -Remember Thy Vow?" It revealed the intensity of their emotions, -their utter subjugation and mutual abandonment of will and desire -each to the other and its dire revenge in the end, if their solemn -vow was betrayed. - -Like the poem, the music which was composed by Margaret, was also an -inspiration. It interpreted the poem in a sad, sublimely pathetic -strain, yet at times in bold and threatening torrents of color and -passion. The very spirit of the words and the oath, that would be -their guiding star throughout their lives, surged through it. In all -respects it was a masterpiece of symphonic creation. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -HISTORICAL EVENTS OF THE 20TH CENTURY - - -The senior class of the Diana Seminary were assembled in the -auditorium, listening in a trance of respectful attention to Professor -Cielo Allenson. He had just begun his review of the historical events -of the 20th Century, now and then giving his individual comments upon -the subjects presented. - - - -1900 - -An Era of False Prosperity - -With the beginning of the 20th Century was inaugurated an era of false -prosperity. The Census Bureau at that time furnishes statistics and -comments upon the wonderfully perceptible decrease of the criminal -classes, called foot-pads, sneak thieves and highwaymen, which -was attributed chiefly to the existing national prosperity. It -overlooks the fact, however, that a new species of miscreants, -comparatively more dangerous, had begun to thrive like mushrooms in -prolific numbers,--that of so-called commercial brigands or financial -buccaneers who, under fascinating and attractive names, such as mining -syndicates with their fabulous deposits of gold, offering bucketfuls -of shares for a dime; banking and building loan associations, with -palatial homes thrown in gratis to every subscriber; promoters of -illusionary inventions, seeking shareholders, which would make them -millionaires in the twinkling of an eye. - -Alchemists who, with their artful empyrics of legerdemain, transmuted -base metals into gold, and were willing to dispose of their precious -wares for pennies; Wall Street and race-track spiders posing as -benevolent philanthropists, scattering fortunes right and left to -every applicant, sapped the avaricious, sottish public of its dearly -bought earnings. Strange to say, despite many colossal exposures and -failures, as these adroit swindlers grew more subtle and audacious, -the more the gambling-crazed public rushed to their destruction. - -The effect was appalling. In consequence of the depredations of these -pirates of industries, the reputable business and financial firms were -the greatest sufferers. Their legitimate transactions were paralyzed -to such a tremendous degree that they were compelled to devise ways -and means to counteract its evils. In 1908, after mature deliberation -at a general convention in Washington, it was decided to raise ample -funds and create a bureau under the auspices of the Federal Government -called the Bureau of Frauds and Swindles. The duties imposed upon -its officers were the ferreting out and prosecuting of the wild-cat -schemes and to warn the public against them. - -The measure, being approved by the National Government, had the -desired effect of freeing to a great degree the financial world -from its parasites of industrial malefactors, and to some extent -established again the stability and integrity of honorable financiers, -in the meanwhile safeguarding foolish persons from being fleeced out -of their savings. - - - -1902 - -The Cataclysm at Martinique - -St. Pierre, Martinique, was destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Mount -Peleé, on the eighth day of May. In a few minutes more than thirty -thousand human beings were hurled into eternity. - - - -1908 - -The Mormon Question - -The anti-plural wives laws were enforced to the letter. Its emphatic -application to all members of the sect was brought about principally -by the Women's Clubs, whose persistent and overwhelming aggressiveness -played an important factor in the stamping out of this demoralizing and -materialistic religion. In this era of civilization the existence of -a religious organization of this character, like a cancerous growth, -was threatening to debase womanhood and lead the communities to -unbridled licentiousness. - - - -1909 - -Capital and Labor - -Every new movement, be it religious, political or economic, has its -birth like a volcano, and unionism was no exception to this rule. The -labor unions at first had their violent agitators who, possessing -greater physical than mental calibre, laid the crude foundation of -a force in an arbitrary manner that consequently had its gradual -evolution of development. - -Their constant conflicts with capital were characterized by an -unreasonable amount of physical argument which resulted in more or -less disastrous denouements, but these very acts of lawlessness and -disturbances awakened a third party, the consumers in general, who -were equally affected by the disturbances between capital and labor -and brought about a realization of the true relative positions. - -Labor certainly has its unalienable rights and was entitled to due -consideration and justice. However, like the negative and positive -poles of electricity, which are both essential in order that a circuit -of effective force be generated, capital and labor likewise had their -dual relative values of importance, without which there could be no -constancy of harmonious production. - -By the gradual awakening of both capital and labor to their -true limitations, the questions involved began to assume a more -intelligent basis under the codes of arbitration. At the same time -the violent agitators of labor were succeeded in the trend of this -onward development by more intelligent organizers. These latter were -merged into accomplished, rational leaders and, through the efficient -medium of the ballot box, into national representatives. Consequently, -the more dignified, orderly and responsible labor became, the more -the workers became entitled to the benefits of their labor. - -A Department of Capital and Labor which, so far, had been merely -probationary now became a permanent institution at the Capitol and -in every State of the Union as well. - - - -1910 - -The Expense of Living - -It is one of the strangest inconsistencies of social problems, that -although political economists and scholars have preached the doctrine, -that inventions and improved methods in mechanical lines contribute -to the blessings of mankind by cheapening the necessities of life, -yet in spite of their plausible declarations, the cost of living -year by year grew higher and higher, entailing untold suffering and -despair among the poorer classes. - -The cause of this lamentable perversion was due to a certain clique -of unscrupulous progeny of Mammon, called trusts and corporations, -who, being blinded with an insatiable desire for pelf and lust, and -stupefied with a frenzied avarice, monopolized all the necessities -of life. The vast occidental domain of our country was of unlimited -resources and was capable of producing in abundance the products which -they "cornered." The modus operandi of their rapacious operations -were manifold. They limited the output of Nature's bounty in order to -keep them at prohibitive values, and at the same time deprived hosts -of sons of toil of earning their livelihood. They kept at their -inoperative mercy--by their abominable tactics of purchase--the -producer from receiving his just share, and they also mulcted the -helpless consumer by the unlimited inflation of their capital stock -and fictitious expenses until at length the burden of their avarice -became unendurable. - -Although attempts have repeatedly been made by sincere executives of -the Nation, by the advocation of measures for curbing the rapacity -of these trusts, their endeavors met with failure on account of the -vague and flexible laws already in existence, and by the array of -sycophantic traitors in high circles who prevented any legislation -which was conducive to the tranquility and welfare of the masses. At -last, only after a series of sanguinary demonstrations by the people -which almost endangered the stability of the republic, they were -compelled to yield. - -By the passage of clearly defined laws the career of their nefarious -system of spoliation was brought to an end. One of the most efficacious -laws passed was the creation of a body of competent men of supreme -power who appraised approximately the capitalization of these -concerns and licensed them as such under oath. The States in the -meantime assumed the power of fixing a maximum value for which their -commodities might be placed on the market. By the above legislations -the inflation of their capital and extortion from the consumer were -made securely impossible. - - - -1911 - -Death of an Eminent Scholar - -Professor Henry Richfield, a profound scholar, and the author of -"How to Get Rich"--a ponderous work in twelve octavo volumes--passed -away in an attic, in abject penury and squalor. - - - -1912 - -The Annihilation of Mosquitoes - -Although the mortality statistics in the United States for last year -reached the round number of two million persons from various diseases, -among them chiefly from consumption, pneumonia, typhoid fever and -epidemics of smallpox and diphtheria, a few sporadic cases of death -were recorded resulting from mosquito bites, which gave grave concern -to the medical fraternity. - -The outcome of this alarm was the calling of a general conference -of bacteriological experts. The mosquito, that had hitherto enjoyed -unbridled freedom since the creation of his race, was now looked upon -as the arch enemy of mankind. A noted philanthropist, interested in oil -wells and having on hand a great bulk of unmarketable crude petroleum, -donated a large sum for research in order to discover ways and means -of curbing the ravages of these nefarious pests which threatened the -annihilation of the human race. - -It was decided by the savants, that the distribution of crude petroleum -in stagnant pools and humid marshes, was the only effective method -for the extermination of mosquito life. The distribution of greenbacks -for their valuable services, (notwithstanding the fact that under the -microscope they were found to contain two hundred and fifty-seven -diseases and thirty-eight million microbes to the square inch), -were grabbed with unprecedented avidity by these same specialists. - - - -1913 - -Child Labor - -The dwarfing and crippling of the mental, moral and physical -growth of tender children, by the avaricious employers, and its -baleful consequence of peopling the community with moral and bodily -degenerates, devoid of the desirable elements of good citizenship, -had become so appallingly flagrant that a general sentiment of the -people was aroused in a mighty protest to the Federal authorities. - -Thanks to the aggressive and strenuous legislative warfare of Labor -Unions in every State, aided by the persistent moral agitation of -Women's Clubs all over the country, child labor was entirely abolished -in many channels of industries, such as mills, factories, collieries -and plantations. In more gentle occupations the employment of minors, -was placed on a healthier and more humane basis than had ever before -been the case. - - - -1914 - -The Great Radium Swindle - -The fabulously high price of this metal had awakened the cupidity of -a coterie of adroit schemers who, had palmed off on unsuspecting men -of science, a rank substitute which cost only a trifle to manufacture. - -After securing an enormous sum of money, the schemers had decamped -to parts unknown. - -It was discovered that the spurious metal thus disposed was nothing -more than a highly compressed form of phosphorous. - - - -1915 - -Death of an Eminent Physician - -Dr. Wisehardt, the brilliant young physician and surgeon who discovered -the electro-magnetic germ-cells of life, and invented methods to -prolong life itself by the cultivation of these cells, died in the -27th year of his age from premature senility. - - - -1916 - -A Tidal Wave - -The most memorable event of this year was a gigantic tidal wave of -tremendous height, which swept over the lower coast of Florida. In -a few minutes it inundated and destroyed a vast area of the coast, -doing incalculable damage to shipping. It was estimated that nearly -fifteen thousand persons lost their lives in this cataclysm. - - - -1917 - -War Between United States and Columbia - -The stubborn attitude of the Central American Republic, Columbia, -towards the United States, by her menacing antagonism to the -construction of the interoceanic canal, gradually created a breach -of the peace that led ultimately to a forcible demonstration by the -United States, and precipitated the invasion by the latter of the -Republic of Panama. - -Peace was re-established after a crushing defeat of the Columbians. The -famous waterway, the Republic of Panama, then became United States -territory, by annexation. - - - -1918 - -The Women's Clubs - -The Women's Clubs which, during their first inception, were the subject -of much ridicule, and the proceedings of their meetings a theme for -ribald jokes in the secular press, gradually developed into such -gigantic proportions that their influence became a powerful factor in -every public question of the day, and in fact so continues unabated -unto this day. - -The last Federal statistics show more than two thousand Institutions -in the form of sanitariums, refuges, technical schools of practical -utility, entirely under the auspices of Club Women. The constitutions -of these laudable organizations "invariably stand for something which -is ennobling" and their achievements are monumental tributes to the -upward trend of womanhood. - -There was, however, a crucial period in their affairs worth -mentioning. Some of these noble but over-zealous women of that period, -in their exuberant enthusiasm for woman's rights, forgetting the -limitations of their sex,--considered by the greatest thinkers of -the past ages to be the sphere of Home,--agitated a propaganda of -political equality or suffrage and, from time to time, created a -stir among their organizations until at last, in 1918, the National -Federation of Women's Clubs decided to hold a conclave in order to -decide the following momentous question: "Should Women Enter Politics?" - -More than four thousand five hundred delegates from all over -the Union assembled at Madison Square Garden, in New York -City. Sympathizers of the suffragists with their eloquence tried to -railroad through a measure in their behalf, but equally able leaders -of the opposition--benefitted by the warning of Sages--succeeded in -counterbalancing the efforts of their fair antagonists. - -After a heated symposium the question was put to a vote, which resulted -decisively in a victory for those who opposed the movement. It -was further voted, that they should confine all their energies to -civic, educational and humanitarian channels and things pertaining -to Home. This was a most happy and wise decision, for the world at -large needs mothers who will beget and nurse a Florence Nightingale, -a Clara Barton, a Washington or a Lincoln, rather than mothers who -would become a Jezebel, a Delilah or a Cleopatra. - - - -1919 - -The Tornado - -A cyclonic tornado of intense velocity and destructive force struck New -York City, demolishing in its path, in the shape of a semi-circle from -the Battery to Twenty-third Street, West, two hundred and seventy-five -buildings. Fortunately, the day being a holiday, the loss of life -was comparatively small. - - - -1920 - -The Power of the Press - -Through emancipation from its shackles of monarchic censorship and -subserviency to despotic masters, the upward rise of the Press to -usefulness and power was without a parallel--a power to which even -Napoleon Bonaparte was sensible when he said, "I fear three newspapers -more than a hundred thousand bayonets." But like everything else -in the universe, the Press also had its dual potentiality. Like a -two-edged sword, it could be wielded for good or evil. In the bands -of an unscrupulous politician it was a treacherous weapon, while in -the control of the righteous citizen a tremendous power for good. - -Thus the Press for many decades, subsidized by the traitorous -capitalist and under the guise of a pious mask, catered to the evil -designs of the plutocracy until the gradual awakening of the people -through the independent press at last understood their hypocrisy. - -The independent press, however, attained its highest degree of -efficiency by the establishment of the College of Journalism. Its -foundation slogan, publicity on all political and economic questions, -had created a force of trained journalists--a force "mightier than the -sword" and in a manner far more penetrating than the X-ray--pledged -to defend the rights of the citizens. By an educational propaganda it -taught the masses how to eradicate existing evils by the mere exercise -of their unalienable right, the ballot box. Indeed in a government -"of the people, for the people and by the people," resort to force or -revolution was absolutely unnecessary, while these two most effectual -weapons the world had ever seen, the voting power and the free press, -were at their command. - - - -1921 - -Balloons and Airships - -Strange to say, from the time of Archytas of Tarantum to Otto -Lilienthal, and from Montgolfier Bros. to Santos Dumont, Bell, Maxim -and Langley, very little or no progress had been made in practical -and safe aerial navigation. - -Though all these inventors, whether cranks with a smattering of -mechanical knowledge, or veritable savants and scientists, efficient -in physics according to their own accounts, had studied the subject -of aerial flight from the fowls of the air, the failure of their -experiments showed that they were far from grasping the mysteries of -that subtle sagacity and subconsciousness of the birds, by which they -balanced themselves against the currents and velocity of the winds, -and by their intuitive sensitiveness, utilized to the fullest extent -their vast number of muscles and feathers with such marvelous subtlety. - -Like the Italian alchemist in the middle ages, who had constructed the -wings of his flying machine with feathers gathered from a dunghill, -and who, when attempting to fly, had found himself dumped, by a strange -sympathetic affinity, on the very dunghill from which he had gathered -the feathers, the efforts likewise, of these illustrious experimenters -were crowned by successful failures, by a similar force of attraction, -their apparatus either alighting on the branches of trees, or diving -into the waters like ducks. - -At the beginning of the 20th Century, the consensus of scientific -opinion had reached the conclusion, that the successful flying -machine of the future would be one, which would be heavier than air -and with either a very small balloon or none at all. The various forms -of balloons and flying craft, exhibited at the St. Louis exposition -became an incentive for renewed efforts by scientists to solve the -problem of aerial flight and continued with unremitting zest for -nearly a quarter of a century. - -It was in the early part of 1919 that the science of aeronautics -was radically improved by the discovery of a process for hardening -and soldering of Aluminum, by which comparatively light but strong -framework and machinery were constructed, and thus gradually the -elimination of inflated balloons had become possible. - - - -1922 - -The Flood in Mississippi Valley - -In the spring of this year the Mississippi Valley was flooded and -submerged by terrible cloudbursts which, combined with melting of -snows on the mountains, and subsequent bursting of dams and levees, -devastated a vast area. According to records the lives lost in the -inundated districts reached the total of sixty thousand. - - - -1923 - -Uniform Divorce Laws - -The unprecedented increase of divorces all over the United States -and the attendant scandalous proceedings at the courts had reached -such a maximum, and its baneful influence on the public morals had -developed into such a point of danger that, a great awakening among -the clergy and lawmakers of the nation was the result. At a conclave of -representatives of the legal profession from every State in the Union, -was promulgated a uniform divorce law for the United States of America. - - - -1924 - -The Zionist Movement or The Bursting of the Zion Bubble - -The Zionist movement which for thirty years past gained more than -two million converts and within that period had collected more than -fifteen million dollars, was declared impracticable and illusionary! - -The estimable originators of this sentimental movement, Herzl, Nordau, -Zangwill and others, although beyond the shadow of a doubt sincere and -well-meaning, through the intensity of their zeal for the amelioration -of their less fortunate brethren, were entirely blindfolded to the -intricacies of politics and the eventful history of the Jewish race, -from an ethnological and psychological point of view. - -Some of these true yet misguided philanthropists had passed away -and other leaders, less impressed with the object of the society, -had taken their places. As the Jews are not a pioneer race, the -magnanimous scheme of the British government to place them upon a -tract of virgin soil at Uganda, in Central Africa, for the purpose of -colonization proved chaotic failure, on account of both sociological -and economic reasons. - -The idea also of establishing a Jewish principality in Palestine, -under an absolutely despotic and semi-barbarous government--which -butchered her subjects ad libitum--was so ridiculous in the extreme, -that the questions had become the laughing stock at the political -sanctus sanctorums of various governments. - -In 1923 a tremendous agitation was brought about by the leaders of -the opposition, and those in power of the movement were challenged to -public debate. The question grew to such proportions that it became -a subject for discussion in every orthodox and gentile pulpit In the -press, sociologists, ethnologists and anthropologists took part in -the ephemeral arena and analyzed every phase of the subject, relating -to the Hebrew race and the Zionist movement, laying bare every fact -without reserve. - -It was stated by the opposition that though a stream of money had -been pouring in from every quarter of the globe year after year, for -the cause, no result as yet had been obtained, that great sums had -been spent in salaries of the officials and at the dilly-dallying, -corrupt courts of the Turkish Sultan. - -A learned sociologist likened the Hebrews to a parasitic plant, -which derived its existence from the living sap of another. "An -Israelite" he declared, "can only exist favorably amongst civilized -centres of Christian and gentile communities; that whenever a colony -of Hebrews were isolated by themselves, they would inevitably and -gradually retrograde, impoverish and at last form a ghetto of misery -and squalor." - -Another ethnologist of repute expounded the fact, that the Jews -were the life and essence of commercial activity and consequently -formed an integral part of a prosperous commonwealth. Sublimely -industrious, instinctively provident and economical by nature, the -Jews were persecuted because of their inherent virtues. He proved -by clever historical documents, that their expulsion from Babylon, -Egypt, Spain, Russia or wherever their rights were abrogated, were -the fundamental causes of the decadence of these countries from which -they were expelled. - -Others accused the Hebrews of perverting the Golden Rule, of taking -advantage of others by their inborn instinct of commercial sagacity, -which well nigh approached unscrupulousness and that, being a mere -commercial people, their patriotism could well be challenged. Many -others advised, however, a propaganda of judicious assimilation of -the Israelite with the Christians, contending that the sum total -of their virtues and faults was the same as that of their Christian -brethren. Meanwhile they advised the Jews that "wherever they lived -they ought to make there, their Zions and temples." - -After much heated argument and discussion which occupied several days, -they at last arrived at the conclusion that the Zionist movement -was chimerical! The balance of the funds amounting to many million -dollars were voted for the establishment of technical and commercial -schools for Israelites and for a fund to aid the judicious emigration -of the Jews from ill-favored and congested districts to more favorable -localities. - - - -1925-26 - -The Anglo-American Alliance - -The Anglo-American Alliance, by which these two foremost nations of -the earth were brought into a happy, fraternal union, and for the -achievement of which for nearly a quarter of a century there had been -a great effort, in this year had become an accomplished fact! - -It was celebrated in a manner unprecedented in the annals of the -World's history. Having a profound and far reaching effect, it became -an ultimatum for other nations to keep the peace, and goaded them -toward the adoption of similar laws, in order to secure the same -reciprocal blessings of universal brotherhood. - -Much credit was due to that eminent English statesman, now Lord -Cunningham, through whose tactful diplomacy this long-sought -commercial, social, offensive and defensive alliance became a -reality. "I am restrained," said the Professor, looking in the -direction of Aurora Cunningham, "to avoid eulogizing him as he justly -deserves, for obvious reasons." - -At this sentence the students, under the impulse of a sudden -admiration, arose to their feet en masse, and, glancing smilingly at -Aurora, began rapturously to clap their hands. - -This interruption of sympathetic appreciation was brought to a close, -by a ringing cry of the Seminary yell: "Dee, Dee, Ya, Ya, Na, Na, -Diana. Hurrah! Hurrah!! Hurrah!!!" - -Aurora, blushing deeply, gracefully bowed her acknowledgement and in -due form the class was dismissed for the day. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE FISTIC DUEL - - -The evening following the moonlight fête, a little after sunset when -the western sky, stained with a luminous golden hue, had spread -on verdant hills and valleys its radiance of languorous serenity, -two motor cyclists were speeding along on a secluded path that led -into the main highway, from the Diana Seminary to the West Point -Military Academy. The one in advance was wheeling in a leisurely -way, while the one behind exerted greater speed, as if in pursuit -of the other. He was gaining rapidly so that in a very few minutes -the foremost was overtaken, as they both reached a wooden bridge, -spanning a small body of water. - -Both came suddenly to a stop and dismounted. They were Professor Cielo -Allenson and Carlos Don Seville. Don Seville, stung by the rebuke -which the Professor had administered to him the night previous at -the Seminary, had decided to take the cowardly course of waylaying -the instructor, in this lonely path, in order to avenge himself for -the righteous verbal punishment the latter had given him. - -Carlos Don Seville was a degenerate scion of a once noble Spanish -family, who had settled in the United States and, like many such -offspring, was engaged in sowing his wild oats. Financially dependent -on a small income, he was always at his wit's end in order to secure -money with which to continue his reckless profligacy. Being inherently -foolish and improvident, he always had the illusion that some day -"something would turn up," and encouraged by this belief he had -recourse to gambling and speculation. As soon as he received his -dwindled allowance, he made himself a willing prey of card sharps -and get-rich-quick brigands. - -Lately, however, he had conceived the idea of marrying an heiress, -and for that purpose he was hovering about Diana Seminary, annoying -the young ladies by his unsolicited attentions, or by brazen audacity -intruding unceremoniously upon their receptions. His snobbish mendacity -reached its climax when at the night of the moonlight soirée he -accosted Aurora and Margaret at the intermission of the dance, while -they were sauntering arm-in-arm along the parterre to a trysting nook. - -Notwithstanding Margaret's bold declaration of the previous day, that -she wanted to give the "Jewsky" a piece of her mind, the feminine -temerity and reserve had taken possession of her. The minute they -saw him advance they took to their heels, and scampered back with -appealing gestures toward Professor Allenson who, divining at once -the situation, came gallantly to their rescue, giving Don Seville a -scathing reprimand and commanding him to depart, "unless he desired," -announced the Professor, "to be skinned alive by the war dogs of the -Military Academy." - -Don Seville, frightened and abashed, beat an inglorious retreat -and disappeared. - -Professor Cielo Allenson, better known at the Military Academy as -the "Old Guard," was a venerable man past seventy. He had a highly -intellectual countenance and his silvery white hair and patriarchal -beard gave him a noble dignity which commanded respect. His strenuous -virility and inexhaustible energy was ever a lesson and a rebuke -to the many indolent youths who came in contact with him. He was a -philosopher of the first rank and an intense lover of nature. Imbued -with the deeper knowledge of the subtle workings of natural phenomena, -"he could not draw a line," he would say, "between the manifestations -of human, animal and vegetable kingdoms." - -"Halt you d----d old cur! I demand no apology, but satisfaction," -snarled Don Seville abruptly, his face livid with anger. - -For a second the Professor was taken aback. But in that very second, -through his intuitive and resourceful mind flashed the fact that he -was "cornered." He was not a man easily frightened, for as a Major -of Volunteers during the Panama and Columbian trouble, and while in -his teens, he had led on his handful of men up the hills against the -ramparts of the enemy. - -But a problem which required instantaneous solution was now presented -to him by Carlos Don Seville. It was a problem which neither diplomacy, -moral persuasion nor flight of oratory could solve. He realized in -that very second that the only way out of this difficulty was to take -the coward at his word. It was to be a fistic encounter to the finish. - -"Apology, I have none to offer you sir, and am ready to give you such -satisfaction as you desire," replied the old man with a dignified -firmness. - -A remarkable change had taken place in the person of Cielo -Allenson. That venerable and spirituelle individual had been -transformed in a twinkling of an eye, into a grim and determined -looking animal, and like an expert gladiator of the fistic arena, -he took the attitude of self-defense. - -The "ring" constituted the platform of the wooden bridge, the side -rails of which served as the partial ropes. There were no seconds to -goad their favorites into action, no referee to decide the doubtful or -unlawful blows, no gong to mark the rounds, nor time-keeper to count -the defeated out of action. In the languorous glow of the twilight -their shadows, reflected in black silhouettes in the placid waters -below, were the only silent witnesses of this remarkable encounter. - -The contest was constant and in the vernacular of pugilism, superbly -game, fast and furious! After the acceptance of the challenge there -was no parley between them, but by a sudden rush, Don Seville with his -right hand landed a hammering blow on the Professor's skull, which the -latter parried with his left with dexterous agility and thus saved a -crisis, for if left unchecked the blow would have reached his "solar -plexus." In rapid succession the fight continued, Don Seville taking -the aggressive and the Professor acting more in self-defense. However, -as often as opportunity presented, the latter put in a few well aimed -jabs, here and there, on the vital points of Don Seville's anatomy. At -the same time it was apparent that Don Seville was getting the best -of the contest. The venerable Professor unused to long continued -strain of the kind, began to experience difficulty in breathing, -and this did not escape Don Seville's observation. Shortly, however, -a remarkable change was visible; the Professor seemed to grow stronger -with each onslaught he made. He had gained his so-called "second wind" -thereby recouping his adroitness and elasticity. - -With the consummate skill of a scientific boxer, several times -he feigned signs of weakness, by giving false openings, of which -his infuriated antagonist attempted to avail himself, thinking the -Professor to be on the verge of collapse, only to receive in return -several well directed right and left swings on the jaw. These staggered -Don Seville to his knees, but he was allowed to rise to his feet by -the generous tolerance of the Professor, and the consciousness of -this humility caused him to wage the attack with reckless fury. With -vulgar oaths he began to resort to foul tactics, trying to hit the -defender beyond the limits of decent pugilism. - -Don Seville's endurance had now come to its end. His youth, dissipated -by debauchery, was undermined of its stability, and in spite of the -wide disparity of ages the old man had Don Seville absolutely in -his power. It was time, he thought, to terminate these proceedings, -so distasteful and undignified to him, but the only way he saw was, -to lay aside the tactics of self defense, and adopt those of a -punitive retaliation. - -With keen alertness he watched for an opportunity and when Don -Seville, almost crazed with anger, rushed on him for a clinch, entirely -oblivious of the intention of the Professor, the latter gave a sudden -shift to his position by swinging his body away from his antagonist -Don Seville blindly followed him in his determination of a desperate -onslaught. It was then that the venerable Allenson shot out a driving -"right upper cut" to the jaw. - -This was the finale! Don Seville staggered to the rails and toppling -over fell with a splash into the limpid waters below. - -The Professor promptly jumped down the embankment and pulled out his -still unconscious adversary. If abandoned in that condition the young -man might have drowned in the shallow waters. The Professor began to -do all in his power to restore him to consciousness; just at that -time a farmhand on horseback appeared on the scene, and by his aid -the Academy ambulance was summoned and Don Seville was taken to the -military hospital. