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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f57f44 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,13 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text +*.htm text +*.html text +*.png binary +*.jpg binary +*.svg text +*.pdf binary +*.bmp binary +*.zip binary +*.midi binary +*.mp3 binary diff --git a/79051-0.txt b/79051-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b88012d --- /dev/null +++ b/79051-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7839 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 79051 *** + + + + + ATALANTA + + + + + ATALANTA + OR + TWELVE MONTHS IN THE + EVENING STAR + + + BY + CHARLES NAPIER RICHARDS + + + ALL RIGHTS RESERVED + + + BRIGHTON + H. & C. TREACHER, 1 NORTH STREET + LONDON + SIMPKIN MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT, & CO., LTD. + STATIONERS HALL COURT, E.C. + + + + +CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I. THE GATHERING OF THE FRIENDS 7 + + II. A LIFE SORROW AND ITS REMEDY 13 + + III. STARTING SKYWARDS 17 + + IV. THE LUNAR PERIL 26 + + V. THE METEORIC STORM 33 + + VI. INTO THE BLACK GULF 40 + + VII. THE NORTHERN ISLAND 48 + + VIII. FIRST EXPLORATIONS 54 + + IX. ACROSS THE CENTRAL OCEAN 60 + + X. WHEN THE RAIN MIST LIFTED 67 + + XI. THE CITY AND ITS WELCOME 77 + + XII. NEEDFUL PREPARATIONS 89 + + XIII. THE FIRST ORDEAL 98 + + XIV. THE SECOND ORDEAL 109 + + XV. A TALE AT A SUPPER PARTY 120 + + XVI. MALCHON’S GOSPEL 130 + + XVII. THE PERILS OF CROSS CURRENTS 139 + + XVIII. THE FESTIVAL OF PANACLA 147 + + XIX. AN AERIAL VOYAGE WITH DIVERS EXPERIENCES 156 + + XX. THE ISLAND OF TWILIGHT 167 + + XXI. THE PEAK OF APTAURA 173 + + XXII. THE GREAT MYSTERY 177 + + XXIII. LYDON’S REVOLT 187 + + XXIV. THE DENUNCIATION AND THE RETRIBUTION 198 + + XXV. THE OLD LOVE AND THE NEW 211 + + XXVI. THE FAREWELL OF AMALONA 221 + + XXVII. THE SACRED MANUSCRIPT AND THE PRICE PAID FOR IT 228 + + XXVIII. THE MESSAGE FROM THE OBSERVATORY 241 + + XXIX. THE FEAST OF FAREWELL 253 + + XXX. THE MYSTERY THAT WAS UNSOLVED 267 + + + + + ATALANTA + + + + + CHAPTER I + + THE GATHERING OF THE FRIENDS + + +“I say, you fellows, can any of you oblige by throwing an illuminating +light on the movements of old Carmichael?” + +The question was addressed by Maurice Sheldon to a party of +undergraduates assembled in his college rooms in Cambridge, one lazy +afternoon near the end of the summer term. + +“Well,” said Gilbert Rice, after some moments of acute reflection, “the +dear old owl has taken advantage of the close of his lecture course +to take himself off to some unknown hole in Northumberland called +‘Newbiggin-on-the-Sea,’ I believe.” + +“Anxious to turn over a new leaf and make a new beginning,” ejaculated +Joe Vallance. + +“Why on earth did he stop there and not go on to Edinburgh or to the +Highlands like any sensible man?” queried Sheldon. + +“I was dangerously near suggesting that he wasn’t one, but I see +Abercromby getting ready a missile to shy at my head,” answered Gilbert +Rice, “but I don’t mind saying Carmichael is an awfully decent sort +when you really get to know him.” + +“Well, I _have_ got to know him,” retorted Frank Abercromby, with +emphasis, “and I tell you this, he is working body and soul at +something that will astonish the world when the secret is out.” + +“Stagger humanity like old Kruger,” said the teasing Vallance. “Put +some whisky into his coffee, and he will tell us all about it.” + +“I shan’t tell you anything till Carmichael gives the word. He has +gone up to that quiet spot to meet Carysfort the engineer whom some of +you know, and also Clarence Radcliffe the Oxford curate. The last is a +queer sort of a chap, rather a dreamer you know, been through an awful +lot of trouble, lost his wife during their honeymoon, but he did me +a regular good turn and I mean to stick to him. I’m going to ask him +to come and meet the Professor and the engineer and we will see if we +can’t get a bit ahead.” + +“But, my dear chap, how long is this job going to take?” said Sheldon. +“Carysfort is a pledge there will be _one_ sane person in the +enterprise, but how are you to start again for your degree?” + +“I’m not going to start again.” + +“Great Scott! are you going down after this term?” + +“I’ve no alternative. My uncle hates me, and has taken an unjust +advantage of my failing to pass to give up all further support of me.” + +“I’m awfully sorry, but what the dickens will you do?” + +“Join myself to Carysfort and the Professor.” + +“And what will _he_ do?” slyly put in Gilbert Rice. + +“Well, of all the extraordinary things I ever heard, this about beats +the record,” said Sheldon. Then he resumed-- + +“Carmichael the scientific don, whose lectures were so dry that they +well-nigh killed the Vice-Chancellor. Carysfort a hard-headed engineer, +Radcliffe a poor parson nearly knocked silly by melodrama in his +honeymoon, and you Abercromby--well, present company always excepted +you know--meeting to carry on some work in Northumbria about which our +distinguished selves are for an indefinite time to know nothing,” and +he finished with the most expressive of gestures. + +“I think we had better go a walk to Cherry Hinton,” said Joe Vallance; +“won’t you come with us, Abercromby?” + +“No, comrades of a bygone day,” said Abercromby, with a distinct catch +in his voice, “I have a less pleasurable duty to do: to pack my box.” + +“Well, I’m beastly sorry,” said Gilbert Rice, “hope the clouds will +roll by soon, old fellow.” + + * * * * * + +A few weeks later a small group of friends were seated in the parlour +of a house in a lonely situation facing the North Sea, a few hundred +yards from St. Bartholomew’s Point at Newbiggin. The July sun was +setting in splendour and the watery expanse was calm as a lake. The +Professor had placed upon the table a small model, shaped after the +fashion of a submarine boat constructed of a greyish-white substance, +divided into several tiny compartments and pointed at the end with a +steel prow. + +“Gentlemen,” said the Professor, “I will ask my good friend Mr. +Carysfort to explain to you in outline the significance of what you now +see.” + +“Well, gentlemen,” answered the engineer, “this is only a small model, +but the first step is often the most important, and it will certainly +be so, we trust, in this case. This machine is capable of doing more +than solving the problem of aerial navigation. It is an airship and +can be used as such by the action of the revolving fans, but it can +do more. When there is no air sufficient for the fans to beat, it can +still go onward farther and farther from the earth. You know that in +theory any particle of attraction can be converted into a particle +of repulsion whereby the law of gravitation may be suspended for an +adequate time. But the practical difficulty has been to find a power +that will effect this change. The power has been found. A new substance +has been discovered by the joint labour of the Professor and myself, +two new chemical elements both having certain affinities with radium, +which can, by the help of electric energy, impart to this model, or to +a machine of larger size, the power to resist the gravitation force +of the earth until we are sufficiently far away from it to fall into +some other centre of attraction. This simply means that the secret of +interplanetary communication has been solved.” + +The others listened in profound silence. Then Clarence Radcliffe said: +“How long will it take to construct a machine on the requisite scale +and finish?” + +“About two years at the most,” answered Carysfort, “but I hope a less +time will suffice.” + +“And where the dickens are we going?” asked Abercromby. “To the moon, +I suppose, first, and then onwards to Mars. Mars seems to be the goal +of scientific enterprise just now.” + +“I shall not go to Mars,” replied the Professor; “we know as much about +Mars already as we can ever hope to know without actually visiting +it. People rave about the canals, but that semi-arctic planet, which +I do not believe is inhabited after all, has little interest for me. +But there is a planet equal in size to our own earth, much nearer to +us than Mars, aglow with light and probably with life. We are going +to Venus. This is the enterprise which will enrich humanity with the +larger knowledge. You can get a map of Mars with all the continents +named, but no one ever drew a map of Venus. No one ever will except he +goes there.” + +“What is to be approximately the speed of the machine?” said Radcliffe. + +“Ten miles a second when we are in the airless void,” replied +Carysfort, “but we can regulate our speed at will when it becomes +advisable to do so. The distance to be travelled is between +twenty-three and twenty-seven millions, according to the precise +positions of the two planets. Mars is never less than thirty-five +millions and that only once in about fifteen years; its ordinary +minimum of nearness is at least forty-eight millions.” + +“How many people will the machine be constructed to hold?” said +Abercromby in a rather excited tone. + +The Professor hesitated, then he slowly replied, “For myself, my +servant Jackson, Carysfort, and one other.” There was a moment’s +pause, then the Professor looked fixedly at Abercromby. + +“May I take a turn with you on the sands?” asked Abercromby, his face +somewhat flushed. + +The Professor assented, leaving Radcliffe talking with the engineer. +The two others opened the garden gate and stepped out on to the fine +dry sands for which Newbiggin is famous. + +“Come, my friend,” said the Professor, “you must not take refuge in +shyness, but to end all dispute, I want _you_. You have had rough luck, +and you are just the young fellow whose services an older man like me +would gladly enlist.” + +“Professor,” said Abercromby, “I am awfully keen on the work, few could +be more so, but I will give up my share to the man who saved me from a +beastly scrape when I was visiting Oxford.” + +“I know to what you refer,” replied Carmichael a little impatiently; +“some rascal accused you of stealing one of the inter-Varsity athletic +prizes, and Radcliffe cleared you by unmasking the real culprit. No one +rejoiced more than I, but I cannot see why this should cut you out of +the greatest enterprise ever attempted by man.” + +“Have you heard of Radcliffe’s awful trial?” + +“Not full particulars.” + +“Well, I will tell you all I know, and then you will see that the only +chance of saving him from utter shipwreck lies in giving him a new +object in life.” + +“Will the story take long in the telling?” + +“Ten minutes.” + +“Drive ahead then.” + + + + + CHAPTER II + + A LIFE SORROW AND ITS REMEDY + + +“I’m not going to pile on the agony, but will just give you the main +facts. + +“He was curate at one of the Oxford churches, after taking a good +degree in his special department. Well, he cycles over to Chipping +Norton in the summer term, rescues a lady from the grip of a loafing +tramp, gets invited to the house, a country rectory a mile or so from +the town. She thinks him a paladin, of course; he thinks her an angel +equally of course. They get head over ears; the old parson hesitates +at first but consents. So he is married in the village church to May +Lilian Carnforth. I do soberly believe that no two human beings ever so +loved each other since marriage was instituted.” + +“Five minutes gone,” said the Professor dryly. + +“They went on their honeymoon to Barmouth. They had not been there long +before she began to lose her admiration of him, though he kept his +admiration of her. At last they had a row; I don’t know what it was +about, some utterly trivial matter probably. She declared she would +not go an excursion up the river to Dolgelly with him as had been +planned. He said in anger she might go by herself, knowing that this +was practically impossible. She flounced out of the house and went +across the road to her cousin, Miss Amy Vereker, who was staying in +the place. Radcliffe saw them go off together. Miss Vereker was expert +at the oar. He thought it best to let them go by themselves. It was an +ideal day for a river or sea trip. He waved his hand to his wife as she +turned the corner, but she gave no response. To cut the ghastly story +short, the boat was upset near Penmaen Pool. Amy Vereker just narrowly +saved her life, May Lilian Radcliffe was drowned. No one will ever know +exactly what happened; it was held at the inquest that the boat grated +upon a rock in mid-stream. Radcliffe came home alone, and resumed his +work. He is said to have preached better, but I only heard him once. +His subject was ‘The Wilderness,’ and though I am a graceless scamp, +and likely to remain so, I had a jolly old cry when I came out.” + +The Professor stood silent. At last he said, “We will go back to the +house; I will speak to Radcliffe.” + +The party were still assembled in the parlour inspecting and admiring +the model machine. Honest Tom Jackson, who had been the Professor’s +faithful servant for years, was just saying, “It looks so nice that +it’s a pity we can’t get into it and start at once. It’s a deal of +polishing I’ll be after when I gets into the real one. I’ll keep it as +bright as a new pin.” + +“Mr. Radcliffe,” said the Professor, “I shall be pleased to offer you +a place in our expedition. You will be a most welcome addition to our +party if you choose to cast in your lot with us.” + +“I have often wished to die,” said Radcliffe, whose eyes shone with +a strange lustre, “but you have offered me something nobler. But I +am a minister and I do not know how far my beliefs may be in accord +with yours. I am also a man crushed to the very ground with a sorrow +that nothing can ever eradicate but the Mansions of the Blest, which +even the ancient Egyptians believed in, and to which I wish to go some +day for a special purpose. Ought such a man as I to travel with those +whose energies are fresh and unimpaired? But if we ever reach Venus +and find intelligent life upon its surface you must give me a free +hand, provided I do not compromise your safety. I place myself at your +disposal, gentlemen.” + +“My dear chap, just come along and see what there is to be seen,” said +Abercromby cheerfully. “I shall often think of you, and hope that the +bigger sun of Venus may shine upon your dream and your work. Don’t go +on to Mercury, mind!” + +The whole party laughed, but upon the face of Radcliffe there was a +grave and troubled look of enquiry. “You are coming of course,” he said. + +“No room--given up my berth in the asteroid to you, old fellow.” + +“Then I decline,” said Radcliffe promptly. + +“Beg pardon, gentlemen,” broke in Jackson, “but why couldn’t we put on +an extra bit to the machine, and have the two? One will dance to the +natives up there, and the tother will preach to ’em.” + +“I shall do it,” said the Professor; “it will cost very little more. +They shall both go. As to the matter of beliefs, I don’t choose to let +every bystander know my mind. Mr. Radcliffe’s may be old-fashioned, but +they have contrived to carry him through what might have wrecked other +men. A new world will probably put a number of things on a sounder +footing, though it may knock others on the head. Carysfort and myself +have not studied theology, we are simply thinkers with open minds. +If there are any people in Venus to teach, teach them all you can, +and learn from them all you can. You are a scholar and a philosophic +dreamer as well as being an old-fashioned believer. I knew a parson +very like yourself, he was the straitest of the strait, but when I +got him out of the pulpit for a little private talk, I never met so +daring a speculatist in my life. But he kept his speculations as +speculations, and he gave his people only his convictions. But I am +on the sermonising warpath myself, and will pull up. You are welcome +amongst us, and are now one of us.” + +“I’m a man of few words,” said the engineer, “but I’m right glad to +have both you and Mr. Abercromby. We could not afford to dispense with +either of you.” + +“From the depths of my grateful heart I thank you,” said Radcliffe in a +broken voice. + +“Well, it is about time we had some tea,” suggested Abercromby; “all +the rest of the business is settled _nem. con._ I always find it safe +to abbreviate _my_ Latin.” + + + + + CHAPTER III + + STARTING SKYWARDS + + +Two years have passed away since the meeting at Newbiggin described in +the last chapter. They have been years of varied and incessant toil, +research, forethought, and preparation. + +The Professor continued his scientific lectures in Cambridge for one +more academic year and took a house for the vacation at Cullercoats. +Carysfort stuck to his old quarters near to Newbiggin, where his +workshops were erected. Abercromby kept with him, working like a dock +labourer, as the engineer used often to say. Radcliffe held on to +his curacy at Oxford and drew crowds, at least so Abercromby always +declared, for when he could spare himself a holiday he ran down to +see him. His rector, a man notorious for his orthodoxy though his +sympathies ran in a somewhat different channel, would have been much +startled had he known the character of the studies in which his curate +delighted. + +Many works that bore on astronomy and kindred subjects were to be found +in his library, and once a person, happening to drop in, casually +remarked that the undergraduate who had evidently left his books behind +him when he went down must have been a man of wide reading. + +Study is generally supposed to make a man pale and thin, but upon the +curate it had a contrary effect. He seemed, as time went on, to get +better and stronger. He sunk the whole of his private means in his +friends’ enterprise, and supported himself for the last few months on +the merest pittance. + +One bright June evening he and Abercromby met on the railway platform +at Cullercoats. They walked together to Beverley Terrace and had tea +and supper with the Professor and Carysfort. + +“Matters are approaching a crisis, old man,” said Abercromby. “The +Professor tells me we must pack our week-end boxes in a month, in fact, +to be precise, July 22nd is the day fixed.” + +A spasm of pain shot across Radcliffe’s face but he only said, “I will +be ready.” + +“Write me down an ass,” said Abercromby. “We must alter the date, +Professor.” + +“Quite so,” answered Carmichael. “Venus is approaching the minimum +distance, but a margin of ten days could be allowed.” + +“There shall not be a margin of ten minutes as far as I am concerned,” +replied Radcliffe. “After all, it is best for me that I should bid an +eternal farewell to this earth on that date. It has been chosen for me, +and I accept it.” + +“Let me tell you how matters stand,” said Carysfort. “We had our +trial trip last night. It was quite dark, there was no moon, so we +could start unobserved. We passed over Rothbury at a height of about +two miles, then we drifted towards Newcastle, and when we were over +Ponteland we soared straight towards the zenith. We saw the sun rise +in the east, and then found that our most difficult task was to get +back again before it rose over the Tyne. We were quite outside the +atmosphere and saw the earth at a rather unusual altitude. It was a bit +ghastly I allow, but we knew already we had succeeded.” + +“Abercromby was splendid,” said the Professor; “he stood in the outer +balcony in that rarefied atmosphere till I had to drag him in.” + +“I drew the line at going off pop,” said Abercromby, “because I +naturally felt that though I might be of little use at the best of +times, yet if by chance I burst I might even be less.” + +“Did any people see you as you descended?” asked Radcliffe. + +“Only two bounders walking in from Woodhorn, and though it was barely +six o’clock they had both been tippling. They ran down the road +screaming, but we put on speed and were safe over the garden wall and +our machine in its proper place before they could do any harm. It was a +near shave though, and we have voted for no more trips till the final +start.” + +“What I have chiefly feared,” said the Professor, “was that some +meddling Government official would insist upon knowing what we were +about. However, being in England, I knew I was in the easiest place +to destroy the British Empire if I desired so to do, as nobody would +believe it of me, and everybody would think it uncharitable to say +it of me, so I had no bother except from the surveyor of taxes. It +happened that some patriotic gentleman not very far off was perfecting +an airship to render England invulnerable to the Germans, but many +liberal-minded clergymen and laymen think he would show a more broad +spirit of Christianity if he gave it to the Kaiser. Thanks to this good +man I have been much less an object of curiosity than I might have +been.” + +“Suppose we just take a stroll on the Tynemouth sands and talk over +details,” said Carysfort. “To-morrow, if you can stay, you must come +with us to Newbiggin and inspect the machine for yourself. Full +particulars must wait until then.” + +Radcliffe assented with pleasure. They strolled along as far as they +could, talking and discussing, while a band was playing “All in the +hush of twilight,” and a negro minstrel performance was going on near +the Palace Pier. There was a sort of open-air concert, two vocalists +having sung “Beauty’s home, Killarney,” and “Phil the Fluter’s Ball,” +sang “Love launched a fairy boat.” The people encored and they sang it +again. Radcliffe stood listening, and only Frank Abercromby noticed +that his eyes were full of tears. Carysfort, who voted the whole +proceedings a deadly nuisance, at last pulled him away, and resumed +discussions upon mathematics and locomotion. + +After supper the party had a further walk along the Cullercoats +promenade and then retired to rest in readiness for a visit to +Newbiggin in the early hours of the morning. + +The party were gathered in due course before the great steel-grey +machine with its fans, its balconies, and its long steel prow. They +mounted the short ladder that gave access to the interior, which +consisted of an upper-deck dining-room lighted with electricity, with +large windows, the glass of which was protected by steel shutters +easily workable and short steel projections. There was a long table in +the centre with chairs, around the thickly padded walls ran couches and +divans, and in recesses various collections of books, instruments of +all kinds, and other articles, each firmly secured to the wall. + +Below the dining-room, approached by a hatchway, were small cabins +with comfortable hammocks, and, below these, the engine-room and the +store-rooms. At one end of the dining-room a flight of steps with +protecting hand-rail led to the conning-tower where the upper steering +apparatus was fixed, communicating with electric bells with the lower +duplicate steering apparatus in the engine-room. There was direct +communication by bells and telephones with each several part of the +machine. + +In order that nothing useful might be forgotten, each member, every +four months, wrote out a list of necessary and desirable things and +sent them in to the Professor. Twice over the list was carefully +revised. Abercromby reminded them one day that the only thing he +could think of was to give a name to the machine, and they decided to +christen her the “Asteroid.” + + * * * * * + +At six o’clock on the evening of July 22nd the whole company was +assembled in the parlour of the lonely house at Newbiggin. It was a +close thunderous summer evening, the sea had scarce a ripple, and the +air was most oppressively still. + +Abercromby in vain tried to revive their spirits by his jokes and +sallies, but a solemn sadness hung over the company, yet combining with +it an emotion of undaunted resolve. + +“Now, friends and comrades,” said the Professor, “I propose in an +hour’s time that we take final possession of the Asteroid. The work +of cutting loose from our moorings will, even then, occupy a certain +while, but I suggest that we start skywards at eight p.m. + +“Now it is my duty to say that I offer a final opportunity to any one, +if he has the least misgivings, to draw back; I shall think none the +worse of him. We are sensible men, and we must for the last time look +difficulties in the face ere we are committed beyond recall.” + +“There are no difficulties,” retorted Abercromby. + +“Pardon me, my dear fellow, but that is nonsense. To begin with, we +run the risk of our motive force failing us or going wrong, in which +case we should fall back at ruinous speed upon the earth, and be either +burned to cinders in its atmosphere or pulverised upon its surface. +Then we have a struggle to wage against the attractive force of the +sun, and I need not point out what sort of death will await us that way. + +“Supposing we get near to Venus, we have to encounter the fall upon its +surface, which, with all our care, may be deadly. Once arrived, we may +find its air unbreathable, and its heat too great for human life. Its +people may capture us and deprive us of our machine, thus preventing +us for ever from returning home; and they may even torture us and +kill us. Then we have the terrors of the return journey, which are of +a precisely similar kind to those of the outward, with the possible +variation that we may find a lunatic asylum awaiting us in the place of +an international welcome. These are the odds: ponder them for the last +time.” + +“I have pondered them over and over again,” said Carysfort, “and for me +they have no terrors.” + +“I object to no item in the Professor’s black list except the +terrestrial lunatic asylum,” said Abercromby, “and we have only to +avoid British territory, and, being true Britons, we shall be sure of a +hearty welcome.” + +“To me the journey to Venus is but the prelude to a longer journey,” +replied Clarence Radcliffe, “but, till my work is done, I shall not ask +to die. I have risen superior to that, chiefly through the kindness of +you, my brothers.” + +“Jackson, what have you to say?” said the Professor. + +“Bless you, sir! I’ll just be after going where you go, and if the +Lord brings us all safe back I’ll tell the folks at home that I’ve +been and gone and had a real good time of it. But you must leave me +the polishing-up of the machine, sir. You’ll do the steering, and I +the scrubbing. When I laid my old mother to rest in Elton churchyard I +buried the last who would miss me, and I thought as how I would like to +go clear away, only you are taking me a bit farther than I reckoned.” + +“Well done, honest Tom,” said Carysfort. “If every master had as good a +helper as Carmichael has in you, there would be a little more sensible +work carried out in this spoiled land of ours.” + +“Just one word, Professor,” put in Abercromby. “If things go all right, +how long do you mean to stay away?” + +“Only a few months if Venus is not inhabited, two or three years if +it is,” replied the Professor. “I have written out a full and concise +account of our intentions and shall leave it behind me. I have also +addressed a letter to the Home Secretary. Of course the secret of our +discovery is carefully guarded, but I have told who we are and where +we are going. I have left full instructions as to my property and this +packet shall be posted as soon as you have all signed your names to it. +Another shall be sent to the Mayor of Newcastle, and a third shall be +left on the table. And now we had better sign, as we are all agreed.” + +This having been done, the two postal packets were sent off. Radcliffe +asked that they should invoke the Divine blessing upon their +enterprise, to which all consented, and then they silently left the +house, and proceeded to the place, sheltered behind high walls, where +the Asteroid was poised ready for its vast and thrilling flight. + +Abercromby remarked that they had not as many to see them start as +Columbus or Sir John Franklin had, to which fact the Professor yielded +the most hearty and even cheerful assent. + +The final preparations took up a shorter time than was expected, and +at 7.30 p.m. on that cloudy July evening Carmichael took his post in +the conning-tower; the others stood upon the outer balcony, Abercromby +assuring the Professor that as soon as they had got outside the earth’s +atmosphere he would button up his greatcoat and leisurely come in. + +“Farewell to England!” said the engineer simply. “May we find our +country a little more open to common sense when we come back.” + +Jackson evidently thought that Mr. Frank would give them a colossal +joke at the moment of starting, but perhaps, unknown to himself, the +power to do so failed him at the last moment. He put his arm through +Clarence Radcliffe’s and said, “Say something for me, old chap; I’m +hanged if I can.” + +“May God bless all in the world who are in sorrow, and may we bring +them back something to help them,” answered Radcliffe. + +“Start the car, Professor, or I shall make an ass of myself,” sung out +Abercromby. “No, hold hard, please. Tom has got a last message for the +old country.” + +“God save the King,” said Jackson, pulling off his cap. + +“Most correct and admirable,” replied Abercromby; “nothing could be +less open to hostile criticism. Now, Professor, if Nelson were here he +would tell us that every man’s duty was to fly. Go ahead, and just give +us a peep of Northumbria before we finally vanish.” + +A moment more and Newbiggin, from the old church on the wave-worn +promontory to the Eagle Rocks, lay many hundreds of feet below them. + + + + + CHAPTER IV + + THE LUNAR PERIL + + +Within a few minutes the travellers had entered the thick veil of the +clouds, and were forced to beat a speedy retreat into the shelter of +the upper deck. Rain poured down, there was a sharp flash of lightning +followed by a rattling peal of thunder. Carmichael increased the speed, +and soon the cloud region was traversed and they climbed higher and +higher into the star-spangled night. Soon the lights at the entrance +of the Tyne came into view, and a dull illumination to the west showed +them the busy hive of Newcastle. Gradually it became impossible to make +out even the largest objects originated by man, but the great grey +landscape opened and widened; they could see the Cumberland Mountains, +and the crescent moon, now wondrously brilliant, lit up the sea beyond. + +Presently England itself became a dark grey patch girt with the silvery +sea, and then the countries of Europe almost took the form of a model +map, only it wanted the daylight to illuminate it. + +Carmichael now insisted that the whole party should come within, and he +did not need to employ arguments. Already they were choking and gasping +and nearly benumbed with cold. Just as they entered, Carysfort having +hermetically sealed the partition, they saw a broad fan of light flash +out upon the eastern horizon, and the sun rose and bathed the enormous +circle of the earth with his rosy-tinted rays. Trailing belts of clouds +hung over Russia and Eastern Siberia, but over India and mid-China the +weather was resplendent. + +“There is Mount Everest,” said Carysfort, pointing to a snow-white +hillock, as it looked to them, “nearly 30,000 feet high, five miles and +more. What would Major Everest have said, when he was measuring it by +trigonometry in 1847, if he could have seen it as we see it!” + +“We are 170 miles already,” said Carmichael. “I am going to double +speed, so prepare for a surprise.” + +Every minute now made a perceptible difference. At last the circle of +the entire globe was seen, the heavens gradually turned from dark blue +to black, the stars shone out, the sun’s rays began to blaze like a +fiery corona, all grew silent and still, the faintest apparent motion +ceased, the earth seemed every few minutes to shrink to a smaller +circle, while the moon, which hung in space, appeared to grow in size +and splendour. + +The awful spectacle daunted even the brave men who had dared everything +to behold it. Even Abercromby and Carysfort averted their faces from +the window. Radcliffe alone stood with folded arms in a state of +abstraction. + +“I shall now quadruple the electric pressure,” said Carmichael; “the +sooner we get used to these things the better.” + +The Professor was just about to put his decision into practice when +Radcliffe stopped him by suggesting that this might be a unique +opportunity for solving the problem of the terrestrial polar regions. + +A powerful telescope was soon fixed into position and each in turn made +full use of it. The result was not very satisfactory. The North Pole +was so hidden in clouds and vapour that it was well-nigh impossible to +form a verdict. With the South Pole it was different. They could see a +ring of white mountains with Mounts Erebus and Terror clearly visible, +but beyond was an antarctic continent with a greyish patch in the +centre just at the Pole itself. But it gave them no evidence of being +inhabited. + +The moon was shining to the left of them, considerably larger in size +than it appears from the earth. Carysfort raised the question whether +it was worth while to attempt a landing upon it. The question was +decided in the negative. They would pass near enough to solve that +problem of the outer or invisible side of the disk which is never seen +by man. + +The Professor told them that they would cross the lunar orbit in two +hours’ time, when they would pass it at a distance of about 11,500 +miles. + +“I dare not risk our great enterprise in the attempt to alight upon a +small world which the best science of our times has pronounced to be +airless, waterless, and lifeless,” said the Professor. “To land upon a +world without an atmosphere would be a most dangerous undertaking, and +we could do no exploring when we got there, but would have to remain +cooped up in our machine. We could not sail over its surface, for we +should have no atmosphere in which the fans could work. If we had made +up our minds to go there, we would have faced the risks and prepared +accordingly; but we have something far more important lying before us.” + +“I read in a book while at Oxford,” said Radcliffe, “that earth and +moon should not be regarded as planet and satellite, but rather as two +stars revolving around each other.” + +“Precisely so,” answered the Professor. “It is absurd to liken the moon +to one of the satellites of Jupiter or Saturn. A planet of 90,000 miles +in diameter may have five small worlds gravitating around him, but a +world of less than 8000 miles cannot, strictly speaking, regard a world +of 2200 miles as a humble dependent.” + +“Was the moon ever a part of the earth, and did it fill the bed of the +present Pacific Ocean before it was split asunder?” asked Abercromby. + +“My dear fellow, you announce the most astounding theories as though +they were ordinary facts,” said the Professor. + +“Of course I do. I want to beat Radcliffe at astronomy, and to +anticipate his speculations.” + +“I was not there to see,” replied Carmichael. “That there is something +very peculiar about the relationships of earth and moon, different to +other bodies in the solar system, I readily grant. Mars, for instance, +being a small planet, has two microscopic satellites, but there is no +satellite that bears any such proportion to its primary as the moon +does. I hardly believe in the disruptive theory; I am more disposed +to think that the moon and the earth were always independent, and +that perhaps the moon got caught by the earth’s attraction and was +henceforth chained by it.” + +Jackson here appeared upon the scene and enquired if there were any +orders for supper. Abercromby disputed the title and declared it must +be breakfast as the sun was shining with unpleasant brilliancy. + +“When we are well clear of the moon we will certainly have a good +square meal, but it is not worth while, for the sake of this, to come +to a disastrous collision,” said Carmichael. + +A cup of coffee and some biscuits were handed round to each, and then +the whole party resorted to the windows. Speed was increased and the +Asteroid made direct for the orbit of the moon, but carefully avoided +a heading of the prow towards her. The circle of the lunar globe was +becoming every few minutes wider till it greatly exceeded in dimensions +the apparent size of the earth. + +The Professor drew out a large map of the lunar disk and they could +see for themselves how accurate it was. Slowly, as it seemed to them, +the great orb turned upon its axis, and, as the minimum distance was +reached, the outer hemisphere gradually outspread itself. There was +nothing notably different from the earthward side. There were the +same chain of mountains, the same circular ramparts, the same extinct +craters, the same desolate stony plains. The only difference that could +be noticed, if any, was that the outer side of the moon bore less +manifest traces of violent convulsion, the heights and depths were on +a slightly smaller scale. There was one large plain near the equator +which might in earlier ages have been a fertile undulating country, or +even the bed of an ocean. + +“Well, this finally disposes of the theory of existing lunar races,” +said the engineer. + +“With our powerful instruments and looking through an airless void, we +should see traces of human handiwork had there ever been any,” observed +Radcliffe. “What an awful world, a veritable picture of hell. Wherever +the sun’s rays fall direct there is insufferable heat; wherever you +step out of them, only by a few yards, insufferable cold. Hell is the +easiest place to find in all the universe.” + +“I have always thought so,” quietly answered Carysfort. “We do not know +all the secrets of the black gulfs of space. Outside the Milky Way, for +instance, in what astronomers call the ‘Coal Pit,’ what is there?” + +“But all here is brilliant sunlight,” protested Abercromby. “Where are +the black gulfs?” + +“The first begins outside the solar system, between our sun and Alpha +Centauri, said to be the nearest of the fixed stars,” remarked the +Professor. “When our sun had become a tiny star, and Alpha Centauri, +though you rushed at it with the speed of light, kept you waiting for a +three years’ journey before it even gave you a visible disk to look at, +there would be time for days of darkness, and many of them. I am not +a theologian, I am a pure scientific thinker, but I do not put all my +thoughts on the table. I only give them when asked.” + +“Come, I say, we shall be feeling ghastly if this subject goes on. +Suppose, now that we are clear of that uncanny moon, we have a meal,” +said Abercromby. “I am fast getting like the boy who, when his father +at the parish tea told him he must eat for to-morrow as well as to-day, +informed his dad that he had not done eating for yesterday yet!” + +“Well, my frivolous young man,” said the engineer, “Jackson will no +doubt appease us, but do not be always putting serious subjects aside.” + +Abercromby was just going to acknowledge the engineer’s rebuke when +he happened to look round and, finding a pretext for evading the +necessity, suddenly called out, “Why the moon has slipped down right +under our feet!” + +The Professor gave a startled cry, and dashed up the steps into the +conning-tower. + +“What the deuce has happened?” said Abercromby, turning pale. + +“We are falling,” said the engineer. + + + + + CHAPTER V + + THE METEORIC STORM + + +For a moment or two Carysfort and the others stood in tense silence. +The Professor raised the electric pressure to the maximum, ten miles +a second. He was only just in time--a minute more and no motive force +could have availed against the lunar attraction. + +Even as it was Carmichael did not breathe freely when the distance +increased until it became evident that the increase was multiplying +itself in widening proportions. + +“Well, we had run ourselves into a ghastly hole,” said the engineer. “I +wonder when the next will confront us?” + +“Some millions of miles onwards when we have our big tussle with the +sun,” replied the Professor. “My plan will be to slow down somewhat +till we cut the orbit of Venus, and then try to pursue our path along +it, instead of crossing it; we shall travel slower than the planet and +we can let it overtake us.” + +“Where is Mercury?” asked Radcliffe. + +“Circling round the other side of the sun,” answered the Professor. “It +will not add to our dangers, for it will not interpose its attraction +to pull us sunwards for several weeks.” + +As soon as the distance from the moon made any danger from that source +negligible, the party sat down to their first regular meal in the +dining-room. Conversation flowed freely now that the danger was passed. +They spent the time in mapping out the programme of their life on the +Asteroid before they should near Venus. They made an artificial chart +of day and night, allotting sixteen hours to work and study, and eight +hours to repose. Two were always to mount guard during the rest time; +one to steer, the other to watch. + +The Professor advised that the first thing to be done was for him and +the engineer to give the rest of the party full instructions as to the +use of the machinery and the guidance of the machine. Every one would +then be available and every hand ready in a moment of crisis. When off +duty each was left free to pass his time exactly as he liked, though +Carmichael insisted that all should take exercise at stated intervals, +and Abercromby put in practice a series of gymnastics on a small scale, +and used to make Radcliffe, of all people, take a prominent part in +them. Chess was a source of pleasurable interest. All the party worked +together in perfect harmony and brotherliness, except for one passing +incident which produced a transient unpleasantness. + +Abercromby one day when seated at lunch asked the Professor if he +thought they would find Venus a feminine or a masculine world. + +“Nonsense!” said Carmichael, a little irritably, for his views about +the fair sex were well known to the Cambridge men to be the reverse +of complimentary. “There is no such thing as a feminine planet. The +very idea is only mythology and legend. Of course Venus is supposed +to be the planet of love, and Mars the planet of war, but that is all +classical rubbish, you know.” + +“Of course,” assented Carysfort; “but we shall have to keep a sharp +look-out on this young man if by any luck the inhabitants of Venus were +all or mostly women.” + +“Luck!” exclaimed the Professor. “Good heavens! I should start back to +the earth at once. But I do really think, though I know Abercromby will +bark at me, that a parson I once met spoke near the truth when he said +it was easier to reach the heart of a man than the heart of a woman.” + +“You cannot reach any heart till you possess the key to it, and that +you may, alas! sometimes mistake,” answered Radcliffe; adding hotly, +“If this conversation is carried any further I shall leave the room.” + +“I vote the parson, whoever he was, a donkey,” said Abercromby, “and as +he is not here the remark will have a soothing effect upon our agitated +nerves.” + +“Let it drop, as we are not likely to agree,” replied the Professor. +Radcliffe, however, quietly left the room. + +“Well,” said Carysfort, “there is no accounting for some people; +we shall have two to look after when we get to this incomparable +planet. Abercromby will fall in love with the first female savage +he meets, unless she brings his courtship to an abrupt close, and +Radcliffe--well, he will probably do the last thing that we expect he +_will_ do.” + +This was the first and only time that the inhabitants of Venus were +discussed on the romantic side; all agreeing that it would be best to +postpone the question till they got there. + +But a tremendous excitement, and an acute danger, was at hand, which +stopped all talk on any subject for a good while. When they were about +eight millions of miles from the earth--about a third part of their +journey, the engineer sighted with his telescope a large comet with a +small nucleus, with a fiery train of meteorites spread out in sparkling +streams, fan-shaped, and radiating in various directions. The object +was but small, and at first it was not easy to trace the exact course +which it was taking. The Professor thought it would pass some twenty +thousand miles from them, and that they would be in no way affected +by it. But as the hours went on the situation grew exceedingly grave, +for it became evident that the cometary train might nearly, if not +actually, cross their path. Moreover, the mass of burning meteors +constantly grew in apparent size, and presented a fiery barrier +actually looming before them. + +All the party were on the alert, and both the Professor and the +engineer went to the conning-tower and took a united part in the +steering. + +“Are we going to be set on fire, or what is to happen?” said Abercromby +in a serious tone. “We seem to be heading straight for a volcanic +eruption.” + +“The fire cannot reach us except by direct collision,” answered +Radcliffe. “What I fear is that the meteorites will bombard us and +damage the roof and sides of the Asteroid.” + +A little later and the danger approached still nearer. It was a +veritable meteoric storm into which they seemed rushing with blind +speed. The burning meteors did not, of course, in the void of space +burn steadily, but only kindled when they came into collision with each +other. Then outbursts of many coloured fires lighted up the gulf of +space, some burning for a few minutes, others dying out in a heap of +calcined ashes which almost immediately became invisible. Fortunately, +they were able to avoid the full brunt of the storm, the nucleus of the +comet passing at a considerable distance ahead of them, but they had to +endure several nerve-shaking concussions. + +Once the Asteroid was struck in the prow and a small amount of +damage done. Once a meteoric stone glanced obliquely from the roof, +leaping into flames as it did so. The Asteroid was coated over with +a fire-proof asbestos substance, and to this they largely owed their +safety. Two masses showing up dark against the sun’s rays bore down +upon them, but before they could reach them they struck one another and +two dark bodies formed instantly one blazing mass; this resolved itself +into a fiery mist which rotated rapidly upon its new-formed axis. + +All this while the Professor and the engineer stuck to their posts with +white set faces, for they well knew the awfulness of the peril. When it +was over, and the heavens had resumed their wonted tranquillity, they +left the conning-tower and joined the others upon the upper deck. + +“We have been almost wrecked,” said Carysfort. “Every moment I thought +we were going to be smashed up. I repeated two little prayers my mother +taught me, keeping my hand on the machinery all the time.” + +“That is just the right combination,” said Radcliffe. “Work as if all +depended upon yourself; pray as if all depended upon Another.” + +“You saw a world created, I suppose,” said Carmichael. + +“What in the name of all that is astounding do you mean?” said +Abercromby, staring at him. + +“Why, my friend, when those two meteors collided and formed one fiery +mass, that is how the thing is done,” answered the Professor. + +Radcliffe then said: “You know these matters better than I do, +gentlemen, but have we not seen a way in which science, which tells us +that the sun will die and the earth be a cold corpse, may be right in +the abstract but wrong in fact. Suppose a much larger mass of meteors +falls into the sun, might he not renew his youth and the other planets +theirs?” + +“When the Arab vows perpetual fidelity to his ladylove in the Eastern +song he swears to be true + + Till the stars grow old, + Till the sun grows cold, + Till the leaves of the Judgment book unfold.” + +The remark was Abercromby’s, who thought it more cheerful to sing it. + +Radcliffe, ignoring the poetic interpolation, went on: “Is it not +feasible that the world may be ended some day by a sudden accession to +the sun’s heat through collision of the sun with an extinct star, or +the invasion of the solar system by a fire mist, and that afterwards +may come a new order of things?” + +“‘Death is the gate of life,’ so the proverb runs,” put in the engineer. + +“I do not dispute the possibility of these and similar theories proving +true,” said Carmichael slowly. “That human affairs may be wound up by +a blow from outer space is a proposition to which any thinking man +will agree; but don’t be in a hurry to try to make science square with +the Bible--watch, wait, gather facts, and patiently build up your +conclusions about them. Solomon and the Roman Pliny, the Eastern king +and the classical gentleman, had one great merit, they _observed_. +Parsons and scientists are always apt to rush to conclusions, one +pretty nearly as much as the other. The theories of to-day may be the +laughing-stock of to-morrow, but the patient labour of to-day may +be the heritage of to-morrow. I have now preached two lay sermons, +Radcliffe, one to you, the other to myself.” + +“Then, Professor, you must be feeling pretty well used up,” said +Abercromby. “Suppose we have a cup of tea. Wellington is not in it, for +he never fought a comet in mid-skies and preached twice afterwards.” + +Tom, with a grin upon his honest face, put the tea-things on the table +and announced with immaculate gravity, “Tea is ready, gentlemen.” + + + + + CHAPTER VI + + INTO THE BLACK GULF + + +The peril from the solar attraction did not prove as great as they had +feared. Carmichael had chosen the most favourable moment for leaving +the earth, when Venus would be travelling directly towards them, and +would interpose as a shield between them and the sun. + +Before the new orbit was reached they slackened their speed, and +that things were going well was soon evident by the planet appearing +beneath them as a gradually brightening star in the depths of space. +Many anxious hours and many elaborate mathematical calculations had +to be spent and taken before the Professor and the engineer felt able +to communicate reassuring news. Not till they had got within five +millions of miles from Venus did they feel that the solar peril might +be regarded as over. + +All the members of the party, except Carmichael, seemed to enjoy a +rebound of confidence and hope, but the Professor remained anxious and +abstracted. He told them repeatedly that the peril they had feared +was past, and that they might reach Venus in safety--at least with no +greater danger than the earth if they were returning to it--but this +did not enlighten them as to the real cause of his concern. If they +asked him more closely he returned only evasive answers. + +One day he called the engineer aside and they had a long private talk. +It lasted more than an hour. At length the two came out of the cabin +and went back to the dining-room, where Abercromby was trying to solve +a chess problem. + +“Is anything gone queer?” he said to the Professor. “Tell us; we can +stand it. Is the machine giving out, or what is the trouble?” + +“If you want to find a wife in Venus, and Radcliffe a mission, I fear +you will both be disappointed. For myself, I am too disgusted and sick +at heart to go into the matter. We have run the most awful risks, and +for what? to be rewarded at the last with polar ice and worse than +tropical furnaces. In all probability there are no inhabitants of +Venus--at least none that are human.” + +“But, my dear and respected Professor, how have you found out these +agreeable facts at five millions of miles distance?” said Abercromby. + +Carmichael did not answer. Radcliffe fixed an appealing look at +Carysfort, who at once took up the subject. + +“Well, gentlemen, I suppose it is about time we told you. I always +feared it might be so, but we hoped it would not be. Now our fears are +convictions.” + +“And our hopes have taken a run round the stars to keep themselves +warm,” said Abercromby. “Now I will not talk nonsense again till you +have said your say.” + +“The truth is that those astronomers are right who thought that Venus +revolved round the sun with such an inclination of its axis that the +sun was always in the same place, according to latitude; that there +were practically no seasons or alternations of day and night, but that +while one side of the planet was always lighted, the other was always +dark. Now you can judge what that means in the long run. Half the +planet is locked in perpetual ice-bound cold, worse than any of our +Arctic winters, while the other has a sun always pouring down light and +heat upon it, twice as much as the earth receives and that every day +and all day long.” + +“But surely, even then it must make an enormous difference what height +the sun occupies in the sky?” said Radcliffe. + +“That is the only hope,” replied Carysfort. + +“Well, then, let us steer for the North Pole of the planet and alight +near to the boundary between sunshine and shadow. At least we know that +there is an atmosphere.” + +“Yes, and a very dense one as regards depth; perhaps five hundred +miles or more,” said the Professor, at length breaking his silence. +“But although we shall certainly do what Radcliffe suggests, for it is +the only possible course to take, I can hold out little hope of any +result. The chief danger to be dreaded is storm and tempest, electrical +and cyclonic disturbances caused by the meeting of opposing currents +of heated and cold air. If we can surmount this, we can make our way +cautiously over the lighted surface until the heat shall drive us back.” + +“There is another very serious trouble,” said the engineer. “We had +hoped that, as we drew near to Venus, we should be able to take careful +observations of its features as we did in the case of the moon, and +could have carried much further had it been necessary; but, as we shall +approach Venus on its darkened side, we shall see practically nothing +till we get there. A pleasant landing that will be.” + +“It is obvious that we ought not to, and must not, alight upon the +planet without seeing where we are,” said Carmichael. “When we reach +the atmosphere we must throw out the searchlights, but this will be a +dangerous operation.” + +“It will set all the dogs barking, you mean,” remarked Abercromby. “But +seriously, Professor, do you think it is all up with us?” + +“Not as to our safety perhaps, but as to the success of our enterprise. +What good will it be to reach a world of fire and desolation?” + +Before Venus actually crossed the path of the sun they did their best +to take whatever observations were possible. But vast belts of clouds +hid the lighted surface, screening its actual wonders from their view. + +“We have verified Herschel’s opinion that Venus has an extremely dense +atmosphere,” said Radcliffe. “I wonder whether we shall presently +verify Schroeter’s that its mountains are twenty miles in height.” + +“My dear Radcliffe, Herschel is quite antiquated; and as for the other +Johnnie you referred to, he is nearly as ancient as Julius Cæsar,” said +Abercromby. + +“But there is this to be noted,” remarked the engineer, “that the +foreign astronomers of a past day could often use their telescopes +in a brilliant sky, like Italy, for instance, whereas in England the +most perfect and up-to-date instruments are apt to be put out of use +by constant bad weather. Give me an old-fashioned telescope and I will +make something of it if there be only a clear sky. Moreover, I think +in the olden days men turned more attention to the physical side of +astronomy than they do now.” + +“As to the supposed stupendous mountains in Venus, we shall soon find +out all about it if we are not knocked to pieces,” said the Professor; +“but I will point out that the highest earthly mountains are really +ten miles high, because they ought to be measured, not as we see them, +but from the ocean bed itself. As to Venus, astronomers have noticed +certain slight roughnesses on the edge of the crescent, when it appears +to us crescent in shape, and these may indicate the tops of mountains +caught by the sun’s rays.” + +“It’s a great nuisance that Venus is not on the outer side of the earth +instead of on the sunward,” said Carysfort. “As the matter stands, when +she is furthest off she appears as a full moon, when she is nearest she +is only a crescent. Add to this, that she recedes but a short distance +from the sun, and is therefore only a morning and evening star.” + +So they chatted on while the gulf which separated them from their goal +grew less and less. When they retired to rest they were only three +millions of miles away. + +Meeting at the breakfast-table next morning, the Professor was asked +when he thought the journey would be over. + +His answer was in about sixty hours; he was gradually reducing the +inherent speed, and when the time drew near for the actual descent he +would pull against it by increasing the repulsive force of the engines. + +Their supply of air, which had been manufactured by chemical process, +had worked perfectly, the inner temperature of the Asteroid being +always at a moderate level. + +As the hours advanced they all noticed a dimness spreading over the +heavens; this was caused by the disk of Venus gradually encroaching +upon that of the sun. The diminution of the solar light was at first +not unpleasing, but when at last it faded out altogether and an intense +darkness supervened, relieved only by the stars, the travellers knew by +instinct that they were nearing their last and their greatest peril. By +lunch-time the size of Venus had become very enlarged, but, unhappily, +they could see no feature nor landscape, they could only tell where the +planet was by the increasing eclipse of the stars upon the floor of the +heavens. + +Abercromby wanted them to cut this short, for it was getting on his +nerves. + +Slowly, and more slowly still, they felt their way down and down into +the black gulf. + +The Professor and the engineer never left their posts, but only took +hurried mouthfuls of refreshment which Jackson brought to them. Poor +Jackson was shivering with alarm, which he tried to conceal under a +fussy attention to his duties. Even his polishing and scrubbing failed +to soothe him. + +Frank Abercromby was in a perpetual fidget, now and then asking +what the dickens was going to happen, and sometimes making use of +unclassical language. Radcliffe stood beside the windows silent, but +his face was deadly pale. + +When the black globe beneath them covered the whole depth of the sky, +Carmichael began to set in motion the repelling power. + +It was a terribly anxious crisis, for if he used it too much he might +be actually retreating from his destination, if too little, they might +be dashed to pieces. + +“You had better go down on your knees, Radcliffe,” said Carmichael, +“and do for us what is more becoming in you perhaps than in me.” + +Radcliffe prayed earnestly and simply that at this awful moment help +might be given them, that if they had been presumptuous it was for the +good of their fellow-men, not for their own advancement. + +Suddenly as he rose from his knees Abercromby shouted, almost crazy +with excitement, “Come here, all of you. What is this going on down +yonder?” + +A dull red illumination appeared, of no great size, but they could not +tell how vast it might be in reality. + +“It is a volcano, glowing in the atmosphere of Venus, near to the +Pole,” said Carmichael. “Now we know to what point to steer.” + +Not long after, though minutes seemed ages, a slight rise of +temperature became noticeable. + +“We are in the atmosphere,” said Carysfort. “Start the fans.” + +“They can be set going from within,” exclaimed Carmichael. + +The levers were turned and the fan wheels were seen to revolve, though +very feebly. Half the peril was over, as far as the descent was +concerned, for they had now the means of using their machine as an +airship. They steered in a diagonal line towards the burning mountain, +and, keeping exactly at the same height, they made use of the summit to +guide them as to their level of altitude. A few moments more and a line +of brilliant light appeared on the horizon. They were on the North Pole +of Venus, four miles from its surface. + +In front spread an apparently boundless ocean, encumbered with blocks +of bluish and purple-white ice, which of course tended every mile +southwards to become smaller and smaller, while, to the north, they +were crystallised into vast masses thrown up into the most weird +and fantastic shapes. The great sun of Venus, twice as large as the +terrestrial sun, flamed in rosy splendour upon the southern horizon. +The sea was restless and agitated and a keen wind was blowing. The sky +was laden with fleecy clouds of wild and stormy appearance. They were +at a vast height, higher even than the Asteroid. + +“Well, gentlemen,” said the Professor, “we have faced the greatest +hazard ever dared by man, and we look upon what the mortal eyes of +humanity have never seen. Now let us take courage and face the problems +of the future, resolved that, come what may, we will do our duty.” + + + + + CHAPTER VII + + THE NORTHERN ISLAND + + +Carmichael lowered somewhat the height of the Asteroid in a gradual +diagonal, till they were only at a moderate altitude, so as to be able +to observe anything of interest at reasonably close quarters. The first +thing to be done was to ascertain whether the air of Venus was suited +to human beings from another world. + +Fortunately, the stormy commotion had its seat in the higher regions +of the atmosphere, at least on that occasion, so that finding more +reposeful conditions nearer to the surface, the Professor advised that +the experiment should be tried. + +Radcliffe stepped forward to one of the large windows and was about to +unfasten when Carysfort shouted out, “Hold, man! are you mad? Do you +suppose that we want a whole blizzard of untried air let loose upon us? +Allow Carmichael to manage this business.” + +Poor Radcliffe stepped back aghast, while Abercromby laughed. The +Professor, with a smile, moved to one of the side walls and took down +a case of books, which revealed a small round panel about as large as +a crown piece. He motioned them to stand clear, and then he touched a +spring and the panel flew open. + +“Bravo!” said Frank; “you have foreseen every blessed contrivance that +we shall want.” + +“I only hope I have,” said he. “Now, you fellows, just take a sniff and +see how you like it.” + +A thin, crisp current of air, slightly perfumed and perfectly +delicious, penetrated slowly through the room. The panel was left open +for ten minutes, till the Professor, quite reassured, told them that +they might enjoy an even larger dose than Radcliffe would have given +them--they could venture out upon the balcony. With a hop and a skip +Abercromby was in the open air within a few seconds, though he used +most unparliamentary language, for the first thing he nearly did in +Venus was to lose his hat, he only just contrived to catch it in time, +or, as he said, it would have been the first gift that the earth would +have bestowed upon a new planet. + +“The waves are not much higher than our own waves, though they seem to +show a great swell and current,” said the engineer. + +“The reason is,” replied the Professor, “that Venus having no moon, and +the sun’s attraction making up for it, the tides here will be somewhat +like the terrestrial.” + +For two hours they sped on to the south, the sun slowly rising in the +sky but the heat not increasing to any great or serious extent. The +ice-packs had of course disappeared, but the wide open sea stretched +before them with its fresh and turbulent waves. At the end of the two +hours a great and startling discovery set all their hearts wildly +beating with hope. On the southern horizon appeared a line of high +cliffs rising straight out of the water, whether they betokened island +or continent they could not tell. + +As the Asteroid drew nearer--for they increased their rate of +speed--they saw with some regret that the cliffs presented no +possibility of anchorage or landing-place. Not that this mattered +to them, for an airship was quite free and independent of any naval +convenience, but it made it most improbable that they would find an +inhabited country. + +Directly they had soared above the cliffs a cry of delight escaped +them: they were in a crater-like land. A lake shone in the centre, +while the country, thickly wooded in places and interspread with +luxuriant meadow, sloped upwards to a chain of hills about twenty miles +away to the south. Westwards they could trace the curving line of the +elevated coast, but eastwards it was not so easy to tell how far the +land extended. + +“Thank God! At last! at last!” exclaimed Radcliffe fervently. “We will +be content with what we have.” + +“The best attitude in which to look for more,” said the Professor +quietly. “There are no traces of human beings, civilised or savage, +but the locality will suit perfectly for a few days of rest and quiet +explorations.” + +“Could we only know there _was_ a city on Venus,” remarked Carysfort, +“I should scarcely like to drop down upon it the very first moment. +Better to get acclimatised.” + +The Asteroid was steered to the south side of the lake, which was long +and narrow. The Professor prudently selected a little hilltop looking +down upon the lake, but sprinkled with trees and carpeted with rich, +soft, mossy grass. Upon this the Asteroid carefully descended. It only +required the grappling irons to be fixed in the ground and a lashing +of ropes to the stems of two adjacent trees, and then a reasonably +secure site would have been gained. It was rather a twilight land, for +the sun was hidden behind the hills, but this was a relief and not a +disadvantage. + +The first thing they did was to sit down to a quiet meal, which they +partook of in the machine, for Carmichael would not hear of any +out-of-door picnic. He insisted that no excursion should be taken till +they had had some hours of sleep, and they were all nearly exhausted. + +The Professor and Jackson stepped down and attended to the safe +securing of the machine, and then they had, in turns, the longest +repose they had ever enjoyed since leaving their own world. + +When they met the next morning and were breakfasting, the first thing +Abercromby wanted to hear was the programme for the day. + +“Now, gentlemen,” said the Professor, “I will just say one word on +a certain subject, and then leave it to your good sense and hold my +peace. God--for I believe in God--has brought us here after a frightful +voyage across space, and perils both at either end, and occasionally +in the midst, enough to have sent weaker men stark mad. Don’t let us, +by any rashness or indiscretion, throw away all our advantages and +perhaps our lives. They belong to the human race, not to ourselves. We +want to live to return and to tell what we have seen. The peril of the +air is past, but danger lurks in the fruits and flowers, in the water, +in the soil, and also among the people, if there are any. Columbus was +in no such danger ever, for, though all around him was new and strange, +he was still on his own planet. Touch no food till some little time +has passed, but live on our own earthly supplies, which will last us +several months at the least. Taste no water till I have chemically +analysed it. Do not indulge in dangerous climbing. Do not straggle away +from the machine--at least, alone--and always carry your revolvers with +you, so that you can use them as signals if you need them, not for +defence. I should not say half as much as this were we in the wildest +part of Central Africa. But here, in Venus, we are just like new-born +children with all our experience to make as we go along, and all the +learning of earth cannot directly help us, except in guiding our common +sense. Now I have said my say. I am pleading for my brothers on the +earth, for whom we have done and risked all this.” + +“I agree with everything you say,” replied Carysfort, “and will +practise it. I suppose Cromwell would tell us, were he alive, to trust +in God and keep our eyes open, which will be more important here than +keeping our powder dry.” + +“I will go about in a bath-chair if it is to benefit humanity,” said +Abercromby. + +“Very well,” said the Professor, just a tiny bit cross; “I take that +remark to mean that you won’t be a donkey. Now let us change the +subject.” + +They discussed at a considerable length what they should first set +about. It was decided that two should be left behind on guard, and that +a rocket should be sent up in the event of danger requiring the others +to return. The travellers should be absent not more than three hours, +they should walk to the western end of the lake and strike the cliffs +at the angle of the shore so as to gain some idea of the coast-line +away to the southern hills. In the rare event of some terrible danger +overtaking them, the Asteroid should be brought to them, to scatter +enemies, or to rescue from peril. The Professor would fire off a signal +rocket himself. Their guns were not, on this occasion, to be used as +signals, as they might want them for other purposes. Carysfort and +Jackson consented to remain behind, and gave their word not to move out +of sight of the machine, while one of them was always to be within it. + +Then the ladder was let down and the party trod the soil of Venus for +the first time. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + + FIRST EXPLORATIONS + + +The mossy grass upon which they stepped was of a pale pink colour, +indescribably beautiful, while the leaves of the trees were of various +tints, though the prevailing colour was a greenish red. Here and +there were trees purely green in foliage as on the earth, but these +were rather the exception. Of shrub and thicket there was no great +profusion, so that even in the woods they could have made their way +easily; but they thought it more prudent to skirt the open shores of +the lake. Flowers were very scanty, and such as there were did not +exhibit either variety or comeliness; but, as the Professor remarked, +they were practically in the Arctic circle of Venus and not in any +tropical region. The whole landscape seemed very still, for the fierce +wind had either died down or was pursuing its course in the upper +regions of the mighty atmosphere of Venus. The clouds were grand beyond +description, but they did not threaten any outburst of bad weather. +The sky was of a paler blue than the earthly sky, and the trailing +cloud-belts soared to a much loftier height. Presently they caught +sight of several large birds whirling at a vast distance above them; +they seemed to be of great size with wide-extended wings. It was not +easy to judge of their colour, but they had bills of formidable +length; they were soaring away to the plateau of heights that bounded +the south, and appeared to be settling upon them. + +“This is the first specimen of life we have seen, Professor,” said +Radcliffe; “may it prove the herald of that which is nobler and better.” + +“Not a trace of it at present,” replied Carmichael; “not a footprint +upon the ground, not a mark upon the trees.” + +“But I do not see how beings resembling us could get here,” answered +Radcliffe, “unless this turns out to be the northern end of a great +continent. There is not a place where a ship of any sort or size could +disembark anybody. What climber, even if he were a monkey, could mount +those stupendous cliffs?” + +“Well, now,” said Abercromby, “suppose we have a little chat over +probabilities. Don’t you think that it is possible by scientific +inference to reason a little as to the people in this planet?” + +“How do you propose to start?” said the Professor. + +“Is it not a great point, to begin with, that the gravitation force of +Venus is the same as ours? On Mars, they tell us, we should be cutting +capers every time we put a foot to the ground, while on Jupiter we +should be crushed into the very soil and turned into mincemeat.” + +“True enough,” said the Professor. “This certainly makes it easier for +Venus to be inhabited.” + +“Then, again, Venus is younger than the earth, having been evolved from +the sun at a later time. May we not argue, then, that we should find +its civilised races much less advanced than our own?” + +“My dear fellow, your argument bristles over with guesswork. It is not +by any means certain that Laplace’s theory about planetary evolution +is right, but if it be correct it may prove too much, for we may have +arrived here centuries before human life is to begin; and lastly, you +cannot argue from one world to another as to the rate at which man +advances. Human progress has always been spiral, never in a straight +line.” + +“There is nothing, so far as I can see, to make life impossible even +to us,” observed Radcliffe, “much less to races born and bred upon the +planet.” + +“Don’t be too sure,” said Carmichael. “How would you propose to eat if +we had no supplies of our own? I have not seen a single fruit as yet, +whether wholesome or the opposite.” + +“Look, look, a waterfall!” cried Abercromby, and sure enough, a stream +came foaming over a rocky ledge and poured its waters into the lake. + +“Lovely, is it not?” he said to Radcliffe. + +“Yes! I suppose so,” answered Radcliffe, gazing at it abstractedly. + +“Come along, we have seen cascades and falls in our own country,” said +the Professor. + +They climbed a small hill at the head of the waterfall, at the summit +of which they looked down upon a deeper and thicker belt of forest. +Just before entering it they saw some white bones lying bleaching upon +the ground; the Professor ran to them and picking up one of the largest +very carefully examined it. He said it must have belonged to a large +animal which he should judge to have been comparatively harmless, but +whether it had died or been torn in pieces it was difficult to say. + +So much time had now elapsed that it was judged advisable not to +proceed further, but to return to the Asteroid, and then take a longer +excursion the next time and continue the same line of exploration. The +homeward journey was uneventful till they had come within about half +a mile, when they were startled by a gunshot which reverberated right +across to the southern hills. + +“Good gracious! what is the matter?” said Abercromby. “That must be +Carysfort. I always tell him his gun goes off even when he is asleep.” + +The Professor looked vexed, for he did not want any sport in Venus; he +was no sportsman himself, and he was afraid of attracting dangerous +animals. However, when they got in sight of the machine they found that +Jackson was the culprit, for he coolly told them he had shot a beast in +order to cook him for dinner. + +“What the dickens did you do it for?” said Abercromby. “The Professor +has said he will not take any food off this blessed world, unless the +natives ask him in to afternoon tea.” + +“Now, sir, don’t be hard; this ’ere is equal to real cooked +sucking-pig; you would want to eat him to the tail if he had one.” +All the party laughed heartily. The first slaughtered victim on Venus +was a spindle-shaped animal with short stuck-up ears long nose, and +fawn-coloured skin. + +“Well, he is pretty enough, but I shall stick to my resolve,” said +the Professor. So they supped upon terrestrial food after all; but, +the next morning, Abercromby broke in upon them with the alarming +intelligence that a savage must have been prowling around the machine, +for he had come upon the dying embers of a fire and the beast had been +nearly all devoured. It turned out that the devourer was Jackson, so he +had his first Venusian meat in defiance of orders! + + * * * * * + +The next day at breakfast there was a rather keen dispute amongst the +party as to their future plans. Radcliffe and Abercromby wanted to +start the machine, soar over the mountains, and at once decide whether +human beings were discoverable or not. But, as the engineer had not +yet taken a walk in their present neighbourhood, the Professor gave +the casting vote in favour of remaining one more day and finishing the +exploration of the country. Accordingly the engineer, accompanied by +Abercromby and Radcliffe, set out soon after the meal was finished, +while the Professor and his servant stayed behind. + +It was not till about six o’clock that the travellers came back. They +had met with no special adventures till they had reached some caves +about half a mile beyond the cascade. There they had been set upon by +a wild beast of a most ferocious character, and, had they not been all +close together and well armed, they would have come off badly. It took +several shots from Carysfort’s gun before the animal was killed. It +had surprised Abercromby first, knocked him down, torn his waistcoat, +and had fixed its teeth in his shirt, and might have disabled him but +for the coat and belt which he was wearing and for the speedy arrival +of the others; with a supreme effort Abercromby managed to thrust a +knapsack into the creature’s jaws, and, before it had been able to +eject this and grind its way through to his flesh, Carysfort had shot +it. The animal was something of the nature of a wolf, though there +were many differences. They got back to the Asteroid in a rather +excited state. Abercromby had spoiled a suit of clothes and had lost +his knapsack. There were, of course, relays of clothing in the hold of +the Asteroid, for they had taken care to be amply provided with all +necessary things. + +The engineer was naturally the hero of the occasion, though he modestly +disclaimed all praise. Poor Frank had had such a shaking that it was +decided to spend yet another day quietly and to put off the final start +until the morrow. + + + + + CHAPTER IX + + ACROSS THE CENTRAL OCEAN + + +Early the next day, after they had breakfasted, Abercromby having +assured them, with unnecessary vehemence, that he was as “fit as +a fiddle,” they decided to resume the direct exploration of the +planet. They did not doubt that the result of a twelve hours’ voyage +in the machine with the high rate of speed which they had at their +command would settle the question whether Venus was inhabited or not; +Carmichael himself thought so, as was natural, for he could not have +anticipated the setback which awaited them. + +At nine o’clock they started. The Asteroid rose to a height of several +hundred feet, and, in a few minutes, it had crossed the fertile +valley and had begun to mount higher and higher so as to clear the +southern mountains. These were not of any considerable elevation, +indeed, from the contour of the land their real height was much less +than their apparent. But when the summit of the ridge had been gained +both Abercromby and Carysfort broke out into a simultaneous volley of +unclassical language. + +The land came to an abrupt end, and before them stretched away a +shoreless ocean. + + * * * * * + +To say the party were surprised would be to employ too mild a term, +they were absolutely thunderstruck. They decided, however, to push on. +There was nothing to be gained by a return to the island. They had now +explored it sufficiently to be sure there were no human inhabitants. + +“I cannot yet believe that this island is the only dry land upon the +whole surface of the planet,” said Radcliffe. “A world all ocean with +only one island seems unthinkable.” + +“Yes! I expect there is more land,” replied the Professor, “but we +have yet to discover whether it is suited to human life. Every mile we +travel now is leading us on to the hotter regions of Venus, where that +terrible sun will of necessity climb higher and higher into the sky and +pour down more and more torrid rays. But we must face it.” + +On they went at ever-increasing speed, for, over the level surface of +the sea, there was no need to slacken. The solitude was appalling, not +a sail anywhere, only a few flying-fishes, and, far up in the air, near +to the fleecy belts of clouds, whirling flights of birds too remote to +be properly studied. And still the sun rose higher and higher, till he +would soon be overhead, yet the heat did not increase to any degree +that might have been expected. But the clouds increased till they +formed a dazzling silvery canopy moderating rather than concealing the +light of the sun; moreover, as Carysfort pointed out, they were cutting +the air at such tremendous speed that the exhilarating contact with the +atmosphere would of itself render the increase of temperature bearable. + +Several hours passed away amid strained attention and snatches of talk. + +“Surely, Professor,” said Abercromby, “when we got our peep at +the lighted side of Venus we caught a glimpse of a large southern +continent, and also of a whitish-looking point at the southern pole.” + +“Our glimpse was more tantalising than instructive,” he answered, “and +my mind was so taken up with the perils of the steering that I did not +use my telescope as frequently as I ought.” + +“I read in a book which I brought with me,” said Radcliffe, “that the +southern horn of the crescent, that is, the south pole of Venus, is +constantly to be seen blunted, as though some lofty mountain existed +there which caught the solar rays, and it has been said that this may +be even twenty-seven earth miles in height.” + +“I know to what you allude,” replied Carmichael. “As far back as 1643 +irregularities on the planet’s surface (when it appeared as a crescent) +were noted by Fontana at Naples. Since then astronomers of several +European countries have seen the same thing. Van Ertborn, a Belgian, +in 1876, saw more than once a point of light in the neighbourhood of +the southern pole, which he thought to be the sunshine striking a high +peak, while the valleys around lay in shadow.” + +“As to the enormous height ascribed to the mountain,” observed +Carysfort, “there is no doubt some error and perhaps a gross +exaggeration, but, if there be any corresponding reality at all, we +may look out for something inexpressibly grand when we approach the +southern pole. I see here an advantage and a drawback: it will be the +means of enabling us to behold our own earth, which, of course, is +perpetually hidden from the inner side of the planet; but on the other +hand, who but some Robinson Crusoe, monarch of all he surveys, could +live on the top of a mountain of such proportions? I fear this weighs +heavily in the scale against our finding human beings.” + +“I never realised I was an ungrateful beggar till this moment,” said +Abercromby, “but I have positively forgotten that such a planet as +the earth exists. I wonder I did so, as my generous uncle is upon its +surface now, thinking me out in Australia, or else gone to the dogs; +anyway, he is blessing his stars that he got rid of me with so little +fuss. You managed it admirably, Professor. No luckless wastrel ever +dropped out more neatly than I did; I might have cheated even the +police.” + +“We all got off with very little trouble,” said Carysfort. “Had we been +Frenchmen or Germans it would have been harder, but England permits any +of her sons to vanish quietly, except Tommy Atkins of course, and _him_ +she usually allows to starve.” + +“Well, well, we are in Venus now and we need not bother over our +poor stupid world,” said Abercromby; “besides, we are going back to +enlighten it, you know.” + +“Land ahead, and not an island this time,” cried Radcliffe; and, +behold, a vast range of lofty mountains could be discerned, about fifty +miles away, showing clearly against a bank of clouds. + +“Well done, old chap,” replied Abercromby. “While we were rating the +old world, you, like George Canning, have called into existence a new +world to redress its balance.” + +“And what are we going to find upon yonder continent when we get +there?” asked the Professor. + +“Women and men, angels and devils,” replied Frank in an elevated tone. +“Which are which you, Radcliffe, shall decide. I’m going below to fetch +a new telescope. That beast I had to fight has, I believe, swallowed my +old one. I forgot that when Carysfort slew him I might have recovered +the instrument, but it would take time to go back across the equator +and fetch it.” + +The speed of the Asteroid had again to be greatly reduced, and a long +interval elapsed ere they reached the summits of the mountains, which +formed the outer edge of a vast and dreary plateau destitute of every +species of life, animal or vegetable. + +As there was no need for them to make a home upon these bleak uplands, +they held on upon their southern track. For many miles they saw this +desert region beneath them, with its sombre-hued pinnacles and rock +masses and its dull red areas of comparatively level ground. But at +last their perseverance was to be rewarded. Gradually the nature of the +soil changed from utter barrenness to richness, though for a long while +the richness was but comparative rather than absolute. Trees began to +appear, at first singly, then in groups, and finally in dense masses +of brilliantly tinted woodland; the ground sloped downwards, though +by no such abrupt transition as had been the case in the northern +island. Presently the country began to open out, and, by degrees, +one of the grandest landscapes upon which mortal eyes had ever looked +became unveiled to view--a fertile and fruitful continent with majestic +streams and smaller lakes, grand waterfalls and undulating hills. One +thing alone was wanting--the presence of humanity. Another and a still +higher mountain-chain with serrated peaks rose to the south, but it +must have been at least two hundred miles distant. Beyond them, at all +events, the final problem lay, for the whole contour of the landscape +negatived the idea that mountains of such elevation could be instantly +succeeded by the ocean without any intervening belt of land. + +“What do you think of it, Professor?” said the engineer. + +“It is just the northern island over again, except on a grander scale,” +replied Carmichael. “I begin to realise that our stay in Venus will be +very short. When we have once reached the pole and proved whether the +high polar mountain is a myth or a reality the game will be up.” + +“But surely,” interposed Radcliffe, “the question cannot be settled +by travelling in a straight line north to south. Ought we not to go +_round_ the lighted side of the planet as well as going _down_ it?” + +“Certainly we ought,” answered Carmichael, “if this were only a vessel +or an airship; but with our resources at command it will be much +easier, and also safer, to rise to such a height as will embrace the +whole hemisphere, and then, when it lies as a model map beneath us, +to find out whether there is any further land, and drop down straight +towards it.” + +“Pity, perhaps, we did not do this at the first,” said Abercromby. “We +should then have saved ourselves a few disappointments at least.” + +“No,” answered the Professor. “I will put up with the disappointments. +It was very desirable to come to close quarters with the soil and the +products of Venus.” + +“Well, here seems a suitable spot for an anchorage,” said Carysfort, +pointing to a sequestered glade near the banks of a large river; +“suppose we fix upon it and settle ourselves.” + +The Asteroid glided down till it rested upon a grassy mound at an +elevation of about thirty feet above the river bank. The usual +precautions to ensure the safety of the machine were then taken, and +while Jackson prepared the tea, the rest stood watching the rapid +current as it sped past them in a south-westerly direction. + +They were so dead-tired that tea and supper were blended into one, and +then Abercromby having undertaken to mount guard, the others gladly +succumbed to their drowsiness and fell asleep. + + + + + CHAPTER X + + WHEN THE RAIN MIST LIFTED + + +The Professor had just rubbed his eyes in the first moments of waking +consciousness, when he heard a yell resound through the machine, +but of an unmistakably earthly type. The next moment he had sprung +to his feet, thrust on an overcoat, and was up the stairs into the +dining-room. Carysfort and the others had emerged with equal speed; +Jackson, indeed, with more zeal than conventionality, appeared in his +night-shirt. + +Abercromby was standing, ghastly pale, his hair erect, every muscle and +limb shaking, and pointing to the window. A huge, man-like creature, +with reeking jaws, porcupine-like bristles, and one enormous eye in the +middle of his forehead, had clambered up the stairway and was tearing +at the smooth surface of the glass with claw-like hands. With a cry of +horror Carysfort rushed to fetch his gun, but, finding the way to the +stair-ladder barred, he stopped and hesitated. As if to make matters +worse, two other creatures, equally hideous and furious, flung out +their arms and sought to clasp the Asteroid in their foul clutches. +Carmichael at once made for the conning-tower and started the machine +in an upward flight. The irons tore and creaked, but of course gave +way after a minute, while the Asteroid rose over the tree tops, a +hundred feet from the ground. With a hideous yell the gorilla creatures +let go and were hurled downwards, not to the ground but into the waters +of the river. They evidently had no idea of swimming, for, after a +brief struggle, they were swept away by the current. + +“A pretty appetiser we have had for breakfast,” grumbled Frank +Abercromby. “Darwin’s missing link was not in it.” + +“How on earth did the monsters first appear?” asked Carysfort. + +“My friend, you must say in future ‘How on Venus,’” replied Abercromby. +“Well, I had better cry ‘peccavi,’ as the Indian governor did when he +wrote ‘I have Scinde.’ I was just going to fall asleep at my post, when +that strange and most attractive Johnnie came and looked reproachfully +at me. But I wonder I did not go stark staring mad on the spot.” + +“Where are we to venture the machine now?” asked Radcliffe, who looked +very white though he had said nothing. + +“We will keep this side of the river at all events,” said the +Professor. They chose another less restricted camping-place, the +anchors were made fast, and the party alighted to be quite certain the +coast was clear. Radcliffe declared that he heard certain gobblings and +chucklings emanating from the thickets hard by, and the others, after +attentively listening, believed he was right. They resolved, therefore, +to make but a very short stay, in fact, only just sufficient to take +their meal. Even Abercromby disclaimed the thought of an out-of-door +picnic, and therefore they had breakfast in the dining-room and drew in +the stair-ladder as a precaution. + +“What concerns me is the thought that those creatures are the real +inhabitants of Venus,” remarked Carysfort. + +“God forbid!” said Radcliffe fervently. “I cannot and will not think so +until I am obliged.” + +“If _that_ is evolution illustrated,” remarked Abercromby, “it would +have made Darwin himself orthodox.” + +“I am by no means disposed to reject evolution,” replied Radcliffe, +“because the Creator could work in and through evolution, even if man +be descended from a protoplasm as well as from a monkey. All I ask for +is that God’s hand should guide the process all through the countless +ages. Not that I consider Darwin’s theory proved. I only say that if it +ever comes to be, it would not shake my faith.” + +“Don’t be too liberal and concessive, my dear fellow,” said the +Professor, “though the advice may sound queer as coming from me. +Evolution is _a_ theory, not _the_ theory. To make it account for all +the facts of creation is to take up one of those short and easy cuts +which are as great a nuisance to true science as to anything else. I +regard evolution as one of the helpful working forces of the universe. +I believe that the original types of animal life were fewer than the +existing types. But when I have said that, I no more believe that all +life came from a jelly-fish than I believe that every species was +distinctly and separately created. People always think that nature is +uniform in its ways, while we shall have to learn that it is not. As to +the inhabitants of Venus being represented by those creatures, my mind +turns sick at the very thought. However, we must face facts, but we +will not rush at facts.” + +“No, I did not rush at the monster, I waited for fresh light on the +situation, and you brought it me, Professor,” said Abercromby. “I +should never be eating this breakfast had I taken a short and easy road +to knowledge by going out and shaking hands with him.” + +“Well, I think we will start,” said the Professor, “when you have done +eating, Abercromby.” + +“Yes; we will have a good day’s aerial exploration to blow the +nightmare off,” remarked the engineer. + +They travelled at least a hundred miles over the fair and diversified +land before they had accomplished more than half the distance to the +southern mountains. Once Radcliffe declared that there were some houses +perched upon an eminence to the west, but a careful survey proved that +they were only high rocks of white colour shining in the sun’s rays +above the forest land. As some doubt was still felt, they shaped their +course towards them, for it did not take them many miles out of their +way. + +It proved to be a tableland of grey-white rocks, several hundred feet +above the plain. Here the Asteroid alighted and it was resolved to rest +for the night, for the place appeared fairly inaccessible to wild +beasts, and if any such were to appear, they could be easily seen +before they touched the Asteroid. But there were no traces of wild +beasts, though some richly plumed birds made the air melodious with +their song for a few minutes. Jackson was preparing the supper, and all +except Radcliffe were within. Radcliffe was out on the plateau, wrapped +in his thoughts, as Abercromby told them, as well as in his greatcoat. + +“Well, I wish the dear fellow would not express them in that +everlasting tune,” said the engineer; “he has been well on for a +quarter of an hour, and it rather gets on my nerves.” + +“It is one of the melodies those fiddlers were playing at Cullercoats,” +remarked the Professor, “‘Love launched a fairy boat,’ I believe.” + +“The prettiest song I ever heard, that, and ‘All in the hush of +twilight,’” said Abercromby; “but alas and alack! there is no maiden to +sing with me, though we are in the Love planet itself.” + +“No! that is quite true,” replied the Professor dryly. + +Radcliffe came in, happily unconscious of the late topic of criticism. + +They took their places at the supper-table, when one of the most +startling interruptions that had ever yet tried their nerves broke in +upon the meal. + +Overhead they heard a loud noise followed by a wailing cry. It seemed +to come from the north, to attain to a piercing intensity, and then to +die away southwards into tremulous silence. + +“What the deuce is that?” shouted Abercromby; and, before the others +could stop him, he had opened the door, and, regardless of the absence +of the steps, had bounded out upon the plateau. There they saw him +throwing his arms to and fro, and wildly gesticulating to them the +other side of the windows. They could see he was in no danger, but mad +with eagerness and excitement. + +The whole party sprang to their feet and were by his side in two +minutes. They looked in the direction in which he was wildly pointing, +and saw a huge greyish thing, with outspread fans, whirling away to the +mountain heights and then vanishing behind them. + +The Professor, after a moment’s dead silence, said: “This is very +serious; let us come within.” + +“Why very serious?” asked the engineer, when they were again at the +supper-table. + +“Because it means one of two things, either of which will greatly +affect us. It is either a huge primeval monster, or a flying machine +like our own, in so far as it is an airship.” + +“And why are either of these things so grave after all?” said +Abercromby. “If that affair yonder were an airship, your heart ought to +be glad, Professor; if a monster, it has the right to be sorry, your +heart I mean; but why alarmed?” + +“If it be a monster, Abercromby, we have come to Venus too soon to +find intelligent human life. Such creatures could hardly co-exist +with man in a world which, for practical purposes, has but so little +accommodation. If it be an airship, then we are going to meet a race +incapable of being either terrified by us, or even much astonished +by us, who can meet us on equal terms, man to man, but may be armed +millions against armed units. Now you understand what I fear, and why I +fear it.” + +“Take it easy, Professor, we may astonish the niggers after all; but +I _must_ say I want to see them, even if it be only possible for them +to astonish _me_. We will sing them a song or two before we die, +Professor.” + + * * * * * + +The night was far from being a restful one under such circumstances. +Two were placed on guard, to relieve each other every three hours. On +the next day they found it impossible to start, as a thin, penetrating +rain descended, the first they had experienced upon Venus. It +continued, without cessation, for several hours, while the whole valley +lay enwrapped in a silvery mist. The Asteroid afforded them a secure +asylum, but, in their state of eager excitement, the time passed very +slowly. + +At last, soon after they had had their lunch, the mist began to +disperse and the sun shone out in splendour. The air was much fresher +and cooler; had they not been so naturally impatient to push on, they +would have taken a walk, at least along the ridge of the plateau. But +they were in no mood to do this--they were hunting for niggers, as +Abercromby elegantly phrased it, and as nobody else overheard him, it +did not much matter. + +The Professor ordered the start at about 3 p.m. by their watches. The +Asteroid was set at fairly high speed, and soon reached the slopes of +the mountains. A few miles to the west they saw a huge gap or defile, +and towards this they steered. A great wall of precipitous rock shelved +downwards in the direction in which they had come, but, to the south, a +pass extended of varying breadth, sometimes almost too narrow for the +whole of them to walk abreast. + +The Asteroid was therefore in a rather awkward position; they could +descend if they liked and make the journey on foot, but, in such a +place, it seemed too hazardous to deprive themselves of the aid of +their machine. They decided therefore to rise higher, and to follow +the course of the pass, but at a safe elevation above it. In a few +minutes the pass ended, they came out over a grassy upland height, but, +unfortunately, the rain mist had now taken up its position to the south +of them, and though there was evidently a grand landscape prospect, it +was, for the present, completely wiped out. + +A clump of lofty trees reared their heads a few hundred yards away, and +to these they steered, coming to an anchorage beneath them. The party +gladly took shelter in the dining-room, for they began to be positively +chilly, doubtless owing to the peculiar state of the atmosphere, +perhaps, even, to their restless nerves. + +Neither cold nor rain could deter Clarence Radcliffe from venturing +to the end of the clump of trees where the ground sloped suddenly +downwards. He saw the mist begin to uncoil and lift itself; slowly +the outlines grew clearer and more distinct. Feature after feature of +a country, rich in its loveliness, disclosed themselves. High hills +were interspersed with park-like glades; a lake of superb dimensions +appeared, glittering in the sunshine, into which two majestic rivers +poured their rapid waters. In the midst was a large island, and in the +centre rose an object that sent the blood tingling through his veins--a +colossal palace fortress or temple, with four graceful pinnacles each +glittering with a different hue of colour--while beyond the lake was a +greater sight still, at which, after a glance of fascinated admiration, +he turned away, his eyes dim with tears. “O that one had been here to +see it with me, but it was not to be. Her eyes behold a landscape with +which even this cannot compare. If I could but know she was looking at +me now, I should be more brave to do what perhaps lies before me. But I +know she would wish me to do it, and I _will_.” + +Then he turned and went back to the Asteroid. They were all in the +dining-room making preparations to start for a walk, as the weather was +clearing. But all stood petrified at the expression on his face. + +“Gentlemen,” he said, “I have chanced to see what you should all have +seen with me. I owe you an apology. Come at once.” + +They rushed out to the edge of the great precipice and stopped, +absolutely incapable for the moment either of speech or action. The +vast plain was dotted with houses and palaces, each standing in its +grove and garden, while up the sides of the two southern hills that +sloped towards the lake shore stretched the outlines of a great city, +its domes, towers, and pinnacles shining in the light of a sun more +splendid than the sun of India, yet tempered in its rays by the +white-robed circle of the sky. + +The object of the expedition was accomplished; before them lay the +life, the civilisation, and the glory of the planet Venus. + + + + + CHAPTER XI + + THE CITY AND ITS WELCOME + + +“My friends,” began Carmichael in an almost trembling voice, “there +is no need for me to tell you that the supreme hour has come at last. +All that we have dared and anything we may have suffered has led up +to this, and we may put it behind us. Before us now lies the solemn +duty of doing the right thing for two worlds and so acting that we +shall not make our return home impossible, for if we do we only +benefit ourselves. Now the first thing to face is the initial peril, +the greatest as well as the nearest. A glance suffices to show us +that force is out of the question, and that we cannot play the part +of demi-gods even if we wished to. How, then, shall we best and most +wisely disclose ourselves to those people, who of course cannot speak a +word of any language with which we are familiar, whose manners are as +unknown to us as their weapons, and who may even have totally different +ideas as to both justice and mercy from any terrestrial races.” + +“You state a big problem, Professor,” replied Carysfort, “but I think +it will conduce to simplify it if we decide first of all whether we +shall boldly venture into their midst or approach them in deferential +guise.” + +“Stick to our good old machine, that is my advice,” said Abercromby; +“if they have artillery or other contrivances to blow us up they can +the more easily destroy us piecemeal if we take a walking tour and +present ourselves as solitary wayfarers.” + +“That cannot be thought of,” said Carmichael. “The choice lies between +soaring towards the city in the air, or pitching quite near to it and +keeping close to the Asteroid.” + +“A thought occurs to me,” said Radcliffe, “that it might not be a bad +plan to entrench ourselves where we are, but not to leave them to find +us out, which would be cowardice, but to signal to them and make them +send a deputation to us. This would force them to show whether they +meant to be friendly or hostile.” + +“Excellent, capital!” said Frank Abercromby. “But what signals do you +propose?” + +“The rockets,” answered Radcliffe. + +“I think the idea is feasible and also wise,” said the Professor +thoughtfully. “Its chief merit lies in this, that but a small number +can come to us in this elevated place, whereas if we went to the city +we should have the whole multitude upon our hands. The going to the +city or encamping near to it might well suggest to them hostilities, +whereas our signalling to them could not be regarded in such a light.” + +The decision having been taken, it only remained for them to put it +into execution, and this they resolved to do at once. Having seen +to their arms and ammunition, the rocket apparatus was placed in +readiness, and the first rocket was discharged by the Professor. It +rose into the sky with a loud explosion, and the fiery train must have +been visible to every part of the city. A few minutes later a second +rocket was discharged and after that a third. + +“These must suffice,” said he; “we must not waste our supply.” + +Some little time elapsed during which the party closely examined every +part of the scene before them with the help of their telescopes. They +were too far off to make out the inhabitants, but they could gain clear +information as to the houses. The architecture was somewhat Oriental in +character, though Radcliffe thought that it bore a resemblance to the +accounts given of ancient Mexico and Peru in the histories of Prescott. +There were broad streets and squares with fountains and gardens in the +midst; the larger houses were of very imposing aspect. There seemed no +evidence of squalor or poverty anywhere, but of affluence and repose. +In fact, _repose_ was one of the prevailing features. + +It was a veritable garden city or pleasure city; there was neither +hurry nor tumult. They noted also an utter absence of fortification or +military defence. Either the Venusians had no enemies on their planet +who could molest them, or they had concealed weapons and resources that +rendered visible precautions needless. + +Suddenly they all noticed a small object rise up like a bird upon the +wing from the terrace of a huge palace on the top of the highest hill. +It was evidently coming towards them, and that rapidly. + +“An airship I declare,” cried Abercromby. “That, then, was the object +that gave us such a fright the other evening.” + +The flying vessel came nearer and nearer; it was more graceful and +ethereal than the Asteroid, though the machinery by which it was +propelled was much the same in character. It had no outer balcony, nor +did it seem to carry any weapons. It slowed down within a few yards +of them, and then a click was heard, a panelled door flew open, and +two beings alighted, evidently a man and a woman. They were about +the same height as average terrestrials; they had a pale complexion +with a slight yellowish tinge; their dress was simple, a flowing +classical-like drapery with a girdle of crimson. They wore upon their +heads tiaras of gold, while the woman’s head was adorned with a +coronet. Each carried in the hand a small tube of green-coloured metal. + +Carmichael, motioning to the others to stand back, while keeping his +hand upon his revolver in case of need, stepped forward, bowing and +smiling, and making every demonstration of peace and goodwill. The two +Venusians did not reciprocate his advances; their whole bearing was +haughty and aloof. + +The Professor spoke a few words, and tried the expedient of leading +forward each of his companions and presenting them. + +The strangers conversed rapidly with each other in a very musical and +harmonious language. The man was rather eager and excited, the woman +haughty and stern. Suddenly she raised the tube in her hand and pointed +it at the Professor. + +Radcliffe sprang forward and interposed to shield him, guessing the +deadly intent. At this she lowered the weapon and said a few words to +her companion. He nodded, and she pointed the green metal tube not at +them but at a tall tree a little to the right; a faint flash followed, +and suddenly the tree stood blasted before them as by a stroke of +lightning. A cry broke from the party and all drew their revolvers; but +Radcliffe spoke an earnest word and, taking his own weapon, he laid it +upon the ground. This was understood, and the two Venusians replaced +their metal tubes in their girdles. + +They paused a moment, then they made signs to Radcliffe to approach +them. The man took the hand he stretched out and grasped it; the +woman would not, but her lips parted into the semblance of a smile +which at least denoted a relaxing of enmity. Struck by a thought, the +Professor hurried to fetch a large map of the solar system with all the +planets and their orbits clearly marked. Radcliffe held this out to +the Venusians, who took it and examined it with the greatest interest, +making frequent comments one to the other. + +Abercromby, who would have made his fortune on the stage, then went +through a pantomimic performance to describe the purpose of the +expedition and the course which it had taken. The Venusians looked on, +till the man grew impatient and the woman more and more scornful. + +Suddenly Radcliffe pointed to the map, and described with his pencil +the journey of the Asteroid from the earth to Venus. He took a sheet +of white paper and drew sketches of Venus as a planet and of the +Asteroid approaching her. The Venusians were now intensely interested, +and even pressed him by signs to tell them more. He went on for another +quarter of an hour, till they signified that they had heard enough. +They did not condescend to take further notice of the others, but shook +hands with him, this time both of them, pointed once and again in the +direction of their city, stepped into their machine, and instantly took +to flight, returning in the same direction as that in which they had +come. + + * * * * * + +“A queer business this,” said Abercromby. “You were evidently in high +esteem, Radcliffe, old man; that amiable female meant to put daylight +through us, as the Americans say, if you had not curried favour.” + +“Abercromby, don’t be jealous,” said Carysfort; “some other Venusian +maid will fall in love with you if you have a little patience and do +not expect to take a whole planet by storm.” + +“I’m not a bit jealous,” said Abercromby, “only Radcliffe captivated +both the jokers, and did not leave us even the man.” + +“Well, he saved all our lives, except at the expense of a deed which +would have aroused the whole world against us,” replied the Professor. +“But we must now decide, and quickly, upon what is to be done next.” + +“Follow them to the city, as they pointed the way to it,” said +Radcliffe. + +“I think we had better do so,” answered Carmichael; “their gestures +certainly wore the aspect of invitation, if not of command.” + +“I scarcely think we are very sure of a friendly reception,” observed +the engineer, “and yet if we stay here, they will hunt us out, or +capture us by main force.” + +“Where is Jackson?” asked Carmichael. + +“Down in the store-room,” said Abercromby sarcastically. “When the +Venusians got ready their shots he bethought himself that the kettle +wanted watching. My old grandfather, who used to dine on board ship +with Charlie Napier and the other paladins of the ‘roaring fifties,’ +once heard a naval captain tell a story of how a black cook ran down +into the stoke-hole as soon as the French or the Russians commenced +firing. Well, the officer hauled him up on deck and rated him for a +cowardly rascal. The nigger was equal to the occasion. ‘Good heart, +massa!’ he said; ‘good heart! bad legs, massa, bad legs! Legs run away +with the heart!’” + +Carmichael laughed, and then the whole party got inside the Asteroid, +and the engines being set in motion, they rose high into the air and +winged a straight flight to the great city. + +As a measure of prudence, the Professor raised the altitude of the +Asteroid a mile above the ground, and shaped his course for the +terraced building on the hill. They could see vast multitudes pouring +out of the houses and standing, pointing with upraised arms to the +machine, and watching intently its every movement. + +At last the great palace lay below them, and they slowly descended till +they alighted upon the ground in the courtyard. Hardly had they done so +when excited crowds of men and women came rushing forth. + +In a moment, before the travellers had had time to give explanations +by signs, they were seized by furious hands, their weapons struck +from them, and they would soon have been torn in pieces had not two +officials, in gorgeous attire, thrust their way forward and spoken +some words in a high and authoritative tone. Then the crowd fell back, +still uttering such cries of rage and fury that they expected each +moment would be their last. But the officers of the court kept their +authority, and Carmichael, Carysfort, Abercromby, and Radcliffe were +led into an adjoining room, where their hands were tightly bound, and +they were bidden to follow. They were then dragged along a number +of passages till they arrived at last before a door which, on being +opened, led into a small quadrangle open to the sky, with a few shrubs +and flowers growing in the centre, and several rooms opening into it, +one large, the others small. Then the officers released them from their +fetters and immediately departed. + + * * * * * + +The first thing the ill-fated travellers did when the door closed upon +them was to count their numbers, and then they made the startling +discovery that there was one missing. + +“Where is Jackson?” asked the Professor, in a transport of alarm. + +“Don’t trouble about him,” said Carysfort; “he is safe in the machine.” + +“Good heavens! How came we to leave him?” said the Professor. + +“He is better off than we are,” remarked Carysfort; “he has the means +of escape, while we are trapped.” + +“I suppose the next event will be the lord high executioner,” muttered +Abercromby. “Why were we such idiots as not to stick to the Asteroid?” + +“Well, it is done now,” replied Carmichael; “but remember that with +their weapons, of which we have had a sample already, they could have +not only destroyed us but wrecked the Asteroid as well. A mob hammering +at the windows could soon have effected an entrance. But if I _did_ +lose my head for a minute, I can only ask your forgiveness. As to poor +Jackson, he is free to do what we did not or could not do, and I think +he will have had sense enough to get away and loyalty enough not to go +away altogether. Anyway, God alone can protect us now.” + +“I, who have the least interest in living,” said Radcliffe, “beg you +all not to give up hope. Just consider, even if the Venusians had come +down upon London and smashed the dome of St. Paul’s, English justice +would not kill them without full enquiry, and all the scientists in +the world would clamour for their lives to learn what secrets they had +to tell. So it will be with us, depend upon it; we shall be allowed +to live, though I fear we shall never be allowed to return. For your +sakes, and for the world’s sake, I am deeply sorry, though personally +I would prefer to live here till the call comes to go where the wicked +cease from troubling and where the weary are at rest.” + +Abercromby was just about to expatiate on the better prospects they +might have had in Mars when the door opened, and some men appeared +bearing food and drink upon a large platter. This done, they retired, +without a word, though it would have been of little use to have +attempted conversation. + +“I believe we shall be kept alive till we have learned their blessed +language,” muttered Abercromby; “and we had better assume at once that +it takes as long to learn it as Chinese. Meantime we can grow fat at +the Government expense. I wonder who bosses the show here, whether +king, queen, president, or council of elders. Also whether Free-trade +or Protection is in the ascendant?” + +But poor Abercromby’s jokes fell very flat upon the weary and +dispirited men, who ate their meal and then stretched themselves upon +the none too luxurious couches provided for them and fell asleep, +wishing they could wake up to hear the waves beat upon Northumbria’s +shore in their Cullercoats lodging or in the lonely house at Newbiggin. + +Two days passed in the same miserable uncertainty. Three times during +each day they were waited on by silent attendants; their food was of +the nature of dough cakes, and their drink was of a light kind of +fruity wine, very palatable but somewhat disposed to bring on a state +of drowsiness if they partook too freely of it. + +They were at full liberty to promenade the courtyard, and to wander in +and out of the adjoining rooms. They scarcely ever caught sounds from +the outside world, except, now and again, the singing of birds. + +But one day, just after they had risen, they heard Abercromby calling +them from the parlour or dining-room in tones hoarse with excitement. +He was holding in his hand a number of sheets of paper. + +“Come here, all of you, and solve this riddle for me. I want you to +prove to my own private satisfaction that I am neither mad nor drunk.” + +“What have you got there?” said Carysfort. “Why! bless my stars! this +is some of our manuscript paper from the Asteroid. Where did you find +it?” + +“On the table here, staring me in the face.” + +The Professor took up the sheets, scanned them very carefully, and then +said, “This is an alphabet of the Venusian language, and here are lists +of Venusian words and phrases. Now we see that Radcliffe’s theory is +quite correct. This is our first lesson in the language, and it will +no doubt be followed by many others. It is clear now that our lives +are safe, till we are able to render a complete account of our unlucky +selves, and perhaps afterwards, if we give satisfaction.” + +“That is all very well so far as it goes, Professor,” replied +Abercromby, “and it is a great convenience and a skilful piece of work. +But one thing seems for a moment to have escaped your notice.” + +“What is that?” asked Carmichael quickly. + +“Where the dickens does the English come from and who holds the chair +of terrestrial languages in this planet’s university?” + +“Forgive me, Abercromby; for the moment I was so taken up with the +personal aspect of this discovery that I forgot the more amazing side +of it. Now am I utterly thunderstruck, and have not a word to say.” + +“Of all the things that have befallen us since we left the earth this +transcends every one of them,” replied the engineer. + +Radcliffe ventured the remark that the Venusians must have taken +possession of the Asteroid and stolen the paper, or else poor Jackson +must have been compelled to give it up. + +The Professor admitted that this was quite possible, but it did not +elucidate the amazing problem of how English could be known in Venus. + +The Professor sat with his head buried in his hands. Radcliffe took up +the paper and scrutinised each of the English words. + +“There are but three suppositions,” remarked Carmichael at length. +“One, that some Englishman or American has forestalled us. This, I +think, is absurd; the very attitude of the people is opposed to it. +Another, that the Venusians possess powers unknown to man and can +master other forms of speech at will. But, if that were so, they +might talk to us at once. There is one theory more--pure and absolute +miracle--the act of God. On this I am too reverent by nature to offer +any criticism. I confess myself to have received as astounding a shock +to my intellect as our casualty has dealt to our liberty and our hopes.” + + + + + CHAPTER XII + + NEEDFUL PREPARATIONS + + +As they had all suspected, a change soon came over the situation; they +had a task set them to do, and this was to learn the language of the +country. + +Every day both men and women came to their prison to give them +instructions, which they carried on by signs, by pictures, by every +conceivable method. They submitted with the best grace they could, +although they could not tell to what this education process was +destined to lead, whether to life or to death. Carmichael was at a +disadvantage, for he had never developed an aptitude for learning +languages, and it was said that he had got through his “Little Go” at +Cambridge with considerable difficulty, as his laurels were gained +in another field. The engineer was a man of many tongues, as he had +travelled much, both in Mexico and South America. Abercromby always +spoke of himself as a hopeless dunce, but it was often noticed that +he found the way to learn whatever he really wished to learn. As to +Clarence Radcliffe, he threw his whole soul into the work--a process +which on this occasion stood him in good stead, as, in ordinary cases, +languages were not his strong point. + +The mystery of the English writing was not solved. Radcliffe persisted +in thinking that the two people who had visited them on the hillside +were the authors of it. There was some plausibility in this, for they +may have meant it as a return for the trouble he had taken with them +over the diagrams and the solar-system map. But plausible as the +suggested motive might be, it did not explain how they could have +carried it out. + +When a little progress had been made Carmichael one day showed the +papers to some who had come to teach them. He was surprised to find +that they evinced little or no curiosity or astonishment. The reason, +however, soon appeared. They thought that the prisoners had written the +words for themselves, and it was the presence of their own words, not +of the English words, that they specially noted. When the Professor +understood this, Carysfort earnestly advised him to let the matter +drop, for in their helpless position indiscreet disclosures or even +questions might get them all into trouble. They would soon find out +for themselves what powers the wise men of the planet really had. +“Besides,” he said, “I am convinced by a minute study of the letters +that they were never written by one to whom our language was familiar; +their shape is quite stilted and foreign.” + +Carmichael was satisfied now that they had not been forestalled by some +traveller from earth. + +They early made discovery of the name by which Venus was known to its +own people. Venusian was not a pleasing term, and did not sound so +well as Atalantan. The planet was called Atalanta, which meant “the +flowery land.” As there was but one nation, one empire, dwelling upon +it, Atalanta was the name given to both the country and its metropolis. +The beautiful vale in which the city stood with the great lake from +whose shores its steep ascents took their rise was Meloria; the broad +spreading high hills bounding the vale to the north were the Keraunian +Mountains, so called from an ancient king of Atalanta who had saved the +life of the child of one of the noblest of his subjects, while climbing +their heights, at the expense of his own. + +Carmichael was told that his supposition of a high mountain near the +southern pole was correct. It was a peaked mountain called Aptaura, and +was twenty miles above the sea-level, the highest point on the planet. + +The earth was known to the Atalantans as Karamandra, “Queen of the cold +night”; Mercury, which was the only planet visible from the lighted +hemisphere, was called Araminta, the bright flashing; while the sun +was Asti, the furnace, though he had other titles connected with the +Atalantan religion. + +Carmichael saw that it was useless to seek any information as to what +was going to happen to them, nor would his teachers tell much about +their politics or customs. The travellers even suspected that any +questions they put were noted down. Radcliffe got on the best, as he +only made enquiries about their beliefs, and on this point they were +willing, as far as he was concerned, to be a little more communicative, +though it is to be feared that he was not greatly encouraged by what +they told him. + +On the other hand, the Atalantans put very few questions themselves +and these only of a harmless sort. It was evident that they had no +intention of treachery, but how much of what the travellers said was +reported elsewhere, the latter could not be equally certain. + +One evening the party were seated in their parlour, when Abercromby +asked the Professor to tell them what he had been able to glean as to +Atalantan matters. + +“Well,” replied Carmichael, “my supply of talk is but scanty, but it +may while away the time to piece it together. I have ascertained that +there exists no variety of race upon the planet; that these people +have been settled here for a couple of thousand years at least; that +they are descended from a pair, pretty much after the Bible account of +Adam and Eve, only much more recent in time; that they were originally +patriarchal in government, but that gradually the kingly power grew and +grew until it became what it is now, a sort of benevolent autocracy +rather resembling that of the ancient Incas of Peru. The growth of the +race has been exceedingly slow compared with that of earthly races, but +I have an opinion that this is largely due to the deliberate will of +the people themselves, who know that they have but a small available +territory for the comfortable support of life in a civilised form. +Towns and cities do not exist, nor distinct villages. There is but +the giant capital and scattered and independent country houses. There +is an extension of the land southwards forming a peninsula called +Anactorium; the land then ends near the south pole with the giant +mountain Aptaura, on which is situated an observatory for the study of +the heavenly bodies, our earth included. + +“Off the south-western coast is a large island called Melandria +inhabited by a somewhat more hardy population, of which island the +princess Melanitis is said to be very fond. + +“Now, Carysfort, you take up the cudgels, and tell us what your supply +of knowledge is.” + +“Not very much,” muttered the engineer. “These folk have found out how +to steer airships about two hundred years ago, and it seems they use +them for all purposes of travel. This is why, except in Melandria, +there are few roads and fewer vehicles. Before the airship came in +they used palanquins and litter-travelling for the aristocracy, while +the rest of the people walked. The aristocracy consist of those only +who have done deeds of kindness or valour, such as the Royal House may +think worthy of wearing the crimson sash, the tiara, and the coronet; +their children inherit their honours till they do anything disgraceful +and then the title lapses. + +“Sir Thomas More and Gulliver ought to have lived in this land before +writing their terrestrial books.” + +“How are the people fed?” asked Radcliffe. + +“Everybody grows his own produce and makes his own furniture and +clothes,” said Carysfort. “All the central and northern lands are the +free property of the state. Anybody can take what he wants if he has +the energy to go there. If he has not, then he must have a poorer +house and wear shabbier clothes.” + +“How do they elect the king?” + +“The crown descends from sire to son, or from sire to daughter, for +one hundred years, then the nobility meet in conclave and elect the +worthiest man or woman of their number. If they cannot agree, the +reigning sovereign may hold the throne till death; but this has only +happened twice.” + +“Now, Abercromby, tell us your discoveries,” said Carmichael. + +“The king has two daughters, Melanitis and Mexitli,” he answered; “the +former will be queen on her father’s death, and he is a very old man. + +“I am afraid after all, Professor, you are much to be commiserated +that you did not go to Mars. It is a feminine world, Professor, in the +worst of all senses, that men appear to be in a position of distinct +inferiority. They do all the work, and what the others do I have not +clearly learned at present, but when I know I will tell you. So far as +I can find out, their rule is decently benevolent, but I shudder to +think of the exceptions. I suppose it will all figure out right; if it +doesn’t we shan’t be here to see.” + +“I believe you are humbugging,” laughed Carmichael. + +“I will tell you a pathetic story,” continued Abercromby. “I happened +to ask one of the most recent damsels who came here to complete my +studies if the princesses were good-looking. She got in such a rage +that I asked her what the dickens she meant by it. As she failed to +understand me, my words soothed her, and then with the airs of all +the queens from Semiramis to Victoria, she demanded by what right a +Karamandran barbarian from outer space presumed to ask such a thing +respecting the two fairy pillars upon which Atalanta would one day +rest. She told me I was only fit to herd with mangas, and I told her +she was enough to make a cat laugh like Charlie’s Aunt, but I spoke in +English, of course.” + +“What is a manga?” asked Radcliffe. + +“I fear it is one of those dear monkeys that made me howl and wake the +Professor, but I am not sure. + +“I think we will agree not to ask Radcliffe what he has found out, for +we are hardly in a fit mood for serious talk, and I don’t think he +wants to tell us,” continued Abercromby. + +“No, not to-night,” said Radcliffe. “I told Frank that I was afraid +they worshipped the sun, and he consoled me by saying they would not +think of worshipping the moon, because Venus had not got one.” + +As Radcliffe himself laughed the whole party saw no harm in doing the +same. + +Three days later a most remarkable event occurred. This was nothing +less than the arrival of Jackson, with his hands fettered, it is true, +but the guards told them they might release him at once. + +“Well, Tom, old friend and comrade, I am glad to see you,” said +Carmichael warmly. + +“More glad than I am to see myself,” answered Jackson. “I don’t know +how I can bear to tell you all that has happened.” + +“It was not your fault,” said his master kindly. “Let us hear the +worst at once--the machine has been taken away or destroyed.” + +“Not so bad as all that, sir; it is put under lock and key and strongly +guarded. When I saw you made prisoner I thought I would set the engines +going, soar up, and play a game in the sky which would frighten them, +but I never got the chance; they swarmed in, knocked me down, after I +had sent some of them down, bound me hands and feet, and fastened me +to one of the couches in the dining-room. Then they began poking their +blessed noses into every nook and corner, and there I was swearing and +cussing and not able to do nothing to stop them. + +“Presently they takes me and opens my mouth and puts something in that +sends me straight off asleep for the next twenty hours. When I wakes up +some low-looking fellows were standing over me and feeling me about, +and I put out my tongue in case it was a doctor. Well, they brought me +food and drink, and I was that mad hungry and thirsty I cleared the +plate and mug, I can tell you, and then off I went to sleep again, and +this was pretty much how I was treated till this morning, when they +took me out of the machine and brought me to you. They had moved the +machine with me in it while I was unconscious.” + +“Did they teach you to speak their language?” asked the Professor. + +“Not they, sir. They didn’t think me up to it, I suppose.” + +“Well, they have taken no end of pains to teach us,” said Abercromby, +and he told Jackson the extraordinary incident of the English words. + +“I believe I can make that out, sir,” said Jackson. + +The Professor looked amazed, but he only said, “If you can, Tom, you +will take quite a load off my brains.” + +“It was one of their monkey tricks they played on me, depend on it, +sir. When I got my senses back, I saw one of the rascals holding +sheets of our manuscript paper in his hand. I believe he just went and +mesmerised me, and got me to say and do all he wanted. Of course, if +they were after teaching you their lingo, they would start much the +quicker by helping you to put their work into our letters, and I am +sure that was how they did it; they made me say and write the English +alphabet when they had got me like wax in their hands and I had no +power to fight them. But if I did you a good turn, sir, I’ll forgive +them.” + +“Now we have got the key at last,” says Carysfort. “We need not trouble +any more about it.” + +The next morning Cleito, the commandant of the palace guard, entered +their parlour and said to them: “Four days from now, strangers from +Karamandra, and you will stand before the Royal House in the Hall of +Audience and of Perfect Justice, and you will reply to the questions +put to you by the king and by the princesses his daughters, and as your +answers shall be good or evil in their sight, so shall your destiny be.” + +“It has come at last,” said Radcliffe. + + + + + CHAPTER XIII + + THE FIRST ORDEAL + + +Four days later, at nine o’clock by their earthly time, the men from +Karamandra were bidden to follow their escort of guards. Their hands +were fastened by a light chain which afforded some facilities for +movement, and they were led in single file between a double row of +armed men to the terrace upon which they had so rashly alighted. At +the south end stood a splendid building approached by a noble portico. +Into this they entered, and passing along a magnificent vestibule, the +door of a pillared hall was thrown open and they found themselves led +up the centre of a vast dome-shaped building with tiers of seats on +either side, one rising above the other, and filled to overflowing with +a countless sea of human faces, the expressions of most being set and +stern in their hostility. On the central dais were two semicircular +rows of elegant and carved seats evidently for the highest in rank, +while in front were three thrones with gorgeous canopies, the central +occupied by a most majestic-looking old man and those on either side by +his daughters Melanitis and Mexitli. + +They were both extremely beautiful with the pale tint that so +characterised the daughters of Atalanta, but there was a difference +between them, especially in manner and bearing. The elder, the Queen +designate, was much more humble than her sister--we might almost say +timid and ill at ease. The younger was haughty, overbearing, and +dominating, and yet with a sullen expression as though she had not the +power to do all she wished. She fixed a supercilious glance at the +terrestrial party, looking from one to the other, but taking not the +least notice of one more than the other. + +But Melanitis had no sooner looked on the faces of Abercromby and +Radcliffe, who stood the nearest to her, than she uttered a faint cry +as though stricken, her features became rigid, and she clutched at the +arms of her throne for support. + +The King turned to her and said, “Child of my heart, what aileth thee?” + +“Only a solar faintness, my lord,” she replied. The King ordered one of +the fan-bearers to minister to her. + +The incident passed with little notice. Radcliffe did not see it, +for his eyes were fixed upon the King, who was a grand specimen of +dignified old age. Abercromby saw it, and a puzzled grin (not very wise +under the circumstances) overspread his countenance. + +“King of Atalanta, pride and ornament of thine ancient house,” said +the deep voice of a white-robed official of the palace, “and you, +princesses, pillars of the kingdom, fairest jewels set in the midst of +the motherland, you see these strangers who have, by an unparalleled +daring, crossed the myriad depths of space and thrust themselves in +the midst of us. Their machine is controlled by a power we do not +possess and whose secrets they alone know. But they themselves are +weak and helpless as others, and it is for you to declare whether it +best accords with the well-being of Atalanta that they live or die. +Let justice and mercy each have their rightful place, yet by all means +remember that this is an event that may leave lasting traces upon us, +and as we act now so may we be compelled to act hereafter. For the +first time since He came who passed from us on His way to Karamandra, +no being, whether mortal or immortal, has ever visited us who did not +previously belong to us. We have lived under the silence of the stars, +and as each generation has gone to the Mansions of the Blest or to the +Realm of the Endless Shadow they have walked in the wisdom of their +fathers. But now it may be that some fuller opportunity may be granted +to us, if we act wisely and well.” + +The King leaned forward, and addressing Carmichael said, “Are you from +Karamandra and also your companions?” + +“We are,” said the Professor. + +“Did the king of your world send you on a mission to us?” + +“There is no king of Karamandra; our world is peopled on both sides +of its surface with nations, races, and tribes in varying degrees of +culture and resources, but independent, though some are linked together +by bonds and alliances.” + +“How many people live in your world?” + +“About twelve hundred millions.” + +An exclamation of horror echoed round the hall. + +“How long have they dwelt upon its surface?” + +“We have different theories on the subject,” said Carmichael, with a +sly look at Radcliffe. + +“If your world has many kings, which of them sent you?” + +“None; we came of our own selves.” + +There was a murmur of amazement. + +“Who, then, discovered the secret of how to journey from one world to +another?” + +“I did, and also my companion here,” pointing to Carysfort. + +“When did you discover it?” + +“Many months ago.” + +“Will you tell it to us?” + +“That depends upon how you treat us.” + +Mexitli started to her feet. “Let the insolent barbarian say no more, +for the land cannot endure his words. His own Sovereign would cast +him out; much more shall not the sacred Majesty of Atalanta?” Then, +pointing at Radcliffe, she said, “If my father wills I will question +_him_, for he it is who saved the life of my cousin Mayana from the +murderous intent of these men.” + +The King nodded acquiescence. The woman’s questions were less academic. + +“Why did you come here?” + +“My companions had no other object than to benefit their fellows by +increasing their own knowledge. They made choice of this planet +because less was known about it than of those worlds that lie in an +orbit exterior to our own. Being of the same size with our own world, +my leader naturally hoped to find those upon its surface with whom he +could hold intelligent converse, and both receive and impart useful +knowledge.” + +“We require no teaching from outer space,” answered Mexitli, “though +there are some in this hall disloyal enough to think so.” + +“The God of Heaven does not give even to every Atalantan equal gifts +with every other, and yet there may be little things in which the +highest may receive a helping hand from the lowest. I know the misery +and unrest of my own world, and yet the God of Heaven has cared for it. +Most gladly will I explain these things in public or in private if I +may be suffered to do so.” + +“You would be better advised first to look out for your own personal +safety, that is the present consideration. You and yours do not seem to +understand that you have committed more than one atrocious crime since +you invaded our borders. Then, too, the demeanour of your companions +has been most insolent, as though they expected to be welcomed with +honours in a land which neither knew of them nor desired them. As for +you individually, I might perhaps advise the King my father to show you +a measure of favour, but the time has not come yet. You have leave to +satisfy my curiosity on one point. How did the God of Heaven show His +care for Karamandra?” + +“By sending His only Son, the Prince of Heaven, to save them by turning +their hearts back again to Himself.” + +A violent movement of surprise pervaded the hall; strange to say, +Melanitis did not show the agitation displayed by the rest, but +remained outwardly calm. + +“I thought so,” answered the King. “Our best traditions led us to think +it would be as you say.” + +“Good gracious! we are going to have a battle-royal about religion,” +muttered Carysfort to the Professor. + +“And how did your world act towards Him when He came to them?” asked +Mexitli. + +Radcliffe stood speechless for a moment, his voice choked; a tear +trickled down his face. + +“I should not wonder if they killed Him,” interposed Melanitis. + +Exclamations of horror and astonishment broke from all sides. + +Mexitli shrugged her shoulders with a look of disgust. She signed to +Radcliffe to proceed and said imperiously, “Speak the truth--is this +horrible thing true?” + +“It is true,” answered Radcliffe in a whisper that sent a thrill +through every heart in the hall. “I would have died in His stead had I +been there, and yet I do not know: one who professed to love Him said +as much and then basely deserted Him; so might I.” + +“How is it that your world exists after doing this?” + +“God is Love,” replied Radcliffe. + +There was a moment’s tense silence, then the princess said, “Did +_anything_ happen?” + +“Yes; the offer of pardon was sent all over the world, for God forgave +the world, for the death of the Prince made full amends for all the +wrong that men had done. The divine justice was satisfied. He who had +been slain came into that world for the very purpose that He might lay +down His life for it. He came as man in lowly guise, enduring all the +sorrows of our life, and those who slew Him did not know what they were +doing. That is why forgiveness was possible for them. _Now_ the Prince +has re-entered upon His heavenly and immortal life, but He will come +again and take possession of His rightful inheritance, our own world.” + +“How long ago did these things happen?” asked the King. + +“Nearly twenty centuries by our reckoning.” + +“And have your people, the human race, returned to the divine +allegiance?” + +“Many have done so out of each generation, but many have not.” + +“_You_ have done so, I suppose? Your speech, methinks, implies it.” + +“I have,” said Radcliffe. + +“I am too shocked and horrified to pursue this talk much further,” +interrupted Mexitli. “It is evident that _our_ world is guiltless, +while as for yours,”--and she finished the sentence with a +gesture--“such people can be only plague-spots amongst us. Still, you +have told me the truth. Is it to be conceived after this, that even +_you_ came here to teach us?” + +“God made use of the very men who had helped to slay His Son to go out +and in many cases successfully to carry the story of peace all over the +world. It may be that He will give even to me a work to do here.” + +“Your life has first to be decided upon, and next your liberty,” was +the cold reply. “We shall have to deliberate over these amazing things. +You can now sit upon yonder seat. Of course you have been severely +tried. I would confer with the man who stood next to you. Come forward, +fellow, and answer my questions. What brought _you_ here--science or +religion?” The words were pronounced with a fine contempt. + +“Neither,” said Abercromby; “something as good as either, possibly +better--to help my brother who has just spoken to bear his life sorrow.” + +“The sins of his people, I suppose.” + +“That, doubtless, but also another. He loved a woman on his own world, +and made her his wife. They were estranged, and before the quarrel +could be made up she was killed by an accident in a river; he was not +with her at the time. _I_ persuaded him into coming with us, as the +best chance of saving his reason.” + +“Did he love her so much?” + +“I know not how love prevails in _this_ planet, but if all there exists +of it were put together it would about equal the love he had to her.” + +“You are not required to pry into such matters. Are you his relation?” + +“No, I am his friend. That is a stronger bond in most cases.” + +Mexitli bit her lip in evident vexation. The King betrayed a faint +smile. + +Melanitis sat perfectly rigid, her face deadly white, her hands tightly +clasped, her eyes fixed upon Radcliffe, who kept his face bent upon the +ground. Mexitli darted a swift glance at her sister, her expression as +she did so was inscrutable. At last she said to Abercromby, “Let us +leave this matter. Do the people in your own world know of the secret +by which you have come to ours?” + +“I decline to answer your question,” answered Abercromby. + +“This is absolute defiance, and will only bring you all into worse +trouble. You _must_ have intelligence to comprehend how greatly this +matter will concern us.” + +“When you tell us what you are proposing to do to us, we may perhaps +give you the information; till then I am silent until my leader bids me +to speak.” + +“I will make you speak,” said Mexitli. + +“Who are barbarians _now_?” retorted Abercromby. + +“Let me entreat you to use moderation and courtesy, Frank,” said +Radcliffe, putting a warning hand upon his arm. “Lady of Atalanta, I +ask and beg of you this grace, that you will give us time to consider +what the answer shall be.” + +“No one knows of our secret,” interposed Carmichael. “We are wholly at +your mercy.” + +“Is this true?” asked the princess of Radcliffe. + +“Yes,” replied Radcliffe. + +“Then it shall be considered in your favour, only I shall remember +that one of you at least spoke insolently to my face, in the central +seat of authority in our motherland.” + +“My decided vote is given for their lives,” said Melanitis. + +“If you wanted to spare them you could have scarcely spoken a more +ill-advised thing,” her sister answered. “By this act of public +utterance you force me to speak myself, and I decide for the death of +all of them and the immediate destruction of their machine, with this +one exception, that, according to the clemency of our laws, I would +allow Radcliffe a year’s respite under certain proper restrictions. +But as our voices are thus divided, it is for the King, my father, to +speak.” + +“People of Atalanta,” said Malchon, “we have heard to-day such things +as would tax the wisdom of the wisest amongst us to decide, whether +those who have stood on trial before us ought or ought not to die. Only +on one point is the way made plain. The man called Radcliffe can be +respited for a year, that we may confer with him about many things and +test and prove him. As to the rest, I dislike the thought of putting +them to death, if it can be avoided with safety. I propose that they +be kept in durance for a short number of days, and be fully told the +charges of ill-doing which have been brought against them. They can +carefully ponder their reply to these charges, and make it publicly +in our presence. Also they must give us a brief account of all their +movements since they reached our world. I bid them good speed till +the day of final examination comes, and if they behave in a suitable +manner, I hold out a reasonable prospect for their safety.” + +With these words the assembly rose up, and the men from earth were led +back to their courtyard prison. + + + + + CHAPTER XIV + + THE SECOND ORDEAL + + +“We shall have a few things to talk over,” was Abercromby’s first +ejaculation when they found themselves alone. “I hope to goodness, +Professor, you will give us A1 marks for our respective contributions +to the drama.” + +“I think you all did admirably, both those who spoke and those who held +their tongues,” answered the Professor. + +“They were a queer trio,” observed the engineer, with a chuckle. “I +don’t suppose old King Malchon is allowed by his two daughters very +much more power than the House of Commons allows to the kings of +England--he reigns but he does not govern.” + +“I was once told of a parish up in the north, sir,” put in Tom, “where +the parson, his wife, and his daughters were in charge, and the folks +said as how they were under the thumb of the Rector, the Director, and +the Misdirector!” + +“Not bad that, Tom,” said Carysfort; “but, seriously, I _can’t_ make +out the elder princess. The younger is quite understandable though not +agreeable. She would cut our heads off, if she could, though I have a +notion she would like to cut off her sister’s also. Take my word for +it, this country is run in for civil war when poor old Malchon dies. +Two queens at a time means business in this case.” + +“Aye! I believe it,” said the Professor; “but there is something else I +should much like to fathom. Why did Melanitis seem struck in a heap, as +they say, directly she caught sight of us?” + +“Easy of explanation, my dear Professor: she fell in love either with +me or with Clarence at first sight. At first I thought I was in it, but +I incline to think it was Clarence.” + +Radcliffe had gone to his room and was fast asleep, so the others could +talk apart from him. + +“I wish he could get a wife, sir,” said Tom; “_that_ would make him +happy again better than anything.” + +“I’ll see what I can do,” replied Abercromby hopefully. + +“A word before you begin,” dryly remarked the Professor. “We must be +extremely careful what we are about. I do not want to be pessimistic, +but I foresee nothing but trouble ahead. That the elder princess is in +love with one of us, presumably Radcliffe, I do not deny: it is the +only explanation of her conduct. But to us it spells disaster either +way. He must obviously do one of two things--accept or reject. If he +responds to her advances, the whole of Atalanta will be up in arms, +saying that we outer barbarians have dared to aspire to the King’s +daughter.” + +“We need hardly consider that,” observed the engineer. “Radcliffe will +remain true to the memories of the past.” + +“Well, then, if he does, he will repel her, and this, I myself think, +to be the more probable. Then he will make Melanitis his implacable +enemy.” + +“But he must do one or the other,” said Abercromby. “For his own sake I +hope he will open his campaign quickly.” + +“We shall all lose our heads if he does, and the expedition will be +wrecked,” answered Carmichael somewhat angrily. “I do beseech you, +Abercromby, use your best influence with him for his own sake and +ours. We are in a desperate position as it is; do not make it worse by +importing women into it.” + +“It is not even as though we had Melanitis only,” protested the +engineer, “we have her implacable sister also to deal with. Just +imagine what a rage she will be in if she should once suspect. +Radcliffe might, with equal safety, make love to _her_. Every hatred +and prejudice that can riot in a human heart would be set on fire.” + +“I have a pet theory that she would rather like it--I mean if Radcliffe +made love to Melanitis. Suppose his doing so led to her being set +aside, then Mexitli would be queen herself.” + +“Very ingenious, my dear fellow, but the ladies do not usually walk +along the lines we intellectually trace out for them. You may be right, +but it is far too desperate a game to play. Remember we have death +still in front of us, and that even if we are spared, it may be only +conditionally.” + +The conversation then dropped, Abercromby having promised that he +would not endanger them by any imprudence. + +The next day they were furnished with a list of the charges made +against them. The chief of these were that they had come to Venus at +all, on a private enterprise not authorised by their own people, which +left them free to do any damage or injury to the realm. Another was +that they had drawn their weapons upon Mayana and her husband, when she +had given proof that she did not mean to kill them, by only destroying +a tree. Another, that they had dared to alight upon the terrace of the +royal palace, and a last charge was a general accusation of insolence +and defiance to the Royal House and its representatives. + +Radcliffe was told he need not reply to the charge of drawing weapons, +nor to that of disrespectful speech, as on those charges he was +acquitted. + +Naturally the prisoners talked the whole matter carefully over and +arranged their several lines of defence. Carysfort, who could speak the +language better than Carmichael, would be the spokesman, and, though +he was a plain, blunt man, his good sense and shrewdness would be +likely to be of service to them. Abercromby was implored not to speak, +and, after some trouble, he consented. Tom could not say a word in +Atalantan, but he promised to speak in English if a sentence was passed. + +Radcliffe kept his thoughts to himself, and would not tell the others +what he meant to do. + +They were not called upon to undergo any period of prolonged suspense, +for the summons came on the fourth morning after their return to +prison, to stand once again in the Hall of Perfect Justice. Every +available inch of standing-ground was occupied, and it took a +considerable time before the accused could be led to their places +immediately in front of the triple throne. So far as appearance went, +the assembly was somewhat less hostile in demeanour than on the first +occasion when they had confronted it. The preliminaries took up but +little time. + +Another official of the palace read the several terms of the +indictment, and then Malchon the King rose from his seat and said, “Men +of Karamandra, ye have heard the charges brought against you, all of +which are more or less serious and deadly. But we hope that time and +reflection have enabled you to frame such answers as shall satisfy us +that we do no wrong to our people and our authority if we permit you to +live.” + +Carysfort then stood up. He gave a plain and straightforward account +of how the discovery had been made, and also the principles upon which +it was based. He told them that they had come as private individuals; +first, because the people of his own world were utterly sceptical of +the possibility of such an attempt, and, had they disclosed it before +starting, they would have either been ridiculed or else prevented, for +one nation was jealous of any advantage gained over another; next, +it was for the good of Atalanta that the people of his world should +not make it the object of their ambition and rapacity. After briefly +recapitulating their researches in the northern parts of Venus, he then +went on to explain that they had drawn their weapons in a moment of +overwhelming panic, just as the Atalantans would have done had they +been in like circumstances. As to alighting on the palace terrace, they +had followed the course taken by the two Atalantans who had visited +them in the airship; that these had even pointed in the direction of +the city as though inviting them; and they had chosen the terrace +because it was the highest spot, the most accessible for their machine, +and they had supposed that it would be the more easy and convenient to +address a special deputation of persons, and to appeal to them by signs +and even to invite them to enter and inspect their machine. As to their +conduct, they must be allowed to plead total ignorance of the modes of +thought of the Atalantan people; they felt it neither compatible with +their honour nor even their safety to assume an abject and crestfallen +attitude; they were brave men, as was proved by the myriad dangers they +had so boldly endured in crossing twenty-four million miles of space; +they asked only that they might meet brothers at the end of their long +journey, and not judges and executioners. + +Malchon showed evident pleasure at this reply of the engineer, and was +about to speak when Radcliffe stood up and made earnest request to say +a few words. Leave being granted, he said, “I wish in the name of truth +and justice to take upon myself the full load of responsibility for +what seems to have been a serious act of wrong on our part. It was _I_ +who gave counsel to my friends to steer direct for the city and for +the palace, due, as I now perceive, to an erroneous interpretation +of the signs which the two notables of Atalanta made to us. They were +referring, of course, to their own movements, and not to ours. Forgive +me if you will, but, if not, on my head let the penalty rest.” + +Melanitis looked up quickly and met the glance of Radcliffe with an +expression of such yearning intensity that he turned away almost with +a shudder. Then she said to the King, “Spare them, my lord; no one in +their world knows their secret, no one can therefore come hither to +injure us.” + +“I will never consent to spare them altogether,” said Mexitli, “unless +they are willing to teach their secret to us, and even then they must +lie under the sentence of death for at least a year, so that if they +commit offences against our laws it may be at once carried out. As to +Radcliffe, I pardon him. This is the utmost limit of concession to +which I will go.” + +“So shall it be,” replied Malchon. “Your lives are justly forfeited +to our laws, and we therefore pass conditional sentence upon you, +with the exception of him to whom my daughter, at her cousin’s most +earnest entreaty, has given the full grace of clemency. But this may +be earned by the rest, if at the end of a year they show themselves +worthy. They need not be kept in prison beyond a day or two, provided +they are willing to promise in writing an assent to certain rules and +restrictions which shall be appointed. Radcliffe may go where he likes, +but he will not probably wish to be separated from his companions. As +to their machine, it will be kept by us as the property of our Royal +House. It shall not be injured nor destroyed. The goods and instruments +which it contains shall be returned to its late owner. Whether the +machine be again entrusted to them will depend upon their own conduct +or upon circumstances. I may send them back again to their own world +under penalty of death to them or to any other persons who shall follow +in their enterprise, or I may require them to spend their lives here. I +shall adopt the course which seems most desirable as time and their own +behaviour may dictate.” + +Just as the King was about to dismiss the audience Frank said to the +engineer-- + +“I wish old King Cole had been a little more definite.” + +Melanitis gave him a warning glance, but unluckily he went on-- + +“The Johnnie talks like a diplomatist who has left his mind behind him +in the cloak-room.” + +“Be quiet, can’t you!” grumbled Carysfort. “You will give the whole +show away in a minute.” + +These idioms were unknown to Mexitli, but the sound of Frank’s voice +was enough of itself. + +“_You_ will remain in a prison _alone_ for two months,” she said. “This +will give you time to repent of the insult you offered to me four days +ago.” + +Radcliffe made a movement to throw himself at the princess’s feet, but +Melanitis, not quite guessing his intent, grasped him by the arm and +drew him back. + +“I was but about to sue for the pardon of my friend,” he said. Mexitli +turned quickly round and said with a smile-- + +“You had better not, it may only make matters worse. I might call _you_ +to account for seeking to alter a royal decision, but I give you grace +this once for your ignorance of our customs. You had best rejoin your +people; they are being led from the hall.” + +There was nothing further to be done, and he obeyed. + +Poor Abercromby had to bid his comrades farewell at the palace +entrance. He looked very downcast and dispirited, for his sentence had +come upon him as a bolt from the blue. They were equally vexed and +distressed on his account. Tom asked his master if he might not use +his fists this once just to keep his hand in, but Carmichael happily +succeeded in pacifying him. + +“The best part of the news is that we have now a sporting chance of +getting out of this hole,” remarked Carysfort when they had bidden poor +Frank good-bye. + +“You mean ultimate permission to return to the earth?” asked the +Professor. + +“I shall not return,” said Radcliffe. + +“Beware of Melanitis,” remarked Carmichael dryly. + +“I do not fear her just because I have no love to give her, my love +is dead and buried; if it is anywhere it is in the little country +churchyard near Chipping Norton, where my honoured father-in-law lies +buried by the side of his only child who was my wife.” + +“We are in Venus,” remarked the Professor. “Don’t think me unfeeling, +but it is a far cry to Chipping Norton.” + +“Yes, it is a far cry to Chipping Norton,” murmured Radcliffe. “I +sometimes feel I could get hold of any Atalantan woman and ask her if +she understood. I could even tell Mexitli all about it.” + +“Better tell Melanitis and cut a rather intricate knot,” answered +Carmichael in a dry tone. + +“I think I shall. It will end a ghastly farce, and if she sends me to +the stake itself, well, so much the better.” + +The next day the ordinances, with which they were to be bound, were +served to them. They were few in number and simple enough, as far as +words could go, but it had yet to be seen how their practical working +would tend to render life pleasant or hard. No difference was made +between them, except that Abercromby had to await his release from +prison. They were to remain in the city under the eyes of the court, +to live in the house which would be provided for them, to wear their +own terrestrial dress, so as to be distinguished from the people, not +to go away from the city further than a prescribed distance, except by +permission, to place themselves at the royal service to render any help +that might be required, and, except Radcliffe, to come up for final +sentence at the expiry of a year. + +These terms were of course very vague and indefinite. They naturally +presented an earnest petition, that, in consideration of all that +they had risked and suffered, they might be allowed to travel to the +southern pole of the planet, and this they were at once informed would +be readily granted after a few weeks’ interval, when the season of +heavy rains was past. They were further told that they might freely +move in and out among the people, and both give and receive information +to and from all classes. + + + + + CHAPTER XV + + A TALE AT A SUPPER PARTY + + +Two days after they had given their assent to the terms laid upon them +they were removed from the place of durance and conducted by Cleito and +Arniphon, the two officers of the King’s guard, to a house in the lower +part of the city standing in a shaded plantation of trees a few hundred +yards off the Avenue of Ascent, as it was called, which led from the +lake shore to the palace. The house was of simple construction, with +a verandah and balconies adorned with climbing plants to screen from +the heat of the sun; it was two-storied, as were most of the houses in +Atalanta, the guest-rooms below, the sleeping-rooms above. They had, +of course, Tom to wait upon them, but as he knew no more of Atalantan +ways of life than they did themselves, his services were not of much +use. Every one in the land--every man at least--had to provide for +himself and make his house self-supporting, unless he belonged to +the aristocracy, among whom the relation of master and servant still +survived in a modified sort of way. Consequently the Professor, though +a temporary and unwilling citizen of a great city, could not get a +single person to help him, unless it were some one who had fallen into +disgrace. + +The Atalantans, it is true, helped one another in all cases of illness +or difficulty or as an expression of private friendship; but the +terrestrials, though objects of unbounded curiosity, were treated as +quite beyond the pale, especially by the women, who would no more have +thought of coming to their house than to a cave of wild beasts. + +Consequently, they were for a time almost in danger of being starved. +They were allowed, it is true, to have their earthly supplies from +the machine, but this could only be temporary at best, and they were +far from wishful to strip the Asteroid bare, for they did not know +what future use they might have for them. The King now and again +sent them gifts from the palace, but these were not so often edible +as their needs required. Tom once tried to sell some of the King’s +gifts for food, but fortunately for his life he could not make himself +understood, the Atalantan to whom he offered them declining with +profuse politeness. + +“I pointed to my mouth half a dozen times,” protested Tom. “Even a +bloomin’ Frenchman, if I had been in Paris, would have known I wanted a +mutton chop, but that donkey only made me a bow.” + +“We shall have to eat grass yet, old fellow,” said Carysfort, “as +though we were donkeys ourselves.” + +It may well be imagined that the position of their comrade Abercromby +gave them the most acute uneasiness. Twice a day they were permitted +to hear from him, and he used to write a sentence in English. As he +was not allowed to make any allusion to his own position, he tried to +keep up his spirits and theirs by sending them burlesque mottoes and +maxims, which at least proved that he was very much alive. They were +such as these:-- + +“Henry the Eighth and King Malchon should have changed planets for the +good of their wives.” + +“Is an eclipse of the sun ever produced in these skies by an airship +with a happy man sitting alone in the middle of it?” + +“Gladstone would have altered the Home Rule Bill had he been here,” +etc. etc. + +Radcliffe, however, felt certain that poor Abercromby was far less +jocose than he represented himself. He would have been very much more +alarmed if he had known that every word he had written was sent in copy +to the palace, even the English writing being imitated. Cleito gave him +a warning intimation coupled with the strange remark that the Princess +Melanitis nearly shook with laughing when she saw the paper. Naturally +puzzled, he told Carmichael about it. + +“I should think,” said the Professor, who had very obvious reasons for +what he said, “that this is only another proof that she is quite as +unfeeling as her sister. Perhaps she guesses the import of his remarks, +and chuckles over his useless complaints and sarcasms. You remember +that she did not give you the least help when you made your brave but +vain appeal.” + +“I suppose it is so,” replied he in a wearied tone. “I shall not +trouble to find out why she laughed.” + +A day or two after this it chanced that Radcliffe was walking by +himself along the promenade by the lake, which reminded him strangely +of some of his holiday haunts in old England. Groups of people were +seated under the trees talking in languid tones, or else listening to +some female singers, who, with quaint-looking instruments and rich, +mellow voices, were singing the praises of the motherland. This was a +very trite subject and pretty well worn, but the people seemed always +to awake to interest at it. As he drew near he heard-- + + “Sing me the praise of the Land of Light, + Where the Lord of the sky looks down + On the hill and the meadow resplendently bright + Reflecting his glory and crown. + Creation holds not a world so fair + With its sky-piercing hills and its far-spreading air. + + “Its people are happy, their faces serene, + Untroubled their lives pass along. + The work of their hands gives them all things I ween, + The fruit of their toil is a song. + Yet fain would we know, when its beauties we miss, + Shall the spirit-clear eyes look on fairer than this? + + “Enough, for such questions unanswered must be, + Let not each generation complain; + If life must end in uncertainty, + Let us sing in the absence of pain. + Since the half of our world is so wondrously fair + Why should we grieve if the other be drear?” + +Radcliffe felt strongly impelled to stand up and address them, but his +courage failed him just at the critical moment. There was something in +those faces so absolutely self-satisfied, so serenely proud, that it +seemed harder to appeal to them than to the fiercest and most hostile +mob. + +“I see you are much interested, stranger, in one of our popular +melodies,” said an Atalantan, who had been watching him closely. + +“I wish I could be one of you, even the lowliest, that I might fully +know your ways of thought. How can I possibly be of any use to you +until I do?” + +The stranger smiled. “Well, as a means to that end, instead of +listening to poetry that I at least have heard many hundreds of times, +you shall come home to our mansion, which is close by, and sup with us. +We may be able to regale you with better music and song, and you may +tell us something of your own planet. My wife is Mayana, the cousin of +the princesses, and we owe you no small debt of gratitude.” + +In a half-dazed condition Radcliffe went in through the noble portico +and into the mansion; there he was led up to Mayana and her younger +sister Minya, who unbent themselves, and gave him a warm greeting. +Supper of fruits and iced drinks was laid upon a side table, and the +Atalantan gentleman served it to the others, not permitting Radcliffe +to serve, as he was a guest. + +Conversation flowed freely. + +He told them of the journey across space and of their feelings when +they drew near to the city. Again he was profusely thanked for having +averted death and misery, but his efforts to exculpate the others were +not as successful as he had hoped. + +The conversation turned upon the court, and Radcliffe sang the praises +of the King in no sparing terms. Cleophon, Mayana’s husband, smiled and +asked why he did not say a word in honour of the two princesses. + +“Because I am afraid,” he answered. He thought they would laugh at him, +but they did not. + +“There is no serious reason for feeling this,” said Mayana; “you are +high in favour, and may rise higher yet. But naturally we Atalantans +prefer to be ruled by one of our own sex, though we all love and +sympathise with the poor dear old King.” + +“Why does he look somewhat sad?” Radcliffe ventured to ask. + +“Cleophon, tell the story; our attendants have been requisitioned at +the palace, so we are quite by ourselves,” said Mayana. + +“It is a strange tale,” he began. “Years ago the Princess Melanitis +was the joy and brightness of her father’s heart; she was very +high-spirited, an Atalantan of the Atalantans, and looked upon as the +most able ruler who would ever sit upon our throne. She was stricken +down by solar fever, and reduced to the very point of death. The King, +distracted with grief, went to the Temple of the Sun on the lake-island +yonder; he prayed all night to the God of Heaven, and, in his despair, +he used words quite contrary to all justice and moderation. ‘Let her +recover,’ he said, ‘though she be a shame to me and to my house; let +her recover, though she live to break my heart and the hearts of all my +people.’ The high priest told him that his prayer would be answered, +but he would live to rue the day that it was. When he returned to the +palace the princess _had_ recovered. She awoke from the very stupor +of death. She stretched out her arms to him, but when she saw him she +uttered a cry of horror that will not be forgotten by those that heard +it. Her senses returned, and yet they did not return. She could not +speak her own tongue; she did not know the meaning of anything that she +saw; she did not know her way about the city or even the palace. She +was infinitely more helpless than you were when you were made prisoner +by the crowd.” + +“How dreadful!” said Radcliffe. + +“Malchon recognised his rashness and bowed bravely to it. He summoned +the wisest men of the land, for wisdom seems one of the few things that +we men can claim as our own.” + +“_Some_ wisdom,” corrected Mayana. + +“Well, I have a king’s word for it. But this is no jesting matter. She +had to be taught everything from the very beginning. Gradually her mind +came back, but her memory of the past never came back; she knew nothing +of her former life except as she was told. But there is a stranger +thing still. When she was again made fit to assume the duties of her +princely station, she seemed to have lost all interest in them; she was +just as clever as before, but her cleverness seemed so very different. +She took up with science, especially astronomy. She was always paying +visits to Aptaura, and would spend hours in the study of the heavens, +of your planet, and of the outer planets. Even her opinions on religion +were different; nothing would induce her to pay her devotions in the +Temple of the Sun. She took a great interest in the old bygone faith +of Atalanta, when men prayed to the God of Heaven directly, and she +gathered all the knowledge attainable as to the visit of the mysterious +Divine Prince who, as you had the courage to tell us, was cruelly put +to death by the inhuman savages in your own world, when He had come to +die for them. Never within living memory was any audience so stirred +as when you gave your straight answer to those awful questions put to +you by her sister. My advice to you is to cultivate the friendship of +Melanitis, and to answer all her enquiries about Karamandra and its +people. You might even do something to chase the clouds from her brow.” + +“There have been cases in my own world of people who have been +sun-stricken turning totally different afterwards,” said Radcliffe, who +sat wrapped in thought; “an honest man has been known to steal and to +commit the worst of crimes.” + +“I do not wonder,” put in Minya, “that she never worships in the +Temple; her father has never once entered it again.” + +“What are her relations with her sister? I would not ask so grave +a question, but for fear lest I may do the princess an injury by +increasing her interest in things foreign to this planet.” + +“Pray have no fear on that ground,” replied Mayana. “So utterly has +Melanitis ceased even to care to rule that Mexitli has it all her own +way. Nothing but the will of the King induces Melanitis to be even +considered Queen-Elect, and I have a secret opinion, based on some +words Mexitli dropped to me, that, directly the King dies, there will +be no conflict between them, for Melanitis will resign her claims. They +were bitter enemies once, but they are friendly enough now, though only +those are aware of it who are behind the scenes. But in my inmost heart +I a little despise my elder cousin.” + +“A former King of Atalanta gave up the crown,” murmured Cleophon. + +“Yes, but he was a _man_,” said Mayana; “you will not find a _queen_ +doing so.” + +“I take my corrections as I take my exercise--philosophically,” +answered Cleophon. + +“You are the best of your sex,” replied Mayana; “I have no fault to +find with you.” + +Radcliffe rose, and bidding his host and hostess farewell, took his +departure after Minya had sung in her beautiful voice two or three +patriotic songs, “How Keraunion died for his friend,” “Make the best of +half a world,” “One only nation.” + +“The Prince died in Karamandra for His enemies,” remarked Mayana +thoughtfully; “I suppose that was better. But we never treated Him like +that.” + +“Lady,” said Radcliffe, “are there not slights that are injuries more +painful than death?” + +“Perhaps there are. You doubtless accuse us in the days of old for +letting Him depart without a welcome, because our pride could not +understand His humility. Well, if we were wrong, we have been punished, +for we have had no one to teach us ever since.” + +“I labour under the triple disadvantage of being a Karamandran, a man, +and, at every step I take, under the shadow of death, but I will tell +you all I know, and all He taught in my own world.” + +Mayana coloured slightly, but the intense earnestness of the speaker +disarmed her. “You can if you like,” she said; “I will see you again +and you shall talk to us. But Melanitis is the one most certain to take +up with these new ideas.” + +“You must be very careful what you do,” observed Cleophon. “You will +have bitter prejudices to overcome. We are not a teachable people, we +think we know all things, and where we admit our ignorance, we withhold +our interest.” + +“At least this is a house full of friends and you are welcome,” said +Mayana, and with these words in his ears Clarence Radcliffe turned +away to enter the palace avenue, and then to the little dwelling in +the light blue plantation which was supposed to be their home. For a +moment his sense of utter loneliness was almost overwhelming. He wished +himself anywhere, even facing again the perils of space. + +Home! Where was it? All places and even all planets seemed alike. The +shadow of an airship passed overhead and uttered its peculiar wailing +cry. This gave him the explanation of their startling surprise, and +also something to think about. + + + + + CHAPTER XVI + + MALCHON’S GOSPEL + + +The Professor and the engineer had not had a very pleasant time. With +their companion in prison and no longer able to enliven them with his +rattling talk, with all their future hopes clouded, separated from +their machine, and compelled to work at the most common details of +existence, it was no wonder that they grew somewhat disheartened and +sad. When they went out they found themselves shunned if not actively +disliked, and though they went in fear of no _bodily_ peril, it really +seemed as if the whole population had decided to let them severely +alone and to do nothing to help them. + +Tom was always in a condition of latent hostility, and it was well +that he could not speak the native language, considering the number of +times he swore in Anglo-Saxon. The very boys and girls in the streets +and promenades would sometimes hurl opprobrious epithets at each member +of the party; once a child struck Radcliffe as he was passing by; but +this was going too far, and the offending youngster would have been +severely punished if Radcliffe had not gone to the palace himself and +interceded. This act was much talked about in the city, but it did not +have the effect that might have been hoped, although he ended the +hostility of one family. + +One day, being seriously uneasy at this state of things, he went to +crave an audience of the Princess Mexitli herself. She received him +urbanely enough, but his pleading for the others was the reverse of +successful. + +“You all had no right to come here,” she said, “and you must put +up with what you receive. All I can promise is that when the man +Abercromby is set free, which I will not allow till his time of +punishment has expired, then you shall all travel in your airship to +see the wonders of the southern pole. We shall probably go with you; it +will suit the time when we make our annual progress thither. This will +be a pleasure to you all, and to that you may look forward. And now I +have a command to lay upon you. Will you take us over and explain to us +the different parts of the Asteroid?” + +“Whenever your Highness shall direct.” + +“Then come with me now. This is the hour when we usually take our +interval of sleep. But it will be all the better, as fewer eyes will be +upon us.” + +In a little time the two princesses, each accompanied by an attendant, +repaired to that part of the terrace-square on which the Asteroid was +fixed. Radcliffe conducted them all over it, explaining the meaning of +the different objects, and gave a full account of the mechanism and of +the newly discovered force by which it had been propelled in space. +He had never felt more free since he had alighted upon the planet; he +could forget now that those whom he was addressing could send him by a +word to a doom of terror, he felt rather like a lecturer demonstrating +to a small class of pupils. + +The princesses seemed highly delighted with what they had seen, and +declared that they would certainly travel in it. Among the last objects +which they noticed was a book lying open upon one of the cabin tables. +It was a New Testament. Melanitis took it up, turned over a few +pages, and said to Radcliffe, “Why should you not turn this book into +Atalantan? We have no print like this, but we have means of reproducing +copies of our exquisite public handwriting. I could furnish you with +helpers.” + +Radcliffe started violently. “Do you know what that book is?” he said. + +“How should we, when we speak only our own language?” said Mexitli, +with some tartness. “But let me tell you, I will allow no book from +another planet to be circulated among the people, unless it be, in my +opinion, useful, and not unsettling to their minds.” + +“It is the life and teaching of the Saviour Prince, and an account +of how those who were faithful to Him carried on His work after His +ascension,” replied Radcliffe. + +“Indeed!” said the princess, much astonished. “Well, you may translate +it for us if you like. My father the King takes a great interest in all +such deep subjects. But only a small part can be suitable for _our_ +world, I should say.” + +“Leave it to me, I will arrange everything for you,” said Melanitis +quickly. + +“I insist upon having my voice in the matter,” Mexitli struck in. +“This is too serious for even my sister to take wholly upon herself. +However, religion is about the only thing I should be at all willing to +accept from outside, because we have practically none of it ourselves. +Sun-worship is ridiculous, but it is perhaps good enough for uncultured +minds.” + +“Do the people treat the sun as a divinity, or as only the noblest +representation of God in the visible creation?” + +“You must ask the philosophers about that. It is no duty of us +princesses to go about and discover how much or how little the people +believe. But come, the heat is too great here for such serious talk; +we will return. Set about your book, and work at it till the rain-mist +season is over, and then bring it to us.” + +The very next day two of the King’s scribes came to their house, much +to the astonishment of both Carmichael and Carysfort. When Tom was +informed, he said he could not see why they should pull the old Book +about; what was good enough for Moses was good enough for him. The +Professor had to break it to him that Moses had not been connected with +either the English or Atalantan versions. + +Radcliffe worked hour after hour dictating and receiving hints in +return, until the Gospel of St. Luke and the Acts of the Apostles had +been rendered into very decent Atalantan speech, though, of course, +there was a great lack of elegance and finish. + +While thus engaged the rain-mist season came on in its full intensity. +The land was deluged with dew and moisture, fog and rime. The weather +was distinctly chilly. Many of the people took occasion to pass the +time in rest and sleep, and there was a succession of something like +terrestrial mornings and evenings, according as the mist increased or +diminished. + +Towards the end of the period the King sent for Radcliffe and had a +long conversation with him. He praised his diligence, and said that he +would do all in his power to further his wishes. But he advised him +as a friend not to be too hasty in setting himself up as a teacher +of the people. It would be better to induce the Atalantans to teach +themselves. “You desire to incline my people to become disciples of +Jesus Christ, as you terrestrials appear to call Him. Of course, this +is but natural, for every disciple, worthy of the name, seeks to enlist +other disciples for the teacher whom he admires. My poor Melanitis +seems much disposed to enter into your plans, and you cannot do better +than work through her. My other daughter will have probably greater +influence than she, when I am gone to the Mansions of the Blest, and +you have done well to conciliate her in every way that your conscience +allows. I have not much direct power; it may be that Mexitli is +impatient for my too prolonged life to end. I blame her not; but I +would give much to be sure that my darling Melanitis loves me as she +did in the olden days. But a truce to this, though sometimes I feel I +can talk more freely to you than to my own people. We are swathed in +forms and ceremonies, in pride and social prejudice, and I long to be +able to converse freely, even with a stranger.” + +“Would your Majesty tell me the story I have desired so much to know: +how, and under what circumstances, He, who is the Master whom I serve, +came to Atalanta?” + +The King paused a moment. Then, inviting Radcliffe to be seated, +he said, “This is the pith of a sad and shameful story, the most +disgraceful in the whole history of my race. My people lived in much +the same place as now, though on the northern shores of the lake of +Meloria. Atalanta was not built as a city. We were but few in number +then, about twenty thousand maybe. A stranger of noble and gracious +aspect came over the Keraunian Hills. We had suffered much from +sickness and calamity, flood and fire. He came and nursed our sick back +to life; He taught us many useful things; He benefited us in every +possible way; He did menial services for us; but He told us that He +was the Son of the Mighty God, and that, if we put our trust in Him, +He would make us noble and happy and wise while we lived, and then +take us to His own Home beyond the stars where we should be His angels +and serve Him for ever. But the people of Atalanta would not accept +Him; they believed that He came from some other planet, but not that +He was the Prince of Heaven. He gave them many proofs of His divine +greatness, but very few accepted Him or became His disciples. This went +on for some time, and at last the men of Atalanta got exasperated; they +accused Him of saying that they were sinners against God, whereas +they committed no crimes but were just and upright. At last they +arrested Him, and the Council of Elders, for we had no kings and queens +then, sentenced Him to work for Atalanta by building a road over the +Keraunian Hills. He toiled at this work for a whole year, some of those +who loved Him working with Him. + +“At last this cursed road was built, and when it was finished they +said, ‘We will not hurt You nor ill-treat You; we bid You depart and +leave us in peace.’ Then He said, ‘I am going to Karamandra to suffer +there for the sins of its people and to proclaim to them the true +way of salvation. But as for you, ye shall increase and wax mighty, +and have great riches and prosperity, and dwell for many centuries +unmolested and unvisited. Ye shall mourn during those days that ye have +no sure knowledge of eternal things, but no knowledge shall be given +you till the hour comes that, as a people, ye shall humble yourselves. +And in the end of the ages I will come again, first to the guiltier +world and then to this which is less guilty, and from both take to +Myself an elect assembly of those who are My true disciples. Meantime +love and serve one another, as I have served you, and the work which I +go to do upon Karamandra shall avail for this world also. Believe in Me +and My words, and wait, be the time never so long, for the Return of +the Light which you now despise.’ + +“Then He went away, and was seen no more. This is the sum of what I +have to tell you, my friend; seek to make the best use of it that you +can, and go forward wisely and prudently.” + +Radcliffe encountered Melanitis as he left the King’s private cabinet. +She smiled upon him, but her eyes showed that she had been weeping +intensely. He more than suspected that she must have known of what had +passed, but he did not question her. + +That same evening Radcliffe was wending his way to the house as well +as he could; the mist had lifted somewhat, but showed evident signs of +swooping down again. He had just turned into the Grand Avenue when a +voice was heard from behind a tree, “Will you oblige, sir, by telling +me the way to Professor Carmichael’s house?” + +Radcliffe stopped aghast! Here was some one in Venus accosting him in +English! For a moment he stood petrified, then a hand was laid on his +shoulder. It was Frank Abercromby! + +The latest joke had pretty well used him up. He was more like a +scarecrow than a man. + +“What have they been doing to you?” said Radcliffe, his growing +admiration of things Atalantan sinking down to zero. + +“Teaching me to love princesses. But come, old man, will there be a +good meat tea ready for us when we get back?” + +“The Professor and the engineer and Tom scarcely know how to live. We +have had to grow our own vegetables and fruits, and Tom, the other day, +found he had planted some the wrong end uppermost.” + +“Everything seems upside down in this beastly planet. Whatever did we +come here for? Why didn’t we pull up half-way and start back? How are +the boss and the engineer going to manage?” + +“We shall be allowed to travel in the Asteroid to the southern pole +when the weather changes.” + +“That’s something. I shall vote for going further.” + +“But we shall not be allowed to go alone.” + +“Not _alone_!” shrieked Frank. + +“No; the princesses are going with us.” + +“The deuce they are! And did you invite them?” + +“Certainly not: they invited themselves.” + +Abercromby swore steadily. “Well, we can drop one at either pole and +then make off for earth. I am sick of the whole business. So are the +others too, I fancy.” + +They walked on silent. Then Abercromby said, “How are you getting on +about Melanitis?” + +“I love her as a sister.” + +“Does she love you as a brother?” + +“Look here, Frank, all frivolity must end. I am going to give the New +Testament to Atalanta; the Royal House have practically settled it.” + +“Take care they don’t practically settle you.” + +“I believe this whole nation is on the eve of a change.” + +“Great Scott!” was all that Abercromby could say. + + + + + CHAPTER XVII + + THE PERILS OF CROSS CURRENTS + + +Fortunately for himself, Abercromby had a very cheerful temperament, +and the presence and society of his friends soon dissipated his gloom. +He was reticent as to his experiences in the prison, but it did not +seem that he had been treated with any positive cruelty, but rather +with neglect. + +The warders seldom showed themselves, and he was left to his own +melancholy reflections, his chief suffering consisting in the +scantiness of the food given to him. + +The party sat down to their rather sorry meal and then retired to rest, +which he especially needed. + +The next day, as it seemed to offer a prospect of fine weather, +Radcliffe went with Abercromby for a long walk. They penetrated to +the west end of the city, ascending a hill, from whence they enjoyed +a fine view over the Lake and its island, with the dome-shaped Temple +glittering in the sun. Then they plunged into a forest glade, where +they met but very few people, most of whom saluted them with at least +a semblance of courtesy; and then they rested in a kind of secluded +dell, where they found themselves altogether alone. They had not, +however, been there many minutes before they noticed an ominous +fading of the light, and soon the rain mist was upon them. Fortunately +a few hundreds of yards away stood a low-roofed house in a clearing +surrounded by a garden in no very good state of order. They took +refuge in an out-building, but they had to retreat into the innermost +recess before they could find a rain-proof spot. The wall formed +only a thin partition, and they could hear the noise of a rather +animated conversation going on within. Not wishing to be surprised as +eavesdroppers, they knocked loudly at the wall, and the next moment +there was a sudden hush, a sound of footsteps, a door suddenly opened, +and two men appeared. + +The taller of the two uttered a sharp cry, but instantly held out his +heavy hand to welcome them. “Come in, my lords,” he said; “you are just +as welcome as if you belonged to this down-trodden world of ours, and +may help to lift us up if you are willing.” + +He led them into a sort of back kitchen where some food was being +prepared, though its perfume was scarcely inviting. There were half a +dozen to a dozen persons present, all men, for a wonder. + +“Brother Parmenton,” said the tall man, “these new-comers need no +introduction. They are two of the terrestrials. Praise the Sun God +for hiding his august face awhile, or else they had not come here for +shelter.” + +“Are the men in your planet masters or slaves?” asked the worthy who +was addressed as Parmenton. + +“Both,” said Abercromby. + +“Do they rule their women folk or do their women folk rule them?” + +“That depends upon circumstances,” said Abercromby. “I fancy our world +is getting rather like yours.” + +“Will you help us to make our world what you imply yours was in days +past?” + +“What mean you by that?” + +“Help us--the people--to be men and not slaves.” + +“And what are we to do, and are you going to do for the other people?” + +“Fencing with words is not good when men are determined.” + +“And still less when the ladies are.” + +“True; therefore we intend to practise deeds and not words.” + +“We have waited centuries before doing so,” cried Mauro Katakalon, a +rough-looking Atalantan who at least enjoyed the luxury of two names. + +“Look here, Clarence,” said Abercromby; “what the dickens does all this +mean? Are we going to run our necks into a social revolution? If so, I +beg leave to back out.” + +“My masters,” said Radcliffe earnestly, “the beasts of the field will +ride over you until you become true disciples of the God of Heaven. He +alone can make any one free.” + +A shout of derisive laughter greeted his words. “That is the man who +has come here to preach a new religion,” said Medon, a third member of +the party. “No use in him, he is one of the palace slaves; talk to the +other. The tyrant put him in prison for two months. He will listen to +reason.” + +“We have, as strangers, nothing to do with your politics, whether +social or domestic,” said Abercromby hotly, “and having barely saved +our lives we do not mean to place them in peril again. If there is to +be a war of sexes, or any other war, on this amiable planet, you must +fight your own game. _We_ are not going to be mixed up in it.” + +“You do not hesitate to turn our religion upside down,” said Parmenton +angrily, “and Mexitli is quite content you should, in order to crush +by your help the one venerated leader we have left. When she has done +that, _your_ turn will come next.” + +“I shall obey my conscience and do my duty,” answered Radcliffe firmly. +“My Master Christ shall be the true King of Atalanta.” + +“Say that again,” shouted Medon, “and you shall pay dearly for it. Go +and preach your wretched religion in Atalanta city, and see how you +fare at the hands of every honest citizen.” + +“Take my advice,” said Mauro Katakalon, “listen to Melanitis; _she_ +sympathises with our wrongs and would redress them if she could. She +is nearly as much a woman of your world as if she had come from there. +She is dead opposed to our whole social system, and would make every +Atalantan equal.” + +“She is a Christian,” said Parmenton vehemently, “and equally opposed +to us in faith. But I would forgive her even that, for she would let +us have a taste of freedom. As for you,” he continued, pointing to +Abercromby, “you have been covered with indelible disgrace through +having been in prison, and you can only escape it by joining us in +founding a new social order. In a very short time Atalanta will be +free, and Mexitli hung on a gibbet in front of the Temple at whose +worship she has mocked.” + +“This talk has lasted long enough,” said Radcliffe sternly. “We are +no better than other men; we have not, I think, been accorded the +hospitality that was due to us; but, for all that, we take Atalanta as +we find it, and utterly renounce all unholy and sanguinary deeds. Allow +us to pass, if you please; if not, we shall resort to force. Wherever +we go we are watched, and if we were detained, _you_ would answer for +it.” + +“Let them go,” grumbled Medon, “we are better without them. We shall +have a nobler leader than they, and a trained force to support him.” + +When they found themselves in the open air Abercromby gave himself a +shake, like a dog coming out of the water. Radcliffe remarked: “They +all seem to harp upon the change which has come over Melanitis, though +I suspect it has been greatly exaggerated by credulous report.” + +“Possibly,” said Abercromby. “How long is it since her illness and her +extraordinary recovery, the unlucky result of Malchon’s rash prayer?” + +“Seven years,” said Radcliffe. + +“The years of Venus, I suppose. Just oblige a duffer by telling him how +long it takes Venus to rotate round the sun?” + +“Two hundred and twenty-four days, I believe.” + +Abercromby turned his head very sharply; they had just come in view of +the Lake and the Temple. Radcliffe did not notice that his companion +had gone white to the lips. + + * * * * * + +When they reached home they found the Professor and the others in +rather a flutter of excitement. “We have had a visitor,” said Carysfort. + +“Male or female?” asked Abercromby. + +“Male, of course; no other would come unless to shoot us.” + +“Who was it?” enquired Radcliffe. + +“Lydon.” + +“And who the dickens is Lydon?” said Abercromby. “Don’t dole us out our +information by instalments.” + +“The high priest of the Sun,” answered the Professor. “He came with +two attendant priests, clad in gorgeous robes and with full ceremony +and state. He remained about an hour, talking over all matters of +interesting information.” + +“Yes, and more than that,” observed Carysfort. “He told us that there +would be a great festival of the Sun on the first regular day of the +sunny season, and he hoped we would honour it by our presence. He +also told us that the archives of the Temple contained documents of +priceless importance, written by those who lived near to the time of +the event in which Radcliffe is specially interested. He will show them +to Radcliffe if he will pay a visit to the island.” + +Radcliffe and Abercromby exchanged significant glances. + +“Did he express his views as to any social or domestic matters +connected with the well-being of the commonwealth?” enquired +Abercromby, who seldom used elegant phraseology except when he was +joking. + +“I do not think he is at all friendly to much that now goes on,” +observed the Professor. + +“Then may I suggest that we do not accept his hospitality till after +the festival is over?” said Abercromby. + +“I would not make a foe of him,” observed the engineer. + +Radcliffe went out by himself and took his way to Mayana’s house. He +failed to see her, but Minya granted him an interview, and before he +was aware of it she had put to him a string of questions the full drift +of which he did not quite clearly understand. But he answered her as +explicitly as he could, and she then said that he ought on no account +to visit the Temple, it would be as much as his life was worth to do +so; he must not ask any reasons but be led entirely by her advice, +which was given in all good faith. + +When he got home he found that Abercromby had been doing his best to +persuade the others that Lydon was not to be trusted, despite all +the treasures which he might have at disposal to show them. Tom was +not altogether of his way of thinking; he was apparently anxious to +see the old conjurer’s bag of tricks, as he elegantly expressed it. +The Professor and the engineer were not moved so much by literary +instincts or general curiosity as by a desire not to provoke any more +hostilities. + +Abercromby said: “You are all of you as credulous as the Cambridge +freshman who was disinclined to subscribe to his college boat, but as +he took in whatever we told him, we said one day, ‘Tearle, you ought +to be ashamed. The Vice-Chancellor was running along the tow-path in +flannels this afternoon, bawling out, “Well rowed, Trinity!”’ that +fetched him quite, and he gave us a guinea on the strength of it.” + +Radcliffe had come in, and his appearance suggested to Tom a new +argument. “Don’t you think that as Mr. Radcliffe wants to be a +missionary to these ’ere savages the priests had better take him in +hand in their college so as to give him points?” + +“My dear Tom,” said Abercromby, when he had finished laughing, “Mr. +Radcliffe hardly wants to be coached in paganism.” + +“Bless you all!” said Tom, “I’m a fool. I thought they were Christians, +just for a minute.” + + + + + CHAPTER XVIII + + THE FESTIVAL OF PANACLA + + +The first day of the month Panacla, meaning “the forth-shining,” had +now commenced, when the rain mist was supposed to have finished its +mission in Southern Atalanta. + +The Vale of Meloria was bathed in the most exquisite light, mellowed +and tempered by the snow-white clouds that trailed along the sky at an +immeasurable altitude. + +A large crowd of people had gathered by the Lake shore watching the +island that lay nearly in front of the great city. At the foot of the +Grand Avenue a line of palace guards was posted, the meaning of whose +presence was not at first quite clear to the terrestrial party. Cleito +smiled significantly when the Professor enquired if the procession +would approach the palace. “Wait and see,” was all he said. + +At last a flash of light leaped from one of the pinnacles of the +island Temple. Some of the people kneeled down as though to pay their +devotions. Others did not, but stood scornfully erect. + +Soon a cry arose and hands were pointed towards the Lake. A barge +gaily painted, propelled by a number of oarsmen, was gliding rapidly +towards a landing-stage, a quarter of a mile to the east. Two other +barges followed, one having a superb gilded canopy. The occupants of +these landed and were received with adoration by a kneeling crowd. +Then a procession was formed. The vanguard consisted of a troop of +young children in pure white with coral-coloured fillets in their hair, +holding in their hands white wands of sharp-pointed metal. These formed +a semicircle, grouping themselves into a guard of honour; then came +a band of players beating some oval-shaped instruments and raising a +weird intonation. Following them was a woman robed as a priestess. She +sang with rich, penetrating voice-- + + “O Lord of Light! O Lord of Light! + Filling the land with glory bright, + Thine enemy retires[1] + Into the darkness whence he came, + Awed by thy majesty and fame, + Cowed by thy burning fires. + + “While Atalanta shall endure + Thy worship shall stand fast and sure, + All its proud foes defy; + Though thou mayest veil thy glorious head, + Thou comest forth to smite with dread + Each impious enemy. + Hail, Asti! Potentate and King, + Receive the worship that we bring.” + +[1] The rain mist. + +As she passed by she was followed by the priests of the Temple, each +carrying golden spears. Then came a canopy under which an altar was +borne, with a solar disk at each corner and a larger one in the centre. +Behind came a litter borne upon the shoulders of four tall and powerful +men, and reclining upon it was the high priest Lydon. The procession +halted. The litter-bearers laid their burden down. Lydon stepped forth. +He placed the altar in position; he kindled the central disk, which +revolved with a fiery radiation. Then he turned to the crowd, most of +whose members had now kneeled down. His eyes fell upon the Professor +and his party, who stood somewhat uncomfortably prominent. He shot +them a keen glance. Then he said: “Men of Karamandra, there are those +who brand you as barbarians; the priesthood knows no such distinction. +Come ye, offer incense to the Sun God, the first of all invited to +draw nigh.” So saying he placed the vessel of incense in the hands of +Carmichael. + +“I must go through this farce, I suppose,” said Carmichael, “though +I should be ashamed for my Cambridge friends to see me. It is only a +form.” + +“Yes, of course,” assented Carysfort. + +“You shall _not_!” exclaimed Clarence Radcliffe, and he struck the +vessel out of the Professor’s hand. For an instant there was an awful +silence. Every one stood in paralysed astonishment. + +“This may be my last moment,” exclaimed Radcliffe. “You may tear me in +pieces, but I will offer no incense, except the incense of my heart, to +Him who is not the material sun, but the Sun of Righteousness.” + +“Silence, blasphemer!” shouted Lydon, hoarse with rage. “What ho! +guards and champions of our ancestral faith, take this son of +Karamandra, who has insulted us and our god, and remove him to the +sacred island. There he shall be taught how to frame his words and acts +with discretion.” + +Before they could seize Radcliffe, Abercromby and Jackson had felled +the two nearest to the ground, and grasping their companion they +endeavoured to pull him away. The crowd was in the wildest commotion, +some cursing him for his sacrilege, others applauding the act. Some +urged on the priests to secure the prisoner, others cried, “Long live +the palace and the throne. Down with the traitors!” + +In the midst of the turmoil Radcliffe had mounted on a seat, and +addressing his voice to those nearest, he said, “People of Atalanta! +How long will you worship that which is only a furnace of molten fire, +fit emblem of punishment and of woe? What would the sun do for you if +the God who placed it there were to cause its light to fail? Would +not this side of the world be even as the other? I set before you Him +who is greater than all things which He hath made--eternal, immortal, +invisible. He can guide you to the Mansions of the Blest, into which +all who love Him are safely gathered,”--here Radcliffe’s voice broke a +little. “Atalantans! worship God. He has given you all things, even the +very powers with which you neglect Him.” + +At this moment Mayana herself, heading a detachment of the palace +attendants and wearing the red coronet as a symbol of authority, thrust +herself forward, followed by Cleophon and Minya. “Begone, Lydon!” she +said. “Go back to your island and deem yourself fortunate that you are +allowed to dwell there. All your plots are known. This is the last +time that you shall ever issue forth with your rebellious rabble to +delude and incite the people.” + +“I will go,” said Lydon in a voice inarticulate for rage, “but the cup +of your iniquities and that of Mexitli is running over. I--or rather +the Sun God--shall be avenged.” + +“Behold the powerlessness of your god, for his face is about to be +hidden!” shouted Radcliffe. And as he spoke the rain mist gathered and +veiled the fair landscape. Shrieks of terror and despair, intermingled +with laughter and mockery, came from different parts of the crowd. +Radcliffe suddenly heard a cry from Abercromby. He started to ascertain +the cause. As he did so he felt a violent shock, and all consciousness +left him. + + * * * * * + +“Where am I?” said Radcliffe when he had somewhat regained his senses. +He was in a luxuriously furnished room. Melanitis was bending over him, +supporting his head upon her arm. “I have been dreaming that I was +in Wales, going up the Portmadoc Road to Pont Aberglaslyn Pass with +Lilian. But what nonsense am I talking, and in English too!” he added, +correcting himself. “Lady, I did not know you were there. Has my speech +been wandering? I could have declared I heard some one singing to me an +old English song, which we--my wife and I--used to sing together.” + +“You will be always true to her, will you not?” said the princess. + +“Unto death and beyond it,” said Radcliffe. + +“Did you ever stay with her and her father the year before you were +married at a town called Tenby?” asked Melanitis. + +Radcliffe started up on the coach, his face rigid with amazement. +“Yes, the happiest time in all my life, except one,” he added. “But +how--_how_ did you know it?” + +Melanitis smiled. “I know a good many things,” she said. + +“Is second-sight understood in this planet?” + +“No; and if it were I should not practise any such arts.” + +“Have you ever visited my world in your dreams?” + +“Dreams are of little account, except day dreams. But a truce to this. +I want you to realise two things. One is that I perfectly sympathise +with you in your life sorrow. Another is, that God may provide you a +way out of it sooner perhaps than you think.” + +Radcliffe was about to answer when the door opened and King Malchon +entered. The old man, who looked worn and haggard, took the seat which +Melanitis had vacated, and said, “I rejoice that you are recovering, my +son. My daughter here has given you all the resources of her medical +skill, and has gradually nursed you back to life. A great debt is it +that you owe to her. But we all owe a debt to you hardly less great. +Your conduct three days ago helped us to frustrate for the present the +designs of our enemy.” + +“God be thanked for that. But what happened to me?” + +“You were struck upon the head by a club hurled by one of the traitors +in order to silence you,” said the King. “He would have repeated the +blow had not the fire-tube which Mayana held in her hand smitten him. +There was a conflict between the loyalists among the people and the +rebels, and several lives were lost. No such thing has happened among +us for generations. The rebels were compelled to retreat to their +island and its temple fortress. Mexitli and Melanitis both urged me to +carry it by assault and to put its colony to death, but I shrink from +such bloodshed as would result. I have forbidden, however, any similar +festival being held again.” + +“Has the lady Mayana or any member of her house been injured?” + +“None; for the good Cleito arrived with the guards just in time.” + +“Where are my companions?” + +“Lodged within the palace. I shall not allow them to be outcasts any +more.” + +The rest of the day was spent by Radcliffe in the society, now of the +King, now of Abercromby, now of Melanitis. They all helped to make the +hours pass pleasantly. Only when he was alone did he ponder in his mind +the extraordinary knowledge which Melanitis so evidently possessed. And +when the Professor came in to see him he told him about it and he asked +his opinion: “The simplest imaginable, my dear fellow. You have been +delirious, and she has overheard you talk.” + +“But why is she so solicitous that I shall always be true to the memory +of my lost love?” + +“I do not pretend to fathom women, but perhaps she has heard rumours +that affected herself, and she naturally wishes by your help to give +the lie direct to them.” + +“But she says that God will, sooner than I think, make a way for me to +end my sorrow.” + +“I see more than one explanation of her pious desire, my dear +Radcliffe, but I won’t pursue the subject.” + +“Where is Mexitli?” + +“Absent on state business.” + +“Is she resentful for what I did?” + +“Not in the least. She is hugely delighted. The danger does not lie +with her. Be very careful of the other one.” + +“Abercromby says the opposite.” + +“Then chum with the King. _He_ is safe enough.” + +Before they retired to rest, Mayana entered, asking to know how the +sick patient was. She offered to sing him one of the sweetest songs of +Atalanta. It was entitled “Little Queen of the Night.” She took up a +harp-shaped instrument, and seating herself by the side of Melanitis, +sang-- + + “When the birds shall homeward fly + And the sunlight shall descend + Where Aptaura rears on high + His steep rampart to defend. + Is there any light beyond + As I face the frost-bound field, + Do the stars with eyes so fond + Their sweet magic influence wield? + + “Aye! the brightest and the best + Of the starry host above, + From the east unto the west, + Looketh down with glance of love. + ’Tis the little Queen of Night, + That surveys the cold drear waste, + Yet her self-forgetful light + Whispers: ‘Hasten, traveller, haste. + + “‘O be not further led + By fond foolish thoughts of me, + For I shine upon the dead + In my helpless sympathy. + Turn your face towards a light + That is nobler far than mine, + And the little Queen of Night + Will not grieve nor yet repine.’” + +“Beautiful, beautiful!” said Radcliffe. “And that little Queen of Night +is my world that only shines on the cold dead hemisphere of Venus.” + + + + + CHAPTER XIX + + AN AERIAL VOYAGE WITH DIVERS EXPERIENCES + + +A week later they made their start for the southern pole. Mexitli was +to lead the expedition as far as the island of Melandria; her return +would depend upon news from the city. + +“The first thing we shall have to consider,” said Abercromby, “is to +find room in our blessed machine for the whole multitude of maidens who +are keen upon coming with us. _We_ shall have to tidy up, of course.” + +“Don’t trouble yourself, my dear man,” said Carmichael. “The engineer +consents to stay at home, and Jackson will stay with him. We three will +go and sleep in the store-room, while the cabins and the dining-room +can be allotted to the people for whose coming you are so naturally +zealous.” + +In fact, the machine was at the travellers’ disposal now, and they +spent several days in upholstering it according to Atalantan taste. It +was about a week before all was ready for the start, and by then the +weather had finally cleared and the heat was rather severe. + +Radcliffe had been indeed nursed back to life and health by Melanitis. +Abercromby’s attitude to her was rather curious. He was always most +courteous and deferential, save in one point, that he constantly +talked in English to Radcliffe when she was present, and often +contrived, even in the midst of a conversation that seemed to be +jocose, to make allusions to the past life-sorrow of his friend. +He would endeavour to throw them together as much as possible, and +keep himself in the background. All this was not only puzzling but +irritating to the Professor, who seldom spoke to Melanitis except when +courtesy required, for he not only disliked her but feared exceedingly +as to what was going to happen. One day, when they were on the eve +of departure, he remarked to Abercromby: “The thing that beats me +is to understand how a woman of Mexitli’s character can be blind to +what is so patent--that her sister, and one whom she must regard as a +barbarian, are very much in love. At first it was all on the woman’s +part, but now I am convinced that Radcliffe is himself yielding, at +least so far as this, that he gives to Melanitis the second place in +his heart. The princess hopes, no doubt, in time to win the first, +though she is too wise to hurry matters. But all this must be clear to +Mexitli, and why does she not show her hand?” + +“You told me yourself that there is no accounting for the ways of women +or their inward logic,” said Abercromby, “but I am going to ask _you_ +a question. Is Melanitis in the least degree afraid of what her sister +might do to her?” + +“Not in the least, so far as I can see, and this is the queerest part +of it all. But do _you_ yourself, Abercromby, trust Melanitis?” + +“Perfectly.” + +“Do you, not as a rival of course, but in the way of brotherly +affection, love her?” + +“I love Radcliffe more.” + +“Because you have known him longer?” + +“For that and other reasons.” + +“I believe you know more than you choose to say.” + +“I want you not to think me a lunatic before it is necessary.” + +Mayana, Minya, and Cleophon remained behind in the palace to assist the +King in the event of dangers or difficulties. + +The two princesses were to accompany the expedition, and were (it was +distinctly declared) to lead it in every sense of the word. Several +aerial vessels were to follow in their wake. Malchon, however, was +haunted by an uneasy thought, and one day he said to Radcliffe in +Mexitli’s presence: “You leave behind two of your number as hostages +for your return and our own airships will follow you. I trust you +fully, my son, and I am beginning to trust your friend Abercromby, but +your leader is a man of science and thinks naturally more of his people +than of me and mine. I know the capabilities of your machine and that +it could, in a few minutes, leave us for ever. Will you promise me, in +the name of Jesus Christ, that you will not do this but be faithful to +the trust I repose in you and bring the princesses safe back to the +palace?” + +“I will do this and also more. We shall not take our terrestrial +weapons but leave them behind in your safe custody. Let the princesses +take their own weapons, and it is we who shall be at their mercy, not +they at ours.” + +Mexitli took both the hands of Radcliffe in hers and pressed them. + +Carmichael was not altogether pleased with this arrangement. He +indignantly denied that he had ever contemplated “doing a bolt,” as +Abercromby phrased it, but he was rather perplexed to know what might +happen to them if by chance they put their guests in a bad temper. + +On the first day of the new month--Antarana, meaning “the greater +heat”--the party took possession of the Asteroid; the King, accompanied +by his guards, councillors, and attendants, amongst whom Carysfort and +Jackson were present, came to bid them farewell. Jackson, forgetting it +was Venus, took off his hat by way of respect, but the sun soon caused +him to discover his mistake. Mayana and her sister were affectionately +embraced by Mexitli, who whispered in their ears some warning words +that evidently had Lydon for their chief object, as his name was heard. + +The dining-room window was thrown open, and the balcony fixed in its +place, so that the fresh air might penetrate to every part of the +machine. The Professor went to the conning-tower and set the engines +in motion. He was rather vexed that Minola, Mexitli’s maid of honour, +stood by his side, silent, but noting everything that was done. The +others gathered on the balcony watching the landscape beneath them. +They were all in the gayest mood, more like frolicsome children than +people who, even then, held, or were held by, the powers of death. +Mexitli quite threw off her haughtiness and seemed thoroughly to +enjoy herself, and to want all the rest to do the same. To Abercromby +alone she was still a trifle distant, but the latter was so perfectly +respectful that it soon disarmed her. + +“I say, old man,” began Abercromby to Radcliffe, “I wonder what the +Proctor would say to me now. I once ran him half round Cambridge, but I +should have drawn the line at an airship. Have you heard at Oxford the +song of the Proctor? It is deeply pathetic, but not quite applicable to +this side of Venus. + + “Every proctor has his bull-dog, + Man of doughty might, + When he sallies forth in full tog + ’Mid the shades of night.” + +“Is that poetry you are reciting?” said Mexitli. + +“Yes, a song of Cambridge, the town where I passed my examinations--no, +no, where I pursued my studies.” + +“Please sing it to me in Atalantan.” + +“How the deuce am I to do it?” said Abercromby. “Do give me a tip.” + +Radcliffe promptly said-- + + “When the bold-faced idler flies + From the work he ought to do, + Man and beast, with vengeful cries, + Through the streets the knave pursue.” + +“How interesting!” said Mexitli. “I _should_ like to see it.” + +All this time Melanitis had been in a condition of explosive laughter. + +Meanwhile the Asteroid had been passing above the south side of the +great city and then away over the gap between the two hills. The +country seemed to grow every mile more beautiful--forest and meadow, +waterfall and bubbling stream, with houses of quaint architecture, +both small and great, perched on eminences, surrounded by groves and +gardens, while a level causeway led from the south of the capital +through the environs, stretching far away into the distance, curving in +a south-westerly direction. Every now and again an airship passed them +on its way to the city. + +Abercromby narrated with much animation the story of the aerial monster +whose cry of wailing had so suddenly disturbed their encampment. + +The face of Melanitis grew grave. “It was the ship of death,” she said; +“a prisoner condemned by us was taken to the dark hemisphere to die.” + +“How was he killed?” asked Radcliffe. + +“He perished in the cold night,” said Mexitli in a rather hard tone. +“He was a spy of the priests, who sought to stir up disaffection. When +the ship of death sighted the polar terrors, it was lowered to the +frozen ice-field; the man was turned adrift with the customary words, +‘Unworthy of the glories of the day, worthy of the terrors of the +night.’ The task accomplished, the ship returns and awaits its next +hapless passenger.” + +“Would that have been _our_ doom, princess?” + +“It might have been; it very nearly was. By the by, you seriously +transgressed our laws in haranguing the people in a place of public +resort, as you did on the occasion of that absurd festival. But, of +course, you were on our side, so you won’t hear any more about it.” + +“Are open-air addresses contrary to the laws of Atalanta?” asked +Radcliffe in a rather pained tone. + +“I can alter the laws if needs be,” said Mexitli; “but you must seek +my permission before you adopt any such method again. I will give you +plenty of other means of carrying out your plans. You see, any address +to the people savours of sedition, as it has been always used for that +end; but perhaps I shall let you have your wish in due time.” + +“Look! The sea! the sea!” cried Abercromby. “I am as excited as old +Xenophon’s Greeks. An airship would have settled their job much more +quickly. He would not have had to write so much Greek, and I might not +have been ‘plucked’ in consequence.” + +“Leave these old-world allusions and look at this glorious sight,” said +Mexitli; “there is the coast-line of our grand continent, and away, +beyond the horizon, is Melandria.” + +“This is much more like a terrestrial view, is it not?” said Abercromby +to Melanitis. + +“Much more like,” she replied. + +Radcliffe darted upon her a swift look of uttermost surprise. + +“The observatory on Aptaura is a famous place for seeing Karamandra,” +she said. + +“Very excellent indeed,” remarked Abercromby in a somewhat inscrutable +tone. + +Mexitli pointed to a colony of houses overlooking a forest that +extended nearly down to the shore. “We will picnic there,” she said. +“Minola, tell the pilot of our good vessel to direct it to the point +which I indicate.” + +Carmichael obeyed with a docility rather novel to him, and they came +to an anchor on a meadow-green lawn of smooth grass only a few feet +elevated above the water’s edge. A venerable Atalantan matron, leaning +upon the arms of her son and nephew, came forward from the terrace +of the house nearest to the sea and made a profound obeisance to the +princesses. + +“Carmichael,” said Melanitis, “be so good as to guard the Asteroid +while we picnic here, we shall not be long.” + +Abercromby looked rather indignant, but at last broke out into a laugh. + +“Come, Professor, don’t elope to China; no, of course, I mean to +Atalanta. Write your notes and edit your experiences. Be a Cambridge +don, and dream you are sending me down.” + +“Eat some lunch will be more likely,” grumbled the Professor. “I have +taken the precaution to bring a decent pile of sandwiches with me; I +only regret they were not made even in Germany.” + +The statuesque Minola sat down close to the entrance to the machine; +she began to read one of the manuscripts which Radcliffe had finished. +The Professor had his lunch all to himself, watching his silent duenna +with feelings far from satisfactory, for the maiden had always one of +the green tubes at hand, and seemed quite ready to use it. + +The aged woman’s name was Amarilla; she had lived all her life in +this lonely corner of the empire, supporting herself by the work of +her son’s hands and her own. They had made a little paradise of this +rough shore-line. She was deeply versed in the religious philosophy +of her country in its ancient form, and had always lived in hope that +she might, as she phrased it, “hear the silence of the skies broken.” +During the picnic conversation flowed apace; Amarilla besought the +strangers to tell her of their own world and of its people, of their +religion, their laws, their arts, their government. + +Radcliffe and Abercromby obeyed; the princesses sat motionless and +silent, taking in every word. + +Their principal topic, however, was the history of the Christian +religion in Karamandra and the desperate struggle it had waged with its +pagan foes. + +Radcliffe told the story of Polycarp, of Cyprian, and of Perpetua and +Felicitas, at which his hearers were intensely moved. + +“You will never have these obstacles in Atalanta,” said Amarilla, “but +you will have others, chiefly the invincible unwillingness of the +people to bestir themselves, to awake from the dreaming of centuries, +and from the pride which makes them believe that everything in the +Flowery Land is perfect and can never be altered except for the worse. +My rulers command me in all things but one: they let me give the +allegiance of my soul to the King of Heaven and to the exiled Prince.” + +“Mother, I allow you to speak quite freely, but tell me in return, +are you quite sure that the allegiance of which you speak will never +conflict with the allegiance to the throne?” + +“Try it, princess, when you are queen, and you will find that the more +your people love God the better will they serve you. And as for you, +strangers, go forth and spread everywhere the things which God has done +for your world, and pray to Him that He may yet do equal things for +ours.” + +Both the princesses took a fond farewell, and then they returned to the +Asteroid. + +While the Professor resumed his duties as steersman, the party once +more discussed subjects of literary interest, as the machine pursued +its short aerial journey to the island. + +“One of the prettiest samples of our national poetry,” said Mexitli, +“is the lyrical invocation to the Sun God. I omit the part which is +abominably idolatrous, but the prelude, where Asti vaunts his own +greatness, is at least geographical-- + + My power doth fence the realm of polar snows, + My rays smite kindling, high Aptaura’s pile, + Mine is the light that on Meloria glows, + And mine the twilight in Melandria’s isle.” + +Abercromby had been making his first attempt at Atalantan poetry by +trying to turn “All in the hush of twilight” into Atalantan verse. He +was fairly successful, though Mexitli told him he must study for a year +before he could do real justice in their own poetry to a lovely lyric +in another language. All agreed, however, that though not suitable to +Central Atalanta, where the sun was not on the horizon, it would be +sure to take the fancy of the Melandrians, for they always had to live +in a twilight land, and loved it so much, that they would like to be in +the hush of the twilight from end to end of their planetary year. + + + + + CHAPTER XX + + THE ISLAND OF TWILIGHT + + +The spin over the sea about thirty miles in length, through a swift +current of bracing air, was soon accomplished. The heights of the great +island quickly towered before them. Melandria had a more terrestrial +look: there were bays and roadsteads, where many ships might have +lain at anchor. But of these there were none; all communication with +the mainland was through the air. A large town lay along the sea +border, with a long esplanade and something like earthly roads, and +highways led out from it into the interior. The island was at least one +hundred miles in circuit; its greatest breadth was about twenty miles, +narrowing to a long trailing peninsula, not much wooded, but covered +with open moorlands, while the glowing orb of the sun on the horizon +lit up the whole landscape with a sunset splendour. In the middle of +the island was a high-peaked hill, from the summit of which a dazzling +spot of white snow could be discerned to the south. + +“There is Aptaura, the boundary line between two hemispheres, close to +the southern pole, and twenty miles in height,” said Mexitli. + +They anchored on the top of the peak. Near to the top, in a sheltered +hollow, lay a beautiful country house, the residence of the governor +of Melandria, whose name was Andron. He only held office during the +King’s lifetime. He was a very learned man, and he rejoiced at the +opportunity of conversing with the Professor and his companions. So +the party at once repaired to the house, where a sumptuous meal was +provided. The expression must not be taken in too terrestrial a sense, +for, in Atalanta, the actual amount of drink and still more of food +would hardly, as regards quantity, have sufficed a child from the +other planet. The native foods and drinks were practically medicines +of a very palatable order, and were all intended to have a direct +influence upon the bodily frame. The more exquisite the delicacy the +more dangerous it would be to indulge too freely in it. Carmichael +looked with astonishment at Radcliffe, supping on a small plate of some +high-coloured substance and a slender goblet of pale rose-tinted liquid. + +The guests, however, had all the more leisure at their disposal for +talk. The Professor, for their own good, told them many interesting +facts about the earth and its ways, while Radcliffe plied others with +questions as to the planet on which he had resolved to spend his +remaining years of life. Andron was much interested in astronomy, and +told the terrestrials all the main facts which the Atalantans had found +out about the solar system. + +Mercury and the earth were, of course, the planets best known to them, +and he made the sage remark that astronomers would do better to put up +with the trouble of the sunlight and study Mercury as a morning star +rather than face what he considered to be the far greater difficulties +of going to the frozen hemisphere and looking at it so low down on the +horizon. + +“Do you think Mercury is inhabited?” asked Radcliffe. + +“Certainly not,” answered Andron. “Mercury is only a repetition of our +own planet with polar terrors on one side and a sun about three times +larger than our sun. All our vegetation would be withered, and there +would be but half the space which we have on which it could grow. Even +this presupposes that its surface is all land, whereas it is probably a +sea of fire and molten metal.” + +After this learned talk about the stars, to which Carmichael added the +surprising news that there were two planets beyond the orbit of Saturn +which the Atalantans had not discovered, the converse took a more +religious turn. Andron and his wife Ayacatil were delighted to have +given to them a copy in manuscript of St. Luke’s Gospel and the Acts. +Andron promised that many copies should be circulated in the island. +He asked Radcliffe a rather remarkable question: if the abominations +committed upon the earth were wholly and entirely the work of mankind, +or whether there were occult powers of evil acting upon them from +without? When Radcliffe spoke of the teaching of Christianity upon this +dark subject, Andron and Ayacatil both expressed the opinion that it +was no use to deny that the Atalantans were more free from crimes of +violence and mere insensate wickedness--in fact, that it was hardly +possible to find people who ever did wickedness that was contrary to +their own interests. Sins there were, and plenty, in Atalanta, but +there was always a reason for them; there was nothing extravagant or +maniacal, nothing uncontrolled or uncontrollable. + +“Surely then,” said Radcliffe, “as Atalanta has been left all these +ages to work out its destiny on the side of good, so likewise it has +been left unmolested on the side of the powers of evil. I do not +believe there are such powers in this planet. This would account for +the whole course of divine treatment which Providence has adopted +towards it.” + +“This appears to me very just reasoning,” said Ayacatil; “we breathe +a purer atmosphere in this planet, and therefore a large number of +spiritual and moral maladies are cut off.” + +“But that makes us wholly responsible for those that remain,” remarked +Mexitli. “However, I mean to look facts in the face and study all that +God has taught the other planet, and see what light the teaching can +throw upon this.” + +The Professor was about to lead the discussion back to the heavenly +bodies, when Abercromby asked if they might enjoy some more of the +national poetry of Atalanta and its melodies. + +Ayacatil pressed Mexitli to honour them with an example of her own +artistic powers. + +The princess consented, and sang some stanzas of the grand lyric-- + + + “HOW KERAUNION DIED” + + Sing me a tale of the days gone by, + Of the days that were brave and bold, + Ere the minstrel charmed with his minstrelsy, + But love wrought deeds untold; + When to love and to succour was all our pride,-- + In the days when King Keraunion died. + + The clouds had gathered all over the hills, + And Asti had hidden His glorious face, + The rain mist had flowed o’er the trembling rills, + And faster the clouds did race + To the trysting-place whither their squadrons ride, + On the night when King Keraunion died! + + A subject had served him right faithful and true, + Had stood ’mid the trustiest round his throne, + And the sky of the monarch was cloudless and blue, + And all Atalanta he called his own. + Ah! how can _we_ tell how events shall betide + When we hear of the way that Keraunion died? + + For the sky of the subject was draped in gloom, + And his head was bowed in a sore distress, + And life had become as the fearsome tomb, + A drear and a pitiless wilderness. + His only child had strayed from his side + On the mountain path where Keraunion died. + + The King set forth alone. He wrought + ’Mid the gathering darkness the truant to seek. + A courtier the tidings of anguish brought, + And he gave the advice of the timid and weak: + “For what would become of the land,” he cried, + “If boldness he urged, and Keraunion died?” + + The King spurned the counsel, and threaded his way. + Unconscious of pain, and of peril sore, + He came to the place where the maiden lay, + And safe to the summit her frail form bore. + Now who would have thought in that moment of pride + That the hour was come when Keraunion died? + + A bird of prey, with ravenous beak, + Struck at the child brought back to life; + But there, on the edge of that yawning deep, + The rescuer fought it in doubtful strife. + So the maid sped swift to her father’s side, + But the fight was over--Keraunion died. + + The King fought on with fast ebbing life, + Driven to the verge of the beetling rock; + The monster watched every turn of the strife, + And drove in his last relentless shock. + From the dizzy height of the mountain side + Keraunion was hurled--and Keraunion died. + +A murmur of admiration pervaded the company. + +“Well, let us adjourn to the lawn,” said the royal songstress, “and +have a little more talk upon serious subjects. We are all in the mood, +I fancy.” + + + + + CHAPTER XXI + + THE PEAK OF APTAURA + + +They spent five days in the island before setting out for Aptaura. +During this time Melanitis and Radcliffe explored in all directions; +they roamed the woods and the glens, they sat by the waterfalls, +they paid friendly visits to the chief people of the town, enjoying +themselves to the utmost. It was as though they had made an unwritten +compact that this was to be a holiday interlude. The princess gave him +a fund of information about the Atalantan people, and taught him many +things it was most necessary to know. Carmichael enjoyed society in his +own way, and certainly won the hearts of the learned. + +Just before they started, an airship arrived from the mainland flying +the red pennant of the palace. It bore several letters, only one of +which need detain us. There was a sealed despatch from Mayana, which +evidently caused Mexitli a measure of care, for she knitted her brows +as she read it. But she did not divulge the contents, beyond assuring +her guests that they had no cause for fear. + +There was a letter from Carysfort merely telling of his literary work, +but making scantiest allusion to anything else; the Professor read it +to the others and then put it in his pocket. But there was a letter +from Tom which sent the whole party into such convulsions of laughter +that it is to be wondered that they were not all of them ill. The +example of the others proved contagious--to Melanitis, at least, for +she could hardly retain her seat without holding on to it. The letter, +however, was so hilariously engrossing that the terrestrials scarce +noticed the princess’s condition. + +It was to Carmichael, and is worth quoting entire. + + + “DEAR MR. PROFESSOR, + + “Pardon the liberty I am taking, but I thought you would like to + know how we are all doing. First, I’ll just say that I like old King + Malchon better and better. He is the dearest old genelman that ever I + see. He took me for a walk round the terraces, leaning on my arm, and + I never had no King, dook, nor baron to show me such honour yet. + + “I sang him one of the hymns Mr. Radcliffe likes which he used to + have at his church. + + “Mrs. Cleophon (I forget her Christian name) does the bigger half of + his business for him, and a real lady she is. + + “Miss Melanitis is sure to look after dear Mr. Radcliffe, and to see + that he doesn’t walk the dark side of the south pole without his + greatcoat. Would you just tell him that he said he was going to learn + Miss Mexitli the art of playing chess? if he do, as soon as she has + learned the moves, he must be sure to let her win some of the games. + + “I don’t go in for politics, but it’s myself that thinks there will + be a job on with them priests, for I fancy, and Mrs. Cleophon thinks + so too, that that old rascal Lydon is after some mischief. But if the + Lord will, the queens will be coming back soon, and they will finish + his bother. + + “Now, about Mr. Carysfort. He is writing a big book on Venus for the + other world, and he means to give it to the Vice-Chancellor. He is + also going to write to Mr. Chamberlain, the German Emperor, and the + Prime Minister, though I think there will be a new one before we get + back. + + “Hoping this will find you well, as it leaves us at present, + + “I am, + + “Your humble servant, + + “TOM.” + +Soon the heights of Melandria faded in the twilight of the low red +sun. They held on their way to the mainland, which they now perceived +to be but a narrow neck of country tapering off to a point. The other +ocean came in sight, and at last, where the land ended in a magnificent +headland, against which the waters beat with tempestuous fury, stood a +lonely house surrounded with high walls and rocky ramparts, to protect +it from the fury of the southern sea. + +“These are the last Atalantans except upon Aptaura,” said Mexitli. “We +will salute them and hasten on.” This they did from a height of about +five hundred feet. + +Across the straits rose the warden of the frozen pole, the giant +Aptaura, his snow-white crest gilded by the rays of the ice-bound sun, +his mighty granite mass rising sheer out of the deep. The peak seemed +utterly inaccessible to mortal enterprise, and so indeed it was till +the era of the airship. + +Higher, and yet higher, they ascended, till the summit was scaled at +last, twenty miles in perpendicular height. There, protected by a +rampart of rock, nestled the Observatory, a low-roofed building with +several giant reflectors, telescope shaped, pointed towards the sky. + +To the south were the frozen ice-fields, wrapped in polar darkness; the +air was piercingly keen, the stars shone out in the black sky, and, +near the horizon, behold, one bright, greenish-red star of incomparable +richness and brilliance, a small glittering moon. + +“There is your world,” said Mexitli, pointing to it. + +It was the earth. + + + + + CHAPTER XXII + + THE GREAT MYSTERY + + +The staff at the Observatory consisted of three men of science with +their servants. They were elderly men who had devoted their lives +to the study of the heavens in this region of awful isolation and +loneliness--the highest spot by far in the whole planet. Melanitis had +been there several times, but Mexitli only upon one former occasion. +Both the princesses spoke the kindest words of greeting to the brave +colony of scientific recluses, and introduced the visitors from earth. + +But though the Professor and his two companions were wonderfully +struck with the grandeur of the mountain and the incomparable view, +they quickly saw that there was little astronomical knowledge for +them to learn that they did not already know from the more favourable +view-point of their own world. + +Radcliffe was also greatly astonished to find that the Atalantan +knowledge of the earth extended only to its larger physical +outlines--the continents, peninsulas, and islands; but they scarcely +knew more of the earth than we do of Mars, and not nearly as much as +we know of the moon. The earth was a far lovelier object in the sky of +Venus, from Aptaura, than Venus is in our sky, but it was an almost +impossible task for any Atalantan, unless helped by the palace, to get +there to see it. In fact, Malchon supported his astronomers out of his +own private liberality, and men of learning assisted him in so doing. + +Many weeks would be required for study and observations before any +solid results could be attained, and Mercury was far more easily +observed from the lighted hemisphere. + +Mexitli therefore declared that she could not stay more than one night, +and she contented herself with viewing the heavens from the interior +of the Asteroid; the cold of open-air research was appalling, and she +naturally avoided it. The next day they re-entered the region of light, +Melanitis promising that Radcliffe should come with her to the summit +another time. + +They landed at the southern end of the continent, and put up for a day +or two at the castellated house overlooking the glorious sea, along +the shore of which they had several excursions. Recreation of the most +bracing type was to be obtained here. + +But an astounding event was at hand. + +The owner of the house was a brave and hardy landowner named Carminon, +who, with his wife Mexilla, were great favourites of the court, to +whose couriers they had rendered many a service. They had saved the +lives of more than one occupant of a damaged or storm-tossed airship. +On the last evening of their stay Mexilla expressed a wish to hear +some of the melodies of Karamandra, and Radcliffe sang several hymns +in English, and Abercromby gave them a taste of patriotic songs. But +Mexilla wanted a Karamandran love song, and would not be put off with +anything else. + +“Come, old man, you must fire away,” said Abercromby; “you have not to +preach to-morrow, so you won’t mind getting a trifle hoarse.” + +Radcliffe used to sing in earlier days an old-world song called +“Solitude,” which had been quite the rage in its time, though long +superseded by a different style; so he began-- + + “It is not that my lot is low + That makes the silent tears to flow, + It is not grief that makes me mourn, + I weep that I am all alone. + The woods and winds with sullen wail + Tell out the same unvarying tale. + + “I would not be a leaf to die + With none to think nor care for me, + Yet in my dreams a form I view + That thinks on me and loves me too. + I start--but then the vision’s flown; + I wake--and I am all alone!” + +Radcliffe rather wailed than sang the last lines. Mexilla, though not +understanding the words, was intensely moved, and even Mexitli turned +away her head to hide her feelings. + +But upon Melanitis the song had a deeper and a more poignant +effect--she started to her feet, advanced a step towards him, and sank +in a collapsed heap upon the floor. + +“What have I done!” he cried in alarm and distraction. + +“It is but a faintness, do not be distressed,” said Mexitli calmly, and +raising Melanitis she, with the aid of Abercromby, carried her from the +room. Some anxious time elapsed, and then Abercromby re-entered. + +“Come quickly to the Asteroid,” he said. “Melanitis is all right, but I +must have a very serious talk with you, the most serious we have ever +had.” + +Abercromby led the way to the dining-room, which they had all to +themselves. + +“Now, Clarence,” he said, “pull yourself together and be calm. Answer +me truly and clearly--is your heart loyal to the memory of your wife, +or have you succumbed to a later influence?” + +“Absolutely loyal unto death, and beyond it to the Mansions of the +Blest,” he answered. + +“Then you do not desire to marry Melanitis?” + +“Never; my love for her deepens, but it never overtakes the love for +her that is gone, for that also grows fonder and fonder.” + +“Very good. This will simplify matters much. By the by, you could _not_ +have married Melanitis had you wished.” + +“Why?” + +“Because you are married already.” + +“I _was_.” + +“You _are_.” + +Radcliffe stared at Abercromby in dazed astonishment. + +Abercromby went on: “Suppose your love for your wife had faded, you +could only have married again when she was dead.” + +“She _is_ dead,” said Radcliffe. + +“She is _not_ dead.” + +The words rang out like a clarion note. + +“What madness is this? I saw the inquest on her dead body rescued +from the Welsh river. I accompanied the poor remains to the little +churchyard under the Cotswolds. My own voice (how I did it God only +knows) read the service over her to save her stricken father. And now +you tell me she is alive!” + +“It is true,” answered Abercromby. + +“Where?” scornfully. + +“In Atalanta. Melanitis will restore her to you in ten days, perhaps +less.” + +“You are fooling, Abercromby.” + +“I love you too well for that.” + +“Then there has been sorcery and witchcraft.” + +“None whatever; no such arts are practised here. You speculated truly +the other day that the devil is limited to our own luckless planet.” + +“Have the Atalantans visited the earth in one of their machines?” + +“They lack the means of setting it going. The motive force is not +existent in Venus.” + +“Have they stolen the Asteroid?” + +“They would not have known how to steer it beyond their own atmosphere.” + +“Am I to see her in the spirit or in the flesh?” + +“In the flesh.” + +“Is she changed?” + +“Well, yes! But forgive me if I say that _I_ consider she is changed +for the better.” + +“Do you know how it has been done?” + +“Perfectly.” + +“Who told you?” + +“I found it out for myself.” + +“As you hope for salvation at the last, will you pledge me that you are +speaking the truth?” + +“Absolutely, literally, entirely.” + +Radcliffe was staggered. + +“Scepticism dies hard in a despairing breast,” he went on. “Can you +give me any tangible proof beyond your own word? Excuse me, Frank, my +all is at stake.” + +“Yes! I can give you one proof at any rate. How came the knowledge of +the English alphabet to Atalanta?” + +“Jackson told us he was hypnotised.” + +“Nonsense! Jackson thinks so, but I know better. _Your wife wrote out +that paper with her own hands._ Jackson was put to sleep, or rather +tempted to put himself to sleep by going too deeply into his cups. But +this was done to rob the machine, not to study English. Your wife wrote +the paper in a disguised hand.” + +“How do you know that?” + +“_Because she told me so herself._” + +Again Radcliffe fairly winced, like a man receiving a blow. + +“Have you had intercourse and converse with her all the time you have +been in Atalanta?” + +“Certainly not, considering I was in gaol.” + +“When did you first do so?” + +“After that row in Parmenton’s house--quite recently therefore.” + +“Where did you see her?” + +“In the palace.” + +“Does Melanitis know her?” + +“Intimately.” + +“She hates her, of course?” + +“On the contrary, she has a very good opinion of her.” + +“Does Mexitli know of all this?” + +“Fully, and is very pleased.” + +“It is stupendous,” said Radcliffe. “Can you tell me what the Professor +thinks?” + +“That you made an ass of yourself this evening. Further than this he +knows nothing. He is even more nonplussed than you are.” + +“You _can_ tell me the whole secret, I suppose?” + +“I could, but I shan’t.” + +“Because of Melanitis?” + +“No, because of the King. Your only peril lies there. But the worst +that can happen is this--that you and your wife may be packed off back +to the earth. If you are, I will remain to carry on your work.” + +“What!” + +“Nothing more nor less.” + +“Once more, I beseech you to tell me.” + +“I _dare_ not and I _ought_ not, and therefore I _will_ not; you _can_ +wait ten days, man!” + +At that moment Minola appeared, and said: “Your excellencies are +summoned to attend upon the Lady Mexitli; she is in sore distress.” + +Abercromby started. “Well, Clarence, it _may_ be that the mine is to +be exploded now; if so, better perhaps for you. But muster all your +courage and prepare for a stunning shock.” + +Radcliffe drew himself up. “Can you tell me what has happened?” he said +to Minola. + +“I may not answer questions, though I would gladly if I might,” she +replied. + +At that moment they reached the door of the house. Mexilla was +supporting both the princesses, who were in a state of indescribable +agitation. Carmichael was calm, but his face wore a very stern +expression. + +“Ladies, we crave permission to know what is the matter,” said +Radcliffe. + +“Atalanta is in revolt,” said Mexitli. “The priest party, aided by the +traitors Parmenton, Mauro, and Medon, have surrounded the palace. All +is lost.” + +“No, that shall never be,” said Radcliffe. “We will put all our power +at your disposal, display the scarlet banner and fight under it by your +side.” + +“By George! I thought he was a missionary!” said Abercromby. “But no +matter, I shall not mind a fight, if it comes to that.” + +“Will you stand by us?” asked Mexitli. + +“Unto death,” said Radcliffe. + +“If we win, you shall be the highest noble in Atalanta,” she cried. “I +will give to your companions an absolute pardon, and raise them all to +the ranks of my nobility.” + +A cheer broke from the Atalantans present; such a scene of enthusiasm +followed as was rarely witnessed on Venus. Melanitis kept very much +in the background, though she spoke kind words to each and all, but +Mexitli went and shook hands with every one, even with the Professor +and Abercromby, a thing she had never done before. + +Orders were given to start at once. Carmichael, who was dead-tired, had +to make a rush for the conning-tower. + +“We are in for a regular deuce of a row,” said Abercromby. “I have seen +it coming for a long time. It will clear the air, at all events. I want +a good square talk with you, Professor.” + +“Then you can’t have it. I have to run this machine at breakneck speed +back to Atalanta, and heaven only knows what will happen to us when we +get there.” + +The princess sent an imperious message that the Professor must give +up his steering-seat to Minola and come and take part in her council. +This he flatly refused to do, at which Mexitli took great offence, +threatening that “under these circumstances to disobey was death.” “We +shall all die by breaking our necks if that girl takes the steering; +she is totally unused to it.” Minola looked very resentful, and even +laid her hand upon her weapon; but Radcliffe quieted her by soothing +words, and, after some trouble, Mexitli owned that perhaps it was +better that this particular machine should be steered by those who had +made it. + +Abercromby whispered to Radcliffe, “Your affair is not on just now, old +man; perhaps it is as well. We must settle old Lydon’s bother first, +then your turn shall come.” + +The council was harmonious enough, for Mexitli did all, or nearly all, +of the talking. She decided that they must make a forced flight to +Atalanta and observe from the air all that was going on. + +Not even Radcliffe could induce her to tell them how the trouble had +begun; this she was resolved to keep to herself. All they learned was +that the rebels had got possession of the lower part of the city, had +burned Mayana’s mansion to the ground, and had then surrounded the +palace hill. All the adherents of the priesthood of the Sun had taken +up arms, and they had been joined by a large number of the lowest of +the populace. The rebels had resolved on a complete revolution, both in +the religious and in the social life of Atalanta. + + * * * * * + +The restless energy of Mexitli disdained to take any repose. The +Professor grumbled that if the devil had been at their heels they could +not have gone very much faster, but, as Abercromby remarked, since +Radcliffe had ruled him out of all possession in Venus, it was the +princess who would have to drive them instead. + + + + + CHAPTER XXIII + + LYDON’S REVOLT + + +Sooner than they had expected, much to the delight of Mexitli, the +well-known outline of the Keraunian hills appeared on the northern +horizon. The Asteroid halted a mile above the city of Atalanta. + +“Have we your permission, lady, to alight first upon the palace +terrace?” asked Abercromby in a tone of solemn irony. + +Mexitli coloured, but said: “You are pleased to be caustic, but I +suppose you have the right. When we have taken our observations, do so, +and you shall go unpunished.” + +From the upper part of the Asteroid they stepped upon the balcony and +noticed the great commotion in progress below. Up the Avenue of Ascent +a troop of armed men were advancing to reinforce their comrades, who +were encamped on the ridges of the palace height. The sunlight glinted +upon a forest of spears and lances. + +“They have only their primitive weapons,” said Melanitis. “They have +been deprived of the use of the tubes.” + +“Let me strike the first blow, and from the sky,” said Mexitli. + +She pointed her green metal in a diagonal line in the direction of the +enemy. Minola did the same. Flash after flash was sent downwards, but +no apparent effect followed. + +“The range is too distant,” said Melanitis. “We must descend lower.” + +Slowly the Asteroid dropped by the action of the fans. Then at the +distance of a quarter of a mile the firing was recommenced. Several +were seen to stagger and fall; others, unable through the dazzling +sunlight to locate their aerial foes, took to their heels. + +“That is Lydon,” shouted Abercromby. “He is rallying them and urging +them to return.” + +Minola instantly levelled the green tube, but before it could be +discharged a blinding flash broke from the building at the angle of +the terrace parapet. A pyramid of fire shot into the sky; the Asteroid +itself was rocked by the air currents, and they were nearly thrown off +their feet. A deafening roar followed, and a thick column of yellow +vapour hid everything for a few minutes. + +Mexitli clung to Radcliffe with a convulsive grasp; then she wrung her +hands in agony. Minola gave way to a burst of tears and crying. + +“Tell us what has happened,” said Abercromby. + +“We will be with you to the last,” exclaimed Radcliffe. + +“I know it,” she replied, “but it may well mean that you will perish +along with us. That building which has been wrecked is the arsenal; +it contains all the materials for the manufacture of our weapons of +defence. Many weeks must pass before we could possibly provide new +material. It is now a conflict of force against a handful--ourselves +and our friends, who will be quite defenceless, and who may be either +starved out or stormed out.” + +“Send an airship to Melandria--the people are all faithful there,” said +Abercromby. + +“Well thought of,” replied Melanitis. + +“It can be done,” said Mexitli, “but they can bring us but scanty +supplies.” + +“How many times could you fire the weapons you are carrying with you?” + +“About twenty times, each of us.” + +“What has been done with our own weapons and ammunition? All this could +be used. It would be better than the weapons of the rebels,” said +Radcliffe. + +“You shall each of you be put in trust with it.” + +“Head for the palace, Carmichael,” Abercromby called out. + +In a few minutes they were on the terrace, where the palace guards were +drawn up to repel any assault. But none such had been attempted. The +enemy had been satisfied with their master-stroke, and fully believed +that the day was won. + +Presently Carysfort and Jackson came forth with pale but resolute faces. + +“The King is in his cabinet; he is on his knees praying, sir,” said +Tom. “I told him to do it by signs, and then I took off my jacket +and my waistcoat to let him feel easy that I was ready for the other +business.” + +“This palace shall be your abode, Mayana, if we only triumph,” said +Mexitli, embracing her. “Do not despair. Our brave friends are going to +help us.” + +“Suppose we go straight for the rascals just when they think we are +hiding,” said Tom. “Rush ’em all at once; that’s my ticket. Old Lydon +is below. I peeped over and saw his ugly old head. He is jabbering +away, either to the sun or else to his men, only a few hundred yards +off. Just say the word, Professor, and I’ll give him one in the nose, +and that will end all the trouble.” + +Melanitis, half laughing, turned to Radcliffe. + +“Go to the room above the Hall of Perfect Justice. Minola will direct +you. There are your weapons; they are all safely deposited.” + +“Hold steady, Tom,” cried Carmichael. “Do you think you can run at all +those savages unarmed and alone? Wait, and don’t be a fool; we can’t +let you throw yourself away like that.” + +Tom swore, but obeyed. + +Meantime a sharp conflict was going on in the Avenue. Missiles were +hurled from the house-tops, chiefly by the women and children, upon +the enemy below, and many were killed or disabled. Parmenton and his +fellows set fire to one of the houses, and it was soon a heap of +smoking ruins. The inmates sallied out, and, aided by their friends and +kinsmen, pressed severely upon the rear of the attacking force. The +arms taken from the Asteroid were quickly in the hands of the royal +party, who needed very little teaching how to use them with deadly +effect. The sharp cracking reports echoed around, and, with every one, +some enemy was laid low. Then King Malchon came forth. + +“My daughters, I will seek to imitate the nobleness of Keraunion. I +will lead the sallying party myself.” + +“Do not think of it,” said Melanitis, seeking to draw him back. “It is +the King’s duty to direct others to fight.” But Malchon would not be +dissuaded. He set his foot on the rocky steps. “My guards, follow me; +let us deliver our city from these misguided traitors. God is with us; +it is for Him we are fighting, not for our own glory only. Forward!” + +Mexitli called to Mayana and her sister to stand behind the parapet and +cover their friends by an incessant discharge. At first this was easy +enough, and many a foe was laid in the dust; but, as the two parties +joined in actual conflict, they scarcely dared to keep it up for fear +of hitting the King and his guards. + +Abercromby, Carysfort, and Radcliffe were soon in the fight, but Tom +was the most reckless of the whole party. He had often heard Abercromby +tell the story of Admiral Napier saying to the sailors on the eve +of starting for the Baltic: “Lads, sharpen your cutlasses and make +ready.” So he kept on shouting this and other watchwords, interlarding +them with less classical language. He ran full-tilt at the line of +spears, wrenched one out of the hand of its holder, and ran him +through the body with it. Cleito was by his side in a moment, and the +guards forced their way by sheer physical strength, and beat back the +advancing line. + +Radcliffe was in the most imminent danger. Lydon saw him and marked +him out for vengeance. He made unlimited promises to any who would +bring him dead or alive. He was seized by Mauro Katakalon, and though +he struck out with all his might, he felt his strength giving way. He +was in full view of Mexitli, who was holding one of the Professor’s +pistols. In an agony of supplication Melanitis besought her to fire. +Mexitli’s hand trembled as she did so; the bullet struck the gilded +armour of Mauro and penetrated his shoulder. More furious than ever, +the burly giant seized the waist of Radcliffe and dragged him along +the ground. Some one slipped a revolver into the hand of Melanitis. +She leaned over the parapet, there was a sharp report, Mauro Katakalon +relaxed his hold; he was killed instantly. A cheer went up, it put new +life into the hearts of the defenders. + +Radcliffe, no sooner free, ran to the help of Tom, who was sore +pressed, for he was in the grasp of three or four assailants. One of +these was Lydon himself; he saw the day was lost, for by this time the +population from the upper part of the city had issued forth against +him. Malchon had scattered the foes in front, and all that remained was +to overpower the retinue in immediate attendance upon the high priest. +Abercromby and Carysfort had performed prodigies, and were beside the +King warding off blows on all hands. + +Lydon, by a last effort, had led a furious charge upon the division +of the guards in which Cleito and Radcliffe were posted. They were +in full view of their friends on the terrace, who encouraged them by +voice and gesture. The ammunition, however, was giving out, Mayana and +Minya having been too prodigal in their use of it, though they stoutly +declared that every shot had told. + +Lydon dashed his way to where the King was posted and hurled a lance at +his head. The weapon was struck aside by Tom in full flight, but his +own spear was splintered in doing so. In a moment he and his foes were +struggling together upon the ground. Radcliffe, not able to intervene, +shouted to Arniphon, Cleito’s colleague, who came running up with a +dozen guards. But the King’s personal danger was so imminent that +he could spare no time for anything else, and closed in a desperate +conflict with Lydon. The priest’s attendants were dispersed like chaff, +and Lydon, after fighting like a mad dog, as Abercromby said, for +another five minutes, was at last overpowered and manacled. The fate of +their leader, along with that of Parmenton and Medon, who were captured +likewise, practically ended the conflict. + +The King was deadly pale and exhausted. Abercromby and Radcliffe held +him up by each arm and assisted him to mount the steps, which were +stained with blood and cumbered by the bodies of the fallen. + +“Nearly one-half of the guards are dead,” said Malchon in a tone of +deep grief. + +“Your throne has been saved,” said Abercromby. + +“But was I worthy of it?” said Malchon in a saddened voice. + +All Atalanta was hushed that night. Few households were there that had +not to mourn their dead. There were no boisterous rejoicings over the +victory, as would have been the case on the earth, though there was an +inward satisfaction none the less deep. In the palace all was gratitude +and harmony. Every one had reason to congratulate every one else on +having done something for Atalanta. + +Upon the travellers every mark of affection which gratitude could +lavish was bestowed. The original sentence was cancelled; they were all +enrolled in the highest ranks of the nobility. + +“This will enable us each to marry,” said Frank to the Professor. +“There is scarce a female in Atalanta who will not be proud of you.” + +“Many thanks, Abercromby, and assist me all you can to realise the +splendour of my privilege. I am just going to calculate when the earth +will reach its nearest point to Venus.” + +“There are three matters pending before you start, Professor: one is to +find poor Tom, the other to assist at the trial and execution of Lydon, +the third to make Radcliffe happy.” + +“We will take them in order, if we are allowed,” answered Carmichael. + +That night a supper party was held in the palace. The King sat at the +head of the table, one of his daughters on either side. Mexitli was +radiant with delight, Melanitis dignified and outwardly calm. The +feeling was almost too intense for words. The flattery and ceremony, +so characteristic of Atalanta, was well-nigh absent. Tongues were at +last unloosed, when Malchon rose and said-- + +“Through the mercy of heaven we are delivered from the most +heart-breaking danger that has ever menaced us or our people. Soon we +shall be called upon to pass sentence upon such of the ringleaders +as are in our power. But to-night let all thoughts of vengeance be +laid aside. I would suggest that each of our friends from the sister +planet be invited to solicit from us some token of our gratitude. You, +Carmichael, who are the leader of the expedition, tell us what is your +chief desire.” + +“Permission to return to our own planet and to communicate to our +people whatever knowledge we have acquired here which will be good and +useful for them.” + +“I echo the same wish,” said the engineer. + +A murmur of disappointment made itself audible. + +“Think not that we are ungrateful,” Carysfort went on, “but know that +our sole object in coming was to enlarge the knowledge of our brothers +in Karamandra. But I would, if permission be granted us to return, +leave everything which we have brought with us in the Asteroid, except +what is absolutely necessary