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -HISTORICAL EVENTS OF THE 20TH CENTURY - -(CONCLUDED) - - -A subdued applause greeted the Professor the next day when he -entered the lecture room to conclude his review of events of the -20th Century. Many floral bouquets were tossed to him by his fair -admirers, who were augmented from the other classes, on account of -the full detail of his encounter with Don Seville having been spread -throughout the Seminary. - -The Professor, despite some discoloration on his benign visage, -flushed crimson like a bashful child and bowed his acknowledgements, -as he began his discourse thus: - - - -1927 - -Colonization of Central Africa - -A system of general colonization on a large scale was, during this -year, undertaken by the British Government. By a new homestead law, -embodying liberal inducements, a vast army of colonists from all over -the British dominions were transported to Central Africa. Thousands -upon thousands of persons from the congested districts of London, -Glasgow, Liverpool and other large cities, were persuaded to leave -their limited surroundings and uncongenial atmosphere, and go to the -promising new land, teeming with boundless opportunities. - -Almost the entire inhabitants of the isolated islands of the Shetlands -and Orkneys, who led an indolent life and eked a meagre existence by -fisheries, joined this grand trek to Central Africa. Many thousands -from the Canadian provinces and from the United States of America -joined this exodus, as did also thousands from the East Indies. The -thorough and admirable manner in which this laudable movement was -handled mitigated the hardships of transportation, and thus within -a few years more than five million, poor, homeless and indolent -people were given homesteads of their own, awakening them into energy -and thrift. - -Within a decade the population of Central Africa reached the grand -total of 25,000,000 industrious, loyal citizens, forming a flourishing -dependency, enjoying home rule and liberty, under the protection of -British laws and arms. - - - -1928 - -The Conflagration of the Atlantic Ocean - -One of the most wonderful and at the same time awful conflagrations -of its kind on record in the history of the world, was that of the -apparent burning of the Atlantic Ocean, covering an area one hundred -and fifty miles wide. It started in the Gulf of Mexico and, like -a prairie fire, only a thousand times more furious, this floating -furnace consumed scores of vessels that came into its fiery path. - -A few weeks previous to this awful holocaust, the petroleum wells in -Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana had run dry, on account of a severe -earthquake. It was argued by scientists that, by some subterranean -convulsions the oil well fissures had shifted their course, into the -waters of the gulf, and the vast accumulation of the inflammable fluid, -floating on the ocean, had been ignited, either by an electric spark -during a thunderstorm, or by some combustible being thrown from a -sailing craft. - - - -1929 - -The Court of Labor - -In this year was completed and dedicated the Court of Labor at -Washington. This was an imposing building, in which all the momentous -labor problems were discussed before a tribunal of disinterested -justices, through the able representatives of each faction, without -resorting to disastrous strikes, lockouts and disturbances of public -comfort. - -One of the most remarkable features of this Court of Arbitration was, -the colossal group erected between the two grand entrances to the -building. This was not a semi-nude female figure with bandaged eyes, -holding in her hand the conventional pair of scales, but a Herculean -figure of Uncle Sam with his starry hat and glorious chin whiskers, -having three faces, three eyes and three arms. Before him were a group -of three figures which represented respectively Capital, Consumer and -Labor. In each figure were his eyes wide open and alert, bent with -searching scrutiny upon the person in front, to whom he dispensed -the just share of each, from a huge cornucopia at his feet. - - - -1930 - -Landlordism In America - -One of the most scandalous evils which had crept gradually in the -United States, and eventually became a source of grave anxiety to the -government, was a system of Landlordism amongst the very rich. While -the general public were slumbering in blissful ignorance, this coterie -of avaricious syndicates and multi-millionaires had mysteriously -become possessors of vast tracts of lands, in every state of the -Union. Some of these holdings comprised hundreds and thousands of -square miles in extent. - -Miles and miles of shore-fronts, immense areas of forests, whole -mountains and lakes, through the conniving, corrupt state and county -officials, had passed into the hands of private individuals who, -in return had become extremely arrogant in their treatment of the -public, by unreasonable restriction. - -There seemed to be a mocking sarcasm in the fact when common people -sang the National Anthem "America," celebrating its hills and rills, -while at every turn of the road, at every shore-front, lake, hill and -valley, mountain and forests, the forbidding sign, "No Trespassing -Under Penalty," met their eyes, or the repulsive muzzle of the -Winchester was thrust into their faces by private watchmen. - -This state of affairs had reached such desperate straits, that the -public suddenly awakened on the subject. It started first by the -protest of the rougher element in the mountain districts, who defied -the hired authorities with an organized force. The people committed -acts of violence and incendiarism it is true, but by their overt -acts they awakened the dormant public to realize the enormity of -this scandalous condition of deeding away to millionaires, without -the consent of the commonwealth, the common and inalienable heritage -of its citizens. - -By a unanimous uprising and public mandate the Federal and State -authorities were compelled to condemn and confiscate these stolen -public lands. New laws were then enacted by which the acquiring of -extensive lands was limited, except for agricultural purposes. - - - -1931 - -The Discovery of the North Pole - -The North Pole, that mysterious geographical locality which for -centuries had baffled scientists and explorers, was located -and verified by the combined efforts of American and British -Governments. The expedition was on a gigantic scale, the force of the -explorers being in round numbers two thousand five hundred persons -who by a system of depots and rendez-vous for supplies, formed almost -a continuous chain. - -All the latest devices in the form of dynamo-vans and motor-sleds, -with balloon attachments were employed in the undertaking. Strange -to say the casualties did not exceed more than ten per cent of -the expeditionary force. It was discovered, to the great surprise -of scientists, that the locality was nothing more than a plateau, -studded with cones of ice! - - - -1932 - -Cure for Laziness - -The discovery, by an American, of a germicide for indolence was -announced during this year, by which lethargic persons were regenerated -into acute activity. It was a concentrated double extract of -pitch-blend, containing the radio active element, and when applied to -certain parts of the body, it instantaneously transformed the feeling -of laziness and ennui, into one of hustling energy and alertness. - -The negroes of the Southern States, the natives of tropical countries -and also officials in the police departments of large cities, were -the ones benefitted by this "golden medical discovery!" - - - -1933 - -Capital Punishment - -The abolishment of capital punishment in many States of the Union, -through the impulsive sentimentality of a minority, had given birth -to an old time evil, that of feudalism. It was well for people -preaching mercy for murderers, when somebody else was the victim, -but when the crime was perpetrated against one of their homes, their -feelings were entirely changed. The increase of vendetta was the -result, and it occurred with such a lamentable degree of frequency, -that the old uncontrovertible Mosaic law, blood for blood, and life -for life was re-established. - - - -1934 - -Abolition of Hereditary Titles In England - -The agitation for the abolition of hereditary titles in England caused -a crisis in the political and social world of Great Britain. The -degeneracy of hereditary nobles, their utter incapacity adequately -to fill the positions left by their illustrious ancestors, to the -detriment and retrogression of the British government, was the main -cause of bringing about this bloodless internecine revolution. - -Despite the most strenuous opposition by the friends of the nobles, -a new law was added to the revised Magna Charta, by an overwhelming -public demand. With few exceptions, it nullified the existing titles, -and elevated to peerage only worthy citizens for life, on condition of -the good behavior of the incumbent. This excellent law brought fresh -and saving blood into the political and civic life of England. The -movement precipitated the abandonment of the House of Lords and created -in its stead a body called Senatorium, whose members were elected by -the tax-paying citizens. - - - -1935 - -Blowing the Earth Into Fragments - -The most remarkable sensation of this year was that of a German -scientist and statistician who, after a thorough investigation and -mathematical calculation, announced his conclusions, that it was in -the range of collective human power, that is, by the combined aid of -labor, time, money and high explosives, to rend the earth in twain, -or into fragments, and thus create new planets in space, producing new -climatic conditions, fauna and life, adaptable to their new positions -in the solar system. - - - -1937 - -An American Penal Colony - -The census of this year revealed an unprecedented number of evil-doers, -causing great anxiety to the Government. There were recorded ninety-two -thousand criminals in prisons and seventy-six thousand paupers in the -poor houses. This army of public charges cost the State authorities -more than thirty million dollars for their maintenance. - -At last by the stress of popular agitation the government adopted -a policy of penal colonization. Selecting a desirable island in the -Philippines, the Federal authorities succeeded in transporting to the -island, within three years, and with half the cost of their maintenance -at home, one hundred thousand of these unfortunate malefactors. - -Here, they were given every facility and aid, for acquiring and -building of homes, farms and factories, and within ten years, under -a wise military administration more than half of that number were -reclaimed, forming a prosperous and loyal community in the Eastern -Hemisphere. - - - -1938 - -The Great Telescope - -With the munificent contributions to a general fund, amounting to -two million dollars, by the English, American and French Governments, -the greatest telescope which the world has ever known was constructed -in Paris. Its lenses measured more than two meters in diameter which, -combined with a mammoth revolving camera obscura, brought the moon and -some of the planets within the range of visual observation, revealing -on Venus and Mars the existence of vegetation and moving objects. - - - -1939 - -The Earth An Electric Motor - -Emil Flammarion, the worthy grandson of the eminent French astronomer, -demonstrated by an extremely clever mechanical contrivance in Vacuo, -that the Earth was merely an electric Motor in space! - - - -1940 - -The Trend of Religious Thought - -Religious thought or spiritual belief is not an invention of -mortals. It is an inborn attribute of the human mind. While man was -in his savage or semi-barbarous stage, the ethical and spiritual -conceptions were correspondingly crude and religious warfare -predominated. With the advance of civilization its development -kept pace with it until at the dawn of the twentieth century it had -undergone, by natural evolution, a marked metamorphosis. - -It gradually divested itself of its legendary mysticism, fantastic -dogmas and spectacular schisms, and all intelligent thinkers -promulgated a propaganda, not of external forms of worship, but those -uncontrovertible basic truths, which always will hold. - -It is true that in an era of commercial materialism great masses -of people embraced agnosticism and ethical culture, rejecting that -supernatural conception of a first cause of which they claimed -their limited intellect had a vague idea and was deeper than the -hazy human comprehension, yet, the shallow Ingersolian philosophy of -attacking a force--which filled millions with hope and goaded them -to self-sacrifice, mercy and charity--without substituting something -better, was repudiated by the intelligent, and appealed only to the -abnormal and the foolish. - -This tendency of materialism in religion continued unabated, until -the startling announcement of a German scientist--who claimed it was -within human power to rend the world in twain--also the marvelous -revelation through the mammoth telescope--by which was discovered -moving objects and vegetation in other planets--brought on an acute -crisis. A tremendous religious revival swept all over the world. It -expanded the mental horizon of human conceptions. The existence of -living organism in other spheres came within rational deductions. The -possible existence of beings far superior in intellect to ourselves, -came within the limit of legitimate theorizations, and the more men -began to grasp with the co-operation of science, the infinite vastness -of the universe, with its numberless millions of habitable worlds, -the probability of an intelligent force of vast creative power came -within the scope of human understanding. - -The forceful passage in the Holy Writ "that God created man in his -own image" became more and more lucid. Consequently the pantheism of -the old Greeks were revived with more clearness, and the existence -of a personal God somewhere in this boundless universe appealed to -multitudes with new zest. - -"Pray, Professor, what is your opinion of a first cause?" ventured -one of the students. - -"There are so many mysterious forces," answered the Professor, "that -although we cannot see, yet we feel their power and are conscious of -their results. And as our mortal organism cannot conceive a thought -which is beyond its own limitations, the very idea of our thought of -a first cause falls within the range of human conceptions. - -"When we gaze at an automobile, which is the creation of a creature, -we see a wonderful parallelism; its requirements to make it an active -energy, bears a strong analogy of its inventor, yet, an automobile -with all its requirements for power supplied, is a worthless mass, -unless operated and guided by its creator. Does not this vast universe -with all its wonderful manifestations suggest a creative force, -which governs it?" - -"Albeit, it is not within my province nor in my power to penetrate the -veil" continued the Professor, looking up in pensive mood. "But as the -coral protoplasm begins its edifice from the calcerous mire in the dark -recesses of the ocean, upwards through the murky and semi-transparent -liquid, finally reaches the pelucid surface, kisses the wave and sees -the light, me-thinks likewise, the spiritual perceptions of mankind -which has grown from the depths of savagery and through the maze of -intolerance, dogmas and schisms, will go onward in its evolution and -perhaps our posterity will at last penetrate the mystic veil and see -the light,--God." - - - -1941 - -The Birthday Anniversary of Noted Centenarians - -"Lithia Bingham," "Young Dr. Bray" and "Sister Eddy" received the -homage and congratulations of millions of their admirers, on their -hundred and fiftieth birthday anniversary. - -The remarkable longevity of this trio of Methuselahs was attributed, -in the case of the two first mentioned, to their own "cure all" -concoctions, and the last, to her scientific revelation of thinking -that, there is no such thing as pain or death! - -"In closing this review of historical events," said the Professor -looking around the auditorium, "there are a few other important -happenings that bring us to the present decade. - -"The remarkable decadence of Germany under a Socialistic regime, -a doctrine, that although theoretically seems to be so desirably -altruistic, convincing, and in poetry sounds so well, but in practise -has proved to be detrimental to a life of strenuous efforts, and -suicidal to individual ambitions--conditions which are eminently -essential to growing and prosperous communities. - -"The consequent exodus of Teutons to other parts of the world that -promised freedom to independent action. - -"The political union of Spain and Portugal. - -"The re-conquest by France of Alsace Lorain. - -"The puerile uprising by a section of Irish people against England -are still fresh in our memory--and to which most of you have been -eye-witnesses--are some of the events worthy of record." - -Here the Professor, after a pause, changed his subject to future -possibilities and, presenting to the class in eloquent words a glowing, -optimistic picture of conditions for future generations, brought his -discussion to a close. When he stepped down from the rostrum he was -at once surrounded by the entire class and was tendered an impromptu -but agreeable reception. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -THE REGATTA - - -There was still one great event before the closing of the academic -year of the Diana Seminary Seniors, in which the class had taken -extraordinary interest. It was the first time in the history of -the Seminary that students were to take part in aquatic sports -against male contestants. The day for the great handicap regatta--a -four-oared affair--between the Senior class of the Seminary and the -Sophomore class of the West Point Military Academy followed directly -after graduation,--the class grade being the handicap allowed to the -Seminary girls. - -Aurora and Margaret, after their avowal and covenant, were again -in normal condition, cheerful as of yore, and as they were the most -available pair for the aquatic contest, from the beginning they had -been chosen unanimously as the exponents of the class of 1960, and -they went into the execution of the sport with vim and enthusiasm. - -As the event was a unique one, it had become the most lively topic -of conversation among the people, and long before it took place had -caused widespread interest in the country. Having been advertised -and exploited extensively in the daily press, it is needless to say -that an unusually large concourse of visitors had arrived by land -and water to witness the classic and unusual contest. - -The course of the race was laid near Poughkeepsie and was in the -shape of a heart, that is, starting at a given point, side by side, -they raced about half a mile abreast, then one crew turning to port -and the other to starboard, diverging in a parabolic circle, passed -each other in the center within a short distance of the starting point, -and making counter-circles started on the home run, again abreast. (See -diagram, page 90.) - -The personnel of the Seminary crew consisted of the following young -ladies: Aurora Cunningham, coxswain; Margaret MacDonald, stroke; -Horatia Seymour, number one; Eunice Ward, number two; and Norma -Southworth at the bow. - -When the preliminary signal to make ready was given, both the crews -rowed gracefully to the starting ground and began to manoeuvre. At -the sharp report of the signal gun, the two shells shot past the line -almost abreast, amidst deafening acclamation from the spectators on -the shore and the shrill tooting and whistling of the sailing craft -of every description that had formed almost a compact circle around -the course. - -The calm and pleasant weather had allowed the waters of the Hudson to -run as smooth as a looking-glass, except for the turbulence caused -by the ever restless pleasure boats thronged with sightseers, -each endeavoring to get a better vantage point of the impending -struggle. As the contest progressed, the interest of the watchers -began to increase. Thousands of field and marine glasses and lorgnettes -were leveled at the racers as they sped along the course. - -The teams had now reached the point of divergence, and had begun to -recede from each other at every stroke on their parabolic circuit, -the boys turning to port and the girls to starboard. But alas! Hardly -had the Seminary shell advanced half a dozen strokes when, by some -unexpected and inexplicable accident, Margaret's feet slipped off the -foot guard and, in an instant, she was thrown into the waters of the -Hudson, the shell meanwhile gliding swiftly by. - -Instantly the air was filled by a deafening cry of dismay from the -throats of thousands of eager spectators, coupled with piercing -whistles of the steamboats. What a moment of anguish for the Diana -Seminary girls! What a shocking sense of humiliation for the fair -contestants! To think that in an event so crucial for their honor -and standing, such an unforeseen disaster should overwhelm them! - -But fate was with them. It was decreed that such a catastrophe -should happen in order to heighten the grandeur of their ultimate -victory. While the spectators were still paralyzed with the awful -situation before them, there was activity and heroism among the Diana -mermaids in the shell. The instant Aurora with her alert eyes saw -Margaret's mishap, she realized at once the situation and before -the shell had glided past, she leaned over and caught Margaret by -the hair. By the same impulsive and almost animal agility, Margaret -grasped Aurora's arm and in another moment, with less loss of time -than would seem possible, she was again in the shell. In a twinkling -of an eye the breathless girl had resumed her place at the oar as if -nothing had happened. - -Aware of the loss of distance by this untoward accident, which was, -in fact, more than four boats' length, but undismayed and as if -invigorated by her impromptu bath, in order to recover lost ground -Margaret set the pace at a higher speed and forged ahead with might and -main. When the throngs on land and water realized what had happened -the din of exultation and cheering was beyond description and this -did not abate until the race was finished. Overwrought by the sight -of this heroic exploit of the girls, men and women had become madly -hysterical. When the shells crossed each other at the half-mile -stake it was seen that the Seminary girls had recovered considerable -ground, leaving a margin of less than two boats' length. Encouraged -by the splendid showing made, and goaded to endeavor by the rapturous -applause of the populace, Margaret and the rest of the crew seemed to -gain new strength. And when Aurora with the megaphone gave the order -of thirty-six strokes a minute, they set the pace with marvelous vigor -and precision, causing consternation among their masculine antagonists. - -On the completion of the second parabola of their circuit and when -coming on to the line for the homestretch, it was noticeable that -the Seminary shell was only a trifle behind. - -The crucial moment had come. - -They were now almost abreast on the homestretch. The intensity of -the exciting scene had for a moment cast a profound silence upon -the spectators. Every one was straining his eyes and neck to see -the momentous finish, only to break again into a bedlam of rapturous -shouting when the girls were seen to be in the lead. It was indeed -a sight never to be forgotten, when the Seminary shell shot past the -finish line a full boat's length ahead, and the girls were acclaimed -by the populace as victors. - -The intensity of the joy of the throng, and the plight of their -utter abandon, can be conjectured when it was discovered afterwards -that eight hundred and ninety-one ladies' and two thousand three -hundred and seventy-nine gentlemen's head-gear were picked up in the -Hudson. The next day and through the week following, divers reaped a -good harvest by bringing up from the river's bed one thousand three -hundred and ninety-four field, marine and opera glasses, and two -hundred and seventy-five lorgnettes, besides innumerable parasols -and canes which the people in their abandon had thrown about. - -This episode was the crowning glory of the Seminary and the beginning -of a new epoch in the history of this institution. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -DR. HYDER BEN RAABA - - -Like a nebular comet in a far away constellation, so mysterious in -its orbit and composition, was Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, who suddenly -made his appearance in the suburbs of the cosmopolitan city of -B---- on Long Island. He occupied the spacious mansion of a wealthy -merchant, who had abandoned it for a more comfortable lodge in the -Adirondacks. Surrounded by somewhat neglected clumps of pines and -shrubberies, the establishment was entirely isolated from the highway -and most suitable for a man like the Hindoo doctor, who seemed always -to desire seclusion. - -In order to form an idea of his singular personality, a brief -description will perhaps enlighten the reader. He was tall, lank, -of swarthy complexion, endowed with a cyranesque proboscis and a -moustache which protruded like the tusks of a walrus. His eyebrows -resembled the moustache in miniature. His big greenish-yellow eyes, -with spacious white borders and cat-like pupils, were able to bring -to bear an intensely hypnotic gaze, which had an irresistible and -subjective power. As he was invariably attired in the picturesque -costume of his country, and from the fine texture of the silken turban -and embroidered robes, could easily be conjectured that he belonged -to a high caste and noble Hindoo family. He had a peculiar walk, -continually swerving from side to side as he moved, wriggling and -swinging his indispensable jessamine cane, which from its serpentine -convolutions looked as if it had been hardened while in convulsions. - -The people of the neighborhood, although amused by his strange antics, -entertained great respect for him. To some, especially to young people, -he seemed a monstrosity. They had already nick-named him the "Crazy -Doctor." Vague rumors circulated among the gossip-loving residents -that he was a political refugee, who, finding his life in danger in -India, had fled from his native land. But no one doubted his ability -as a physician and surgeon, for in a short time he had founded a -reputation that commanded respect. - -His cadaverous look, his strange hypnotic eye and mysteriously -eccentric movements, enhanced a hundredfold his reputation rather than -damaged it. Every one considered him a man of great learning, a wizard -in the science of healing and stood aghast exclaiming wonderingly, -"Whence cometh this mighty healing power?" - -When Dr. Ben Raaba made his advent in B---- he was accompanied by a -robust, well-formed and intelligent-looking Levantine Jew servant, -Esau by name. This person minded his own business, and proved himself -to be a very discreet servant, never divulging his master's secrets to -any outsider. A few months after taking up their residence, however, -the place resembled a private menagerie. Scores of cats, dogs, of high -and low degree, pigs and goats of every size made their appearance. - -Dr. Hyder, notwithstanding various opinions of others, was in reality -a mysterious and remarkable man; despite his thorough British education -and extensive travels in foreign lands, was a believer in the tenets of -a Hindoo sect called the Saktian Yogis, a believer of Mahadeva, whose -spouse of a dual nature--spiritual and material principles in one--has -three qualities: first, Dominion and Desire; second, Rectitude and -Wisdom, with power to control senses; and third, Violence and Passion. - -The Doctor, moreover, was conversant with all the Hindoo mysticism -and sciences, astronomy and magic. He was capable of restraining -respiration, besides being a natural born hypnotist of great -power. Modern practical medicine and surgery were also among the -Doctor's accomplishments, as he had a seven year course in the National -University of Medicine of London. - -His appearances in public began to diminish gradually after the various -animals were received there, as he was engrossed in his laboratory, -engaged in some experiment in vivisection! Indeed, in the dead of -night, weird and uncanny sounds often emanated from the inner recesses -of his laboratory. Sometimes a piteous mew, or the piercing caterwaul -of felines, or the whining of dogs. At other times, the plaintive -beating of a goat, the squeaking of a goose or the squeal of a pig -broke the silence of the night, while at intervals, now and then, -several owls on the roof gave vent to their weird hootings. - -This state of affairs naturally gave an awful aspect to the place, and -kept the inquisitive villagers at a distance, while the mischievous -youngsters gave the place no trouble from trespassing. The only -incident which reached the public was told by a precocious youth who, -with grim determination, strived to unravel the mysteries of the place, -on a cloudy night had crawled into the garden, climbed a tree, and -hidden himself until later on, when the full moon appeared above the -horizon and cast its hazy light through the clouds. Then an uncanny -sight was unfurled before his eyes; there, sitting under the shadow of -a weeping willow tree, the Hindoo Doctor, apparently, was in the act -of hypnotizing a goat, with weird gestures and incantations. Unnerved -by this strange sight, the intruder, losing his grip and footing, -fell to the ground. The hooting of an owl and a fiendish howl from -the Doctor gave the youth a further impetus to scamper for life, over -shrubberies and picket fence, out of the domain of the Hindoo vampire! - -Upon the youth's recital of his experience, the feeling of mystery and -fear increased among the unsophisticated people of the neighborhood -and they kept shy of the place. But the climax of their apprehension -was reached when, shortly after, the following curious sign adorned -the main gate to the house: - - - DR. HYDER BEN RAABA - - VIVISECTIONIST AND RE-INCARNATOR - - -What was the meaning of these significant words on his shingle, -"Vivisectionist and Re-incarnator?" What was the mission of this -mysterious man? To what line of surgical science did this assortment -of animals contribute, whose piteous wails ever and anon emanated -from his laboratory? Up to that time a chain of wonderful discoveries -and marvelous achievements had been attained by profound savants in -surgical and pathological subjects: The creation of life germ cells: -The trepanning of skulls and the re-arrangement of the brains: -The grafting of skin, nose and ear: The infusion of new blood: -The pre-natal determination of sexes: The separation of mind from -the body, by subjecting persons in a cataleptic state by hypnotism: -And last but not least, the hibernation for an indefinite period of -living bodies by suspended animation. - -These amazing triumphs, each more startling than the other, were the -records of past achievements. - -Could there be anything more astounding? - -Even so, Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, who was conversant with all the above -mentioned exploits of experimenters, had conceived one of the boldest -and extraordinarily audacious of surgical feats, the successful -demonstration of which would startle the world and make men stand -aghast with wonder. In fact, by the display of his professional sign, -it was a foregone conclusion that he had succeeded in his experiments. - -By the aid of science, occultism and wonderful magic, he had -transformed the sexes! - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -A RAY OF HOPE - - -It was the day of departure of Aurora Cunningham for London, -England. Margaret had accompanied her in an automobile to the city -of B---- to see her off. Their parting had an unusual sadness as -they stood on the deck of the Dynamoship "Columbia"--a four-day ocean -greyhound. They seemed to be paralyzed at the barrenness of the future, -looking into each other's eyes as if trying to challenge sincerity -to their oath of allegiance. - -It was extremely touching indeed, when they were compelled by the -officers of the ship to take their final leave, and as the Columbia -began to recede gradually from its moorings, her prow compassed to -the British Isles, Aurora's lithe figure could be seen at the stern of -the boat, throwing kisses and waving her handkerchief toward Margaret, -until the distance grew wider and farther and the figure fainter and -at last was lost to view. - -Left alone on the shore, Margaret did her utmost to control her -emotions of parting from her beloved friend. With suppressed feelings -she mounted her automobile reluctantly, and bade the chauffeur proceed -to New York City, from whence, after a short repose, she intended to -take the train for her home in Wyoming. - -She had hardly gone a mile or two out of the city of B---- when her -emotions had swelled beyond her capacity of control and she became -delirious in her seat in the auto. Some pedestrians by the way, -noticing that something unusual had happened to the fair occupant, -called the attention of the chauffeur to his charge. He brought the -machine to a standstill and the necessity of enlisting the services -of a doctor was at once apparent. - -One of the bystanders suggested that the nearest available doctor was -the Hindoo surgeon, Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, about a furlong farther down -the road, and thither the patient was wheeled with all possible haste, -and within a few minutes she was in the Doctor's reception room. - -After a cursory examination Ben Raaba appeared somewhat puzzled. "She -is in a state of coma," he said, rubbing his forehead with his bony -fingers, "but I do not yet see any physical cause to induce that -condition. It seems to me," he added, "that every function of the -organs are in a perfectly normal state." - -His face brightened at once, however, with a smile of victory. A happy -thought had come to his fertile mind. He had thought of the singular -methods practised by the diagnostician Avicene of Balk--the father of -occult Diagnosis--and the words of the Cashmerian poet came to his -memory, who nearly ten centuries previously had said: "The pulse of -the loving, beats higher, agitated only at the name of the beloved." - -Taking thereupon her pulse into his hand, he began to question the -chauffeur, where she had gone, with whom, what was the other young -lady's name, etc. He knew that, although she was in a state of coma, -her senses of hearing and of understanding were performing their -regular functions. At the mention of the name of Aurora Cunningham -there was a remarkable change in Margaret; her pulse began to beat -double quick! - -After repeating the experiment, and satisfying himself that the cause -was a matter pertaining the heart, in fact the girl's infatuation for -her departed friend, and that there was nothing in the Materia Medica -as an antidote, that the only restorative remedy that could be found -was in hypnotic occultism, he leaned over the prostrate figure before -him and whispered some words into her ear. - -The correctness of his diagnosis became plainly evident. The patient, -with perfect tranquility, opened her eyes, and with a complacent -smile looked into the face of her restorer. After a few more magnetic -passes and words of encouragement from the Wizard, she had completely -recovered herself, to the amazement of the anxious group of persons -who had gathered there, curious to know the fate of the fair occupant -of the automobile. Within half an hour she again entered her auto -and proceeded on her way to the city. - -The new and remarkable personality of Hyder Ben Raaba, however, left -an ineradicable impression upon her mind, so much as at times to divert -her thoughts from dwelling upon Aurora and concentrate upon the strange -visage of Hyder Ben Raaba. After a repose of a few days in New York, -having made all the preparations for the intended journey, she left -the metropolis and arrived in due time at her paternal home in Wyoming. - -Hardly a month had elapsed after her return when there was another -crisis in her life. Her father was taken suddenly ill and died, and -she was left an heiress to a large fortune consisting principally of -lands, mines and cattle. Being without any relatives to guide her, -Margaret was compelled to settle matters for herself, and daily she -was confronted by hundreds of annoying details. These consisted of -many entangling affairs of her lamented father, who had left her -sole legatee, prospective aspirants who sought her hand in marriage, -her solemn and binding oath to Aurora, and, strange as it may seem, -the grotesquely hideous face of Ben Raaba began to flit before her -mind's eye, perplexing and haunting her incessantly. - -One evening when she was thus absorbed in deep meditation, the postman -brought her a letter. It was mailed from B----. Excitedly she tore -open the envelope and from it fell the professional card of Dr. Hyder -Ben Raaba. The same weird and ominous words were printed under his -name: "The Vivisectionist and Re-incarnator"! On the other side were -scribbled a few lines, making inquiry about the state of her health. - -The card, ah! the strange and significant words, vivisection and -re-incarnation began to assume a deep meaning. She placed the card -tremblingly upon the table and fell into a profound study. Her -quivering frame, the rise and fall of her heaving breast and the -change of color of her face alternatively from pallor to a feverish -flush, indicated that there was a revolution going on within her -immaculate bosom. - -At last she seemed to come to some determination; tremblingly she -grasped a pen and wrote a letter to Ben Raaba, the contents of which -never became known to any but herself and the Hindoo doctor. Within -a fortnight she received an answer which seemed to satisfy her. - -Within two months she had managed hastily to dispose of all her -personal property and real estate without any reserve, and then -she disappeared from her Western home and surroundings and was lost -forever to her former friends. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE TRANSFORMATION - - -It was near the end of September. The seaside resorts on Long Island -were deserted by the gay health-seekers from the adjacent cities, and -the inhabitants of the villages along the South Shore, from Rockaway -to Montauk, had dwindled to their normal number of rural residents -except the city of B---- which, on account of its shipping interests, -still retained a lively activity. - -The day was dismal and damp, foreboding a rainy spell. There were -scarcely any people on the streets and at dusk, when the Montauk -express stopped at the station of B----, there were only a few -passengers to alight. - -One of them was a young woman attired in black, with a thick veil of -similar hue drawn over her face. She looked furtively up and down the -platform with painful anxiety, and espying an automobile a few rods -below the station, walked toward it hesitatingly, at the same time -pulling from her wrist-bag a crimson handkerchief. The chauffeur on -the machine seemed to understand the meaning of the signal, for at -once jumping down he advanced to meet the stranger. - -After several words were exchanged in subdued tones, he escorted the -veiled lady to the vehicle and in a few minutes they were speeding -down the road toward the Hindoo doctor's sanitarium. The woman, -of course, was Margaret MacDonald and the chauffeur none other than -the Levantine Jew, Esau, the Doctor's discreet servant. When they -arrived at Ben Raaba's domicile it was almost pitch dark, and not a -soul could be seen in the vicinity. At the ringing of the door-bell, -Ben Raaba himself appeared and sedately welcomed Margaret, conducting -her into the reception room. - -Shortly after, when Esau had withdrawn, they were sitting tête-à-tête -at a table, perusing some mysterious documents to which at last, -Margaret, taking a pen, subscribed her signature. - -The documents were nothing else than the legal contract, which Margaret -had signed, offering herself a willing subject to undergo a mental and -physical metamorphosis, and absolving Ben Raaba from any responsibility -if the experiment should prove unsuccessful or fatal! - -After a fortnight of dietary preparation, Margaret was taken into -the Laboratory of the Wizard and immediately hypnotized by him into -a state of cataleptic coma. - -An awful sensation crept over one upon looking around about this den -called the Laboratory. Glittering saws and scalpels were hung in rows -on the walls; lances, beakers and retorts were scattered on the tables -and on the floor, and a hundred and one other apparatus and bottles -could be seen upon the shelves. - -A big cat-owl perched on a pedestal in one corner, and a black tom-cat -with intense green eyes, prowling about the room, gave to the scene -a cabalistic and weird aspect. Here among these uncanny surroundings -Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba isolated and busied himself with continuous -vigilance for many months in order to achieve an undertaking that -seemed miraculous and impossible. - - - -Through the lapse of so many long and tedious months Dr. Hyder Ben -Raaba had come to the completion of his assiduous labors,--labors -which had almost exhausted his consummate skill in hypnotism, surgery -and magic. - -After a final but scrupulously careful examination of the patient, -assuring himself that every muscle, nerve, gland and artery were in -their proper places, he paused a moment before the prostrate body. It -was a solemn and tragic moment. Signs of intense anxiety were visible -upon his otherwise imperturbable visage, betraying the fact that he -was in a crucial predicament. - -What, if on awakening the patient, he found her a maniac irrevocably -bereft of reason? What, if his re-incarnated subject should prove to be -a hideous Frankenstein or a monstrosity devoid of finer senses? What, -if she should prove to be a man with effeminate mind and manners? - -Such and a thousand other similar fears and misgivings were flashing in -that moment through his mind, but at last, confident of his ultimate -success, and undaunted with apprehensions, he assumed a determined -countenance and commenced to undo the hypnotic spell, in order to -restore his subject to life and energy. - -With eyes dilated, eyebrows knit, and arms stretched--holding in one -hand a magic wand--this future Mephisto uttered some mysterious words -in sepulchral intonations, snapped his fingers three times, and presto! - -The spell was broken! - -The full magical effect of his audacious undertaking was evident, for -scarcely had the last syllable of those mysterious and incomprehensible -words left his shriveled lips, when a sudden tremor shook the frame -of Margaret and, with a subdued groan, indicative more of a sensation -of bliss than of pain, she opened her eyes. - -A triumphant smile pervaded her countenance, as if awakening from -an Utopian dream. Dr. Ben Raaba, meanwhile perceiving the crowning -success of his work, and standing beside her, began to exclaim with -rapturous joy, "Metempsychosis! Metempsychosis!" - -The patient at once became conscious that her bodily transformation -was complete, for it did not take her long to realize it as HE stood -there, a beautiful specimen of manhood! - -This miraculous transformation brought to light another remarkable -mental discovery. It was discovered by the Doctor that all the -accomplishments, knowledge and mental attributes possessed by -Margaret, prior to her re-incarnation, had been intensified a -hundredfold in their entity into those of aggressive, daring and -strenuous masculinity. - -Margaret, assuming forthwith a masculine name, remained a few months -under the care and tutelage of Ben Raaba, in order to acquire further -important knowledge in hypnotism, diplomacy, etc., that would be -of invaluable service in his future career, and it was not until -September, almost one year after the advent of the patient, that he -reluctantly bade good-bye to Hyder Ben Raaba, and was again lost in -the vortex of humanity. - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -LORD CUNNINGHAM, VICEROY OF INDIA - - -Hardly had Margaret reached her home in Wyoming, when Aurora likewise -was welcomed by her people in England. Her father, whose brilliant -career upward from the ranks of the common people had astonished the -diplomats of the world, meanwhile had been raised to the highest rank -of peerage. - -Being a born leader of such inexhaustible sagacity and acumen, -his promotion from one important position to another was not only -inevitable but necessary, and hardly a month had elapsed since Aurora's -return to London, before he was gazetted as Lord Cunningham, Viceroy -to India. - -The situation at that time in India was quite a delicate one, on -account of the Thibetan boundary question with Russia. The latter -had raised her periodical spasm of aggression, in order to attain -certain political ends at home, and the departure of Lord Cunningham -was therefore hastened. - -It was near the end of November when Lord Cunningham, his wife and -beautiful daughter were regally received in Bombay. Distinguished -looking in his six feet two inches of height, with a leonine -countenance, The Lord at once captivated the Indian rajahs, princes, -and also commanded the respect of the populace. His courteous manners, -forceful and firm proclamations and actual philanthropic undertakings -coupled with his propaganda of dispensing equal justice to all, -aroused at once the enthusiasm, patriotism and loyalty of every class, -and quieted the racial differences and political disquietude among -the people. - -The Russian government, seeing this solid phalanx of unity and change -of sentiment of the Indian people, beat a hasty retreat under the -subterfuge of quelling an alleged disturbance on the borders of -Manchuria. - -In order to give himself an opportunity for a general introduction, -Lord Cunningham decided to hold a reception and dance. It was planned -to follow the style of entertaining then in vogue, a combination of -literary and musical talent to be followed by a reception. Among the -many who had consented to contribute to the evening's entertainment, -and occupying the place of honor, was the celebrated savant Abou -Shimshek, the Astronomer of Ispahan, who had just returned from -an adventurous expedition to the Himalayas to investigate Nature's -wonders. - -Lord Cunningham being aware of the presence of the celebrated -prodigies, the Dusky Quartette, who were on their itinerary to Bombay, -had sought and engaged their services for the occasion. An American -violin virtuoso, Spencer Hamilton, who had created a furore in Simla -a week previously at a fashionable society recital and was acclaimed -as an unequaled maestro of his instrument, had also promised to appear -during the entertainment and render a few selections on the violin. - -On the night of the Soirée a great multitude of natives as well as -eminent European personages were present, in all the picturesque -splendor of the habilaments of their respective countries. There -were Maharajahs, dazzling with diamonds, accompanied by their retinue -blazing with silver and gold embroidered costumes, Ascetic Brahmins -and sombre looking Fakirs from the seats of learning of Hyderabad, -mysterious emissaries from the sacred city of Delhi, learned Sheiks -with flowing patriarchal beards from Arabia and Egypt, Magicians from -all over Persia, besides all fashionable folk from military posts -throughout the East Indian Empire. - -Dashing and handsome officers vied with each other in their endeavor -to do homage to the beautiful Aurora, who was enthroned next to her -mother. After a prelude on the dulciphone, Abou Shimshek, amidst the -huzzah and clamor of the assemblage, with great dignity came forward, -and with uplifted arms, invoking the spirits of Hafiz and Firdozy to -endow him with eloquence, began the account of his thrilling adventure -as follows: - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -ADVENTURES OF ABOU SHIMSHEK, THE ASTRONOMER OF ISPAHAN - - -"Up, on the Kinchinginga's lofty summit, where earth and heavens -meet, where myriads of crystalline, icy temples in their immaculate -and prismatic garbs here and there, and manywhere abound, temples, -in whose solid glacial niches saints perpetually hold communion with -Mahatma's Son. - -"I said, I was upon the Kinchinginga's. Aye, for no other purpose -than on a mission sublime, to climb nearer to heaven in search of the -Creator's secrets profound and reveal them to the human race. Day after -day, thus, dauntless and resolute, I scaled craggy precipices. Through -mammoth caverns of desolate solitude I wended my way up to reach the -goal of my ambition, lured there by my faith. - -"Night after night, thus, I gazed and scanned heaven's canopy, studded -with twinkling jewels. But alas! it seemed, farther and more remote -grew the space between me and the blue heaven, with no mortal kind to -cheer my solitude, except the wails of hungry jackals and the wild -groans of the Bengal tiger fierce, with myriads of phantom spirits, -darting here and there, in weird, fantastic forms; I could not tell -whether they were the creatures of some world unseen, or the ghosts of -Gothama and his saints keeping vigil over the faithful. But at last, -so dire and awful did grow my solitude that, overcome by fright and -fatigue, I retreated into a glacial cave beneath a lofty peak. - -"I laid my head on a chilled stalagmite, the frozen floor to my -back, and my face and belly against what I thought to be the dome -of my cavern. But, by the sacred wart that grew on Gehangire's -nose, what reality! What a wonderful sight! A new world, revolving -through space--entirely different from ours as it had living souls and -vegetation in a far more advanced stage of development than ours,--was -revealed to my astonished eyes! - -"The greatest efforts of men are brought to naught with the elements -controlled by Allah's command, or are so small in scale and scope as -to be beyond compare with His wondrous works. Through the greatest -telescope that man's ingenuity and skill can produce, astronomers -cannot agree whether the canals of Mars are single or double. - -"Pshaw! Away with those numberless imposters who have deluded mankind -with their consummate lies! Some even claim to have traversed the -inter-etherial space by flying machines, whose construction was -revealed to them in a "sealed package" or found in boxes, buried in -tombs and mummies of days gone by! The marvelous medium through which -I saw this celestial panorama was nothing strange; the cavern into -which I so unconsciously was led was an observatory by nature made! - -"Its dome was a mammoth telescope, composed of lenses of great -magnitude, various in size and shape. Lenses made of purest water, -distilled by the thundering clouds and filtered through heaven's -ether. Lenses congealed by the zephyrs that gently blow from Mount -Everest's snow-capped brow; lenses, annealed and polished through -centuries by the fiery orb that governs our earth, from its moorings -in wondrous space. Here, to my eye, was a telescope most complete. It -brought that strange planet so near as to make me inhale its very -atmosphere, touch its soil and waters with my outstretched arms. And -which, with your kind tolerance, I will briefly relate. - -"The first element on this marvelous world, which my attention did -attract, was the wonderful hues of its firmament. There were no -"inter-luminous rays" of "rosy radiance" nor "amber isles" floating -over "golden seas" of sunsets, or similar trash, that our poets here -below have sung for ages gone, over and over again. But instead, -wonderfully colored panels of exquisite designs, the whole changing -as if by a dissolving slide, at every atmospheric vibration, into -still more beautiful patterns, a veritable Kaleidoscope! - -"On consulting my astronomical calculations I found that this strange -phenomenon was caused by the peculiar inclination, and ascension of -this planet toward the sun! As I was scanning this sublime panorama, -with rapturous admiration, my attention was diverted to an expanse -of water. Its constantly foaming and sparkling nature induced me to -examine it more closely and, to my great surprise, upon analysis I -found it to be similar to delicious cream soda, with cakes of ice -floating on it, and the whole impregnated with phosphates--on account -of the immense guano deposits left by extinct birds, along its shores! - -"But my surprise was still increased when, turning my eyes toward -land, I beheld numerous geysers and fountains, spouting up streams and -sprays of waters of various hues. I tasted them one by one and, to my -delight, I found some of them to be composed of seltzero-caffein, some -of bromo-cocain, some others containing an infusion of Cerebrine. But -one of the most peculiar fountains which I discovered was one that -had a zig-zag motion and luminous color. - -"On partaking of a sip of it, I suddenly experienced a strange -sensation going through my body, exhilarating and rejuvenating my -whole system, eradicating all the dandruff from my scalp, purifying -my blood and dispelling at once that "tired feeling." I gave to this -fountain the name "Electrolinaris" on account of the large percentage -of "the electric fluid" it contained! - -"The vegetation that grew on this marvelous planet, although -analogous to our terrestrial trees and herbs--having roots, trunks -and branches--was entirely of different order. These forms were -a combination of vegetable and animal kingdoms, because of their -construction and sensitiveness. I noticed, for example, trees -whose leaves changed color several times a day, some others which -emitted extraordinary sounds, while still others shrank and expanded -instantaneously. - -"But their fruits were still more curious. Of course to satisfy -my natural curiosity, I picked and tasted many of them. They were -nothing but our manufactured confections. Still how delicious they -were! Here was a tree the folds of whose musical leaves shielded -delicious chocolates, there another tree whose branches dropped ripe -and luscious glace bon-bons of various flavors, while sugar-coated -violets and jasmines abounded promiscuously on perfuming bushes. - -"During my inspection I came across a palm-like plant full of -innumerable shining objects which, on closer scrutiny, to my amazement -I found to be miniature incandescent radium lights of great brilliancy. - -"As I proceeded with my investigations I saw another plant whose -branches were studded with brilliant scintillating globules. I -hastened to examine them and they were neither more nor less than -veritable crystals of diamonds. Now it is well known that the diamond -consists of pure carbon in crystalized form. This plant had simply the -power of absorbing pure carbon by its roots, and passing through its -wonderfully peculiar fibres exuded and condensed them on its branches -like gum-drops, where they were hardened by the action of its equally -strange atmosphere. I have on my person--as you will observe--a few -specimens which I picked at random. - -"And now in reference to animals. Perhaps you will expect me to -describe to you strange megalotheruses of immense proportions, or -gigantic mammalian quadrupeds, mammoth flying dragons, serpents and -birds, but herein I must disappoint you. The truth is, although I -searched diligently for such paleozoic monsters, I came in contact -with none. Surprised as I was myself, it explained itself on my -discovering an amphitheatre-like enclosure wherein were stored, in -great numbers, the lifeless skeletons of unimaginable beasts which -had existed on this planet in centuries past. And as on our earth -the large animals are gradually becoming extinct on account of the -advance of civilization, with the exception of the Tammany Tiger, -the American Eagle and the British Lion, I came to the conclusion -that on this new sphere likewise, because of its far advanced stage -of civilization, they were already extinct. - -"I could not, however, suppress my laughter on seeing in this -collection of monstrous wild beasts, two specimens of two-legged -mammalians or human beings. I speedily came to the conclusion that -they were either some of those blatant fools, who had ventured on -journeys to remote planets in their flying machines, or some of our -ultra-civilized English and American pioneers, gone on missions of -"grab" and "benevolent assimilation!" - -"Anon, I come to the most interesting stage of my adventure, that of -seeing the most intelligent animals of this new planet, which it seemed -had full control over it, so that there remained no doubt in my mind -of their being the human race of this strange world. Consequently, I -watched them closely, and verily I found them to be far more advanced -in civilization and bodily construction than we, mankind. They were so -constructed that they had all the advantages which we are obliged to -supply ourselves by artificial means and devices. As I describe them, -you will, to a certain degree, form an idea of how they looked. - -"They had only one eye on the top of their heads, a large globular -organ, however, having like the dragon fly a multiform lens. This -eye was shielded by an umbrella-shaped substance of a hard bony -nature. Thus protected they could see all round about them at the -same time, or whichever side they wanted, without inconveniencing -themselves by craning their necks. - -"I thought it would have been a great blessing if we mortals here -possessed such optics. Think of the advantage while going about in a -crowded thoroughfare of a great city, to see where you are stepping, -to read the various newspaper bulletins, to watch the clock on the -spire, to recognize your friends in the surging throng and besides -all these to be able to dodge adroitly the numerous trolley cars and -automobiles at the same time! - -"In place of the eyes, there were two large circles, covered by a -delicate membrane of great sensitiveness, which instead of sight was -used for speech, because they did not speak with their mouths and in -audible sounds, but with these two curious circles they carried on a -conversation in "silent eloquence," instantaneously transmitting their -thoughts to each other, a veritable telepathic medium, as it were! - -"Their noses and mouths were likewise equally strange and entirely -different from ours in construction, although to all appearances they -had the same form and occupied similar places. For instance, they could -extend their nostrils at pleasure, shut air-tight or open at will, so -that at the mere suspicion of a bad odor they could instantly elongate -their proboscis to some point at which pure air and perfume abounded. - -"The mouth was so constructed that they could expand and contract -it like a chameleon's, but about three or four yards, and in -such inconceivable velocity that its rapidity of action was beyond -calculation. Its usefulness was manifold, because they not only took -nutrition by it, but it was also a very formidable weapon of attack -and defense. - -"They wore absolutely no clothing, consequently were annoyed by no -tailor-made suits, no bloomers, no furbelows, but nature itself had -provided with all that was desirable. Their skins were covered from -the neck to the shoulder with white swansdown, and from the shoulders -to the waist with a fine silky fur, resembling in color and texture -the best quality of seal-skins, while from the waist sprouted all -around the loveliest crop of hanging ostrich feathers. There was no -difference in male and female attire. As women nowadays are speaking -of equal rights, and are adopting masculine tendencies, I believe we -are on the right line of advancement to reach the same destination. - -"Their manner of locomotion was another surprise to me as I watched -them darting deftly here and there. Upon examination of their lower -extremities, I found it to be simply locomotion by electricity. Under -their feet were several wheels of natural formation and whichever -direction they wanted to go, they set the locomotive current to any -degree of celerity. Think of it! Each person having his own automatic -rapid transit! - -"As I became intensely interested in those strange beings, I felt -curious to know and study their social manners and discover whether -they experienced any emotions, sorrows or mirth. Consequently I -changed my observations to these particulars. In searching through -the gardens and flowery bowers that abounded in a certain locality, -it was not necessary for me to wait very long. My eyes rested upon -a comical spectacle, which left no doubt in my mind that it was a -case of amorous depredation. It was simply, as I judged, an act of -stealing kisses. Oh, the rascal! Here was a maiden sweet and fair, -overcome perhaps by fatigue, lying on the velvety grass of cobalt blue, -her head resting on a natural eiderdown-topped toadstool, and there, -a precocious youth, perched on a branch of a tree above, his elastic -mouth in close contact to that of the maiden, busily gathering, like -the hummingbird, the nectars of osculatory bliss, while his globular -eye kept watch round about for any unceremonious or hostile intruder! - -"In vain I tried to imitate. Ah! I still feel the thrill. In fact, -I would not object to have a mouth so formed, even in this vain world -of ours. I believe there are flowers here also, ever in bloom, like -the fairy maiden above. - -"In reference to the pleasures and enjoyments of these marvelous -beings, I was somewhat nonplussed to find that there were no theatres -or places of amusement. The fact was that in every respect they were -very, very practical. - -"When they wanted to laugh, they simply went to certain valleys -in their locality where, on inhaling its atmosphere, they became -almost hysterical in their ecstasy of joy, giggling, ha-haing and -continuing in such hilarious laughter without stop until they were -thoroughly satisfied. - -"I became curious to know the nature of this atmospheric element -which produced such merriment, and on careful analysis found the air -to be strongly impregnated with pure nitrous oxide or "laughing gas," -an inferior quality of which was formerly used by our dentists. - -"Likewise, when they felt a desire to cry, they went to another -neighborhood, where certain bushes abounded, bearing on their drooping -branches a profusion of "Job's Tears," the sight of which so affected -the visitors that they were at once transformed into veritable -Niobes--all tears. They wept, sighed and wailed until their longing -had subsided. - -"Their solution of the habitation problem was, I think, that which -wise men on this earth have been trying to solve from the beginning -of creation. This Utopian planet contained no dwellings built by -mankind, consequently there were no taxes, no new land theories, no -internal revenue or protection embargoes. The planet itself produced -everything without the aid of its people and they enjoyed the fruit -of the soil equally. - -"Whenever these creatures desired to rest, they retired to certain -localities, where millions of velvety couches grew like toadstools, -on which they reclined, while the vegetation around, with its narcotic -perfumes, lulled them quietly to sleep. - -"The duration of their day, which was a continual twilight of -variegated designs, was according to my chronometer fifty hours long, -and they divided it into two equal parts, twenty-five hours of which -they slept in balmy dreamlands, while the other twenty-five they -indulged in all kinds of recreations and no work at all! Ah! as the -working hours of our laboring classes are decreasing day by day by -the glorious medium of Unionism, I am happy to predict that we are on -the right path of some day reaching that millennium of doing nothing, -so that we shall at last have twelve hours of sleep, and twelve hours -of recreation! - -"When I saw all these wonderful things, I confess, I forgot my mission -sublime, and determined then and there to transport myself to that -celestial sphere. Consequently I approached one of them and appealed -for admission to that land of rest and perpetual bliss. Scarcely had I -spoken, when I felt the atmosphere about me become suffocating; there -was thunder and lightning and a sepulchral voice was heard to say: - -"'No earthly domination here.' - -"This dread injunction rendered me insensible and when consciousness -returned I found myself at the foot of the Kinchinginga's, amidst -the ruins of that wonderful telescope by nature made!" - - - - - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -SPENCER HAMILTON - - -Thunderous applause of appreciation greeted Abou Shimshek, at the -conclusion of his interesting recital, and bowing right and left his -acknowledgements, with beaming countenance he retired to his seat - -An intermezzo of mellifluent music in the interim was followed by -the celebrated "Dusky Quartette." This aggregation consisted of the -following members: Madam Celeste D'oumbalooloo, a south African soprano -of heavenly sweetness, and a beauty of "hippopotamic gracefulness;" -Miss Guza Mulomba, the Kaffir prodigy, with a contralto voice of -tremulous colorature; Signor Bombasto Reales, of Kabaloogan, a Filipino -tenor of high pitch and clearness, and the basso, Signor Dido Abazuza, -a Maori celebrity of thunderous profundity. - -Indeed, under the felicitous protection of British and American -sovereignty, these colonies had made such rapid advancement toward -civilization, that they had produced an abundance of men and women of -extraordinary talent and capacity in art and music, so as to eclipse -their confreres of Hungarian and Polish origin, in days gone by. - -The portfolio of their operatic creations was a revelation. Especially -did an operetta, called "Phantasie Senegambienne" arouse the enthusiasm -of the audience to such a high pitch of spirituelle tension that at the -conclusion--regardless of the (color line)--there was a simultaneous -rush of both sexes to where the singers stood. A scene of indescribable -osculatory battle raged, the sound of the contact of those luscious -thick lips of the Dusky Quartette echoing and reverberating to the -utmost recesses of the spacious hall. It took quite a long time before -this charming labial fusillade of musical appreciation subsided. - -After another soothing interlude, giving the assemblage a chance -to recover their composure, a clamorous applause brought forth the -American violinist, to make his first debut in Bombay. As he stepped -forward, Spencer Hamilton instantly made a deep impression upon the -audience. His masterful technique and wonderful skill of execution, -when he rendered a new composition of his own, called "The Niagara," -aroused anew the enthusiasm of the throng and, under pressure of -vociferous acclamation, he was obliged to render another selection. - -With the appearance of this splendid young specimen of manhood upon -the platform there was created in the bosom of Aurora a strange -psychological condition. Although surrounded with many gallant -officers and youths of noble lineage, she was perceptibly affected -by the sight of this handsome young American musician. At a glance -at the violinist there sprang in her heart afresh the memories of -her college days in America. - -A sudden sense of sadness swept over her, and her infatuation for her -chum Margaret, and the recollection of their solemn vows, flashed -vividly through her perplexed brain, evoking several deep sighs -from the depths of her constant heart. Notwithstanding the cringing -advances of many officers of position and wealth, as well as scions -of nobles, she had fallen desperately in love with the stranger at -first sight. He seemed to her as an ideal, her affinity, but alas! she -remembered her vow! Aurora was in a very disturbed frame of mind when -Spencer Hamilton came forward for the encore. - -Spencer Hamilton, the violin virtuoso had, in the meantime, another -mission to perform in connection with his appearance as a musical -artist. He was no other than Margaret MacDonald herself, metamorphosed -by Hyder Ben Raaba into the virile, manly fellow who had assumed the -name of Spencer Hamilton and, as a violinist, had come to lay siege -to the heart of Aurora. - -With his furtive glances now and then he was reading the soul of -Aurora, now full of perplexing emotions. He could hardly control his -own emotions and began to render as an encore a tune which he expected -would create a tumult in the breast of Aurora Cunningham. - -Putting forth all his energy so as to make it his best effort in -execution, he played to one alone. - -At first Aurora thought that the tune had some vague resemblance to -a musical production which she had heard before, but could not tell -when and where. As it proceeded it gradually dawned upon her that, -somehow there was a connection between the thought of Margaret and -the music. She became more and more agitated and was quite certain -now that this soul-stirring melody was the creation of her dear, -beloved friend and confidant, Margaret MacDonald. Then she realized -that the words were her own. - -"Oh, the oath!" she gasped, her brain in a delirium of -intoxication. Realizing fully that the melody was nothing else than -the very composition of Margaret, and that she had written the words -at the Diana Seminary on the very eventful night of the moonlight -reception, she was unable to conceive how it had become a public -property. Was Margaret after all a capricious traitor, a recalcitrant, -who had forsaken her solemn vow and desecrated their covenant? - -These and other thoughts drove Aurora to the verge of collapse, and -as Spencer Hamilton concluded the piece with a finale of deep pathos -that reached the pinnacle of tragic intensity, there was commotion -around where Aurora was enthroned, for she had lost consciousness. - -Thinking that the intense interest and excitement of the occasion had -caused her faintness, she was gently removed to her apartment and the -program of the evening's festivities was completed with a brilliant -reception and dance. Hamilton himself, however, was so affected that -he left the reception at once and returned to his hotel and there -tried to regain strength for the ordeal that he was planning to carry -out next day. - -The following morning, at the proper time for calling in India, he -left his hostelry and directed his steps toward the Viceregal palace -on the pretense of making inquiry concerning the health of Aurora, -but ostensibly to reveal the mysterious metempsychosis of himself -and to reassert his undying love for her. - -Having arrived at the gate he learned that Aurora had been restored -to her normal state of health and spirits. He consequently sent in -his card and a few minutes later was summoned to the drawing-room of -the palace where, after a second's waiting, Aurora Cunningham appeared -on the threshold, somewhat flushed and agitated. - -Hamilton, on seeing Aurora, came forward and, extending his hand, -inquired most anxiously for her health, and intimated that it would -give him extreme pleasure to explain certain circumstances which -would lead to the gratification of her own unspoken desires. - -"I know," he said, "that the encore at last night's musicale affected -you very powerfully. I could intuitively read from your perturbed -countenance that you had become aware of the authorship of the -same. Aurora, Aurora, I am Margaret MacDonald! I am your confidant at -the Diana Seminary, whom you loved, and am now metamorphosed into a man -by the miraculous powers of the vivisectionist and re-incarnator--Hyder -Ben Raaba. I have come to claim you as my own. Aurora, I love you!" - -Aurora, bewildered at this remarkable and dramatic declaration and -revelation, too spellbound to speak even a word, uttered a piercing -shriek and fell into the open arms of Spencer Hamilton. At the sound -of this cry of distress, which echoed throughout the palace, footsteps -were heard approaching from every direction. Soldiers, foot-guards, -servants, and the Viceroy Cunningham himself with his guests, rushed -into the drawing-room and beheld this highly surprising tableau of -romantic love. - -Explanations of very delicate and discreet nature were promptly -given to the Viceroy by the two lovers, and consent to their union -was presently forthcoming. - - - - - - -POSTSCRIPT - - -After a triumphal bridal tour through England and America, Aurora -and Spencer Hamilton settled in the Central African Commonwealth, -and by the strenuous qualities inherent in both they had become -popular and prominent in civic affairs. Fifteen years later, in 1976, -through sheer merit of a public life of usefulness and rectitude, -Hamilton was gazetted as Viceroy to the African Commonwealth. - -The year 1976 was indeed an epoch-making period. It was the two -hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and at the -same time the semi-centennial of the happy Anglo-American Alliance. The -double jubilee of these two nations, comprising nearly one-half of -the world's population, was celebrated wherever the English tongue -was spoken, with commensurate grandeur, enthusiasm and eclat, such -as absolutely to eclipse all the Durbars, Volksfests and celebrations -in the history of the world. - -And none the less, the composite but flourishing African Commonwealth, -under the wise regime of Spencer Hamilton, was ablaze with prosperous -pride in unison with England and America, for this grand and felicitous -dual occasion. - - - - [THE END] - - - - - - - - -NOTE - - -[1] The slang in vogue half a century ago may be found now in standard -dictionaries. Its use was considered in good form by the elite of -that day. - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's An Anglo-American Alliance, by Gregory Casparian - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ANGLO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE *** - -***** This file should be named 52913-8.txt or 52913-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/9/1/52913/ - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (This book was produced from scanned images of -public domain material from the Google Books project.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/52913-8.zip b/old/52913-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index bf43346..0000000 --- a/old/52913-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h.zip b/old/52913-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e4fd850..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/52913-h.htm b/old/52913-h/52913-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index f018edc..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/52913-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4443 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" -"http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd"> -<!-- This HTML file has been automatically generated from an XML source on 2016-08-28T09:12:35Z. --> -<html lang="en"> -<head> -<meta name="generator" content= -"HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 25 March 2009), see www.w3.org"> -<title>An Anglo-American alliance: A Serio-Comic Romance and Forecast -of the Future</title> -<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> -<meta name="generator" content= -"tei2html.xsl, see https://github.com/jhellingman/tei2html"> -<meta name="author" content="Gregory Casparian (1856–1947)"> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg"> -<link rel="schema.DC" href= -"http://dublincore.org/documents/1998/09/dces/"> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Gregory Casparian (1856–1947)"> -<meta name="DC.Title" content= -"An Anglo-American alliance: A Serio-Comic Romance and Forecast of the Future"> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en"> -<meta name="DC.Format" content="text/html"> -<meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Project Gutenberg"> -<meta name="DC:Subject" content="Lesbians -- Fiction"> -<meta name="DC:Subject" content="Lesbians"> -<style type="text/css"> -body { -font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; -font-size: 100%; -line-height: 1.2em; -text-align: left; -} -.div0 { -padding-top: 5.6em; -} -.div1 { -padding-top: 4.8em; -} -.div2 { -padding-top: 3.6em; -} -.div3, .div4, .div5 { -padding-top: 2.4em; -} -h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6, .h1, .h2, .h3, .h4 { -clear: both; -font-style: normal; -text-transform: none; -} -h3, .h3 { -font-size: 1.2em; -line-height: 1.2em; -} -h3.label { -font-size: 1em; -line-height: 1.2em; -margin-bottom: 0; -} -h4, .h4 { -font-size: 1em; -line-height: 1.2em; -} -.alignleft { -text-align: left; -} -.alignright { -text-align: right; -} -.alignblock { -text-align: justify; -} -p.tb, hr.tb, .par.tb { -margin-top: 1.6em; -margin-bottom: 1.6em; -margin-left: auto; -margin-right: auto; -text-align: center; -} -p.argument, p.note, p.tocArgument, .par.argument, .par.note, .par.tocArgument -{ -font-size: 0.9em; -line-height: 1.2em; -text-indent: 0; -} -p.argument, p.tocArgument, .par.argument, .par.tocArgument { -margin: 1.58em 10%; -} -.opener, .address { -margin-top: 1.6em; -margin-bottom: 1.6em; -} -.addrline { -margin-top: 0; -margin-bottom: 0; -} -.dateline { -margin-top: 1.6em; -margin-bottom: 1.6em; -text-align: right; -} -.salute { -margin-top: 1.6em; -margin-left: 3.58em; -text-indent: -2em; -} -.signed { -margin-top: 1.6em; -margin-left: 3.58em; -text-indent: -2em; -} -.epigraph { -font-size: 0.9em; -line-height: 1.2em; -width: 60%; -margin-left: auto; -} -.epigraph span.bibl { -display: block; -text-align: right; -} -.trailer { -clear: both; -padding-top: 2.4em; -padding-bottom: 1.6em; -} -span.parnum { -font-weight: bold; -} -.pagenum { -display: inline; -font-size: 70%; -font-style: normal; -margin: 0; -padding: 0; -position: absolute; -right: 1%; -text-align: right; -} -span.corr, span.gap { -border-bottom: 1px dotted red; -} -span.abbr { -border-bottom: 1px dotted gray; -} -span.measure { -border-bottom: 1px dotted green; -} -.ex { -letter-spacing: 0.2em; -} -.sc { -font-variant: small-caps; -} -.uc { -text-transform: uppercase; -} -.tt { -font-family: monospace; -} -.underline { -text-decoration: underline; -} -.overline, .overtilde { -text-decoration: overline; -} -.rm { -font-style: normal; -} -.red { -color: red; -} -hr { -clear: both; -height: 1px; -margin-left: auto; -margin-right: auto; -margin-top: 1em; -text-align: center; -width: 45%; -} -.aligncenter { -text-align: center; -} -h1, h2 { -font-size: 1.44em; -line-height: 1.5em; -} -h1.label, h2.label { -font-size: 1.2em; -line-height: 1.2em; -margin-bottom: 0; -} -h5, h6 { -font-size: 1em; -font-style: italic; -line-height: 1em; -} -p, .par { -text-indent: 0; -} -p.firstlinecaps:first-line, .par.firstlinecaps:first-line { -text-transform: uppercase; -} -.hangq { -text-indent: -0.32em; -} -.hangqq { -text-indent: -0.40em; -} -.hangqqq { -text-indent: -0.71em; -} -p.dropcap:first-letter, .par.dropcap:first-letter { -float: left; -clear: left; -margin: 0em 0.05em 0 0; -padding: 0px; -line-height: 0.8em; -font-size: 420%; -vertical-align: super; -} -p.quote, div.blockquote, div.argument, .par.quote { -font-size: 0.9em; -line-height: 1.2em; -margin: 1.58em 5%; -} -.pagenum a, a.noteref:hover, a.hidden:hover, a.hidden { -text-decoration: none; -} -ul { -list-style-type: none; -} -.advertisment { -background-color: #FFFEE0; -border: black 1px dotted; -color: #000; -margin: 2em 5%; -padding: 1em; -} -.itemGroupTable { -border-collapse: collapse; -margin-left: 0; -} -.itemGroupTable td { -padding: 0; -margin: 0; -vertical-align: middle; -} -.itemGroupBrace { -padding: 0 0.5em !important; -} -.footnotes .body, .footnotes .div1 { -padding: 0; -} -.fnarrow { -color: #AAAAAA; -font-weight: bold; -text-decoration: none; -} -a.noteref, a.pseudonoteref { -font-size: 80%; -text-decoration: none; -vertical-align: 0.25em; -} -.displayfootnote { -display: none; -} -div.footnotes { -font-size: 80%; -margin-top: 1em; -padding: 0; -} -hr.fnsep { -margin-left: 0; -margin-right: 0; -text-align: left; -width: 25%; -} -p.footnote, .par.footnote { -margin-bottom: 0.5em; -margin-top: 0.5em; -} -p.footnote .label, .par.footnote .label { -float: left; -width: 2em; -height: 12pt; -display: block; -} -.marginnote { -font-size: 0.8em; -height: 0; -left: 1%; -line-height: 1.2em; -position: absolute; -text-indent: 0; -width: 14%; -} -.apparatusnote { -text-decoration: none; -} -span.tocPageNum, span.flushright { -position: absolute; -right: 16%; -top: auto; -} -table.tocList { -width: 100%; -margin-left: auto; -margin-right: auto; -border-width: 0; -border-collapse: collapse; -} -td.tocPageNum, td.tocDivNum { -text-align: right; -min-width: 10%; -border-width: 0; -} -td.tocDivNum { -padding-left: 0; -padding-right: 0.5em; -} -td.tocPageNum { -padding-left: 0.5em; -padding-right: 0; -} -td.tocDivTitle { -width: auto; -} -p.tocPart, .par.tocPart { -margin: 1.58em 0%; -font-variant: small-caps; -} -p.tocChapter, .par.tocChapter { -margin: 1.58em 0%; -} -p.tocSection, .par.tocSection { -margin: 0.7em 5%; -} -table.tocList td { -vertical-align: top; -} -table.tocList td.tocPageNum { -vertical-align: bottom; -} -table.inner { -display: inline-table; -border-collapse: collapse; -width: 100%; -} -td.itemNum { -text-align: right; -min-width: 5%; -padding-right: 0.8em; -} -td.innerContainer { -padding: 0; -margin: 0; -} -.index { -font-size: 80%; -} -.indextoc { -text-align: center; -} -.transcribernote { -background-color: #DDE; -border: black 1px dotted; -color: #000; -font-family: sans-serif; -font-size: 80%; -margin: 2em 5%; -padding: 1em; -} -.correctiontable { -width: 75%; -} -.width20 { -width: 20%; -} -.width40 { -width: 40%; -} -p.smallprint, li.smallprint, .par.smallprint { -color: #666666; -font-size: 80%; -} -.titlePage { -border: #DDDDDD 2px solid; -margin: 3em 0% 7em 0%; -padding: 5em 10% 6em 10%; -text-align: center; -} -.titlePage .docTitle { -line-height: 3.5em; -margin: 2em 0% 2em 0%; -font-weight: bold; -} -.titlePage .docTitle .mainTitle { -font-size: 1.8em; -} -.titlePage .docTitle .subTitle, .titlePage .docTitle .seriesTitle, -.titlePage .docTitle .volumeTitle { -font-size: 1.44em; -} -.titlePage .byline { -margin: 2em 0% 2em 0%; -font-size: 1.2em; -line-height: 1.72em; -} -.titlePage .byline .docAuthor { -font-size: 1.2em; -font-weight: bold; -} -.titlePage .figure { -margin: 2em 0% 2em 0%; -margin-left: auto; -margin-right: auto; -} -.titlePage .docImprint { -margin: 4em 0% 0em 0%; -font-size: 1.2em; -line-height: 1.72em; -} -.titlePage .docImprint .docDate { -font-size: 1.2em; -font-weight: bold; -} -div.figure { -text-align: center; -} -.figure { -margin-left: auto; -margin-right: auto; -} -.floatLeft { -float: left; -margin: 10px 10px 10px 0; -} -.floatRight { -float: right; -margin: 10px 0 10px 10px; -} -p.figureHead, .par.figureHead { -font-size: 100%; -text-align: center; -} -.figAnnotation { -font-size: 80%; -position: relative; -margin: 0 auto; -} -.figTopLeft, .figBottomLeft { -float: left; -} -.figTop, .figBottom { -} -.figTopRight, .figBottomRight { -float: right; -} -.figure p, .figure .par { -font-size: 80%; -margin-top: 0; -text-align: center; -} -img { -border-width: 0; -} -td.galleryFigure { -text-align: center; -vertical-align: middle; -} -td.galleryCaption { -text-align: center; -vertical-align: top; -} -body { -padding: 1.58em 16%; -} -.pglink, .catlink, .exlink, .wplink, .biblink, .seclink { -background-repeat: no-repeat; -background-position: right center; -} -.pglink { -background-image: url(images/book.png); -padding-right: 18px; -} -.catlink { -background-image: url(images/card.png); -padding-right: 17px; -} -.exlink, .wplink, .biblink, .seclink { -background-image: url(images/external.png); -padding-right: 13px; -} -.pglink:hover { -background-color: #DCFFDC; -} -.catlink:hover { -background-color: #FFFFDC; -} -.exlink:hover, .wplink:hover, .biblink:hover { -background-color: #FFDCDC; -}body { -background: #FFFFFF; -font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; -} -body, a.hidden { -color: black; -} -h1, .h1 { -padding-bottom: 5em; -} -h1, h2, .h1, .h2 { -text-align: center; -font-variant: small-caps; -font-weight: normal; -} -p.byline { -text-align: center; -font-style: italic; -margin-bottom: 2em; -} -.figureHead, .noteref, .pseudonoteref, .marginnote, p.legend, .versenum -{ -color: #660000; -} -.rightnote, .pagenum, .linenum, .pagenum a { -color: #AAAAAA; -} -a.hidden:hover, a.noteref:hover { -color: red; -} -h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 { -font-weight: normal; -} -table { -margin-left: auto; -margin-right: auto; -} -.tablecaption { -text-align: center; -}.pagenum, .linenum { -speak: none; -} -</style> - -<style type="text/css"> -h3, .h3 { -text-align: center; -} -.section { -padding-top: 1.2em; -} -.boxed { -padding: 10px; -margin: 10px; -text-align: center; -line-height: 3ex; -border: 1px solid black; -} -/* CSS rules generated from @rend attributes in TEI file */ -.xd22e100width -{ -width:476px; -} -.xd22e106 -{ -text-align:center; -} -.xd22e111width -{ -width:561px; -} -.xd22e118width -{ -width:438px; -} -.xd22e443width -{ -width:335px; -} -.xd22e538width -{ -width:338px; -} -.xd22e1010width -{ -width:340px; -} -.xd22e1277width -{ -width:238px; -} -.xd22e1296width -{ -width:366px; -} -.xd22e1315width -{ -width:313px; -} -.xd22e1356width -{ -width:317px; -} -.xd22e1468width -{ -width:362px; -} -.xd22e1551width -{ -width:337px; -} -.xd22e1691width -{ -width:553px; -} -.xd22e1743width -{ -width:562px; -} -.xd22e1768 -{ -text-align:center; -} -@media handheld -{ -} -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's An Anglo-American Alliance, by Gregory Casparian - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: An Anglo-American Alliance - A Serio-Comic Romance and Forecast of the Future - -Author: Gregory Casparian - -Release Date: August 28, 2016 [EBook #52913] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ANGLO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE *** - - - - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (This book was produced from scanned images of -public domain material from the Google Books project.) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="front"> -<div class="div1 cover"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e100width"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt= -"Original Front Cover." width="476" height="720"></div> -<p class="par"></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 frenchtitle"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd22e106">An Anglo-American Alliance</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 frontispiece"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e111width"><img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" -alt="The Initiation" width="561" height="387"> -<p class="figureHead">The Initiation</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 titlepage"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e118width"><img src="images/titlepage.png" alt= -"Original Title Page." width="438" height="720"></div> -<p class="par"></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="titlePage"> -<div class="docTitle"> -<div class="mainTitle"><i>An Anglo-American Alliance</i></div> -<div class="subTitle"><i>A Serio-Comic Romance<br> -and<br> -Forecast of the Future</i></div> -</div> -<div class="byline">BY<br> -<span class="docAuthor">GREGORY CASPARIAN</span><br> -<i>Illustrated and Published by the Author</i></div> -<div class="docImprint">Mayflower Presses<br> -Floral Park, New York<br> -<span class="docDate">1906</span></div> -</div> -<div class="div1 copyright"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd22e106">Copyrighted, 1906,<br> -by<br> -GREGORY CASPARIAN</p> -<p class="par xd22e106"><i>All Rights Reserved</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd22e165" href="#xd22e165" name= -"xd22e165">v</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="toc" class="div1 contents"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">Table of Contents</h2> -<table class="tocList"> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">CHAPTER</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">PAGE</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#foreword" id="xd22e179" -name="xd22e179">Foreword</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">vii–ix</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">I</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch1" id="xd22e188" name= -"xd22e188">The Young Ladies’ Seminary</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">11</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">II</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch2" id="xd22e197" name= -"xd22e197">The Initiation</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">20</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">III</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch3" id="xd22e206" name= -"xd22e206">The Moonlight <span class="corr" id="xd22e208" title= -"Source: Soiree">Soirée</span></a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">28</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">IV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch4" id="xd22e217" name= -"xd22e217">Historical Events of the 20th Century</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">38</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">V</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch5" id="xd22e226" name= -"xd22e226">The Fistic Duel</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">63</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">VI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch6" id="xd22e235" name= -"xd22e235">Historical Events of the 20th Century -(<i>Concluded</i>)</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">71</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">VII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch7" id="xd22e247" name= -"xd22e247">The Regatta</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">88</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">VIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch8" id="xd22e256" name= -"xd22e256">Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">96</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">IX</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch9" id="xd22e265" name= -"xd22e265">A Ray of Hope</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">103</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">X</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch10" id="xd22e275" name= -"xd22e275">The Transformation</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">110</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch11" id="xd22e284" name= -"xd22e284">Lord Cunningham, Viceroy of India</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">116</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch12" id="xd22e293" name= -"xd22e293">Adventures of Abou Shimshek, the Astronomer of -Ispahan</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">120</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch13" id="xd22e302" name= -"xd22e302">Spencer Hamilton</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">136</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ps" id="xd22e309" name= -"xd22e309">Postscript</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">143</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p><span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd22e314" href="#xd22e314" name= -"xd22e314">vii</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="foreword" class="div1 foreword"><span class= -"pagenum">[<a href="#xd22e179">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">Foreword</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In presenting this volume to the public it is not -the intention of the author to offer it as a literary masterpiece, but, -in his adopted language—conscious of his limitation—merely -to give expression to his thoughts on certain problems of life that -have always seemed to him of particular significance.</p> -<p class="par">At present there appears to be a general bombastic -clamor among certain nations who, decrying others as barbarous, claim -to have reached the highest pinnacle of civilization. Yet a glance at -the existing conditions in those self-lauded governments will reveal -rampant corruption among their leaders who, for their own selfish ends, -<i>retard legislations</i> which are absolutely imperative for the -general welfare. It is not necessary to mention other ways in which the -people are being daily betrayed, for this is sufficient to render any -thinking person despondent and pessimistic.</p> -<p class="par">The causes of the decadence of nations are not the laws -which have been enacted, but the flagrant violation of these very laws, -actuated by greed, avarice and commercialism which are generated in the -individual in power. The only remedy for this state is either a leader -of intrepid courage or the awakening <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd22e327" href="#xd22e327" name="xd22e327">viii</a>]</span>of the -people themselves and their demanding reforms by public mandate.</p> -<p class="par">The true meaning of civilization is Universal -Brotherhood, and in this sense, the leading lights in every stratum of -life, whether in Government or in Commerce, in Religion or in Science, -stand arraigned and indicted before the tribunal of conscience for -retarding this laudable spirit of Brotherhood.</p> -<p class="par">Why do not Captains of Industry and Commerce, instead of -throttling each other, by a unanimous effort, promulgate laws on a -reciprocal basis among themselves?</p> -<p class="par">Why do not Scientists, instead of confining their -efforts to individual endeavors, combine their forces so as to enhance -the chance of accomplishing greater results in research and -exploration?</p> -<p class="par">Why do not Spiritual <span class="corr" id="xd22e337" -title="Source: Shepards">Shepherds</span>, instead of preaching -intolerance and fanaticism, bring their flocks together in harmony? An -Oriental scholar in the Congress of Religions, at the Columbian Fair, -declared that “the flocks are willing to pasture together, but it -is the <span class="corr" id="xd22e340" title= -"Source: shepards">shepherds</span> who are keeping them -apart.”</p> -<p class="par">And in fine, why do not the Nations, each claiming the -highest forms of civilization, instead of disseminating national, -sectional and race hatred, form an alliance, which will advance the -cause of Universal Brotherhood, and brighten the hope of bringing -enduring peace to the world at large?</p> -<p class="par">In this golden era, with its vast numbers of diplomats, -<span class="corr" id="xd22e347" title= -"Source: statemen">statesmen</span>, theologians, scientists, and its -countless fraternal organizations,—each preaching, fraternity, -love and charity,—what evil spirit or genii prevents them from -forming a union between two of <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd22e350" -href="#xd22e350" name="xd22e350">ix</a>]</span>the foremost and best -forms of Governments,—America and Britain—perfect types in -their entity, having similar laws, language and aspirations?</p> -<p class="par">Who will be the Savior, through whose agency this happy -cross fertilization, inoculation or union shall be achieved? It was the -above thoughts, and the idea of an alliance between COLUMBIA and -BRITANNIA, that suggested in all seriousness the following frivolously -allegorical narrative,—a <i>potpourri</i> of weird fancy, satire -and imagination, a mosaic of the sublime and the ridiculous, on themes -worthy of a master.</p> -<p class="par">Yet if some reader should find, even in this fantastic -guise, an occasional thought worthy of arousing him to nobler efforts, -the author will consider himself well rewarded.</p> -<p class="par">In regard to his prophecies for the future, he is -willing to be called a consummate prevaricator should his desire for -the betterment of mankind or the unity of nations take place much -sooner than he has predicted, or the calamities fail to materialize or -prove to be much lighter than he has foreseen.</p> -<p class="par signed">G. C.</p> -<p class="par dateline"><i>Floral Park, N. Y.</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb11" href="#pb11" name="pb11">11</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="body"> -<div id="ch1" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e188">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER I</h2> -<h2 class="main">The Young Ladies’ Seminary</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">It is 1960, Anno Domini. The Earth, -notwithstanding many dire predictions of charlatans and religious -fanatics, and in spite of numerous cataclysms, conflagrations and -political upheavals, was rotating serenely on its axis.</p> -<p class="par">The Diana Young Ladies’ Seminary, situated upon -the picturesque hills of Cornwall on the Hudson, is a few miles north -of the West Point Military Academy. The seminary buildings, having -formerly been the palatial homestead of a multi-millionaire, about half -a century previously had been bequeathed to the State of New York, with -ample endowments for its maintenance and development. It had long since -become one of the finest institutions of learning of its kind, not only -of America, but of the whole civilized world.</p> -<p class="par">The donor of this magnificent seat of knowledge -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb12" href="#pb12" name= -"pb12">12</a>]</span>for young ladies was a man of -“polarity,” of positive and negative action and reaction. -He was in fact a typical incarnation and embodiment of a dualism, -immortalized by the fertile fancy of Robert Louis Stevenson, in his -story of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” While on the one hand -he had an apparently irresistible and monomaniacal cunning in robbing -his fellow men by monopolizing all the necessities of life, crushing -with hellish unscrupulousness all competition in every channel of -industry, and strewing his wake with industrial wrecks,—on the -other hand he busied himself with the erection of hospitals and -churches, and in endowing colleges with a princely liberality, -commensurate to his other nature.</p> -<p class="par">Emerson, the philosopher, says “The whole universe -is so, and so every one of its parts,” that “an inevitable -dualism bisects nature,” each thing being a half and suggesting -its complement. As the mammoth Californian redwood tree, which with its -towering height looks overpoweringly stupendous when compared with the -tiny otaheite orange or dwarf Japanese plant, so was the difference in -power of acquisitiveness and possibilities of dispensation <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb13" href="#pb13" name="pb13">13</a>]</span>between -this colossus compared with ordinary mortals.</p> -<p class="par">The real motive of his charity could not be divined; -whether it was because, pricked by a guilty conscience, he used this -means as a palliative for his sins, or whether he was entirely -oblivious of wrong-doing and was prompted only by a frank desire for -doing good, was never determined. But at any rate after his death it -was found that he had donated his palaces, with munificent endowment -funds, to establish this educational institution for females. Moreover, -it is not my intention to write a biography of this dual monster of -money-maniac and philanthropist, for his deeds are written on the -graves and sorrowing hearts of his victims, as well as in the grateful -remembrance and esteem of his beneficiaries.</p> -<p class="par">Besides, we are told that God works good even through -the agency of the devil, and if he really had been a satellite of -Satan, the great usefulness and wide influence for good of the Seminary -demonstrated the veracity of the above statement.</p> -<p class="par">The Diana Seminary had proven its right to its high -place in the public esteem. Its fame <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb14" href="#pb14" name="pb14">14</a>]</span>had reached every corner -of the earth. Young women, not only from America but from every clime -and nation, flocked thither seeking to perfect themselves in such -branches of education as are the necessary requirements of the fair sex -to fit them to reign supreme in any capacity, from teaching in a -country school to presiding on regal thrones and guiding the destinies -of Nations.</p> -<p class="par">The Diana Seminary had become particularly famous for -the especial branches of a curriculum which rendered the young ladies -magnificently lovely in form, chic in habilaments, brilliant and -vivacious in conversation, serene and dignified in carriage, sweet and -optimistic in nature, pure in sentiments, and in addition conferred -upon them all the necessary qualifications of accomplished housewives, -virtues all of which are inherent in American women and susceptible of -highest development.</p> -<p class="par">The graduates of this Seminary were always eagerly -sought in marriage, not only by the deserving young men living near the -college, but also by the nobility and even the royalty of Europe. The -demands of the latter class were indeed so great as to alarm the fond -parents <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb15" href="#pb15" name= -"pb15">15</a>]</span>across the ocean for the future happiness of their -daughters, and they were thus compelled to send their beloved ones to -this Institution in order to acquire that polish which their American -sisters had proven so desirable.</p> -<p class="par">Amongst the many English maidens who were there -matriculated was beautiful Aurora Cunningham, the only daughter of the -Secretary of Foreign affairs of Great Britain.</p> -<p class="par">It is unnecessary to dwell upon the beauty and charms of -Aurora. It is true that she could not be compared with the Goddesses of -ancient Greece, nor did she resemble the bewitching sylvan nymphs -depicted by the brush and pen of masters of art. She was a mortal; -suffice it to say, that she was a graceful girl of exquisitely moulded -form, of medium height, with luxuriant golden tresses, which, -shimmering in the sunlight, justified her baptismal name. Her large, -dreamy blue eyes mirrored the purity of her soul, and the dimples on -her cheeks were so deep and alluring that all who looked upon them felt -their compelling charm.</p> -<p class="par">She was, in a word, a typical English maiden. Highly -accomplished, and though dainty in demeanor, nevertheless she was not -one of <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb16" href="#pb16" name= -"pb16">16</a>]</span>those frail, ailing butterflies who exist and -thrive only in artificial atmosphere. Having been reared with greatest -care, by means of a complete course of calisthenics and out-of-door -sports, with all her refined mien she was a hardy and healthy specimen -of feminine beauty as well as a leader in all the strenuous pastimes of -the Diana Seminary.</p> -<p class="par">She was called the “sunshine” of the -Seminary, and none other merited the appellation so well. Consequently -she was idolized by the rest of the students and was much sought after -by the gallant young men in the vicinity. After the manner of girl -students who are given to violent friendships, Aurora was devoted to -her room-mate in the person of a charming American girl named Margaret -MacDonald, the daughter of a Western Senator.</p> -<p class="par">Margaret was entirely the opposite of Aurora,—her -very antithesis. She was somewhat taller, with sparkling black eyes and -raven hair, of imposing dignity and carriage, but withal the equal of -Aurora in the matter of natural gifts and accomplishments. She had, -moreover, a captivating frivolity and aggressiveness which almost -bordered on masculinity. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb17" href= -"#pb17" name="pb17">17</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Perhaps it was this complete diversity of temperament -and of type that engendered an intense affinity between the girls. For -although diametrically differing even in their exposition of ideas, -they were drawn to each other with a mysterious sympathy which -attracted the attention of outsiders and furnished ample excuse for -comment. Directly after their first meeting they had become inseparable -companions and confidants.</p> -<p class="par">As the time passed this strange attachment grew so -marked and its manifestations so alarmingly flagrant that they -themselves became aware of its dangerous consequences. They realized -that if they gave free license to indiscreet emotional demonstrations -in the class room or in public, not only would their actions not be -tolerated by the College faculty and cause their expulsion from the -Seminary, but they would also be subjected to unendurable ostracism by -the rest of the students. But still worse was the confronting fact that -they would undoubtedly become the topic of unpleasant notoriety through -the publicity given by the sensational press. They had therefore the -good judgment to pledge themselves to <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb18" href="#pb18" name="pb18">18</a>]</span>control their emotions in -the presence of the class, and to exercise wide-awake circumspection in -their behavior in public and towards the opposite sex.</p> -<p class="par">It is needless to say that by the happy faculty of -diplomacy, inherent in them, they succeeded with consummate delicacy -and skill in maintaining their natural poise and normal attitude -throughout the seminary course.</p> -<p class="par">Like the magnetic pole the Diana Seminary had become the -center of attraction for the adjacent youths, especially the Academy -boys, who on all gala occasions were welcome guests at the -Seminary.</p> -<p class="par">The experiment of co-education had long since been -proven a failure. By the well known law of electricity, that bodies -similarly electrified repel each other, and bodies oppositely -electrified attract, it seems that the constant familiarity and -co-mingling of the two sexes in co-educational institutions at the -romantic age of puberty had a somewhat similar effect and breeded -contempt, blunting that keen fondness for each other which seems -natural, and so was not surprising that in such institutions both -sexes, when leaving college, separated <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb19" href="#pb19" name="pb19">19</a>]</span>more like enemies than -friends and lovers.</p> -<p class="par">The isolation of the sexes naturally created an -intensity of affection and a desire for association, and when the two -periodically came in contact caused that rapturous thrill of hearts and -nascent unification of souls. This undoubtedly was the plausible -explanation, at least one of the reasons, why the Seminary girls were -always in demand and were participants of so many happy unions.</p> -<p class="par">The only exception to the rule were Aurora and Margaret -who, although in every way agreeable to the aspirants for their hearts -and hands, refrained from making an alliance throughout their college -course. It was piteously amusing, however, to see those gallant swains -from the Academy heading for the Seminary whenever opportunity -presented. Their hearts were filled with intense ardor and their lips -and pubescent moustaches were pregnant with the microbes of -Eros,—in a high state of fermentation—blurting out with -tense anxiety the momentous query, “Wilt thou be mine?” to -Aurora or Margaret, only to return vanquished by the cold decisive -negative. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb20" href="#pb20" name= -"pb20">20</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch2" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e197">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER II</h2> -<h2 class="main">The Initiation</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was no cause for ennui at the Diana -Seminary. Notwithstanding the serious course of study, there was ample -jollity. The tedium of their leisure hours was beguiled with all kinds -of recreations according to the seasons of the year.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e443width"><img src="images/p020.jpg" alt= -"A “Full-Back” in 1960" width="335" height="508"> -<p class="figureHead">A “Full-Back” in 1960</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">There were the various Seminary teams in basket ball, -fencing, golfing, calisthenics and amateur theatricals. The girls also -indulged in excursions to the exhibitions of the Academy boys, on their -gala days of mimic warfare in the campus, as well as to their contests -on the diamond or gridiron at foot ball. This latter sport having -reached in those days the top notch of perfection, it furnished the -fair spectators thrills of excitement when the contestants in their -improved steel helmets and cuirass, with pronged leggings and spiked -shoes looked like veritable knights of the chivalric ages. It -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb21" href="#pb21" name= -"pb21">21</a>]</span>gave an additional source of lingering pleasure -and admiration at such contests when half a dozen ambulances were -required to cart away the gladiators in <i lang="fr">hors du -combat</i>.</p> -<p class="par">Besides all the above recreations, the Seminary girls -had also their various secret organizations which furnished ample work -for winter months. One of the most notable of these fraternities was -called the D. N. A., signifying “Daughters of the New -Alliance.”</p> -<p class="par">A brief description of the sacred rites of this unique -fraternity, on an interesting initiation, may not here be amiss. It -took place during the incumbency of the two principal organizers and -charter members—Aurora and Margaret,—the latter occupying -at the time the most exalted position of Reverend High Priestess and -the former that of Supreme Guide. The initiation in question was -remarkable for the singular coincidence that the applicants for -membership were discovered to be of half a dozen -nationalities—French, German, Scotch, Irish, Italian and -Hebrew,—and this unusual circumstance lent the occasion -widespread sensation among the other members and made the session most -memorable. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb22" href="#pb22" name= -"pb22">22</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">A peep in the temple revealed a bewildering spectacle, -an “Adamless Eden” of loveliness as it were. Margaret -MacDonald, enveloped in gorgeously embroidered Grecian robes, enthroned -on an elevated dais, a golden sceptre in hand, and a brilliant diadem -on her shapely head, presented an imposing figure as High Priestess, -while Aurora in a tight fitting cuirass of variegated spangles, holding -a trident, performed her official duties. Other functionaries attired -in chaste Grecian costumes occupied their respective positions.</p> -<p class="par">In the proscenium the applicants, attired in their -respective national costumes, followed the assistant guide to the gate -of the temple when, on pressing a button, an extremely melodious chant -surged through the atmosphere. This called the attention of the Supreme -Guide to the fact that there were applicants for membership. The -Supreme Guide in the same manner then made the announcement to the high -priestess, and the latter commanded them to be admitted to the temple. -At the clanking of the cymbals and the sounding of the fanfares as if -by magic the gate was ajar, revealing to the eyes of the new disciples -a dazzling scene of harmoniously <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb23" -href="#pb23" name="pb23">23</a>]</span>blended loveliness. They filed -in and arranged themselves in the shape of a crescent at the lower end -of the temple.</p> -<p class="par">In the centre of the room, on an alabaster table, they -could discern a glass receptacle in which, squirming and wriggling, -were a quantity of angle worms; on another similar table close by they -could see a golden cage, wherein half a dozen tiny rodents were playing -tag. In one corner a fierce, pugnacious billy-goat was butting with -vicious vigor against one of the Grecian columns of the temple.</p> -<p class="par">When the sound of the fanfares subsided the High -Priestess, rising suddenly and striking three times on the marble floor -with her magic sceptre, commanded silence, and in a sweet voice spoke -thus:</p> -<p class="par">“Supreme Guide of the order of D. N. A. what -bringest thou to this sanctuary?”</p> -<p class="par">The guide answered in pathetic tones: “Thou High -Priestess of the order of D. N. A., I bring thee greeting. I bring thee -also jewels rare, for thy shrine; gems, not still life or crystals -petrified, but forms divine, animate with heaving breasts, with radiant -brows, and sparkling eyes that volumes speak, that even Cupid, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb24" href="#pb24" name= -"pb24">24</a>]</span>dazed, would soon forget his ancient Psyche fair, -and yet unable be whom amongst these for himself to take.”</p> -<p class="par">“Have they signified their willingness to be -tested for courage and fortitude?”</p> -<p class="par">“They have.”</p> -<p class="par">“Are they ready to travel through the tortuous -path of the inquisition?”</p> -<p class="par">“They are.”</p> -<p class="par">“Then prithee, take them to the ante-chamber that -their eyes may be blindfolded and the robes of chastity may be thrown -over them. Then bring them thither through the tortuous path of the -inquisition to my presence.”</p> -<p class="par">Accordingly they were taken to the ante-room and while -being prepared for the journey they were given plain intimation that -they were to make a repast of the angle worms and fondly handle the -young rodents, while direct hints of riding the bellicose goat were -thrown out, as though this were the least of the test to which they -were to be subjected.</p> -<p class="par">Preparation for their return to the Temple being -completed, their readiness was again communicated as before and to the -solemn but inspiring Andante of Faust they began to wind <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb25" href="#pb25" name="pb25">25</a>]</span>through -a path of serpentine evolutions. On their journey many strange and -threatening voices came to their ears, some cursing their undertaking -and advising them to return before too late, some whispering that they -were about to step into an abyss or to encounter dire disaster. But by -the guidance and occasional prod by the trident of timid and erratic -disciples they proceeded onward with cautious steps. When almost at the -end of their journey, however, there was a sharp cry from one of the -applicants which caused the procession to halt.</p> -<p class="par">Lady Rosa Redmont Davitt, the daughter of an Irish -noble,—a comely girl, with laughing eyes, full of wit and humor -and with a strong combative instinct, withal very popular at the -seminary—gave vent to her distress in a piquant but pleasing -accent:</p> -<p class="par">“Ouch! Your Riverence,” said she, “It -is not that I moind to ride the wild billy goat, or am afraid to -swallow the serpints, but divil a bit I can shtand this pinching of my -goide, your Riverince; my back is almost bhlack and bhlue.”</p> -<p class="par">“It is well that thou hast spoken,” said the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb26" href="#pb26" name= -"pb26">26</a>]</span>Priestess; “it was because of thy -untractable erratic steps and non-susceptibility to the promptings of -thy guide that thou hast suffered, for according to the ratio of the -loyalty and sensitiveness to her touch, thy sufferings will come to an -end. Follow thou, then, fair maid, with keen perception to the subtle -touch of thy guide. Supreme Guide of the order of D. N. A. let the -procession proceed.”</p> -<p class="par">The march having been resumed and finished, they stood -thus blindfolded before the High Priestess in order to be tested for -courage and fortitude. Each applicant was led by the guide before her, -who, for fortitude, administered the angle worm, and for courage -trailed the mouse over their limbs. It is perhaps unnecessary to -mention that macaroni was substituted for the angle worm and that an -artificial mouse served as a lively rodent.</p> -<p class="par">When these sacred and solemn rites were performed the -applicants were taken through numerous evolutions of a march to the -centre of the room, in front of a table, whereon rested in the folds of -American and British colors the Constitution and By-laws of the Order. -There the oath of Allegiance was administered and <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb27" href="#pb27" name="pb27">27</a>]</span>at a -thunderous outburst of music, the bandages were cut asunder and the -applicants found themselves in the glow of a diffused light. Standing -in the middle of the room, surrounded by rows of graceful girls arrayed -in immaculate Grecian costumes, were all the other members of the -Order. While the High Priestess, majestically waving her sceptred arm, -proclaimed them tried and true members of D. N. A.</p> -<p class="par">The ceremonies were concluded by the singing of the -National Anthems. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb28" href="#pb28" -name="pb28">28</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch3" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e206">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER III</h2> -<h2 class="main">The Moonlight <span class="corr" id="xd22e515" title= -"Source: Soiree">Soirée</span></h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Margaret was reclining on a divan in her luxurious -study, perusing a letter. The room was redolent with the perfume of -June roses, and the warm rays of the afternoon sun, filtering through -the stained glass windows—now and then obscured by the swaying -leaves and branches of the trees—were flitting across her lovely -form as if playing hide and seek.</p> -<p class="par">Suddenly the door burst open and Aurora, somewhat -flushed, holding in her hand a note, entered the room, exclaiming -excitedly:</p> -<p class="par">“Horrible! Margie, horrible! I do not know what to -do! It will be extremely h’embawassing aw, don’t you -know.”</p> -<p class="par">“What is it Aurora, is that Jewsky after you -again?”<a class="noteref" id="xd22e525src" href="#xd22e525" name= -"xd22e525src">1</a> asked Margaret with a rougish smile, glancing -toward her chum. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb29" href="#pb29" name= -"pb29">29</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">“I do not think he is a ’Ebrew, my dear, his -signature aw, is some foreign sounding name. Carlos Do-Do-Do-Don -Seville.”</p> -<p class="par">“Well, I don’t care what he is. The dodo is -an extinct bird you know. He looks like a Jewsky anyway. The idea, pray -what has he to say?” questioned Margaret, contracting her -eyebrows to a frown.</p> -<p class="par">“He writes that he will grace aw, our moonlight -reception with ’is presence. Horrid, Margie, horrid! I hate -him!”</p> -<p class="par">“Fiddlesticks! Rats!” retorted Margaret. -“It is up to us then. If he bobs up tomorrow night at the show, -there will be something doing. That Dago is positively the limit. He is -perfectly horrid. If I see him ogling me once that night, I’ll -‘cut the chains of my tongue loose’ at him, the -wretch!”</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e538width"><img src="images/p028.jpg" alt= -"“Is the Jewski After You Again?”" width="338" height= -"422"> -<p class="figureHead">“Is the Jewski After You Again?”