for our journey, behind for the use of the +King and his people.” + +“I grant you the permission to return, if when the moment which our +astronomers deem the right one shall come, you still adhere to your +resolutions.” + +“I request permission to preach the religion of Jesus Christ by speech +and writing in Atalanta,” said Radcliffe. + +“You have been fully tested, my son,” said Malchon. “I and the +princesses have long since resolved to assist you.” + +“As for me,” replied Abercromby in a rather breezy tone, “I have got to +love this world. I hated it at one time, but I like it now, so I should +be glad if you would let me stay. There is one other thing. I spoke +rudely to the Princess Mexitli in this very hall, and I beg her pardon +here and now. I was savage and forgot myself, and I really thought she +meant to kill the whole lot of us.” + +“I am afraid I did, so I will hold you quite excused,” answered +Mexitli; “and I am glad indeed to hear that you mean to stay with us.” + +Had a thunderbolt descended at their feet, the Professor and engineer +could not have been more astounded. They had not the remotest idea that +Abercromby was not returning with them. + +“He must be stark mad,” said Carysfort to the Professor--“spend +his life in Venus indeed! Depend upon it there is some girl in the +background.” + +“No there is not--I stay for Radcliffe and his wife,” replied +Abercromby quickly. + +“He’s done it! I knew it would be so!” gasped Carmichael. “Radcliffe is +going to marry the lady with the letter M. after all.” These remarks +were whispered in English. + +“There is one thing I much regret,” resumed Malchon, “and that is the +loss of the faithful servant of our friends. The rebels either slew him +or carried him away. He was a good man and a brave, and search must be +ordered everywhere to ascertain his fate.” + +The rest of the time passed pleasantly enough with interludes of music +and song. When the guests rose it was four hours after the banquet had +begun. The poor Professor very nearly dropped asleep at the supper +table. Time was little reckoned in Atalanta. The terrestrials could +hardly tear themselves away from the hand-clasps which greeted them on +every side. Even then both Radcliffe and Abercromby had to stay yet +another hour to talk over what steps should be taken to obliterate the +traces of the revolt and to make the best use of the victory. At last +Mayana said to Cleophon-- + +“Unless you let these poor dears go and secure a period of sleep we +shall be responsible for killing both of them. I won’t even sing them a +song. Turn them out of the room. Do you agree to this, princess?” + +“Yes,” replied Mexitli; “I am somewhat inclined to sleep myself. We +have all done a good day’s work, I think.” + + + + + CHAPTER XXIV + + THE DENUNCIATION AND THE RETRIBUTION + + +Radcliffe awoke the next morning with a dull feeling of anxiety +oppressing him. The thrilling episodes of the fight, the loss of Tom, +the decision of Abercromby, all these had, for a while, driven away +the dominant thought of his heart, but with the first moment of quiet +leisure it returned with unabated intensity. + +Lilian was in the palace, and yet he could not see her nor obtain +tidings of her. Dismissing the attendants who waited on him (for he +already tasted the luxuries of the Atalantan nobility), he sought and +obtained an interview with Melanitis. + +“Even now,” he said, “I do not fully know your customs, and in these +trying circumstances I may be guilty of a great social mistake; but +I entreat you to tell me when this suspense will be over and my wife +restored to me, whom I have so long looked upon as dead.” + +“I will do all I can to hasten your wishes,” she answered, “for I +desire it no less than you do; but there are two things that must come +first--the trial of Lydon and his fellow-traitors, and the burial of +the honoured dead according to the customs of Atalanta. The trial will +be held to-morrow; for the King’s sake it will be hastened, for his +health makes Mexitli very anxious, while the burial of the honoured +dead will follow very quickly. You will never forget the sight so long +as you live.” + +“Permit me to render to you my grateful and loving thanks for the act +of yours which saved my life. Not even the healing of my sorrow which +you have promised to me can efface the recollection that I owe my life +to you.” + +“Mexitli did just what I did, but her anxiety lest she should do you +hurt prevented her from doing it effectually. I had no such fear, +because I am more practised. Surely to save a fellow-creature’s life is +what any human being would be proud to do.” + +Radcliffe stood silent. How _could_ she be more practised in the use of +a Karamandran weapon? Was there not also a measure of coldness in her +tone? Not to be wondered at, he thought. As he stood hesitating she cut +the knot herself. + +“I have much to occupy me to-day,” she said, “so you will excuse my +detaining you further.” + +“Have I given unwitting offence?” + +“Not in the least--how could you?” + +Radcliffe left the apartment. As he did so, he encountered Frank in +very earnest conversation with Mexitli and Mayana. They smiled on him, +but he went on to the terrace and walked about wrapped in thought. +Cleophon was there, watching the ruins of the tower of the arsenal, and +Minya, his sister-in-law, was with him. They greeted Radcliffe warmly, +and had a long talk over the recent explosion and the tactics of the +rebels which had brought it about. Suddenly two ideas struck Radcliffe +all at once, and he said-- + +“Was any one killed by the explosion?” + +“Two of the guards standing as sentries,” answered Cleophon. + +“How many prisoners are there in the palace?” + +“Lydon and his associates,” replied Minya. “Three men, that is to say. +There are no women prisoners. We did all the killing and they did the +sinning, and they are, and will yet be, doing the suffering.” + +“That is an admirable assortment of parts,” answered Cleophon dryly, +“and methinks our excellent friend and colleague is quite satisfied +with it.” + +“Perfectly satisfied, since there are no ladies imprisoned,” said +Radcliffe. + +Minya gave utterance to a ringing laugh. + +“You will soon be one of us in every thought and feeling,” she said. + +In the meantime Abercromby had persuaded Carmichael and the engineer +to lay their writing aside and to come for a walk with him. The others +agreeing, they went to a sheltered garden attached to the palace on the +southern slope of the mount, and Abercromby gave them a startling piece +of information. + +“I have had a talk with Lydon himself,” he said. “Our interview was +hardly amicable, for he cursed me at least a dozen times, but I +wormed a state secret out of him, which has led me to advise Mexitli +and her intimate friends not to make the approaching trial public, +but to try him in the King’s private apartment, with only selected +witnesses--ourselves, of course.” + +“You are a pretty fellow,” said the engineer; “Mexitli hardly wants +coaching up in these medieval ideas. I thought you were an Englishman, +but I am afraid your prolonged residence in the Love Star has not +improved you.” + +“As Lydon is certain to be put to death, it will not make any +difference to him.” + +“That Mexitli will finish his goose, as the Americans express it, I +don’t doubt,” said Carysfort; “but I tell you plainly I do not like +this sort of thing.” + +“He used violent language and threats that he would say that which +would stagger the whole kingdom, and pay Malchon out for all he owed +him. Could I do less than tell Mexitli of this? She is not going to +stop his tongue, she only wants the man in the street not to hear it, +and then pass it on with amplifications.” + +“Has his death been settled on beforehand?” grunted the Professor. + +“It won’t be nice according to European notions, I am afraid. To be +quite candid, however, I have managed to change the manner of it. The +princess and Mayana were for giving him a cup of tea, or something +equivalent, for his next meal; but Melanitis begged hard that they +would postpone their intention, and I joined in with her. Now I have +got an idea that she will regret she did not let them have their way. +But be this as it may, or rather as it will, I did have just _one_ +shudder when Mexitli produced a small phial of amber-coloured liquid +and showed it to Mayana. They seemed to be pretty well posted up in the +Lucretia Borgia business, and I ventured the remark that I should have +to take care how I behaved myself.” + +“I agree with you,” said Carysfort, “and I hope it may have the effect +of making you reconsider a recent decision. What did they say?” + +“That it was for reptiles like Lydon to fear them, not for loyal hearts +and true like me.” + +“Excellent for the time being,” answered Carmichael, “but what about +the years to come?” + + * * * * * + +At ten a.m. measured by earthly time, Malchon lay upon his sick couch +in the private room of his palace, where more secret trials took place. +By his side were Mexitli and Melanitis, while Mayana and Minya sat a +little way apart. Radcliffe and Abercromby were next to the princesses, +while Carmichael and Carysfort were placed nearest to Mayana and Minya. + +A very weary look was on the old King’s face; the recent events had +sadly undermined his strength. Abercromby, strange to say, seemed the +most agitated person in the whole company. Radcliffe was quiet and +composed--a trifle bored, in fact. _His_ thoughts were far away. + +Presently the tramp of footsteps was heard in the adjacent corridor, +and the high priest was led in, his hands tightly bound behind him. +Cleito and Arniphon stood on either side of the prisoner. The face of +Lydon was agitated by the stormiest passions, but he kept himself well +controlled. His tall, majestic figure seemed to exercise a dominating +force. + +“Mexitli, my daughter, matters are in your hand,” said Malchon. “I can +take but a silent part. My days are numbered, and I would fain be at +rest.” + +The princess turned to Radcliffe. + +“_You_ shall indict him,” she said. “His deeds are notorious; you need +but say a very few words.” + +With a strange mixture of dread foreboding, and yet of dignified +responsibility, Radcliffe spoke:-- + +“Lydon, high priest of Asti, to me has this task been assigned. It +is, as the princess truly says, needless to dwell upon it at length. +As the minister of a better and purer faith than yours, I will not +(lest I should be thought to speak from self-interest) accuse you of +idolatry and superstition, though I fear you have made a bad use of the +religious influence you have so long exercised. I accuse you the rather +of treason against the throne and the royal house of Atalanta, both by +machinations in secret, and at last by an open outbreak of rebellion, +whereby the King’s declining days have been embittered by strife and +bloodshed, and many of his loyal subjects slain.” + +“You can now say that in private which you threatened to say in +public,” said Mexitli. “You may freely speak, for this is the last time +the opportunity will be granted.” + +“I understand well the true nature of the words which have been +spoken,” answered the high priest; “my heart fails me not, my courage +does not shrink. When I _have_ spoken, it is my enemies who will be +covered with confusion and with shame, while _I_ shall go to the doom +appointed with the knowledge that the Sun God will not fail his servant +in the hour of death. + +“Malchon, King of Atalanta, if indeed it be a King that thou art, seven +years ago you wrestled in prayer for the life of your child Melanitis. +You, kneeling in the Sun God’s Temple, didst presume to address another +God than He, and didst utter words alike sacrilegious and evil. They +were that this God of thine must needs grant thy request, and that thou +wouldst be well content, provided only that Melanitis should recover, +that she should bring sorrow upon thine own heart, and shame upon thy +native land. Thy prayer has been heard, Malchon, and this day thou +shalt know to the full what thou hast done. + +“She, whom thou dost _call_ Melanitis, is a Karamandran at heart; she +careth not for thee, nor for the interests of Atalanta. She is not the +Melanitis thou didst love in the days of old, but one as different as +these men who come from another world differ from the men and women of +thine.” + +He paused. Throughout the apartment the silence was intense. Abercromby +leaned eagerly forward; a puzzled look crept over the faces of the +Professor and Carysfort. Not even yet did Clarence Radcliffe evince +excitement or interest--he had heard the story before. Mexitli and +Mayana remained impassive and inscrutable; the King folded his weak +hands with an air of weary resignation. Melanitis alone had turned very +deadly white. + +“Courage, child, courage, all is forgiven,” whispered Mexitli. + +“I see before me a little house,” pursued Lydon, “in a sheltered bay in +Karamandra. The sun is shining upon the sea. In the small guest-room a +man and a woman are standing; they are at variance one with another. +The woman has ceased to love the man as she did but a few weeks ago, +though she had promised to do so for ever. Verily _I_ will be no judge +between them! + +“I see before me a river with a boat making its way upstream. Two +women are in it--both young, both handsome, as beauty is reckoned in +their silly world. The face of one is flushed, excited, reckless; she +takes the oar, not knowing properly how to use it. Soon a rock appears +in mid-stream, there is a crash, the boat is overturned, both are +caught in the eddying current. One barely saves her own humdrum life, +the other sinks. As the waters pass over her and she is engulfed, +her spirit perceives one by her side who bids her follow him to the +Mansions of the Blest. Such is not her desire. ‘Clarence! Clarence!’ +she cries, ‘I will go to no land where you are not. I would refuse even +heaven for you!’ ‘Go, then, where thou shalt one day find him,’ is the +solemn answer, ‘and tarry for him a long time, and tarry a still longer +time for the home that I would have led thee to. Thou wouldst resist +the will of thy Maker and defy His appointed hour; for thy punishment +thou shalt do so, and weep bitter tears.’ A rush and a roar seemed +to drown all her senses, and when her eyes opened she was a hapless +stranger in a strange and wondrous land. + +“And now, Clarence Radcliffe, look around and behold thy wife. Thou +hast filled Atalanta with thy whimpering complaints, perceiving not +that it was thine own folly that set in motion this long train of +evils. Behold her, I say, and rejoice, as best thou mayest, in the +sight!” + +“Why have you torn open a bleeding wound?” said Radcliffe passionately. +“Where is the Lilian that I once loved so well, whose memory I cherish +still?” + +“Turn, fool, turn and see her; she is sufficiently betraying herself,” +thundered Lydon. “There stands before you May Lilian Radcliffe, a +Karamandran spirit in an Atalantan body!” + +Radcliffe advanced a step towards Melanitis; she stretched out her +appealing hands, and burst forth in the words of Anglo-Saxon love, +which Clarence had sent to her in the world across the sky-- + + “One dearest vision flashed upon my way, + Kindling the memories of Love’s sacred past; + That vision _now_ is all my strength and stay, + While yet the lingering hours of exile last!” + +With a wild cry Radcliffe clasped Melanitis in his arms. + +“Behold them!” shouted the deep voice of Lydon; “behold the two +serpents of Karamandra! Each has found the other. Each stands prepared +to wreck a world that their ill-starred love may riot over its ruins! + +“O Malchon, understand the truth even in thy dotage! The child of thine +heart was taken from thee seven years ago to dwell with Asti in his +palace of solar glory, while into the vacant bodily tenement crept this +_thing_ from Karamandra, a cursed gift from a sin-stained planet.” + +Carmichael and Carysfort had both risen, but they sank back in their +seats with awestruck and blanched faces. + +A deep groan burst from the lips of Malchon. His head fell upon the +couch. He said not a word. + +“Behold thy victory! hireling of a new religion,” Lydon shouted in a +voice of ever-increasing bitterness. “Take to thy arms this stranger to +thee; see if there be any resemblance in her pale foreign face to the +love of the long ago. Ha! ha! A new courtship shalt thou have in this +land of ours, and two dialects in which to pursue it.” + +Radcliffe found his tongue at last. With one arm encircling Melanitis, +he confronted Lydon and waved him imperiously aside. + +“Had I found her with all her beauty marred and gone, had I visited her +in the deepest dungeon, had I met with her an exile in a desert island, +she would be (as indeed she is) the one and only queen of my heart. It +_is_ a harder and more severe trial than all these things, to look upon +the foreign face, even though it be fairer than the very fairest of my +own world. Yet love can rise superior to every hindrance, can overcome +every obstacle, else it were vain to talk of immortality. This is how +I meet thy difficulties, this is how love prevails over thy logic.” + +“Thou hast finely spoken, O man of Karamandra,” jeered Lydon. “Thy +rustic wife of old is now a princess, and a throne is a potent solace +to the trials of a foreign face.” + +“Not when the wife sits upon a throne, and the husband is far beneath; +not when she has power and he no power, save only to carry on his +mission; not when she is great and he is small.” + +“A truce to this peddling matter,” answered Lydon sternly. “Once again +I call upon you in the name of Asti my God, to renounce your impious +design to change the faith of Atalanta. Do what you will with _me_, but +let not the Sun God shine upon an apostate land.” + +“Had I but loved my Saviour as I loved my wife, we might, both at this +moment, be fulfilling a lowly divine ministry in our own world; but +_now_ we will do the one thing left to us; we will walk hand in hand +together, to be a help and a benefit to the world wherein we are.” + +“I give you my consent and my blessing,” murmured the King in a broken +voice. “God and the Prince of Heaven shall be honoured and adored, and +none else. And now, my son Radcliffe, the time will not be long for me. +Soon, very soon, I shall go to the land of which He whom we once coldly +banished told us, a land where the wicked cease from troubling, and +where the weary are at rest.” + +“I have _one_ thing more to do,” cried Lydon, in a voice hoarse with +rage. “The Sun God has been publicly repudiated here in my presence, +and his wrath must now fall upon the blasphemer who has come amongst +us. O Asti, strengthen me only this once that I thy unworthy servant +may perform one last sacrifice in thy name!” + +Bowing forward, with a supreme effort he snapped his bonds, and in a +bound was upon Clarence and Melanitis. But Malchon sprang from his +couch and interposed his aged body as a shield. Something glittered +in Lydon’s hand ere his arm could be arrested in its downward swoop. +Malchon fell forward; he uttered one faint cry; they just caught the +words, “Let the Prince be King,” and all was over. + +“A greater retribution has fallen,” shouted the high priest. “I swore +to be avenged. Behold, all of you, the sacrificial knife; see, it is +red, red to the hilt. Asti is honoured. Come, therefore--I wait my +long-appointed doom; do your worst with me. Asti, I come! I come!” + +A sharp report echoed through the room. Lydon fell dead at his victim’s +feet. Minola was risen, holding one of the pistols from the Asteroid in +her hand. + +“He shut up my father in his Temple prison,” she said quietly. “He let +him die of starvation, because he would not sacrifice to his idol. I +place myself in Queen Mexitli’s hands. I have repaid.” + +“You need not be forgiven, dear, for there is nothing to forgive,” +answered the Queen elect. “You have only completed the sacrifice. I had +meant something appallingly worse for him, but I thank you for having +made it unnecessary.” + +Then she knelt down by her father’s side, and the tears fell fast. +Presently she looked up and said-- + +“Go, my friends, and take rest after all these horrors. You have +nothing but a true friend in me. Cleito! Arniphon! take the body of +that traitor and hurl it over the parapet of the terrace!” + + + + + CHAPTER XXV + + THE OLD LOVE AND THE NEW + + +No words can adequately describe the emotions that prevailed in the +great city when the news flew from mouth to mouth of the assassination +of the King, followed by the almost immediate death of the murderer. + +Many scores of households were already bewailing their dead and making +the usual elaborate preparations to honour their remains. And now the +palace itself was drowned in lamentation also, and was face to face in +addition with the problem of the succession. + +The latter point was very quickly settled. Fifty years had to pass +before the nobility would have the right to raise one of their +own order to the throne. Melanitis instantly wrote out a form of +renunciation with her own hand, and placed herself entirely in +Mexitli’s power. The latter took her aside, and said, in the presence +of Radcliffe and of Abercromby-- + +“Since you have so honourably kept your faith to me which you pledged +two years ago, my first act as Queen shall be to associate you with me +in the sovereignty.” + +“That I am firmly resolved to refuse,” she answered. “I pray that +your cousin Mayana be raised to the first place below the throne. Also +that Clarence may be retained in the rank of nobility along with his +comrades. All I ask for myself and for him further is, that you will +permit us to live in some retired spot where it will be easy for us to +devote ourselves to the work we desire to do.” + +“You shall rule the island of Melandria for me, as Andron’s term of +office expires with my father’s death. You will not disappoint me in +this, will you, Melanitis?” + +“You are more than good to me,” she answered, “and if you desire it, I +will undertake this work.” + +“Now that I understand everything,” Mayana interposed, taking the hand +of Melanitis, “I honour you as I never honoured you before, and I +sympathise with you in those awful years of trial amongst us which you +have so bravely spent.” + +“And you, Clarence,” said the Queen, “though you can have no direct +power in the ruling of this land, will find your happiness in the love +of your wife, in the fulfilment of your mission, and in the knowledge +of the love which we all bear to you, for you are devoting your life +to the good of your adopted country. You also, Abercromby, will have +your share in that love, a share which will increase, as we see that +you completely identify yourself with us. As for the other two, it is +_their_ fault if their share in our hearts’ affections be much less. To +their own world they have decided to return, and it is doubtless well, +for to it they evidently belong. I shall have a serious talk with them +when the fitting time arrives. Meanwhile, you will all remain in the +palace with us.” + +Melanitis and Clarence spent most of that day together. Their happiness +was too great to be expressed in words. They sat in one of the recesses +of the palace gardens looking towards the south, and each told the +other what they had suffered in the long time of separation. + +“We will talk always in the dear English tongue, Clarence, when we are +together. Atalantan has been to me a painfully acquired dialect. I do +not speak it very much better than you.” + +“When did you first hear of our coming, dearest?” + +“I was standing on the palace terrace, and I saw the rockets soar +into the sky. I knew it was something most unusual, and I myself +urged Mayana and Cleophon (who were then visiting the palace) to go +and investigate. The moment they brought back the report of their +interview, I was certain, but,” she said with a shudder, “you were all +of you close to death.” + +“I felt sure of it at the time, dearest.” + +“Mayana has often told me since that she can never bear to think about +it. But is it possible that no suspicion of the truth about me ever +reached you from any one?” + +“Never, Melanitis.” + +“You _must_ drop that detestable name. I am Lilian. But how _did_ you +explain to yourself what Abercromby could have meant?” + +“By the pure miraculous power of God raising you from the dead.” + +“Ah! Well, of course, that would account. And yet it was something not +far short of it.” + +Then she asked Clarence to tell her all about his work after he had +returned to Oxford, and all about the Professor and his companions. + +“The most trying part of it to me was when you and your people talked +away in my presence, not knowing that I could understand you. Little +did you know how much I agreed with many outspoken criticisms, though +they were sometimes not very politely expressed. But that song about +the proctor, and your Atalantising of it, nearly did for me altogether, +and then--Tom’s letter!” + +“There is one thing I greatly desire to ask you. Was it true, as +Parmenton asserted, that you in any way supported them in their designs +upon the existing social order? He actually advised me to throw in my +lot with you, and said that you were a Karamandran woman at heart. +Could it have possibly been that he suspected the truth?” + +“Quite impossible. He only took advantage of some words which he once +heard me say in the presence of Lydon, that I did not greatly admire +the way in which the women ruled everything here. But, of course, I +have the right of my sex to change my mind upon this or any other +subject. Certainly, now that _you_ have come, I must break altogether +with any such ideas.” + +“I never ruled you in the other world,” chuckled he, “so I am scarcely +likely ever to attempt doing it in this.” + +“Perhaps you never went the right way to work. You were sadly wanting +in tact; but you have made amends here, at all events, when you saved +yourself and the others from an almost certain death on the day of the +trial.” + +“What will be done with Medon and Parmenton?” + +“Don’t ask me, Clarence. They will drop out. There will be no trial. +Better would it be for them if I served them as I did Mauro Katakalon. +You know that I saved the wretch Lydon himself, and how he requited it.” + +Radcliffe shuddered. “I do not like these things.” + +“Nor do I, though I cannot now see _everything_ through terrestrial +spectacles.” + +“Did you know that Lydon was going to betray your secret?” + +“Not till the last moment. You and Frank were very wise in urging a +private trial.” + +“I only did it because I fell in with his opinion; I did not know what +was going to happen. But I am troubled about another matter. Can Clieto +and Arniphon be depended on not to tell Lydon’s story broadcast?” + +“I shall leave that with the Queen; she will do what she thinks best +for us. Do not be hard upon Mexitli or Mayana, or any others. There is +much that ought to be corrected, but we must give them the fuller form +of their own ancient faith, and that will work a change in many things.” + +“What was your feeling towards the King?” + +“Grief and regret. But I was quite powerless to act; it would have +killed him to have learned the truth from _me_, even if he had believed +it. Mexitli must have bitterly hated the true Melanitis; but she +gradually awoke to the fact that, whatever change had passed over me, +it was sufficient to render me her passive instrument, and not her +rival. Little by little her enmity turned to affection, and then when +you came, though I had certain risks to run, I felt that I might some +day tell her everything. On that night when you sang ‘Solitude,’ I +betrayed myself so openly that Abercromby, who had already suspected +the truth--for I knew he did by many little things--came to me and +taxed me directly with it. Then I told Mexitli and Mayana. The Queen +believed it; her cousin did not. Of course, the Queen saw in a moment +that her succession to the throne was secured beyond hesitation; and so +we all made a firm alliance, and I myself told Abercromby to pave the +way towards your enlightenment. Now I think I have told you everything.” + +“What effect has your experience had upon the truth of the theory of +re-incarnation?” + +“Don’t trouble your dear head about that. One instance does not make +a rule, especially when we can see, as here, such evident meaning +and reason for it. It had not to do with the earth, but with Venus. +I was not reborn, but conscious from the first of what had happened. +Better, in one sense, had I not been, for no one knows, nor ever will +know, but I who have gone through it, what it has cost me to be such +an incarnated impostor. My journeys to Aptaura, etc., were not much +dictated by love of astronomy, nor even for the sake of seeing the +‘Little Queen of the Night,’ about which there was not much to learn +from those wise men, or from their instruments, but chiefly to get +away from people and talk English to myself, lest I should forget it +entirely by the time you came.” + +“Was the real Melanitis older or younger than you when your change +came.” + +“Older by some years, Clarence, but not very many.” + +“God help me,” said Radcliffe; “I hoped that it had been otherwise. I +had hoped I might have had you a few years longer.” + +“You will have me as long as God wills, my dearest. We cannot tell +beforehand any of these things; we have a work to do, and we shall be +immortal till it is done.” + +“And afterwards,” he said. + +“Yes, afterwards, in the Mansions of the Blest. You were very fond of +that expression; it is curious that you pitched upon the favourite +phrase of Venus--‘Antillie--intânie.’” + +That evening the Professor and Carysfort had a long conversation over +the things which the lovers had been discussing, though in a different +form. + +“I perfectly believe all I have heard, Carysfort,” he said; “I do not +trouble over a magical key, if it perfectly fits a magical lock.” + +“Then you go in for stark miracles and supernaturalism, Carmichael,” +said the engineer. + +“No, my friend, I, in this case, go in for unknown law, unknown +factors, unknown powers. Whether they are miraculous or not, requires +me to know vastly more about them than I am likely to, on this side of +the border. It is much more important to know whether a fact is true, +than to know whether it is supernatural. I know _this_ is true, for it +clears up everything that has puzzled us from the first; on just the +same principle, I accept the resurrection of Christ, because I cannot +account for what happened afterwards except on such a ground.” + +In the meantime, the King’s last wish that a search should be made for +poor Tom had been carried out. He was searched for all over the city +and the district, but no trace of him could anywhere be discovered. +Meanwhile the agitation in Atalanta continued to increase, and at last +a party of loyalists, more ardent than discreet, landed on the island +from an airship, and proclaimed the Queen from the terraces of the +Temple. + +They had found no one there, but Mexitli was not satisfied. She blamed +them for going without a sufficient force, but she promised that, as +soon as the King’s embalming had been completed, and that of the other +illustrious dead, the Temple should be thoroughly overhauled and taken +possession of in her name. + +Abercromby ventured to ask the Queen as to what ceremonies would be +performed at her coronation. She did not quite understand him, and +accordingly he and Radcliffe gave her an account of the coronation of +Queen Victoria and the ceremonies in Westminster Abbey. Her answer was +that that lady was only a queen of one small country, and doubtless had +many enemies who needed to be convinced that she was a true monarch; +but that when a sovereign governed an entire world, it only led to +gossip and cavilling to have any ceremonies at all. + +“I put a star in my coronet,” she said, “and simply issue my orders, +and that is all that is needed. Everybody understands; to disobey is to +die. Medon and Parmenton have just found this out.” + +Two days later, Abercromby said to Radcliffe: “Where in the world are +Cleito and Arniphon? I have missed them entirely. Have you a guess on +the subject?” + +“Perhaps I have,” said Radcliffe. “Cleophon is installed in the one +post, and Andron, when he comes from Melandria, is to have the other +appointment. But it beats me entirely where the others are.” + +Radcliffe happened to mention this to the Professor, who said shortly, +“They are going to the earth with us in order to tell our terrestrial +people what has happened to Mrs. Radcliffe.” + +“Are you joking, or is this really serious, Professor?” + +“Really serious for them, and an abominable nuisance for us.” + +“Have you to take them in the Asteroid?” + +“Yes; I suppose it will be like the Indians whom Columbus took back +with him to Spain, an advantage to prove that we are not impostors.” + +“But who the deuce contrived it?” asked Abercromby, “and what does it +mean?” + +“Well, they were determined to tell their story on Venus, and Mexitli +thought it would make less commotion if they told it on the earth.” + +“Where are they now?” + +“In gaol, poor beggars,” said Carysfort, “stewing in their own juice.” + +Abercromby burst out into a roar of laughter. “Well done, Mexitli! +Catch a woman asleep indeed! I’m precious glad for Radcliffe’s sake and +Lilian’s. Now their coast will be clear. Is not the Queen a duck?” + +“She is a beast,” retorted Carmichael. “Why should she cast her rascals +on us?” + + + + + CHAPTER XXVI + + THE FAREWELL OF AMALONA + + +The hour arrived which every heart in Atalanta city had been awaiting +with expectant sorrow--the hour when King Malchon and many hundreds of +his people were to be carried to the Land of the Dead, beyond the Vale +of Meloria, and there laid to rest under the shadows cast by a great +amphitheatre of hills. + +Every house had brought forth its embalmed and elaborately preserved +relic of mortality, and these were laid upon litters six abreast, each +borne by four bearers in the open promenade between the Lake and the +Avenue of Ascent. Each group was escorted by the members of the several +houses to which the dead respectively belonged, while, in the intervals +between each, bands of minstrels played melodies of plaintive pathos, +or sang elegies commemorating the good deeds of the departed. + +Down the palace avenue moved the procession of the royal mourners. All +walked on foot, the Queen and Mayana in their robes of violet--the +Atalantan mourning hue--with all ornaments and coronets laid aside. + +Melanitis and Clarence walked together, for, in the eyes of the people, +they were regarded as betrothed. Cleophon and Minya came next, while +Abercromby, who had just donned the costume of Atalanta, walked +sometimes with Cleophon, sometimes with the Professor and the engineer. +The latter were of course in English clothes, feeling rather awkward +and uncomfortable, while Abercromby said he felt like a dog running +about between two planets. + +The procession itself comprised a large part of the population of +Atalanta. There were consequently not many spectators, for none who +sympathised in their hearts with the priestly faction would have dared +to show themselves. + +Every few hundred yards they stopped and pronounced words in honour of +the dead. + +A winding road had been constructed leading to the Pass of Amalona--the +Bridge of the Tear, as it was called. This was five miles from the +eastern end of the great city, the road turning from the shoulder of +the Lake just where one of its two rivers flowed into it. + +The ascent of Amalona was severely trying; the sun of Venus looked down +upon them. + +Radcliffe sank in a dead faint, but the Queen and Mayana revived him +by a few drops of a pale blue liquid, the best known remedy for solar +attacks. He then plodded on with grim earnestness. Melanitis watched +him in keen anxiety. Several times the terrestrials were allowed to +halt and take rest. + +At last the head of the Pass was gained, the hills receded into an +amphitheatre, covered as far as the eye could reach with monuments of +blue, pink, and purple stone. All were of one shape, an oval recess, +in which the embalmed body was carefully laid, beneath an overarching +canopy of metal and glass, which permitted the face to be seen. + +At the head of the Pass the royal party halted beside the effigy of +Malchon. All the niches had been prepared beforehand, and nothing more +was necessary than to place the embalmed bodies in the recesses made +ready for them. On a vast pile of rock, about a quarter of a mile away, +lay gigantic mounds (as they appeared) ranged in pyramidal form. + +At a signal from the Queen, Mayana came forward, and, pointing in the +direction of these distant objects, said-- + +“What is to be done with the dead who are not honoured but dishonoured?” + +“Let them be consumed out of sight,” answered Mexitli. + +Mayana raised the green metal tube in her hand, and pointed it in the +direction of the heaped-up plateau. Several flashes followed, and +instantly sheets of flame burst from the mounds, spreading sunwards in +a canopy of fire. The cremating process, under such a sun in the full +radiance of his light, required but a few minutes. The flames fell, the +smoke drifted away, the holocaust was completed. + +This weird and awful spectacle was followed by another of solemn +impressiveness. The embalmed body of the King was slowly carried down +into the peaceful shadow, and the remains laid in the appointed place. +Tears filled the eyes of the Queen and Mayana; the Queen leaned +heavily on Radcliffe’s arm, and then she said-- + +“From the place where we stand, a voice of average power would reach to +most parts of the amphitheatre. You may address a word of consolation +to us, if you are so minded.” + +Radcliffe was very pale, but he stepped forward, and facing the +assembly of the living and the vaster assembly of the dead, he began-- + +“Dwellers in the flowery land, we are here to-day to honour the memory +of a King who loved his people, and who fell a martyr to his duty, even +as his ancestor King Keraunion did in the days of old. His last words +were these: ‘Make the Prince King.’ Will you obey the dying message +of your monarch? You will perceive of whom he was speaking. Not of a +competitor to our Queen’s throne, not of any ordinary mortal, but of +the Divine Exile whom we, of Atalanta, served so ill in the days of +the long ago. By the permission and help of the royal house, by the +earnest wish of the martyr monarch himself, the Princess Melanitis +and I are resolved to do what in us lies to publish to the Atalantan +people the full contents of that message of peace which the Prince came +to proclaim to the twin-worlds of Atalanta and of Karamandra. Lo! the +way to the Mansions of the Blest is now obscure and uncertain, but the +message which the Prince gave is clear and full of light. It shall be +placed within the reach of all in the Queen’s empire, which is this +world, who are ready to hear it; and then the Bridge of the Tear will +become a portal and a pathway to a home in the Mansions of the Blest, +where death can never make an inroad, and where, as the God of Heaven +has promised--all tears shall be wiped from off all faces.” + +“Father most beloved! King most untiring for the people’s good! I bid +you farewell,” said Mexitli, adding, “This is the most hopeful day that +ever a sad heart beheld on the Bridge of the Tear.” + +Mayana advanced with the heart-shaped instrument--the antilla; she +struck a few tuneful notes, and then the whole assembled throng +commenced the indescribably touching and awe-inspiring chant-- + + + THE FAREWELL OF AMALONA + + + I + + Why have we come from the city bright? + Why have we toiled ’neath the torrid light? + Why have we climbed the irksome hill, + Leaving the bower and the cool sweet rill? + This is the last that our love can do + For the hearts that we honour as loyal and true. + + + II + + What are our hopes on this tearful day? + Trembling and weak, for a sad heart’s stay. + How can they rise from this death-strewn vale? + Or snatch from the skies an enlightening tale? + Yet poor as they are, like the shadows that fly, + We will cleave to them, cling to them, till we die! + + + III + + What is the grief that rules our heart? + ’Tis the cry of the world that will bid us depart. + Fain would we linger and fain would we stay, + ’Tis duty, not pleasure that calls us away. + Soon we must enter life’s tumult again, + Let the smile on the face hide the grief and the pain. + + + IV + + Why do we gaze on the future unknown? + Or look to the past for the joys that have flown? + One is all drear with _you_ gone from our side, + One is all sad with Time’s onsweeping tide. + Only the Present lies full in our power, + Guarding each brief opportunity’s hour. + + + V + + Can it be true that in days gone by + The Prince came down from His throne on high, + Amongst us the banner of love unfurled, + And laboured in vain for our new-born world? + That we gave Him scant welcome and bade Him depart? + That this is the problem of each aching heart? + + + VI + + Why have the years and the centuries sped + O’er the world of the living, the vale of the dead? + Vainly we turn to the silent skies + To seek a response to our sympathies. + Whether sun shall illumine, or rain mist fall, + What answer comes down to each questioning call? + + + VII + + All through the darkness that broods from afar + Our frail human love shines, a twinkling star; + Often and often ’tis quenched in night, + Ever it struggles towards hope and light; + Age after age it sends forth its sad cry, + “Give me my sure immortality.” + + + VIII + + Ye honoured dead, farewell! farewell! We greet you + In trembling hope that we shall one day meet you! + +As the last notes died away the whole multitude bowed with their faces +to the ground; then, rising, they lifted up their hands, and the cry, +“Farewell! farewell!” rang out in its long echoes to the furthest +recesses of the hills. + + + + + CHAPTER XXVII + + THE SACRED MANUSCRIPT AND THE PRICE PAID FOR IT + + +Both the Professor and the engineer, although they were hardy men--the +latter especially--were completely knocked up by the physical ordeal +through which they had passed. They regretted that they had not adopted +the native dress, for that would have helped them not a little. In +fact, they had a very narrow escape of a serious illness. Several of +the Atalantans themselves were stricken. Radcliffe and Melanitis had +each to nurse the other. Abercromby went about much as usual, owing +to his being so brimful of dash and energy. He was followed by rather +amused smiles from many, who were quite strangers to such un-Atalantan +activities. + +One day he broke in, somewhat unceremoniously, upon the Queen and the +Princess Mayana, who were sitting, or rather reclining, propped up upon +their couches, talking over state affairs at considerable intervals and +pauses. + +“I want your royal leave to land on the priest’s island,” he said, “and +to explore the Temple and its treasures. Radcliffe is most anxious to +know if any documents of a religious character are hidden away there.” + +“What does he expect to find?” asked Mayana. + +Abercromby felt some difficulty in stating the case; then he said, +“He thinks it possible that the late King’s information which he gave +to him may have been based upon an actual writing of those who were +disciples of Christ or even of Christ Himself.” + +“This is incredible,” answered the Queen. “I am aware my father thought +that so it might be, but I think he was grossly deceived by those who +are now proved to have been traitors and rebels.” + +“Lydon paid a visit to our house and repeated a story to that effect,” +replied Abercromby. + +“Well, do you believe he spoke the truth?” answered the Queen. “If he +did, it was probably on the only occasion in his life.” + +Mayana laughed. “It was a mere bait held out to kidnap you.” + +“My own opinion entirely,” replied the Queen. “Now as to your wish, I +am ready to grant it, but I would urge you to be wise. Whatever you +discover you must bring to me that I may see it first, as is but just, +and you must take great care that you go with a force to protect you. +There has been no sign of life upon the island, but some survivors of +the rebels may be in lurking.” + +“Smoke has been seen rising from the Temple,” put in Minola, who was +reading on a low seat by the Queen’s side in close attendance upon her. + +“All the more reason to put it out at once,” said Abercromby. + +“Well, you may try,” said the Queen, smiling, “but be very cautious +for your own sake as well as for ours. Radcliffe and Melanitis may +go too, but you must take several of the palace guards, well armed. +Cleophon will see to this.” + +“I pray of you to allow _me_ to go,” put in Minola. + +“If you wish to, dear,” replied the Queen; “but be careful all of you. +It will be one of the queerest enterprises you ever sought to carry +out.” + +The Professor and Carysfort were almost equally interested in the +adventure, and they obtained permission to take part in it. + +The next day the whole party left the palace after the noontide meal. +They were carried in palanquins down the Avenue of Ascent to the Lake +side, where they found six guards told off to accompany them under the +command of Cleophon. The guards carried their swords, but Melanitis +and Minola had each the tube of green metal. They had to proceed a +short distance to the landing-stage, where a sort of pier projected out +several hundreds of yards into the Lake. At the end of this embanked +causeway a large punt-shaped boat was in readiness sufficient to embark +the entire party. + +In the sky, just over the island, hovered two airships sent by the +Queen, whose pilots were ordered to keep close in touch with them, so +as to be able to intervene in case of any emergency. + +They were more than an hour reaching the island, though the rowers +were experts at the oar. The island was about a mile in circumference, +planted with groves of noble trees of pale pink foliage for the most +part, here and there variegated with patches of light green. In +the centre rose the Temple--massive, square-shaped, with its four +minaret towers at the corners, and a shrine of rich decorative art and +brilliant colouring in the centre. + +Minola, as the Queen’s personal representative, was bidden to land +first; the others followed. The guards ranged up on the pebbly shore. +The rowers were directed to remain by the boat, which was firmly +secured to a metallic pillar fixed in the ground. + +They saw no trace of life; all seemed perfectly still. The heat was +great, but not overpowering, as a light mist somewhat draped the face +of the sun. + +Melanitis counselled that before approaching the Temple they should +explore the wood. She and Clarence entered the shady grove and went +across the island by a well-defined beaten track till they reached +the opposite shore, from whence a fine view could be obtained of the +Keraunian hills. He told her of how he had first seen through the mist +the outlines of the Temple and the towers of the city, and how the +anxious consultation had been held which had led to the signalling by +the rockets. She remarked that, under the actual circumstances, it was +the best thing they could have done, for, had they come direct to the +city, certain and swift death would have awaited them. + +“Where are all the others?” said she, turning round. “They will think +we have accidentally run away.” + +“No; we have run away by design, not by accident,” replied Clarence. +“We can tell the truth, as they are not here to listen.” + +“Well, that is nice. I see you are the same naughty boy that you were +on the earth.” + +Clarence had no time to rebut the accusation, for a sudden cry was +heard, and Abercromby was seen running towards them, white as a ghost. + +“What is the matter?” said Radcliffe, alarmed. + +“I have just roused up some inmates of old Lydon’s menagerie. There is +a cave of huge serpents hard by here, and they have made me run for my +life.” + +Melanitis drew her green tube and held it in readiness. A minute later +voices were heard, and Carysfort and the Professor came in sight. They +stopped aghast, for a sinuous and silvery form, with huge convolutions, +detached itself from a large tree and confronted them, uttering +piercing hissings that more resembled sobbing cries. Melanitis and +Minola, who had hastened to rejoin her, discharged the lightning fluid +full in the face of the monster, which collapsed in a heap upon the +ground. + +“This is the first serpent we have seen in Venus,” said the Professor. +“I wonder if it be poisonous.” + +“They are very rare,” replied Minola, “only dwelling in the wildest +parts of the continent to the north and the east of the city. This has +been brought here for a purpose.” + +“Something ghastly, I expect,” said the Professor. + +“I think so,” answered Minola. + +Cleophon and the guards now came up. They had seen two other similar +reptiles, but of smaller size, and their weapons and numbers had soon +scared them into the thicket. + +Under these circumstances they decided to leave the woods and to +ascend the steps of the Temple. This they did, and found the gilded +door which gave entrance to the great courtyard. No sooner had they +entered than they stopped in astonished surprise. + +A priest of the Sun, in his gaudy robes, was standing in front of the +altar, from whence the smoke of a recent sacrifice was ascending. His +tall, gaunt form exhibited no sign of fear. Slowly his gaze travelled +round the whole group, but the result was only a flush of deepening +hatred upon his face. + +“In the Queen’s name, I bid you surrender and throw yourself upon the +royal clemency,” said Radcliffe, stepping forward. + +“Be careful, Clarence, be careful,” said Melanitis appealingly. + +Another step she was by his side, her arm outstretched with levelled +weapon towards the foe, who broke into a taunting laugh. + +“Asti shall yet be avenged on you and yours,” he cried. “You have slain +the high priest by entrapping him, and after a pretended trial, which +you dared not hold in the light of day, you have murdered him in cold +blood, because he accidentally slew the incapable monarch who was the +slave of his own children.” + +“This is Talmon, he who put my father to the torture,” cried Minola. +“Your day has come, as it came just now to your chief.” + +She pointed her green tube. + +“A moment,” interposed Cleophon, arresting Minola’s hand. “Do you admit +or deny the charge, fellow? Was it through you that the brave Marcon +perished?” + +Not a word did the priest say. The sudden accusation of Minola +paralysed him. + +In an instant the deed was done. + +All opposition seemed to have ended with the fate of Asti’s solitary +worshipper. The party, entering the inner shrine, found it quite empty +and deserted. There was a circular aperture in the roof to let the +sacrificial fumes ascend, and a huge silver-coloured altar beneath. + +“Have animal sacrifices ever been offered here?” asked Carmichael. + +“They have,” said Minola. + +“Anything worse?” + +“God knows; there was nothing that Lydon might not do,” she answered. + +Melanitis had been examining some mural paintings upon the northern +wall, when she all at once stopped and stood perfectly rigid. + +“Come here, all of you,” she said in both English and Atalantan. + +They hastened towards her. “Put your ear to the wall, Clarence; do you +not hear somebody calling?” + +Radcliffe did so. “Good heavens! it is an English voice,” he cried. “It +is saying, ‘Help me! help me! for Christ’s sake!’” + +“So it is,” Abercromby almost shouted, “and I know whose it is, by +George! It’s Tom, as I’m a living man!” + +Carmichael began to shout, “Tom! Tom! steady, Tom; we are coming to +save you!” + +“Buck up, old man! Where are you?” sang out Abercromby. + +Melanitis pointed out to them that their best chance was to go outside +the shrine of the Temple and search for some underground passage. + +“My lady,” said Minola, “I must best know the secret ways of these +reptiles. I have been dragged here and almost done to death.” + +“We put ourselves in your hands, dear,” said Melanitis. + +Minola struck one of the panels of the walls after taking a careful +note of it. The panel flew back and disclosed a winding stairway. + +“Be very careful, my lords, all of you,” said Minola. “Follow me--I +will descend first.” + +The brave girl went in front, the others followed. About twenty steps +revealed a dark passage with a glimmering of light at the end. Entering +this they heard the cries much plainer. + +“Christ save me! Let me see a face of man before I die.” + +Carmichael dashed forward; he turned a corner, the passage opened into +a little room, with a slit for window and for ventilation, and a stone +floor. + +On the floor, his hands and feet closely fettered, his face emaciated +from hunger and thirst, lay a prisoner. It was Jackson. + +The moment he saw them he made a violent effort to rise, but it proved +hopeless; his head and limbs fell back. But a smile was upon his honest +though tortured face as he turned towards his master. + +“Well, Tom, old fellow, what have these devils been doing to you? We +never imagined you were here. The last of them has been killed; you +will be free in a few minutes.” + +“Aye, I shall be free, sir, but not as you think,” said Tom. “I’m going +home, I am. The priests--they tried to make me give my Saviour up and +worship their pagan idols instead--told them I’d die first. Then they +played all their conjuring tricks on me, and they have done it by now.” + +Melanitis knelt down by his side and laid his poor head upon her arm. +“We hope to save you yet, Tom; but if not, you know the way home, don’t +you, my poor fellow?” + +“Ay, if I had to walk it! I’d be a sight of years over it, and miss +the harbour lights at the last, but Christ will just send a chariot to +fetch me. He has done it all. It’s not my love to Him, it’s His love +to me--that’s what they used to tell me over at the Methodist chapel I +had got to lean on. But,” he went on with a puzzled look, “how _do_ you +come to speak English, Miss Melanitis?” + +“I have learned it, Tom, a good long time.” + +“Then you must have heard me a-cussin’ and a-swearin’ pretty often, +miss--and at your people, too. I have been a bad dog, miss, and in two +worlds; but I have asked the Lord to forgive me, and I know He will, +because He says so. ‘Whosoever’ is a big word, and it takes in me, you, +and anybody else, miss.” + +Melanitis drew from her pocket a tiny phial and placed it to his lips. +In a moment his vital powers flickered up. + +“I’d be singing you all the Glory Song if I was strong enough,” he +said. “I heard Torrey and Alexander do it when I was in Birmingham. +It was my old mother who converted me though. She lived at Elton, and +when I drove over Mr. Radcliffe to a meetin’ at the Rectory, I went to +have a cup of tea at the cottage. ‘Tom,’ she used to say, ‘I’m soon +going, my boy, but I’ll be there to meet you; promise me that you will +be coming. You won’t disappoint me, Tom?’ Now I’m going to her, Miss +Melanitis, and I wishes Mr. Radcliffe and you all the blessin’ the Lord +can give you.” + +Minola kneeled down and gently placed another Atalantan cordial to his +lips. But this time there was no hopeful result. + +“He is dying,” said Radcliffe. “You are a martyr, Tom, and you are +going to be crowned.” + +“It’s Christ and my old mother I want to see, sir. I’m not good enough +for crowns.” + +He stretched out his lacerated hands to Carmichael. “Good-bye, best +master I ever had except Jesus. You must all come--I want to see +you all up yonder. They told me--Methodist chapel--not my love to +Him--but--but, His love to me, that will carry all the way. Mother! +mother! your happy son!” And he yielded up his last breath like a child +going to sleep. + +Professor Carmichael, the tears trickling down his cheeks, rose up and +said to Cleophon, “Will you intercede for me to Queen Mexitli, that the +dead body of this my friend and comrade may be embalmed and lie beneath +the Pass of Amalona?” + +“It shall be honoured as though it were one of our own illustrious +dead,” said Cleophon. “Mayana, my wife, will have more than enough +influence to procure this.” + +The guards were summoned, and the dead body was placed upon a hastily +improvised litter and carried down the Temple steps to the boat. Just +as they reached it, a piece of paper dropped from the pocket of poor +Tom’s waistcoat. + +Radcliffe snatched up the paper, and at once cried out, “I must return +to the Temple; there _are_ documents after all.” + +He handed the scrap (which was crumpled and very hard to decipher) to +Carmichael, who read out these words: “If any of you come to find me, +remove green flagstone under altar. Lydon has hidden papers there--the +devil will do you some mischief there, be careful, go armed--Tom.” + +Carmichael read this again very carefully, and explained it to the +Atalantans as well as he could. All agreed that they must undertake the +search in united force, except that the rowers must be left to guard +Tom’s remains in the boat, lest any further outrage should be attempted. + +Melanitis suggested that they should proceed at once to forcibly remove +the altar, which work did not detain them as long to accomplish as they +had expected. + +The lifting up of the great stone, however, required the labours of +nearly the whole party. Below was a cavernous recess. Minola lighted a +small lamp, and held in her other hand her deadly weapon. There were +about a dozen rough steps to the bottom, but they were protected by a +small handrail. + +Clarence, despite the warnings of Melanitis, went down first. No sooner +had he reached the floor than they all uttered a cry, which was at once +followed by a fierce roar and the sound of a desperate scuffle. Pinning +him against the damp wall was a beast of large size, standing upright, +tearing at his shoulders with its claws. + +Minola dared not fire at such close quarters with the lightning +fluid; it would have meant almost certain death to Radcliffe as well. +Melanitis had one of the Asteroid pistols, and this she discharged. +The bullet wounded the animal severely, but did not actually kill it. +It rolled upon the floor, dragging Radcliffe down with it in its fall. +All that she could do was to wait while the combatants wrestled, until +the beast was uppermost, and could present a target. With a desperate +effort Radcliffe succeeded, by grasping its neck, in beating the +creature back from his face, and then Melanitis got in her second shot +with the other undischarged barrel. This struck the creature in the +head; it bounded back and fell lifeless. + +The Professor and the engineer held their companion in their arms and +assisted him to rise. His dress was torn almost to tatters, and he had +been lacerated in both shoulders by the creature’s talons. He could +only, with great pain and difficulty, make them understand that he had +seen a small metallic case in a recess by the wall, in the attempt to +reach which the beast had leaped upon him. + +It was a sad party that made their way to the boat with the dead body +of poor Jackson and the wounded form of Radcliffe. Minola carefully +examined the wounds, and gave assurance that they were not dangerous; +but they were troublesome, and would disable him for a little time. + +Melanitis tended him with the most loving care. They were all glad to +find themselves safe in the shelter and amid the comforts of the palace. + + + + + CHAPTER XXVIII + + THE MESSAGE FROM THE OBSERVATORY + + +The Queen listened with deep interest to the account which the party +gave her of their sad adventures in the island. She acceded at once +to the Professor’s wishes with regard to the burial of his faithful +servant. Five days later the embalmed body of Tom was conveyed to the +amphitheatre below the Pass of Amalona, and was laid there to rest amid +the grief and regret of all the members of the palace. The Queen had a +monument in the English style erected over him, and words of esteem and +affection were inscribed in both languages. + +The English part of the inscription ran thus:-- + + To the Memory of Thomas Jackson, + Faithful servant to the great + Terrestrial Expedition of the + Twentieth Christian Century. + + He suffered martyrdom in the heathen temple for refusing to offer + sacrifice on the altar of the Sun God. + + “To him that overcometh + A crown of life shall be; + He with the King of Glory + Shall reign eternally.” + +The verse was repeated in Atalantan poetry, written by the Queen +herself. + +Abercromby asked that the Temple might be destroyed, while Radcliffe +wished it to be converted into the first building for definite +Christian worship in Atalanta. + +Mayana urged, however, that, as a standing monument of rebellion and +of treason, it ought to be burned to the ground. The four towers were +spared for their artistic beauty. On the site of the Temple itself it +was decided to erect a palace for the Queen and her colleague, while +Mexitli gave Radcliffe permission to have a building erected in the +upper part of the city for Christian worship and teaching as soon as +matters were ripe for so decisive a step. + +One day, shortly after his recovery, Minola was standing on the upper +parapet of the terrace, looking fixedly at the blackened ruins of the +Temple. Radcliffe asked her where Marcon had been laid to rest; he had +looked for his monument, but had not found it. + +“My father has suffered the last outrage which can wound the heart of +an Atalantan,” she replied. “After they had put him to death, Lydon had +his body cremated upon his idolatrous altar. I wish I could know for +certain whether he was actually dead when they cremated him. + +“When I was left desolate the Queen took me into her service, and +I have had my home with her ever since. My father was a steadfast +loyalist, and disdained the overtures that were made to him to win +the pretended independence they offered, and that was why he suffered +what he did. But I have repaid.” Then she said abruptly, “Would your +religion approve my killing Lydon?” + +“Your slaying a man who was in the condition of a wild beast, loose +among people practically defenceless, was quite blameless. He would +have killed Melanitis had you not killed him. Your slaying of Talmon is +less excusable, for I am of opinion that the Queen ought to have tried +him in the usual way, and he would certainly have been condemned for +high treason.” + +“The Queen said as much to me. I love the new religion, or, as some +call it, the old one, very much, and read your manuscripts as fast as +they appear; but I have read far enough to understand that Christ was +not only a Saviour but a Master--at least in your world, and I suppose +it ought to be so in this. I wonder whether He could so change me as +to make it possible for me to cease to hate those men? Perhaps Marcon +himself, in the Mansions of the Blest, would wish me to do so.” + +The conversation was ended by the appearance of Mayana, who took +Radcliffe aside, as she had something of importance to communicate. + +“The box has been opened which nearly cost you your life to obtain, and +the Queen and I have carefully perused its contents. It contains an +ancient scroll (not very legible, I must confess) which simply repeats, +in almost identical words, the narrative which King Malchon, who had +learned it by heart, evidently related to you. It closes with the +parting message of the Prince to our people, while on the other side +are some extracts, written by His disciples, two of whose names are +given--Calchon and Ixtilon--quoting certain sayings of their Master. +These sayings are almost a transcript of those which are found in the +book given to your own world, so that we have a strong proof of the +authenticity both of them and of yours. He evidently gave to your world +certain maxims of truth about God and duty which He had before given to +us; and, indeed, if His teaching was divine, as I believe it was, there +was no need for originality or change.” + +Radcliffe went to the Queen’s apartment, where he found Melanitis +turning the sentences into English as the Queen dictated them to her. + +“A very few days’ labour will suffice to translate the whole +manuscript,” said the Queen. “Let your companions take a translation of +it to their own world, and let our own version be circulated all over +our empire. I will have the Prince’s last appeal to be engraved on a +tablet and set up in a public place, say, on the promenade by the Lake +shore, where that hateful procession was paraded.” + +It was several days after this that Carmichael and the engineer +received an urgent summons to attend upon the Queen in her cabinet +room. The time was gone by when such an announcement aroused fear and +alarm. They had not a more sincere friend in Atalanta except Melanitis, +if indeed she were an exception, for, try as they would, they could +hardly conceal a certain feeling of uncanny repulsion when in her +presence. + +Nevertheless it was with great curiosity that they obeyed a more than +usually categorical citation. + +When they got in, a select conclave was assembled. Around the canopied +throne sat Radcliffe and Melanitis, Abercromby, Cleophon, and Mayana +and her younger sister, while Minola was on her usual seat, close +beneath the throne, bending over a map of the heavens, which she was +intently studying. + +“I give you greeting, my friends,” said Mexitli, a little +ceremoniously. “A messenger has arrived from the Observatory on +Aptaura, informing us, in reply to our recent enquiry, that your world +will be in correct alignment with ours on the twentieth day of the +month Cayamarca--that is, fifty-five days from now. We notify this to +you, as it would be well for you to start on your great journey home +five days before that date.” + +There was deep silence. Melanitis took Radcliffe’s hand in hers. +Abercromby fixed his eyes on the ground a trifle awkwardly. Then +Carmichael said-- + +“Have we permission from your Majesty to depart?” + +“Certainly, after you have agreed to certain conditions which we have +been carefully considering. Do you still wish to leave us?” + +“We have a duty to perform to our brothers whom we have left behind,” +said Carmichael. + +“Very good; so shall it be. Now these are the conditions: You must give +us in writing an exact account of your secret; you must either promise +to reveal it to none of your race, or, if you prefer it, you must +plainly tell them that it will be certain death for any Karamandran to +come to our world as you did, or in any other way. If you yourselves +choose to return to us you may do so, but even this on condition only +that you thenceforward live amongst us and return no more. This you may +do if you desire it, and you shall resume the privileges of nobility +which my father gave you. + +“These conditions may seem hard, but I have to think for the good of +my people. I have asked Clarence to tell me plainly all about his +world, promising beforehand that nothing he revealed shall be used to +your own injury. Melanitis is now able to confirm all he says, and +Abercromby also, and they have told me the whole truth in the minutest +particulars. Knowing it, I have decided to cut off for ever all +personal communication until God shall otherwise ordain. But I grant +you leave to take with you in the Asteroid products of our world of +every sort, that your people may benefit by our music, our poetry, our +arts, and even our fruits and flowers. In return, you will leave with +us all the contents of the Asteroid which are not indispensable for +your safety, and you may freely replace them by anything of Atalanta +you may wish to bear away. + +“Fifty days from now you will set out from the palace, and we will +journey with you to Aptaura, from whence you will wing your final +flight.” + +“We agree to all these conditions fully and faithfully,” answered the +Professor and the engineer. + +“As to Cleito and Arniphon, it is essential for the happiness of our +beloved sister, that, as they have refused to promise silence as to +her secret of identity, they must pay the penalty. They have chosen to +be more loyal to the late King than he was to himself, and therefore +I had decided, with great reluctance, that they must die, though by a +painless death of sleep. But Melanitis made a powerful appeal to me, +and it seemed more just to take advantage of a position so unique, +and to let them go back with you to the earth. They will be good and +faithful servants to you, and, furthermore, will absolutely prove to +your brother scientists the truth of your history. It will enable me +to spare their lives, and yet to help and to benefit _you_. Of course, +I do not force them upon you, but the only alternative must be what I +have said.” + +“We accept, of course,” said Carmichael. “But there is one question +I would ask of your majesty--Will you permit us to make a strong +endeavour to induce our brother Abercromby to reconsider his decision?” + +“Certainly, make all the effort you can; but I think if two planets +have a tussle over him, I know which will be the victor,” said the +Queen, smiling. + +“You will stay with us, won’t you?” said Minya pleadingly. + +“I shall have a bad quarter of an hour with the Professor,” replied +Abercromby. + +Now that the end was in sight, every one worked with indefatigable +industry. The Professor and the engineer were inflexibly resolved to +go; it was no use denying that they did not, and never probably would, +feel they could make a home in Atalanta. It was not the world for them, +nor did the voice of duty call them to put up with it. But they took an +immediate resolve to leave behind them a legacy of useful knowledge +to the Atalantans; everything--books, instruments, tools, seeds, +down to the piano and the chessboard, were made over to the palace +and its occupants. Carmichael took the trouble to write a number of +short essays on various social and political subjects, while Carysfort +explained a great many mechanical and industrial arts. + +Meanwhile a religious revolution was beginning to spread over the +empire. The New Testament was rapidly finding its way into the homes of +the people, though here and there opposition and even hostility were +manifested. + +The movement was, of course, purely elastic and invertebrate as yet; +the time for the setting up of institutions and stated worship had not +yet come, and the Professor told Radcliffe that then his troubles would +begin. He had better enjoy the literary, poetic, and romantic epoch as +long as he could. + +The Queen and Mayana did not take an openly active part, but all their +influence was thrown into the scale. The only point in which Mexitli +was disinclined to show sympathy was the haranguing of the people in +open-air assemblies; this was an absolute anomaly in the country, +except in days of sedition and revolution. + +At last, after several attempts which had not been very successful, +Radcliffe yielded to the Queen’s earnestly expressed wishes, all the +more readily because she did not enforce them by arbitrary power. +Melanitis, moreover, came to the rescue by a very ingenious suggestion. +Poetry was constantly sung and recited in the public promenades: why +should not the flower of English hymns he turned into Atalantan verse +and adapted, sometimes to the music of one world, sometimes to that of +another? + +This proved a notable success; in every district the idea was acclaimed +with enthusiasm. The Queen was so delighted that she promised to take a +personal share in the composition of both music and verse. + +Thus, to cite but one instance, an ancient hymn to the Sun God was +modelled in a new setting:-- + + Look not to me, but turn to Him who set + My throne above your far extending sky; + He, my Creator, never will forget + To listen to His humblest creature’s cry. + + Unseen, He rules the Mansions of the Blest, + The Sun of worlds more glorious and more great, + From whence the Prince came down to give you rest, + And soon will make you heirs of His estate. + + Let not the viceroy intercept the King, + Nor yet the creature vaunt an arrogant claim; + Look to the throne from whence all mercies spring, + And seek them in the banished Exile’s Name. + +“I tell you what it is, Radcliffe,” said the Professor; “thanks to a +marvellous conjuncture of events, you are walking on roses just now in +your missionary crusade, but the thorns will come, and will have to +come. I don’t know much about these matters, but you are running ahead +too fast. I shall not be here to see it, but allow me as a friend, who +has a different mission to fulfil, just to observe that if Christ is +ever to be King of Atalanta in any sense intelligible at present to +me, He will have to be an Atalantan Christ. Let these queer people, +who are more after your taste than mine, go their own way and walk in +their own customs; let the Queen be the despot she really is, despite +all her smiles; let her rulers and workers rule and work for the bodies +of their subjects, and do you be satisfied, and your remarkable consort +also, with looking after their souls. Don’t touch anything else, +stick to doctrines for the present. You had better give them a poetic +version of the Athanasian Creed than ask them to substitute crimson for +sky-blue, and so on. Don’t think me blasphemous, you will find there is +sense in what I say, though I am not an interplanetary parson.” + +Carmichael also made one effort, and only one, to induce Abercromby to +return with him. + +“Radcliffe can do without you, for he has got Melanitis. Melanitis can +even more easily do without you, for she has got _him_. I don’t think +you are quite cut out for a missionary, for I believe you would ask +the last surviving sun worshipper in Venus why the deuce he wasn’t +a Christian. Mexitli doesn’t want you to give her a helping hand in +politics, and, if I were you, I would not offer it. Now, Abercromby, +just use your imagination for a minute. Can’t you see yourself looking +up at the sky and wishing you could get a peep at the old Asteroid? It +will be too late then, Abercromby.” + +“But, Professor, I’m beastly sorry, as Gilbert Rice said to me when I +had to go down, but really--there, it is no use making a fuss. It had +better come out. I’ve been and gone and done it.” + +“What am I to understand by this?” + +“Why, I have popped the question to Mayana’s dear little sister +Minya, you know--we are awfully sweet. We shall be up to the level of +Melanitis and Clarence if we only try. We mean to. So now I will retort +your accusation as to my unclassical language, and ask, ‘Where the +deuce do _you_ come in, Professor?’” + +“Good-night, Abercromby, I’m off to bed,” said Carmichael. + + * * * * * + +There were two subjects that greatly interested both the Professor and +the Atalantan court. One was the exploration of the eastern side of +the continent, the other the far more daring problem of interplanetary +communication. + +Carmichael and Carysfort went in the Asteroid on their own account on +a journey of about 350 miles from the vale of Meloria to the eastern +coast-line. So fully were the terrestrials now trusted that they +were left to travel by themselves, with the understanding that they +would return to Atalanta in a fortnight’s time. Neither Radcliffe nor +Abercromby accompanied them, the latter saying that they would have +plenty of opportunities for exploring all the habitable parts of Venus. + +“That is nonsense,” replied the Professor. “You cannot even wait till +my back is turned for beginning your love-making with Minya. Clarence, +I admit, has some arrearages to make up.” + +Cleito and Arniphon accompanied Carmichael and the engineer, for they +were now counted as terrestrials. + +The other matter, that of interplanetary signalling, greatly exercised +the minds of all the learned in the empire. Andron, the ex-governor +of Melandria, who was in constant touch with the recluses on Aptaura, +begged that the Queen would allow the travellers to earth to spend a +few days in the island. Leave was granted, and it was settled that on +the first day of the month Cayamarca the start from the city should be +made. + +The travellers returned from their eastward explorations. They had +found the scenery very rich and beautiful, and they had stayed at +several country houses in the first hundred miles of the journey. The +coast scenery had been very grand, though they once encountered a +severe storm. + + + + + CHAPTER XXIX + + THE FEAST OF FAREWELL + + +On the first day of the new Atalantan month a great banquet was held in +the hall of the palace which was long remembered in Atalanta and called +the Feast of Farewell. All the notables of both the court and the city +were present by the Queen’s invitation. + +The Queen and the princess-elect, Mayana, sat each upon their throned +and canopied couches at the head of the hall, with Melanitis and +Radcliffe on the right hand and Abercromby and Minya on the left. Below +them the Professor and the engineer occupied the seats reserved for +distinguished guests. + +Ranged around the hall were the guards and attendants who waited upon +the guests, led by Cleophon, who was resplendent in the dress and +accoutrements of his new position. + +The little tables in front of each, richly inlaid with precious metals +and carved with quaint design, were laden with the choicest delicacies +of Atalanta and with slender goblets of tinted liquids. Festoons of +flowers in every hue sparkled and glistened upon the walls. Panels were +slid to and fro to admit streams of radiant sunlight to gild various +parts of the banquet-room. + +From other parts, usually those that were left in shadow, there +came siren strains of the most bewitching music, now rising, now +falling, now ascending to a volume of sound, now dying away in a +distant harmony. When any speaker rose to speak there was an instant +hush. Poetry and song were frequently introduced; on that occasion +terrestrial melodies were loudly in demand, particularly those of the +more romantic type. Abercromby and Radcliffe had brought some such in +the Asteroid for the benefit of the former, as the latter could not +play, and had not much capacity as a songster. One was the Invitation +Song, and another a religious ballad, “I will give you rest.” Melanitis +had turned both of these into Atalantan verse, and they were both sung +to a number of instruments, and produced a deep impression upon the +audience. + +“Love launched a fairy boat” was a song beyond the power of Radcliffe +and Melanitis to sing--the memories were too heart-searching for them; +but the music was played, and, from the very fact that it was so +different from the weird and Oriental-like compositions of Atalanta, +it excited the more surprise and interest. The national airs of the +different European countries were performed, but these, for the most +part, were less popular. + +After all this had lasted awhile the Queen rose from her throne and +addressed the vast assembly. + +“Friends and notables of the Flowery Land, it has been customary +from time to time, especially before setting out for our southern +progresses, for the princes of Atalanta to gather the chiefs of their +people together. Never within the memory of the oldest here present +have we had an occasion parallel to this, either by reason of the +shadows of the past or the extraordinary circumstances of the present.” + +The Queen then detailed the late insurrection, paid a warm tribute to +the loyalty which had saved her throne, extolled the goodness and the +benevolence of the late King, and asserted her own desire to follow in +his steps and to try to do for her people what he had done. + +Then she said: “My sister Melanitis has long desired to be relieved of +the highest cares of state, and, by her own act of free choice, has +besought me to associate her cousin rather than herself in the direct +and central rule of our empire. She will, therefore, occupy the less +onerous post of ruler of our island of Melandria, by whose people she +has for a long time been greatly beloved. Her betrothal to him whom we +once called the stranger from Karamandra, but who is now, for the great +services which he has rendered to us, enrolled in the highest circle of +our nobility, has been recently announced to you, and ere they take up +their residence in the island their union by marriage will have been +formally ratified by us. It will take place after this assembly has +been dispersed, in the presence of the usual chosen witnesses.” + +Neither Radcliffe nor Melanitis had been told that matters were quite +so imminent, and they exchanged glances. Abercromby managed to slip a +piece of paper into Radcliffe’s hand. “Thought I would get all your +business over at once, old chap. I fixed it up before the meeting. +Don’t turn this into poetry, please!” + +“Most earnestly do I desire that the blessing of Heaven may rest upon +them,” said the Queen, “and upon their efforts to do my people good. +I wish all to know that I publicly sanction these efforts, and that +I allow the Christian philosophy to be taught in Atalanta both by +speech and writing, with this one exception, that I shall not allow, +for some time to come, the holding of assemblies in the promenades and +open fields, but only in buildings appointed for the purpose, and, +of course, in private dwellings. But this prohibition does not apply +to the island unless my sister enforces it there by her own act. The +Prince Consort of Melandria (for so will his title be henceforward +expressed) will, I am sure, yield an implicit obedience to the one +restriction I think good to place upon him. + +“The Festival of the Sun is for ever abolished. It may be that in the +future some pageant in a Christian form may be sanctioned, but neither +I nor he are at all desirous of doing this. I am imposing no faith upon +Atalanta, whether old or new. I am in substantial agreement with the +Christian religion in most parts wherein it supplements ours, and the +Princess Mayana holds the same attitude as myself. + +“I think it will be for the good of the people that the new spiritual +movement should win its way. Further, you all know that my friend +Abercromby has asked my cousin Minya to be his wife. At this also we +shall greatly rejoice, and for his services, which have been likewise +great, he too shall be counted amongst the highest in the land. As for +the three other members of the expedition, the two men who were its +actual leaders, being eminent men of science amongst their people, are +soon to leave us and to return to their own world, but I will send +greeting through them to the ruler of their particular country, the +island of Britain, telling him how much I regret that his people are, +for the most part, so evil that I cannot permit any direct intercourse +between them and my own subjects. + +“The servant of the expedition, one Jackson by name, has been cruelly +martyred by the priests in the Temple, to my very deep regret, for +he was a good man and fought nobly for us in the hour of the great +rebellion. He lies beneath the bridge of Amalona, honoured amongst the +illustrious dead. He it was who, by his wisdom and sagacity, guided +Prince Claretson of Melandria to the place where the sacred manuscript, +which will no doubt be added to the terrestrial Bible, was discovered, +in the securing of which my sister and the prince had a terrible +struggle with a wild beast. + +“I have no more to add, notables and friends. For the first time I +greet you as your mother and Queen, and my chief regret this day is, +that we are so soon to lose two whom we should have been glad to see +always with us.” + +The banquet was prolonged to a very late hour. Music and song, poetry +and recitation, were constantly recurring. There was a short patriotic +ode, entitled “The Saluting of the Banner,” which was always sung on +state occasions-- + + Wave the banner high, + Loyal hearts reply, + The throne of Atalanta shall endure; + Aided from above, + Rooted in our love, + What is more triumphantly secure? + + In its shelter we rejoice, + And sing with grateful voice + To those whose love protects us every day; + Wide the scarlet banner flings + Its all-protecting wings, + O’er the happy land that owns its peaceful sway. + +Before the guests dispersed, little Minya, who had perhaps the sweetest +voice in the court circle, sang one of the most touching of the +half-romantic, half-religious lyrics of Atalanta, called “Waiting for +the Light.” + +All the company rose to their feet when the first plaintive notes were +struck. + +It was a song specially hated by the idolatrous party, but dear to +the hearts of others, and now very welcome to the Royalists, both for +religious and political reasons:-- + + Waiting for the light on the distant hills, + Whence we bade farewell to the Traveller unknown, + He who came to tend us and heal us of our ills, + Ere He took His journey, friendless and alone. + + Did we understand Him in His lowly guise? + Did our glad hearts open to the wisdom that He taught? + Rather did we wonder in a dull surprise, + Could it be divinity these gracious marvels wrought? + + We were always waiting further proof to see, + Closing our proud minds to the proofs already given; + Now we stand all friendless in our agony, + Waiting for a light that can only come from Heaven. + + Ages now have sped since the sad and shameful day, + When we drove Him from us with a cold good-bye, + O’er Keraunea’s hills He took His weary way, + Leaving us to mourn and to wander till we die! + + Waiting, we are turning questioning eyes to Heaven, + As we stand bewildered in the maze of life. + Shall the hour relieve us when the clouds are riven, + And a heavenly message end our mental strife? + + We may _seem_ contented in the Flowery Land, + ’Neath the skies all sunlit--never draped in night-- + Yet an aching heart tries in vain to understand + Why the ages leave us waiting for the light! + +The echoes died away amid a wailing chant which, from every part of the +hall, rose, swelled, and faded. In deep silence each guest defiled past +the canopied throne, inclined with a deep reverence to the Queen and +the princesses, and then left the hall. + +“I could not have stood much more of that,” said the engineer. “Never +in my life have I had such an experience as this evening. I wonder +whether these queer people can be screwed up to put their feelings into +real future practice?” + +“The dons would have felt rather funny if this had been a Gaudy,” +remarked the Professor. “Radcliffe will have all his work well cut out. +I should like to take a peep in here, say, ten years hence.” + +“Now, my prince, there is one more job in hand to-night before we +retire to rest,” said Abercromby. “Step this way and get married, +please.” + +“Martin Luther wanted one of his friends to attend that he might be +sure that he was married after all,” answered Radcliffe. “Which is it +with me? I never felt so bewildered in all my life. Anyway, I have got +Melanitis.” + +“That is the chief thing, my noble prince. The clear air of bracing +Melandria will set you right on all side topics. Come along, there is +the Queen calling to you. She will be wanting to know what the dickens +you are keeping them all waiting for.” + +The ceremony was of the simplest kind. They knelt before Mexitli, and +she joined their hands together. When they rose up Abercromby said, +“_My_ state ceremony will be a little more complicated, but then _I_ +shall be doing it for the first time. You _have_ paid all the necessary +fees, so now you can skiddadle; there is neither bellringer, clerk, nor +parson, except your own august self. Farewell for the present, and be +better children than you were at Barmouth.” + + * * * * * + +The next morning all was astir in the palace. For the last time the +Asteroid lay fixed in position upon the terrace square. At the morning +meal a feeling of sadness hung over the party, which not even the +gay sallies of Abercromby could fully dispel. The Professor and the +engineer made short speeches full of good sense and kindly expression. +They then took a farewell of the Princess Mayana, who was compelled, +from reasons of state business, to remain behind. All the others were +to journey with their friends as far as they could. + +At ten o’clock by terrestrial time the engines were set going, and the +Asteroid winged its aerial flight from Atalanta city. Nearly the whole +population had gathered in the streets and promenades, and cheer after +cheer of greeting was sent up. In order to please her departing guests, +the Queen ordered that a somewhat different route to Melandria should +be taken. This time they sped across in a due westerly direction, not +veering southwards till they had got to a distance of about fifty miles +from the city. Villas and country houses continued to approach and to +recede beneath them, and at last, after crossing a line of hills, the +waters of the great western ocean came in sight. + +The northern end of Melandria could just be observed on the distant +horizon, and on a spur of ground that projected some way into the sea +they caught sight of a tall building with a graceful tower, several +hundred feet in height. At first the Professor and engineer thought it +was a lighthouse. + +“Nay,” replied Mexitli, “this is a signalling station from whence, by +flashes of light, messages are conveyed to and from the Observatory +on Aptaura. Most usually, these messages consist of a statement of +supplies sent to, or received by, the astronomers, but sometimes news +of scientific interest is conveyed. If you all had but only come by +way of the southern pole we should have heard of you at once, and then +perhaps----” + +“We might not have got into so much mischief,” supplied the Professor. + +The Queen laughed. “I see your conscience is still sensitive, +Carmichael.” + +“What are they signalling to us?” cried Minya. “Why I do believe----” +she finished the sentence with an exclamation. + +“I can read the code,” said Melanitis. “Look! it runs: ‘Why not signal +from Aptaura to Karamandra?’” + +“A nice suggestion,” said the Queen. “Who has made it, I wonder? Some +one who wanted me to receive it in a roundabout way.” + +They held on, above the waves which were agitated by a grand swell and +current, and soon the heights of the twilight island rose before them, +and, an hour later, they had reached the Peak, as it was called, and +were in the house of Andron. + +“Andron, this is rather hard upon you,” said Melanitis in a kindly +tone. “I won’t tell you you are relieved of your post, for who want +to be relieved when they love their work? I will tell you instead, +that you are to be promoted to another and a higher post at the palace +itself.” + +“I feel deeply grateful for all the kind recognition which any services +of mine rendered to my country have already received,” said Andron; +“and the chief thing that gives me pleasure now is to have the honour +of inviting you and the prince to remain under my roof till the day +when you are formally installed in my place.” + +The party were soon partaking of hospitality upon the lawn of the +house, with its fine view over the southern sea, and the splendid +crescent-shaped esplanade of houses that lined the bay. + +Conversation took, as before, a scientific turn, and the ex-governor of +Melandria was directly asked by the Professor to state his views as to +the possibility of interplanetary signalling. He told him what a stir +had been made upon the earth by the mere rumour of a message from Mars, +as the supposed outbreak of recent light on that planet had been called. + +“We know little about Mars,” answered Andron, “much less than you +probably do, which may well be, seeing that we are more than sixty +millions of miles from it. I see no reason to think that remote and +snowbound planet has, at least now, any inhabitants. But it has always +struck me that communication might some day be established between +Atalanta and your world, which is sometimes only twenty-four millions +of miles apart, only our planet is so awkwardly situated as regards +yours that, when we are nearest to you, you can only see us as a thin +extended crescent. But, as you before told me, our giant Aptaura can be +discerned in your telescopic vision as a tiny sparkling point, due, of +course, to the sun’s rays impinging upon its top. I have always thought +that a signal might be conveyed to you from us, and if so, as you have +learned our language, an alphabet could be constructed.” + +“Did _you_ convey a suggestion to me from Aptaura this very morning, +Andron?” said the Queen, smiling. + +“Yes, he did,” replied Ayacatil; “he was afraid that if he ventured it +too directly you would veto him at once.” + +“Have you really any suggestions to make?” said the Queen. + +“As the sun’s rays strike the peak of Aptaura with almost overwhelming +power,” answered Andron, “I cannot see why they might not be focussed +in a powerful reflector, and a beam shot skywards in the direction of +Karamandra. If they can only see our signal, much will be gained. They +might afterwards transmit one of their own from a Karamandran mountain +peak, and, though their hills are much smaller, yet their world, +appearing as a full circle to us, could more easily be observed by us.” + +“But there is something more than this matter which we have been +considering,” said Ayacatil. “If, which God forbid, any accident should +happen to your machine in space, the whole fruit of your researches +would be lost. I advise that your manuscripts be sealed up in a +fire-proof cylinder which, in a last extremity, could be thrown out, +and it would of necessity fall into the attraction of your world.” + +“Admirable!” said Mexitli. + +“We have prepared such a contrivance,” answered Andron, “and it will +give us much pleasure to present you with it.” + +The cylinder was duly inspected, and all agreed that it should be +sealed up when they reached Aptaura. + +The next two days Clarence and Frank spent largely in the society of +the friends they were so soon to lose. + +The Queen and Melanitis spent most of their time together, and it was +noted by many how serenely happy the princess looked. + +And then came the day when the whole party stood upon the mighty +mountain peak of Venus. They were facing the cold hemisphere of the +south. The green-red star, the “little queen of the night,” shone upon +them. Towards it, in a few minutes, the prow of the Asteroid would be +turned. + +Mexitli held out both her hands to Carmichael and to Carysfort. + +“Farewell,” she said; “we met in hostility, we part in friendship. My +best wishes for you, for your nation, for the teeming millions of the +human races; may they learn to appreciate more and more what their +Divine Prince and Saviour has done for them. We are infinitely the +better for your sojourning amongst us. You broke our laws at the first +only through ignorance, as I now gladly admit, and your conduct since +has been irreproachable.” + +“May your Majesty enjoy a long and glorious reign,” said the Professor. +“May all that the Prince of Melandria and Abercromby carry out here +be a blessing both to them and to you. Perhaps it was our fault that +we have not enjoyed ourselves from the first as we might have done. +Once more I thank you for your kindness. To my dying day I shall never +forget Atalanta.” + +“Good-bye, Queen,” said Carysfort. “A plain Englishman always has ten +times more to say than he knows how to express in words.” + +“I understand,” replied Mexitli. + +“Tell the Vice-Chancellor,” said Frank, “I think I could pass if I +went back to Cambridge now. I know Atalantan if I don’t know much more +Greek.” + +“Good-bye,” said Radcliffe; “when you happen to run over to Oxford, +just give my love to old Prebendary Seaton. I fear I did not visit in +his parish quite as much as I should; tell him that I have a large +parish now.” + +“Good-bye all,” said Melanitis. “My prayers will go with you. When +we meet again there will be no parting.” Then she put her hand into +Radcliffe’s. + +“Good-bye,” said Minya. “Tell the English ladies the names of the four +English songs which we like best.” + +“Good-bye, Professor and Engineer,” said Abercromby. “I ... there, it’s +not a bit of use, I’m stuck.” + +“Don’t attempt it, man,” said Carmichael as he entered the Asteroid. +“Come along, Carysfort, it’s really time we were off. Here is the MS. +cylinder. We won’t forget _that_. Start the engines.” + + + + + _POSTSCRIPT_ + + CHAPTER XXX + + THE MYSTERY THAT WAS UNSOLVED + + +I think that it only remains for us--Maurice Sheldon, Fellow of +Trinity, and Gilbert Rice, Tutor and Lecturer of the same--to say +briefly how we came in possession of the most amazing narrative ever +written by man. + +We have put it together and carefully compiled it from the manuscripts +of our friends--Professor Carmichael, Mr. Frank Abercromby, Mr. John +Herbert Carysfort, and the Rev. Clarence Radcliffe, of St. Boniface +College, Oxford, and curate of St. Dunstane, then and for some time +under Prebendary Seaton. + +Mr. Rice and myself, after an unusually hard term of work, took a +reading party to Bude, in North Cornwall. They and we had a very +enjoyable time in a comfortable farmhouse on the cliffs, a mile out +of Bude, in a quiet country district called Upper Lynstone. After the +junior members of our party had dispersed, I suggested that a walking +tour would make a capital wind-up to a very happy vacation. + +We struck camp, therefore, went down the coast to Boscastle and +Tintagel, where we explored the wonderfully interesting neighbourhood, +and then we trained from Camelford to Wadebridge. We were to make +Newquay our objective point, and we started at about two o’clock from +our hotel at Wadebridge, having had our luggage sent on to the Headland +Hotel at Newquay. + +The afternoon was far from propitious, and when we got out upon St. +Breock’s downs, a mile distant from Wadebridge, we thought a heavy +thunderstorm was coming on, and we sheltered for a time at a toll-house +placed at a fork of the roads. We decided, after all, to push on, +and, when we had reached a most desolate stretch of moorland, we were +appalled by a sudden blaze of light from a murky mass of clouds, which +was instantly followed, not by a peal of thunder, but by a resounding +concussion, which made the very road heave under our feet, and nearly +overturned us both into a ditch. + +When we recovered our senses, we saw that a huge aerolite had fallen +upon the moor close by, only a hundred yards from the road. It had +split in two, and the fragments lay rent asunder and sending up vapour +and steam. But our attention was instantly riveted by a conical +cylinder of greyish-coloured metal still partly attached to the smaller +of the two fragments. + +The thing was so evidently of artificial make, and had so plainly +fallen, in connection with the aerolite, from the sky, that we were +hardly able to control ourselves for excitement and agitation. Perhaps +I was the more impulsive of the two, for I made several foolish +attempts to secure the strange object, but only burned the skin of my +hands in doing so. + +Several occupants of farms lying within a mile of the shock came +running up in due course. We explained what had happened, and +prevailed, by the persuasive argument of a coin, on one of the +sturdiest of them, to procure a vehicle from the nearest available +place, which, unfortunately for us, was as far off as St. Columb +Major. However, before assistance arrived, the cylinder had cooled +sufficiently to enable us to hoist it into the vehicle and to drive +away with it to the little roadside hotel at St. Columb, where we sat +up all night. With a hammer and chisel we managed to break the thing +open, and a roll of manuscripts tumbled out. + +We felt like men on the brink of a great discovery, and so truly +we were; for the manuscripts were nothing more nor less than the +astounding narratives which we have here pieced together and present to +the public. + +The letters which our friends had despatched from Newbiggin, in +Northumberland, had been published in the Press, and had caused a +sensational flutter at the time. But few had given full credence to +the story, and some had even set it down as a hoax. At the same time, +the utter disappearance of four persons well known at Cambridge and +at Oxford was a thing in itself that needed accounting for. Whatever +explanation was then given, it remains to be seen what attitude the +public in general, and the scientific public in particular, will now +adopt when they read and study the foregoing narrative. Whether men are +convinced or no, it is our duty to clear up all mysteries which so very +personally affect our friends, and this we have now done by letting +them speak for themselves. + +There is no hope whatever that we shall ever see them again, and there +are only two theories to be entertained of the fate of Professor +Carmichael and the engineer and of the two peculiar persons who had the +misfortune to be compelled to be their fellow-travellers. + +One is, that they came to grief in space. If that be so, there can, I +fear, be little doubt how it happened. They could not have fallen into +the sun, as they once so much dreaded, because if so the cylinder would +have perished with them. Rather do we believe they were struck in the +void of space (probably not far from the earth) by a meteorite, which +wrecked the machine by the shock of direct collision. + +The two bodies would then be fused together into one burning mass, and +would fall upon the earth by virtue of the terrestrial attraction. The +only explanation we can give as to how the cylinder could have escaped +is, that, in the last moment of agony and suspense, Carmichael must +have thrown it out into space; then, after the collision, it would +naturally fall upon the huge meteorite as the nearest attracting body +and be carried along with it. + +One other theory presents itself: that the catastrophe happened nearer +to Venus, that the Asteroid was not fatally damaged, that the cylinder +was cast adrift, and that the travellers, after an awful struggle with +death, returned to Venus, and are now living in it as their adopted +country. + +One very curious circumstance has been noted from an Italian +Observatory. Professor Rossini and his two assistants were attentively +watching Venus early on the morning of a day of exceptionally fine +weather in August. They noticed tiny sparklets of light emitted from +the summit of the high mountain on the southern horn of the crescent. +These lights continued flashing for nearly a quarter of an hour, and it +is at least a remarkable coincidence that the number of flashes, which +were carefully counted by Professor Rossini, exactly correspond to the +letters in the names of Carmichael and Carysfort. + +Can we dare to deduce any theory of hope from this? The planet has been +kept under close observation, but nothing has been noted since. + + (Signed) MAURICE SHELDON. + GILBERT RICE. + + + + + BRIGHTON + H. AND C. TREACHER + PRINTERS + + + + +Transcriber’s note: + + + Obvious errors in punctuation have been silently corrected in this + version, but minor inconsistencies and archaic forms have been + retained as printed. Typos in proper names have been silently + corrected. The footnote has been slightly moved to better fit the + ebook format. + New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the + public domain. + + The following alterations have been made: + + On page 052: umanity _to_ humanity + + “I will go about in a bath-chair if it is to benefit humanity,” said + Abercromby. + + + On page 088: eludicate _to_ elucidate + + The Professor admitted that this was quite possible, but it did not + elucidate the amazing problem of how English could be known in Venus. + + + On page 165: eyerywhere _to_ everywhere + + And as for you, strangers, go forth and spread everywhere the things + which God has done for your world, + + + On page 174: hought _to_ I thought + + “Pardon the liberty I am taking, but I thought you would like to know + how we are all doing. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 79051 *** diff --git a/79051-h/79051-h.htm b/79051-h/79051-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a0ec85 --- /dev/null +++ b/79051-h/79051-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10708 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> + <meta name="format-detection" content="telephone=no,date=no,address=no,email=no,url=no"> + <title> + Atalanta | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .5em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .5em; +} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} +.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} +.p6 {margin-top: 6em;} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; +} + +hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} +hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} +@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} +h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} + + + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} +table.autotable { border-collapse: collapse; } +table.autotable td, +table.autotable th { padding: 0.25em; } + +.tdl {text-align: left;} +.tdr {text-align: right;} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: small; + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal; + text-indent: 0; +} /* page numbers */ + + +blockquote { + margin-top: 0; + margin-bottom: 0; + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 10%; + font-size: small; +} + +.center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} + +.right {text-align: right;} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + +/* Images */ + +img { + max-width: 100%; + height: auto; +} + + + + +/* Footnotes */ + +.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + +.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + +.fnanchor { + vertical-align: super; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: + none; +} + +/* Poetry */ +/* uncomment the next line for centered poetry */ +/* .poetry-container {display: flex; justify-content: center;} */ +.poetry-container {text-align: center;} +.poetry {text-align: left; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} +.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} +.poetry .verse {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; font-size: small;} + +/* Transcriber's notes */ +.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; + color: black; + font-size:small; + padding:0.5em; + margin-bottom:5em; + font-family:sans-serif, serif; +} + + +/* Poetry indents */ +.poetry .indent0 {text-indent: -3.0em;} +.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: -2.0em;} +.poetry .indent4 {text-indent: -1.0em;} +.poetry .indent6 {text-indent: 0.5em;} + +.f08 {font-size: 0.9em;} +.f12 {font-size: 1.2em;} +.f15 {font-size: 1.5em;} +.f20b {font-size: 2.0em; font-weight: bold;} + </style> +</head> + +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 79051 ***</div> + + + +<h1> +ATALANTA +</h1> +<p class="center">OR</p> +<p class="center f15">TWELVE MONTHS IN THE</p> +<p class="center f15">EVENING STAR</p> + + + +<p class="center f08 p4">BY</p> +<p class="center f12">CHARLES NAPIER RICHARDS</p> + +<p class="f08 center p6">ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</p> +<p class="f12 center p4">BRIGHTON</p> +<p class="f12 center">H. & C. TREACHER, 1 NORTH STREET</p> +<p class="f08 center">LONDON</p> +<p class="f08 center">SIMPKIN MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT, & CO., LTD.</p> +<p class="f08 center">STATIONERS HALL COURT, E.C.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"><p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span></p> + + + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS"> + CONTENTS + </h2> +</div> + +<table class="autotable"> +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +CHAPTER</td> +<td class="tdl"> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +PAGE +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +I. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_I"><span class="smcap">The Gathering of the Friends</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +7 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +II. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_II"><span class="smcap">A Life Sorrow and its Remedy</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +13 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +III. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_III"><span class="smcap">Starting Skywards</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +17 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +IV. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><span class="smcap">The Lunar Peril</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +26 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +V. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_V"><span class="smcap">The Meteoric Storm</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +33 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +VI. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><span class="smcap">Into the Black Gulf</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +40 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +VII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><span class="smcap">The Northern Island</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +48 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +VIII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><span class="smcap">First Explorations</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +54 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +IX. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><span class="smcap">Across the Central Ocean</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +60 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +X. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_X"><span class="smcap">When the Rain Mist Lifted</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +67 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XI. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XI"><span class="smcap">The City and its Welcome</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +77 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XII"><span class="smcap">Needful Preparations</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +89 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XIII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"><span class="smcap">The First Ordeal</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +98 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XIV. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"><span class="smcap">The Second Ordeal</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +109 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XV. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XV"><span class="smcap">A Tale at a Supper Party</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +120 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XVI. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"><span class="smcap">Malchon’s Gospel</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +130 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XVII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"><span class="smcap">The Perils of Cross Currents</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +139 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XVIII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"><span class="smcap">The Festival of Panacla</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +147 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XIX. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"><span class="smcap">An Aerial Voyage with Divers Experiences</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +156 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XX. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XX"><span class="smcap">The Island of Twilight</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +167 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXI. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXI"><span class="smcap">The Peak of Aptaura</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +173 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXII"><span class="smcap">The Great Mystery</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +177 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXIII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII"><span class="smcap">Lydon’s Revolt</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +187 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXIV. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV"><span class="smcap">The Denunciation and the Retribution</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +198 +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXV. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXV"><span class="smcap">The Old Love and the New</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +211 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXVI. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI"><span class="smcap">The Farewell of Amalona</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +221 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXVII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII"><span class="smcap">The Sacred Manuscript and the Price Paid for it</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +228 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXVIII. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII"> <span class="smcap">The Message from the Observatory</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +241 +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXIX. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX"><span class="smcap">The Feast of Farewell</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +253 +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> +XXX. +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXX"><span class="smcap">The Mystery that was Unsolved</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +267 +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> + +</td> +<td class="tdl"> +<a href="#Transcribers_note"><span class="smcap">Transcriber’s note</span></a> +</td> +<td class="tdr"> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + + + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"></div> +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span> + +<p class="f20b center">ATALANTA</p> + + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I"> + CHAPTER I + <br> + THE GATHERING OF THE FRIENDS + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>“I say, you fellows, can any of you oblige by +throwing an illuminating light on the movements +of old Carmichael?”</p> + +<p>The question was addressed by Maurice Sheldon to +a party of undergraduates assembled in his college +rooms in Cambridge, one lazy afternoon near the +end of the summer term.</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Gilbert Rice, after some moments of +acute reflection, “the dear old owl has taken advantage +of the close of his lecture course to take +himself off to some unknown hole in Northumberland +called ‘Newbiggin-on-the-Sea,’ I believe.”</p> + +<p>“Anxious to turn over a new leaf and make a new +beginning,” ejaculated Joe Vallance.</p> + +<p>“Why on earth did he stop there and not go on to +Edinburgh or to the Highlands like any sensible +man?” queried Sheldon.</p> + +<p>“I was dangerously near suggesting that he wasn’t +one, but I see Abercromby getting ready a missile to +shy at my head,” answered Gilbert Rice, “but I don’t +mind saying Carmichael is an awfully decent sort +when you really get to know him.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, I <i>have</i> got to know him,” retorted Frank +Abercromby, with emphasis, “and I tell you this, +he is working body and soul at something that will +astonish the world when the secret is out.”</p> + +<p>“Stagger humanity like old Kruger,” said the +teasing Vallance. “Put some whisky into his coffee, +and he will tell us all about it.”</p> + +<p>“I shan’t tell you anything till Carmichael gives +the word. He has gone up to that quiet spot to meet +Carysfort the engineer whom some of you know, and +also Clarence Radcliffe the Oxford curate. The last +is a queer sort of a chap, rather a dreamer you know, +been through an awful lot of trouble, lost his wife +during their honeymoon, but he did me a regular +good turn and I mean to stick to him. I’m going to +ask him to come and meet the Professor and the +engineer and we will see if we can’t get a bit ahead.”</p> + +<p>“But, my dear chap, how long is this job going to +take?” said Sheldon. “Carysfort is a pledge there +will be <i>one</i> sane person in the enterprise, but how +are you to start again for your degree?”</p> + +<p>“I’m not going to start again.”</p> + +<p>“Great Scott! are you going down after this term?”</p> + +<p>“I’ve no alternative. My uncle hates me, and has +taken an unjust advantage of my failing to pass to +give up all further support of me.”</p> + +<p>“I’m awfully sorry, but what the dickens will you do?”</p> + +<p>“Join myself to Carysfort and the Professor.”</p> + +<p>“And what will <i>he</i> do?” slyly put in Gilbert Rice.</p> + +<p>“Well, of all the extraordinary things I ever heard, +this about beats the record,” said Sheldon. Then he +resumed—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span></p> + +<p>“Carmichael the scientific don, whose lectures +were so dry that they well-nigh killed the Vice-Chancellor. +Carysfort a hard-headed engineer, +Radcliffe a poor parson nearly knocked silly by +melodrama in his honeymoon, and you Abercromby—well, +present company always excepted you know—meeting +to carry on some work in Northumbria +about which our distinguished selves are for an indefinite +time to know nothing,” and he finished with +the most expressive of gestures.</p> + +<p>“I think we had better go a walk to Cherry +Hinton,” said Joe Vallance; “won’t you come with +us, Abercromby?”</p> + +<p>“No, comrades of a bygone day,” said Abercromby, +with a distinct catch in his voice, “I have a less +pleasurable duty to do: to pack my box.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I’m beastly sorry,” said Gilbert Rice, “hope +the clouds will roll by soon, old fellow.”</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>A few weeks later a small group of friends were +seated in the parlour of a house in a lonely situation +facing the North Sea, a few hundred yards from St. +Bartholomew’s Point at Newbiggin. The July sun +was setting in splendour and the watery expanse was +calm as a lake. The Professor had placed upon the +table a small model, shaped after the fashion of a +submarine boat constructed of a greyish-white substance, +divided into several tiny compartments and +pointed at the end with a steel prow.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen,” said the Professor, “I will ask my +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span>good friend Mr. Carysfort to explain to you in outline +the significance of what you now see.”</p> + +<p>“Well, gentlemen,” answered the engineer, “this is +only a small model, but the first step is often the +most important, and it will certainly be so, we trust, +in this case. This machine is capable of doing more +than solving the problem of aerial navigation. It is +an airship and can be used as such by the action of +the revolving fans, but it can do more. When there +is no air sufficient for the fans to beat, it can still go +onward farther and farther from the earth. You +know that in theory any particle of attraction can +be converted into a particle of repulsion whereby the +law of gravitation may be suspended for an adequate +time. But the practical difficulty has been to find a +power that will effect this change. The power has +been found. A new substance has been discovered +by the joint labour of the Professor and myself, two +new chemical elements both having certain affinities +with radium, which can, by the help of electric energy, +impart to this model, or to a machine of larger size, +the power to resist the gravitation force of the earth +until we are sufficiently far away from it to fall into +some other centre of attraction. This simply means +that the secret of interplanetary communication has +been solved.”</p> + +<p>The others listened in profound silence. Then +Clarence Radcliffe said: “How long will it take to +construct a machine on the requisite scale and finish?”</p> + +<p>“About two years at the most,” answered Carysfort, +“but I hope a less time will suffice.”</p> + +<p>“And where the dickens are we going?” asked +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span>Abercromby. “To the moon, I suppose, first, and then +onwards to Mars. Mars seems to be the goal of +scientific enterprise just now.”</p> + +<p>“I shall not go to Mars,” replied the Professor; +“we know as much about Mars already as we can +ever hope to know without actually visiting it. +People rave about the canals, but that semi-arctic +planet, which I do not believe is inhabited after all, +has little interest for me. But there is a planet equal +in size to our own earth, much nearer to us than +Mars, aglow with light and probably with life. We +are going to Venus. This is the enterprise which +will enrich humanity with the larger knowledge. +You can get a map of Mars with all the continents +named, but no one ever drew a map of Venus. No +one ever will except he goes there.”</p> + +<p>“What is to be approximately the speed of the +machine?” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Ten miles a second when we are in the airless +void,” replied Carysfort, “but we can regulate our +speed at will when it becomes advisable to do so. +The distance to be travelled is between twenty-three +and twenty-seven millions, according to the precise +positions of the two planets. Mars is never less than +thirty-five millions and that only once in about +fifteen years; its ordinary minimum of nearness is at +least forty-eight millions.”</p> + +<p>“How many people will the machine be constructed +to hold?” said Abercromby in a rather +excited tone.</p> + +<p>The Professor hesitated, then he slowly replied, +“For myself, my servant Jackson, Carysfort, and one +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span>other.” There was a moment’s pause, then the +Professor looked fixedly at Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“May I take a turn with you on the sands?” +asked Abercromby, his face somewhat flushed.</p> + +<p>The Professor assented, leaving Radcliffe talking +with the engineer. The two others opened the +garden gate and stepped out on to the fine dry sands +for which Newbiggin is famous.</p> + +<p>“Come, my friend,” said the Professor, “you must +not take refuge in shyness, but to end all dispute, I +want <i>you</i>. You have had rough luck, and you are +just the young fellow whose services an older man +like me would gladly enlist.”</p> + +<p>“Professor,” said Abercromby, “I am awfully keen +on the work, few could be more so, but I will give up +my share to the man who saved me from a beastly +scrape when I was visiting Oxford.”</p> + +<p>“I know to what you refer,” replied Carmichael a +little impatiently; “some rascal accused you of stealing +one of the inter-Varsity athletic prizes, and +Radcliffe cleared you by unmasking the real culprit. +No one rejoiced more than I, but I cannot see why +this should cut you out of the greatest enterprise ever +attempted by man.”</p> + +<p>“Have you heard of Radcliffe’s awful trial?”</p> + +<p>“Not full particulars.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I will tell you all I know, and then you will +see that the only chance of saving him from utter +shipwreck lies in giving him a new object in life.”</p> + +<p>“Will the story take long in the telling?”</p> + +<p>“Ten minutes.”</p> + +<p>“Drive ahead then.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II"> + CHAPTER II + <br> + A LIFE SORROW AND ITS REMEDY + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>“I’m not going to pile on the agony, but will just +give you the main facts.</p> + +<p>“He was curate at one of the Oxford churches, +after taking a good degree in his special department. +Well, he cycles over to Chipping Norton in the +summer term, rescues a lady from the grip of a loafing +tramp, gets invited to the house, a country +rectory a mile or so from the town. She thinks him a +paladin, of course; he thinks her an angel equally of +course. They get head over ears; the old parson +hesitates at first but consents. So he is married in +the village church to May Lilian Carnforth. I do +soberly believe that no two human beings ever so +loved each other since marriage was instituted.”</p> + +<p>“Five minutes gone,” said the Professor dryly.</p> + +<p>“They went on their honeymoon to Barmouth. +They had not been there long before she began to +lose her admiration of him, though he kept his +admiration of her. At last they had a row; I don’t +know what it was about, some utterly trivial matter +probably. She declared she would not go an +excursion up the river to Dolgelly with him as had +been planned. He said in anger she might go by +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span>herself, knowing that this was practically impossible. +She flounced out of the house and went across the +road to her cousin, Miss Amy Vereker, who was +staying in the place. Radcliffe saw them go off +together. Miss Vereker was expert at the oar. He +thought it best to let them go by themselves. It +was an ideal day for a river or sea trip. He waved +his hand to his wife as she turned the corner, but she +gave no response. To cut the ghastly story short, +the boat was upset near Penmaen Pool. Amy +Vereker just narrowly saved her life, May Lilian +Radcliffe was drowned. No one will ever know +exactly what happened; it was held at the inquest +that the boat grated upon a rock in mid-stream. +Radcliffe came home alone, and resumed his work. +He is said to have preached better, but I only heard +him once. His subject was ‘The Wilderness,’ +and though I am a graceless scamp, and likely to +remain so, I had a jolly old cry when I came out.”</p> + +<p>The Professor stood silent. At last he said, “We +will go back to the house; I will speak to Radcliffe.”</p> + +<p>The party were still assembled in the parlour +inspecting and admiring the model machine. +Honest Tom Jackson, who had been the Professor’s +faithful servant for years, was just saying, “It looks +so nice that it’s a pity we can’t get into it and start +at once. It’s a deal of polishing I’ll be after when I +gets into the real one. I’ll keep it as bright as a new +pin.”</p> + +<p>“Mr. Radcliffe,” said the Professor, “I shall be +pleased to offer you a place in our expedition. You +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span>will be a most welcome addition to our party if you +choose to cast in your lot with us.”</p> + +<p>“I have often wished to die,” said Radcliffe, whose +eyes shone with a strange lustre, “but you have +offered me something nobler. But I am a minister +and I do not know how far my beliefs may be in +accord with yours. I am also a man crushed to the +very ground with a sorrow that nothing can ever +eradicate but the Mansions of the Blest, which even +the ancient Egyptians believed in, and to which I +wish to go some day for a special purpose. Ought +such a man as I to travel with those whose energies +are fresh and unimpaired? But if we ever reach +Venus and find intelligent life upon its surface you +must give me a free hand, provided I do not compromise +your safety. I place myself at your disposal, +gentlemen.”</p> + +<p>“My dear chap, just come along and see what +there is to be seen,” said Abercromby cheerfully. “I +shall often think of you, and hope that the bigger +sun of Venus may shine upon your dream and your +work. Don’t go on to Mercury, mind!”</p> + +<p>The whole party laughed, but upon the face of +Radcliffe there was a grave and troubled look of +enquiry. “You are coming of course,” he said.</p> + +<p>“No room—given up my berth in the asteroid to +you, old fellow.”</p> + +<p>“Then I decline,” said Radcliffe promptly.</p> + +<p>“Beg pardon, gentlemen,” broke in Jackson, “but +why couldn’t we put on an extra bit to the machine, +and have the two? One will dance to the natives up +there, and the tother will preach to ’em.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span></p> + +<p>“I shall do it,” said the Professor; “it will cost very +little more. They shall both go. As to the matter +of beliefs, I don’t choose to let every bystander know +my mind. Mr. Radcliffe’s may be old-fashioned, but +they have contrived to carry him through what might +have wrecked other men. A new world will probably +put a number of things on a sounder footing, though +it may knock others on the head. Carysfort and +myself have not studied theology, we are simply +thinkers with open minds. If there are any people in +Venus to teach, teach them all you can, and learn from +them all you can. You are a scholar and a philosophic +dreamer as well as being an old-fashioned +believer. I knew a parson very like yourself, he was +the straitest of the strait, but when I got him out of +the pulpit for a little private talk, I never met so +daring a speculatist in my life. But he kept his +speculations as speculations, and he gave his people +only his convictions. But I am on the sermonising +warpath myself, and will pull up. You are welcome +amongst us, and are now one of us.”</p> + +<p>“I’m a man of few words,” said the engineer, “but +I’m right glad to have both you and Mr. Abercromby. +We could not afford to dispense with either of you.”</p> + +<p>“From the depths of my grateful heart I thank +you,” said Radcliffe in a broken voice.</p> + +<p>“Well, it is about time we had some tea,” suggested +Abercromby; “all the rest of the business is settled +<i>nem. con.</i> I always find it safe to abbreviate <i>my</i> +Latin.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III"> + CHAPTER III + <br> + STARTING SKYWARDS + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Two years have passed away since the meeting +at Newbiggin described in the last chapter. +They have been years of varied and incessant toil, +research, forethought, and preparation.</p> + +<p>The Professor continued his scientific lectures in +Cambridge for one more academic year and took a +house for the vacation at Cullercoats. Carysfort +stuck to his old quarters near to Newbiggin, where +his workshops were erected. Abercromby kept with +him, working like a dock labourer, as the engineer +used often to say. Radcliffe held on to his curacy at +Oxford and drew crowds, at least so Abercromby +always declared, for when he could spare himself a +holiday he ran down to see him. His rector, a man +notorious for his orthodoxy though his sympathies +ran in a somewhat different channel, would have been +much startled had he known the character of the +studies in which his curate delighted.</p> + +<p>Many works that bore on astronomy and kindred +subjects were to be found in his library, and once a +person, happening to drop in, casually remarked that +the undergraduate who had evidently left his books +behind him when he went down must have been a +man of wide reading.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span></p> + +<p>Study is generally supposed to make a man pale +and thin, but upon the curate it had a contrary +effect. He seemed, as time went on, to get better +and stronger. He sunk the whole of his private +means in his friends’ enterprise, and supported himself +for the last few months on the merest pittance.</p> + +<p>One bright June evening he and Abercromby met +on the railway platform at Cullercoats. They walked +together to Beverley Terrace and had tea and supper +with the Professor and Carysfort.</p> + +<p>“Matters are approaching a crisis, old man,” said +Abercromby. “The Professor tells me we must pack +our week-end boxes in a month, in fact, to be precise, +July 22nd is the day fixed.”</p> + +<p>A spasm of pain shot across Radcliffe’s face but +he only said, “I will be ready.”</p> + +<p>“Write me down an ass,” said Abercromby. “We +must alter the date, Professor.”</p> + +<p>“Quite so,” answered Carmichael. “Venus is approaching +the minimum distance, but a margin of +ten days could be allowed.”</p> + +<p>“There shall not be a margin of ten minutes as +far as I am concerned,” replied Radcliffe. “After all, +it is best for me that I should bid an eternal farewell +to this earth on that date. It has been chosen for +me, and I accept it.”</p> + +<p>“Let me tell you how matters stand,” said Carysfort. +“We had our trial trip last night. It was quite +dark, there was no moon, so we could start unobserved. +We passed over Rothbury at a height of +about two miles, then we drifted towards Newcastle, +and when we were over Ponteland we soared straight +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span>towards the zenith. We saw the sun rise in the +east, and then found that our most difficult task was +to get back again before it rose over the Tyne. We +were quite outside the atmosphere and saw the earth +at a rather unusual altitude. It was a bit ghastly I +allow, but we knew already we had succeeded.”</p> + +<p>“Abercromby was splendid,” said the Professor; +“he stood in the outer balcony in that rarefied atmosphere +till I had to drag him in.”</p> + +<p>“I drew the line at going off pop,” said Abercromby, +“because I naturally felt that though I might +be of little use at the best of times, yet if by chance +I burst I might even be less.”</p> + +<p>“Did any people see you as you descended?” asked +Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Only two bounders walking in from Woodhorn, +and though it was barely six o’clock they had both +been tippling. They ran down the road screaming, +but we put on speed and were safe over the garden +wall and our machine in its proper place before they +could do any harm. It was a near shave though, and +we have voted for no more trips till the final start.”</p> + +<p>“What I have chiefly feared,” said the Professor, +“was that some meddling Government official would +insist upon knowing what we were about. However, +being in England, I knew I was in the easiest place +to destroy the British Empire if I desired so to do, as +nobody would believe it of me, and everybody would +think it uncharitable to say it of me, so I had no +bother except from the surveyor of taxes. It happened +that some patriotic gentleman not very far off +was perfecting an airship to render England invulnerable +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span>to the Germans, but many liberal-minded clergymen +and laymen think he would show a more broad +spirit of Christianity if he gave it to the Kaiser. Thanks +to this good man I have been much less an object of +curiosity than I might have been.”</p> + +<p>“Suppose we just take a stroll on the Tynemouth +sands and talk over details,” said Carysfort. “To-morrow, +if you can stay, you must come with us to Newbiggin +and inspect the machine for yourself. Full +particulars must wait until then.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe assented with pleasure. They strolled +along as far as they could, talking and discussing, +while a band was playing “All in the hush of +twilight,” and a negro minstrel performance was +going on near the Palace Pier. There was a sort of +open-air concert, two vocalists having sung “Beauty’s +home, Killarney,” and “Phil the Fluter’s Ball,” sang +“Love launched a fairy boat.” The people encored +and they sang it again. Radcliffe stood listening, +and only Frank Abercromby noticed that his eyes +were full of tears. Carysfort, who voted the whole +proceedings a deadly nuisance, at last pulled him +away, and resumed discussions upon mathematics +and locomotion.</p> + +<p>After supper the party had a further walk along +the Cullercoats promenade and then retired to rest in +readiness for a visit to Newbiggin in the early hours +of the morning.</p> + +<p>The party were gathered in due course before the +great steel-grey machine with its fans, its balconies, +and its long steel prow. They mounted the short +ladder that gave access to the interior, which consisted +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span>of an upper-deck dining-room lighted with electricity, +with large windows, the glass of which was protected +by steel shutters easily workable and short steel +projections. There was a long table in the centre +with chairs, around the thickly padded walls ran +couches and divans, and in recesses various collections +of books, instruments of all kinds, and other articles, +each firmly secured to the wall.</p> + +<p>Below the dining-room, approached by a hatchway, +were small cabins with comfortable hammocks, and, +below these, the engine-room and the store-rooms. +At one end of the dining-room a flight of steps with +protecting hand-rail led to the conning-tower where +the upper steering apparatus was fixed, communicating +with electric bells with the lower duplicate +steering apparatus in the engine-room. There was +direct communication by bells and telephones with +each several part of the machine.</p> + +<p>In order that nothing useful might be forgotten, +each member, every four months, wrote out a list of +necessary and desirable things and sent them in to +the Professor. Twice over the list was carefully +revised. Abercromby reminded them one day that +the only thing he could think of was to give a name +to the machine, and they decided to christen her +the “Asteroid.”</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>At six o’clock on the evening of July 22nd the +whole company was assembled in the parlour of +the lonely house at Newbiggin. It was a close +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span>thunderous summer evening, the sea had scarce a +ripple, and the air was most oppressively still.</p> + +<p>Abercromby in vain tried to revive their spirits by +his jokes and sallies, but a solemn sadness hung over +the company, yet combining with it an emotion of +undaunted resolve.</p> + +<p>“Now, friends and comrades,” said the Professor, +“I propose in an hour’s time that we take final +possession of the Asteroid. The work of cutting +loose from our moorings will, even then, occupy a +certain while, but I suggest that we start skywards +at eight p.m.</p> + +<p>“Now it is my duty to say that I offer a final +opportunity to any one, if he has the least misgivings, +to draw back; I shall think none the worse +of him. We are sensible men, and we must for the +last time look difficulties in the face ere we are +committed beyond recall.”</p> + +<p>“There are no difficulties,” retorted Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“Pardon me, my dear fellow, but that is nonsense. +To begin with, we run the risk of our motive force +failing us or going wrong, in which case we should +fall back at ruinous speed upon the earth, and be +either burned to cinders in its atmosphere or +pulverised upon its surface. Then we have a +struggle to wage against the attractive force of the +sun, and I need not point out what sort of death +will await us that way.</p> + +<p>“Supposing we get near to Venus, we have to +encounter the fall upon its surface, which, with all +our care, may be deadly. Once arrived, we may +find its air unbreathable, and its heat too great for +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span>human life. Its people may capture us and deprive +us of our machine, thus preventing us for ever from +returning home; and they may even torture us and +kill us. Then we have the terrors of the return +journey, which are of a precisely similar kind to those +of the outward, with the possible variation that we +may find a lunatic asylum awaiting us in the place +of an international welcome. These are the odds: +ponder them for the last time.”</p> + +<p>“I have pondered them over and over again,” said +Carysfort, “and for me they have no terrors.”</p> + +<p>“I object to no item in the Professor’s black list +except the terrestrial lunatic asylum,” said Abercromby, +“and we have only to avoid British territory, +and, being true Britons, we shall be sure of a hearty +welcome.”</p> + +<p>“To me the journey to Venus is but the prelude +to a longer journey,” replied Clarence Radcliffe, +“but, till my work is done, I shall not ask to die. I +have risen superior to that, chiefly through the kindness +of you, my brothers.”</p> + +<p>“Jackson, what have you to say?” said the Professor.</p> + +<p>“Bless you, sir! I’ll just be after going where you +go, and if the Lord brings us all safe back I’ll tell +the folks at home that I’ve been and gone and had a +real good time of it. But you must leave me the +polishing-up of the machine, sir. You’ll do the steering, +and I the scrubbing. When I laid my old +mother to rest in Elton churchyard I buried the last +who would miss me, and I thought as how I would +like to go clear away, only you are taking me a bit +farther than I reckoned.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span></p> + +<p>“Well done, honest Tom,” said Carysfort. “If every +master had as good a helper as Carmichael has in +you, there would be a little more sensible work +carried out in this spoiled land of ours.”</p> + +<p>“Just one word, Professor,” put in Abercromby. +“If things go all right, how long do you mean to stay +away?”</p> + +<p>“Only a few months if Venus is not inhabited, two +or three years if it is,” replied the Professor. “I have +written out a full and concise account of our intentions +and shall leave it behind me. I have also +addressed a letter to the Home Secretary. Of course +the secret of our discovery is carefully guarded, but +I have told who we are and where we are going. I +have left full instructions as to my property and this +packet shall be posted as soon as you have all signed +your names to it. Another shall be sent to the +Mayor of Newcastle, and a third shall be left on the +table. And now we had better sign, as we are all +agreed.”</p> + +<p>This having been done, the two postal packets were +sent off. Radcliffe asked that they should invoke +the Divine blessing upon their enterprise, to which all +consented, and then they silently left the house, and +proceeded to the place, sheltered behind high walls, +where the Asteroid was poised ready for its vast and +thrilling flight.</p> + +<p>Abercromby remarked that they had not as many +to see them start as Columbus or Sir John Franklin +had, to which fact the Professor yielded the most +hearty and even cheerful assent.</p> + +<p>The final preparations took up a shorter time than +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span>was expected, and at 7.30 p.m. on that cloudy July +evening Carmichael took his post in the conning-tower; +the others stood upon the outer balcony, +Abercromby assuring the Professor that as soon as +they had got outside the earth’s atmosphere he would +button up his greatcoat and leisurely come in.</p> + +<p>“Farewell to England!” said the engineer simply. +“May we find our country a little more open to +common sense when we come back.”</p> + +<p>Jackson evidently thought that Mr. Frank would +give them a colossal joke at the moment of starting, +but perhaps, unknown to himself, the power to do so +failed him at the last moment. He put his arm through +Clarence Radcliffe’s and said, “Say something for me, +old chap; I’m hanged if I can.”</p> + +<p>“May God bless all in the world who are in sorrow, +and may we bring them back something to help +them,” answered Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Start the car, Professor, or I shall make an ass of +myself,” sung out Abercromby. “No, hold hard, please. +Tom has got a last message for the old country.”</p> + +<p>“God save the King,” said Jackson, pulling off his +cap.</p> + +<p>“Most correct and admirable,” replied Abercromby; +“nothing could be less open to hostile criticism. +Now, Professor, if Nelson were here he would tell us +that every man’s duty was to fly. Go ahead, and +just give us a peep of Northumbria before we finally +vanish.”</p> + +<p>A moment more and Newbiggin, from the old +church on the wave-worn promontory to the Eagle +Rocks, lay many hundreds of feet below them.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV"> + CHAPTER IV + <br> + THE LUNAR PERIL + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Within a few minutes the travellers had +entered the thick veil of the clouds, and were +forced to beat a speedy retreat into the shelter of the +upper deck. Rain poured down, there was a sharp +flash of lightning followed by a rattling peal of +thunder. Carmichael increased the speed, and soon +the cloud region was traversed and they climbed +higher and higher into the star-spangled night. +Soon the lights at the entrance of the Tyne came +into view, and a dull illumination to the west showed +them the busy hive of Newcastle. Gradually it +became impossible to make out even the largest +objects originated by man, but the great grey landscape +opened and widened; they could see the +Cumberland Mountains, and the crescent moon, now +wondrously brilliant, lit up the sea beyond.</p> + +<p>Presently England itself became a dark grey patch +girt with the silvery sea, and then the countries of +Europe almost took the form of a model map, only +it wanted the daylight to illuminate it.</p> + +<p>Carmichael now insisted that the whole party +should come within, and he did not need to employ +arguments. Already they were choking and gasping +and nearly benumbed with cold. Just as they +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span>entered, Carysfort having hermetically sealed the +partition, they saw a broad fan of light flash out +upon the eastern horizon, and the sun rose and +bathed the enormous circle of the earth with his rosy-tinted +rays. Trailing belts of clouds hung over +Russia and Eastern Siberia, but over India and mid-China +the weather was resplendent.</p> + +<p>“There is Mount Everest,” said Carysfort, pointing +to a snow-white hillock, as it looked to them, “nearly +30,000 feet high, five miles and more. What would +Major Everest have said, when he was measuring it +by trigonometry in 1847, if he could have seen it as +we see it!”</p> + +<p>“We are 170 miles already,” said Carmichael. “I +am going to double speed, so prepare for a surprise.”</p> + +<p>Every minute now made a perceptible difference. +At last the circle of the entire globe was seen, the +heavens gradually turned from dark blue to black, +the stars shone out, the sun’s rays began to blaze like +a fiery corona, all grew silent and still, the faintest +apparent motion ceased, the earth seemed every few +minutes to shrink to a smaller circle, while the moon, +which hung in space, appeared to grow in size and +splendour.</p> + +<p>The awful spectacle daunted even the brave men +who had dared everything to behold it. Even Abercromby +and Carysfort averted their faces from the +window. Radcliffe alone stood with folded arms in +a state of abstraction.</p> + +<p>“I shall now quadruple the electric pressure,” said +Carmichael; “the sooner we get used to these things +the better.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span></p> + +<p>The Professor was just about to put his decision +into practice when Radcliffe stopped him by suggesting +that this might be a unique opportunity for +solving the problem of the terrestrial polar regions.</p> + +<p>A powerful telescope was soon fixed into position +and each in turn made full use of it. The result was +not very satisfactory. The North Pole was so hidden +in clouds and vapour that it was well-nigh impossible +to form a verdict. With the South Pole it was +different. They could see a ring of white mountains +with Mounts Erebus and Terror clearly visible, but +beyond was an antarctic continent with a greyish +patch in the centre just at the Pole itself. But it +gave them no evidence of being inhabited.</p> + +<p>The moon was shining to the left of them, +considerably larger in size than it appears from the +earth. Carysfort raised the question whether it was +worth while to attempt a landing upon it. The +question was decided in the negative. They would +pass near enough to solve that problem of the outer +or invisible side of the disk which is never seen by +man.</p> + +<p>The Professor told them that they would cross the +lunar orbit in two hours’ time, when they would pass +it at a distance of about 11,500 miles.</p> + +<p>“I dare not risk our great enterprise in the attempt +to alight upon a small world which the best science of +our times has pronounced to be airless, waterless, and +lifeless,” said the Professor. “To land upon a world +without an atmosphere would be a most dangerous +undertaking, and we could do no exploring when we +got there, but would have to remain cooped up in our +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span>machine. We could not sail over its surface, for we +should have no atmosphere in which the fans could +work. If we had made up our minds to go there, we +would have faced the risks and prepared accordingly; +but we have something far more important lying +before us.”</p> + +<p>“I read in a book while at Oxford,” said Radcliffe, +“that earth and moon should not be regarded as +planet and satellite, but rather as two stars revolving +around each other.”</p> + +<p>“Precisely so,” answered the Professor. “It is +absurd to liken the moon to one of the satellites of +Jupiter or Saturn. A planet of 90,000 miles in +diameter may have five small worlds gravitating +around him, but a world of less than 8000 miles +cannot, strictly speaking, regard a world of 2200 +miles as a humble dependent.”</p> + +<p>“Was the moon ever a part of the earth, and did it +fill the bed of the present Pacific Ocean before it was +split asunder?” asked Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“My dear fellow, you announce the most astounding +theories as though they were ordinary facts,” said +the Professor.</p> + +<p>“Of course I do. I want to beat Radcliffe at +astronomy, and to anticipate his speculations.”</p> + +<p>“I was not there to see,” replied Carmichael. “That +there is something very peculiar about the relationships +of earth and moon, different to other bodies in +the solar system, I readily grant. Mars, for instance, +being a small planet, has two microscopic satellites, +but there is no satellite that bears any such proportion +to its primary as the moon does. I hardly believe in +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span>the disruptive theory; I am more disposed to think +that the moon and the earth were always independent, +and that perhaps the moon got caught by the earth’s +attraction and was henceforth chained by it.”</p> + +<p>Jackson here appeared upon the scene and enquired +if there were any orders for supper. Abercromby +disputed the title and declared it must be breakfast +as the sun was shining with unpleasant brilliancy.</p> + +<p>“When we are well clear of the moon we will +certainly have a good square meal, but it is not worth +while, for the sake of this, to come to a disastrous +collision,” said Carmichael.</p> + +<p>A cup of coffee and some biscuits were handed round +to each, and then the whole party resorted to the +windows. Speed was increased and the Asteroid +made direct for the orbit of the moon, but carefully +avoided a heading of the prow towards her. The +circle of the lunar globe was becoming every few +minutes wider till it greatly exceeded in dimensions +the apparent size of the earth.</p> + +<p>The Professor drew out a large map of the lunar +disk and they could see for themselves how accurate +it was. Slowly, as it seemed to them, the great orb +turned upon its axis, and, as the minimum distance +was reached, the outer hemisphere gradually outspread +itself. There was nothing notably different +from the earthward side. There were the same chain +of mountains, the same circular ramparts, the same +extinct craters, the same desolate stony plains. The +only difference that could be noticed, if any, was that +the outer side of the moon bore less manifest traces +of violent convulsion, the heights and depths were on +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span>a slightly smaller scale. There was one large plain +near the equator which might in earlier ages have +been a fertile undulating country, or even the bed +of an ocean.</p> + +<p>“Well, this finally disposes of the theory of existing +lunar races,” said the engineer.</p> + +<p>“With our powerful instruments and looking +through an airless void, we should see traces of +human handiwork had there ever been any,” observed +Radcliffe. “What an awful world, a veritable +picture of hell. Wherever the sun’s rays fall direct +there is insufferable heat; wherever you step out of +them, only by a few yards, insufferable cold. Hell is +the easiest place to find in all the universe.”</p> + +<p>“I have always thought so,” quietly answered +Carysfort. “We do not know all the secrets of the +black gulfs of space. Outside the Milky Way, for +instance, in what astronomers call the ‘Coal Pit,’ +what is there?”</p> + +<p>“But all here is brilliant sunlight,” protested Abercromby. +“Where are the black gulfs?”</p> + +<p>“The first begins outside the solar system, +between our sun and Alpha Centauri, said to be the +nearest of the fixed stars,” remarked the Professor. +“When our sun had become a tiny star, and Alpha +Centauri, though you rushed at it with the speed of +light, kept you waiting for a three years’ journey +before it even gave you a visible disk to look at, +there would be time for days of darkness, and many +of them. I am not a theologian, I am a pure +scientific thinker, but I do not put all my thoughts +on the table. I only give them when asked.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span></p> + +<p>“Come, I say, we shall be feeling ghastly if this +subject goes on. Suppose, now that we are clear of +that uncanny moon, we have a meal,” said Abercromby. +“I am fast getting like the boy who, when +his father at the parish tea told him he must eat for +to-morrow as well as to-day, informed his dad that he +had not done eating for yesterday yet!”</p> + +<p>“Well, my frivolous young man,” said the +engineer, “Jackson will no doubt appease us, but do +not be always putting serious subjects aside.”</p> + +<p>Abercromby was just going to acknowledge the +engineer’s rebuke when he happened to look round +and, finding a pretext for evading the necessity, +suddenly called out, “Why the moon has slipped +down right under our feet!”</p> + +<p>The Professor gave a startled cry, and dashed up +the steps into the conning-tower.</p> + +<p>“What the deuce has happened?” said Abercromby, +turning pale.</p> + +<p>“We are falling,” said the engineer.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V"> + CHAPTER V + <br> + THE METEORIC STORM + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>For a moment or two Carysfort and the others +stood in tense silence. The Professor raised +the electric pressure to the maximum, ten miles a +second. He was only just in time—a minute more +and no motive force could have availed against the +lunar attraction.</p> + +<p>Even as it was Carmichael did not breathe freely +when the distance increased until it became evident +that the increase was multiplying itself in widening +proportions.</p> + +<p>“Well, we had run ourselves into a ghastly hole,” +said the engineer. “I wonder when the next will +confront us?”</p> + +<p>“Some millions of miles onwards when we have +our big tussle with the sun,” replied the Professor. +“My plan will be to slow down somewhat till we cut +the orbit of Venus, and then try to pursue our path +along it, instead of crossing it; we shall travel slower +than the planet and we can let it overtake us.”</p> + +<p>“Where is Mercury?” asked Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Circling round the other side of the sun,” +answered the Professor. “It will not add to our +dangers, for it will not interpose its attraction to pull +us sunwards for several weeks.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span></p> + +<p>As soon as the distance from the moon made any +danger from that source negligible, the party sat +down to their first regular meal in the dining-room. +Conversation flowed freely now that the danger was +passed. They spent the time in mapping out the +programme of their life on the Asteroid before +they should near Venus. They made an artificial +chart of day and night, allotting sixteen hours to +work and study, and eight hours to repose. Two +were always to mount guard during the rest time; +one to steer, the other to watch.</p> + +<p>The Professor advised that the first thing to be +done was for him and the engineer to give the rest +of the party full instructions as to the use of the +machinery and the guidance of the machine. Every +one would then be available and every hand ready in +a moment of crisis. When off duty each was left +free to pass his time exactly as he liked, though +Carmichael insisted that all should take exercise at +stated intervals, and Abercromby put in practice a +series of gymnastics on a small scale, and used to +make Radcliffe, of all people, take a prominent part +in them. Chess was a source of pleasurable interest. +All the party worked together in perfect harmony +and brotherliness, except for one passing incident +which produced a transient unpleasantness.</p> + +<p>Abercromby one day when seated at lunch asked +the Professor if he thought they would find Venus a +feminine or a masculine world.</p> + +<p>“Nonsense!” said Carmichael, a little irritably, for +his views about the fair sex were well known to the +Cambridge men to be the reverse of complimentary. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span>“There is no such thing as a feminine planet. The +very idea is only mythology and legend. Of course +Venus is supposed to be the planet of love, and Mars +the planet of war, but that is all classical rubbish, you +know.”</p> + +<p>“Of course,” assented Carysfort; “but we shall +have to keep a sharp look-out on this young man if +by any luck the inhabitants of Venus were all or +mostly women.”</p> + +<p>“Luck!” exclaimed the Professor. “Good heavens! +I should start back to the earth at once. But I do +really think, though I know Abercromby will bark at +me, that a parson I once met spoke near the truth +when he said it was easier to reach the heart of a +man than the heart of a woman.”</p> + +<p>“You cannot reach any heart till you possess the +key to it, and that you may, alas! sometimes mistake,” +answered Radcliffe; adding hotly, “If this +conversation is carried any further I shall leave the +room.”</p> + +<p>“I vote the parson, whoever he was, a donkey,” +said Abercromby, “and as he is not here the remark +will have a soothing effect upon our agitated nerves.”</p> + +<p>“Let it drop, as we are not likely to agree,” replied +the Professor. Radcliffe, however, quietly left the room.</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Carysfort, “there is no accounting for +some people; we shall have two to look after when +we get to this incomparable planet. Abercromby +will fall in love with the first female savage he meets, +unless she brings his courtship to an abrupt close, +and Radcliffe—well, he will probably do the last +thing that we expect he <i>will</i> do.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span></p> + +<p>This was the first and only time that the +inhabitants of Venus were discussed on the romantic +side; all agreeing that it would be best to postpone +the question till they got there.</p> + +<p>But a tremendous excitement, and an acute +danger, was at hand, which stopped all talk on any +subject for a good while. When they were about +eight millions of miles from the earth—about a third +part of their journey, the engineer sighted with his +telescope a large comet with a small nucleus, with a +fiery train of meteorites spread out in sparkling +streams, fan-shaped, and radiating in various directions. +The object was but small, and at first it was +not easy to trace the exact course which it was taking. +The Professor thought it would pass some twenty +thousand miles from them, and that they would be in +no way affected by it. But as the hours went on the +situation grew exceedingly grave, for it became +evident that the cometary train might nearly, if not +actually, cross their path. Moreover, the mass of +burning meteors constantly grew in apparent size, +and presented a fiery barrier actually looming before +them.</p> + +<p>All the party were on the alert, and both the +Professor and the engineer went to the conning-tower +and took a united part in the steering.</p> + +<p>“Are we going to be set on fire, or what is to +happen?” said Abercromby in a serious tone. “We +seem to be heading straight for a volcanic eruption.”</p> + +<p>“The fire cannot reach us except by direct +collision,” answered Radcliffe. “What I fear is that +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span>the meteorites will bombard us and damage the roof +and sides of the Asteroid.”</p> + +<p>A little later and the danger approached still +nearer. It was a veritable meteoric storm into which +they seemed rushing with blind speed. The burning +meteors did not, of course, in the void of space burn +steadily, but only kindled when they came into +collision with each other. Then outbursts of many +coloured fires lighted up the gulf of space, some +burning for a few minutes, others dying out in a heap +of calcined ashes which almost immediately became +invisible. Fortunately, they were able to avoid the +full brunt of the storm, the nucleus of the comet +passing at a considerable distance ahead of them, +but they had to endure several nerve-shaking +concussions.</p> + +<p>Once the Asteroid was struck in the prow and a +small amount of damage done. Once a meteoric +stone glanced obliquely from the roof, leaping into +flames as it did so. The Asteroid was coated over +with a fire-proof asbestos substance, and to this they +largely owed their safety. Two masses showing up +dark against the sun’s rays bore down upon them, +but before they could reach them they struck one +another and two dark bodies formed instantly one +blazing mass; this resolved itself into a fiery +mist which rotated rapidly upon its new-formed +axis.</p> + +<p>All this while the Professor and the engineer stuck +to their posts with white set faces, for they well +knew the awfulness of the peril. When it was over, +and the heavens had resumed their wonted tranquillity, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span>they left the conning-tower and joined the others +upon the upper deck.</p> + +<p>“We have been almost wrecked,” said Carysfort. +“Every moment I thought we were going to be +smashed up. I repeated two little prayers my +mother taught me, keeping my hand on the +machinery all the time.”</p> + +<p>“That is just the right combination,” said Radcliffe. +“Work as if all depended upon yourself; pray as if +all depended upon Another.”</p> + +<p>“You saw a world created, I suppose,” said +Carmichael.</p> + +<p>“What in the name of all that is astounding do +you mean?” said Abercromby, staring at him.</p> + +<p>“Why, my friend, when those two meteors collided +and formed one fiery mass, that is how the thing is +done,” answered the Professor.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe then said: “You know these matters +better than I do, gentlemen, but have we not seen a +way in which science, which tells us that the sun will +die and the earth be a cold corpse, may be right +in the abstract but wrong in fact. Suppose a much +larger mass of meteors falls into the sun, might he +not renew his youth and the other planets theirs?”</p> + +<p>“When the Arab vows perpetual fidelity to his +ladylove in the Eastern song he swears to be true</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the stars grow old,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the sun grows cold,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the leaves of the Judgment book unfold.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>The remark was Abercromby’s, who thought it +more cheerful to sing it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span></p> + +<p>Radcliffe, ignoring the poetic interpolation, went on: +“Is it not feasible that the world may be ended +some day by a sudden accession to the sun’s heat +through collision of the sun with an extinct star, or +the invasion of the solar system by a fire mist, and +that afterwards may come a new order of things?”</p> + +<p>“‘Death is the gate of life,’ so the proverb runs,” +put in the engineer.</p> + +<p>“I do not dispute the possibility of these and +similar theories proving true,” said Carmichael +slowly. “That human affairs may be wound up by +a blow from outer space is a proposition to which +any thinking man will agree; but don’t be in a hurry +to try to make science square with the Bible—watch, +wait, gather facts, and patiently build up your +conclusions about them. Solomon and the Roman +Pliny, the Eastern king and the classical gentleman, +had one great merit, they <i>observed</i>. Parsons and +scientists are always apt to rush to conclusions, one +pretty nearly as much as the other. The theories of +to-day may be the laughing-stock of to-morrow, but +the patient labour of to-day may be the heritage of +to-morrow. I have now preached two lay sermons, +Radcliffe, one to you, the other to myself.”</p> + +<p>“Then, Professor, you must be feeling pretty well +used up,” said Abercromby. “Suppose we have a cup +of tea. Wellington is not in it, for he never fought a +comet in mid-skies and preached twice afterwards.”</p> + +<p>Tom, with a grin upon his honest face, put the +tea-things on the table and announced with immaculate +gravity, “Tea is ready, gentlemen.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI"> + CHAPTER VI + <br> + INTO THE BLACK GULF + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>The peril from the solar attraction did not prove +as great as they had feared. Carmichael had +chosen the most favourable moment for leaving the +earth, when Venus would be travelling directly +towards them, and would interpose as a shield +between them and the sun.</p> + +<p>Before the new orbit was reached they slackened +their speed, and that things were going well was +soon evident by the planet appearing beneath them +as a gradually brightening star in the depths of +space. Many anxious hours and many elaborate +mathematical calculations had to be spent and taken +before the Professor and the engineer felt able to +communicate reassuring news. Not till they had +got within five millions of miles from Venus did they +feel that the solar peril might be regarded as over.</p> + +<p>All the members of the party, except Carmichael, +seemed to enjoy a rebound of confidence and hope, +but the Professor remained anxious and abstracted. +He told them repeatedly that the peril they had +feared was past, and that they might reach Venus +in safety—at least with no greater danger than the +earth if they were returning to it—but this did not +enlighten them as to the real cause of his concern. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span>If they asked him more closely he returned only +evasive answers.</p> + +<p>One day he called the engineer aside and they had +a long private talk. It lasted more than an hour. +At length the two came out of the cabin and went +back to the dining-room, where Abercromby was +trying to solve a chess problem.</p> + +<p>“Is anything gone queer?” he said to the Professor. +“Tell us; we can stand it. Is the machine +giving out, or what is the trouble?”</p> + +<p>“If you want to find a wife in Venus, and Radcliffe +a mission, I fear you will both be disappointed. +For myself, I am too disgusted and sick at heart to go +into the matter. We have run the most awful risks, +and for what? to be rewarded at the last with polar +ice and worse than tropical furnaces. In all probability +there are no inhabitants of Venus—at least +none that are human.”</p> + +<p>“But, my dear and respected Professor, how have +you found out these agreeable facts at five millions +of miles distance?” said Abercromby.</p> + +<p>Carmichael did not answer. Radcliffe fixed an +appealing look at Carysfort, who at once took up the +subject.</p> + +<p>“Well, gentlemen, I suppose it is about time we +told you. I always feared it might be so, but we +hoped it would not be. Now our fears are convictions.”</p> + +<p>“And our hopes have taken a run round the stars +to keep themselves warm,” said Abercromby. “Now +I will not talk nonsense again till you have said +your say.”</p> + +<p>“The truth is that those astronomers are right who +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span>thought that Venus revolved round the sun with such +an inclination of its axis that the sun was always in +the same place, according to latitude; that there were +practically no seasons or alternations of day and +night, but that while one side of the planet was +always lighted, the other was always dark. Now +you can judge what that means in the long run. +Half the planet is locked in perpetual ice-bound +cold, worse than any of our Arctic winters, while the +other has a sun always pouring down light and heat +upon it, twice as much as the earth receives and that +every day and all day long.”</p> + +<p>“But surely, even then it must make an enormous +difference what height the sun occupies in the sky?” +said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“That is the only hope,” replied Carysfort.</p> + +<p>“Well, then, let us steer for the North Pole of the +planet and alight near to the boundary between sunshine +and shadow. At least we know that there is +an atmosphere.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and a very dense one as regards depth; +perhaps five hundred miles or more,” said the Professor, +at length breaking his silence. “But although +we shall certainly do what Radcliffe suggests, for +it is the only possible course to take, I can hold out +little hope of any result. The chief danger to be +dreaded is storm and tempest, electrical and cyclonic +disturbances caused by the meeting of opposing +currents of heated and cold air. If we can surmount +this, we can make our way cautiously over the lighted +surface until the heat shall drive us back.”</p> + +<p>“There is another very serious trouble,” said the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span>engineer. “We had hoped that, as we drew near to +Venus, we should be able to take careful observations +of its features as we did in the case of the moon, and +could have carried much further had it been necessary; +but, as we shall approach Venus on its darkened +side, we shall see practically nothing till we get there. +A pleasant landing that will be.”</p> + +<p>“It is obvious that we ought not to, and must not, +alight upon the planet without seeing where we are,” +said Carmichael. “When we reach the atmosphere +we must throw out the searchlights, but this will be +a dangerous operation.”</p> + +<p>“It will set all the dogs barking, you mean,” remarked +Abercromby. “But seriously, Professor, do +you think it is all up with us?”</p> + +<p>“Not as to our safety perhaps, but as to the +success of our enterprise. What good will it be to +reach a world of fire and desolation?”</p> + +<p>Before Venus actually crossed the path of the sun +they did their best to take whatever observations +were possible. But vast belts of clouds hid the +lighted surface, screening its actual wonders from +their view.</p> + +<p>“We have verified Herschel’s opinion that Venus +has an extremely dense atmosphere,” said Radcliffe. +“I wonder whether we shall presently verify Schroeter’s +that its mountains are twenty miles in height.”</p> + +<p>“My dear Radcliffe, Herschel is quite antiquated; +and as for the other Johnnie you referred to, he +is nearly as ancient as Julius Cæsar,” said Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“But there is this to be noted,” remarked the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span>engineer, “that the foreign astronomers of a past day +could often use their telescopes in a brilliant sky, +like Italy, for instance, whereas in England the most +perfect and up-to-date instruments are apt to be put +out of use by constant bad weather. Give me an +old-fashioned telescope and I will make something of +it if there be only a clear sky. Moreover, I think in +the olden days men turned more attention to the +physical side of astronomy than they do now.”</p> + +<p>“As to the supposed stupendous mountains in +Venus, we shall soon find out all about it if we are +not knocked to pieces,” said the Professor; “but I will +point out that the highest earthly mountains are +really ten miles high, because they ought to be +measured, not as we see them, but from the ocean +bed itself. As to Venus, astronomers have noticed +certain slight roughnesses on the edge of the crescent, +when it appears to us crescent in shape, and +these may indicate the tops of mountains caught by +the sun’s rays.”</p> + +<p>“It’s a great nuisance that Venus is not on the +outer side of the earth instead of on the sunward,” said +Carysfort. “As the matter stands, when she is +furthest off she appears as a full moon, when she +is nearest she is only a crescent. Add to this, that +she recedes but a short distance from the sun, and +is therefore only a morning and evening star.”</p> + +<p>So they chatted on while the gulf which separated +them from their goal grew less and less. When they +retired to rest they were only three millions of miles +away.</p> + +<p>Meeting at the breakfast-table next morning, the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span>Professor was asked when he thought the journey +would be over.</p> + +<p>His answer was in about sixty hours; he was +gradually reducing the inherent speed, and when the +time drew near for the actual descent he would pull +against it by increasing the repulsive force of the +engines.</p> + +<p>Their supply of air, which had been manufactured +by chemical process, had worked perfectly, the inner +temperature of the Asteroid being always at a +moderate level.</p> + +<p>As the hours advanced they all noticed a dimness +spreading over the heavens; this was caused by the +disk of Venus gradually encroaching upon that of +the sun. The diminution of the solar light was at +first not unpleasing, but when at last it faded out +altogether and an intense darkness supervened, relieved +only by the stars, the travellers knew by +instinct that they were nearing their last and their +greatest peril. By lunch-time the size of Venus +had become very enlarged, but, unhappily, they could +see no feature nor landscape, they could only tell +where the planet was by the increasing eclipse of the +stars upon the floor of the heavens.</p> + +<p>Abercromby wanted them to cut this short, for it +was getting on his nerves.</p> + +<p>Slowly, and more slowly still, they felt their way +down and down into the black gulf.