</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">“Aw, really, how brave you are Margie!” -replied Aurora, looking admiringly at her classmate. “You will -not desert me? By the way,” went on Aurora, gradually recovering -her composure, “I just met Norma Southworth coming from the -modiste with her graduation gown. It was such a bonnie gown, aw, so -lurid and so sweet, don’t you know.” <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb30" href="#pb30" name="pb30">30</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">“I bet you hers won’t cut any ice with my -togs, when they arrive tomorrow. Aurora, you and I will make a -jim-dandy pair on graduation day. I am curious, however, to get a -glimpse of her dream of a gown, but before we start, my dear, let us -once more go over the details of tomorrow night’s -event.”</p> -<p class="par">“It makes me somewhat nervous to think about it. I -wish truly it was all h’over, Margie.”</p> -<p class="par">“So do I, Aurora. I am afraid we’ll make a -beastly flunk at the show, aren’t you?”</p> -<p class="par">“Bah Jove, it will be awfully dweddful, Margie, to -make a failure, after so many months of preparation. I hope we will -come h’out all right,” said Aurora with thoughtful -anxiety.</p> -<p class="par">After they finished their examination of the program, -both started out to inspect Norma’s gown, intending from thence -to go to the final rehearsal. While crossing the Grand Court of the -Seminary they spied Professor Cielo Allenson coming toward them on his -motor-cycle.</p> -<p class="par">“There comes the dear <span class="corr" id= -"xd22e558" title="Source: “">‘</span>Old Guard<span class= -"corr" id="xd22e561" title="Not in source">’</span>” said -Aurora. “Isn’t ’e a dear, aw, isn’t ’e -sweet?”</p> -<p class="par">“To be sure Aurora, I am head over heels -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb31" href="#pb31" name= -"pb31">31</a>]</span>in love with his lilacs; aren’t they -elegant?” was the ready rejoinder of Margaret.</p> -<p class="par">“Eh, what! aw, really, ’ow often must I -caution you not to use such h’expressions,” said Aurora, -reproachfully. “’E may ’ear you, Margie, ’e may -’ear you.”</p> -<p class="par">“There, ring off, sweet child, you better pick up -your ‘h’s’ and get a gait on, or else we’ll be -late for practice,” laughed Margaret.</p> -<p class="par">“Oh, how do you do?” piped both girls.</p> -<p class="par">The professor, slackening his pace, greeted them -courteously: “I presume you ladies are well prepared for the -ordeal of tomorrow night?”</p> -<p class="par">“Quite so, Professor; we are looking forward with -extreme pleasure to meeting our gallant adversaries under your -charge,” answered Margaret.</p> -<p class="par">“H’in fact, we are now going to our final -rehearsal,” added Aurora.</p> -<p class="par">“Well, I wish you success, ladies; I must be off -myself, to give the boys at the Academy my last instructions; so -goodby.”</p> -<p class="par">“Good afternoon, Professor; goodby.”</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The June graduation day of 1960 at the <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb32" href="#pb32" name="pb32">32</a>]</span>Seminary -was not far distant, falling on the second week of the month. The -recitations had been discontinued and the only sessions that were held -by the professors were chiefly for purposes of review.</p> -<p class="par">The students meanwhile beguiled their time by indulging -in frequent class receptions, which were given by the various grades -and societies, each vieing with others to excel all previous functions -in originality, splendor and novelty. That to be given by the senior -class, to which Aurora and Margaret belonged, was near at hand. Long -before the date agreed upon, the senior class had agreed to make it an -out-of-door affair eclipsing all previous efforts in brilliancy of -conception and prodigality of arrangements.</p> -<p class="par">It was to be a “<span lang="fr"><span class="corr" -id="xd22e596" title="Source: Soiree">Soirée</span> -Artistique</span>!” a Tableau Vivant Extravaganza! followed by a -moonlight dance and reception. Their guests of honor were to be no less -than embryo generals from the West Point Military Academy! Truly it was -a magnificent conception and it was chiefly due to the indefatigable -efforts of Aurora and Margaret that it culminated in a stupendous -success with the night of the open air <span class="corr" id="xd22e600" -title="Source: Féte">Fête</span>. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb33" href="#pb33" name="pb33">33</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The spacious, velvety lawn was profusely and fittingly -decorated. From column to column festoons of June roses and evergreens -crossed and entwined in bewildering array. The colossal statue of Diana -with her hounds—the patron Saint of the Seminary—and the -alternate gold and silver peristyles leading to the wondrously designed -parterre, were enveloped in a mass of phosphorescent glow from the -radium globules.</p> -<p class="par">The statuettes and fountains were bejewelled by -innumerable actinium bulbs. Ensconced in the branches of the trees and -bushes the electrical nightingales gave forth their continuous warbles -of subdued sweetness, while from poles especially erected for the -occasion electric globes in kaleidoscopic hues diffused the ambient -atmosphere with their spirituelle glow. The moon, like an overseer, -hung high in the canopy of space, casting its silvery light over the -radiant scene.</p> -<p class="par">The graceful figures of the maidens in their fantastic -winged costumes of Celestial Amazons, and the grotesque forms of the -boys, attired in Indian outfits, glittering with beads and -feathers—“chaperoned” by the venerable <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb34" href="#pb34" name= -"pb34">34</a>]</span>Professor Cielo Allenson—each tribe in turn -illustrating their weird national customs, in war or peace, in mirth or -sorrow, filled the select spectators with throes of thrilling -excitement. What hitherto had seemed only ordinary, mundane -surroundings was changed into a realistic happy-hunting-ground or -savage fairyland, a vision of alternate celestial or barbaric splendor, -the grandeur of which is beyond the power of human ability to -describe.</p> -<p class="par">The secret of unparalleled excellence of the disguises -of the boys was due to the fact that at the end of the Freshmen year at -the Military Academy, when they were preparing for the celebration of -their academic year, the Sophomores had kidnapped the whole Freshmen -Class, and by a pre-arranged plan, experts having been hired, had -tatooed them all over their faces as Indians on the warpath, thus -leaving a lasting souvenir of class antagonism! Being disfigured for -life, they had made the best of their misfortune by appearing in the -role of Indian warriors, delighted that for once this misfortune had -proven an advantage.</p> -<p class="par">There was nothing to mar this auspicious occasion except -that, near its close, a trivial wordy <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb35" href="#pb35" name="pb35">35</a>]</span>demonstration took place -between Professor Cielo Allenson and an intruder named Carlos Don -Seville.</p> -<p class="par">Still, even the most pleasant and successful events have -their aftermath and this affair left several of them. When Aurora and -Margaret entered their rooms heaped with triumphant compliments for -their consummate skill in planning this grand farewell <span class= -"corr" id="xd22e621" title="Source: féte">fête</span> they -were sad, sad through an impulsive intuition.</p> -<p class="par">Hardly had they crossed the threshold of their room when -they fell into each other’s arms, sobbing bitterly from the -bottom of their hearts. Each instinctively knew why the other wept. The -final class reception had a deep significance to them, as it meant that -graduation day was near at hand. In the natural course of events each -would now go her way to a distant home. It meant separation!</p> -<p class="par">Separation! It was impossible for them calmly to accept -the full significance of that word in their infatuation for each other. -Some time elapsed before either gained sufficient composure to speak. -Each attempt resulted in a collapse and a paroxysm of hysterical -weeping. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb36" href="#pb36" name= -"pb36">36</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Margaret, as if dazed with the frenzy of that strange -passion, clung to Aurora, exclaiming hysterically: “How can it -be, Aurora? It cannot be. It cannot be! Better death than -separation!”</p> -<p class="par">By the gentle, soothing words of Aurora, however, they -gradually recovered their composure, but were not fully pacified until -that very night they made a solemn compact, bound by an inviolable -oath, not to make any alliance with any suitor whatever and to remain -united to each other in souls until death should them part.</p> -<p class="par">It was that night also that in the height of their -fatuous ardor of love Aurora wrote an impromptu poem of fealty, -entitled “Wilt Thou Remember Thy Vow?” It revealed the -intensity of their emotions, their utter subjugation and mutual -abandonment of will and desire each to the other and its dire revenge -in the end, if their solemn vow was betrayed.</p> -<p class="par">Like the poem, the music which was composed by Margaret, -was also an inspiration. It interpreted the poem in a sad, sublimely -pathetic strain, yet at times in bold and threatening torrents of color -and passion. The very <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb37" href="#pb37" -name="pb37">37</a>]</span>spirit of the words and the oath, that would -be their guiding star throughout their lives, surged through it. In all -respects it was a masterpiece of symphonic creation. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb38" href="#pb38" name="pb38">38</a>]</span></p> -</div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<hr class="fnsep"> -<div class="footnote-body"> -<p class="par footnote"><span class="label"><a class="noteref" id= -"xd22e525" href="#xd22e525src" name="xd22e525">1</a></span> The slang -in vogue half a century ago may be found now in standard dictionaries. -Its use was considered in good form by the elite of that -day. <a class="fnarrow" href="#xd22e525src">↑</a></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch4" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e217">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER IV</h2> -<h2 class="main">Historical Events of the 20th Century</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The senior class of the Diana Seminary were -assembled in the auditorium, listening in a trance of respectful -attention to Professor Cielo Allenson. He had just begun his review of -the historical events of the 20th Century, now and then giving his -individual comments upon the subjects presented.</p> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1900</h3> -<h3 class="main">An Era of False Prosperity</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">With the beginning of the 20th Century was -inaugurated an era of false prosperity. The Census Bureau at that time -furnishes statistics and comments upon the wonderfully perceptible -decrease of the criminal classes, called foot-pads, sneak thieves and -highwaymen, which was attributed chiefly to the existing national -prosperity. It overlooks the fact, however, that a new species of -miscreants, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb39" href="#pb39" name= -"pb39">39</a>]</span>comparatively more dangerous, had begun to thrive -like mushrooms in prolific numbers,—that of so-called -<i>commercial brigands</i> or <i>financial buccaneers</i> who, under -fascinating and attractive names, such as mining syndicates with their -fabulous deposits of gold, offering bucketfuls of shares for a dime; -banking and building loan associations, with palatial homes thrown in -gratis to every subscriber; promoters of illusionary inventions, -seeking shareholders, which would make them millionaires in the -twinkling of an eye.</p> -<p class="par">Alchemists who, with their artful empyrics of -legerdemain, transmuted base metals into gold, and were willing to -dispose of their precious wares for pennies; Wall Street and race-track -spiders posing as benevolent philanthropists, scattering fortunes right -and left to every applicant, sapped the avaricious, sottish public of -its dearly bought earnings. Strange to say, despite many colossal -exposures and failures, as these adroit swindlers grew more subtle and -audacious, the more the gambling-crazed public rushed to their -destruction.</p> -<p class="par">The effect was appalling. In consequence <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb40" href="#pb40" name="pb40">40</a>]</span>of the -depredations of these pirates of industries, the reputable business and -financial firms were the greatest sufferers. Their legitimate -transactions were paralyzed to such a tremendous degree that they were -compelled to devise ways and means to counteract its evils. In 1908, -after mature deliberation at a general convention in Washington, it was -decided to raise ample funds and create a bureau under the auspices of -the Federal Government called the <i>Bureau of Frauds and Swindles</i>. -The duties imposed upon its officers were the ferreting out and -prosecuting of the wild-cat schemes and to warn the public against -them.</p> -<p class="par">The measure, being approved by the National Government, -had the desired effect of freeing to a great degree the financial world -from its parasites of industrial malefactors, and to some extent -established again the stability and integrity of honorable financiers, -in the meanwhile safeguarding foolish persons from being fleeced out of -their savings.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1902</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Cataclysm at Martinique</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">St. Pierre, Martinique, was destroyed by a -volcanic eruption of Mount Peleé, on the <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb41" href="#pb41" name="pb41">41</a>]</span>eighth -day of May. In a few minutes more than thirty thousand human beings -were hurled into eternity.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1908</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Mormon Question</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The anti-plural wives laws were enforced to the -letter. Its emphatic application to all members of the sect was brought -about principally by the Women’s Clubs, whose persistent and -overwhelming aggressiveness played an important factor in the stamping -out of this demoralizing and materialistic religion. In this era of -civilization the existence of a religious organization of this -character, like a cancerous growth, was threatening to debase womanhood -and lead the communities to unbridled licentiousness.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1909</h3> -<h3 class="main">Capital and Labor</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Every new movement, be it religious, political or -economic, has its birth like a volcano, and unionism was no exception -to this rule. The labor unions at first had their violent agitators -who, possessing greater physical than mental calibre, laid the crude -foundation of a <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb42" href="#pb42" name= -"pb42">42</a>]</span>force in an arbitrary manner that consequently had -its gradual evolution of development.</p> -<p class="par">Their constant conflicts with capital were characterized -by an unreasonable amount of physical argument which resulted in more -or less disastrous denouements, but these very acts of lawlessness and -disturbances awakened a third party, the consumers in general, who were -equally affected by the disturbances between capital and labor and -brought about a realization of the true relative positions.</p> -<p class="par">Labor certainly has its unalienable rights and was -entitled to due consideration and justice. However, like the negative -and positive poles of electricity, which are both essential in order -that a circuit of effective force be generated, capital and labor -likewise had their dual relative values of importance, without which -there could be no constancy of harmonious production.</p> -<p class="par">By the gradual awakening of both capital and labor to -their true limitations, the questions involved began to assume a more -intelligent basis under the codes of arbitration. At the same time the -violent agitators of labor were succeeded in the trend of this onward -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb43" href="#pb43" name= -"pb43">43</a>]</span>development by more intelligent organizers. These -latter were merged into accomplished, rational leaders and, through the -efficient medium of the ballot box, into national representatives. -Consequently, the more dignified, orderly and responsible labor became, -the more the workers became entitled to the benefits of their -labor.</p> -<p class="par">A Department of Capital and Labor which, so far, had -been merely probationary now became a permanent institution at the -Capitol and in every State of the Union as well.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1910</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Expense of Living</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">It is one of the strangest inconsistencies of -social problems, that although political economists and scholars have -preached the doctrine, that inventions and improved methods in -mechanical lines contribute to the blessings of mankind by cheapening -the necessities of life, yet in spite of their plausible declarations, -the cost of living year by year grew higher and higher, entailing -untold suffering and despair among the poorer classes.</p> -<p class="par">The cause of this lamentable perversion was <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb44" href="#pb44" name="pb44">44</a>]</span>due to a -certain clique of unscrupulous progeny of Mammon, called trusts and -corporations, who, being blinded with an insatiable desire for pelf and -lust, and stupefied with a frenzied avarice, monopolized all the -necessities of life. The vast occidental domain of our country was of -unlimited resources and was capable of producing in abundance the -products which they “cornered.” The <i lang="la">modus -operandi</i> of their rapacious operations were manifold. They limited -the output of Nature’s bounty in order to keep them at -prohibitive values, and at the same time deprived hosts of sons of toil -of earning their livelihood. They kept at their inoperative -mercy—by their abominable tactics of purchase—the producer -from receiving his just share, and they also mulcted the helpless -consumer by the unlimited inflation of their capital stock and -fictitious expenses until at length the burden of their avarice became -unendurable.</p> -<p class="par">Although attempts have repeatedly been made by sincere -executives of the Nation, by the advocation of measures for curbing the -rapacity of these trusts, their endeavors met with failure on account -of the vague and flexible <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb45" href= -"#pb45" name="pb45">45</a>]</span>laws already in existence, and by the -array of sycophantic traitors in high circles who prevented any -legislation which was conducive to the tranquility and welfare of the -masses. At last, only after a series of sanguinary demonstrations by -the people which almost endangered the stability of the republic, they -were compelled to yield.</p> -<p class="par">By the passage of clearly defined laws the career of -their nefarious system of spoliation was brought to an end. One of the -most efficacious laws passed was the creation of a body of competent -men of supreme power who appraised approximately the capitalization of -these concerns and licensed them as such under oath. The States in the -meantime assumed the power of fixing a maximum value for which their -commodities might be placed on the market. By the above legislations -the inflation of their capital and extortion from the consumer were -made securely impossible.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1911</h3> -<h3 class="main">Death of an Eminent Scholar</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Professor Henry Richfield, a profound scholar, and -the author of “How to Get Rich”—a <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb46" href="#pb46" name= -"pb46">46</a>]</span>ponderous work in twelve octavo -volumes—passed away in an attic, in abject penury and -squalor.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1912</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Annihilation of Mosquitoes</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Although the mortality statistics in the United -States for last year reached the round number of two million persons -from various diseases, among them chiefly from consumption, pneumonia, -typhoid fever and epidemics of smallpox and diphtheria, a few sporadic -cases of death were recorded resulting from mosquito bites, which gave -grave concern to the medical fraternity.</p> -<p class="par">The outcome of this alarm was the calling of a general -conference of bacteriological experts. The mosquito, that had hitherto -enjoyed unbridled freedom since the creation of his race, was now -looked upon as the arch enemy of mankind. A noted philanthropist, -interested in oil wells and having on hand a great bulk of unmarketable -crude petroleum, donated a large sum for research in order to discover -ways and means of curbing the ravages of these nefarious pests which -threatened the annihilation of the human race. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb47" href="#pb47" name="pb47">47</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">It was decided by the savants, that the distribution of -crude petroleum in stagnant pools and humid marshes, was the only -effective method for the extermination of mosquito life. The -distribution of greenbacks for their valuable services, -(notwithstanding the fact that under the microscope they were found to -contain two hundred and fifty-seven diseases and thirty-eight million -microbes to the square inch), were grabbed with unprecedented avidity -by these same specialists.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1913</h3> -<h3 class="main">Child Labor</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The dwarfing and crippling of the mental, moral -and physical growth of tender children, by the avaricious employers, -and its baleful consequence of peopling the community with moral and -bodily degenerates, devoid of the desirable elements of good -citizenship, had become so appallingly flagrant that a general -sentiment of the people was aroused in a mighty protest to the Federal -authorities.</p> -<p class="par">Thanks to the aggressive and strenuous legislative -warfare of Labor Unions in every State, aided by the persistent moral -agitation <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb48" href="#pb48" name= -"pb48">48</a>]</span>of Women’s Clubs all over the country, child -labor was entirely abolished in many channels of industries, such as -mills, factories, collieries and plantations. In more gentle -occupations the employment of minors, was placed on a healthier and -more humane basis than had ever before been the case.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1914</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Great Radium Swindle</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The fabulously high price of this metal had -awakened the cupidity of a coterie of adroit schemers who, had palmed -off on unsuspecting men of science, a rank substitute which cost only a -trifle to manufacture.</p> -<p class="par">After securing an enormous sum of money, the schemers -had decamped to parts unknown.</p> -<p class="par">It was discovered that the spurious metal thus disposed -was nothing more than a highly compressed form of phosphorous.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1915</h3> -<h3 class="main">Death of an Eminent Physician</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Dr. Wisehardt, the brilliant young physician and -surgeon who discovered the electro-magnetic germ-cells of life, and -invented methods to prolong life itself by the cultivation of these -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb49" href="#pb49" name= -"pb49">49</a>]</span>cells, died in the 27th year of his age from -premature senility.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1916</h3> -<h3 class="main">A Tidal Wave</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The most memorable event of this year was a -gigantic tidal wave of tremendous height, which swept over the lower -coast of Florida. In a few minutes it inundated and destroyed a vast -area of the coast, doing incalculable damage to shipping. It was -estimated that nearly fifteen thousand persons lost their lives in this -cataclysm.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1917</h3> -<h3 class="main">War Between United States and Columbia</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The stubborn attitude of the Central American -Republic, Columbia, towards the United States, by her menacing -antagonism to the construction of the interoceanic canal, gradually -created a breach of the peace that led ultimately to a forcible -demonstration by the United States, and precipitated the invasion by -the latter of the Republic of Panama.</p> -<p class="par">Peace was re-established after a crushing defeat of the -Columbians. The famous waterway, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb50" -href="#pb50" name="pb50">50</a>]</span>the Republic of Panama, then -became United States territory, by annexation.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1918</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Women’s Clubs</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The Women’s Clubs which, during their first -inception, were the subject of much ridicule, and the proceedings of -their meetings a theme for ribald jokes in the secular press, gradually -developed into such gigantic proportions that their influence became a -powerful factor in every public question of the day, and in fact so -continues unabated unto this day.</p> -<p class="par">The last Federal statistics show more than two thousand -Institutions in the form of sanitariums, refuges, technical schools of -practical utility, entirely under the auspices of Club Women. The -constitutions of these laudable organizations “invariably stand -for something which is ennobling” and their achievements are -monumental tributes to the upward trend of womanhood.</p> -<p class="par">There was, however, a crucial period in their affairs -worth mentioning. Some of these noble but over-zealous women of that -period, in their exuberant enthusiasm for woman’s rights, -forgetting <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb51" href="#pb51" name= -"pb51">51</a>]</span>the limitations of their sex,—considered by -the greatest thinkers of the past ages to be the sphere of -Home,—agitated a propaganda of political equality or suffrage -and, from time to time, created a stir among their organizations until -at last, in 1918, the National Federation of Women’s Clubs -decided to hold a conclave in order to decide the following momentous -question: “Should Women Enter Politics?”</p> -<p class="par">More than four thousand five hundred delegates from all -over the Union assembled at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. -Sympathizers of the suffragists with their eloquence tried to railroad -through a measure in their behalf, but equally able leaders of the -opposition—benefitted by the warning of Sages—succeeded in -counterbalancing the efforts of their fair antagonists.</p> -<p class="par">After a heated symposium the question was put to a vote, -which resulted decisively in a victory for those who opposed the -movement. It was further voted, that they should confine all their -energies to civic, educational and humanitarian channels and things -pertaining to Home. This was a most happy and wise decision, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb52" href="#pb52" name= -"pb52">52</a>]</span>for the world at large needs mothers who will -beget and nurse a Florence Nightingale, a Clara Barton, a Washington or -a Lincoln, rather than mothers who would become a Jezebel, a Delilah or -a Cleopatra.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1919</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Tornado</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">A cyclonic tornado of intense velocity and -destructive force struck New York City, demolishing in its path, in the -shape of a semi-circle from the Battery to Twenty-third Street, West, -two hundred and seventy-five buildings. Fortunately, the day being a -holiday, the loss of life was comparatively small.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1920</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Power of the Press</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Through emancipation from its shackles of -monarchic censorship and subserviency to despotic masters, the upward -rise of the Press to usefulness and power was without a -parallel—a power to which even Napoleon Bonaparte was sensible -when he said, “I fear three newspapers more than a hundred -thousand bayonets.” But like everything else in the universe, the -Press also had its dual potentiality. <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb53" href="#pb53" name="pb53">53</a>]</span>Like a two-edged sword, -it could be wielded for good or evil. In the bands of an unscrupulous -politician it was a treacherous weapon, while in the control of the -righteous citizen a tremendous power for good.</p> -<p class="par">Thus the Press for many decades, subsidized by the -traitorous capitalist and under the guise of a pious mask, catered to -the evil designs of the plutocracy until the gradual awakening of the -people through the independent press at last understood their -hypocrisy.</p> -<p class="par">The independent press, however, attained its highest -degree of efficiency by the establishment of the College of Journalism. -Its foundation slogan, <i>publicity</i> on all political and economic -questions, had created a force of trained journalists—a force -“mightier than the sword” and in a manner far more -penetrating than the X-ray—pledged to defend the rights of the -citizens. By an educational propaganda it taught the masses how to -eradicate existing evils by the mere exercise of their unalienable -right, the ballot box. Indeed in a government “of the people, for -the people and by the people,” resort to force or revolution was -absolutely unnecessary, while these two <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb54" href="#pb54" name="pb54">54</a>]</span>most effectual weapons -the world had ever seen, the voting power and the free press, were at -their command.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1921</h3> -<h3 class="main">Balloons and Airships</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Strange to say, from the time of Archytas of -Tarantum to Otto Lilienthal, and from <span class="corr" id="xd22e850" -title="Source: Montgoflier">Montgolfier</span> Bros. to Santos Dumont, -Bell, Maxim and Langley, very little or no progress had been made in -practical and safe aerial navigation.</p> -<p class="par">Though all these inventors, whether cranks with a -smattering of mechanical knowledge, or veritable savants and -scientists, efficient in physics according to their own accounts, had -studied the subject of aerial flight from the fowls of the air, the -failure of their experiments showed that they were far from grasping -the mysteries of that subtle sagacity and subconsciousness of the -birds, by which they balanced themselves against the currents and -velocity of the winds, and by their intuitive sensitiveness, utilized -to the fullest extent their vast number of muscles and feathers with -such marvelous subtlety. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb55" href= -"#pb55" name="pb55">55</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Like the Italian alchemist in the middle ages, who had -constructed the wings of his flying machine with feathers gathered from -a dunghill, and who, when attempting to fly, had found himself dumped, -by a strange sympathetic affinity, on the very dunghill from which he -had gathered the feathers, the efforts likewise, of these illustrious -experimenters were crowned by successful failures, by a similar force -of attraction, their apparatus either alighting on the branches of -trees, or diving into the waters like ducks.</p> -<p class="par">At the beginning of the 20th Century, the consensus of -scientific opinion had reached the conclusion, that the successful -flying machine of the future would be one, which would be heavier than -air and with either a very small balloon or none at all. The various -forms of balloons and flying craft, exhibited at the St. Louis -exposition became an incentive for renewed efforts by scientists to -solve the problem of aerial flight and continued with unremitting zest -for nearly a quarter of a century.</p> -<p class="par">It was in the early part of 1919 that the science of -aeronautics was radically improved by the discovery of a process for -hardening <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb56" href="#pb56" name= -"pb56">56</a>]</span>and soldering of Aluminum, by which comparatively -light but strong framework and machinery were constructed, and thus -gradually the elimination of inflated balloons had become possible.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1922</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Flood in Mississippi Valley</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In the spring of this year the Mississippi Valley -was flooded and submerged by terrible cloudbursts which, combined with -melting of snows on the mountains, and subsequent bursting of dams and -levees, devastated a vast area. According to records the lives lost in -the inundated districts reached the total of sixty thousand.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1923</h3> -<h3 class="main">Uniform Divorce Laws</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The unprecedented increase of divorces all over -the United States and the attendant scandalous proceedings at the -courts had reached such a maximum, and its baneful influence on the -public morals had developed into such a point of danger that, a great -awakening among the clergy and lawmakers of the nation was <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb57" href="#pb57" name="pb57">57</a>]</span>the -result. At a conclave of representatives of the legal profession from -every State in the Union, was promulgated a uniform divorce law for the -United States of America.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1924</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Zionist Movement<br> -or<br> -The Bursting of the Zion Bubble</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The Zionist movement which for thirty years past -gained more than two million converts and within that period had -collected more than fifteen million dollars, was declared impracticable -and illusionary!</p> -<p class="par">The estimable originators of this sentimental movement, -<span class="corr" id="xd22e893" title="Source: Herzle">Herzl</span>, -Nordau, Zangwill and others, although beyond the shadow of a doubt -sincere and well-meaning, through the intensity of their zeal for the -amelioration of their less fortunate brethren, were entirely -blindfolded to the intricacies of politics and the eventful history of -the Jewish race, from an ethnological and psychological point of -view.</p> -<p class="par">Some of these true yet misguided philanthropists had -passed away and other leaders, less impressed with the object of the -society, had <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb58" href="#pb58" name= -"pb58">58</a>]</span>taken their places. As the Jews are not a pioneer -race, the magnanimous scheme of the British government to place them -upon a tract of virgin soil at Uganda, in Central Africa, for the -purpose of colonization proved chaotic failure, on account of both -sociological and economic reasons.</p> -<p class="par">The idea also of establishing a Jewish principality in -Palestine, under an absolutely despotic and semi-barbarous -government—which butchered her subjects <i lang="la">ad -libitum</i>—was so ridiculous in the extreme, that the questions -had become the laughing stock at the political <i lang="la">sanctus -sanctorums</i> of various governments.</p> -<p class="par">In 1923 a tremendous agitation was brought about by the -leaders of the opposition, and those in power of the movement were -challenged to public debate. The question grew to such proportions that -it became a subject for discussion in every orthodox and gentile pulpit -In the press, sociologists, ethnologists and anthropologists took part -in the ephemeral arena and analyzed every phase of the subject, -relating to the Hebrew race and the Zionist movement, laying bare every -fact without reserve. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb59" href="#pb59" -name="pb59">59</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">It was stated by the opposition that though a stream of -money had been pouring in from every quarter of the globe year after -year, for the cause, no result as yet had been obtained, that great -sums had been spent in salaries of the officials and at the -dilly-dallying, corrupt courts of the Turkish Sultan.</p> -<p class="par">A learned sociologist likened the Hebrews to a parasitic -plant, which derived its existence from the living sap of another. -“An Israelite” he declared, “can only exist favorably -amongst civilized centres of Christian and gentile communities; that -whenever a colony of Hebrews were isolated by themselves, they would -inevitably and gradually retrograde, impoverish and at last form a -ghetto of misery and squalor.”</p> -<p class="par">Another ethnologist of repute expounded the fact, that -the Jews were the life and essence of commercial activity and -consequently formed an integral part of a prosperous <span class="corr" -id="xd22e917" title="Source: common-wealth">commonwealth</span>. -Sublimely industrious, instinctively provident and economical by -nature, the Jews were persecuted because of their inherent virtues. He -proved by clever historical documents, that their expulsion from -Babylon, Egypt, Spain, Russia or wherever their rights <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb60" href="#pb60" name="pb60">60</a>]</span>were -abrogated, were the fundamental causes of the decadence of these -countries from which they were expelled.