</p> + +<p>The Professor and the engineer never left their +posts, but only took hurried mouthfuls of refreshment +which Jackson brought to them. Poor Jackson was +shivering with alarm, which he tried to conceal under +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span>a fussy attention to his duties. Even his polishing +and scrubbing failed to soothe him.</p> + +<p>Frank Abercromby was in a perpetual fidget, now +and then asking what the dickens was going to +happen, and sometimes making use of unclassical +language. Radcliffe stood beside the windows silent, +but his face was deadly pale.</p> + +<p>When the black globe beneath them covered the +whole depth of the sky, Carmichael began to set in +motion the repelling power.</p> + +<p>It was a terribly anxious crisis, for if he used it too +much he might be actually retreating from his destination, +if too little, they might be dashed to pieces.</p> + +<p>“You had better go down on your knees, Radcliffe,” +said Carmichael, “and do for us what is more +becoming in you perhaps than in me.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe prayed earnestly and simply that at this +awful moment help might be given them, that if they +had been presumptuous it was for the good of their +fellow-men, not for their own advancement.</p> + +<p>Suddenly as he rose from his knees Abercromby +shouted, almost crazy with excitement, “Come here, +all of you. What is this going on down yonder?”</p> + +<p>A dull red illumination appeared, of no great size, +but they could not tell how vast it might be in reality.</p> + +<p>“It is a volcano, glowing in the atmosphere of +Venus, near to the Pole,” said Carmichael. “Now we +know to what point to steer.”</p> + +<p>Not long after, though minutes seemed ages, a slight +rise of temperature became noticeable.</p> + +<p>“We are in the atmosphere,” said Carysfort. +“Start the fans.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span></p> + +<p>“They can be set going from within,” exclaimed +Carmichael.</p> + +<p>The levers were turned and the fan wheels were +seen to revolve, though very feebly. Half the peril +was over, as far as the descent was concerned, for they +had now the means of using their machine as an airship. +They steered in a diagonal line towards the +burning mountain, and, keeping exactly at the same +height, they made use of the summit to guide them +as to their level of altitude. A few moments more +and a line of brilliant light appeared on the horizon. +They were on the North Pole of Venus, four miles +from its surface.</p> + +<p>In front spread an apparently boundless ocean, +encumbered with blocks of bluish and purple-white +ice, which of course tended every mile southwards to +become smaller and smaller, while, to the north, they +were crystallised into vast masses thrown up into the +most weird and fantastic shapes. The great sun of +Venus, twice as large as the terrestrial sun, flamed in +rosy splendour upon the southern horizon. The sea +was restless and agitated and a keen wind was +blowing. The sky was laden with fleecy clouds of +wild and stormy appearance. They were at a vast +height, higher even than the Asteroid.</p> + +<p>“Well, gentlemen,” said the Professor, “we have +faced the greatest hazard ever dared by man, and we +look upon what the mortal eyes of humanity have +never seen. Now let us take courage and face the +problems of the future, resolved that, come what may, +we will do our duty.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII"> + CHAPTER VII + <br> + THE NORTHERN ISLAND + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Carmichael lowered somewhat the height +of the Asteroid in a gradual diagonal, till they +were only at a moderate altitude, so as to be able +to observe anything of interest at reasonably close +quarters. The first thing to be done was to ascertain +whether the air of Venus was suited to human beings +from another world.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, the stormy commotion had its seat in +the higher regions of the atmosphere, at least on that +occasion, so that finding more reposeful conditions +nearer to the surface, the Professor advised that the +experiment should be tried.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe stepped forward to one of the large +windows and was about to unfasten when Carysfort +shouted out, “Hold, man! are you mad? Do you +suppose that we want a whole blizzard of untried air +let loose upon us? Allow Carmichael to manage this +business.”</p> + +<p>Poor Radcliffe stepped back aghast, while Abercromby +laughed. The Professor, with a smile, moved +to one of the side walls and took down a case of +books, which revealed a small round panel about as +large as a crown piece. He motioned them to stand +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span>clear, and then he touched a spring and the panel +flew open.</p> + +<p>“Bravo!” said Frank; “you have foreseen every +blessed contrivance that we shall want.”</p> + +<p>“I only hope I have,” said he. “Now, you fellows, +just take a sniff and see how you like it.”</p> + +<p>A thin, crisp current of air, slightly perfumed and +perfectly delicious, penetrated slowly through the +room. The panel was left open for ten minutes, till +the Professor, quite reassured, told them that they +might enjoy an even larger dose than Radcliffe would +have given them—they could venture out upon the +balcony. With a hop and a skip Abercromby was +in the open air within a few seconds, though he used +most unparliamentary language, for the first thing he +nearly did in Venus was to lose his hat, he only just +contrived to catch it in time, or, as he said, it would +have been the first gift that the earth would have +bestowed upon a new planet.</p> + +<p>“The waves are not much higher than our own +waves, though they seem to show a great swell and +current,” said the engineer.</p> + +<p>“The reason is,” replied the Professor, “that Venus +having no moon, and the sun’s attraction making up +for it, the tides here will be somewhat like the terrestrial.”</p> + +<p>For two hours they sped on to the south, the sun +slowly rising in the sky but the heat not increasing +to any great or serious extent. The ice-packs had +of course disappeared, but the wide open sea stretched +before them with its fresh and turbulent waves. At +the end of the two hours a great and startling +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span>discovery set all their hearts wildly beating with hope. +On the southern horizon appeared a line of high +cliffs rising straight out of the water, whether they +betokened island or continent they could not tell.</p> + +<p>As the Asteroid drew nearer—for they increased +their rate of speed—they saw with some regret that +the cliffs presented no possibility of anchorage or +landing-place. Not that this mattered to them, for +an airship was quite free and independent of any +naval convenience, but it made it most improbable +that they would find an inhabited country.</p> + +<p>Directly they had soared above the cliffs a cry +of delight escaped them: they were in a crater-like +land. A lake shone in the centre, while the country, +thickly wooded in places and interspread with +luxuriant meadow, sloped upwards to a chain of +hills about twenty miles away to the south. Westwards +they could trace the curving line of the elevated +coast, but eastwards it was not so easy to tell how far +the land extended.</p> + +<p>“Thank God! At last! at last!” exclaimed Radcliffe +fervently. “We will be content with what we +have.”</p> + +<p>“The best attitude in which to look for more,” +said the Professor quietly. “There are no traces of +human beings, civilised or savage, but the locality +will suit perfectly for a few days of rest and quiet +explorations.”</p> + +<p>“Could we only know there <i>was</i> a city on Venus,” +remarked Carysfort, “I should scarcely like to drop +down upon it the very first moment. Better to get +acclimatised.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span></p> + +<p>The Asteroid was steered to the south side of the +lake, which was long and narrow. The Professor +prudently selected a little hilltop looking down upon +the lake, but sprinkled with trees and carpeted with +rich, soft, mossy grass. Upon this the Asteroid +carefully descended. It only required the grappling +irons to be fixed in the ground and a lashing of ropes +to the stems of two adjacent trees, and then a reasonably +secure site would have been gained. It was +rather a twilight land, for the sun was hidden behind +the hills, but this was a relief and not a disadvantage.</p> + +<p>The first thing they did was to sit down to a quiet +meal, which they partook of in the machine, for +Carmichael would not hear of any out-of-door picnic. +He insisted that no excursion should be taken till +they had had some hours of sleep, and they were all +nearly exhausted.</p> + +<p>The Professor and Jackson stepped down and +attended to the safe securing of the machine, and +then they had, in turns, the longest repose they had +ever enjoyed since leaving their own world.</p> + +<p>When they met the next morning and were breakfasting, +the first thing Abercromby wanted to hear +was the programme for the day.</p> + +<p>“Now, gentlemen,” said the Professor, “I will just +say one word on a certain subject, and then leave +it to your good sense and hold my peace. God—for +I believe in God—has brought us here after a frightful +voyage across space, and perils both at either end, +and occasionally in the midst, enough to have sent +weaker men stark mad. Don’t let us, by any rashness +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span>or indiscretion, throw away all our advantages +and perhaps our lives. They belong to the human +race, not to ourselves. We want to live to return +and to tell what we have seen. The peril of the air +is past, but danger lurks in the fruits and flowers, +in the water, in the soil, and also among the people, +if there are any. Columbus was in no such danger +ever, for, though all around him was new and strange, +he was still on his own planet. Touch no food +till some little time has passed, but live on our own +earthly supplies, which will last us several months +at the least. Taste no water till I have chemically +analysed it. Do not indulge in dangerous climbing. +Do not straggle away from the machine—at least, +alone—and always carry your revolvers with you, so +that you can use them as signals if you need them, +not for defence. I should not say half as much as +this were we in the wildest part of Central Africa. +But here, in Venus, we are just like new-born children +with all our experience to make as we go along, and +all the learning of earth cannot directly help us, +except in guiding our common sense. Now I have +said my say. I am pleading for my brothers on the +earth, for whom we have done and risked all this.”</p> + +<p>“I agree with everything you say,” replied Carysfort, +“and will practise it. I suppose Cromwell would +tell us, were he alive, to trust in God and keep our +eyes open, which will be more important here than +keeping our powder dry.”</p> + +<p>“I will go about in a bath-chair if it is to benefit +<ins id='cor_052' title='Original: umanity'>humanity</ins>,” said Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“Very well,” said the Professor, just a tiny bit +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span>cross; “I take that remark to mean that you won’t be +a donkey. Now let us change the subject.”</p> + +<p>They discussed at a considerable length what they +should first set about. It was decided that two should +be left behind on guard, and that a rocket should be +sent up in the event of danger requiring the others +to return. The travellers should be absent not +more than three hours, they should walk to the +western end of the lake and strike the cliffs at the +angle of the shore so as to gain some idea of the +coast-line away to the southern hills. In the rare +event of some terrible danger overtaking them, the +Asteroid should be brought to them, to scatter +enemies, or to rescue from peril. The Professor +would fire off a signal rocket himself. Their guns +were not, on this occasion, to be used as signals, as +they might want them for other purposes. Carysfort +and Jackson consented to remain behind, and gave +their word not to move out of sight of the machine, +while one of them was always to be within it.</p> + +<p>Then the ladder was let down and the party trod +the soil of Venus for the first time.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII"> + CHAPTER VIII + <br> + FIRST EXPLORATIONS + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>The mossy grass upon which they stepped was +of a pale pink colour, indescribably beautiful, +while the leaves of the trees were of various tints, +though the prevailing colour was a greenish red. Here +and there were trees purely green in foliage as on the +earth, but these were rather the exception. Of shrub +and thicket there was no great profusion, so that even +in the woods they could have made their way easily; +but they thought it more prudent to skirt the open +shores of the lake. Flowers were very scanty, and +such as there were did not exhibit either variety or +comeliness; but, as the Professor remarked, they were +practically in the Arctic circle of Venus and not +in any tropical region. The whole landscape seemed +very still, for the fierce wind had either died down +or was pursuing its course in the upper regions of the +mighty atmosphere of Venus. The clouds were grand +beyond description, but they did not threaten any +outburst of bad weather. The sky was of a paler +blue than the earthly sky, and the trailing cloud-belts +soared to a much loftier height. Presently they +caught sight of several large birds whirling at a vast +distance above them; they seemed to be of great size +with wide-extended wings. It was not easy to judge +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span>of their colour, but they had bills of formidable +length; they were soaring away to the plateau of +heights that bounded the south, and appeared to be +settling upon them.</p> + +<p>“This is the first specimen of life we have seen, +Professor,” said Radcliffe; “may it prove the herald +of that which is nobler and better.”</p> + +<p>“Not a trace of it at present,” replied Carmichael; +“not a footprint upon the ground, not a mark upon +the trees.”</p> + +<p>“But I do not see how beings resembling us could +get here,” answered Radcliffe, “unless this turns out +to be the northern end of a great continent. There +is not a place where a ship of any sort or size could +disembark anybody. What climber, even if he were +a monkey, could mount those stupendous cliffs?”</p> + +<p>“Well, now,” said Abercromby, “suppose we have +a little chat over probabilities. Don’t you think that it +is possible by scientific inference to reason a little as +to the people in this planet?”</p> + +<p>“How do you propose to start?” said the Professor.</p> + +<p>“Is it not a great point, to begin with, that the +gravitation force of Venus is the same as ours? +On Mars, they tell us, we should be cutting capers +every time we put a foot to the ground, while on +Jupiter we should be crushed into the very soil and +turned into mincemeat.”</p> + +<p>“True enough,” said the Professor. “This certainly +makes it easier for Venus to be inhabited.”</p> + +<p>“Then, again, Venus is younger than the earth, +having been evolved from the sun at a later time. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span>May we not argue, then, that we should find its +civilised races much less advanced than our own?”</p> + +<p>“My dear fellow, your argument bristles over with +guesswork. It is not by any means certain that +Laplace’s theory about planetary evolution is right, +but if it be correct it may prove too much, for we +may have arrived here centuries before human life is +to begin; and lastly, you cannot argue from one +world to another as to the rate at which man advances. +Human progress has always been spiral, +never in a straight line.”</p> + +<p>“There is nothing, so far as I can see, to make life +impossible even to us,” observed Radcliffe, “much +less to races born and bred upon the planet.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t be too sure,” said Carmichael. “How would +you propose to eat if we had no supplies of our own? +I have not seen a single fruit as yet, whether wholesome +or the opposite.”</p> + +<p>“Look, look, a waterfall!” cried Abercromby, +and sure enough, a stream came foaming over a +rocky ledge and poured its waters into the lake.</p> + +<p>“Lovely, is it not?” he said to Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Yes! I suppose so,” answered Radcliffe, gazing +at it abstractedly.</p> + +<p>“Come along, we have seen cascades and falls in +our own country,” said the Professor.</p> + +<p>They climbed a small hill at the head of the waterfall, +at the summit of which they looked down upon +a deeper and thicker belt of forest. Just before +entering it they saw some white bones lying bleaching +upon the ground; the Professor ran to them and +picking up one of the largest very carefully examined +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span>it. He said it must have belonged to a large animal +which he should judge to have been comparatively +harmless, but whether it had died or been torn in +pieces it was difficult to say.</p> + +<p>So much time had now elapsed that it was judged +advisable not to proceed further, but to return to the +Asteroid, and then take a longer excursion the next +time and continue the same line of exploration. The +homeward journey was uneventful till they had come +within about half a mile, when they were startled +by a gunshot which reverberated right across to the +southern hills.</p> + +<p>“Good gracious! what is the matter?” said Abercromby. +“That must be Carysfort. I always tell him +his gun goes off even when he is asleep.”</p> + +<p>The Professor looked vexed, for he did not want +any sport in Venus; he was no sportsman himself, +and he was afraid of attracting dangerous animals. +However, when they got in sight of the machine +they found that Jackson was the culprit, for he coolly +told them he had shot a beast in order to cook him +for dinner.</p> + +<p>“What the dickens did you do it for?” said Abercromby. +“The Professor has said he will not take any +food off this blessed world, unless the natives ask him +in to afternoon tea.”</p> + +<p>“Now, sir, don’t be hard; this ’ere is equal to real +cooked sucking-pig; you would want to eat him to +the tail if he had one.” All the party laughed +heartily. The first slaughtered victim on Venus was +a spindle-shaped animal with short stuck-up ears +long nose, and fawn-coloured skin.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, he is pretty enough, but I shall stick to my +resolve,” said the Professor. So they supped upon +terrestrial food after all; but, the next morning, +Abercromby broke in upon them with the alarming +intelligence that a savage must have been prowling +around the machine, for he had come upon the +dying embers of a fire and the beast had been +nearly all devoured. It turned out that the devourer +was Jackson, so he had his first Venusian meat in +defiance of orders!</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>The next day at breakfast there was a rather keen +dispute amongst the party as to their future plans. +Radcliffe and Abercromby wanted to start the +machine, soar over the mountains, and at once decide +whether human beings were discoverable or not. But, +as the engineer had not yet taken a walk in their +present neighbourhood, the Professor gave the casting +vote in favour of remaining one more day and finishing +the exploration of the country. Accordingly the +engineer, accompanied by Abercromby and Radcliffe, +set out soon after the meal was finished, while the +Professor and his servant stayed behind.</p> + +<p>It was not till about six o’clock that the travellers +came back. They had met with no special adventures +till they had reached some caves about half a +mile beyond the cascade. There they had been set +upon by a wild beast of a most ferocious character, +and, had they not been all close together and well +armed, they would have come off badly. It took +several shots from Carysfort’s gun before the animal +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span>was killed. It had surprised Abercromby first, +knocked him down, torn his waistcoat, and had fixed +its teeth in his shirt, and might have disabled him +but for the coat and belt which he was wearing and +for the speedy arrival of the others; with a supreme +effort Abercromby managed to thrust a knapsack +into the creature’s jaws, and, before it had been able +to eject this and grind its way through to his flesh, +Carysfort had shot it. The animal was something of +the nature of a wolf, though there were many differences. +They got back to the Asteroid in a rather +excited state. Abercromby had spoiled a suit of +clothes and had lost his knapsack. There were, of +course, relays of clothing in the hold of the Asteroid, +for they had taken care to be amply provided with +all necessary things.</p> + +<p>The engineer was naturally the hero of the occasion, +though he modestly disclaimed all praise. +Poor Frank had had such a shaking that it was +decided to spend yet another day quietly and to put +off the final start until the morrow.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX"> + CHAPTER IX + <br> + ACROSS THE CENTRAL OCEAN + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Early the next day, after they had breakfasted, +Abercromby having assured them, with +unnecessary vehemence, that he was as “fit as a +fiddle,” they decided to resume the direct exploration +of the planet. They did not doubt that the result of +a twelve hours’ voyage in the machine with the high +rate of speed which they had at their command +would settle the question whether Venus was inhabited +or not; Carmichael himself thought so, as +was natural, for he could not have anticipated the setback +which awaited them.</p> + +<p>At nine o’clock they started. The Asteroid rose +to a height of several hundred feet, and, in a few +minutes, it had crossed the fertile valley and had +begun to mount higher and higher so as to clear the +southern mountains. These were not of any considerable +elevation, indeed, from the contour of the +land their real height was much less than their +apparent. But when the summit of the ridge had +been gained both Abercromby and Carysfort broke +out into a simultaneous volley of unclassical language.</p> + +<p>The land came to an abrupt end, and before them +stretched away a shoreless ocean.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span></p> + +<p>To say the party were surprised would be to employ +too mild a term, they were absolutely thunderstruck. +They decided, however, to push on. There +was nothing to be gained by a return to the island. +They had now explored it sufficiently to be sure +there were no human inhabitants.</p> + +<p>“I cannot yet believe that this island is the only +dry land upon the whole surface of the planet,” said +Radcliffe. “A world all ocean with only one island +seems unthinkable.”</p> + +<p>“Yes! I expect there is more land,” replied the +Professor, “but we have yet to discover whether it is +suited to human life. Every mile we travel now is +leading us on to the hotter regions of Venus, where +that terrible sun will of necessity climb higher and +higher into the sky and pour down more and more +torrid rays. But we must face it.”</p> + +<p>On they went at ever-increasing speed, for, over the +level surface of the sea, there was no need to slacken. +The solitude was appalling, not a sail anywhere, only +a few flying-fishes, and, far up in the air, near to the +fleecy belts of clouds, whirling flights of birds too +remote to be properly studied. And still the sun +rose higher and higher, till he would soon be overhead, +yet the heat did not increase to any degree +that might have been expected. But the clouds +increased till they formed a dazzling silvery canopy +moderating rather than concealing the light of the +sun; moreover, as Carysfort pointed out, they were +cutting the air at such tremendous speed that the +exhilarating contact with the atmosphere would of +itself render the increase of temperature bearable.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span></p> + +<p>Several hours passed away amid strained attention +and snatches of talk.</p> + +<p>“Surely, Professor,” said Abercromby, “when we +got our peep at the lighted side of Venus we caught +a glimpse of a large southern continent, and also of +a whitish-looking point at the southern pole.”</p> + +<p>“Our glimpse was more tantalising than instructive,” +he answered, “and my mind was so taken +up with the perils of the steering that I did not use +my telescope as frequently as I ought.”</p> + +<p>“I read in a book which I brought with me,” said +Radcliffe, “that the southern horn of the crescent, +that is, the south pole of Venus, is constantly to be +seen blunted, as though some lofty mountain existed +there which caught the solar rays, and it has been +said that this may be even twenty-seven earth miles +in height.”</p> + +<p>“I know to what you allude,” replied Carmichael. +“As far back as 1643 irregularities on the planet’s +surface (when it appeared as a crescent) were noted +by Fontana at Naples. Since then astronomers of +several European countries have seen the same +thing. Van Ertborn, a Belgian, in 1876, saw more +than once a point of light in the neighbourhood of +the southern pole, which he thought to be the sunshine +striking a high peak, while the valleys around +lay in shadow.”</p> + +<p>“As to the enormous height ascribed to the mountain,” +observed Carysfort, “there is no doubt some +error and perhaps a gross exaggeration, but, if there +be any corresponding reality at all, we may look out +for something inexpressibly grand when we approach +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span>the southern pole. I see here an advantage and a +drawback: it will be the means of enabling us to behold +our own earth, which, of course, is perpetually +hidden from the inner side of the planet; but on the +other hand, who but some Robinson Crusoe, monarch +of all he surveys, could live on the top of a mountain +of such proportions? I fear this weighs heavily +in the scale against our finding human beings.”</p> + +<p>“I never realised I was an ungrateful beggar till +this moment,” said Abercromby, “but I have positively +forgotten that such a planet as the earth exists. +I wonder I did so, as my generous uncle is upon its +surface now, thinking me out in Australia, or else +gone to the dogs; anyway, he is blessing his stars +that he got rid of me with so little fuss. You +managed it admirably, Professor. No luckless wastrel +ever dropped out more neatly than I did; I might +have cheated even the police.”</p> + +<p>“We all got off with very little trouble,” said +Carysfort. “Had we been Frenchmen or Germans it +would have been harder, but England permits any of +her sons to vanish quietly, except Tommy Atkins of +course, and <i>him</i> she usually allows to starve.”</p> + +<p>“Well, well, we are in Venus now and we need not +bother over our poor stupid world,” said Abercromby; +“besides, we are going back to enlighten it, you know.”</p> + +<p>“Land ahead, and not an island this time,” cried +Radcliffe; and, behold, a vast range of lofty mountains +could be discerned, about fifty miles away, +showing clearly against a bank of clouds.</p> + +<p>“Well done, old chap,” replied Abercromby. “While +we were rating the old world, you, like George +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</span>Canning, have called into existence a new world to +redress its balance.”</p> + +<p>“And what are we going to find upon yonder +continent when we get there?” asked the Professor.</p> + +<p>“Women and men, angels and devils,” replied Frank +in an elevated tone. “Which are which you, Radcliffe, +shall decide. I’m going below to fetch a new telescope. +That beast I had to fight has, I believe, +swallowed my old one. I forgot that when Carysfort +slew him I might have recovered the instrument, but +it would take time to go back across the equator and +fetch it.”</p> + +<p>The speed of the Asteroid had again to be greatly +reduced, and a long interval elapsed ere they reached +the summits of the mountains, which formed the +outer edge of a vast and dreary plateau destitute +of every species of life, animal or vegetable.</p> + +<p>As there was no need for them to make a home +upon these bleak uplands, they held on upon their +southern track. For many miles they saw this +desert region beneath them, with its sombre-hued +pinnacles and rock masses and its dull red areas +of comparatively level ground. But at last their +perseverance was to be rewarded. Gradually the +nature of the soil changed from utter barrenness +to richness, though for a long while the richness was +but comparative rather than absolute. Trees began +to appear, at first singly, then in groups, and finally +in dense masses of brilliantly tinted woodland; the +ground sloped downwards, though by no such abrupt +transition as had been the case in the northern +island. Presently the country began to open out, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</span>and, by degrees, one of the grandest landscapes upon +which mortal eyes had ever looked became unveiled +to view—a fertile and fruitful continent with majestic +streams and smaller lakes, grand waterfalls and undulating +hills. One thing alone was wanting—the +presence of humanity. Another and a still higher +mountain-chain with serrated peaks rose to the south, +but it must have been at least two hundred miles +distant. Beyond them, at all events, the final problem +lay, for the whole contour of the landscape +negatived the idea that mountains of such elevation +could be instantly succeeded by the ocean without +any intervening belt of land.</p> + +<p>“What do you think of it, Professor?” said the +engineer.</p> + +<p>“It is just the northern island over again, except +on a grander scale,” replied Carmichael. “I begin to +realise that our stay in Venus will be very short. +When we have once reached the pole and proved +whether the high polar mountain is a myth or a +reality the game will be up.”</p> + +<p>“But surely,” interposed Radcliffe, “the question +cannot be settled by travelling in a straight line +north to south. Ought we not to go <i>round</i> the +lighted side of the planet as well as going <i>down</i> it?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly we ought,” answered Carmichael, “if this +were only a vessel or an airship; but with our resources +at command it will be much easier, and also +safer, to rise to such a height as will embrace the +whole hemisphere, and then, when it lies as a model +map beneath us, to find out whether there is any +further land, and drop down straight towards it.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</span></p> + +<p>“Pity, perhaps, we did not do this at the first,” +said Abercromby. “We should then have saved +ourselves a few disappointments at least.”</p> + +<p>“No,” answered the Professor. “I will put up +with the disappointments. It was very desirable to +come to close quarters with the soil and the products +of Venus.”</p> + +<p>“Well, here seems a suitable spot for an anchorage,” +said Carysfort, pointing to a sequestered glade near +the banks of a large river; “suppose we fix upon +it and settle ourselves.”</p> + +<p>The Asteroid glided down till it rested upon a +grassy mound at an elevation of about thirty feet +above the river bank. The usual precautions to +ensure the safety of the machine were then taken, +and while Jackson prepared the tea, the rest stood +watching the rapid current as it sped past them in +a south-westerly direction.</p> + +<p>They were so dead-tired that tea and supper were +blended into one, and then Abercromby having +undertaken to mount guard, the others gladly succumbed +to their drowsiness and fell asleep.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X"> + CHAPTER X + <br> + WHEN THE RAIN MIST LIFTED + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>The Professor had just rubbed his eyes in the +first moments of waking consciousness, when he +heard a yell resound through the machine, but of an +unmistakably earthly type. The next moment he had +sprung to his feet, thrust on an overcoat, and was up +the stairs into the dining-room. Carysfort and the +others had emerged with equal speed; Jackson, +indeed, with more zeal than conventionality, appeared +in his night-shirt.</p> + +<p>Abercromby was standing, ghastly pale, his hair +erect, every muscle and limb shaking, and pointing +to the window. A huge, man-like creature, with +reeking jaws, porcupine-like bristles, and one enormous +eye in the middle of his forehead, had clambered +up the stairway and was tearing at the smooth +surface of the glass with claw-like hands. With a +cry of horror Carysfort rushed to fetch his gun, but, +finding the way to the stair-ladder barred, he stopped +and hesitated. As if to make matters worse, two +other creatures, equally hideous and furious, flung out +their arms and sought to clasp the Asteroid in their +foul clutches. Carmichael at once made for the +conning-tower and started the machine in an upward +flight. The irons tore and creaked, but of course +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</span>gave way after a minute, while the Asteroid rose +over the tree tops, a hundred feet from the +ground. With a hideous yell the gorilla creatures +let go and were hurled downwards, not to the ground +but into the waters of the river. They evidently +had no idea of swimming, for, after a brief struggle, +they were swept away by the current.</p> + +<p>“A pretty appetiser we have had for breakfast,” +grumbled Frank Abercromby. “Darwin’s missing +link was not in it.”</p> + +<p>“How on earth did the monsters first appear?” +asked Carysfort.</p> + +<p>“My friend, you must say in future ‘How on +Venus,’” replied Abercromby. “Well, I had better +cry ‘peccavi,’ as the Indian governor did when he +wrote ‘I have Scinde.’ I was just going to fall +asleep at my post, when that strange and most attractive +Johnnie came and looked reproachfully at +me. But I wonder I did not go stark staring mad +on the spot.”</p> + +<p>“Where are we to venture the machine now?” +asked Radcliffe, who looked very white though he +had said nothing.</p> + +<p>“We will keep this side of the river at all events,” +said the Professor. They chose another less restricted +camping-place, the anchors were made fast, +and the party alighted to be quite certain the coast +was clear. Radcliffe declared that he heard certain +gobblings and chucklings emanating from the +thickets hard by, and the others, after attentively +listening, believed he was right. They resolved, +therefore, to make but a very short stay, in fact, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</span>only just sufficient to take their meal. Even Abercromby +disclaimed the thought of an out-of-door +picnic, and therefore they had breakfast in the +dining-room and drew in the stair-ladder as a precaution.</p> + +<p>“What concerns me is the thought that those +creatures are the real inhabitants of Venus,” remarked +Carysfort.</p> + +<p>“God forbid!” said Radcliffe fervently. “I cannot +and will not think so until I am obliged.”</p> + +<p>“If <i>that</i> is evolution illustrated,” remarked Abercromby, +“it would have made Darwin himself orthodox.”</p> + +<p>“I am by no means disposed to reject evolution,” +replied Radcliffe, “because the Creator could work in +and through evolution, even if man be descended +from a protoplasm as well as from a monkey. All I +ask for is that God’s hand should guide the process +all through the countless ages. Not that I consider +Darwin’s theory proved. I only say that if it ever +comes to be, it would not shake my faith.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t be too liberal and concessive, my dear +fellow,” said the Professor, “though the advice may +sound queer as coming from me. Evolution is <i>a</i> +theory, not <i>the</i> theory. To make it account for all +the facts of creation is to take up one of those short +and easy cuts which are as great a nuisance to true +science as to anything else. I regard evolution as +one of the helpful working forces of the universe. +I believe that the original types of animal life were +fewer than the existing types. But when I have said +that, I no more believe that all life came from a jelly-fish +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</span>than I believe that every species was distinctly +and separately created. People always think that +nature is uniform in its ways, while we shall have +to learn that it is not. As to the inhabitants of +Venus being represented by those creatures, my mind +turns sick at the very thought. However, we must +face facts, but we will not rush at facts.”</p> + +<p>“No, I did not rush at the monster, I waited for +fresh light on the situation, and you brought it me, +Professor,” said Abercromby. “I should never be +eating this breakfast had I taken a short and easy +road to knowledge by going out and shaking hands +with him.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I think we will start,” said the Professor, +“when you have done eating, Abercromby.”</p> + +<p>“Yes; we will have a good day’s aerial exploration +to blow the nightmare off,” remarked the +engineer.</p> + +<p>They travelled at least a hundred miles over the +fair and diversified land before they had accomplished +more than half the distance to the southern +mountains. Once Radcliffe declared that there were +some houses perched upon an eminence to the west, +but a careful survey proved that they were only +high rocks of white colour shining in the sun’s rays +above the forest land. As some doubt was still felt, +they shaped their course towards them, for it did not +take them many miles out of their way.</p> + +<p>It proved to be a tableland of grey-white rocks, +several hundred feet above the plain. Here the +Asteroid alighted and it was resolved to rest for the +night, for the place appeared fairly inaccessible to +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</span>wild beasts, and if any such were to appear, they +could be easily seen before they touched the Asteroid. +But there were no traces of wild beasts, though some +richly plumed birds made the air melodious with their +song for a few minutes. Jackson was preparing the +supper, and all except Radcliffe were within. Radcliffe +was out on the plateau, wrapped in his thoughts, +as Abercromby told them, as well as in his greatcoat.</p> + +<p>“Well, I wish the dear fellow would not express +them in that everlasting tune,” said the engineer; +“he has been well on for a quarter of an hour, and it +rather gets on my nerves.”</p> + +<p>“It is one of the melodies those fiddlers were +playing at Cullercoats,” remarked the Professor, +“‘Love launched a fairy boat,’ I believe.”</p> + +<p>“The prettiest song I ever heard, that, and ‘All in +the hush of twilight,’” said Abercromby; “but alas +and alack! there is no maiden to sing with me, +though we are in the Love planet itself.”</p> + +<p>“No! that is quite true,” replied the Professor +dryly.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe came in, happily unconscious of the late +topic of criticism.</p> + +<p>They took their places at the supper-table, when +one of the most startling interruptions that had ever +yet tried their nerves broke in upon the meal.</p> + +<p>Overhead they heard a loud noise followed by +a wailing cry. It seemed to come from the north, +to attain to a piercing intensity, and then to die +away southwards into tremulous silence.</p> + +<p>“What the deuce is that?” shouted Abercromby; +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</span>and, before the others could stop him, he had opened +the door, and, regardless of the absence of the steps, +had bounded out upon the plateau. There they saw +him throwing his arms to and fro, and wildly gesticulating +to them the other side of the windows. They +could see he was in no danger, but mad with eagerness +and excitement.</p> + +<p>The whole party sprang to their feet and were by +his side in two minutes. They looked in the +direction in which he was wildly pointing, and saw +a huge greyish thing, with outspread fans, whirling +away to the mountain heights and then vanishing +behind them.</p> + +<p>The Professor, after a moment’s dead silence, said: +“This is very serious; let us come within.”</p> + +<p>“Why very serious?” asked the engineer, when +they were again at the supper-table.</p> + +<p>“Because it means one of two things, either of +which will greatly affect us. It is either a huge +primeval monster, or a flying machine like our own, +in so far as it is an airship.”</p> + +<p>“And why are either of these things so grave after +all?” said Abercromby. “If that affair yonder were an +airship, your heart ought to be glad, Professor; if +a monster, it has the right to be sorry, your heart +I mean; but why alarmed?”</p> + +<p>“If it be a monster, Abercromby, we have come to +Venus too soon to find intelligent human life. Such +creatures could hardly co-exist with man in a world +which, for practical purposes, has but so little accommodation. +If it be an airship, then we are going to +meet a race incapable of being either terrified by us, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</span>or even much astonished by us, who can meet us on +equal terms, man to man, but may be armed millions +against armed units. Now you understand what I +fear, and why I fear it.”</p> + +<p>“Take it easy, Professor, we may astonish the +niggers after all; but I <i>must</i> say I want to see them, +even if it be only possible for them to astonish <i>me</i>. +We will sing them a song or two before we die, +Professor.”</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>The night was far from being a restful one under +such circumstances. Two were placed on guard, to +relieve each other every three hours. On the next +day they found it impossible to start, as a thin, penetrating +rain descended, the first they had experienced +upon Venus. It continued, without cessation, for +several hours, while the whole valley lay enwrapped +in a silvery mist. The Asteroid afforded them a +secure asylum, but, in their state of eager excitement, +the time passed very slowly.</p> + +<p>At last, soon after they had had their lunch, the mist +began to disperse and the sun shone out in splendour. +The air was much fresher and cooler; had they not +been so naturally impatient to push on, they would +have taken a walk, at least along the ridge of the +plateau. But they were in no mood to do this—they +were hunting for niggers, as Abercromby elegantly +phrased it, and as nobody else overheard him, +it did not much matter.</p> + +<p>The Professor ordered the start at about 3 p.m. by +their watches. The Asteroid was set at fairly high +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</span>speed, and soon reached the slopes of the mountains. +A few miles to the west they saw a huge gap or defile, +and towards this they steered. A great wall of +precipitous rock shelved downwards in the direction +in which they had come, but, to the south, a pass +extended of varying breadth, sometimes almost too +narrow for the whole of them to walk abreast.</p> + +<p>The Asteroid was therefore in a rather awkward +position; they could descend if they liked and make +the journey on foot, but, in such a place, it seemed too +hazardous to deprive themselves of the aid of their +machine. They decided therefore to rise higher, and +to follow the course of the pass, but at a safe elevation +above it. In a few minutes the pass ended, they +came out over a grassy upland height, but, unfortunately, +the rain mist had now taken up its position +to the south of them, and though there was evidently +a grand landscape prospect, it was, for the present, +completely wiped out.</p> + +<p>A clump of lofty trees reared their heads a few +hundred yards away, and to these they steered, coming +to an anchorage beneath them. The party gladly +took shelter in the dining-room, for they began to be +positively chilly, doubtless owing to the peculiar +state of the atmosphere, perhaps, even, to their restless +nerves.</p> + +<p>Neither cold nor rain could deter Clarence Radcliffe +from venturing to the end of the clump of trees +where the ground sloped suddenly downwards. He +saw the mist begin to uncoil and lift itself; slowly the +outlines grew clearer and more distinct. Feature +after feature of a country, rich in its loveliness, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</span>disclosed themselves. High hills were interspersed +with park-like glades; a lake of superb dimensions +appeared, glittering in the sunshine, into which two +majestic rivers poured their rapid waters. In the +midst was a large island, and in the centre rose an +object that sent the blood tingling through his veins—a +colossal palace fortress or temple, with four graceful +pinnacles each glittering with a different hue of +colour—while beyond the lake was a greater sight still, +at which, after a glance of fascinated admiration, he +turned away, his eyes dim with tears. “O that one +had been here to see it with me, but it was not to +be. Her eyes behold a landscape with which even +this cannot compare. If I could but know she was +looking at me now, I should be more brave to do +what perhaps lies before me. But I know she would +wish me to do it, and I <i>will</i>.”</p> + +<p>Then he turned and went back to the Asteroid. +They were all in the dining-room making preparations +to start for a walk, as the weather was clearing. +But all stood petrified at the expression on his face.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen,” he said, “I have chanced to see +what you should all have seen with me. I owe you +an apology. Come at once.”</p> + +<p>They rushed out to the edge of the great precipice +and stopped, absolutely incapable for the moment +either of speech or action. The vast plain was +dotted with houses and palaces, each standing in its +grove and garden, while up the sides of the two +southern hills that sloped towards the lake shore +stretched the outlines of a great city, its domes, +towers, and pinnacles shining in the light of a sun +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</span>more splendid than the sun of India, yet tempered +in its rays by the white-robed circle of the sky.</p> + +<p>The object of the expedition was accomplished; +before them lay the life, the civilisation, and the glory +of the planet Venus.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI"> + CHAPTER XI + <br> + THE CITY AND ITS WELCOME + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>“My friends,” began Carmichael in an almost +trembling voice, “there is no need for me to +tell you that the supreme hour has come at last. All +that we have dared and anything we may have +suffered has led up to this, and we may put it behind +us. Before us now lies the solemn duty of doing the +right thing for two worlds and so acting that we shall +not make our return home impossible, for if we do +we only benefit ourselves. Now the first thing to +face is the initial peril, the greatest as well as the +nearest. A glance suffices to show us that force is +out of the question, and that we cannot play the part +of demi-gods even if we wished to. How, then, shall +we best and most wisely disclose ourselves to those +people, who of course cannot speak a word of any +language with which we are familiar, whose manners +are as unknown to us as their weapons, and who +may even have totally different ideas as to both +justice and mercy from any terrestrial races.”</p> + +<p>“You state a big problem, Professor,” replied +Carysfort, “but I think it will conduce to simplify it +if we decide first of all whether we shall boldly +venture into their midst or approach them in deferential +guise.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</span></p> + +<p>“Stick to our good old machine, that is my advice,” +said Abercromby; “if they have artillery or other +contrivances to blow us up they can the more easily +destroy us piecemeal if we take a walking tour and +present ourselves as solitary wayfarers.”</p> + +<p>“That cannot be thought of,” said Carmichael. +“The choice lies between soaring towards the city in +the air, or pitching quite near to it and keeping +close to the Asteroid.”</p> + +<p>“A thought occurs to me,” said Radcliffe, “that it +might not be a bad plan to entrench ourselves where +we are, but not to leave them to find us out, which +would be cowardice, but to signal to them and make +them send a deputation to us. This would force +them to show whether they meant to be friendly or +hostile.”</p> + +<p>“Excellent, capital!” said Frank Abercromby. +“But what signals do you propose?”</p> + +<p>“The rockets,” answered Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“I think the idea is feasible and also wise,” said +the Professor thoughtfully. “Its chief merit lies in +this, that but a small number can come to us in this +elevated place, whereas if we went to the city we +should have the whole multitude upon our hands. +The going to the city or encamping near to it might +well suggest to them hostilities, whereas our signalling +to them could not be regarded in such a light.”</p> + +<p>The decision having been taken, it only remained +for them to put it into execution, and this they resolved +to do at once. Having seen to their arms +and ammunition, the rocket apparatus was placed in +readiness, and the first rocket was discharged by +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</span>the Professor. It rose into the sky with a loud +explosion, and the fiery train must have been visible +to every part of the city. A few minutes later a +second rocket was discharged and after that a third.</p> + +<p>“These must suffice,” said he; “we must not waste +our supply.”</p> + +<p>Some little time elapsed during which the party +closely examined every part of the scene before them +with the help of their telescopes. They were too far +off to make out the inhabitants, but they could gain +clear information as to the houses. The architecture +was somewhat Oriental in character, though Radcliffe +thought that it bore a resemblance to the accounts +given of ancient Mexico and Peru in the histories of +Prescott. There were broad streets and squares +with fountains and gardens in the midst; the larger +houses were of very imposing aspect. There seemed +no evidence of squalor or poverty anywhere, but of +affluence and repose. In fact, <i>repose</i> was one of the +prevailing features.</p> + +<p>It was a veritable garden city or pleasure city; +there was neither hurry nor tumult. They noted +also an utter absence of fortification or military +defence. Either the Venusians had no enemies on +their planet who could molest them, or they had +concealed weapons and resources that rendered +visible precautions needless.</p> + +<p>Suddenly they all noticed a small object rise up +like a bird upon the wing from the terrace of a huge +palace on the top of the highest hill. It was evidently +coming towards them, and that rapidly.</p> + +<p>“An airship I declare,” cried Abercromby. “That, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</span>then, was the object that gave us such a fright the +other evening.”</p> + +<p>The flying vessel came nearer and nearer; it was +more graceful and ethereal than the Asteroid, though +the machinery by which it was propelled was much +the same in character. It had no outer balcony, nor +did it seem to carry any weapons. It slowed down +within a few yards of them, and then a click was +heard, a panelled door flew open, and two beings +alighted, evidently a man and a woman. They were +about the same height as average terrestrials; they +had a pale complexion with a slight yellowish tinge; +their dress was simple, a flowing classical-like drapery +with a girdle of crimson. They wore upon their +heads tiaras of gold, while the woman’s head was +adorned with a coronet. Each carried in the hand +a small tube of green-coloured metal.</p> + +<p>Carmichael, motioning to the others to stand back, +while keeping his hand upon his revolver in case of +need, stepped forward, bowing and smiling, and +making every demonstration of peace and goodwill. +The two Venusians did not reciprocate his advances; +their whole bearing was haughty and aloof.</p> + +<p>The Professor spoke a few words, and tried the +expedient of leading forward each of his companions +and presenting them.</p> + +<p>The strangers conversed rapidly with each other in +a very musical and harmonious language. The man +was rather eager and excited, the woman haughty +and stern. Suddenly she raised the tube in her hand +and pointed it at the Professor.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe sprang forward and interposed to shield +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</span>him, guessing the deadly intent. At this she lowered +the weapon and said a few words to her companion. +He nodded, and she pointed the green metal tube +not at them but at a tall tree a little to the right; a +faint flash followed, and suddenly the tree stood +blasted before them as by a stroke of lightning. A +cry broke from the party and all drew their revolvers; +but Radcliffe spoke an earnest word and, taking his +own weapon, he laid it upon the ground. This was +understood, and the two Venusians replaced their +metal tubes in their girdles.</p> + +<p>They paused a moment, then they made signs to +Radcliffe to approach them. The man took the hand +he stretched out and grasped it; the woman would +not, but her lips parted into the semblance of a smile +which at least denoted a relaxing of enmity. Struck +by a thought, the Professor hurried to fetch a large +map of the solar system with all the planets and +their orbits clearly marked. Radcliffe held this out +to the Venusians, who took it and examined it with +the greatest interest, making frequent comments one +to the other.</p> + +<p>Abercromby, who would have made his fortune on +the stage, then went through a pantomimic performance +to describe the purpose of the expedition and +the course which it had taken. The Venusians looked +on, till the man grew impatient and the woman more +and more scornful.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Radcliffe pointed to the map, and described +with his pencil the journey of the Asteroid +from the earth to Venus. He took a sheet of white +paper and drew sketches of Venus as a planet and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</span>of the Asteroid approaching her. The Venusians +were now intensely interested, and even pressed him +by signs to tell them more. He went on for another +quarter of an hour, till they signified that they had +heard enough. They did not condescend to take +further notice of the others, but shook hands with +him, this time both of them, pointed once and again +in the direction of their city, stepped into their +machine, and instantly took to flight, returning in +the same direction as that in which they had come.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>“A queer business this,” said Abercromby. “You +were evidently in high esteem, Radcliffe, old man; +that amiable female meant to put daylight through us, +as the Americans say, if you had not curried favour.”</p> + +<p>“Abercromby, don’t be jealous,” said Carysfort; +“some other Venusian maid will fall in love with you +if you have a little patience and do not expect to +take a whole planet by storm.”</p> + +<p>“I’m not a bit jealous,” said Abercromby, “only +Radcliffe captivated both the jokers, and did not +leave us even the man.”</p> + +<p>“Well, he saved all our lives, except at the expense +of a deed which would have aroused the whole world +against us,” replied the Professor. “But we must now +decide, and quickly, upon what is to be done next.”</p> + +<p>“Follow them to the city, as they pointed the way +to it,” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“I think we had better do so,” answered Carmichael; +“their gestures certainly wore the aspect of +invitation, if not of command.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</span></p> + +<p>“I scarcely think we are very sure of a friendly +reception,” observed the engineer, “and yet if we stay +here, they will hunt us out, or capture us by main +force.”</p> + +<p>“Where is Jackson?” asked Carmichael.</p> + +<p>“Down in the store-room,” said Abercromby sarcastically. +“When the Venusians got ready their shots +he bethought himself that the kettle wanted watching. +My old grandfather, who used to dine on board +ship with Charlie Napier and the other paladins of +the ‘roaring fifties,’ once heard a naval captain tell a +story of how a black cook ran down into the stoke-hole +as soon as the French or the Russians commenced +firing. Well, the officer hauled him up on +deck and rated him for a cowardly rascal. The +nigger was equal to the occasion. ‘Good heart, +massa!’ he said; ‘good heart! bad legs, massa, +bad legs! Legs run away with the heart!’”</p> + +<p>Carmichael laughed, and then the whole party got +inside the Asteroid, and the engines being set in +motion, they rose high into the air and winged a +straight flight to the great city.</p> + +<p>As a measure of prudence, the Professor raised the +altitude of the Asteroid a mile above the ground, +and shaped his course for the terraced building on +the hill. They could see vast multitudes pouring out +of the houses and standing, pointing with upraised +arms to the machine, and watching intently its every +movement.</p> + +<p>At last the great palace lay below them, and they +slowly descended till they alighted upon the ground +in the courtyard. Hardly had they done so when +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</span>excited crowds of men and women came rushing +forth.</p> + +<p>In a moment, before the travellers had had time +to give explanations by signs, they were seized by +furious hands, their weapons struck from them, and +they would soon have been torn in pieces had not +two officials, in gorgeous attire, thrust their way +forward and spoken some words in a high and +authoritative tone. Then the crowd fell back, still +uttering such cries of rage and fury that they expected +each moment would be their last. But the +officers of the court kept their authority, and +Carmichael, Carysfort, Abercromby, and Radcliffe +were led into an adjoining room, where their hands +were tightly bound, and they were bidden to follow. +They were then dragged along a number of passages +till they arrived at last before a door which, on being +opened, led into a small quadrangle open to the sky, +with a few shrubs and flowers growing in the centre, +and several rooms opening into it, one large, the +others small. Then the officers released them from +their fetters and immediately departed.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>The first thing the ill-fated travellers did when the +door closed upon them was to count their numbers, +and then they made the startling discovery that there +was one missing.</p> + +<p>“Where is Jackson?” asked the Professor, in a +transport of alarm.</p> + +<p>“Don’t trouble about him,” said Carysfort; “he is +safe in the machine.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</span></p> + +<p>“Good heavens! How came we to leave him?” +said the Professor.</p> + +<p>“He is better off than we are,” remarked Carysfort; +“he has the means of escape, while we are +trapped.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose the next event will be the lord high +executioner,” muttered Abercromby. “Why were we +such idiots as not to stick to the Asteroid?”</p> + +<p>“Well, it is done now,” replied Carmichael; “but +remember that with their weapons, of which we have +had a sample already, they could have not only +destroyed us but wrecked the Asteroid as well. A +mob hammering at the windows could soon have +effected an entrance. But if I <i>did</i> lose my head for +a minute, I can only ask your forgiveness. As to +poor Jackson, he is free to do what we did not or +could not do, and I think he will have had sense +enough to get away and loyalty enough not to go +away altogether. Anyway, God alone can protect +us now.”</p> + +<p>“I, who have the least interest in living,” said +Radcliffe, “beg you all not to give up hope. Just +consider, even if the Venusians had come down upon +London and smashed the dome of St. Paul’s, English +justice would not kill them without full enquiry, and +all the scientists in the world would clamour for their +lives to learn what secrets they had to tell. So it will +be with us, depend upon it; we shall be allowed to +live, though I fear we shall never be allowed to return. +For your sakes, and for the world’s sake, I am +deeply sorry, though personally I would prefer to +live here till the call comes to go where the wicked +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</span>cease from troubling and where the weary are at +rest.”</p> + +<p>Abercromby was just about to expatiate on the +better prospects they might have had in Mars when +the door opened, and some men appeared bearing +food and drink upon a large platter. This done, +they retired, without a word, though it would have +been of little use to have attempted conversation.</p> + +<p>“I believe we shall be kept alive till we have +learned their blessed language,” muttered Abercromby; +“and we had better assume at once that +it takes as long to learn it as Chinese. Meantime +we can grow fat at the Government expense. I +wonder who bosses the show here, whether king, +queen, president, or council of elders. Also whether +Free-trade or Protection is in the ascendant?”</p> + +<p>But poor Abercromby’s jokes fell very flat upon +the weary and dispirited men, who ate their meal +and then stretched themselves upon the none too +luxurious couches provided for them and fell asleep, +wishing they could wake up to hear the waves beat +upon Northumbria’s shore in their Cullercoats lodging +or in the lonely house at Newbiggin.</p> + +<p>Two days passed in the same miserable uncertainty. +Three times during each day they were waited on by +silent attendants; their food was of the nature of +dough cakes, and their drink was of a light kind of +fruity wine, very palatable but somewhat disposed to +bring on a state of drowsiness if they partook too +freely of it.</p> + +<p>They were at full liberty to promenade the courtyard, +and to wander in and out of the adjoining +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</span>rooms. They scarcely ever caught sounds from the +outside world, except, now and again, the singing of +birds.</p> + +<p>But one day, just after they had risen, they heard +Abercromby calling them from the parlour or dining-room +in tones hoarse with excitement. He was +holding in his hand a number of sheets of paper.</p> + +<p>“Come here, all of you, and solve this riddle for +me. I want you to prove to my own private satisfaction +that I am neither mad nor drunk.”</p> + +<p>“What have you got there?” said Carysfort. +“Why! bless my stars! this is some of our manuscript +paper from the Asteroid. Where did you +find it?”</p> + +<p>“On the table here, staring me in the face.”</p> + +<p>The Professor took up the sheets, scanned them +very carefully, and then said, “This is an alphabet of +the Venusian language, and here are lists of Venusian +words and phrases. Now we see that Radcliffe’s theory +is quite correct. This is our first lesson in the language, +and it will no doubt be followed by many others. +It is clear now that our lives are safe, till we are +able to render a complete account of our unlucky +selves, and perhaps afterwards, if we give satisfaction.”</p> + +<p>“That is all very well so far as it goes, Professor,” +replied Abercromby, “and it is a great convenience +and a skilful piece of work. But one thing seems +for a moment to have escaped your notice.”</p> + +<p>“What is that?” asked Carmichael quickly.</p> + +<p>“Where the dickens does the English come from +and who holds the chair of terrestrial languages in +this planet’s university?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</span></p> + +<p>“Forgive me, Abercromby; for the moment I was +so taken up with the personal aspect of this discovery +that I forgot the more amazing side of it. +Now am I utterly thunderstruck, and have not a +word to say.”</p> + +<p>“Of all the things that have befallen us since we +left the earth this transcends every one of them,” +replied the engineer.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe ventured the remark that the Venusians +must have taken possession of the Asteroid and +stolen the paper, or else poor Jackson must have +been compelled to give it up.</p> + +<p>The Professor admitted that this was quite possible, +but it did not <ins id='cor_088' title='Original: eludicate'>elucidate</ins> the amazing problem of how +English could be known in Venus.</p> + +<p>The Professor sat with his head buried in his hands. +Radcliffe took up the paper and scrutinised each of +the English words.</p> + +<p>“There are but three suppositions,” remarked +Carmichael at length. “One, that some Englishman +or American has forestalled us. This, I think, is absurd; +the very attitude of the people is opposed to +it. Another, that the Venusians possess powers +unknown to man and can master other forms of +speech at will. But, if that were so, they might talk +to us at once. There is one theory more—pure and +absolute miracle—the act of God. On this I am too +reverent by nature to offer any criticism. I confess +myself to have received as astounding a shock to my +intellect as our casualty has dealt to our liberty and +our hopes.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII"> + CHAPTER XII + <br> + NEEDFUL PREPARATIONS + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>As they had all suspected, a change soon came +over the situation; they had a task set them +to do, and this was to learn the language of the +country.</p> + +<p>Every day both men and women came to their +prison to give them instructions, which they carried +on by signs, by pictures, by every conceivable +method. They submitted with the best grace they +could, although they could not tell to what this +education process was destined to lead, whether to +life or to death. Carmichael was at a disadvantage, +for he had never developed an aptitude for learning +languages, and it was said that he had got through +his “Little Go” at Cambridge with considerable +difficulty, as his laurels were gained in another field. +The engineer was a man of many tongues, as he had +travelled much, both in Mexico and South America. +Abercromby always spoke of himself as a hopeless +dunce, but it was often noticed that he found the +way to learn whatever he really wished to learn. As +to Clarence Radcliffe, he threw his whole soul into +the work—a process which on this occasion stood +him in good stead, as, in ordinary cases, languages +were not his strong point.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</span></p> + +<p>The mystery of the English writing was not solved. +Radcliffe persisted in thinking that the two people +who had visited them on the hillside were the authors +of it. There was some plausibility in this, for they +may have meant it as a return for the trouble he had +taken with them over the diagrams and the solar-system +map. But plausible as the suggested motive +might be, it did not explain how they could have +carried it out.</p> + +<p>When a little progress had been made Carmichael +one day showed the papers to some who had come +to teach them. He was surprised to find that they +evinced little or no curiosity or astonishment. The +reason, however, soon appeared. They thought that +the prisoners had written the words for themselves, +and it was the presence of their own words, not of the +English words, that they specially noted. When the +Professor understood this, Carysfort earnestly advised +him to let the matter drop, for in their helpless +position indiscreet disclosures or even questions might +get them all into trouble. They would soon find out +for themselves what powers the wise men of the +planet really had. “Besides,” he said, “I am convinced +by a minute study of the letters that they +were never written by one to whom our language +was familiar; their shape is quite stilted and foreign.”</p> + +<p>Carmichael was satisfied now that they had not +been forestalled by some traveller from earth.</p> + +<p>They early made discovery of the name by which +Venus was known to its own people. Venusian was +not a pleasing term, and did not sound so well as +Atalantan. The planet was called Atalanta, which +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</span>meant “the flowery land.” As there was but one +nation, one empire, dwelling upon it, Atalanta was +the name given to both the country and its metropolis. +The beautiful vale in which the city stood +with the great lake from whose shores its steep +ascents took their rise was Meloria; the broad +spreading high hills bounding the vale to the north +were the Keraunian Mountains, so called from an +ancient king of Atalanta who had saved the life of +the child of one of the noblest of his subjects, while +climbing their heights, at the expense of his own.</p> + +<p>Carmichael was told that his supposition of a high +mountain near the southern pole was correct. It +was a peaked mountain called Aptaura, and was +twenty miles above the sea-level, the highest point +on the planet.</p> + +<p>The earth was known to the Atalantans as Karamandra, +“Queen of the cold night”; Mercury, which +was the only planet visible from the lighted hemisphere, +was called Araminta, the bright flashing; +while the sun was Asti, the furnace, though he had +other titles connected with the Atalantan religion.</p> + +<p>Carmichael saw that it was useless to seek any +information as to what was going to happen to them, +nor would his teachers tell much about their politics +or customs. The travellers even suspected that any +questions they put were noted down. Radcliffe got +on the best, as he only made enquiries about their +beliefs, and on this point they were willing, as far as +he was concerned, to be a little more communicative, +though it is to be feared that he was not greatly +encouraged by what they told him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</span></p> + +<p>On the other hand, the Atalantans put very few +questions themselves and these only of a harmless +sort. It was evident that they had no intention of +treachery, but how much of what the travellers said +was reported elsewhere, the latter could not be +equally certain.</p> + +<p>One evening the party were seated in their parlour, +when Abercromby asked the Professor to tell them +what he had been able to glean as to Atalantan +matters.</p> + +<p>“Well,” replied Carmichael, “my supply of talk is +but scanty, but it may while away the time to piece +it together. I have ascertained that there exists no +variety of race upon the planet; that these people +have been settled here for a couple of thousand years +at least; that they are descended from a pair, pretty +much after the Bible account of Adam and Eve, only +much more recent in time; that they were originally +patriarchal in government, but that gradually the +kingly power grew and grew until it became what it +is now, a sort of benevolent autocracy rather resembling +that of the ancient Incas of Peru. The +growth of the race has been exceedingly slow compared +with that of earthly races, but I have an +opinion that this is largely due to the deliberate will +of the people themselves, who know that they have +but a small available territory for the comfortable +support of life in a civilised form. Towns and cities +do not exist, nor distinct villages. There is but the +giant capital and scattered and independent country +houses. There is an extension of the land southwards +forming a peninsula called Anactorium; the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</span>land then ends near the south pole with the giant +mountain Aptaura, on which is situated an observatory +for the study of the heavenly bodies, our earth +included.</p> + +<p>“Off the south-western coast is a large island called +Melandria inhabited by a somewhat more hardy +population, of which island the princess Melanitis is +said to be very fond.</p> + +<p>“Now, Carysfort, you take up the cudgels, and tell +us what your supply of knowledge is.”</p> + +<p>“Not very much,” muttered the engineer. “These +folk have found out how to steer airships about two +hundred years ago, and it seems they use them for +all purposes of travel. This is why, except in Melandria, +there are few roads and fewer vehicles. Before +the airship came in they used palanquins and litter-travelling +for the aristocracy, while the rest of the +people walked. The aristocracy consist of those +only who have done deeds of kindness or valour, +such as the Royal House may think worthy of +wearing the crimson sash, the tiara, and the coronet; +their children inherit their honours till they do anything +disgraceful and then the title lapses.</p> + +<p>“Sir Thomas More and Gulliver ought to have +lived in this land before writing their terrestrial +books.”</p> + +<p>“How are the people fed?” asked Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Everybody grows his own produce and makes +his own furniture and clothes,” said Carysfort. “All +the central and northern lands are the free property +of the state. Anybody can take what he wants if +he has the energy to go there. If he has not, then +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</span>he must have a poorer house and wear shabbier +clothes.”</p> + +<p>“How do they elect the king?”</p> + +<p>“The crown descends from sire to son, or from +sire to daughter, for one hundred years, then the +nobility meet in conclave and elect the worthiest man +or woman of their number. If they cannot agree, +the reigning sovereign may hold the throne till +death; but this has only happened twice.”</p> + +<p>“Now, Abercromby, tell us your discoveries,” said +Carmichael.</p> + +<p>“The king has two daughters, Melanitis and +Mexitli,” he answered; “the former will be queen +on her father’s death, and he is a very old man.</p> + +<p>“I am afraid after all, Professor, you are much to +be commiserated that you did not go to Mars. It is +a feminine world, Professor, in the worst of all senses, +that men appear to be in a position of distinct +inferiority. They do all the work, and what the +others do I have not clearly learned at present, but +when I know I will tell you. So far as I can find +out, their rule is decently benevolent, but I shudder +to think of the exceptions. I suppose it will all +figure out right; if it doesn’t we shan’t be here to see.”</p> + +<p>“I believe you are humbugging,” laughed Carmichael.</p> + +<p>“I will tell you a pathetic story,” continued Abercromby. +“I happened to ask one of the most recent +damsels who came here to complete my studies if +the princesses were good-looking. She got in such a +rage that I asked her what the dickens she meant by +it. As she failed to understand me, my words soothed +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</span>her, and then with the airs of all the queens from +Semiramis to Victoria, she demanded by what right +a Karamandran barbarian from outer space presumed +to ask such a thing respecting the two fairy pillars +upon which Atalanta would one day rest. She told +me I was only fit to herd with mangas, and I told +her she was enough to make a cat laugh like Charlie’s +Aunt, but I spoke in English, of course.”</p> + +<p>“What is a manga?” asked Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“I fear it is one of those dear monkeys that made +me howl and wake the Professor, but I am not sure.</p> + +<p>“I think we will agree not to ask Radcliffe what +he has found out, for we are hardly in a fit mood for +serious talk, and I don’t think he wants to tell us,” +continued Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“No, not to-night,” said Radcliffe. “I told Frank +that I was afraid they worshipped the sun, and he +consoled me by saying they would not think of +worshipping the moon, because Venus had not got +one.”</p> + +<p>As Radcliffe himself laughed the whole party saw +no harm in doing the same.</p> + +<p>Three days later a most remarkable event occurred. +This was nothing less than the arrival of Jackson, +with his hands fettered, it is true, but the guards told +them they might release him at once.</p> + +<p>“Well, Tom, old friend and comrade, I am glad to +see you,” said Carmichael warmly.</p> + +<p>“More glad than I am to see myself,” answered +Jackson. “I don’t know how I can bear to tell you +all that has happened.”</p> + +<p>“It was not your fault,” said his master kindly. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</span>“Let us hear the worst at once—the machine has +been taken away or destroyed.”</p> + +<p>“Not so bad as all that, sir; it is put under lock +and key and strongly guarded. When I saw you +made prisoner I thought I would set the engines +going, soar up, and play a game in the sky which +would frighten them, but I never got the chance; +they swarmed in, knocked me down, after I had sent +some of them down, bound me hands and feet, and +fastened me to one of the couches in the dining-room. +Then they began poking their blessed noses +into every nook and corner, and there I was swearing +and cussing and not able to do nothing to stop +them.</p> + +<p>“Presently they takes me and opens my mouth +and puts something in that sends me straight off +asleep for the next twenty hours. When I wakes +up some low-looking fellows were standing over me +and feeling me about, and I put out my tongue in +case it was a doctor. Well, they brought me food +and drink, and I was that mad hungry and thirsty +I cleared the plate and mug, I can tell you, and then +off I went to sleep again, and this was pretty much +how I was treated till this morning, when they took +me out of the machine and brought me to you. +They had moved the machine with me in it while I +was unconscious.”</p> + +<p>“Did they teach you to speak their language?” +asked the Professor.</p> + +<p>“Not they, sir. They didn’t think me up to it, I +suppose.”</p> + +<p>“Well, they have taken no end of pains to teach +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</span>us,” said Abercromby, and he told Jackson the extraordinary +incident of the English words.</p> + +<p>“I believe I can make that out, sir,” said Jackson.</p> + +<p>The Professor looked amazed, but he only said, +“If you can, Tom, you will take quite a load off my +brains.”</p> + +<p>“It was one of their monkey tricks they played on +me, depend on it, sir. When I got my senses +back, I saw one of the rascals holding sheets of our +manuscript paper in his hand. I believe he just went +and mesmerised me, and got me to say and do all he +wanted. Of course, if they were after teaching you +their lingo, they would start much the quicker by +helping you to put their work into our letters, and +I am sure that was how they did it; they made me +say and write the English alphabet when they had +got me like wax in their hands and I had no power +to fight them. But if I did you a good turn, sir, I’ll +forgive them.”</p> + +<p>“Now we have got the key at last,” says Carysfort. +“We need not trouble any more about it.”</p> + +<p>The next morning Cleito, the commandant of the +palace guard, entered their parlour and said to them: +“Four days from now, strangers from Karamandra, +and you will stand before the Royal House in the +Hall of Audience and of Perfect Justice, and you will +reply to the questions put to you by the king and +by the princesses his daughters, and as your answers +shall be good or evil in their sight, so shall your +destiny be.”</p> + +<p>“It has come at last,” said Radcliffe.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII"> + CHAPTER XIII + <br> + THE FIRST ORDEAL + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Four days later, at nine o’clock by their earthly +time, the men from Karamandra were bidden +to follow their escort of guards. Their hands were +fastened by a light chain which afforded some +facilities for movement, and they were led in single +file between a double row of armed men to the +terrace upon which they had so rashly alighted. At +the south end stood a splendid building approached +by a noble portico. Into this they entered, and +passing along a magnificent vestibule, the door of +a pillared hall was thrown open and they found +themselves led up the centre of a vast dome-shaped +building with tiers of seats on either side, one rising +above the other, and filled to overflowing with a +countless sea of human faces, the expressions of +most being set and stern in their hostility. On the +central dais were two semicircular rows of elegant +and carved seats evidently for the highest in rank, +while in front were three thrones with gorgeous +canopies, the central occupied by a most majestic-looking +old man and those on either side by his +daughters Melanitis and Mexitli.</p> + +<p>They were both extremely beautiful with the pale +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</span>tint that so characterised the daughters of Atalanta, +but there was a difference between them, especially +in manner and bearing. The elder, the Queen +designate, was much more humble than her sister—we +might almost say timid and ill at ease. The +younger was haughty, overbearing, and dominating, +and yet with a sullen expression as though she had +not the power to do all she wished. She fixed a +supercilious glance at the terrestrial party, looking +from one to the other, but taking not the least notice +of one more than the other.</p> + +<p>But Melanitis had no sooner looked on the faces +of Abercromby and Radcliffe, who stood the nearest +to her, than she uttered a faint cry as though +stricken, her features became rigid, and she clutched +at the arms of her throne for support.</p> + +<p>The King turned to her and said, “Child of my +heart, what aileth thee?”</p> + +<p>“Only a solar faintness, my lord,” she replied. +The King ordered one of the fan-bearers to minister +to her.</p> + +<p>The incident passed with little notice. Radcliffe +did not see it, for his eyes were fixed upon the King, +who was a grand specimen of dignified old age. +Abercromby saw it, and a puzzled grin (not very +wise under the circumstances) overspread his countenance.</p> + +<p>“King of Atalanta, pride and ornament of thine +ancient house,” said the deep voice of a white-robed +official of the palace, “and you, princesses, pillars of +the kingdom, fairest jewels set in the midst of the +motherland, you see these strangers who have, by +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</span>an unparalleled daring, crossed the myriad depths of +space and thrust themselves in the midst of us. +Their machine is controlled by a power we do not +possess and whose secrets they alone know. But +they themselves are weak and helpless as others, and +it is for you to declare whether it best accords with +the well-being of Atalanta that they live or die. Let +justice and mercy each have their rightful place, yet +by all means remember that this is an event that may +leave lasting traces upon us, and as we act now so +may we be compelled to act hereafter. For the first +time since He came who passed from us on His way +to Karamandra, no being, whether mortal or immortal, +has ever visited us who did not previously +belong to us. We have lived under the silence of +the stars, and as each generation has gone to the +Mansions of the Blest or to the Realm of the Endless +Shadow they have walked in the wisdom of their +fathers. But now it may be that some fuller opportunity +may be granted to us, if we act wisely and +well.”</p> + +<p>The King leaned forward, and addressing Carmichael +said, “Are you from Karamandra and also +your companions?”</p> + +<p>“We are,” said the Professor.</p> + +<p>“Did the king of your world send you on a mission +to us?”</p> + +<p>“There is no king of Karamandra; our world is +peopled on both sides of its surface with nations, +races, and tribes in varying degrees of culture and +resources, but independent, though some are linked +together by bonds and alliances.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</span></p> + +<p>“How many people live in your world?”</p> + +<p>“About twelve hundred millions.”</p> + +<p>An exclamation of horror echoed round the +hall.</p> + +<p>“How long have they dwelt upon its surface?”</p> + +<p>“We have different theories on the subject,” said +Carmichael, with a sly look at Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“If your world has many kings, which of them +sent you?”</p> + +<p>“None; we came of our own selves.”</p> + +<p>There was a murmur of amazement.</p> + +<p>“Who, then, discovered the secret of how to journey +from one world to another?”</p> + +<p>“I did, and also my companion here,” pointing to +Carysfort.</p> + +<p>“When did you discover it?”</p> + +<p>“Many months ago.”</p> + +<p>“Will you tell it to us?”</p> + +<p>“That depends upon how you treat us.”</p> + +<p>Mexitli started to her feet. “Let the insolent +barbarian say no more, for the land cannot endure +his words. His own Sovereign would cast him out; +much more shall not the sacred Majesty of Atalanta?” +Then, pointing at Radcliffe, she said, “If my father +wills I will question <i>him</i>, for he it is who saved the +life of my cousin Mayana from the murderous intent +of these men.”</p> + +<p>The King nodded acquiescence. The woman’s +questions were less academic.</p> + +<p>“Why did you come here?”</p> + +<p>“My companions had no other object than to +benefit their fellows by increasing their own +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</span>knowledge. They made choice of this planet because less +was known about it than of those worlds that lie in +an orbit exterior to our own. Being of the same +size with our own world, my leader naturally hoped +to find those upon its surface with whom he could +hold intelligent converse, and both receive and impart +useful knowledge.”</p> + +<p>“We require no teaching from outer space,” answered +Mexitli, “though there are some in this hall +disloyal enough to think so.”</p> + +<p>“The God of Heaven does not give even to every +Atalantan equal gifts with every other, and yet there +may be little things in which the highest may receive +a helping hand from the lowest. I know the misery +and unrest of my own world, and yet the God of +Heaven has cared for it. Most gladly will I explain +these things in public or in private if I may be +suffered to do so.”</p> + +<p>“You would be better advised first to look out for +your own personal safety, that is the present consideration. +You and yours do not seem to understand +that you have committed more than one +atrocious crime since you invaded our borders. +Then, too, the demeanour of your companions has +been most insolent, as though they expected to be +welcomed with honours in a land which neither +knew of them nor desired them. As for you individually, +I might perhaps advise the King my +father to show you a measure of favour, but the +time has not come yet. You have leave to satisfy +my curiosity on one point. How did the God of +Heaven show His care for Karamandra?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</span></p> + +<p>“By sending His only Son, the Prince of Heaven, +to save them by turning their hearts back again to +Himself.”</p> + +<p>A violent movement of surprise pervaded the hall; +strange to say, Melanitis did not show the agitation +displayed by the rest, but remained outwardly +calm.</p> + +<p>“I thought so,” answered the King. “Our best +traditions led us to think it would be as you say.”</p> + +<p>“Good gracious! we are going to have a battle-royal +about religion,” muttered Carysfort to the Professor.</p> + +<p>“And how did your world act towards Him when +He came to them?” asked Mexitli.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe stood speechless for a moment, his voice +choked; a tear trickled down his face.</p> + +<p>“I should not wonder if they killed Him,” interposed +Melanitis.</p> + +<p>Exclamations of horror and astonishment broke +from all sides.</p> + +<p>Mexitli shrugged her shoulders with a look of +disgust. She signed to Radcliffe to proceed and +said imperiously, “Speak the truth—is this horrible +thing true?”</p> + +<p>“It is true,” answered Radcliffe in a whisper that +sent a thrill through every heart in the hall. “I would +have died in His stead had I been there, and yet I do +not know: one who professed to love Him said as +much and then basely deserted Him; so might I.”</p> + +<p>“How is it that your world exists after doing +this?”</p> + +<p>“God is Love,” replied Radcliffe.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</span></p> + +<p>There was a moment’s tense silence, then the +princess said, “Did <i>anything</i> happen?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; the offer of pardon was sent all over the +world, for God forgave the world, for the death of the +Prince made full amends for all the wrong that men +had done. The divine justice was satisfied. He who +had been slain came into that world for the very +purpose that He might lay down His life for it. +He came as man in lowly guise, enduring all the +sorrows of our life, and those who slew Him did not +know what they were doing. That is why forgiveness +was possible for them. <i>Now</i> the Prince has re-entered +upon His heavenly and immortal life, but He +will come again and take possession of His rightful +inheritance, our own world.”</p> + +<p>“How long ago did these things happen?” asked +the King.</p> + +<p>“Nearly twenty centuries by our reckoning.”</p> + +<p>“And have your people, the human race, returned +to the divine allegiance?”</p> + +<p>“Many have done so out of each generation, but +many have not.”</p> + +<p>“<i>You</i> have done so, I suppose? Your speech, methinks, +implies it.”</p> + +<p>“I have,” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“I am too shocked and horrified to pursue this talk +much further,” interrupted Mexitli. “It is evident that +<i>our</i> world is guiltless, while as for yours,”—and she +finished the sentence with a gesture—“such people +can be only plague-spots amongst us. Still, you have +told me the truth. Is it to be conceived after this, +that even <i>you</i> came here to teach us?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</span></p> + +<p>“God made use of the very men who had helped +to slay His Son to go out and in many cases successfully +to carry the story of peace all over the world. +It may be that He will give even to me a work to do +here.”</p> + +<p>“Your life has first to be decided upon, and next +your liberty,” was the cold reply. “We shall have to +deliberate over these amazing things. You can now +sit upon yonder seat. Of course you have been +severely tried. I would confer with the man who +stood next to you. Come forward, fellow, and answer +my questions. What brought <i>you</i> here—science or +religion?” The words were pronounced with a fine +contempt.</p> + +<p>“Neither,” said Abercromby; “something as good +as either, possibly better—to help my brother who has +just spoken to bear his life sorrow.”</p> + +<p>“The sins of his people, I suppose.”</p> + +<p>“That, doubtless, but also another. He loved +a woman on his own world, and made her his wife. +They were estranged, and before the quarrel could be +made up she was killed by an accident in a river; he +was not with her at the time. <i>I</i> persuaded him into +coming with us, as the best chance of saving his reason.”</p> + +<p>“Did he love her so much?”</p> + +<p>“I know not how love prevails in <i>this</i> planet, but if +all there exists of it were put together it would about +equal the love he had to her.”</p> + +<p>“You are not required to pry into such matters. +Are you his relation?”</p> + +<p>“No, I am his friend. That is a stronger bond in +most cases.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</span></p> + +<p>Mexitli bit her lip in evident vexation. The King +betrayed a faint smile.</p> + +<p>Melanitis sat perfectly rigid, her face deadly white, +her hands tightly clasped, her eyes fixed upon Radcliffe, +who kept his face bent upon the ground. +Mexitli darted a swift glance at her sister, her expression +as she did so was inscrutable. At last she +said to Abercromby, “Let us leave this matter. Do +the people in your own world know of the secret by +which you have come to ours?”</p> + +<p>“I decline to answer your question,” answered +Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“This is absolute defiance, and will only bring you +all into worse trouble. You <i>must</i> have intelligence +to comprehend how greatly this matter will concern +us.”</p> + +<p>“When you tell us what you are proposing to do +to us, we may perhaps give you the information; till +then I am silent until my leader bids me to speak.”</p> + +<p>“I will make you speak,” said Mexitli.</p> + +<p>“Who are barbarians <i>now</i>?” retorted Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“Let me entreat you to use moderation and +courtesy, Frank,” said Radcliffe, putting a warning +hand upon his arm. “Lady of Atalanta, I ask and +beg of you this grace, that you will give us time to +consider what the answer shall be.”</p> + +<p>“No one knows of our secret,” interposed Carmichael. +“We are wholly at your mercy.”</p> + +<p>“Is this true?” asked the princess of Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Then it shall be considered in your favour, only I +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</span>shall remember that one of you at least spoke insolently +to my face, in the central seat of authority in +our motherland.”</p> + +<p>“My decided vote is given for their lives,” said +Melanitis.</p> + +<p>“If you wanted to spare them you could have +scarcely spoken a more ill-advised thing,” her sister +answered. “By this act of public utterance you +force me to speak myself, and I decide for the death +of all of them and the immediate destruction of +their machine, with this one exception, that, according +to the clemency of our laws, I would allow Radcliffe +a year’s respite under certain proper restrictions. But +as our voices are thus divided, it is for the King, my +father, to speak.”</p> + +<p>“People of Atalanta,” said Malchon, “we have +heard to-day such things as would tax the wisdom of +the wisest amongst us to decide, whether those who +have stood on trial before us ought or ought not to +die. Only on one point is the way made plain. The +man called Radcliffe can be respited for a year, that +we may confer with him about many things and test +and prove him. As to the rest, I dislike the thought +of putting them to death, if it can be avoided with +safety. I propose that they be kept in durance for a +short number of days, and be fully told the charges +of ill-doing which have been brought against them. +They can carefully ponder their reply to these +charges, and make it publicly in our presence. Also +they must give us a brief account of all their movements +since they reached our world. I bid them +good speed till the day of final examination comes, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</span>and if they behave in a suitable manner, I hold out a +reasonable prospect for their safety.”</p> + +<p>With these words the assembly rose up, and the +men from earth were led back to their courtyard +prison.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV"> + CHAPTER XIV + <br> + THE SECOND ORDEAL + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>“We shall have a few things to talk over,” was +Abercromby’s first ejaculation when they +found themselves alone. “I hope to goodness, Professor, +you will give us A1 marks for our respective +contributions to the drama.”</p> + +<p>“I think you all did admirably, both those who +spoke and those who held their tongues,” answered +the Professor.</p> + +<p>“They were a queer trio,” observed the engineer, +with a chuckle. “I don’t suppose old King Malchon +is allowed by his two daughters very much more +power than the House of Commons allows to the +kings of England—he reigns but he does not +govern.”</p> + +<p>“I was once told of a parish up in the north, sir,” +put in Tom, “where the parson, his wife, and his +daughters were in charge, and the folks said as +how they were under the thumb of the Rector, the +Director, and the Misdirector!”</p> + +<p>“Not bad that, Tom,” said Carysfort; “but, +seriously, I <i>can’t</i> make out the elder princess. The +younger is quite understandable though not agreeable. +She would cut our heads off, if she could, +though I have a notion she would like to cut off her +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</span>sister’s also. Take my word for it, this country is +run in for civil war when poor old Malchon dies. +Two queens at a time means business in this +case.”</p> + +<p>“Aye! I believe it,” said the Professor; “but there +is something else I should much like to fathom. +Why did Melanitis seem struck in a heap, as they +say, directly she caught sight of us?”</p> + +<p>“Easy of explanation, my dear Professor: she fell +in love either with me or with Clarence at first sight. +At first I thought I was in it, but I incline to think +it was Clarence.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe had gone to his room and was fast asleep, +so the others could talk apart from him.</p> + +<p>“I wish he could get a wife, sir,” said Tom; “<i>that</i> +would make him happy again better than anything.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll see what I can do,” replied Abercromby hopefully.</p> + +<p>“A word before you begin,” dryly remarked the +Professor. “We must be extremely careful what +we are about. I do not want to be pessimistic, but I +foresee nothing but trouble ahead. That the elder +princess is in love with one of us, presumably +Radcliffe, I do not deny: it is the only explanation of +her conduct. But to us it spells disaster either way. +He must obviously do one of two things—accept or +reject. If he responds to her advances, the whole of +Atalanta will be up in arms, saying that we outer +barbarians have dared to aspire to the King’s +daughter.”</p> + +<p>“We need hardly consider that,” observed the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</span>engineer. “Radcliffe will remain true to the memories +of the past.”</p> + +<p>“Well, then, if he does, he will repel her, and this, +I myself think, to be the more probable. Then he +will make Melanitis his implacable enemy.”</p> + +<p>“But he must do one or the other,” said Abercromby. +“For his own sake I hope he will open his +campaign quickly.”</p> + +<p>“We shall all lose our heads if he does, and the +expedition will be wrecked,” answered Carmichael +somewhat angrily. “I do beseech you, Abercromby, +use your best influence with him for his own sake +and ours. We are in a desperate position as it is; do +not make it worse by importing women into it.”</p> + +<p>“It is not even as though we had Melanitis only,” +protested the engineer, “we have her implacable +sister also to deal with. Just imagine what a rage +she will be in if she should once suspect. Radcliffe +might, with equal safety, make love to <i>her</i>. Every +hatred and prejudice that can riot in a human heart +would be set on fire.”</p> + +<p>“I have a pet theory that she would rather like it—I +mean if Radcliffe made love to Melanitis. Suppose +his doing so led to her being set aside, then +Mexitli would be queen herself.”</p> + +<p>“Very ingenious, my dear fellow, but the ladies do +not usually walk along the lines we intellectually +trace out for them. You may be right, but it is far +too desperate a game to play. Remember we have +death still in front of us, and that even if we are +spared, it may be only conditionally.”</p> + +<p>The conversation then dropped, Abercromby having +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</span>promised that he would not endanger them by any +imprudence.</p> + +<p>The next day they were furnished with a list of +the charges made against them. The chief of these +were that they had come to Venus at all, on a private +enterprise not authorised by their own people, which +left them free to do any damage or injury to the +realm. Another was that they had drawn their +weapons upon Mayana and her husband, when she +had given proof that she did not mean to kill them, +by only destroying a tree. Another, that they had +dared to alight upon the terrace of the royal palace, +and a last charge was a general accusation of insolence +and defiance to the Royal House and its +representatives.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe was told he need not reply to the charge +of drawing weapons, nor to that of disrespectful +speech, as on those charges he was acquitted.</p> + +<p>Naturally the prisoners talked the whole matter +carefully over and arranged their several lines of +defence. Carysfort, who could speak the language +better than Carmichael, would be the spokesman, +and, though he was a plain, blunt man, his good sense +and shrewdness would be likely to be of service to +them. Abercromby was implored not to speak, and, +after some trouble, he consented. Tom could not +say a word in Atalantan, but he promised to speak +in English if a sentence was passed.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe kept his thoughts to himself, and would +not tell the others what he meant to do.</p> + +<p>They were not called upon to undergo any period +of prolonged suspense, for the summons came on the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</span>fourth morning after their return to prison, to stand +once again in the Hall of Perfect Justice. Every +available inch of standing-ground was occupied, and +it took a considerable time before the accused could +be led to their places immediately in front of the +triple throne. So far as appearance went, the +assembly was somewhat less hostile in demeanour +than on the first occasion when they had confronted +it. The preliminaries took up but little time.</p> + +<p>Another official of the palace read the several +terms of the indictment, and then Malchon the King +rose from his seat and said, “Men of Karamandra, +ye have heard the charges brought against you, all of +which are more or less serious and deadly. But we +hope that time and reflection have enabled you to +frame such answers as shall satisfy us that we do no +wrong to our people and our authority if we permit +you to live.”</p> + +<p>Carysfort then stood up. He gave a plain and +straightforward account of how the discovery had +been made, and also the principles upon which it +was based. He told them that they had come as +private individuals; first, because the people of his +own world were utterly sceptical of the possibility of +such an attempt, and, had they disclosed it before +starting, they would have either been ridiculed or +else prevented, for one nation was jealous of any +advantage gained over another; next, it was for the +good of Atalanta that the people of his world should +not make it the object of their ambition and rapacity. +After briefly recapitulating their researches in the +northern parts of Venus, he then went on to explain +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</span>that they had drawn their weapons in a moment of +overwhelming panic, just as the Atalantans would +have done had they been in like circumstances. As to +alighting on the palace terrace, they had followed the +course taken by the two Atalantans who had visited +them in the airship; that these had even pointed in +the direction of the city as though inviting them; and +they had chosen the terrace because it was the highest +spot, the most accessible for their machine, and they +had supposed that it would be the more easy and +convenient to address a special deputation of persons, +and to appeal to them by signs and even to invite +them to enter and inspect their machine. As to +their conduct, they must be allowed to plead total +ignorance of the modes of thought of the Atalantan +people; they felt it neither compatible with their +honour nor even their safety to assume an abject +and crestfallen attitude; they were brave men, as was +proved by the myriad dangers they had so boldly +endured in crossing twenty-four million miles of +space; they asked only that they might meet brothers +at the end of their long journey, and not judges and +executioners.</p> + +<p>Malchon showed evident pleasure at this reply of +the engineer, and was about to speak when Radcliffe +stood up and made earnest request to say a few +words. Leave being granted, he said, “I wish in +the name of truth and justice to take upon myself +the full load of responsibility for what seems to have +been a serious act of wrong on our part. It was <i>I</i> +who gave counsel to my friends to steer direct for the +city and for the palace, due, as I now perceive, to an +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</span>erroneous interpretation of the signs which the two +notables of Atalanta made to us. They were referring, +of course, to their own movements, and not to +ours. Forgive me if you will, but, if not, on my head +let the penalty rest.”</p> + +<p>Melanitis looked up quickly and met the glance of +Radcliffe with an expression of such yearning intensity +that he turned away almost with a shudder. +Then she said to the King, “Spare them, my lord; +no one in their world knows their secret, no one can +therefore come hither to injure us.”</p> + +<p>“I will never consent to spare them altogether,” +said Mexitli, “unless they are willing to teach their +secret to us, and even then they must lie under the +sentence of death for at least a year, so that if they +commit offences against our laws it may be at +once carried out. As to Radcliffe, I pardon him. +This is the utmost limit of concession to which I +will go.”</p> + +<p>“So shall it be,” replied Malchon. “Your lives +are justly forfeited to our laws, and we therefore +pass conditional sentence upon you, with the +exception of him to whom my daughter, at her +cousin’s most earnest entreaty, has given the full +grace of clemency. But this may be earned by the +rest, if at the end of a year they show themselves +worthy. They need not be kept in prison beyond a +day or two, provided they are willing to promise in +writing an assent to certain rules and restrictions +which shall be appointed. Radcliffe may go where +he likes, but he will not probably wish to be +separated from his companions. As to their +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</span>machine, it will be kept by us as the property of our +Royal House. It shall not be injured nor destroyed. +The goods and instruments which it contains shall be +returned to its late owner. Whether the machine be +again entrusted to them will depend upon their own +conduct or upon circumstances. I may send them +back again to their own world under penalty of death +to them or to any other persons who shall follow in +their enterprise, or I may require them to spend their +lives here. I shall adopt the course which seems +most desirable as time and their own behaviour may +dictate.”</p> + +<p>Just as the King was about to dismiss the +audience Frank said to the engineer—</p> + +<p>“I wish old King Cole had been a little more +definite.”</p> + +<p>Melanitis gave him a warning glance, but unluckily +he went on—</p> + +<p>“The Johnnie talks like a diplomatist who has left +his mind behind him in the cloak-room.”</p> + +<p>“Be quiet, can’t you!” grumbled Carysfort. “You +will give the whole show away in a minute.”</p> + +<p>These idioms were unknown to Mexitli, but the +sound of Frank’s voice was enough of itself.</p> + +<p>“<i>You</i> will remain in a prison <i>alone</i> for two months,” +she said. “This will give you time to repent of the +insult you offered to me four days ago.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe made a movement to throw himself at +the princess’s feet, but Melanitis, not quite guessing +his intent, grasped him by the arm and drew him +back.</p> + +<p>“I was but about to sue for the pardon of my friend,” +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</span>he said. Mexitli turned quickly round and said with +a smile—</p> + +<p>“You had better not, it may only make matters +worse. I might call <i>you</i> to account for seeking to +alter a royal decision, but I give you grace this once +for your ignorance of our customs. You had best +rejoin your people; they are being led from the +hall.”</p> + +<p>There was nothing further to be done, and he +obeyed.</p> + +<p>Poor Abercromby had to bid his comrades farewell +at the palace entrance. He looked very downcast +and dispirited, for his sentence had come upon him +as a bolt from the blue. They were equally vexed +and distressed on his account. Tom asked his master +if he might not use his fists this once just to keep his +hand in, but Carmichael happily succeeded in pacifying +him.</p> + +<p>“The best part of the news is that we have now a +sporting chance of getting out of this hole,” remarked +Carysfort when they had bidden poor Frank good-bye.</p> + +<p>“You mean ultimate permission to return to the +earth?” asked the Professor.</p> + +<p>“I shall not return,” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Beware of Melanitis,” remarked Carmichael dryly.</p> + +<p>“I do not fear her just because I have no love to +give her, my love is dead and buried; if it is anywhere +it is in the little country churchyard near Chipping +Norton, where my honoured father-in-law lies buried +by the side of his only child who was my wife.”</p> + +<p>“We are in Venus,” remarked the Professor. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</span>“Don’t think me unfeeling, but it is a far cry to +Chipping Norton.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, it is a far cry to Chipping Norton,” murmured +Radcliffe. “I sometimes feel I could get hold of any +Atalantan woman and ask her if she understood. I +could even tell Mexitli all about it.”</p> + +<p>“Better tell Melanitis and cut a rather intricate +knot,” answered Carmichael in a dry tone.</p> + +<p>“I think I shall. It will end a ghastly farce, and +if she sends me to the stake itself, well, so much the +better.”</p> + +<p>The next day the ordinances, with which they were +to be bound, were served to them. They were few in +number and simple enough, as far as words could go, +but it had yet to be seen how their practical working +would tend to render life pleasant or hard. No +difference was made between them, except that Abercromby +had to await his release from prison. They +were to remain in the city under the eyes of the +court, to live in the house which would be provided +for them, to wear their own terrestrial dress, so as to +be distinguished from the people, not to go away +from the city further than a prescribed distance, +except by permission, to place themselves at the +royal service to render any help that might be +required, and, except Radcliffe, to come up for final +sentence at the expiry of a year.</p> + +<p>These terms were of course very vague and indefinite. +They naturally presented an earnest petition, +that, in consideration of all that they had risked and +suffered, they might be allowed to travel to the +southern pole of the planet, and this they were at +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</span>once informed would be readily granted after a few +weeks’ interval, when the season of heavy rains was +past. They were further told that they might freely +move in and out among the people, and both +give and receive information to and from all +classes.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV"> + CHAPTER XV + <br> + A TALE AT A SUPPER PARTY + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Two days after they had given their assent to +the terms laid upon them they were removed +from the place of durance and conducted by Cleito +and Arniphon, the two officers of the King’s guard, +to a house in the lower part of the city standing in a +shaded plantation of trees a few hundred yards off the +Avenue of Ascent, as it was called, which led from +the lake shore to the palace. The house was of +simple construction, with a verandah and balconies +adorned with climbing plants to screen from the heat +of the sun; it was two-storied, as were most of the +houses in Atalanta, the guest-rooms below, the +sleeping-rooms above. They had, of course, Tom to +wait upon them, but as he knew no more of Atalantan +ways of life than they did themselves, his services +were not of much use. Every one in the land—every +man at least—had to provide for himself and make +his house self-supporting, unless he belonged to the +aristocracy, among whom the relation of master and +servant still survived in a modified sort of way. +Consequently the Professor, though a temporary and +unwilling citizen of a great city, could not get a +single person to help him, unless it were some one +who had fallen into disgrace.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</span></p> + +<p>The Atalantans, it is true, helped one another in +all cases of illness or difficulty or as an expression +of private friendship; but the terrestrials, though +objects of unbounded curiosity, were treated as quite +beyond the pale, especially by the women, who would +no more have thought of coming to their house than +to a cave of wild beasts.</p> + +<p>Consequently, they were for a time almost in +danger of being starved. They were allowed, it is true, +to have their earthly supplies from the machine, but +this could only be temporary at best, and they were far +from wishful to strip the Asteroid bare, for they did +not know what future use they might have for them. +The King now and again sent them gifts from the +palace, but these were not so often edible as their +needs required. Tom once tried to sell some of the +King’s gifts for food, but fortunately for his life he +could not make himself understood, the Atalantan +to whom he offered them declining with profuse +politeness.</p> + +<p>“I pointed to my mouth half a dozen times,” protested +Tom. “Even a bloomin’ Frenchman, if I had +been in Paris, would have known I wanted a mutton +chop, but that donkey only made me a bow.”</p> + +<p>“We shall have to eat grass yet, old fellow,” said +Carysfort, “as though we were donkeys ourselves.”</p> + +<p>It may well be imagined that the position of their +comrade Abercromby gave them the most acute +uneasiness. Twice a day they were permitted to +hear from him, and he used to write a sentence in +English. As he was not allowed to make any +allusion to his own position, he tried to keep up his +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</span>spirits and theirs by sending them burlesque mottoes +and maxims, which at least proved that he was very +much alive. They were such as these:—</p> + +<p>“Henry the Eighth and King Malchon should +have changed planets for the good of their wives.”</p> + +<p>“Is an eclipse of the sun ever produced in these +skies by an airship with a happy man sitting alone in +the middle of it?”</p> + +<p>“Gladstone would have altered the Home Rule +Bill had he been here,” etc. etc.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe, however, felt certain that poor Abercromby +was far less jocose than he represented himself. +He would have been very much more alarmed +if he had known that every word he had written was +sent in copy to the palace, even the English writing +being imitated. Cleito gave him a warning intimation +coupled with the strange remark that the +Princess Melanitis nearly shook with laughing when +she saw the paper. Naturally puzzled, he told Carmichael +about it.</p> + +<p>“I should think,” said the Professor, who had very +obvious reasons for what he said, “that this is only +another proof that she is quite as unfeeling as her +sister. Perhaps she guesses the import of his +remarks, and chuckles over his useless complaints +and sarcasms. You remember that she did not give +you the least help when you made your brave but +vain appeal.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose it is so,” replied he in a wearied +tone. “I shall not trouble to find out why she +laughed.”</p> + +<p>A day or two after this it chanced that Radcliffe +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</span>was walking by himself along the promenade by the +lake, which reminded him strangely of some of his +holiday haunts in old England. Groups of people +were seated under the trees talking in languid tones, +or else listening to some female singers, who, with +quaint-looking instruments and rich, mellow voices, +were singing the praises of the motherland. This +was a very trite subject and pretty well worn, but the +people seemed always to awake to interest at it. +As he drew near he heard—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Sing me the praise of the Land of Light,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the Lord of the sky looks down</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the hill and the meadow resplendently bright</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Reflecting his glory and crown.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Creation holds not a world so fair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With its sky-piercing hills and its far-spreading air.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Its people are happy, their faces serene,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Untroubled their lives pass along.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The work of their hands gives them all things I ween,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fruit of their toil is a song.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet fain would we know, when its beauties we miss,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shall the spirit-clear eyes look on fairer than this?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Enough, for such questions unanswered must be,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let not each generation complain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If life must end in uncertainty,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let us sing in the absence of pain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since the half of our world is so wondrously fair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why should we grieve if the other be drear?”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>Radcliffe felt strongly impelled to stand up and +address them, but his courage failed him just at the +critical moment. There was something in those faces +so absolutely self-satisfied, so serenely proud, that it +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</span>seemed harder to appeal to them than to the fiercest +and most hostile mob.</p> + +<p>“I see you are much interested, stranger, in one of +our popular melodies,” said an Atalantan, who had +been watching him closely.</p> + +<p>“I wish I could be one of you, even the lowliest, +that I might fully know your ways of thought. +How can I possibly be of any use to you until +I do?”</p> + +<p>The stranger smiled. “Well, as a means to that +end, instead of listening to poetry that I at least +have heard many hundreds of times, you shall come +home to our mansion, which is close by, and sup +with us. We may be able to regale you with better +music and song, and you may tell us something of +your own planet. My wife is Mayana, the cousin +of the princesses, and we owe you no small debt of +gratitude.”</p> + +<p>In a half-dazed condition Radcliffe went in through +the noble portico and into the mansion; there he +was led up to Mayana and her younger sister Minya, +who unbent themselves, and gave him a warm greeting. +Supper of fruits and iced drinks was laid upon +a side table, and the Atalantan gentleman served it +to the others, not permitting Radcliffe to serve, as he +was a guest.</p> + +<p>Conversation flowed freely.</p> + +<p>He told them of the journey across space and of +their feelings when they drew near to the city. Again +he was profusely thanked for having averted death +and misery, but his efforts to exculpate the others +were not as successful as he had hoped.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</span></p> + +<p>The conversation turned upon the court, and +Radcliffe sang the praises of the King in no sparing +terms. Cleophon, Mayana’s husband, smiled and +asked why he did not say a word in honour of the +two princesses.</p> + +<p>“Because I am afraid,” he answered. He thought +they would laugh at him, but they did not.</p> + +<p>“There is no serious reason for feeling this,” said +Mayana; “you are high in favour, and may rise +higher yet. But naturally we Atalantans prefer to +be ruled by one of our own sex, though we all love +and sympathise with the poor dear old King.”</p> + +<p>“Why does he look somewhat sad?” Radcliffe +ventured to ask.</p> + +<p>“Cleophon, tell the story; our attendants have +been requisitioned at the palace, so we are quite by +ourselves,” said Mayana.</p> + +<p>“It is a strange tale,” he began. “Years ago the +Princess Melanitis was the joy and brightness of +her father’s heart; she was very high-spirited, an +Atalantan of the Atalantans, and looked upon as +the most able ruler who would ever sit upon our +throne. She was stricken down by solar fever, and +reduced to the very point of death. The King, distracted +with grief, went to the Temple of the Sun +on the lake-island yonder; he prayed all night to +the God of Heaven, and, in his despair, he used +words quite contrary to all justice and moderation. +‘Let her recover,’ he said, ‘though she be a shame to +me and to my house; let her recover, though she live +to break my heart and the hearts of all my people.’ +The high priest told him that his prayer would be +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</span>answered, but he would live to rue the day that it +was. When he returned to the palace the princess +<i>had</i> recovered. She awoke from the very stupor of +death. She stretched out her arms to him, but when +she saw him she uttered a cry of horror that will +not be forgotten by those that heard it. Her senses +returned, and yet they did not return. She could +not speak her own tongue; she did not know +the meaning of anything that she saw; she did not +know her way about the city or even the palace. +She was infinitely more helpless than you were when +you were made prisoner by the crowd.”</p> + +<p>“How dreadful!” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Malchon recognised his rashness and bowed +bravely to it. He summoned the wisest men of the +land, for wisdom seems one of the few things that +we men can claim as our own.”</p> + +<p>“<i>Some</i> wisdom,” corrected Mayana.</p> + +<p>“Well, I have a king’s word for it. But this is no +jesting matter. She had to be taught everything +from the very beginning. Gradually her mind came +back, but her memory of the past never came back; +she knew nothing of her former life except as she +was told. But there is a stranger thing still. When +she was again made fit to assume the duties of her +princely station, she seemed to have lost all interest in +them; she was just as clever as before, but her cleverness +seemed so very different. She took up with +science, especially astronomy. She was always paying +visits to Aptaura, and would spend hours in the study +of the heavens, of your planet, and of the outer planets. +Even her opinions on religion were different; nothing +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</span>would induce her to pay her devotions in the Temple +of the Sun. She took a great interest in the old bygone +faith of Atalanta, when men prayed to the God +of Heaven directly, and she gathered all the knowledge +attainable as to the visit of the mysterious +Divine Prince who, as you had the courage to tell us, +was cruelly put to death by the inhuman savages in +your own world, when He had come to die for them. +Never within living memory was any audience so +stirred as when you gave your straight answer to +those awful questions put to you by her sister. My +advice to you is to cultivate the friendship of +Melanitis, and to answer all her enquiries about +Karamandra and its people. You might even do +something to chase the clouds from her brow.”</p> + +<p>“There have been cases in my own world of +people who have been sun-stricken turning totally +different afterwards,” said Radcliffe, who sat wrapped +in thought; “an honest man has been known to +steal and to commit the worst of crimes.”</p> + +<p>“I do not wonder,” put in Minya, “that she never +worships in the Temple; her father has never once +entered it again.”</p> + +<p>“What are her relations with her sister? I would +not ask so grave a question, but for fear lest I may +do the princess an injury by increasing her interest +in things foreign to this planet.”</p> + +<p>“Pray have no fear on that ground,” replied +Mayana. “So utterly has Melanitis ceased even to +care to rule that Mexitli has it all her own way. +Nothing but the will of the King induces Melanitis +to be even considered Queen-Elect, and I have a +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</span>secret opinion, based on some words Mexitli dropped +to me, that, directly the King dies, there will be no +conflict between them, for Melanitis will resign her +claims. They were bitter enemies once, but they are +friendly enough now, though only those are aware of +it who are behind the scenes. But in my inmost +heart I a little despise my elder cousin.”</p> + +<p>“A former King of Atalanta gave up the crown,” +murmured Cleophon.</p> + +<p>“Yes, but he was a <i>man</i>,” said Mayana; “you will +not find a <i>queen</i> doing so.”</p> + +<p>“I take my corrections as I take my exercise—philosophically,” +answered Cleophon.</p> + +<p>“You are the best of your sex,” replied Mayana; +“I have no fault to find with you.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe rose, and bidding his host and hostess +farewell, took his departure after Minya had sung in +her beautiful voice two or three patriotic songs, +“How Keraunion died for his friend,” “Make the +best of half a world,” “One only nation.”</p> + +<p>“The Prince died in Karamandra for His enemies,” +remarked Mayana thoughtfully; “I suppose that +was better. But we never treated Him like that.”</p> + +<p>“Lady,” said Radcliffe, “are there not slights that +are injuries more painful than death?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps there are. You doubtless accuse us in +the days of old for letting Him depart without a +welcome, because our pride could not understand +His humility. Well, if we were wrong, we have been +punished, for we have had no one to teach us ever +since.”</p> + +<p>“I labour under the triple disadvantage of being a +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</span>Karamandran, a man, and, at every step I take, under +the shadow of death, but I will tell you all I know, +and all He taught in my own world.”</p> + +<p>Mayana coloured slightly, but the intense earnestness +of the speaker disarmed her. “You can if you +like,” she said; “I will see you again and you shall +talk to us. But Melanitis is the one most certain to +take up with these new ideas.”</p> + +<p>“You must be very careful what you do,” observed +Cleophon. “You will have bitter prejudices to overcome. +We are not a teachable people, we think we +know all things, and where we admit our ignorance, +we withhold our interest.”</p> + +<p>“At least this is a house full of friends and you +are welcome,” said Mayana, and with these words in +his ears Clarence Radcliffe turned away to enter the +palace avenue, and then to the little dwelling in the +light blue plantation which was supposed to be their +home. For a moment his sense of utter loneliness +was almost overwhelming. He wished himself anywhere, +even facing again the perils of space.</p> + +<p>Home! Where was it? All places and even all +planets seemed alike. The shadow of an airship +passed overhead and uttered its peculiar wailing cry. +This gave him the explanation of their startling surprise, +and also something to think about.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI"> + CHAPTER XVI + <br> + MALCHON’S GOSPEL + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>The Professor and the engineer had not had +a very pleasant time. With their companion +in prison and no longer able to enliven them with his +rattling talk, with all their future hopes clouded, +separated from their machine, and compelled to work +at the most common details of existence, it was no +wonder that they grew somewhat disheartened and +sad. When they went out they found themselves +shunned if not actively disliked, and though they +went in fear of no <i>bodily</i> peril, it really seemed as if +the whole population had decided to let them +severely alone and to do nothing to help them.</p> + +<p>Tom was always in a condition of latent hostility, +and it was well that he could not speak the native +language, considering the number of times he swore +in Anglo-Saxon. The very boys and girls in the +streets and promenades would sometimes hurl opprobrious +epithets at each member of the party; once +a child struck Radcliffe as he was passing by; but +this was going too far, and the offending youngster +would have been severely punished if Radcliffe had +not gone to the palace himself and interceded. This +act was much talked about in the city, but it did not +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</span>have the effect that might have been hoped, although +he ended the hostility of one family.</p> + +<p>One day, being seriously uneasy at this state of +things, he went to crave an audience of the Princess +Mexitli herself. She received him urbanely enough, +but his pleading for the others was the reverse of +successful.</p> + +<p>“You all had no right to come here,” she said, +“and you must put up with what you receive. All I +can promise is that when the man Abercromby is set +free, which I will not allow till his time of punishment +has expired, then you shall all travel in your +airship to see the wonders of the southern pole. We +shall probably go with you; it will suit the time +when we make our annual progress thither. This will +be a pleasure to you all, and to that you may look +forward. And now I have a command to lay upon +you. Will you take us over and explain to us the +different parts of the Asteroid?”</p> + +<p>“Whenever your Highness shall direct.”</p> + +<p>“Then come with me now. This is the hour when +we usually take our interval of sleep. But it will be +all the better, as fewer eyes will be upon us.”</p> + +<p>In a little time the two princesses, each accompanied +by an attendant, repaired to that part of the +terrace-square on which the Asteroid was fixed. +Radcliffe conducted them all over it, explaining the +meaning of the different objects, and gave a full +account of the mechanism and of the newly discovered +force by which it had been propelled in +space. He had never felt more free since he had +alighted upon the planet; he could forget now that +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</span>those whom he was addressing could send him by a +word to a doom of terror, he felt rather like a lecturer +demonstrating to a small class of pupils.</p> + +<p>The princesses seemed highly delighted with what +they had seen, and declared that they would certainly +travel in it. Among the last objects which +they noticed was a book lying open upon one of the +cabin tables. It was a New Testament. Melanitis +took it up, turned over a few pages, and said to Radcliffe, +“Why should you not turn this book into +Atalantan? We have no print like this, but we have +means of reproducing copies of our exquisite public +handwriting. I could furnish you with helpers.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe started violently. “Do you know what +that book is?” he said.</p> + +<p>“How should we, when we speak only our +own language?” said Mexitli, with some tartness. +“But let me tell you, I will allow no book from +another planet to be circulated among the people, +unless it be, in my opinion, useful, and not unsettling +to their minds.”</p> + +<p>“It is the life and teaching of the Saviour Prince, +and an account of how those who were faithful to +Him carried on His work after His ascension,” replied +Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Indeed!” said the princess, much astonished. +“Well, you may translate it for us if you like. My +father the King takes a great interest in all such +deep subjects. But only a small part can be suitable +for <i>our</i> world, I should say.”</p> + +<p>“Leave it to me, I will arrange everything for you,” +said Melanitis quickly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</span></p> + +<p>“I insist upon having my voice in the matter,” +Mexitli struck in. “This is too serious for even my +sister to take wholly upon herself. However, religion +is about the only thing I should be at all willing to +accept from outside, because we have practically +none of it ourselves. Sun-worship is ridiculous, but +it is perhaps good enough for uncultured minds.”</p> + +<p>“Do the people treat the sun as a divinity, or +as only the noblest representation of God in the +visible creation?”</p> + +<p>“You must ask the philosophers about that. It +is no duty of us princesses to go about and discover +how much or how little the people believe. But +come, the heat is too great here for such serious +talk; we will return. Set about your book, and +work at it till the rain-mist season is over, and +then bring it to us.”</p> + +<p>The very next day two of the King’s scribes came +to their house, much to the astonishment of both +Carmichael and Carysfort. When Tom was informed, +he said he could not see why they should +pull the old Book about; what was good enough for +Moses was good enough for him. The Professor had +to break it to him that Moses had not been connected +with either the English or Atalantan versions.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe worked hour after hour dictating and +receiving hints in return, until the Gospel of St. +Luke and the Acts of the Apostles had been rendered +into very decent Atalantan speech, though, +of course, there was a great lack of elegance and +finish.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</span></p> + +<p>While thus engaged the rain-mist season came on +in its full intensity. The land was deluged with +dew and moisture, fog and rime. The weather was +distinctly chilly. Many of the people took occasion +to pass the time in rest and sleep, and there was a +succession of something like terrestrial mornings +and evenings, according as the mist increased or +diminished.</p> + +<p>Towards the end of the period the King sent for +Radcliffe and had a long conversation with him. He +praised his diligence, and said that he would do all +in his power to further his wishes. But he advised +him as a friend not to be too hasty in setting himself +up as a teacher of the people. It would be +better to induce the Atalantans to teach themselves. +“You desire to incline my people to become disciples +of Jesus Christ, as you terrestrials appear to call +Him. Of course, this is but natural, for every disciple, +worthy of the name, seeks to enlist other disciples +for the teacher whom he admires. My poor +Melanitis seems much disposed to enter into your +plans, and you cannot do better than work through +her. My other daughter will have probably greater +influence than she, when I am gone to the Mansions +of the Blest, and you have done well to conciliate +her in every way that your conscience allows. I +have not much direct power; it may be that Mexitli +is impatient for my too prolonged life to end. I +blame her not; but I would give much to be sure +that my darling Melanitis loves me as she did in the +olden days. But a truce to this, though sometimes I +feel I can talk more freely to you than to my own +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</span>people. We are swathed in forms and ceremonies, +in pride and social prejudice, and I long to be able +to converse freely, even with a stranger.”</p> + +<p>“Would your Majesty tell me the story I have +desired so much to know: how, and under what circumstances, +He, who is the Master whom I serve, +came to Atalanta?”</p> + +<p>The King paused a moment. Then, inviting +Radcliffe to be seated, he said, “This is the pith of +a sad and shameful story, the most disgraceful in the +whole history of my race. My people lived in much +the same place as now, though on the northern shores +of the lake of Meloria. Atalanta was not built as +a city. We were but few in number then, about +twenty thousand maybe. A stranger of noble and +gracious aspect came over the Keraunian Hills. We +had suffered much from sickness and calamity, flood +and fire. He came and nursed our sick back to life; +He taught us many useful things; He benefited us in +every possible way; He did menial services for us; +but He told us that He was the Son of the Mighty +God, and that, if we put our trust in Him, He would +make us noble and happy and wise while we lived, +and then take us to His own Home beyond the stars +where we should be His angels and serve Him for ever. +But the people of Atalanta would not accept Him; +they believed that He came from some other planet, +but not that He was the Prince of Heaven. He gave +them many proofs of His divine greatness, but very +few accepted Him or became His disciples. This +went on for some time, and at last the men of +Atalanta got exasperated; they accused Him of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</span>saying that they were sinners against God, whereas +they committed no crimes but were just and upright. +At last they arrested Him, and the Council of Elders, +for we had no kings and queens then, sentenced Him +to work for Atalanta by building a road over the +Keraunian Hills. He toiled at this work for a whole +year, some of those who loved Him working with +Him.</p> + +<p>“At last this cursed road was built, and when it was +finished they said, ‘We will not hurt You nor ill-treat +You; we bid You depart and leave us in peace.’ +Then He said, ‘I am going to Karamandra to suffer +there for the sins of its people and to proclaim to +them the true way of salvation. But as for you, ye +shall increase and wax mighty, and have great riches +and prosperity, and dwell for many centuries unmolested +and unvisited. Ye shall mourn during those +days that ye have no sure knowledge of eternal +things, but no knowledge shall be given you till the +hour comes that, as a people, ye shall humble yourselves. +And in the end of the ages I will come again, +first to the guiltier world and then to this which +is less guilty, and from both take to Myself an elect +assembly of those who are My true disciples. Meantime +love and serve one another, as I have served +you, and the work which I go to do upon Karamandra +shall avail for this world also. Believe in +Me and My words, and wait, be the time never so +long, for the Return of the Light which you now +despise.’</p> + +<p>“Then He went away, and was seen no more. This +is the sum of what I have to tell you, my friend; +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</span>seek to make the best use of it that you can, and go +forward wisely and prudently.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe encountered Melanitis as he left the +King’s private cabinet. She smiled upon him, but +her eyes showed that she had been weeping intensely. +He more than suspected that she must have known +of what had passed, but he did not question her.</p> + +<p>That same evening Radcliffe was wending his way +to the house as well as he could; the mist had lifted +somewhat, but showed evident signs of swooping +down again. He had just turned into the Grand +Avenue when a voice was heard from behind a tree, +“Will you oblige, sir, by telling me the way to +Professor Carmichael’s house?”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe stopped aghast! Here was some one in +Venus accosting him in English! For a moment he +stood petrified, then a hand was laid on his shoulder. +It was Frank Abercromby!</p> + +<p>The latest joke had pretty well used him up. He +was more like a scarecrow than a man.</p> + +<p>“What have they been doing to you?” said Radcliffe, +his growing admiration of things Atalantan +sinking down to zero.</p> + +<p>“Teaching me to love princesses. But come, old +man, will there be a good meat tea ready for us when +we get back?”</p> + +<p>“The Professor and the engineer and Tom scarcely +know how to live. We have had to grow our own +vegetables and fruits, and Tom, the other day, found +he had planted some the wrong end uppermost.”</p> + +<p>“Everything seems upside down in this beastly +planet. Whatever did we come here for? Why didn’t +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</span>we pull up half-way and start back? How are the +boss and the engineer going to manage?”</p> + +<p>“We shall be allowed to travel in the Asteroid to +the southern pole when the weather changes.”</p> + +<p>“That’s something. I shall vote for going further.”</p> + +<p>“But we shall not be allowed to go alone.”</p> + +<p>“Not <i>alone</i>!” shrieked Frank.</p> + +<p>“No; the princesses are going with us.”</p> + +<p>“The deuce they are! And did you invite them?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly not: they invited themselves.”</p> + +<p>Abercromby swore steadily. “Well, we can drop +one at either pole and then make off for earth. I +am sick of the whole business. So are the others +too, I fancy.”</p> + +<p>They walked on silent. Then Abercromby said, +“How are you getting on about Melanitis?”</p> + +<p>“I love her as a sister.”</p> + +<p>“Does she love you as a brother?”</p> + +<p>“Look here, Frank, all frivolity must end. I am +going to give the New Testament to Atalanta; the +Royal House have practically settled it.”</p> + +<p>“Take care they don’t practically settle you.”</p> + +<p>“I believe this whole nation is on the eve of a +change.”</p> + +<p>“Great Scott!” was all that Abercromby could say.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII"> + CHAPTER XVII + <br> + THE PERILS OF CROSS CURRENTS + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Fortunately for himself, Abercromby had +a very cheerful temperament, and the presence +and society of his friends soon dissipated his gloom. +He was reticent as to his experiences in the prison, +but it did not seem that he had been treated with +any positive cruelty, but rather with neglect.</p> + +<p>The warders seldom showed themselves, and he +was left to his own melancholy reflections, his chief +suffering consisting in the scantiness of the food +given to him.</p> + +<p>The party sat down to their rather sorry meal +and then retired to rest, which he especially +needed.</p> + +<p>The next day, as it seemed to offer a prospect of +fine weather, Radcliffe went with Abercromby for a +long walk. They penetrated to the west end of the +city, ascending a hill, from whence they enjoyed a +fine view over the Lake and its island, with the dome-shaped +Temple glittering in the sun. Then they +plunged into a forest glade, where they met but very +few people, most of whom saluted them with at least +a semblance of courtesy; and then they rested in a +kind of secluded dell, where they found themselves +altogether alone. They had not, however, been +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</span>there many minutes before they noticed an ominous +fading of the light, and soon the rain mist was upon +them. Fortunately a few hundreds of yards away +stood a low-roofed house in a clearing surrounded by +a garden in no very good state of order. They took +refuge in an out-building, but they had to retreat +into the innermost recess before they could find a +rain-proof spot. The wall formed only a thin partition, +and they could hear the noise of a rather +animated conversation going on within. Not wishing +to be surprised as eavesdroppers, they knocked +loudly at the wall, and the next moment there was a +sudden hush, a sound of footsteps, a door suddenly +opened, and two men appeared.</p> + +<p>The taller of the two uttered a sharp cry, but +instantly held out his heavy hand to welcome them. +“Come in, my lords,” he said; “you are just as +welcome as if you belonged to this down-trodden +world of ours, and may help to lift us up if you are +willing.”</p> + +<p>He led them into a sort of back kitchen where +some food was being prepared, though its perfume +was scarcely inviting. There were half a dozen to a +dozen persons present, all men, for a wonder.</p> + +<p>“Brother Parmenton,” said the tall man, “these +new-comers need no introduction. They are two of +the terrestrials. Praise the Sun God for hiding his +august face awhile, or else they had not come here +for shelter.”</p> + +<p>“Are the men in your planet masters or slaves?” +asked the worthy who was addressed as Parmenton.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</span></p> + +<p>“Both,” said Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“Do they rule their women folk or do their women +folk rule them?”</p> + +<p>“That depends upon circumstances,” said Abercromby. +“I fancy our world is getting rather like +yours.”</p> + +<p>“Will you help us to make our world what you +imply yours was in days past?”</p> + +<p>“What mean you by that?”</p> + +<p>“Help us—the people—to be men and not slaves.”</p> + +<p>“And what are we to do, and are you going to do +for the other people?”</p> + +<p>“Fencing with words is not good when men are +determined.”</p> + +<p>“And still less when the ladies are.”</p> + +<p>“True; therefore we intend to practise deeds and +not words.”</p> + +<p>“We have waited centuries before doing so,” cried +Mauro Katakalon, a rough-looking Atalantan who +at least enjoyed the luxury of two names.</p> + +<p>“Look here, Clarence,” said Abercromby; “what +the dickens does all this mean? Are we going to +run our necks into a social revolution? If so, I beg +leave to back out.”</p> + +<p>“My masters,” said Radcliffe earnestly, “the beasts +of the field will ride over you until you become true +disciples of the God of Heaven. He alone can make +any one free.”</p> + +<p>A shout of derisive laughter greeted his words. +“That is the man who has come here to preach +a new religion,” said Medon, a third member of the +party. “No use in him, he is one of the palace +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</span>slaves; talk to the other. The tyrant put him in +prison for two months. He will listen to reason.”</p> + +<p>“We have, as strangers, nothing to do with your +politics, whether social or domestic,” said Abercromby +hotly, “and having barely saved our lives we do not +mean to place them in peril again. If there is to be +a war of sexes, or any other war, on this amiable +planet, you must fight your own game. <i>We</i> are not +going to be mixed up in it.”</p> + +<p>“You do not hesitate to turn our religion upside +down,” said Parmenton angrily, “and Mexitli is quite +content you should, in order to crush by your help +the one venerated leader we have left. When she +has done that, <i>your</i> turn will come next.”</p> + +<p>“I shall obey my conscience and do my duty,” +answered Radcliffe firmly. “My Master Christ shall +be the true King of Atalanta.”</p> + +<p>“Say that again,” shouted Medon, “and you shall +pay dearly for it. Go and preach your wretched +religion in Atalanta city, and see how you fare at the +hands of every honest citizen.”</p> + +<p>“Take my advice,” said Mauro Katakalon, “listen +to Melanitis; <i>she</i> sympathises with our wrongs and +would redress them if she could. She is nearly as +much a woman of your world as if she had come +from there. She is dead opposed to our whole +social system, and would make every Atalantan +equal.”</p> + +<p>“She is a Christian,” said Parmenton vehemently, +“and equally opposed to us in faith. But I would +forgive her even that, for she would let us have a +taste of freedom. As for you,” he continued, pointing +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</span>to Abercromby, “you have been covered with indelible +disgrace through having been in prison, and +you can only escape it by joining us in founding a +new social order. In a very short time Atalanta will +be free, and Mexitli hung on a gibbet in front of the +Temple at whose worship she has mocked.”</p> + +<p>“This talk has lasted long enough,” said Radcliffe +sternly. “We are no better than other men; we +have not, I think, been accorded the hospitality that +was due to us; but, for all that, we take Atalanta as +we find it, and utterly renounce all unholy and sanguinary +deeds. Allow us to pass, if you please; if +not, we shall resort to force. Wherever we go we +are watched, and if we were detained, <i>you</i> would +answer for it.”</p> + +<p>“Let them go,” grumbled Medon, “we are better +without them. We shall have a nobler leader than +they, and a trained force to support him.”</p> + +<p>When they found themselves in the open air +Abercromby gave himself a shake, like a dog coming +out of the water. Radcliffe remarked: “They all +seem to harp upon the change which has come over +Melanitis, though I suspect it has been greatly exaggerated +by credulous report.”</p> + +<p>“Possibly,” said Abercromby. “How long is it +since her illness and her extraordinary recovery, the +unlucky result of Malchon’s rash prayer?”</p> + +<p>“Seven years,” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“The years of Venus, I suppose. Just oblige a +duffer by telling him how long it takes Venus to +rotate round the sun?”</p> + +<p>“Two hundred and twenty-four days, I believe.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</span></p> + +<p>Abercromby turned his head very sharply; they +had just come in view of the Lake and the Temple. +Radcliffe did not notice that his companion had gone +white to the lips.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>When they reached home they found the Professor +and the others in rather a flutter of excitement. +“We have had a visitor,” said Carysfort.</p> + +<p>“Male or female?” asked Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“Male, of course; no other would come unless to +shoot us.”</p> + +<p>“Who was it?” enquired Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Lydon.”</p> + +<p>“And who the dickens is Lydon?” said Abercromby. +“Don’t dole us out our information by +instalments.”</p> + +<p>“The high priest of the Sun,” answered the Professor. +“He came with two attendant priests, clad +in gorgeous robes and with full ceremony and state. +He remained about an hour, talking over all matters +of interesting information.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and more than that,” observed Carysfort. +“He told us that there would be a great festival of +the Sun on the first regular day of the sunny season, +and he hoped we would honour it by our presence. +He also told us that the archives of the Temple contained +documents of priceless importance, written by +those who lived near to the time of the event in +which Radcliffe is specially interested. He will +show them to Radcliffe if he will pay a visit to +the island.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</span></p> + +<p>Radcliffe and Abercromby exchanged significant +glances.</p> + +<p>“Did he express his views as to any social or +domestic matters connected with the well-being of +the commonwealth?” enquired Abercromby, who +seldom used elegant phraseology except when he +was joking.</p> + +<p>“I do not think he is at all friendly to much that +now goes on,” observed the Professor.</p> + +<p>“Then may I suggest that we do not accept his +hospitality till after the festival is over?” said Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“I would not make a foe of him,” observed the +engineer.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe went out by himself and took his way to +Mayana’s house. He failed to see her, but Minya +granted him an interview, and before he was aware +of it she had put to him a string of questions the full +drift of which he did not quite clearly understand. +But he answered her as explicitly as he could, and +she then said that he ought on no account to visit the +Temple, it would be as much as his life was worth +to do so; he must not ask any reasons but be led +entirely by her advice, which was given in all good +faith.</p> + +<p>When he got home he found that Abercromby had +been doing his best to persuade the others that +Lydon was not to be trusted, despite all the treasures +which he might have at disposal to show them. Tom +was not altogether of his way of thinking; he was +apparently anxious to see the old conjurer’s bag of +tricks, as he elegantly expressed it. The Professor +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</span>and the engineer were not moved so much by literary +instincts or general curiosity as by a desire not to +provoke any more hostilities.</p> + +<p>Abercromby said: “You are all of you as credulous +as the Cambridge freshman who was disinclined to +subscribe to his college boat, but as he took in whatever +we told him, we said one day, ‘Tearle, you ought +to be ashamed. The Vice-Chancellor was running +along the tow-path in flannels this afternoon, bawling +out, “Well rowed, Trinity!”’ that fetched him quite, +and he gave us a guinea on the strength of it.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe had come in, and his appearance suggested +to Tom a new argument. “Don’t you think +that as Mr. Radcliffe wants to be a missionary to +these ’ere savages the priests had better take him in +hand in their college so as to give him points?”</p> + +<p>“My dear Tom,” said Abercromby, when he had +finished laughing, “Mr. Radcliffe hardly wants to be +coached in paganism.”</p> + +<p>“Bless you all!” said Tom, “I’m a fool. I thought +they were Christians, just for a minute.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"> + CHAPTER XVIII + <br> + THE FESTIVAL OF PANACLA + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>The first day of the month Panacla, meaning +“the forth-shining,” had now commenced, when +the rain mist was supposed to have finished its +mission in Southern Atalanta.</p> + +<p>The Vale of Meloria was bathed in the most +exquisite light, mellowed and tempered by the snow-white +clouds that trailed along the sky at an immeasurable +altitude.</p> + +<p>A large crowd of people had gathered by the Lake +shore watching the island that lay nearly in front of +the great city. At the foot of the Grand Avenue a +line of palace guards was posted, the meaning of +whose presence was not at first quite clear to the +terrestrial party. Cleito smiled significantly when +the Professor enquired if the procession would approach +the palace. “Wait and see,” was all he said.</p> + +<p>At last a flash of light leaped from one of the +pinnacles of the island Temple. Some of the people +kneeled down as though to pay their devotions. +Others did not, but stood scornfully erect.</p> + +<p>Soon a cry arose and hands were pointed towards +the Lake. A barge gaily painted, propelled by a +number of oarsmen, was gliding rapidly towards +a landing-stage, a quarter of a mile to the east. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</span>Two other barges followed, one having a superb +gilded canopy. The occupants of these landed and +were received with adoration by a kneeling crowd. +Then a procession was formed. The vanguard consisted +of a troop of young children in pure white +with coral-coloured fillets in their hair, holding in +their hands white wands of sharp-pointed metal. +These formed a semicircle, grouping themselves into +a guard of honour; then came a band of players +beating some oval-shaped instruments and raising a +weird intonation. Following them was a woman +robed as a priestess. She sang with rich, penetrating +voice—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“O Lord of Light! O Lord of Light!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Filling the land with glory bright,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thine enemy retires⁠<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>⁠</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into the darkness whence he came,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Awed by thy majesty and fame,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cowed by thy burning fires.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“While Atalanta shall endure</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy worship shall stand fast and sure,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All its proud foes defy;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Though thou mayest veil thy glorious head,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou comest forth to smite with dread</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Each impious enemy.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hail, Asti! Potentate and King,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Receive the worship that we bring.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> The rain mist.</p></div> + +<p>As she passed by she was followed by the priests +of the Temple, each carrying golden spears. Then +came a canopy under which an altar was borne, with +a solar disk at each corner and a larger one in the +centre. Behind came a litter borne upon the +shoulders of four tall and powerful men, and reclining +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</span>upon it was the high priest Lydon. The +procession halted. The litter-bearers laid their +burden down. Lydon stepped forth. He placed +the altar in position; he kindled the central disk, +which revolved with a fiery radiation. Then he +turned to the crowd, most of whose members had +now kneeled down. His eyes fell upon the Professor +and his party, who stood somewhat uncomfortably +prominent. He shot them a keen glance. Then he +said: “Men of Karamandra, there are those who +brand you as barbarians; the priesthood knows no +such distinction. Come ye, offer incense to the Sun +God, the first of all invited to draw nigh.” So saying +he placed the vessel of incense in the hands of +Carmichael.</p> + +<p>“I must go through this farce, I suppose,” said +Carmichael, “though I should be ashamed for my +Cambridge friends to see me. It is only a form.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, of course,” assented Carysfort.</p> + +<p>“You shall <i>not</i>!” exclaimed Clarence Radcliffe, +and he struck the vessel out of the Professor’s hand. +For an instant there was an awful silence. Every +one stood in paralysed astonishment.</p> + +<p>“This may be my last moment,” exclaimed Radcliffe. +“You may tear me in pieces, but I will offer +no incense, except the incense of my heart, to Him +who is not the material sun, but the Sun of Righteousness.”</p> + +<p>“Silence, blasphemer!” shouted Lydon, hoarse +with rage. “What ho! guards and champions of +our ancestral faith, take this son of Karamandra, +who has insulted us and our god, and remove +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</span>him to the sacred island. There he shall be +taught how to frame his words and acts with discretion.”</p> + +<p>Before they could seize Radcliffe, Abercromby and +Jackson had felled the two nearest to the ground, +and grasping their companion they endeavoured to +pull him away. The crowd was in the wildest commotion, +some cursing him for his sacrilege, others +applauding the act. Some urged on the priests to +secure the prisoner, others cried, “Long live the +palace and the throne. Down with the traitors!”</p> + +<p>In the midst of the turmoil Radcliffe had mounted +on a seat, and addressing his voice to those nearest, +he said, “People of Atalanta! How long will you +worship that which is only a furnace of molten fire, +fit emblem of punishment and of woe? What +would the sun do for you if the God who placed it +there were to cause its light to fail? Would not this +side of the world be even as the other? I set before +you Him who is greater than all things which He +hath made—eternal, immortal, invisible. He can +guide you to the Mansions of the Blest, into which +all who love Him are safely gathered,”—here Radcliffe’s +voice broke a little. “Atalantans! worship +God. He has given you all things, even the very +powers with which you neglect Him.”</p> + +<p>At this moment Mayana herself, heading a detachment +of the palace attendants and wearing the red +coronet as a symbol of authority, thrust herself +forward, followed by Cleophon and Minya. “Begone, +Lydon!” she said. “Go back to your island and +deem yourself fortunate that you are allowed to dwell +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</span>there. All your plots are known. This is the last +time that you shall ever issue forth with your rebellious +rabble to delude and incite the people.”</p> + +<p>“I will go,” said Lydon in a voice inarticulate for +rage, “but the cup of your iniquities and that of +Mexitli is running over. I—or rather the Sun God—shall +be avenged.”</p> + +<p>“Behold the powerlessness of your god, for his +face is about to be hidden!” shouted Radcliffe. And +as he spoke the rain mist gathered and veiled the +fair landscape. Shrieks of terror and despair, intermingled +with laughter and mockery, came from +different parts of the crowd. Radcliffe suddenly +heard a cry from Abercromby. He started to ascertain +the cause. As he did so he felt a violent shock, +and all consciousness left him.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>“Where am I?” said Radcliffe when he had somewhat +regained his senses. He was in a luxuriously +furnished room. Melanitis was bending over him, +supporting his head upon her arm. “I have been +dreaming that I was in Wales, going up the Portmadoc +Road to Pont Aberglaslyn Pass with Lilian. +But what nonsense am I talking, and in English +too!” he added, correcting himself. “Lady, I did +not know you were there. Has my speech been +wandering? I could have declared I heard some one +singing to me an old English song, which we—my +wife and I—used to sing together.”</p> + +<p>“You will be always true to her, will you not?” +said the princess.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</span></p> + +<p>“Unto death and beyond it,” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Did you ever stay with her and her father the +year before you were married at a town called +Tenby?” asked Melanitis.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe started up on the coach, his face rigid +with amazement. “Yes, the happiest time in all my +life, except one,” he added. “But how—<i>how</i> did you +know it?”</p> + +<p>Melanitis smiled. “I know a good many things,” +she said.</p> + +<p>“Is second-sight understood in this planet?”</p> + +<p>“No; and if it were I should not practise any +such arts.”</p> + +<p>“Have you ever visited my world in your +dreams?”</p> + +<p>“Dreams are of little account, except day dreams. +But a truce to this. I want you to realise two +things. One is that I perfectly sympathise with you +in your life sorrow. Another is, that God may +provide you a way out of it sooner perhaps than +you think.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe was about to answer when the door +opened and King Malchon entered. The old man, +who looked worn and haggard, took the seat which +Melanitis had vacated, and said, “I rejoice that you +are recovering, my son. My daughter here has +given you all the resources of her medical skill, and +has gradually nursed you back to life. A great debt +is it that you owe to her. But we all owe a debt to +you hardly less great. Your conduct three days ago +helped us to frustrate for the present the designs +of our enemy.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</span></p> + +<p>“God be thanked for that. But what happened +to me?”</p> + +<p>“You were struck upon the head by a club hurled +by one of the traitors in order to silence you,” said +the King. “He would have repeated the blow had +not the fire-tube which Mayana held in her hand +smitten him. There was a conflict between the +loyalists among the people and the rebels, and several +lives were lost. No such thing has happened among +us for generations. The rebels were compelled to +retreat to their island and its temple fortress. Mexitli +and Melanitis both urged me to carry it by assault +and to put its colony to death, but I shrink from +such bloodshed as would result. I have forbidden, +however, any similar festival being held again.”</p> + +<p>“Has the lady Mayana or any member of her +house been injured?”</p> + +<p>“None; for the good Cleito arrived with the guards +just in time.”</p> + +<p>“Where are my companions?”</p> + +<p>“Lodged within the palace. I shall not allow +them to be outcasts any more.”</p> + +<p>The rest of the day was spent by Radcliffe in the +society, now of the King, now of Abercromby, now +of Melanitis. They all helped to make the hours +pass pleasantly. Only when he was alone did he +ponder in his mind the extraordinary knowledge +which Melanitis so evidently possessed. And when +the Professor came in to see him he told him about +it and he asked his opinion: “The simplest imaginable, +my dear fellow. You have been delirious, and +she has overheard you talk.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</span></p> + +<p>“But why is she so solicitous that I shall always be +true to the memory of my lost love?”</p> + +<p>“I do not pretend to fathom women, but perhaps +she has heard rumours that affected herself, and she +naturally wishes by your help to give the lie direct to +them.”</p> + +<p>“But she says that God will, sooner than I think, +make a way for me to end my sorrow.”</p> + +<p>“I see more than one explanation of her pious +desire, my dear Radcliffe, but I won’t pursue the +subject.”</p> + +<p>“Where is Mexitli?”</p> + +<p>“Absent on state business.”</p> + +<p>“Is she resentful for what I did?”</p> + +<p>“Not in the least. She is hugely delighted. The +danger does not lie with her. Be very careful of the +other one.”</p> + +<p>“Abercromby says the opposite.”</p> + +<p>“Then chum with the King. <i>He</i> is safe enough.”</p> + +<p>Before they retired to rest, Mayana entered, +asking to know how the sick patient was. She +offered to sing him one of the sweetest songs of +Atalanta. It was entitled “Little Queen of the +Night.” She took up a harp-shaped instrument, and +seating herself by the side of Melanitis, sang—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“When the birds shall homeward fly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the sunlight shall descend</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where Aptaura rears on high</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His steep rampart to defend.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is there any light beyond</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As I face the frost-bound field,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Do the stars with eyes so fond</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their sweet magic influence wield?</div> +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</span> </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Aye! the brightest and the best</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the starry host above,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the east unto the west,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Looketh down with glance of love.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis the little Queen of Night,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That surveys the cold drear waste,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet her self-forgetful light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whispers: ‘Hasten, traveller, haste.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“‘O be not further led</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By fond foolish thoughts of me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For I shine upon the dead</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In my helpless sympathy.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Turn your face towards a light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is nobler far than mine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the little Queen of Night</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will not grieve nor yet repine.’”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>“Beautiful, beautiful!” said Radcliffe. “And that +little Queen of Night is my world that only shines on +the cold dead hemisphere of Venus.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX"> + CHAPTER XIX + <br> + AN AERIAL VOYAGE WITH DIVERS EXPERIENCES + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>A week later they made their start for the southern +pole. Mexitli was to lead the expedition as far +as the island of Melandria; her return would depend +upon news from the city.</p> + +<p>“The first thing we shall have to consider,” said +Abercromby, “is to find room in our blessed machine +for the whole multitude of maidens who are keen +upon coming with us. <i>We</i> shall have to tidy up, of +course.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t trouble yourself, my dear man,” said Carmichael. +“The engineer consents to stay at home, +and Jackson will stay with him. We three will go +and sleep in the store-room, while the cabins and +the dining-room can be allotted to the people for +whose coming you are so naturally zealous.”</p> + +<p>In fact, the machine was at the travellers’ disposal +now, and they spent several days in upholstering it +according to Atalantan taste. It was about a week +before all was ready for the start, and by then the +weather had finally cleared and the heat was rather +severe.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe had been indeed nursed back to life and +health by Melanitis. Abercromby’s attitude to her +was rather curious. He was always most courteous +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</span>and deferential, save in one point, that he constantly +talked in English to Radcliffe when she was present, +and often contrived, even in the midst of a conversation +that seemed to be jocose, to make allusions to +the past life-sorrow of his friend. He would endeavour +to throw them together as much as possible, +and keep himself in the background. All this was +not only puzzling but irritating to the Professor, who +seldom spoke to Melanitis except when courtesy +required, for he not only disliked her but feared exceedingly +as to what was going to happen. One +day, when they were on the eve of departure, he +remarked to Abercromby: “The thing that beats +me is to understand how a woman of Mexitli’s +character can be blind to what is so patent—that her +sister, and one whom she must regard as a barbarian, +are very much in love. At first it was all on the +woman’s part, but now I am convinced that Radcliffe +is himself yielding, at least so far as this, that he +gives to Melanitis the second place in his heart. The +princess hopes, no doubt, in time to win the first, +though she is too wise to hurry matters. But all +this must be clear to Mexitli, and why does she not +show her hand?”</p> + +<p>“You told me yourself that there is no accounting +for the ways of women or their inward logic,” said +Abercromby, “but I am going to ask <i>you</i> a question. +Is Melanitis in the least degree afraid of what her +sister might do to her?”</p> + +<p>“Not in the least, so far as I can see, and this is +the queerest part of it all. But do <i>you</i> yourself, +Abercromby, trust Melanitis?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</span></p> + +<p>“Perfectly.”</p> + +<p>“Do you, not as a rival of course, but in the way +of brotherly affection, love her?”</p> + +<p>“I love Radcliffe more.”</p> + +<p>“Because you have known him longer?”</p> + +<p>“For that and other reasons.”</p> + +<p>“I believe you know more than you choose to +say.”</p> + +<p>“I want you not to think me a lunatic before it is +necessary.”</p> + +<p>Mayana, Minya, and Cleophon remained behind +in the palace to assist the King in the event of +dangers or difficulties.</p> + +<p>The two princesses were to accompany the expedition, +and were (it was distinctly declared) to lead +it in every sense of the word. Several aerial vessels +were to follow in their wake. Malchon, however, +was haunted by an uneasy thought, and one day he +said to Radcliffe in Mexitli’s presence: “You leave +behind two of your number as hostages for your +return and our own airships will follow you. I +trust you fully, my son, and I am beginning to trust +your friend Abercromby, but your leader is a man of +science and thinks naturally more of his people than +of me and mine. I know the capabilities of your +machine and that it could, in a few minutes, leave us +for ever. Will you promise me, in the name of Jesus +Christ, that you will not do this but be faithful to the +trust I repose in you and bring the princesses safe +back to the palace?”</p> + +<p>“I will do this and also more. We shall not take +our terrestrial weapons but leave them behind in +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</span>your safe custody. Let the princesses take their +own weapons, and it is we who shall be at their +mercy, not they at ours.”</p> + +<p>Mexitli took both the hands of Radcliffe in hers +and pressed them.</p> + +<p>Carmichael was not altogether pleased with this +arrangement. He indignantly denied that he had +ever contemplated “doing a bolt,” as Abercromby +phrased it, but he was rather perplexed to know +what might happen to them if by chance they put +their guests in a bad temper.</p> + +<p>On the first day of the new month—Antarana, meaning +“the greater heat”—the party took possession +of the Asteroid; the King, accompanied by his +guards, councillors, and attendants, amongst whom +Carysfort and Jackson were present, came to bid +them farewell. Jackson, forgetting it was Venus, +took off his hat by way of respect, but the sun soon +caused him to discover his mistake. Mayana and +her sister were affectionately embraced by Mexitli, +who whispered in their ears some warning words +that evidently had Lydon for their chief object, as his +name was heard.</p> + +<p>The dining-room window was thrown open, and +the balcony fixed in its place, so that the fresh air +might penetrate to every part of the machine. The +Professor went to the conning-tower and set the +engines in motion. He was rather vexed that Minola, +Mexitli’s maid of honour, stood by his side, silent, +but noting everything that was done. The others +gathered on the balcony watching the landscape +beneath them. They were all in the gayest mood, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</span>more like frolicsome children than people who, even +then, held, or were held by, the powers of death. +Mexitli quite threw off her haughtiness and seemed +thoroughly to enjoy herself, and to want all the rest +to do the same. To Abercromby alone she was +still a trifle distant, but the latter was so perfectly +respectful that it soon disarmed her.