</p> -<p class="par">Others accused the Hebrews of perverting the Golden -Rule, of taking advantage of others by their inborn instinct of -commercial sagacity, which well nigh approached unscrupulousness and -that, being a mere commercial people, their patriotism could well be -challenged. Many others advised, however, a propaganda of judicious -assimilation of the Israelite with the Christians, contending that the -sum total of their virtues and faults was the same as that of their -Christian brethren. Meanwhile they advised the Jews that -“wherever they lived they ought to make there, their Zions and -temples.”</p> -<p class="par">After much heated argument and discussion which occupied -several days, they at last arrived at the conclusion that the Zionist -movement was chimerical! The balance of the funds amounting to many -million dollars were voted for the establishment of technical and -commercial schools for Israelites and for a fund to aid the judicious -emigration of the Jews from ill-favored and congested districts to more -favorable localities. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb61" href="#pb61" -name="pb61">61</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1925–26</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Anglo-American Alliance</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The Anglo-American Alliance, by which these two -foremost nations of the earth were brought into a happy, fraternal -union, and for the achievement of which for nearly a quarter of a -century there had been a great effort, in this year had become an -accomplished fact!</p> -<p class="par">It was celebrated in a manner unprecedented in the -annals of the World’s history. Having a profound and far reaching -effect, it became an ultimatum for other nations to keep the peace, and -goaded them toward the adoption of similar laws, in order to secure the -same reciprocal blessings of universal brotherhood.</p> -<p class="par">Much credit was due to that eminent English statesman, -now Lord Cunningham, through whose tactful diplomacy this long-sought -commercial, social, offensive and defensive alliance became a reality. -“I am restrained,” said the Professor, looking in the -direction of Aurora Cunningham, “to avoid eulogizing him as he -justly deserves, for obvious reasons.”</p> -<p class="par">At this sentence the students, under the impulse of a -sudden admiration, arose to their <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb62" -href="#pb62" name="pb62">62</a>]</span>feet en masse, and, glancing -smilingly at Aurora, began rapturously to clap their hands.</p> -<p class="par">This interruption of sympathetic appreciation was -brought to a close, by a ringing cry of the Seminary yell: “Dee, -Dee, Ya, Ya, Na, Na, Diana. Hurrah! Hurrah!! Hurrah!!!”</p> -<p class="par">Aurora, blushing deeply, gracefully bowed her -acknowledgement and in due form the class was dismissed for the day. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb63" href="#pb63" name= -"pb63">63</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch5" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e226">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER V</h2> -<h2 class="main">The Fistic Duel</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The evening following the moonlight <span class= -"corr" id="xd22e956" title="Source: féte">fête</span>, a -little after sunset when the western sky, stained with a luminous -golden hue, had spread on verdant hills and valleys its radiance of -languorous serenity, two motor cyclists were speeding along on a -secluded path that led into the main highway, from the Diana Seminary -to the West Point Military Academy. The one in advance was wheeling in -a leisurely way, while the one behind exerted greater speed, as if in -pursuit of the other. He was gaining rapidly so that in a very few -minutes the foremost was overtaken, as they both reached a wooden -bridge, spanning a small body of water.</p> -<p class="par">Both came suddenly to a stop and dismounted. They were -Professor Cielo Allenson and Carlos Don Seville. Don Seville, stung by -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb64" href="#pb64" name= -"pb64">64</a>]</span>the rebuke which the Professor had administered to -him the night previous at the Seminary, had decided to take the -cowardly course of waylaying the instructor, in this lonely path, in -order to avenge himself for the righteous verbal punishment the latter -had given him.</p> -<p class="par">Carlos Don Seville was a degenerate scion of a once -noble Spanish family, who had settled in the United States and, like -many such offspring, was engaged in sowing his wild oats. Financially -dependent on a small income, he was always at his wit’s end in -order to secure money with which to continue his reckless profligacy. -Being inherently foolish and improvident, he always had the illusion -that some day “something would turn up,” and encouraged by -this belief he had recourse to gambling and speculation. As soon as he -received his dwindled allowance, he made himself a willing prey of card -sharps and get-rich-quick brigands.</p> -<p class="par">Lately, however, he had conceived the idea of marrying -an heiress, and for that purpose he was hovering about Diana Seminary, -annoying the young ladies by his unsolicited attentions, or by brazen -audacity intruding unceremoniously <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb65" -href="#pb65" name="pb65">65</a>]</span>upon their receptions. His -snobbish mendacity reached its climax when at the night of the -moonlight <span class="corr" id="xd22e969" title= -"Source: soiree">soirée</span> he accosted Aurora and Margaret -at the intermission of the dance, while they were sauntering arm-in-arm -along the parterre to a trysting nook.</p> -<p class="par">Notwithstanding Margaret’s bold declaration of the -previous day, that she wanted to give the “Jewsky” a piece -of her mind, the feminine temerity and reserve had taken possession of -her. The minute they saw him advance they took to their heels, and -scampered back with appealing gestures toward Professor Allenson who, -divining at once the situation, came gallantly to their rescue, giving -Don Seville a scathing reprimand and commanding him to depart, -“unless he desired,” announced the Professor, “to be -skinned alive by the war dogs of the Military Academy.”</p> -<p class="par">Don Seville, frightened and abashed, beat an inglorious -retreat and disappeared.</p> -<p class="par">Professor Cielo Allenson, better known at the Military -Academy as the “Old Guard,” was a venerable man past -seventy. He had a highly intellectual countenance and his silvery white -hair and patriarchal beard gave him <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb66" -href="#pb66" name="pb66">66</a>]</span>a noble dignity which commanded -respect. His strenuous virility and inexhaustible energy was ever a -lesson and a rebuke to the many indolent youths who came in contact -with him. He was a philosopher of the first rank and an intense lover -of nature. Imbued with the deeper knowledge of the subtle workings of -natural phenomena, “he could not draw a line,” he would -say, “between the manifestations of human, animal and vegetable -kingdoms.”</p> -<p class="par">“Halt you d——d old cur! I demand no -apology, but satisfaction,” snarled Don Seville abruptly, his -face livid with anger.</p> -<p class="par">For a second the Professor was taken aback. But in that -very second, through his intuitive and resourceful mind flashed the -fact that he was “cornered.” He was not a man easily -frightened, for as a Major of Volunteers during the Panama and -Columbian trouble, and while in his teens, he had led on his handful of -men up the hills against the ramparts of the enemy.</p> -<p class="par">But a problem which required instantaneous solution was -now presented to him by Carlos Don Seville. It was a problem which -neither diplomacy, moral persuasion nor flight of oratory <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb67" href="#pb67" name="pb67">67</a>]</span>could -solve. He realized in that very second that the only way out of this -difficulty was to take the coward at his word. It was to be a fistic -encounter to the finish.</p> -<p class="par">“Apology, I have none to offer you sir, and am -ready to give you such satisfaction as you desire,” replied the -old man with a dignified firmness.</p> -<p class="par">A remarkable change had taken place in the person of -Cielo Allenson. That venerable and spirituelle individual had been -transformed in a twinkling of an eye, into a grim and determined -looking animal, and like an expert gladiator of the fistic arena, he -took the attitude of self-defense.</p> -<p class="par">The “ring” constituted the platform of the -wooden bridge, the side rails of which served as the partial ropes. -There were no seconds to goad their favorites into action, no referee -to decide the doubtful or unlawful blows, no gong to mark the rounds, -nor time-keeper to count the defeated out of action. In the languorous -glow of the twilight their shadows, reflected in black silhouettes in -the placid waters below, were the only silent witnesses of this -remarkable encounter. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb68" href="#pb68" -name="pb68">68</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The contest was constant and in the vernacular of -pugilism, superbly game, fast and furious! After the acceptance of the -challenge there was no parley between them, but by a sudden rush, Don -Seville with his right hand landed a hammering blow on the -Professor’s skull, which the latter parried with his left with -dexterous agility and thus saved a crisis, for if left unchecked the -blow would have reached his “solar plexus.” In rapid -succession the fight continued, Don Seville taking the aggressive and -the Professor acting more in self-defense. However, as often as -opportunity presented, the latter put in a few well aimed jabs, here -and there, on the vital points of Don Seville’s anatomy. At the -same time it was apparent that Don Seville was getting the best of the -contest. The venerable Professor unused to long continued strain of the -kind, began to experience difficulty in breathing, and this did not -escape Don Seville’s observation. Shortly, however, a remarkable -change was visible; the Professor seemed to grow stronger with each -onslaught he made. He had gained his so-called “second -wind” thereby recouping his adroitness and elasticity. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb69" href="#pb69" name= -"pb69">69</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">With the consummate skill of a scientific boxer, several -times he feigned signs of weakness, by giving false openings, of which -his infuriated antagonist attempted to avail himself, thinking the -Professor to be on the verge of collapse, only to receive in return -several well directed right and left swings on the jaw. These staggered -Don Seville to his knees, but he was allowed to rise to his feet by the -generous tolerance of the Professor, and the consciousness of this -humility caused him to wage the attack with reckless fury. With vulgar -oaths he began to resort to foul tactics, trying to hit the defender -beyond the limits of decent pugilism.</p> -<p class="par">Don Seville’s endurance had now come to its end. -His youth, dissipated by debauchery, was undermined of its stability, -and in spite of the wide disparity of ages the old man had Don Seville -absolutely in his power. It was time, he thought, to terminate these -proceedings, so distasteful and undignified to him, but the only way he -saw was, to lay aside the tactics of self defense, and adopt those of a -punitive retaliation.</p> -<p class="par">With keen alertness he watched for an opportunity -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb70" href="#pb70" name= -"pb70">70</a>]</span>and when Don Seville, almost crazed with anger, -rushed on him for a clinch, entirely oblivious of the intention of the -Professor, the latter gave a sudden shift to his position by swinging -his body away from his antagonist Don Seville blindly followed him in -his determination of a desperate onslaught. It was then that the -venerable Allenson shot out a driving “right upper cut” to -the jaw.</p> -<p class="par">This was the finale! Don Seville staggered to the rails -and toppling over fell with a splash into the limpid waters below.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e1010width"><img src="images/p070.jpg" alt= -"The Final Blow" width="340" height="455"> -<p class="figureHead">The Final Blow</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The Professor promptly jumped down the embankment and -pulled out his still unconscious adversary. If abandoned in that -condition the young man might have drowned in the shallow waters. The -Professor began to do all in his power to restore him to consciousness; -just at that time a farmhand on horseback appeared on the scene, and by -his aid the Academy ambulance was summoned and Don Seville was taken to -the military hospital. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb71" href="#pb71" -name="pb71">71</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch6" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e235">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER VI</h2> -<h2 class="main">Historical Events of the 20th Century<br> -(<i>Concluded</i>)</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">A subdued applause greeted the Professor the next -day when he entered the lecture room to conclude his review of events -of the 20th Century. Many floral bouquets were tossed to him by his -fair admirers, who were augmented from the other classes, on account of -the full detail of his encounter with Don Seville having been spread -throughout the Seminary.</p> -<p class="par">The Professor, despite some discoloration on his benign -visage, flushed crimson like a bashful child and bowed his -acknowledgements, as he began his discourse thus:</p> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1927</h3> -<h3 class="main">Colonization of Central Africa</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">A system of general colonization on a large scale -was, during this year, undertaken by the <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb72" href="#pb72" name="pb72">72</a>]</span>British Government. By a -new homestead law, embodying liberal inducements, a vast army of -colonists from all over the British dominions were transported to -Central Africa. Thousands upon thousands of persons from the congested -districts of London, Glasgow, Liverpool and other large cities, were -persuaded to leave their limited surroundings and uncongenial -atmosphere, and go to the promising new land, teeming with boundless -opportunities.</p> -<p class="par">Almost the entire inhabitants of the isolated islands of -the Shetlands and Orkneys, who led an indolent life and eked a meagre -existence by fisheries, joined this grand trek to Central Africa. Many -thousands from the Canadian provinces and from the United States of -America joined this exodus, as did also thousands from the East Indies. -The thorough and admirable manner in which this laudable movement was -handled mitigated the hardships of transportation, and thus within a -few years more than five million, poor, homeless and indolent people -were given homesteads of their own, awakening them into energy and -thrift. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb73" href="#pb73" name= -"pb73">73</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Within a decade the population of Central Africa reached -the grand total of 25,000,000 industrious, loyal citizens, forming a -flourishing dependency, enjoying home rule and liberty, under the -protection of British laws and arms.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1928</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Conflagration of the Atlantic Ocean</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">One of the most wonderful and at the same time -awful conflagrations of its kind on record in the history of the world, -was that of the apparent burning of the Atlantic Ocean, covering an -area one hundred and fifty miles wide. It started in the Gulf of Mexico -and, like a prairie fire, only a thousand times more furious, this -floating furnace consumed scores of vessels that came into its fiery -path.</p> -<p class="par">A few weeks previous to this awful holocaust, the -petroleum wells in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana had run dry, on -account of a severe earthquake. It was argued by scientists that, by -some subterranean convulsions the oil well fissures had shifted their -course, into the waters of the gulf, and the vast accumulation of the -inflammable fluid, floating on the ocean<span class="corr" id= -"xd22e1054" title="Not in source">,</span> had <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb74" href="#pb74" name="pb74">74</a>]</span>been -ignited, either by an electric spark during a thunderstorm, or by some -combustible being thrown from a sailing craft.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1929</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Court of Labor</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In this year was completed and dedicated the Court -of Labor at Washington. This was an imposing building, in which all the -momentous labor problems were discussed before a tribunal of -disinterested justices, through the able representatives of each -faction, without resorting to disastrous strikes, lockouts and -disturbances of public comfort.</p> -<p class="par">One of the most remarkable features of this Court of -Arbitration was, the colossal group erected between the two grand -entrances to the building. This was not a semi-nude female figure with -bandaged eyes, holding in her hand the conventional pair of scales, but -a Herculean figure of Uncle Sam with his starry hat and glorious chin -whiskers, having three faces, three eyes and three arms. Before him -were a group of three figures which represented respectively -<i>Capital</i>, <i>Consumer</i> and <i>Labor</i>. In each figure were -his eyes wide open and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb75" href="#pb75" -name="pb75">75</a>]</span>alert, bent with searching scrutiny upon the -person in front, to whom he dispensed the just share of each, from a -huge cornucopia at his feet.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1930</h3> -<h3 class="main">Landlordism In America</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">One of the most scandalous evils which had crept -gradually in the United States, and eventually became a source of grave -anxiety to the government, was a system of Landlordism amongst the very -rich. While the general public were slumbering in blissful ignorance, -this coterie of avaricious syndicates and multi-millionaires had -mysteriously become possessors of vast tracts of lands, in every state -of the Union. Some of these holdings comprised hundreds and thousands -of square miles in extent.</p> -<p class="par">Miles and miles of shore-fronts, immense areas of -forests, whole mountains and lakes, through the conniving, corrupt -state and county officials, had passed into the hands of private -individuals who, in return had become extremely arrogant in their -treatment of the public, by unreasonable restriction. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb76" href="#pb76" name="pb76">76</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">There seemed to be a mocking sarcasm in the fact when -common people sang the National Anthem “America,” -celebrating its hills and rills, while at every turn of the road, at -every shore-front, lake, hill and valley, mountain and forests, the -forbidding sign, “No Trespassing Under Penalty,” met their -eyes, or the repulsive muzzle of the Winchester was thrust into their -faces by private watchmen.</p> -<p class="par">This state of affairs had reached such desperate -straits, that the public suddenly awakened on the subject. It started -first by the protest of the rougher element in the mountain districts, -who defied the hired authorities with an organized force. The people -committed acts of violence and incendiarism it is true, but by their -overt acts they awakened the dormant public to realize the enormity of -this scandalous condition of deeding away to millionaires, without the -consent of the commonwealth, the common and inalienable heritage of its -citizens.</p> -<p class="par">By a unanimous uprising and public mandate the Federal -and State authorities were compelled to condemn and confiscate these -stolen public lands. New laws were then enacted by which the acquiring -of extensive <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb77" href="#pb77" name= -"pb77">77</a>]</span>lands was limited, except for agricultural -purposes.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1931</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Discovery of the North Pole</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The North Pole, that mysterious geographical -locality which for centuries had baffled scientists and explorers, was -located and verified by the combined efforts of American and British -Governments. The expedition was on a gigantic scale, the force of the -explorers being in round numbers two thousand five hundred persons who -by a system of depots and rendez-vous for supplies, formed almost a -continuous chain.</p> -<p class="par">All the latest devices in the form of dynamo-vans and -motor-sleds, with balloon attachments were employed in the undertaking. -Strange to say the casualties did not exceed more than ten per cent of -the expeditionary force. It was discovered, to the great surprise of -scientists, that the locality was nothing more than a plateau, studded -with cones of ice!</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1932</h3> -<h3 class="main">Cure for Laziness</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The discovery, by an American, of a germicide -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb78" href="#pb78" name= -"pb78">78</a>]</span>for indolence was announced during this year, by -which lethargic persons were regenerated into acute activity. It was a -concentrated double extract of pitch-blend, containing the radio active -element, and when applied to certain parts of the body, it -instantaneously transformed the feeling of laziness and ennui, into one -of hustling energy and alertness.</p> -<p class="par">The negroes of the Southern States, the natives of -tropical countries and also officials in the police departments of -large cities, were the ones benefitted by this “golden medical -discovery!”</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1933</h3> -<h3 class="main">Capital Punishment</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The abolishment of capital punishment in many -States of the Union, through the impulsive sentimentality of a -minority, had given birth to an old time evil, that of feudalism. It -was well for people preaching mercy for murderers, when somebody else -was the victim, but when the crime was perpetrated against one of their -homes, their feelings were entirely changed. The increase of vendetta -was the result, and it occurred with such a lamentable <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb79" href="#pb79" name="pb79">79</a>]</span>degree -of frequency, that the old uncontrovertible Mosaic law, blood for -blood, and life for life was re-established.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1934</h3> -<h3 class="main">Abolition of Hereditary Titles In England</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The agitation for the abolition of hereditary -titles in England caused a crisis in the political and social world of -Great Britain. The degeneracy of hereditary nobles, their utter -incapacity adequately to fill the positions left by their illustrious -ancestors, to the detriment and retrogression of the British -government, was the main cause of bringing about this bloodless -internecine revolution.</p> -<p class="par">Despite the most strenuous opposition by the friends of -the nobles, a new law was added to the revised Magna Charta, by an -overwhelming public demand. With few exceptions, it nullified the -existing titles, and elevated to peerage only worthy citizens for life, -on condition of the good behavior of the incumbent. This excellent law -brought fresh and saving blood into the political and civic life of -England. The movement precipitated the abandonment of the House of -Lords and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb80" href="#pb80" name= -"pb80">80</a>]</span>created in its stead a body called Senatorium, -whose members were elected by the tax-paying citizens.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1935</h3> -<h3 class="main">Blowing the Earth Into Fragments</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The most remarkable sensation of this year was -that of a German scientist and statistician who, after a thorough -investigation and mathematical calculation, announced his conclusions, -that it was in the range of collective human power, that is, by the -combined aid of labor, time, money and high explosives, to rend the -earth in twain, or into fragments, and thus create new planets in -space, producing new climatic conditions, fauna and life, adaptable to -their new positions in the solar system.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1937</h3> -<h3 class="main">An American Penal Colony</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The census of this year revealed an unprecedented -number of evil-doers, causing great anxiety to the Government. There -were recorded ninety-two thousand criminals in prisons and seventy-six -thousand paupers in the poor houses. This army of public charges cost -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb81" href="#pb81" name= -"pb81">81</a>]</span>the State authorities more than thirty million -dollars for their maintenance.</p> -<p class="par">At last by the stress of popular agitation the -government adopted a policy of penal colonization. Selecting a -desirable island in the Philippines, the Federal authorities succeeded -in transporting to the island, within three years, and with half the -cost of their maintenance at home, one hundred thousand of these -unfortunate malefactors.</p> -<p class="par">Here, they were given every facility and aid, for -acquiring and building of homes, farms and factories, and within ten -years, under a wise military administration more than half of that -number were reclaimed, forming a prosperous and loyal community in the -Eastern Hemisphere.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1938</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Great Telescope</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">With the munificent contributions to a general -fund, amounting to two million dollars, by the English, American and -French Governments, the greatest telescope which the world has ever -known was constructed in Paris. Its lenses measured more than two -meters in <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb82" href="#pb82" name= -"pb82">82</a>]</span>diameter which, combined with a mammoth revolving -camera obscura, brought the moon and some of the planets within the -range of visual observation, revealing on Venus and Mars the existence -of vegetation and moving objects.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1939</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Earth An Electric Motor</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Emil Flammarion, the worthy grandson of the -eminent French astronomer, demonstrated by an extremely clever -mechanical contrivance in Vacuo, that the Earth was merely an electric -Motor in space!</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1940</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Trend of Religious Thought</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Religious thought or spiritual belief is not an -invention of mortals. It is an inborn attribute of the human mind. -While man was in his savage or semi-barbarous stage, the ethical and -spiritual conceptions were correspondingly crude and religious warfare -predominated. With the advance of civilization its development kept -pace with it until at the dawn of the twentieth century it had -undergone, by natural evolution, a marked metamorphosis. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb83" href="#pb83" name="pb83">83</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">It gradually divested itself of its legendary mysticism, -fantastic dogmas and spectacular schisms, and all intelligent thinkers -promulgated a propaganda, not of external forms of worship, but those -uncontrovertible basic truths, which always will hold.</p> -<p class="par">It is true that in an era of commercial materialism -great masses of people embraced agnosticism and ethical culture, -rejecting that supernatural conception of a first cause of which they -claimed their limited intellect had a vague idea and was deeper than -the hazy human comprehension, yet, the shallow Ingersolian philosophy -of attacking a force—which filled millions with hope and goaded -them to self-sacrifice, mercy and charity—without substituting -something better, was repudiated by the intelligent, and appealed only -to the abnormal and the foolish.</p> -<p class="par">This tendency of materialism in religion continued -unabated, until the startling announcement of a German -scientist—who claimed it was within human power to rend the world -in twain—also the marvelous revelation through the mammoth -telescope—by which was discovered moving objects and vegetation -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb84" href="#pb84" name= -"pb84">84</a>]</span>in other planets—brought on an acute crisis. -A tremendous religious revival swept all over the world. It expanded -the mental horizon of human conceptions. The existence of living -organism in other spheres came within rational deductions. The possible -existence of beings far superior in intellect to ourselves, came within -the limit of legitimate theorizations, and the more men began to grasp -with the co-operation of science, the infinite vastness of the -universe, with its numberless millions of habitable worlds, the -probability of an intelligent force of vast creative power came within -the scope of human understanding.</p> -<p class="par">The forceful passage in the Holy Writ “that God -created man in his own image” became more and more lucid. -Consequently the pantheism of the old Greeks were revived with more -clearness, and the existence of a personal God somewhere in this -boundless universe appealed to multitudes with new zest.</p> -<p class="par">“Pray, Professor, what is your opinion of a first -cause?” ventured one of the students.</p> -<p class="par">“There are so many mysterious forces,” -answered the Professor, “that although we cannot see, yet we feel -their power and are <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb85" href="#pb85" -name="pb85">85</a>]</span>conscious of their results. And as our mortal -organism cannot conceive a thought which is beyond its own limitations, -the very idea of our thought of a first cause falls within the range of -human conceptions.</p> -<p class="par"><span class="corr" id="xd22e1199" title= -"Not in source">“</span>When we gaze at an automobile, which is -the creation of a creature, we see a wonderful parallelism; its -requirements to make it an active energy, bears a strong analogy of its -inventor, yet, an automobile with all its requirements for power -supplied, is a worthless mass, unless operated and guided by its -creator. Does not this vast universe with all its wonderful -manifestations suggest a creative force, which governs it?”</p> -<p class="par">“Albeit, it is not within my province nor in my -power to penetrate the veil” continued the Professor, looking up -in pensive mood. <span class="corr" id="xd22e1204" title= -"Not in source">“</span>But as the coral protoplasm begins its -edifice from the calcerous mire in the dark recesses of the ocean, -upwards through the murky and semi-transparent liquid, finally reaches -the pelucid surface, kisses the wave and sees the light, me-thinks -likewise, the spiritual perceptions of mankind which has grown from the -depths of savagery and through the maze of intolerance, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb86" href="#pb86" name="pb86">86</a>]</span>dogmas -and schisms, will go onward in its evolution and perhaps our posterity -will at last penetrate the mystic veil and see the -light,—God.<span class="corr" id="xd22e1209" title= -"Not in source">”</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div2 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main">1941</h3> -<h3 class="main">The Birthday Anniversary of Noted Centenarians</h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">“Lithia Bingham,” “Young Dr. -Bray” and “Sister Eddy” received the homage and -congratulations of millions of their admirers, on their hundred and -fiftieth birthday anniversary.</p> -<p class="par">The remarkable longevity of this trio of Methuselahs was -attributed, in the case of the two first mentioned, to their own -“cure all” concoctions, and the last, to her scientific -revelation of thinking that, there is no such thing as pain or -death!</p> -<p class="par">“In closing this review of historical -events,” said the Professor looking around the auditorium, -“there are a few other important happenings that bring us to the -present decade.</p> -<p class="par"><span class="corr" id="xd22e1224" title= -"Not in source">“</span>The remarkable decadence of Germany under -a Socialistic regime, a doctrine, that although theoretically seems to -be so desirably altruistic, convincing, and in poetry sounds so well, -but in practise has proved to be <span class="corr" id="xd22e1227" -title="Source: determental">detrimental</span> to a <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb87" href="#pb87" name="pb87">87</a>]</span>life of -strenuous efforts, and suicidal to individual -ambitions—conditions which are eminently essential to growing and -prosperous communities.</p> -<p class="par"><span class="corr" id="xd22e1233" title= -"Not in source">“</span>The consequent exodus of Teutons to other -parts of the world that promised freedom to independent action.</p> -<p class="par"><span class="corr" id="xd22e1237" title= -"Not in source">“</span>The political union of Spain and -Portugal.</p> -<p class="par"><span class="corr" id="xd22e1241" title= -"Not in source">“</span>The re-conquest by France of Alsace -Lorain.</p> -<p class="par"><span class="corr" id="xd22e1245" title= -"Not in source">“</span>The puerile uprising by a section of -Irish people against England are still fresh in our memory—and to -which most of you have been eye-witnesses—are some of the events -worthy of record.”</p> -<p class="par">Here the Professor, after a pause, changed his subject -to future possibilities and, presenting to the class in eloquent words -a glowing, optimistic picture of conditions for future generations, -brought his discussion to a close. When he stepped down from the -rostrum he was at once surrounded by the entire class and was tendered -an impromptu but agreeable reception. <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb88" href="#pb88" name="pb88">88</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch7" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e247">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER VII</h2> -<h2 class="main">The Regatta</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was still one great event before the closing -of the academic year of the Diana Seminary Seniors, in which the class -had taken extraordinary interest. It was the first time in the history -of the Seminary that students were to take part in aquatic sports -against male contestants. The day for the great handicap -regatta—a four-oared affair—between the Senior class of the -Seminary and the Sophomore class of the West Point Military Academy -followed directly after graduation,—the class grade being the -handicap allowed to the Seminary girls.</p> -<p class="par">Aurora and Margaret, after their avowal and covenant, -were again in normal condition, cheerful as of yore, and as they were -the most available pair for the aquatic contest, from the beginning -they had been chosen unanimously <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb89" -href="#pb89" name="pb89">89</a>]</span>as the exponents of the class of -1960, and they went into the execution of the sport with vim and -enthusiasm.</p> -<p class="par">As the event was a unique one, it had become the most -lively topic of conversation among the people, and long before it took -place had caused widespread interest in the country. Having been -advertised and exploited extensively in the daily press, it is needless -to say that an unusually large concourse of visitors had arrived by -land and water to witness the classic and unusual contest.</p> -<p class="par">The course of the race was laid near Poughkeepsie and -was in the shape of a heart, that is, starting at a given point, side -by side, they raced about half a mile abreast, then one crew turning to -port and the other to starboard, diverging in a parabolic circle, -passed each other in the center within a short distance of the starting -point, and making counter-circles started on the home run, again -abreast. (<i>See diagram, page <a href="#p090" class= -"pageref">90</a>.</i>)</p> -<p class="par">The personnel of the Seminary crew consisted of the -following young ladies: Aurora Cunningham, coxswain; Margaret -MacDonald, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb90" href="#pb90" name= -"pb90">90</a>]</span>stroke; Horatia Seymour, number one; Eunice Ward, -number two; and Norma Southworth at the bow.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e1277width" id="p090"><img src="images/p090.png" -alt="The “Diana” Course." width="238" height="264"> -<p class="figureHead"><i>The “Diana” Course.</i></p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">When the preliminary signal to make ready was given, -both the crews rowed gracefully to the starting ground and began to -manoeuvre. At the sharp report of the signal gun, the two shells shot -past the line almost abreast, amidst deafening acclamation from the -spectators on the shore and the shrill tooting and whistling -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb91" href="#pb91" name= -"pb91">91</a>]</span>of the sailing craft of every description that had -formed almost a compact circle around the course.</p> -<p class="par">The calm and pleasant weather had allowed the waters of -the Hudson to run as smooth as a looking-glass, except for the -turbulence caused by the ever restless pleasure boats thronged with -sightseers, each endeavoring to get a better vantage point of the -impending struggle. As the contest progressed, the interest of the -watchers began to increase. Thousands of field and marine glasses and -lorgnettes were leveled at the racers as they sped along the -course.</p> -<p class="par">The teams had now reached the point of divergence, and -had begun to recede from each other at every stroke on their parabolic -circuit, the boys turning to port and the girls to starboard. But alas! -Hardly had the Seminary shell advanced half a dozen strokes when, by -some unexpected and inexplicable accident, Margaret’s feet -slipped off the foot guard and, in an instant, she was thrown into the -waters of the Hudson, the shell meanwhile gliding swiftly by.</p> -<p class="par">Instantly the air was filled by a deafening <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb92" href="#pb92" name="pb92">92</a>]</span>cry of -dismay from the throats of thousands of eager spectators, coupled with -piercing whistles of the steamboats. What a moment of anguish for the -Diana Seminary girls! What a shocking sense of humiliation for the fair -contestants! To think that in an event so crucial for their honor and -standing, such an unforeseen disaster should overwhelm them!</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e1296width"><img src="images/p092.jpg" alt= -"On the “Homestretch”" width="366" height="559"> -<p class="figureHead">On the “Homestretch”</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">But fate was with them. It was decreed that such a -catastrophe should happen in order to heighten the grandeur of their -ultimate victory. While the spectators were still paralyzed with the -awful situation before them, there was activity and heroism among the -Diana mermaids in the shell. The instant Aurora with her alert eyes saw -Margaret’s mishap, she realized at once the situation and before -the shell had glided past, she leaned over and caught Margaret by the -hair. By the same impulsive and almost animal agility, Margaret grasped -Aurora’s arm and in another moment, with less loss of time than -would seem possible, she was again in the shell. In a twinkling of an -eye the breathless girl had resumed her place at the oar as if nothing -had happened.</p> -<p class="par">Aware of the loss of distance by this untoward -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb93" href="#pb93" name= -"pb93">93</a>]</span>accident, which was, in fact, more than four -boats’ length, but undismayed and as if invigorated by her -impromptu bath, in order to recover lost ground Margaret set the pace -at a higher speed and forged ahead with might and main. When the -throngs on land and water realized what had happened the din of -exultation and cheering was beyond description and this did not abate -until the race was finished. Overwrought by the sight of this heroic -exploit of the girls, men and women had become madly hysterical. When -the shells crossed each other at the half-mile stake it was seen that -the Seminary girls had recovered considerable ground, leaving a margin -of less than two boats’ length. Encouraged by the splendid -showing made, and goaded to endeavor by the rapturous applause of the -populace, Margaret and the rest of the crew seemed to gain new -strength. And when Aurora with the megaphone gave the order of -thirty-six strokes a minute, they set the pace with marvelous vigor and -precision, causing consternation among their masculine antagonists.</p> -<p class="par">On the completion of the second parabola of their -circuit and when coming on to the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb94" -href="#pb94" name="pb94">94</a>]</span>line for the homestretch, it was -noticeable that the Seminary shell was only a trifle behind.</p> -<p class="par">The crucial moment had come.</p> -<p class="par">They were now almost abreast on the homestretch. The -intensity of the exciting scene had for a moment cast a profound -silence upon the spectators. Every one was straining his eyes and neck -to see the momentous finish, only to break again into a bedlam of -rapturous shouting when the girls were seen to be in the lead. It was -indeed a sight never to be forgotten, when the Seminary shell shot past -the finish line a full boat’s length ahead, and the girls were -acclaimed by the populace as victors.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e1315width"><img src="images/p094.jpg" alt= -"The Winning Crew" width="313" height="388"> -<p class="figureHead">The Winning Crew</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">The intensity of the joy of the throng, and the plight -of their utter abandon, can be conjectured when it was discovered -afterwards that eight hundred and ninety-one ladies’ and two -thousand three hundred and seventy-nine gentlemen’s head-gear -were picked up in the Hudson. The next day and through the week -following, divers reaped a good harvest by bringing up from the -river’s bed one thousand three hundred and ninety-four field, -marine and opera glasses, and two hundred and seventy-five lorgnettes, -besides innumerable parasols <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb95" href= -"#pb95" name="pb95">95</a>]</span>and canes which the people in their -abandon had thrown about.</p> -<p class="par">This episode was the crowning glory of the Seminary and -the beginning of a new epoch in the history of this institution. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb96" href="#pb96" name= -"pb96">96</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch8" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e256">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER VIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Like a nebular comet in a far away constellation, -so mysterious in its orbit and composition, was Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, -who suddenly made his appearance in the suburbs of the cosmopolitan -city of B—— on Long Island. He occupied the spacious -mansion of a wealthy merchant, who had abandoned it for a more -comfortable lodge in the Adirondacks. Surrounded by somewhat neglected -clumps of pines and shrubberies, the establishment was entirely -isolated from the highway and most suitable for a man like the Hindoo -doctor, who seemed always to desire seclusion.</p> -<p class="par">In order to form an idea of his singular personality, a -brief description will perhaps enlighten the reader. He was tall, lank, -of swarthy complexion, endowed with a cyranesque proboscis and a -moustache which protruded <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb97" href= -"#pb97" name="pb97">97</a>]</span>like the tusks of a walrus. His -eyebrows resembled the moustache in miniature. His big greenish-yellow -eyes, with spacious white borders and cat-like pupils, were able to -bring to bear an intensely hypnotic gaze, which had an irresistible and -subjective power. As he was invariably attired in the picturesque -costume of his country, and from the fine texture of the silken turban -and embroidered robes, could easily be conjectured that he belonged to -a high caste and noble Hindoo family. He had a peculiar walk, -continually swerving from side to side as he moved, wriggling and -swinging his indispensable jessamine cane, which from its serpentine -convolutions looked as if it had been hardened while in -convulsions.</p> -<p class="par">The people of the neighborhood, although amused by his -strange antics, entertained great respect for him. To some, especially -to young people, he seemed a monstrosity. They had already nick-named -him the “Crazy Doctor.” Vague rumors circulated among the -gossip-loving residents that he was a political refugee, who, finding -his life in danger in India, had fled from his native land. But no one -doubted <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb98" href="#pb98" name= -"pb98">98</a>]</span>his ability as a physician and surgeon, for in a -short time he had founded a reputation that commanded respect.</p> -<p class="par">His cadaverous look, his strange hypnotic eye and -mysteriously eccentric movements, enhanced a hundredfold his reputation -rather than damaged it. Every one considered him a man of great -learning, a wizard in the science of healing and stood aghast -exclaiming wonderingly, “Whence cometh this mighty healing -power?”</p> -<p class="par">When Dr. Ben Raaba made his advent in B—— he -was accompanied by a robust, well-formed and intelligent-looking -Levantine Jew servant, Esau by name. This person minded his own -business, and proved himself to be a very discreet servant, never -divulging his master’s secrets to any outsider. A few months -after taking up their residence, however, the place resembled a private -menagerie. Scores of cats, dogs, of high and low degree, pigs and goats -of every size made their appearance.</p> -<p class="par">Dr. Hyder, notwithstanding various opinions of others, -was in reality a mysterious and remarkable man; despite his thorough -British education and extensive travels in foreign <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb99" href="#pb99" name="pb99">99</a>]</span>lands, -was a believer in the tenets of a Hindoo sect called the Saktian Yogis, -a believer of Mahadeva, whose spouse of a dual nature—spiritual -and material principles in one—has three qualities: first, -Dominion and Desire; second, Rectitude and Wisdom, with power to -control senses; and third, Violence and Passion.</p> -<p class="par">The Doctor, moreover, was conversant with all the Hindoo -mysticism and sciences, astronomy and magic. He was capable of -restraining respiration, besides being a natural born hypnotist of -great power. Modern practical medicine and surgery were also among the -Doctor’s accomplishments, as he had a seven year course in the -National University of Medicine of London.</p> -<p class="par">His appearances in public began to diminish gradually -after the various animals were received there, as he was engrossed in -his laboratory, engaged in some experiment in vivisection! Indeed, in -the dead of night, weird and uncanny sounds often emanated from the -inner recesses of his laboratory. Sometimes a piteous mew, or the -piercing caterwaul of felines, or the whining of dogs. At other -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb100" href="#pb100" name= -"pb100">100</a>]</span>times, the plaintive beating of a goat, the -squeaking of a goose or the squeal of a pig broke the silence of the -night, while at intervals, now and then, several owls on the roof gave -vent to their weird hootings.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e1356width"><img src="images/p100.jpg" alt= -"Hyder Ben Raaba and the Goat in the Garden" width="317" height="455"> -<p class="figureHead">Hyder Ben Raaba and the Goat in the Garden</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">This state of affairs naturally gave an awful aspect to -the place, and kept the inquisitive villagers at a distance, while the -mischievous youngsters gave the place no trouble from trespassing. The -only incident which reached the public was told by a precocious youth -who, with grim determination, strived to unravel the mysteries of the -place, on a cloudy night had crawled into the garden, climbed a tree, -and hidden himself until later on, when the full moon appeared above -the horizon and cast its hazy light through the clouds. Then an uncanny -sight was unfurled before his eyes; there, sitting under the shadow of -a weeping willow tree, the Hindoo Doctor, apparently, was in the act of -hypnotizing a goat, with weird gestures and incantations. Unnerved by -this strange sight, the intruder, losing his grip and footing, fell to -the ground. The hooting of an owl and a fiendish howl from the Doctor -gave the youth a further impetus <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb101" -href="#pb101" name="pb101">101</a>]</span>to scamper for life, over -shrubberies and picket fence, out of the domain of the Hindoo -vampire!</p> -<p class="par">Upon the youth’s recital of his experience, the -feeling of mystery and fear increased among the unsophisticated people -of the neighborhood and they kept shy of the place. But the climax of -their apprehension was reached when, shortly after, the following -curious sign adorned the main gate to the house:</p> -<p class="par boxed">DR. HYDER BEN RAABA<br> -VIVISECTIONIST AND RE-INCARNATOR</p> -<p class="par">What was the meaning of these significant words on his -shingle, “Vivisectionist and Re-incarnator?” What was the -mission of this mysterious man? To what line of surgical science did -this assortment of animals contribute, whose piteous wails ever and -anon emanated from his laboratory? Up to that time a chain of wonderful -discoveries and marvelous achievements had been attained by profound -savants in surgical and pathological subjects: <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb102" href="#pb102" name="pb102">102</a>]</span>The -creation of life germ cells: The trepanning of skulls and the -re-arrangement of the brains: The grafting of skin, nose and ear: The -infusion of new blood: The pre-natal determination of sexes: The -separation of mind from the body, by subjecting persons in a cataleptic -state by hypnotism: And last but not least, the hibernation for an -indefinite period of living bodies by suspended animation.</p> -<p class="par">These amazing triumphs, each more startling than the -other, were the records of past achievements.</p> -<p class="par">Could there be anything more astounding?</p> -<p class="par">Even so, Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, who was <span class="corr" -id="xd22e1381" title="Source: conservant">conversant</span> with all -the above mentioned exploits of experimenters, had conceived one of the -boldest and extraordinarily audacious of surgical feats, the successful -demonstration of which would startle the world and make men stand -aghast with wonder. In fact, by the display of his professional sign, -it was a foregone conclusion that he had succeeded in his -experiments.</p> -<p class="par">By the aid of science, occultism and wonderful magic, he -had transformed the sexes! <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb103" href= -"#pb103" name="pb103">103</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch9" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e265">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER IX</h2> -<h2 class="main">A Ray of Hope</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">It was the day of departure of Aurora Cunningham -for London, England. Margaret had accompanied her in an automobile to -the city of B—— to see her off. Their parting had an -unusual sadness as they stood on the deck of the Dynamoship -“Columbia”—a four-day ocean greyhound. They seemed to -be paralyzed at the barrenness of the future, looking into each -other’s eyes as if trying to challenge sincerity to their oath of -allegiance.</p> -<p class="par">It was extremely touching indeed, when they were -compelled by the officers of the ship to take their final leave, and as -the Columbia began to recede gradually from its moorings, her prow -compassed to the British Isles, Aurora’s lithe figure could be -seen at the stern of the boat, throwing kisses and waving her -handkerchief toward Margaret, until the distance <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb104" href="#pb104" name="pb104">104</a>]</span>grew -wider and farther and the figure fainter and at last was lost to -view.</p> -<p class="par">Left alone on the shore, Margaret did her utmost to -control her emotions of parting from her beloved friend. With -suppressed feelings she mounted her automobile reluctantly, and bade -the chauffeur proceed to New York City, from whence, after a short -repose, she intended to take the train for her home in Wyoming.</p> -<p class="par">She had hardly gone a mile or two out of the city of -B—— when her emotions had swelled beyond her capacity of -control and she became delirious in her seat in the auto. Some -pedestrians by the way, noticing that something unusual had happened to -the fair occupant, called the attention of the chauffeur to his charge. -He brought the machine to a standstill and the necessity of enlisting -the services of a doctor was at once apparent.</p> -<p class="par">One of the bystanders suggested that the nearest -available doctor was <span class="corr" id="xd22e1404" title= -"Source: tho">the</span> Hindoo surgeon, Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, about a -furlong farther down the road, and thither the patient was wheeled with -all possible haste, and within a few minutes she was in the -Doctor’s reception room. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb105" -href="#pb105" name="pb105">105</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">After a cursory examination Ben Raaba appeared somewhat -puzzled. “She is in a state of coma,” he said, rubbing his -forehead with his bony fingers, “but I do not yet see any -physical cause to induce that condition. It seems to me,” he -added, “that every function of the organs are in a perfectly -normal state.”</p> -<p class="par">His face brightened at once, however, with a smile of -victory. A happy thought had come to his fertile mind. He had thought -of the singular methods practised by the diagnostician Avicene of -Balk—the father of occult Diagnosis—and the words of the -Cashmerian poet came to his memory, who nearly ten centuries previously -had said: “The pulse of the loving, beats higher, agitated only -at the name of the beloved.”</p> -<p class="par">Taking thereupon her pulse into his hand, he began to -question the chauffeur, where she had gone, with whom, what was the -other young lady’s name, etc. He knew that, although she was in a -state of coma, her senses of hearing and of understanding were -performing their regular functions. At the mention of the name of -Aurora Cunningham there <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb106" href= -"#pb106" name="pb106">106</a>]</span>was a remarkable change in -Margaret; her pulse began to beat double quick!</p> -<p class="par">After repeating the experiment, and satisfying himself -that the cause was a matter pertaining the heart, in fact the -girl’s infatuation for her departed friend, and that there was -nothing in the Materia Medica as an antidote, that the only restorative -remedy that could be found was in hypnotic occultism, he leaned over -the prostrate figure before him and whispered some words into her -ear.</p> -<p class="par">The correctness of his diagnosis became plainly evident. -The patient, with perfect tranquility, opened her eyes, and with a -complacent smile looked into the face of her restorer. After a few more -magnetic passes and words of encouragement from the Wizard, she had -completely recovered herself, to the amazement of the anxious group of -persons who had gathered there, curious to know the fate of the fair -occupant of the automobile. Within half an hour she again entered her -auto and proceeded on her way to the city.</p> -<p class="par">The new and remarkable personality of Hyder Ben Raaba, -however, left an ineradicable impression upon her mind, so much as at -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb107" href="#pb107" name= -"pb107">107</a>]</span>times to divert her thoughts from dwelling upon -Aurora and concentrate upon the strange visage of Hyder Ben Raaba. -After a repose of a few days in New York, having made all the -preparations for the intended journey, she left the metropolis and -arrived in due time at her paternal home in Wyoming.</p> -<p class="par">Hardly a month had elapsed after her return when there -was another crisis in her life. Her father was taken suddenly ill and -died, and she was left an heiress to a large fortune consisting -principally of lands, mines and cattle. Being without any relatives to -guide her, Margaret was compelled to settle matters for herself, and -daily she was confronted by hundreds of annoying details. These -consisted of many entangling affairs of her lamented father, who had -left her sole legatee, prospective aspirants who sought her hand in -marriage, her solemn and binding oath to Aurora, and, strange as it may -seem, the grotesquely hideous face of Ben Raaba began to flit before -her mind’s eye, perplexing and haunting her incessantly.</p> -<p class="par">One evening when she was thus absorbed in deep -meditation, the postman brought her a letter. It was mailed from -B——. Excitedly <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb108" href= -"#pb108" name="pb108">108</a>]</span>she tore open the envelope and -from it fell the professional card of Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba. The same -weird and ominous words were printed under his name: “The -Vivisectionist and Re-incarnator”! On the other side were -scribbled a few lines, making inquiry about the state of her -health.</p> -<p class="par">The card, ah! the strange and significant words, -vivisection and re-incarnation began to assume a deep meaning. She -placed the card tremblingly upon the table and fell into a profound -study. Her quivering frame, the rise and fall of her heaving breast and -the change of color of her face alternatively from pallor to a feverish -flush, indicated that there was a revolution going on within her -immaculate bosom.</p> -<p class="par">At last she seemed to come to some determination; -tremblingly she grasped a pen and wrote a letter to Ben Raaba, the -contents of which never became known to any but herself and the Hindoo -doctor. Within a fortnight she received an answer which seemed to -satisfy her.</p> -<p class="par">Within two months she had managed hastily to dispose of -all her personal property and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb109" -href="#pb109" name="pb109">109</a>]</span>real estate without any -reserve, and then she disappeared from her Western home and -surroundings and was lost forever to her former friends. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb110" href="#pb110" name="pb110">110</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch10" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e275">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER X</h2> -<h2 class="main">The Transformation</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">It was near the end of September. The seaside -resorts on Long Island were deserted by the gay health-seekers from the -adjacent cities, and the inhabitants of the villages along the South -Shore, from Rockaway to Montauk, had dwindled to their normal number of -rural residents except the city of B—— which, on account of -its shipping interests, still retained a lively activity.</p> -<p class="par">The day was dismal and damp, foreboding a rainy spell. -There were scarcely any people on the streets and at dusk, when the -Montauk express stopped at the station of B——, there were -only a few passengers to alight.</p> -<p class="par">One of them was a young woman attired in black, with a -thick veil of similar hue drawn over her face. She looked furtively up -and down the platform with painful anxiety, and <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb111" href="#pb111" name= -"pb111">111</a>]</span>espying an automobile a few rods below the -station, walked toward it hesitatingly, at the same time pulling from -her wrist-bag a crimson handkerchief. The chauffeur on the machine -seemed to understand the meaning of the signal, for at once jumping -down he advanced to meet the stranger.</p> -<p class="par">After several words were exchanged in subdued tones, he -escorted the veiled lady to the vehicle and in a few minutes they were -speeding down the road toward the Hindoo doctor’s sanitarium. The -woman, of course, was Margaret MacDonald and the chauffeur none other -than the Levantine Jew, Esau, the Doctor’s discreet servant. When -they arrived at Ben Raaba’s domicile it was almost pitch dark, -and not a soul could be seen in the vicinity. At the ringing of the -door-bell, Ben Raaba himself appeared and sedately welcomed Margaret, -conducting her into the reception room.</p> -<p class="par">Shortly after, when Esau had withdrawn, they were -sitting <i><span class="corr" id="xd22e1458" title= -"Source: tete-a-tete">tête-à-tête</span></i> at a -table, perusing some mysterious documents to which at last, Margaret, -taking a pen, subscribed her signature.</p> -<p class="par">The documents were nothing else than the <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb112" href="#pb112" name= -"pb112">112</a>]</span>legal contract, which Margaret had signed, -offering herself a willing subject to undergo a mental and physical -metamorphosis, and absolving Ben Raaba from any responsibility if the -experiment should prove unsuccessful or fatal!</p> -<p class="par">After a fortnight of dietary preparation, Margaret was -taken into the Laboratory of the Wizard and immediately hypnotized by -him into a state of cataleptic coma.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e1468width"><img src="images/p112.jpg" alt= -"Ben Raaba’s Laboratory" width="362" height="513"> -<p class="figureHead">Ben Raaba’s Laboratory</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">An awful sensation crept over one upon looking around -about this den called the Laboratory. Glittering saws and scalpels were -hung in rows on the walls; lances, beakers and retorts were scattered -on the tables and on the floor, and a hundred and one other apparatus -and bottles could be seen upon the shelves.</p> -<p class="par">A big cat-owl perched on a pedestal in one corner, and a -black tom-cat with intense green eyes, prowling about the room, gave to -the scene a cabalistic and weird aspect. Here among these uncanny -surroundings Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba isolated and busied himself with -continuous vigilance for many months in order to achieve an undertaking -that seemed miraculous and impossible.</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb113" href="#pb113" name= -"pb113">113</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Through the lapse of so many long and tedious months Dr. -Hyder Ben Raaba had come to the completion of his assiduous -labors,—labors which had almost exhausted his consummate skill in -hypnotism, surgery and magic.</p> -<p class="par">After a final but scrupulously careful examination of -the patient, assuring himself that every muscle, nerve, gland and -artery were in their proper places, he paused a moment before the -prostrate body. It was a solemn and tragic moment. Signs of intense -anxiety were visible upon his otherwise imperturbable visage, betraying -the fact that he was in a crucial predicament.</p> -<p class="par">What, if on awakening the patient, he found her a maniac -irrevocably bereft of reason? What, if his re-incarnated subject should -prove to be a hideous Frankenstein or a monstrosity devoid of finer -senses? What, if she should prove to be a man with effeminate mind and -manners?</p> -<p class="par">Such and a thousand other similar fears and misgivings -were flashing in that moment through his mind, but at last, confident -of his ultimate success, and undaunted with apprehensions, he assumed a -determined countenance <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb114" href= -"#pb114" name="pb114">114</a>]</span>and commenced to undo the hypnotic -spell, in order to restore his subject to life and energy.</p> -<p class="par">With eyes dilated, eyebrows knit, and arms -stretched—holding in one hand a magic wand—this future -Mephisto uttered some mysterious words in sepulchral intonations, -snapped his fingers three times, and presto!</p> -<p class="par">The spell was broken!</p> -<p class="par">The full magical effect of his audacious undertaking was -evident, for scarcely had the last syllable of those mysterious and -incomprehensible words left his shriveled lips, when a sudden tremor -shook the frame of Margaret and, with a subdued groan, indicative more -of a sensation of bliss than of pain, she opened her eyes.</p> -<p class="par">A triumphant smile pervaded her countenance, as if -awakening from an Utopian dream. Dr. Ben Raaba, meanwhile perceiving -the crowning success of his work, and standing beside her, began to -exclaim with rapturous joy, “Metempsychosis! -Metempsychosis!”</p> -<p class="par">The patient at once became conscious that her bodily -transformation was complete, for it did not take her long to realize it -as HE stood there, a beautiful specimen of manhood! <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb115" href="#pb115" name="pb115">115</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">This miraculous transformation brought to light another -remarkable mental discovery. It was discovered by the Doctor that all -the accomplishments, knowledge and mental attributes possessed by -Margaret, prior to her re-incarnation, had been intensified a -hundredfold in their entity into those of aggressive, daring and -strenuous masculinity.</p> -<p class="par">Margaret, assuming forthwith a masculine name, remained -a few months under the care and tutelage of Ben Raaba, in order to -acquire further important knowledge in hypnotism, diplomacy, etc., that -would be of invaluable service in his future career, and it was not -until September, almost one year after the advent of the patient, that -he reluctantly bade good-bye to Hyder Ben Raaba, and was again lost in -the vortex of humanity. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb116" href= -"#pb116" name="pb116">116</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch11" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e284">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER XI</h2> -<h2 class="main">Lord Cunningham, Viceroy of India</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Hardly had Margaret reached her home in Wyoming, -when Aurora likewise was welcomed by her people in England. Her father, -whose brilliant career upward from the ranks of the common people had -astonished the diplomats of the world, meanwhile had been raised to the -highest rank of peerage.</p> -<p class="par">Being a born leader of such inexhaustible sagacity and -acumen, his promotion from one important position to another was not -only inevitable but necessary, and hardly a month had elapsed since -Aurora’s return to London, before he was gazetted as Lord -Cunningham, Viceroy to India.</p> -<p class="par">The situation at that time in India was quite a delicate -one, on account of the Thibetan boundary question with Russia. The -latter had raised her periodical spasm of aggression, in <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb117" href="#pb117" name= -"pb117">117</a>]</span>order to attain certain political ends at home, -and the departure of Lord Cunningham was therefore hastened.</p> -<p class="par">It was near the end of November when Lord Cunningham, -his wife and beautiful daughter were regally received in Bombay. -Distinguished looking in his six feet two inches of height, with a -leonine countenance, The Lord at once captivated the Indian rajahs, -princes, and also commanded the respect of the populace. His courteous -manners, forceful and firm proclamations and actual philanthropic -undertakings coupled with his propaganda of dispensing equal justice to -all, aroused at once the enthusiasm, patriotism and loyalty of every -class, and quieted the racial differences and political disquietude -among the people.</p> -<p class="par">The Russian government, seeing this solid phalanx of -unity and change of sentiment of the Indian people, beat a hasty -retreat under the subterfuge of quelling an alleged disturbance on the -borders of Manchuria.</p> -<p class="par">In order to give himself an opportunity for a general -introduction, Lord Cunningham decided to hold a reception and dance. It -was planned to follow the style of entertaining then <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb118" href="#pb118" name="pb118">118</a>]</span>in -vogue, a combination of literary and musical talent to be followed by a -reception. Among the many who had consented to contribute to the -evening’s entertainment, and occupying the place of honor, was -the celebrated savant Abou Shimshek, the Astronomer of Ispahan, who had -just returned from an adventurous expedition to the Himalayas to -investigate Nature’s wonders.</p> -<p class="par">Lord Cunningham being aware of the presence of the -celebrated prodigies, the Dusky Quartette, who were on their itinerary -to Bombay, had sought and engaged their services for the occasion. An -American violin virtuoso, Spencer Hamilton, who had created a furore in -Simla a week previously at a fashionable society recital and was -acclaimed as an unequaled maestro of his instrument, had also promised -to appear during the entertainment and render a few selections on the -violin.</p> -<p class="par">On the night of the <span class="corr" id="xd22e1532" -title="Source: Soiree">Soirée</span> a great multitude of -natives as well as eminent European personages were present, in all the -picturesque splendor of the habilaments of their respective countries. -There were Maharajahs, dazzling with diamonds, accompanied by their -retinue blazing <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb119" href="#pb119" -name="pb119">119</a>]</span>with silver and gold embroidered costumes, -Ascetic Brahmins and sombre looking Fakirs from the seats of learning -of Hyderabad, mysterious emissaries from the sacred city of Delhi, -learned Sheiks with flowing patriarchal beards from Arabia and Egypt, -Magicians from all over Persia, besides all fashionable folk from -military posts throughout the East Indian Empire.</p> -<p class="par">Dashing and handsome officers vied with each other in -their endeavor to do homage to the beautiful Aurora, who was enthroned -next to her mother. After a prelude on the dulciphone, Abou Shimshek, -amidst the huzzah and clamor of the assemblage, with great dignity came -forward, and with uplifted arms, invoking the spirits of Hafiz and -Firdozy to endow him with eloquence, began the account of his thrilling -adventure as follows: <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb120" href= -"#pb120" name="pb120">120</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch12" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e293">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER XII</h2> -<h2 class="main">Adventures of Abou Shimshek, the Astronomer of -Ispahan</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">“Up, on the Kinchinginga’s lofty -summit, where earth and heavens meet, where myriads of crystalline, icy -temples in their immaculate and prismatic garbs here and there, and -manywhere abound, temples, in whose solid glacial niches saints -perpetually hold communion with Mahatma’s Son.</p> -<p class="par">“I said, I was upon the Kinchinginga’s. Aye, -for no other purpose than on a mission sublime, to climb nearer to -heaven in search of the Creator’s secrets profound and reveal -them to the human race. Day after day, thus, dauntless and resolute, I -scaled craggy precipices. Through mammoth caverns of desolate solitude -I wended my way up to reach the goal of my ambition, lured there by my -faith.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e1551width"><img src="images/p120.jpg" alt= -"Abou Shimshek in the Cave" width="337" height="383"> -<p class="figureHead">Abou Shimshek in the Cave</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">“Night after night, thus, I gazed and <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb121" href="#pb121" name= -"pb121">121</a>]</span>scanned heaven’s canopy, studded with -twinkling jewels. But alas! it seemed, farther and more remote grew the -space between me and the blue heaven, with no mortal kind to cheer my -solitude, except the wails of hungry jackals and the wild groans of the -Bengal tiger fierce, with myriads of phantom spirits, darting here and -there, in weird, fantastic forms; I could not tell whether they were -the creatures of some world unseen, or the ghosts of Gothama and his -saints keeping vigil over the faithful. But at last, so dire and awful -did grow my solitude that, overcome by fright and fatigue, I retreated -into a glacial cave beneath a lofty peak.</p> -<p class="par">“I laid my head on a chilled stalagmite, the -frozen floor to my back, and my face and belly against what I thought -to be the dome of my cavern. But, by the sacred wart that grew on -Gehangire’s nose, what reality! What a wonderful sight! A new -world, revolving through space—entirely different from ours as it -had living souls and vegetation in a far more advanced stage of -<span class="corr" id="xd22e1561" title= -"Source: develoment">development</span> than ours,—was revealed -to my astonished eyes!</p> -<p class="par">“The greatest efforts of men are brought to -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb122" href="#pb122" name= -"pb122">122</a>]</span>naught with the elements controlled by -Allah’s command, or are so small in scale and scope as to be -beyond compare with His wondrous works. Through the greatest telescope -that man’s ingenuity and skill can produce, astronomers cannot -agree whether the canals of Mars are single or double.</p> -<p class="par">“Pshaw! Away with those numberless imposters who -have deluded mankind with their consummate lies! Some even claim to -have traversed the inter-etherial space by flying machines, whose -construction was revealed to them in a “sealed package” or -found in boxes, buried in tombs and mummies of days gone by! The -marvelous medium through which I saw this celestial panorama was -nothing strange; the cavern into which I so unconsciously was led was -an observatory by nature made!</p> -<p class="par">“Its dome was a mammoth telescope, composed of -lenses of great magnitude, various in size and shape. Lenses made of -purest water, distilled by the thundering clouds and filtered through -heaven’s ether. Lenses congealed by the zephyrs that gently blow -from Mount Everest’s snow-capped brow; lenses, annealed -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb123" href="#pb123" name= -"pb123">123</a>]</span>and polished through centuries by the fiery orb -that governs our earth, from its moorings in wondrous space. Here, to -my eye, was a telescope most complete. It brought that strange planet -so near as to make me inhale its very atmosphere, touch its soil and -waters with my outstretched arms. And which, with your kind tolerance, -I will briefly relate.</p> -<p class="par">“The first element on this marvelous world, which -my attention did attract, was the wonderful hues of its firmament. -There were no “inter-luminous rays” of “rosy -radiance” nor “amber isles” floating over -“golden seas” of sunsets, or similar trash, that our poets -here below have sung for ages gone, over and over again. But instead, -wonderfully colored panels of exquisite designs, the whole changing as -if by a dissolving slide, at every atmospheric vibration, into still -more beautiful patterns, a veritable Kaleidoscope!</p> -<p class="par">“On consulting my astronomical calculations I -found that this strange phenomenon was caused by the peculiar -inclination, and ascension of this planet toward the sun! As I was -scanning this sublime panorama, with rapturous admiration, my attention -was diverted to <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb124" href="#pb124" -name="pb124">124</a>]</span>an expanse of water. Its constantly foaming -and sparkling nature induced me to examine it more closely and, to my -great surprise, upon analysis I found it to be similar to delicious -cream soda, with cakes of ice floating on it, and the whole impregnated -with phosphates—on account of the immense guano deposits left by -extinct birds, along its shores!</p> -<p class="par">“But my surprise was still increased when, turning -my eyes toward land, I beheld numerous geysers and fountains, spouting -up streams and sprays of waters of various hues. I tasted them one by -one and, to my delight, I found some of them to be composed of -seltzero-caffein, some of bromo-cocain, some others containing an -infusion of Cerebrine. But one of the most peculiar fountains which I -discovered was one that had a zig-zag motion and luminous color.</p> -<p class="par">“On partaking of a sip of it, I suddenly -experienced a strange sensation going through my body, exhilarating and -rejuvenating my whole system, eradicating all the dandruff from my -scalp, purifying my blood and dispelling at once that “tired -feeling.” I gave to this fountain the name -“Electrolinaris” on account <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"pb125" href="#pb125" name="pb125">125</a>]</span>of the large -percentage of “the electric fluid” it contained!</p> -<p class="par">“The vegetation that grew on this marvelous -planet, although analogous to our terrestrial trees and -herbs—having roots, trunks and branches—was entirely of -different order. These forms were a combination of vegetable and animal -kingdoms, because of their construction and sensitiveness. I noticed, -for example, trees whose leaves changed color several times a day, some -others which emitted extraordinary sounds, while still others shrank -and expanded instantaneously.</p> -<p class="par">“But their fruits were still more curious. Of -course to satisfy my natural curiosity, I picked and tasted many of -them. They were nothing but our manufactured confections. Still how -delicious they were! Here was a tree the folds of whose musical leaves -shielded delicious chocolates, there another tree whose branches -dropped ripe and luscious glace bon-bons of various flavors, while -sugar-coated violets and jasmines abounded promiscuously on perfuming -bushes.</p> -<p class="par">“During my inspection I came across a palm-like -plant full of innumerable shining <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb126" -href="#pb126" name="pb126">126</a>]</span>objects which, on closer -scrutiny, to my amazement I found to be miniature incandescent radium -lights of great brilliancy.</p> -<p class="par">“As I proceeded with my investigations I saw -another plant whose branches were studded with brilliant scintillating -globules. I hastened to examine them and they were neither more nor -less than veritable crystals of diamonds. Now it is well known that the -diamond consists of pure carbon in crystalized form. This plant had -simply the power of absorbing pure carbon by its roots, and passing -through its wonderfully peculiar fibres exuded and condensed them on -its branches like gum-drops, where they were hardened by the action of -its equally strange atmosphere. I have on my person—as you will -observe—a few specimens which I picked at random.</p> -<p class="par">“And now in reference to animals. Perhaps you will -expect me to describe to you strange megalotheruses of immense -proportions, or gigantic mammalian quadrupeds, mammoth flying dragons, -serpents and birds, but herein I must disappoint you. The truth is, -although I searched diligently for such paleozoic monsters, I came in -contact with none. Surprised <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb127" href= -"#pb127" name="pb127">127</a>]</span>as I was myself, it explained -itself on my discovering an <span class="corr" id="xd22e1601" title= -"Source: ampitheatre-like">amphitheatre-like</span> enclosure wherein -were stored, in great numbers, the lifeless skeletons of unimaginable -beasts which had existed on this planet in centuries past. And as on -our earth the large animals are gradually becoming extinct on account -of the advance of civilization, with the exception of the Tammany -Tiger, the American Eagle and the British Lion, I came to the -conclusion that on this new sphere likewise, because of its far -advanced stage of civilization, they were already extinct.</p> -<p class="par">“I could not, however, suppress my laughter on -seeing in this collection of monstrous wild beasts, two specimens of -two-legged mammalians or human beings. I speedily came to the -conclusion that they were either some of those blatant fools, who had -ventured on journeys to remote planets in their flying machines, or -some of our ultra-civilized English and American pioneers, gone on -missions of “grab” and “benevolent -assimilation!”</p> -<p class="par">“Anon, I come to the most interesting stage of my -adventure, that of seeing the most intelligent animals of this new -planet, which it <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb128" href="#pb128" -name="pb128">128</a>]</span>seemed had full control over it, so that -there remained no doubt in my mind of their being the human race of -this strange world. Consequently, I watched them closely, and verily I -found them to be far more advanced in civilization and bodily -construction than we, mankind. They were so constructed that they had -all the advantages which we are obliged to supply ourselves by -artificial means and devices. As I describe them, you will, to a -certain degree, form an idea of how they looked.</p> -<p class="par">“They had only one eye on the top of their heads, -a large globular organ, however, having like the dragon fly a multiform -lens. This eye was shielded by an umbrella-shaped substance of a hard -bony nature. Thus protected they could see all round about them at the -same time, or whichever side they wanted, without inconveniencing -themselves by craning their necks.</p> -<p class="par">“I thought it would have been a great blessing if -we mortals here possessed such optics. Think of the advantage while -going about in a crowded thoroughfare of a great city, to see where you -are stepping, to read the various newspaper bulletins, to watch the -clock on the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb129" href="#pb129" name= -"pb129">129</a>]</span>spire, to recognize your friends in the surging -throng and besides all these to be able to dodge adroitly the numerous -trolley cars and automobiles at the same time!</p> -<p class="par">“In place of the eyes, there were two large -circles, covered by a delicate membrane of great sensitiveness, which -instead of sight was used for speech, because they did not speak with -their mouths and in audible sounds, but with these two curious circles -they carried on a conversation in “silent eloquence,” -instantaneously transmitting their thoughts to each other, a veritable -telepathic medium, as it were!</p> -<p class="par">“Their noses and mouths were likewise equally -strange and entirely different from ours in construction, although to -all appearances they had the same form and occupied <span class="corr" -id="xd22e1621" title="Source: similiar">similar</span> places. For -instance, they could extend their nostrils at pleasure, shut air-tight -or open at will, so that at the mere suspicion of a bad odor they could -instantly elongate their proboscis to some point at which pure air and -perfume abounded.</p> -<p class="par">“The mouth was so constructed that they could -expand and contract it like a chameleon’s, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb130" href="#pb130" name="pb130">130</a>]</span>but -about three or four yards, and in such inconceivable velocity that its -rapidity of action was beyond calculation. Its usefulness was manifold, -because they not only took nutrition by it, but it was also a very -formidable weapon of attack and defense.</p> -<p class="par">“They wore absolutely no clothing, consequently -were annoyed by no tailor-made suits, no bloomers, no furbelows, but -nature itself had provided with all that was desirable. Their skins -were covered from the neck to the shoulder with white swansdown, and -from the shoulders to the waist with a fine silky fur, resembling in -color and texture the best quality of seal-skins, while from the waist -sprouted all around the loveliest crop of hanging ostrich feathers. -There was no difference in male and female attire. As women nowadays -are speaking of equal rights, and are adopting masculine tendencies, I -believe we are on the right line of advancement to reach the same -destination.</p> -<p class="par">“Their manner of locomotion was another surprise -to me as I watched them darting deftly here and there. Upon examination -of their lower extremities, I found it to be simply locomotion -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb131" href="#pb131" name= -"pb131">131</a>]</span>by electricity. Under their feet were several -wheels of natural formation and whichever direction they wanted to go, -they set the locomotive current to any degree of celerity. Think of it! -Each person having his own automatic rapid transit!</p> -<p class="par">“As I became intensely interested in those strange -beings, I felt curious to know and study their social manners and -discover whether they experienced any emotions, sorrows or mirth. -Consequently I changed my observations to these particulars. In -searching through the gardens and flowery bowers that abounded in a -certain locality, it was not necessary for me to wait very long. My -eyes rested upon a comical spectacle, which left no doubt in my mind -that it was a case of amorous depredation. It was simply, as I judged, -an act of stealing kisses. Oh, the rascal! Here was a maiden sweet and -fair, overcome perhaps by fatigue, lying on the velvety grass of cobalt -blue, her head resting on a natural eiderdown-topped toadstool, and -there, a precocious youth, perched on a branch of a tree above, his -elastic mouth in close contact to that of the maiden, busily gathering, -like the hummingbird, the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb132" href= -"#pb132" name="pb132">132</a>]</span>nectars of osculatory bliss, while -his globular eye kept watch round about for any unceremonious or -hostile intruder!</p> -<p class="par">“In vain I tried to imitate. Ah! I still feel the -thrill. In fact, I would not object to have a mouth so formed, even in -this vain world of ours. I believe there are flowers here also, ever in -bloom, like the fairy maiden above.</p> -<p class="par">“In reference to the pleasures and enjoyments of -these marvelous beings, I was somewhat nonplussed to find that there -were no theatres or places of amusement. The fact was that in every -respect they were very, very practical.</p> -<p class="par">“When they wanted to laugh, they simply went to -certain valleys in their locality where, on inhaling its atmosphere, -they became almost hysterical in their ecstasy of joy, giggling, -ha-haing and continuing in such hilarious laughter without stop until -they were thoroughly satisfied.</p> -<p class="par">“I became curious to know the nature of this -atmospheric element which produced such merriment, and on careful -analysis found the air to be strongly impregnated with pure nitrous -oxide or “laughing gas,” an inferior <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb133" href="#pb133" name= -"pb133">133</a>]</span>quality of which was formerly used by our -dentists.</p> -<p class="par">“Likewise, when they felt a desire to cry, they -went to another neighborhood, where certain bushes abounded, bearing on -their drooping branches a profusion of “Job’s Tears,” -the sight of which so affected the visitors that they were at once -transformed into veritable Niobes—all tears. They wept, sighed -and wailed until their longing had subsided.</p> -<p class="par">“Their solution of the habitation problem was, I -think, that which wise men on this earth have been trying to solve from -the beginning of creation. This Utopian planet contained no dwellings -built by mankind, consequently there were no taxes, no new land -theories, no internal revenue or protection embargoes. The planet -itself produced everything without the aid of its people and they -enjoyed the fruit of the soil equally.</p> -<p class="par">“Whenever these creatures desired to rest, they -retired to certain localities, where millions of velvety couches grew -like toadstools, on which they reclined, while the vegetation around, -with its narcotic perfumes, lulled them quietly to sleep. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb134" href="#pb134" name="pb134">134</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">“The duration of their day, which was a continual -twilight of variegated designs, was according to my chronometer fifty -hours long, and they divided it into two equal parts, twenty-five hours -of which they slept in balmy dreamlands, while the other twenty-five -they indulged in all kinds of recreations and no work at all! Ah! as -the working hours of our laboring classes are decreasing day by day by -the glorious medium of Unionism, I am happy to predict that we are on -the right path of some day reaching that <span class="corr" id= -"xd22e1658" title="Source: millenium">millennium</span> of doing -nothing, so that we shall at last have twelve hours of sleep, and -twelve hours of recreation!</p> -<p class="par">“When I saw all these wonderful things, I confess, -I forgot my mission sublime, and determined then and there to transport -myself to that celestial sphere. Consequently I approached one of them -and appealed for admission to that land of rest and perpetual bliss. -Scarcely had I spoken, when I felt the atmosphere about me become -suffocating; there was thunder and lightning and a sepulchral voice was -heard to say:</p> -<p class="par">“<span class="corr" id="xd22e1665" title= -"Not in source">‘</span>No earthly domination here.<span class= -"corr" id="xd22e1668" title="Source: ”">’</span></p> -<p class="par"><span class="corr" id="xd22e1672" title= -"Not in source">“</span>This dread injunction rendered me -insensible <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb135" href="#pb135" name= -"pb135">135</a>]</span>and when consciousness returned I found myself -at the foot of the Kinchinginga’s, amidst the ruins of that -wonderful telescope by nature made!” <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb136" href="#pb136" name="pb136">136</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch13" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e302">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">CHAPTER XIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">Spencer Hamilton</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Thunderous applause of appreciation greeted Abou -Shimshek, at the conclusion of his interesting recital, and bowing -right and left his acknowledgements, with beaming countenance he -retired to his seat</p> -<p class="par">An intermezzo of mellifluent music in the interim was -followed by the celebrated “Dusky Quartette.” This -aggregation consisted of the following members: Madam Celeste -D’oumbalooloo, a south African soprano of heavenly sweetness, and -a beauty of “hippopotamic gracefulness;” Miss Guza Mulomba, -the Kaffir prodigy, with a contralto voice of tremulous colorature; -Signor Bombasto Reales, of Kabaloogan, a <span class="corr" id= -"xd22e1687" title="Source: Philippino">Filipino</span> tenor of high -pitch and clearness, and the basso, Signor Dido Abazuza, a Maori -celebrity of thunderous profundity.</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e1691width"><img src="images/p136.jpg" alt= -"“The Dusky Quartette”" width="553" height="348"> -<p class="figureHead">“The Dusky Quartette”</p> -</div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb137" href="#pb137" name= -"pb137">137</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Indeed, under the felicitous protection of British and -American sovereignty, these colonies had made such rapid advancement -toward civilization, that they had produced an abundance of men and -women of extraordinary talent and capacity in art and music, so as to -eclipse their confreres of Hungarian and Polish origin, in days gone -by.</p> -<p class="par">The portfolio of their operatic creations was a -revelation. Especially did an <span class="corr" id="xd22e1700" title= -"Source: operatta">operetta</span>, called “Phantasie -Senegambienne” arouse the enthusiasm of the audience to such a -high pitch of spirituelle tension that at the -conclusion—regardless of the (color line)—there was a -simultaneous rush of both sexes to where the singers stood. A scene of -indescribable osculatory battle raged, the sound of the contact of -those luscious thick lips of the Dusky Quartette echoing and -reverberating to the utmost recesses of the spacious hall. It took -quite a long time before this charming labial fusillade of musical -appreciation subsided.</p> -<p class="par">After another soothing interlude, giving the assemblage -a chance to recover their composure, a clamorous applause brought forth -the American violinist, to make his first debut in <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb138" href="#pb138" name= -"pb138">138</a>]</span>Bombay. As he stepped forward, Spencer Hamilton -instantly made a deep impression upon the audience. His masterful -technique and wonderful skill of execution, when he rendered a new -composition of his own, called “The Niagara,” aroused anew -the enthusiasm of the throng and, under pressure of vociferous -acclamation, he was obliged to render another selection.</p> -<p class="par">With the appearance of this splendid young specimen of -manhood upon the platform there was created in the bosom of Aurora a -strange psychological condition. Although surrounded with many gallant -officers and youths of noble lineage, she was perceptibly affected by -the sight of this handsome young American musician. At a glance at the -violinist there sprang in her heart afresh the memories of her college -days in America.</p> -<p class="par">A sudden sense of sadness swept over her, and her -infatuation for her chum Margaret, and the recollection of their solemn -vows, flashed vividly through her perplexed brain, evoking several deep -sighs from the depths of her constant heart. Notwithstanding the -cringing advances of many officers of position <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb139" href="#pb139" name="pb139">139</a>]</span>and -wealth, as well as scions of nobles, she had fallen desperately in love -with the stranger at first sight. He seemed to her as an ideal, her -affinity, but alas! she remembered her vow! Aurora was in a very -disturbed frame of mind when Spencer Hamilton came forward for the -encore.</p> -<p class="par">Spencer Hamilton, the violin virtuoso had, in the -meantime, another mission to perform in connection with his appearance -as a musical artist. He was no other than Margaret MacDonald herself, -metamorphosed by Hyder Ben Raaba into the virile, manly fellow who had -assumed the name of Spencer Hamilton and, as a violinist, had come to -lay siege to the heart of Aurora.</p> -<p class="par">With his furtive glances now and then he was reading the -soul of Aurora, now full of perplexing emotions. He could hardly -control his own emotions and began to render as an encore a tune which -he expected would create a tumult in the breast of Aurora -Cunningham.</p> -<p class="par">Putting forth all his energy so as to make it his best -effort in execution, he played to one alone.</p> -<p class="par">At first Aurora thought that the tune had <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb140" href="#pb140" name="pb140">140</a>]</span>some -vague resemblance to a musical production which she had heard before, -but could not tell when and where. As it proceeded it gradually dawned -upon her that, somehow there was a connection between the thought of -Margaret and the music. She became more and more agitated and was quite -certain now that this soul-stirring melody was the creation of her -dear, beloved friend and confidant, Margaret MacDonald. Then she -realized that the words were her own.</p> -<p class="par">“Oh, the oath!” she gasped, her brain in a -delirium of intoxication. Realizing fully that the melody was nothing -else than the very composition of Margaret, and that she had written -the words at the Diana Seminary on the very eventful night of the -moonlight reception, she was unable to conceive how it had become a -public property. Was Margaret after all a capricious traitor, a -recalcitrant, who had forsaken her solemn vow and desecrated their -covenant?</p> -<p class="par">These and other thoughts drove Aurora to the verge of -collapse, and as Spencer Hamilton concluded the piece with a finale of -deep pathos that reached the pinnacle of tragic intensity, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb141" href="#pb141" name= -"pb141">141</a>]</span>there was commotion around where Aurora was -enthroned, for she had lost consciousness.</p> -<p class="par">Thinking that the intense interest and excitement of the -occasion had caused her faintness, she was gently removed to her -apartment and the program of the evening’s festivities was -completed with a brilliant reception and dance. Hamilton himself, -however, was so affected that he left the reception at once and -returned to his hotel and there tried to regain strength for the ordeal -that he was planning to carry out next day.</p> -<p class="par">The following morning, at the proper time for calling in -India, he left his hostelry and directed his steps toward the Viceregal -palace on the pretense of making inquiry concerning the health of -Aurora, but ostensibly to reveal the mysterious metempsychosis of -himself and to reassert his undying love for her.</p> -<p class="par">Having arrived at the gate he learned that Aurora had -been restored to her normal state of health and spirits. He -consequently sent in his card and a few minutes later was summoned to -the drawing-room of the palace where, after a second’s waiting, -Aurora Cunningham <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb142" href="#pb142" -name="pb142">142</a>]</span>appeared on the threshold, somewhat flushed -and agitated.</p> -<p class="par">Hamilton, on seeing Aurora, came forward and, extending -his hand, inquired most anxiously for her health, and intimated that it -would give him extreme pleasure to explain certain circumstances which -would lead to the gratification of her own unspoken desires.</p> -<p class="par">“I know,” he said, “that the encore at -last night’s musicale affected you very powerfully. I could -intuitively read from your perturbed countenance that you had become -aware of the authorship of the same. Aurora, Aurora, I am Margaret -MacDonald! I am your confidant at the Diana Seminary, whom you loved, -and am now metamorphosed into a man by the miraculous powers of the -vivisectionist and re-incarnator—Hyder Ben Raaba. I have come to -claim you as my own. Aurora, I love you!”</p> -<p class="par"></p> -<div class="figure xd22e1743width"><img src="images/p142.jpg" alt= -"“And With a Piercing Shriek, She Fell Into His Arms”" -width="562" height="362"> -<p class="figureHead">“And With a Piercing Shriek, She Fell Into -His Arms”</p> -</div> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">Aurora, bewildered at this remarkable and dramatic -declaration and revelation, too spellbound to speak even a word, -uttered a piercing shriek and fell into the open arms of Spencer -Hamilton. At the sound of this cry of distress, which echoed throughout -the palace, footsteps were heard approaching from every <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb143" href="#pb143" name= -"pb143">143</a>]</span>direction. Soldiers, foot-guards, servants, and -the Viceroy Cunningham himself with his guests, rushed into the -drawing-room and beheld this highly surprising tableau of romantic -love.</p> -<p class="par">Explanations of very delicate and discreet nature were -promptly given to the Viceroy by the two lovers, and consent to their -union was presently forthcoming.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ps" class="div1 postscript"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd22e309">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">Postscript</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">After a triumphal bridal tour through England and -America, Aurora and Spencer Hamilton settled in the Central African -Commonwealth, and by the strenuous qualities inherent in both they had -become popular and prominent in civic affairs. Fifteen years later, in -1976, through sheer merit of a public life of usefulness and rectitude, -Hamilton was gazetted as Viceroy to the African Commonwealth.</p> -<p class="par">The year 1976 was indeed an epoch-making period. It was -the two hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and -at the same time the semi-centennial of the happy <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="pb144" href="#pb144" name= -"pb144">144</a>]</span>Anglo-American Alliance. The double jubilee of -these two nations, comprising nearly one-half of the world’s -population, was celebrated wherever the English tongue was spoken, with -commensurate grandeur, enthusiasm and eclat, such as absolutely to -eclipse all the Durbars, <span class="corr" id="xd22e1763" title= -"Source: Volkfests">Volksfests</span> and celebrations in the history -of the world.</p> -<p class="par">And none the less, the composite but flourishing African -Commonwealth, under the wise regime of Spencer Hamilton, was ablaze -with prosperous pride in unison with England and America, for this -grand and felicitous dual occasion.</p> -<p class="trailer xd22e1768">[THE END]</p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="back"> -<div class="transcribernote"> -<h2 class="main">Colophon</h2> -<h3 class="main">Availability</h3> -<p class="par first">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 <a class="seclink xd22e43" -title="External link" href="https://www.gutenberg.org/license" rel= -"license">Project Gutenberg License</a> included with this eBook or -online at <a class="seclink xd22e43" title="External link" href= -"https://www.gutenberg.org/" rel="home">www.gutenberg.org</a>.</p> -<p class="par">This eBook is produced by the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at <a class="exlink xd22e43" title="External link" -href="http://www.pgdp.net/">www.pgdp.net</a>.</p> -<p class="par">Scans of this book are available from The Internet -Archive (copy <a class="seclink xd22e43" title="External link" href= -"https://archive.org/details/anangloamerican00caspgoog">1</a>, -<a class="seclink xd22e43" title="External link" href= -"https://archive.org/details/cu31924022315745">2</a>).</p> -<p>Related Library of Congress catalog page: <a class="catlink" href= -"https://lccn.loc.gov/06019934">06019934</a>.</p> -<p>Related Open Library catalog page (for source): <a class="catlink" -href="https://openlibrary.org/books/OL24178692M">OL24178692M</a>.</p> -<p>Related Open Library catalog page (for work): <a class="catlink" -href="https://openlibrary.org/works/OL12181595W">OL12181595W</a>.</p> -<p>Related WorldCat catalog page: <a class="catlink" href= -"https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/29370103">29370103</a>.</p> -<h3 class="main">Encoding</h3> -<p class="par first"></p> -<h3 class="main">Revision History</h3> -<ul> -<li>2016-08-27 Started.</li> -</ul> -<h3 class="main">External References</h3> -<p>This Project Gutenberg eBook contains external references. These -links may not work for you.</p> -<h3 class="main">Corrections</h3> -<p>The following corrections have been applied to the text:</p> -<table class="correctiontable" summary= -"Overview of corrections applied to the text."> -<tr> -<th>Page</th> -<th>Source</th> -<th>Correction</th> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e208">v</a>, -<a class="pageref" href="#xd22e515">28</a>, <a class="pageref" href= -"#xd22e596">32</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1532">118</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Soiree</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Soirée</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e337">viii</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Shepards</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Shepherds</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e340">viii</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">shepards</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">shepherds</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e347">viii</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">statemen</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">statesmen</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e558">30</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">“</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">‘</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e561">30</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">’</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e600">32</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Féte</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Fête</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e621">35</a>, -<a class="pageref" href="#xd22e956">63</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">féte</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">fête</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e850">54</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Montgoflier</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Montgolfier</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e893">57</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Herzle</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Herzl</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e917">59</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">common-wealth</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">commonwealth</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e969">65</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">soiree</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">soirée</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1054">73</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">,</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1199">85</a>, -<a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1204">85</a>, <a class="pageref" href= -"#xd22e1224">86</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1233">87</a>, -<a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1237">87</a>, <a class="pageref" href= -"#xd22e1241">87</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1245">87</a>, -<a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1672">134</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">“</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1209">86</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1227">86</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">determental</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">detrimental</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1381">102</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">conservant</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">conversant</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1404">104</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">tho</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">the</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1458">111</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">tete-a-tete</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">tête-à-tête</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1561">121</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">develoment</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">development</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1601">127</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">ampitheatre-like</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">amphitheatre-like</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1621">129</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">similiar</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">similar</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1658">134</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">millenium</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">millennium</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1665">134</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">‘</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1668">134</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">”</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">’</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1687">136</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Philippino</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Filipino</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1700">137</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">operatta</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">operetta</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd22e1763">144</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Volkfests</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">Volksfests</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's An Anglo-American Alliance, by Gregory Casparian - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ANGLO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE *** - -***** This file should be named 52913-h.htm or 52913-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/9/1/52913/ - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (This book was produced from scanned images of -public domain material from the Google Books project.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/book.png b/old/52913-h/images/book.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 963d165..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/book.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/card.png b/old/52913-h/images/card.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1ffbe1a..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/card.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index fc90959..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/external.png b/old/52913-h/images/external.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ba4f205..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/external.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/frontispiece.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/frontispiece.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0c1e36a..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/frontispiece.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p020.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p020.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e1779f4..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p020.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p028.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p028.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7b81609..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p028.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p070.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p070.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0dc84ce..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p070.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p090.png b/old/52913-h/images/p090.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f977427..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p090.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p092.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p092.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f502323..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p092.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p094.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p094.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 576eb45..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p094.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p100.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p100.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b70ab55..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p100.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p112.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p112.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 8d5c022..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p112.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p120.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p120.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index aa50eab..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p120.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p136.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p136.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6983611..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p136.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/p142.jpg b/old/52913-h/images/p142.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 659a591..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/p142.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52913-h/images/titlepage.png b/old/52913-h/images/titlepage.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 40ffc54..0000000 --- a/old/52913-h/images/titlepage.png +++ /dev/null |