</p> + +<p>“I say, old man,” began Abercromby to Radcliffe, +“I wonder what the Proctor would say to me now. +I once ran him half round Cambridge, but I should +have drawn the line at an airship. Have you heard +at Oxford the song of the Proctor? It is deeply +pathetic, but not quite applicable to this side of Venus.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Every proctor has his bull-dog,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Man of doughty might,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he sallies forth in full tog</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Mid the shades of night.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>“Is that poetry you are reciting?” said Mexitli.</p> + +<p>“Yes, a song of Cambridge, the town where I +passed my examinations—no, no, where I pursued +my studies.”</p> + +<p>“Please sing it to me in Atalantan.”</p> + +<p>“How the deuce am I to do it?” said Abercromby. +“Do give me a tip.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe promptly said—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“When the bold-faced idler flies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the work he ought to do,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Man and beast, with vengeful cries,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through the streets the knave pursue.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>“How interesting!” said Mexitli. “I <i>should</i> like +to see it.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</span></p> + +<p>All this time Melanitis had been in a condition of +explosive laughter.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the Asteroid had been passing above +the south side of the great city and then away over +the gap between the two hills. The country seemed +to grow every mile more beautiful—forest and +meadow, waterfall and bubbling stream, with houses +of quaint architecture, both small and great, perched +on eminences, surrounded by groves and gardens, +while a level causeway led from the south of the +capital through the environs, stretching far away +into the distance, curving in a south-westerly direction. +Every now and again an airship passed them +on its way to the city.</p> + +<p>Abercromby narrated with much animation the +story of the aerial monster whose cry of wailing had +so suddenly disturbed their encampment.</p> + +<p>The face of Melanitis grew grave. “It was the +ship of death,” she said; “a prisoner condemned by +us was taken to the dark hemisphere to die.”</p> + +<p>“How was he killed?” asked Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“He perished in the cold night,” said Mexitli in a +rather hard tone. “He was a spy of the priests, who +sought to stir up disaffection. When the ship of +death sighted the polar terrors, it was lowered to the +frozen ice-field; the man was turned adrift with the +customary words, ‘Unworthy of the glories of the +day, worthy of the terrors of the night.’ The task +accomplished, the ship returns and awaits its next +hapless passenger.”</p> + +<p>“Would that have been <i>our</i> doom, princess?”</p> + +<p>“It might have been; it very nearly was. By the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</span>by, you seriously transgressed our laws in haranguing +the people in a place of public resort, as you did on +the occasion of that absurd festival. But, of course, +you were on our side, so you won’t hear any more +about it.”</p> + +<p>“Are open-air addresses contrary to the laws of +Atalanta?” asked Radcliffe in a rather pained +tone.</p> + +<p>“I can alter the laws if needs be,” said Mexitli; +“but you must seek my permission before you adopt +any such method again. I will give you plenty of +other means of carrying out your plans. You see, +any address to the people savours of sedition, as it +has been always used for that end; but perhaps I +shall let you have your wish in due time.”</p> + +<p>“Look! The sea! the sea!” cried Abercromby. +“I am as excited as old Xenophon’s Greeks. An +airship would have settled their job much more +quickly. He would not have had to write so much +Greek, and I might not have been ‘plucked’ in consequence.”</p> + +<p>“Leave these old-world allusions and look at this +glorious sight,” said Mexitli; “there is the coast-line +of our grand continent, and away, beyond the horizon, +is Melandria.”</p> + +<p>“This is much more like a terrestrial view, is it +not?” said Abercromby to Melanitis.</p> + +<p>“Much more like,” she replied.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe darted upon her a swift look of uttermost +surprise.</p> + +<p>“The observatory on Aptaura is a famous place for +seeing Karamandra,” she said.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</span></p> + +<p>“Very excellent indeed,” remarked Abercromby in +a somewhat inscrutable tone.</p> + +<p>Mexitli pointed to a colony of houses overlooking +a forest that extended nearly down to the shore. “We +will picnic there,” she said. “Minola, tell the pilot of +our good vessel to direct it to the point which I +indicate.”</p> + +<p>Carmichael obeyed with a docility rather novel to +him, and they came to an anchor on a meadow-green +lawn of smooth grass only a few feet elevated above +the water’s edge. A venerable Atalantan matron, +leaning upon the arms of her son and nephew, came +forward from the terrace of the house nearest to the +sea and made a profound obeisance to the princesses.</p> + +<p>“Carmichael,” said Melanitis, “be so good as to +guard the Asteroid while we picnic here, we shall not +be long.”</p> + +<p>Abercromby looked rather indignant, but at last +broke out into a laugh.</p> + +<p>“Come, Professor, don’t elope to China; no, of +course, I mean to Atalanta. Write your notes and +edit your experiences. Be a Cambridge don, and +dream you are sending me down.”</p> + +<p>“Eat some lunch will be more likely,” grumbled +the Professor. “I have taken the precaution to bring +a decent pile of sandwiches with me; I only regret +they were not made even in Germany.”</p> + +<p>The statuesque Minola sat down close to the entrance +to the machine; she began to read one of the +manuscripts which Radcliffe had finished. The Professor +had his lunch all to himself, watching his silent +duenna with feelings far from satisfactory, for the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</span>maiden had always one of the green tubes at hand, +and seemed quite ready to use it.</p> + +<p>The aged woman’s name was Amarilla; she had +lived all her life in this lonely corner of the empire, +supporting herself by the work of her son’s hands +and her own. They had made a little paradise of +this rough shore-line. She was deeply versed in the +religious philosophy of her country in its ancient +form, and had always lived in hope that she might, +as she phrased it, “hear the silence of the skies +broken.” During the picnic conversation flowed +apace; Amarilla besought the strangers to tell her +of their own world and of its people, of their religion, +their laws, their arts, their government.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe and Abercromby obeyed; the princesses +sat motionless and silent, taking in every word.</p> + +<p>Their principal topic, however, was the history of +the Christian religion in Karamandra and the desperate +struggle it had waged with its pagan foes.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe told the story of Polycarp, of Cyprian, +and of Perpetua and Felicitas, at which his hearers +were intensely moved.</p> + +<p>“You will never have these obstacles in Atalanta,” +said Amarilla, “but you will have others, chiefly the +invincible unwillingness of the people to bestir themselves, +to awake from the dreaming of centuries, and +from the pride which makes them believe that everything +in the Flowery Land is perfect and can never +be altered except for the worse. My rulers command +me in all things but one: they let me give the +allegiance of my soul to the King of Heaven and to +the exiled Prince.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</span></p> + +<p>“Mother, I allow you to speak quite freely, but +tell me in return, are you quite sure that the +allegiance of which you speak will never conflict +with the allegiance to the throne?”</p> + +<p>“Try it, princess, when you are queen, and you +will find that the more your people love God the +better will they serve you. And as for you, +strangers, go forth and spread <ins id='cor_165' title='Original: eyerywhere'>everywhere</ins> the things +which God has done for your world, and pray to +Him that He may yet do equal things for ours.”</p> + +<p>Both the princesses took a fond farewell, and then +they returned to the Asteroid.</p> + +<p>While the Professor resumed his duties as steersman, +the party once more discussed subjects of +literary interest, as the machine pursued its short +aerial journey to the island.</p> + +<p>“One of the prettiest samples of our national +poetry,” said Mexitli, “is the lyrical invocation to the +Sun God. I omit the part which is abominably +idolatrous, but the prelude, where Asti vaunts his +own greatness, is at least geographical—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">My power doth fence the realm of polar snows,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My rays smite kindling, high Aptaura’s pile,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mine is the light that on Meloria glows,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And mine the twilight in Melandria’s isle.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>Abercromby had been making his first attempt at +Atalantan poetry by trying to turn “All in the +hush of twilight” into Atalantan verse. He was +fairly successful, though Mexitli told him he must +study for a year before he could do real justice in +their own poetry to a lovely lyric in another +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</span>language. All agreed, however, that though not +suitable to Central Atalanta, where the sun was not +on the horizon, it would be sure to take the fancy of +the Melandrians, for they always had to live in a twilight +land, and loved it so much, that they would like +to be in the hush of the twilight from end to end of +their planetary year.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX"> + CHAPTER XX + <br> + THE ISLAND OF TWILIGHT + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>The spin over the sea about thirty miles in +length, through a swift current of bracing air, +was soon accomplished. The heights of the great +island quickly towered before them. Melandria had +a more terrestrial look: there were bays and roadsteads, +where many ships might have lain at anchor. +But of these there were none; all communication +with the mainland was through the air. A large +town lay along the sea border, with a long esplanade +and something like earthly roads, and highways led +out from it into the interior. The island was at +least one hundred miles in circuit; its greatest +breadth was about twenty miles, narrowing to a long +trailing peninsula, not much wooded, but covered +with open moorlands, while the glowing orb of the +sun on the horizon lit up the whole landscape with +a sunset splendour. In the middle of the island was +a high-peaked hill, from the summit of which a +dazzling spot of white snow could be discerned to +the south.</p> + +<p>“There is Aptaura, the boundary line between two +hemispheres, close to the southern pole, and twenty +miles in height,” said Mexitli.</p> + +<p>They anchored on the top of the peak. Near to +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</span>the top, in a sheltered hollow, lay a beautiful country +house, the residence of the governor of Melandria, +whose name was Andron. He only held office +during the King’s lifetime. He was a very learned +man, and he rejoiced at the opportunity of conversing +with the Professor and his companions. So +the party at once repaired to the house, where a +sumptuous meal was provided. The expression +must not be taken in too terrestrial a sense, for, in +Atalanta, the actual amount of drink and still more +of food would hardly, as regards quantity, have +sufficed a child from the other planet. The native +foods and drinks were practically medicines of a +very palatable order, and were all intended to have +a direct influence upon the bodily frame. The more +exquisite the delicacy the more dangerous it would +be to indulge too freely in it. Carmichael looked +with astonishment at Radcliffe, supping on a small +plate of some high-coloured substance and a slender +goblet of pale rose-tinted liquid.</p> + +<p>The guests, however, had all the more leisure at +their disposal for talk. The Professor, for their +own good, told them many interesting facts about +the earth and its ways, while Radcliffe plied others +with questions as to the planet on which he had +resolved to spend his remaining years of life. Andron +was much interested in astronomy, and told the +terrestrials all the main facts which the Atalantans +had found out about the solar system.</p> + +<p>Mercury and the earth were, of course, the planets +best known to them, and he made the sage remark +that astronomers would do better to put up with the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</span>trouble of the sunlight and study Mercury as a +morning star rather than face what he considered +to be the far greater difficulties of going to the +frozen hemisphere and looking at it so low down on +the horizon.</p> + +<p>“Do you think Mercury is inhabited?” asked +Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Certainly not,” answered Andron. “Mercury +is only a repetition of our own planet with polar +terrors on one side and a sun about three times +larger than our sun. All our vegetation would be +withered, and there would be but half the space +which we have on which it could grow. Even this +presupposes that its surface is all land, whereas it is +probably a sea of fire and molten metal.”</p> + +<p>After this learned talk about the stars, to which +Carmichael added the surprising news that there +were two planets beyond the orbit of Saturn which +the Atalantans had not discovered, the converse +took a more religious turn. Andron and his wife +Ayacatil were delighted to have given to them a +copy in manuscript of St. Luke’s Gospel and the +Acts. Andron promised that many copies should +be circulated in the island. He asked Radcliffe a +rather remarkable question: if the abominations committed +upon the earth were wholly and entirely the +work of mankind, or whether there were occult +powers of evil acting upon them from without? +When Radcliffe spoke of the teaching of Christianity +upon this dark subject, Andron and Ayacatil both +expressed the opinion that it was no use to deny +that the Atalantans were more free from crimes of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</span>violence and mere insensate wickedness—in fact, that +it was hardly possible to find people who ever did +wickedness that was contrary to their own interests. +Sins there were, and plenty, in Atalanta, but there +was always a reason for them; there was nothing +extravagant or maniacal, nothing uncontrolled or +uncontrollable.</p> + +<p>“Surely then,” said Radcliffe, “as Atalanta has +been left all these ages to work out its destiny on +the side of good, so likewise it has been left +unmolested on the side of the powers of evil. I do +not believe there are such powers in this planet. +This would account for the whole course of divine +treatment which Providence has adopted towards +it.”</p> + +<p>“This appears to me very just reasoning,” said +Ayacatil; “we breathe a purer atmosphere in this +planet, and therefore a large number of spiritual and +moral maladies are cut off.”</p> + +<p>“But that makes us wholly responsible for those +that remain,” remarked Mexitli. “However, I mean +to look facts in the face and study all that God has +taught the other planet, and see what light the +teaching can throw upon this.”</p> + +<p>The Professor was about to lead the discussion +back to the heavenly bodies, when Abercromby +asked if they might enjoy some more of the national +poetry of Atalanta and its melodies.</p> + +<p>Ayacatil pressed Mexitli to honour them with an +example of her own artistic powers.</p> + +<p>The princess consented, and sang some stanzas of +the grand lyric—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</span></p> + + +<h3 id="HOW_KERAUNION_DIED"> + “HOW KERAUNION DIED” +</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Sing me a tale of the days gone by,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the days that were brave and bold,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere the minstrel charmed with his minstrelsy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But love wrought deeds untold;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When to love and to succour was all our pride,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the days when King Keraunion died.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The clouds had gathered all over the hills,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Asti had hidden His glorious face,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The rain mist had flowed o’er the trembling rills,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And faster the clouds did race</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the trysting-place whither their squadrons ride,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the night when King Keraunion died!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">A subject had served him right faithful and true,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had stood ’mid the trustiest round his throne,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the sky of the monarch was cloudless and blue,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all Atalanta he called his own.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ah! how can <i>we</i> tell how events shall betide</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When we hear of the way that Keraunion died?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For the sky of the subject was draped in gloom,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And his head was bowed in a sore distress,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And life had become as the fearsome tomb,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A drear and a pitiless wilderness.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">His only child had strayed from his side</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the mountain path where Keraunion died.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The King set forth alone. He wrought</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Mid the gathering darkness the truant to seek.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A courtier the tidings of anguish brought,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he gave the advice of the timid and weak:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“For what would become of the land,” he cried,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“If boldness he urged, and Keraunion died?”</div> +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</span> </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The King spurned the counsel, and threaded his way.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unconscious of pain, and of peril sore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He came to the place where the maiden lay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And safe to the summit her frail form bore.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now who would have thought in that moment of pride</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the hour was come when Keraunion died?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">A bird of prey, with ravenous beak,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Struck at the child brought back to life;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But there, on the edge of that yawning deep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The rescuer fought it in doubtful strife.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So the maid sped swift to her father’s side,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the fight was over—Keraunion died.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The King fought on with fast ebbing life,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Driven to the verge of the beetling rock;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The monster watched every turn of the strife,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drove in his last relentless shock.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the dizzy height of the mountain side</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Keraunion was hurled—and Keraunion died.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>A murmur of admiration pervaded the company.</p> + +<p>“Well, let us adjourn to the lawn,” said the royal +songstress, “and have a little more talk upon serious +subjects. We are all in the mood, I fancy.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXI"> + CHAPTER XXI + <br> + THE PEAK OF APTAURA + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>They spent five days in the island before setting +out for Aptaura. During this time Melanitis +and Radcliffe explored in all directions; they roamed +the woods and the glens, they sat by the waterfalls, +they paid friendly visits to the chief people of the +town, enjoying themselves to the utmost. It was as +though they had made an unwritten compact that +this was to be a holiday interlude. The princess +gave him a fund of information about the Atalantan +people, and taught him many things it was most +necessary to know. Carmichael enjoyed society in +his own way, and certainly won the hearts of the +learned.</p> + +<p>Just before they started, an airship arrived from +the mainland flying the red pennant of the palace. +It bore several letters, only one of which need detain +us. There was a sealed despatch from Mayana, +which evidently caused Mexitli a measure of care, +for she knitted her brows as she read it. But she did +not divulge the contents, beyond assuring her guests +that they had no cause for fear.</p> + +<p>There was a letter from Carysfort merely telling of +his literary work, but making scantiest allusion to +anything else; the Professor read it to the others and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</span>then put it in his pocket. But there was a letter +from Tom which sent the whole party into such +convulsions of laughter that it is to be wondered that +they were not all of them ill. The example of the +others proved contagious—to Melanitis, at least, for +she could hardly retain her seat without holding on to +it. The letter, however, was so hilariously engrossing +that the terrestrials scarce noticed the princess’s +condition.</p> + +<p>It was to Carmichael, and is worth quoting entire.</p> + + + +<p class="p2"> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">“<span class="smcap">Dear Mr. Professor</span>,</span> +</p> + +<p style="text-indent: 3.0em">“Pardon the liberty I am taking, but <ins id='cor_174' title='Original: hought'>I thought</ins> +you would like to know how we are all doing. First, +I’ll just say that I like old King Malchon better and +better. He is the dearest old genelman that ever I +see. He took me for a walk round the terraces, +leaning on my arm, and I never had no King, dook, +nor baron to show me such honour yet.</p> + +<p>“I sang him one of the hymns Mr. Radcliffe likes +which he used to have at his church.</p> + +<p>“Mrs. Cleophon (I forget her Christian name) does +the bigger half of his business for him, and a real +lady she is.</p> + +<p>“Miss Melanitis is sure to look after dear Mr. Radcliffe, +and to see that he doesn’t walk the dark side +of the south pole without his greatcoat. Would you +just tell him that he said he was going to learn Miss +Mexitli the art of playing chess? if he do, as soon as +she has learned the moves, he must be sure to let her +win some of the games.</p> + +<p>“I don’t go in for politics, but it’s myself that +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</span>thinks there will be a job on with them priests, for I +fancy, and Mrs. Cleophon thinks so too, that that old +rascal Lydon is after some mischief. But if the Lord +will, the queens will be coming back soon, and they +will finish his bother.</p> + +<p>“Now, about Mr. Carysfort. He is writing a big +book on Venus for the other world, and he means to +give it to the Vice-Chancellor. He is also going to +write to Mr. Chamberlain, the German Emperor, and +the Prime Minister, though I think there will be a +new one before we get back.</p> + +<p>“Hoping this will find you well, as it leaves us +at present,</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 11.0em;">“I am,</span></p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2.0em;">“Your humble servant,</span></p> + +<p class="right"> “<span class="smcap">Tom</span>.”</p> + + +<p class="p2">Soon the heights of Melandria faded in the twilight +of the low red sun. They held on their way to +the mainland, which they now perceived to be but a +narrow neck of country tapering off to a point. The +other ocean came in sight, and at last, where the land +ended in a magnificent headland, against which the +waters beat with tempestuous fury, stood a lonely +house surrounded with high walls and rocky ramparts, +to protect it from the fury of the southern +sea.</p> + +<p>“These are the last Atalantans except upon Aptaura,” +said Mexitli. “We will salute them and +hasten on.” This they did from a height of about +five hundred feet.</p> + +<p>Across the straits rose the warden of the frozen +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</span>pole, the giant Aptaura, his snow-white crest gilded +by the rays of the ice-bound sun, his mighty granite +mass rising sheer out of the deep. The peak seemed +utterly inaccessible to mortal enterprise, and so indeed +it was till the era of the airship.</p> + +<p>Higher, and yet higher, they ascended, till the +summit was scaled at last, twenty miles in perpendicular +height. There, protected by a rampart of +rock, nestled the Observatory, a low-roofed building +with several giant reflectors, telescope shaped, pointed +towards the sky.</p> + +<p>To the south were the frozen ice-fields, wrapped in +polar darkness; the air was piercingly keen, the +stars shone out in the black sky, and, near the horizon, +behold, one bright, greenish-red star of incomparable +richness and brilliance, a small glittering moon.</p> + +<p>“There is your world,” said Mexitli, pointing to it.</p> + +<p>It was the earth.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXII"> + CHAPTER XXII + <br> + THE GREAT MYSTERY + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>The staff at the Observatory consisted of three +men of science with their servants. They were +elderly men who had devoted their lives to the study +of the heavens in this region of awful isolation and +loneliness—the highest spot by far in the whole +planet. Melanitis had been there several times, but +Mexitli only upon one former occasion. Both the +princesses spoke the kindest words of greeting to the +brave colony of scientific recluses, and introduced the +visitors from earth.</p> + +<p>But though the Professor and his two companions +were wonderfully struck with the grandeur of the +mountain and the incomparable view, they quickly +saw that there was little astronomical knowledge for +them to learn that they did not already know from +the more favourable view-point of their own world.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe was also greatly astonished to find that +the Atalantan knowledge of the earth extended only +to its larger physical outlines—the continents, peninsulas, +and islands; but they scarcely knew more +of the earth than we do of Mars, and not nearly as +much as we know of the moon. The earth was a far +lovelier object in the sky of Venus, from Aptaura, +than Venus is in our sky, but it was an almost +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</span>impossible task for any Atalantan, unless helped by +the palace, to get there to see it. In fact, Malchon +supported his astronomers out of his own private +liberality, and men of learning assisted him in so +doing.</p> + +<p>Many weeks would be required for study and +observations before any solid results could be attained, +and Mercury was far more easily observed +from the lighted hemisphere.</p> + +<p>Mexitli therefore declared that she could not stay +more than one night, and she contented herself with +viewing the heavens from the interior of the Asteroid; +the cold of open-air research was appalling, and she +naturally avoided it. The next day they re-entered +the region of light, Melanitis promising that Radcliffe +should come with her to the summit another +time.</p> + +<p>They landed at the southern end of the continent, +and put up for a day or two at the castellated house +overlooking the glorious sea, along the shore of which +they had several excursions. Recreation of the most +bracing type was to be obtained here.</p> + +<p>But an astounding event was at hand.</p> + +<p>The owner of the house was a brave and hardy +landowner named Carminon, who, with his wife +Mexilla, were great favourites of the court, to whose +couriers they had rendered many a service. They +had saved the lives of more than one occupant of a +damaged or storm-tossed airship. On the last +evening of their stay Mexilla expressed a wish to +hear some of the melodies of Karamandra, and +Radcliffe sang several hymns in English, and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</span>Abercromby gave them a taste of patriotic songs. But +Mexilla wanted a Karamandran love song, and would +not be put off with anything else.</p> + +<p>“Come, old man, you must fire away,” said Abercromby; +“you have not to preach to-morrow, so you +won’t mind getting a trifle hoarse.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe used to sing in earlier days an old-world +song called “Solitude,” which had been quite the +rage in its time, though long superseded by a different +style; so he began—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“It is not that my lot is low</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That makes the silent tears to flow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It is not grief that makes me mourn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I weep that I am all alone.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The woods and winds with sullen wail</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tell out the same unvarying tale.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“I would not be a leaf to die</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With none to think nor care for me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet in my dreams a form I view</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That thinks on me and loves me too.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I start—but then the vision’s flown;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I wake—and I am all alone!”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>Radcliffe rather wailed than sang the last lines. +Mexilla, though not understanding the words, was +intensely moved, and even Mexitli turned away her +head to hide her feelings.</p> + +<p>But upon Melanitis the song had a deeper and +a more poignant effect—she started to her feet, +advanced a step towards him, and sank in a collapsed +heap upon the floor.</p> + +<p>“What have I done!” he cried in alarm and +distraction.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</span></p> + +<p>“It is but a faintness, do not be distressed,” said +Mexitli calmly, and raising Melanitis she, with the +aid of Abercromby, carried her from the room. +Some anxious time elapsed, and then Abercromby +re-entered.</p> + +<p>“Come quickly to the Asteroid,” he said. “Melanitis +is all right, but I must have a very serious talk +with you, the most serious we have ever had.”</p> + +<p>Abercromby led the way to the dining-room, which +they had all to themselves.</p> + +<p>“Now, Clarence,” he said, “pull yourself together +and be calm. Answer me truly and clearly—is your +heart loyal to the memory of your wife, or have you +succumbed to a later influence?”</p> + +<p>“Absolutely loyal unto death, and beyond it to the +Mansions of the Blest,” he answered.</p> + +<p>“Then you do not desire to marry Melanitis?”</p> + +<p>“Never; my love for her deepens, but it never +overtakes the love for her that is gone, for that also +grows fonder and fonder.”</p> + +<p>“Very good. This will simplify matters much. +By the by, you could <i>not</i> have married Melanitis had +you wished.”</p> + +<p>“Why?”</p> + +<p>“Because you are married already.”</p> + +<p>“I <i>was</i>.”</p> + +<p>“You <i>are</i>.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe stared at Abercromby in dazed astonishment.</p> + +<p>Abercromby went on: “Suppose your love for +your wife had faded, you could only have married +again when she was dead.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</span></p> + +<p>“She <i>is</i> dead,” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“She is <i>not</i> dead.”</p> + +<p>The words rang out like a clarion note.</p> + +<p>“What madness is this? I saw the inquest on +her dead body rescued from the Welsh river. I accompanied +the poor remains to the little churchyard +under the Cotswolds. My own voice (how I did it +God only knows) read the service over her to save her +stricken father. And now you tell me she is alive!”</p> + +<p>“It is true,” answered Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“Where?” scornfully.</p> + +<p>“In Atalanta. Melanitis will restore her to you in +ten days, perhaps less.”</p> + +<p>“You are fooling, Abercromby.”</p> + +<p>“I love you too well for that.”</p> + +<p>“Then there has been sorcery and witchcraft.”</p> + +<p>“None whatever; no such arts are practised here. +You speculated truly the other day that the devil is +limited to our own luckless planet.”</p> + +<p>“Have the Atalantans visited the earth in one of +their machines?”</p> + +<p>“They lack the means of setting it going. The +motive force is not existent in Venus.”</p> + +<p>“Have they stolen the Asteroid?”</p> + +<p>“They would not have known how to steer it +beyond their own atmosphere.”</p> + +<p>“Am I to see her in the spirit or in the flesh?”</p> + +<p>“In the flesh.”</p> + +<p>“Is she changed?”</p> + +<p>“Well, yes! But forgive me if I say that <i>I</i> consider +she is changed for the better.”</p> + +<p>“Do you know how it has been done?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</span></p> + +<p>“Perfectly.”</p> + +<p>“Who told you?”</p> + +<p>“I found it out for myself.”</p> + +<p>“As you hope for salvation at the last, will you +pledge me that you are speaking the truth?”</p> + +<p>“Absolutely, literally, entirely.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe was staggered.</p> + +<p>“Scepticism dies hard in a despairing breast,” he +went on. “Can you give me any tangible proof +beyond your own word? Excuse me, Frank, my all +is at stake.”</p> + +<p>“Yes! I can give you one proof at any rate. How +came the knowledge of the English alphabet to +Atalanta?”</p> + +<p>“Jackson told us he was hypnotised.”</p> + +<p>“Nonsense! Jackson thinks so, but I know better. +<i>Your wife wrote out that paper with her own hands.</i> +Jackson was put to sleep, or rather tempted to put +himself to sleep by going too deeply into his cups. +But this was done to rob the machine, not to study +English. Your wife wrote the paper in a disguised +hand.”</p> + +<p>“How do you know that?”</p> + +<p>“<i>Because she told me so herself.</i>”</p> + +<p>Again Radcliffe fairly winced, like a man receiving +a blow.</p> + +<p>“Have you had intercourse and converse with her +all the time you have been in Atalanta?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly not, considering I was in gaol.”</p> + +<p>“When did you first do so?”</p> + +<p>“After that row in Parmenton’s house—quite +recently therefore.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</span></p> + +<p>“Where did you see her?”</p> + +<p>“In the palace.”</p> + +<p>“Does Melanitis know her?”</p> + +<p>“Intimately.”</p> + +<p>“She hates her, of course?”</p> + +<p>“On the contrary, she has a very good opinion of +her.”</p> + +<p>“Does Mexitli know of all this?”</p> + +<p>“Fully, and is very pleased.”</p> + +<p>“It is stupendous,” said Radcliffe. “Can you tell +me what the Professor thinks?”</p> + +<p>“That you made an ass of yourself this evening. +Further than this he knows nothing. He is even +more nonplussed than you are.”</p> + +<p>“You <i>can</i> tell me the whole secret, I suppose?”</p> + +<p>“I could, but I shan’t.”</p> + +<p>“Because of Melanitis?”</p> + +<p>“No, because of the King. Your only peril lies +there. But the worst that can happen is this—that +you and your wife may be packed off back to the +earth. If you are, I will remain to carry on your +work.”</p> + +<p>“What!”</p> + +<p>“Nothing more nor less.”</p> + +<p>“Once more, I beseech you to tell me.”</p> + +<p>“I <i>dare</i> not and I <i>ought</i> not, and therefore I <i>will</i> +not; you <i>can</i> wait ten days, man!”</p> + +<p>At that moment Minola appeared, and said: +“Your excellencies are summoned to attend upon +the Lady Mexitli; she is in sore distress.”</p> + +<p>Abercromby started. “Well, Clarence, it <i>may</i> be +that the mine is to be exploded now; if so, better +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</span>perhaps for you. But muster all your courage and +prepare for a stunning shock.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe drew himself up. “Can you tell me what +has happened?” he said to Minola.</p> + +<p>“I may not answer questions, though I would +gladly if I might,” she replied.</p> + +<p>At that moment they reached the door of the +house. Mexilla was supporting both the princesses, +who were in a state of indescribable agitation. +Carmichael was calm, but his face wore a very stern +expression.</p> + +<p>“Ladies, we crave permission to know what is the +matter,” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Atalanta is in revolt,” said Mexitli. “The +priest party, aided by the traitors Parmenton, +Mauro, and Medon, have surrounded the palace. +All is lost.”</p> + +<p>“No, that shall never be,” said Radcliffe. “We +will put all our power at your disposal, display the +scarlet banner and fight under it by your side.”</p> + +<p>“By George! I thought he was a missionary!” +said Abercromby. “But no matter, I shall not mind +a fight, if it comes to that.”</p> + +<p>“Will you stand by us?” asked Mexitli.</p> + +<p>“Unto death,” said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“If we win, you shall be the highest noble in +Atalanta,” she cried. “I will give to your companions +an absolute pardon, and raise them all to the +ranks of my nobility.”</p> + +<p>A cheer broke from the Atalantans present; such +a scene of enthusiasm followed as was rarely witnessed +on Venus. Melanitis kept very much in the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</span>background, though she spoke kind words to each +and all, but Mexitli went and shook hands with +every one, even with the Professor and Abercromby, +a thing she had never done before.</p> + +<p>Orders were given to start at once. Carmichael, +who was dead-tired, had to make a rush for the +conning-tower.</p> + +<p>“We are in for a regular deuce of a row,” said +Abercromby. “I have seen it coming for a long +time. It will clear the air, at all events. I want a +good square talk with you, Professor.”</p> + +<p>“Then you can’t have it. I have to run this +machine at breakneck speed back to Atalanta, and +heaven only knows what will happen to us when we +get there.”</p> + +<p>The princess sent an imperious message that the +Professor must give up his steering-seat to Minola +and come and take part in her council. This he +flatly refused to do, at which Mexitli took great +offence, threatening that “under these circumstances +to disobey was death.” “We shall all die by breaking +our necks if that girl takes the steering; she is +totally unused to it.” Minola looked very resentful, +and even laid her hand upon her weapon; but Radcliffe +quieted her by soothing words, and, after some +trouble, Mexitli owned that perhaps it was better +that this particular machine should be steered by +those who had made it.</p> + +<p>Abercromby whispered to Radcliffe, “Your affair +is not on just now, old man; perhaps it is as well. +We must settle old Lydon’s bother first, then your +turn shall come.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</span></p> + +<p>The council was harmonious enough, for Mexitli +did all, or nearly all, of the talking. She decided +that they must make a forced flight to Atalanta and +observe from the air all that was going on.</p> + +<p>Not even Radcliffe could induce her to tell them +how the trouble had begun; this she was resolved to +keep to herself. All they learned was that the rebels +had got possession of the lower part of the city, had +burned Mayana’s mansion to the ground, and had +then surrounded the palace hill. All the adherents +of the priesthood of the Sun had taken up arms, and +they had been joined by a large number of the lowest +of the populace. The rebels had resolved on a +complete revolution, both in the religious and in the +social life of Atalanta.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>The restless energy of Mexitli disdained to take +any repose. The Professor grumbled that if the +devil had been at their heels they could not have +gone very much faster, but, as Abercromby remarked, +since Radcliffe had ruled him out of all possession in +Venus, it was the princess who would have to drive +them instead.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"> + CHAPTER XXIII + <br> + LYDON’S REVOLT + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Sooner than they had expected, much to the +delight of Mexitli, the well-known outline of the +Keraunian hills appeared on the northern horizon. +The Asteroid halted a mile above the city of +Atalanta.</p> + +<p>“Have we your permission, lady, to alight first +upon the palace terrace?” asked Abercromby in a +tone of solemn irony.</p> + +<p>Mexitli coloured, but said: “You are pleased to be +caustic, but I suppose you have the right. When we +have taken our observations, do so, and you shall go +unpunished.”</p> + +<p>From the upper part of the Asteroid they stepped +upon the balcony and noticed the great commotion +in progress below. Up the Avenue of Ascent a troop +of armed men were advancing to reinforce their +comrades, who were encamped on the ridges of the +palace height. The sunlight glinted upon a forest +of spears and lances.</p> + +<p>“They have only their primitive weapons,” said +Melanitis. “They have been deprived of the use +of the tubes.”</p> + +<p>“Let me strike the first blow, and from the sky,” +said Mexitli.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</span></p> + +<p>She pointed her green metal in a diagonal line +in the direction of the enemy. Minola did the same. +Flash after flash was sent downwards, but no apparent +effect followed.</p> + +<p>“The range is too distant,” said Melanitis. “We +must descend lower.”</p> + +<p>Slowly the Asteroid dropped by the action of the +fans. Then at the distance of a quarter of a mile +the firing was recommenced. Several were seen to +stagger and fall; others, unable through the dazzling +sunlight to locate their aerial foes, took to their +heels.</p> + +<p>“That is Lydon,” shouted Abercromby. “He is +rallying them and urging them to return.”</p> + +<p>Minola instantly levelled the green tube, but before +it could be discharged a blinding flash broke from +the building at the angle of the terrace parapet. A +pyramid of fire shot into the sky; the Asteroid +itself was rocked by the air currents, and they were +nearly thrown off their feet. A deafening roar followed, +and a thick column of yellow vapour hid +everything for a few minutes.</p> + +<p>Mexitli clung to Radcliffe with a convulsive grasp; +then she wrung her hands in agony. Minola gave +way to a burst of tears and crying.</p> + +<p>“Tell us what has happened,” said Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“We will be with you to the last,” exclaimed +Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“I know it,” she replied, “but it may well mean +that you will perish along with us. That building +which has been wrecked is the arsenal; it contains +all the materials for the manufacture of our weapons +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</span>of defence. Many weeks must pass before we could +possibly provide new material. It is now a conflict +of force against a handful—ourselves and our friends, +who will be quite defenceless, and who may be either +starved out or stormed out.”</p> + +<p>“Send an airship to Melandria—the people are +all faithful there,” said Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“Well thought of,” replied Melanitis.</p> + +<p>“It can be done,” said Mexitli, “but they can +bring us but scanty supplies.”</p> + +<p>“How many times could you fire the weapons you +are carrying with you?”</p> + +<p>“About twenty times, each of us.”</p> + +<p>“What has been done with our own weapons and +ammunition? All this could be used. It would +be better than the weapons of the rebels,” said +Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“You shall each of you be put in trust with it.”</p> + +<p>“Head for the palace, Carmichael,” Abercromby +called out.</p> + +<p>In a few minutes they were on the terrace, where +the palace guards were drawn up to repel any +assault. But none such had been attempted. The +enemy had been satisfied with their master-stroke, +and fully believed that the day was won.</p> + +<p>Presently Carysfort and Jackson came forth with +pale but resolute faces.</p> + +<p>“The King is in his cabinet; he is on his knees +praying, sir,” said Tom. “I told him to do it by +signs, and then I took off my jacket and my waistcoat +to let him feel easy that I was ready for the +other business.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</span></p> + +<p>“This palace shall be your abode, Mayana, if we +only triumph,” said Mexitli, embracing her. “Do +not despair. Our brave friends are going to help +us.”</p> + +<p>“Suppose we go straight for the rascals just when +they think we are hiding,” said Tom. “Rush ’em all at +once; that’s my ticket. Old Lydon is below. I peeped +over and saw his ugly old head. He is jabbering +away, either to the sun or else to his men, only a few +hundred yards off. Just say the word, Professor, and +I’ll give him one in the nose, and that will end all the +trouble.”</p> + +<p>Melanitis, half laughing, turned to Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“Go to the room above the Hall of Perfect Justice. +Minola will direct you. There are your weapons; +they are all safely deposited.”</p> + +<p>“Hold steady, Tom,” cried Carmichael. “Do you +think you can run at all those savages unarmed and +alone? Wait, and don’t be a fool; we can’t let you +throw yourself away like that.”</p> + +<p>Tom swore, but obeyed.</p> + +<p>Meantime a sharp conflict was going on in the +Avenue. Missiles were hurled from the house-tops, +chiefly by the women and children, upon the enemy +below, and many were killed or disabled. Parmenton +and his fellows set fire to one of the houses, and it +was soon a heap of smoking ruins. The inmates +sallied out, and, aided by their friends and kinsmen, +pressed severely upon the rear of the attacking force. +The arms taken from the Asteroid were quickly in the +hands of the royal party, who needed very little teaching +how to use them with deadly effect. The sharp +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</span>cracking reports echoed around, and, with every one, +some enemy was laid low. Then King Malchon +came forth.</p> + +<p>“My daughters, I will seek to imitate the nobleness +of Keraunion. I will lead the sallying party +myself.”</p> + +<p>“Do not think of it,” said Melanitis, seeking to +draw him back. “It is the King’s duty to direct +others to fight.” But Malchon would not be dissuaded. +He set his foot on the rocky steps. “My +guards, follow me; let us deliver our city from these +misguided traitors. God is with us; it is for Him +we are fighting, not for our own glory only. +Forward!”</p> + +<p>Mexitli called to Mayana and her sister to stand +behind the parapet and cover their friends by an incessant +discharge. At first this was easy enough, +and many a foe was laid in the dust; but, as the two +parties joined in actual conflict, they scarcely dared +to keep it up for fear of hitting the King and his +guards.</p> + +<p>Abercromby, Carysfort, and Radcliffe were soon +in the fight, but Tom was the most reckless of the +whole party. He had often heard Abercromby tell +the story of Admiral Napier saying to the sailors on +the eve of starting for the Baltic: “Lads, sharpen +your cutlasses and make ready.” So he kept on +shouting this and other watchwords, interlarding +them with less classical language. He ran full-tilt +at the line of spears, wrenched one out of the hand +of its holder, and ran him through the body with it. +Cleito was by his side in a moment, and the guards +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</span>forced their way by sheer physical strength, and beat +back the advancing line.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe was in the most imminent danger. Lydon +saw him and marked him out for vengeance. He +made unlimited promises to any who would bring +him dead or alive. He was seized by Mauro Katakalon, +and though he struck out with all his might, +he felt his strength giving way. He was in full view +of Mexitli, who was holding one of the Professor’s +pistols. In an agony of supplication Melanitis besought +her to fire. Mexitli’s hand trembled as she +did so; the bullet struck the gilded armour of Mauro +and penetrated his shoulder. More furious than +ever, the burly giant seized the waist of Radcliffe +and dragged him along the ground. Some one slipped +a revolver into the hand of Melanitis. She leaned +over the parapet, there was a sharp report, Mauro +Katakalon relaxed his hold; he was killed instantly. +A cheer went up, it put new life into the hearts of +the defenders.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe, no sooner free, ran to the help of Tom, +who was sore pressed, for he was in the grasp of +three or four assailants. One of these was Lydon +himself; he saw the day was lost, for by this time +the population from the upper part of the city had +issued forth against him. Malchon had scattered the +foes in front, and all that remained was to overpower +the retinue in immediate attendance upon the high +priest. Abercromby and Carysfort had performed +prodigies, and were beside the King warding off +blows on all hands.</p> + +<p>Lydon, by a last effort, had led a furious charge +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</span>upon the division of the guards in which Cleito and +Radcliffe were posted. They were in full view of +their friends on the terrace, who encouraged them by +voice and gesture. The ammunition, however, was +giving out, Mayana and Minya having been too +prodigal in their use of it, though they stoutly +declared that every shot had told.</p> + +<p>Lydon dashed his way to where the King was +posted and hurled a lance at his head. The weapon +was struck aside by Tom in full flight, but his own +spear was splintered in doing so. In a moment he +and his foes were struggling together upon the +ground. Radcliffe, not able to intervene, shouted to +Arniphon, Cleito’s colleague, who came running up +with a dozen guards. But the King’s personal danger +was so imminent that he could spare no time for anything +else, and closed in a desperate conflict with +Lydon. The priest’s attendants were dispersed like +chaff, and Lydon, after fighting like a mad dog, as +Abercromby said, for another five minutes, was at +last overpowered and manacled. The fate of their +leader, along with that of Parmenton and Medon, +who were captured likewise, practically ended the +conflict.</p> + +<p>The King was deadly pale and exhausted. +Abercromby and Radcliffe held him up by each arm +and assisted him to mount the steps, which were +stained with blood and cumbered by the bodies of +the fallen.</p> + +<p>“Nearly one-half of the guards are dead,” said +Malchon in a tone of deep grief.</p> + +<p>“Your throne has been saved,” said Abercromby.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</span></p> + +<p>“But was I worthy of it?” said Malchon in a +saddened voice.</p> + +<p>All Atalanta was hushed that night. Few households +were there that had not to mourn their dead. +There were no boisterous rejoicings over the victory, +as would have been the case on the earth, though +there was an inward satisfaction none the less deep. +In the palace all was gratitude and harmony. +Every one had reason to congratulate every one else +on having done something for Atalanta.</p> + +<p>Upon the travellers every mark of affection which +gratitude could lavish was bestowed. The original +sentence was cancelled; they were all enrolled in the +highest ranks of the nobility.</p> + +<p>“This will enable us each to marry,” said Frank +to the Professor. “There is scarce a female in +Atalanta who will not be proud of you.”</p> + +<p>“Many thanks, Abercromby, and assist me all you +can to realise the splendour of my privilege. I am +just going to calculate when the earth will reach its +nearest point to Venus.”</p> + +<p>“There are three matters pending before you +start, Professor: one is to find poor Tom, the other +to assist at the trial and execution of Lydon, the +third to make Radcliffe happy.”</p> + +<p>“We will take them in order, if we are allowed,” +answered Carmichael.</p> + +<p>That night a supper party was held in the palace. +The King sat at the head of the table, one of his +daughters on either side. Mexitli was radiant with +delight, Melanitis dignified and outwardly calm. +The feeling was almost too intense for words. The +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</span>flattery and ceremony, so characteristic of Atalanta, +was well-nigh absent. Tongues were at last unloosed, +when Malchon rose and said—</p> + +<p>“Through the mercy of heaven we are delivered +from the most heart-breaking danger that has ever +menaced us or our people. Soon we shall be called +upon to pass sentence upon such of the ringleaders +as are in our power. But to-night let all thoughts +of vengeance be laid aside. I would suggest that +each of our friends from the sister planet be invited +to solicit from us some token of our gratitude. You, +Carmichael, who are the leader of the expedition, +tell us what is your chief desire.”</p> + +<p>“Permission to return to our own planet and to +communicate to our people whatever knowledge we +have acquired here which will be good and useful for +them.”</p> + +<p>“I echo the same wish,” said the engineer.</p> + +<p>A murmur of disappointment made itself audible.</p> + +<p>“Think not that we are ungrateful,” Carysfort went +on, “but know that our sole object in coming was to +enlarge the knowledge of our brothers in Karamandra. +But I would, if permission be granted us to return, +leave everything which we have brought with us in +the Asteroid, except what is absolutely necessary for +our journey, behind for the use of the King and his +people.”</p> + +<p>“I grant you the permission to return, if when +the moment which our astronomers deem the right +one shall come, you still adhere to your resolutions.”</p> + +<p>“I request permission to preach the religion of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</span>Jesus Christ by speech and writing in Atalanta,” said +Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“You have been fully tested, my son,” said Malchon. +“I and the princesses have long since resolved +to assist you.”</p> + +<p>“As for me,” replied Abercromby in a rather +breezy tone, “I have got to love this world. I hated +it at one time, but I like it now, so I should be glad +if you would let me stay. There is one other thing. +I spoke rudely to the Princess Mexitli in this very +hall, and I beg her pardon here and now. I was +savage and forgot myself, and I really thought she +meant to kill the whole lot of us.”</p> + +<p>“I am afraid I did, so I will hold you quite excused,” +answered Mexitli; “and I am glad indeed to +hear that you mean to stay with us.”</p> + +<p>Had a thunderbolt descended at their feet, the +Professor and engineer could not have been more +astounded. They had not the remotest idea that +Abercromby was not returning with them.</p> + +<p>“He must be stark mad,” said Carysfort to the +Professor—“spend his life in Venus indeed! Depend +upon it there is some girl in the background.”</p> + +<p>“No there is not—I stay for Radcliffe and his +wife,” replied Abercromby quickly.</p> + +<p>“He’s done it! I knew it would be so!” gasped +Carmichael. “Radcliffe is going to marry the lady +with the letter M. after all.” These remarks were +whispered in English.</p> + +<p>“There is one thing I much regret,” resumed Malchon, +“and that is the loss of the faithful servant of +our friends. The rebels either slew him or carried +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</span>him away. He was a good man and a brave, and +search must be ordered everywhere to ascertain his +fate.”</p> + +<p>The rest of the time passed pleasantly enough with +interludes of music and song. When the guests rose +it was four hours after the banquet had begun. The +poor Professor very nearly dropped asleep at the +supper table. Time was little reckoned in Atalanta. +The terrestrials could hardly tear themselves away +from the hand-clasps which greeted them on every +side. Even then both Radcliffe and Abercromby +had to stay yet another hour to talk over what steps +should be taken to obliterate the traces of the revolt +and to make the best use of the victory. At last +Mayana said to Cleophon—</p> + +<p>“Unless you let these poor dears go and secure +a period of sleep we shall be responsible for killing +both of them. I won’t even sing them a song. Turn +them out of the room. Do you agree to this, +princess?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied Mexitli; “I am somewhat inclined +to sleep myself. We have all done a good day’s +work, I think.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"> + CHAPTER XXIV + <br> + THE DENUNCIATION AND THE RETRIBUTION + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Radcliffe awoke the next morning with a +dull feeling of anxiety oppressing him. The +thrilling episodes of the fight, the loss of Tom, the +decision of Abercromby, all these had, for a while, +driven away the dominant thought of his heart, but +with the first moment of quiet leisure it returned with +unabated intensity.</p> + +<p>Lilian was in the palace, and yet he could not +see her nor obtain tidings of her. Dismissing the +attendants who waited on him (for he already tasted +the luxuries of the Atalantan nobility), he sought +and obtained an interview with Melanitis.</p> + +<p>“Even now,” he said, “I do not fully know your +customs, and in these trying circumstances I may +be guilty of a great social mistake; but I entreat +you to tell me when this suspense will be over and +my wife restored to me, whom I have so long looked +upon as dead.”</p> + +<p>“I will do all I can to hasten your wishes,” she +answered, “for I desire it no less than you do; but +there are two things that must come first—the trial +of Lydon and his fellow-traitors, and the burial of +the honoured dead according to the customs of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</span>Atalanta. The trial will be held to-morrow; for +the King’s sake it will be hastened, for his health +makes Mexitli very anxious, while the burial of the +honoured dead will follow very quickly. You will +never forget the sight so long as you live.”</p> + +<p>“Permit me to render to you my grateful and +loving thanks for the act of yours which saved my +life. Not even the healing of my sorrow which you +have promised to me can efface the recollection that +I owe my life to you.”</p> + +<p>“Mexitli did just what I did, but her anxiety lest +she should do you hurt prevented her from doing it +effectually. I had no such fear, because I am +more practised. Surely to save a fellow-creature’s +life is what any human being would be proud +to do.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe stood silent. How <i>could</i> she be more +practised in the use of a Karamandran weapon? +Was there not also a measure of coldness in her +tone? Not to be wondered at, he thought. As he +stood hesitating she cut the knot herself.</p> + +<p>“I have much to occupy me to-day,” she said, “so +you will excuse my detaining you further.”</p> + +<p>“Have I given unwitting offence?”</p> + +<p>“Not in the least—how could you?”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe left the apartment. As he did so, he +encountered Frank in very earnest conversation with +Mexitli and Mayana. They smiled on him, but he +went on to the terrace and walked about wrapped in +thought. Cleophon was there, watching the ruins +of the tower of the arsenal, and Minya, his sister-in-law, +was with him. They greeted Radcliffe warmly, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</span>and had a long talk over the recent explosion and +the tactics of the rebels which had brought it about. +Suddenly two ideas struck Radcliffe all at once, and +he said—</p> + +<p>“Was any one killed by the explosion?”</p> + +<p>“Two of the guards standing as sentries,” answered +Cleophon.</p> + +<p>“How many prisoners are there in the palace?”</p> + +<p>“Lydon and his associates,” replied Minya. +“Three men, that is to say. There are no women +prisoners. We did all the killing and they did the +sinning, and they are, and will yet be, doing the +suffering.”</p> + +<p>“That is an admirable assortment of parts,” answered +Cleophon dryly, “and methinks our excellent +friend and colleague is quite satisfied with it.”</p> + +<p>“Perfectly satisfied, since there are no ladies imprisoned,” +said Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>Minya gave utterance to a ringing laugh.</p> + +<p>“You will soon be one of us in every thought and +feeling,” she said.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Abercromby had persuaded Carmichael +and the engineer to lay their writing aside +and to come for a walk with him. The others agreeing, +they went to a sheltered garden attached to the +palace on the southern slope of the mount, and +Abercromby gave them a startling piece of information.</p> + +<p>“I have had a talk with Lydon himself,” he said. +“Our interview was hardly amicable, for he cursed +me at least a dozen times, but I wormed a state +secret out of him, which has led me to advise +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</span>Mexitli and her intimate friends not to make the +approaching trial public, but to try him in the King’s +private apartment, with only selected witnesses—ourselves, +of course.”</p> + +<p>“You are a pretty fellow,” said the engineer; +“Mexitli hardly wants coaching up in these medieval +ideas. I thought you were an Englishman, but I am +afraid your prolonged residence in the Love Star has +not improved you.”</p> + +<p>“As Lydon is certain to be put to death, it will +not make any difference to him.”</p> + +<p>“That Mexitli will finish his goose, as the +Americans express it, I don’t doubt,” said Carysfort; +“but I tell you plainly I do not like this sort of +thing.”</p> + +<p>“He used violent language and threats that he +would say that which would stagger the whole kingdom, +and pay Malchon out for all he owed him. +Could I do less than tell Mexitli of this? She is +not going to stop his tongue, she only wants the +man in the street not to hear it, and then pass it on +with amplifications.”</p> + +<p>“Has his death been settled on beforehand?” +grunted the Professor.</p> + +<p>“It won’t be nice according to European notions, +I am afraid. To be quite candid, however, I have +managed to change the manner of it. The princess +and Mayana were for giving him a cup of tea, or +something equivalent, for his next meal; but Melanitis +begged hard that they would postpone their intention, +and I joined in with her. Now I have got an idea +that she will regret she did not let them have their +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</span>way. But be this as it may, or rather as it will, I did +have just <i>one</i> shudder when Mexitli produced a small +phial of amber-coloured liquid and showed it to +Mayana. They seemed to be pretty well posted up in +the Lucretia Borgia business, and I ventured the +remark that I should have to take care how I behaved +myself.”</p> + +<p>“I agree with you,” said Carysfort, “and I hope it +may have the effect of making you reconsider a +recent decision. What did they say?”</p> + +<p>“That it was for reptiles like Lydon to fear them, +not for loyal hearts and true like me.”</p> + +<p>“Excellent for the time being,” answered Carmichael, +“but what about the years to come?”</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>At ten a.m. measured by earthly time, Malchon +lay upon his sick couch in the private room of his +palace, where more secret trials took place. By his +side were Mexitli and Melanitis, while Mayana and +Minya sat a little way apart. Radcliffe and Abercromby +were next to the princesses, while Carmichael +and Carysfort were placed nearest to Mayana and +Minya.</p> + +<p>A very weary look was on the old King’s face; the +recent events had sadly undermined his strength. +Abercromby, strange to say, seemed the most +agitated person in the whole company. Radcliffe +was quiet and composed—a trifle bored, in fact. <i>His</i> +thoughts were far away.</p> + +<p>Presently the tramp of footsteps was heard in the +adjacent corridor, and the high priest was led in, his +hands tightly bound behind him. Cleito and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</span>Arniphon stood on either side of the prisoner. The face +of Lydon was agitated by the stormiest passions, but +he kept himself well controlled. His tall, majestic +figure seemed to exercise a dominating force.</p> + +<p>“Mexitli, my daughter, matters are in your +hand,” said Malchon. “I can take but a silent +part. My days are numbered, and I would fain be +at rest.”</p> + +<p>The princess turned to Radcliffe.</p> + +<p>“<i>You</i> shall indict him,” she said. “His deeds +are notorious; you need but say a very few +words.”</p> + +<p>With a strange mixture of dread foreboding, and +yet of dignified responsibility, Radcliffe spoke:—</p> + +<p>“Lydon, high priest of Asti, to me has this task +been assigned. It is, as the princess truly says, needless +to dwell upon it at length. As the minister of a +better and purer faith than yours, I will not (lest I +should be thought to speak from self-interest) accuse +you of idolatry and superstition, though I fear you +have made a bad use of the religious influence you +have so long exercised. I accuse you the rather of +treason against the throne and the royal house of +Atalanta, both by machinations in secret, and at last +by an open outbreak of rebellion, whereby the +King’s declining days have been embittered by +strife and bloodshed, and many of his loyal subjects +slain.”</p> + +<p>“You can now say that in private which you +threatened to say in public,” said Mexitli. “You +may freely speak, for this is the last time the opportunity +will be granted.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</span></p> + +<p>“I understand well the true nature of the words +which have been spoken,” answered the high priest; +“my heart fails me not, my courage does not shrink. +When I <i>have</i> spoken, it is my enemies who will be +covered with confusion and with shame, while <i>I</i> +shall go to the doom appointed with the knowledge +that the Sun God will not fail his servant in the hour +of death.</p> + +<p>“Malchon, King of Atalanta, if indeed it be a King +that thou art, seven years ago you wrestled in prayer +for the life of your child Melanitis. You, kneeling +in the Sun God’s Temple, didst presume to address +another God than He, and didst utter words alike +sacrilegious and evil. They were that this God of +thine must needs grant thy request, and that thou +wouldst be well content, provided only that Melanitis +should recover, that she should bring sorrow upon +thine own heart, and shame upon thy native land. +Thy prayer has been heard, Malchon, and this day +thou shalt know to the full what thou hast done.</p> + +<p>“She, whom thou dost <i>call</i> Melanitis, is a Karamandran +at heart; she careth not for thee, nor for +the interests of Atalanta. She is not the Melanitis +thou didst love in the days of old, but one as different +as these men who come from another world differ +from the men and women of thine.”</p> + +<p>He paused. Throughout the apartment the silence +was intense. Abercromby leaned eagerly forward; a +puzzled look crept over the faces of the Professor +and Carysfort. Not even yet did Clarence Radcliffe +evince excitement or interest—he had heard the +story before. Mexitli and Mayana remained impassive +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</span>and inscrutable; the King folded his weak hands +with an air of weary resignation. Melanitis alone +had turned very deadly white.</p> + +<p>“Courage, child, courage, all is forgiven,” whispered +Mexitli.</p> + +<p>“I see before me a little house,” pursued Lydon, +“in a sheltered bay in Karamandra. The sun is +shining upon the sea. In the small guest-room a +man and a woman are standing; they are at variance +one with another. The woman has ceased to love +the man as she did but a few weeks ago, though she +had promised to do so for ever. Verily <i>I</i> will be no +judge between them!</p> + +<p>“I see before me a river with a boat making its +way upstream. Two women are in it—both young, +both handsome, as beauty is reckoned in their silly +world. The face of one is flushed, excited, reckless; +she takes the oar, not knowing properly how to use +it. Soon a rock appears in mid-stream, there is a +crash, the boat is overturned, both are caught in the +eddying current. One barely saves her own humdrum +life, the other sinks. As the waters pass over +her and she is engulfed, her spirit perceives one by +her side who bids her follow him to the Mansions +of the Blest. Such is not her desire. ‘Clarence! +Clarence!’ she cries, ‘I will go to no land where you +are not. I would refuse even heaven for you!’ ‘Go, +then, where thou shalt one day find him,’ is the +solemn answer, ‘and tarry for him a long time, and +tarry a still longer time for the home that I would +have led thee to. Thou wouldst resist the will of +thy Maker and defy His appointed hour; for thy +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</span>punishment thou shalt do so, and weep bitter tears.’ +A rush and a roar seemed to drown all her senses, +and when her eyes opened she was a hapless stranger +in a strange and wondrous land.</p> + +<p>“And now, Clarence Radcliffe, look around and +behold thy wife. Thou hast filled Atalanta with thy +whimpering complaints, perceiving not that it was +thine own folly that set in motion this long train +of evils. Behold her, I say, and rejoice, as best thou +mayest, in the sight!”</p> + +<p>“Why have you torn open a bleeding wound?” +said Radcliffe passionately. “Where is the Lilian +that I once loved so well, whose memory I cherish +still?”</p> + +<p>“Turn, fool, turn and see her; she is sufficiently +betraying herself,” thundered Lydon. “There stands +before you May Lilian Radcliffe, a Karamandran +spirit in an Atalantan body!”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe advanced a step towards Melanitis; she +stretched out her appealing hands, and burst forth in +the words of Anglo-Saxon love, which Clarence had +sent to her in the world across the sky—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“One dearest vision flashed upon my way,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Kindling the memories of Love’s sacred past;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That vision <i>now</i> is all my strength and stay,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">While yet the lingering hours of exile last!”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>With a wild cry Radcliffe clasped Melanitis in his +arms.</p> + +<p>“Behold them!” shouted the deep voice of Lydon; +“behold the two serpents of Karamandra! Each +has found the other. Each stands prepared to wreck +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</span>a world that their ill-starred love may riot over its +ruins!</p> + +<p>“O Malchon, understand the truth even in thy +dotage! The child of thine heart was taken from +thee seven years ago to dwell with Asti in his palace +of solar glory, while into the vacant bodily tenement +crept this <i>thing</i> from Karamandra, a cursed gift from +a sin-stained planet.”</p> + +<p>Carmichael and Carysfort had both risen, but they +sank back in their seats with awestruck and blanched +faces.</p> + +<p>A deep groan burst from the lips of Malchon. +His head fell upon the couch. He said not a word.</p> + +<p>“Behold thy victory! hireling of a new religion,” +Lydon shouted in a voice of ever-increasing bitterness. +“Take to thy arms this stranger to thee; see if there +be any resemblance in her pale foreign face to the +love of the long ago. Ha! ha! A new courtship shalt +thou have in this land of ours, and two dialects in +which to pursue it.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe found his tongue at last. With one arm +encircling Melanitis, he confronted Lydon and waved +him imperiously aside.</p> + +<p>“Had I found her with all her beauty marred and +gone, had I visited her in the deepest dungeon, had +I met with her an exile in a desert island, she would +be (as indeed she is) the one and only queen of my +heart. It <i>is</i> a harder and more severe trial than all +these things, to look upon the foreign face, even +though it be fairer than the very fairest of my own +world. Yet love can rise superior to every hindrance, +can overcome every obstacle, else it were vain to talk +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</span>of immortality. This is how I meet thy difficulties, +this is how love prevails over thy logic.”</p> + +<p>“Thou hast finely spoken, O man of Karamandra,” +jeered Lydon. “Thy rustic wife of old is now a +princess, and a throne is a potent solace to the trials +of a foreign face.”</p> + +<p>“Not when the wife sits upon a throne, and the +husband is far beneath; not when she has power and +he no power, save only to carry on his mission; not +when she is great and he is small.”</p> + +<p>“A truce to this peddling matter,” answered Lydon +sternly. “Once again I call upon you in the name +of Asti my God, to renounce your impious design to +change the faith of Atalanta. Do what you will with +<i>me</i>, but let not the Sun God shine upon an apostate +land.”</p> + +<p>“Had I but loved my Saviour as I loved my wife, +we might, both at this moment, be fulfilling a lowly +divine ministry in our own world; but <i>now</i> we will +do the one thing left to us; we will walk hand in +hand together, to be a help and a benefit to the +world wherein we are.”</p> + +<p>“I give you my consent and my blessing,” murmured +the King in a broken voice. “God and the +Prince of Heaven shall be honoured and adored, and +none else. And now, my son Radcliffe, the time will +not be long for me. Soon, very soon, I shall go to +the land of which He whom we once coldly banished +told us, a land where the wicked cease from troubling, +and where the weary are at rest.”</p> + +<p>“I have <i>one</i> thing more to do,” cried Lydon, in +a voice hoarse with rage. “The Sun God has been +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</span>publicly repudiated here in my presence, and his +wrath must now fall upon the blasphemer who has +come amongst us. O Asti, strengthen me only this +once that I thy unworthy servant may perform one +last sacrifice in thy name!”</p> + +<p>Bowing forward, with a supreme effort he snapped +his bonds, and in a bound was upon Clarence and +Melanitis. But Malchon sprang from his couch and +interposed his aged body as a shield. Something +glittered in Lydon’s hand ere his arm could be +arrested in its downward swoop. Malchon fell +forward; he uttered one faint cry; they just caught +the words, “Let the Prince be King,” and all was +over.</p> + +<p>“A greater retribution has fallen,” shouted the +high priest. “I swore to be avenged. Behold, all of +you, the sacrificial knife; see, it is red, red to the +hilt. Asti is honoured. Come, therefore—I wait my +long-appointed doom; do your worst with me. +Asti, I come! I come!”</p> + +<p>A sharp report echoed through the room. Lydon +fell dead at his victim’s feet. Minola was risen, +holding one of the pistols from the Asteroid in her +hand.</p> + +<p>“He shut up my father in his Temple prison,” +she said quietly. “He let him die of starvation, +because he would not sacrifice to his idol. I +place myself in Queen Mexitli’s hands. I have +repaid.”</p> + +<p>“You need not be forgiven, dear, for there is nothing +to forgive,” answered the Queen elect. “You have +only completed the sacrifice. I had meant something +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</span>appallingly worse for him, but I thank you for having +made it unnecessary.”</p> + +<p>Then she knelt down by her father’s side, and the +tears fell fast. Presently she looked up and said—</p> + +<p>“Go, my friends, and take rest after all these +horrors. You have nothing but a true friend in me. +Cleito! Arniphon! take the body of that traitor +and hurl it over the parapet of the terrace!”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXV"> + CHAPTER XXV + <br> + THE OLD LOVE AND THE NEW + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>No words can adequately describe the emotions +that prevailed in the great city when the news +flew from mouth to mouth of the assassination of the +King, followed by the almost immediate death of the +murderer.</p> + +<p>Many scores of households were already bewailing +their dead and making the usual elaborate preparations +to honour their remains. And now the +palace itself was drowned in lamentation also, and +was face to face in addition with the problem of +the succession.</p> + +<p>The latter point was very quickly settled. Fifty +years had to pass before the nobility would have the +right to raise one of their own order to the throne. +Melanitis instantly wrote out a form of renunciation +with her own hand, and placed herself entirely in +Mexitli’s power. The latter took her aside, and +said, in the presence of Radcliffe and of Abercromby—</p> + +<p>“Since you have so honourably kept your faith to +me which you pledged two years ago, my first act as +Queen shall be to associate you with me in the +sovereignty.”</p> + +<p>“That I am firmly resolved to refuse,” she +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</span>answered. “I pray that your cousin Mayana be +raised to the first place below the throne. Also that +Clarence may be retained in the rank of nobility +along with his comrades. All I ask for myself and +for him further is, that you will permit us to live in +some retired spot where it will be easy for us to +devote ourselves to the work we desire to do.”</p> + +<p>“You shall rule the island of Melandria for me, as +Andron’s term of office expires with my father’s +death. You will not disappoint me in this, will you, +Melanitis?”</p> + +<p>“You are more than good to me,” she answered, +“and if you desire it, I will undertake this work.”</p> + +<p>“Now that I understand everything,” Mayana +interposed, taking the hand of Melanitis, “I honour +you as I never honoured you before, and I +sympathise with you in those awful years of trial +amongst us which you have so bravely spent.”</p> + +<p>“And you, Clarence,” said the Queen, “though +you can have no direct power in the ruling of this +land, will find your happiness in the love of your +wife, in the fulfilment of your mission, and in the +knowledge of the love which we all bear to you, for +you are devoting your life to the good of your +adopted country. You also, Abercromby, will have +your share in that love, a share which will increase, as +we see that you completely identify yourself with us. +As for the other two, it is <i>their</i> fault if their share in +our hearts’ affections be much less. To their own +world they have decided to return, and it is doubtless +well, for to it they evidently belong. I shall have a +serious talk with them when the fitting time arrives. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</span>Meanwhile, you will all remain in the palace +with us.”</p> + +<p>Melanitis and Clarence spent most of that day +together. Their happiness was too great to be +expressed in words. They sat in one of the recesses +of the palace gardens looking towards the south, and +each told the other what they had suffered in the +long time of separation.</p> + +<p>“We will talk always in the dear English tongue, +Clarence, when we are together. Atalantan has +been to me a painfully acquired dialect. I do not +speak it very much better than you.”</p> + +<p>“When did you first hear of our coming, dearest?”</p> + +<p>“I was standing on the palace terrace, and I saw +the rockets soar into the sky. I knew it was something +most unusual, and I myself urged Mayana and +Cleophon (who were then visiting the palace) to +go and investigate. The moment they brought back +the report of their interview, I was certain, but,” she +said with a shudder, “you were all of you close to +death.”</p> + +<p>“I felt sure of it at the time, dearest.”</p> + +<p>“Mayana has often told me since that she can +never bear to think about it. But is it possible that +no suspicion of the truth about me ever reached you +from any one?”</p> + +<p>“Never, Melanitis.”</p> + +<p>“You <i>must</i> drop that detestable name. I am +Lilian. But how <i>did</i> you explain to yourself what +Abercromby could have meant?”</p> + +<p>“By the pure miraculous power of God raising you +from the dead.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</span></p> + +<p>“Ah! Well, of course, that would account. And +yet it was something not far short of it.”</p> + +<p>Then she asked Clarence to tell her all about his +work after he had returned to Oxford, and all about +the Professor and his companions.</p> + +<p>“The most trying part of it to me was when you +and your people talked away in my presence, not +knowing that I could understand you. Little did +you know how much I agreed with many outspoken +criticisms, though they were sometimes not very +politely expressed. But that song about the proctor, +and your Atalantising of it, nearly did for me altogether, +and then—Tom’s letter!”</p> + +<p>“There is one thing I greatly desire to ask you. +Was it true, as Parmenton asserted, that you in any +way supported them in their designs upon the existing +social order? He actually advised me to throw +in my lot with you, and said that you were a Karamandran +woman at heart. Could it have possibly +been that he suspected the truth?”</p> + +<p>“Quite impossible. He only took advantage of +some words which he once heard me say in the presence +of Lydon, that I did not greatly admire the +way in which the women ruled everything here. +But, of course, I have the right of my sex to change +my mind upon this or any other subject. Certainly, +now that <i>you</i> have come, I must break altogether +with any such ideas.”</p> + +<p>“I never ruled you in the other world,” chuckled +he, “so I am scarcely likely ever to attempt doing it +in this.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you never went the right way to work. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</span>You were sadly wanting in tact; but you have made +amends here, at all events, when you saved yourself +and the others from an almost certain death on the +day of the trial.”</p> + +<p>“What will be done with Medon and Parmenton?”</p> + +<p>“Don’t ask me, Clarence. They will drop out. +There will be no trial. Better would it be for them +if I served them as I did Mauro Katakalon. You +know that I saved the wretch Lydon himself, and +how he requited it.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe shuddered. “I do not like these things.”</p> + +<p>“Nor do I, though I cannot now see <i>everything</i> +through terrestrial spectacles.”</p> + +<p>“Did you know that Lydon was going to betray +your secret?”</p> + +<p>“Not till the last moment. You and Frank were +very wise in urging a private trial.”</p> + +<p>“I only did it because I fell in with his opinion; I +did not know what was going to happen. But I am +troubled about another matter. Can Clieto and Arniphon +be depended on not to tell Lydon’s story broadcast?”</p> + +<p>“I shall leave that with the Queen; she will do +what she thinks best for us. Do not be hard upon +Mexitli or Mayana, or any others. There is much +that ought to be corrected, but we must give them +the fuller form of their own ancient faith, and that +will work a change in many things.”</p> + +<p>“What was your feeling towards the King?”</p> + +<p>“Grief and regret. But I was quite powerless to +act; it would have killed him to have learned the +truth from <i>me</i>, even if he had believed it. Mexitli +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</span>must have bitterly hated the true Melanitis; but she +gradually awoke to the fact that, whatever change +had passed over me, it was sufficient to render me +her passive instrument, and not her rival. Little by +little her enmity turned to affection, and then when +you came, though I had certain risks to run, I felt +that I might some day tell her everything. On that +night when you sang ‘Solitude,’ I betrayed myself so +openly that Abercromby, who had already suspected +the truth—for I knew he did by many little things—came +to me and taxed me directly with it. Then +I told Mexitli and Mayana. The Queen believed it; +her cousin did not. Of course, the Queen saw in a +moment that her succession to the throne was +secured beyond hesitation; and so we all made a +firm alliance, and I myself told Abercromby to pave +the way towards your enlightenment. Now I think +I have told you everything.”</p> + +<p>“What effect has your experience had upon the +truth of the theory of re-incarnation?”</p> + +<p>“Don’t trouble your dear head about that. One +instance does not make a rule, especially when we +can see, as here, such evident meaning and reason +for it. It had not to do with the earth, but with +Venus. I was not reborn, but conscious from the +first of what had happened. Better, in one sense, +had I not been, for no one knows, nor ever will +know, but I who have gone through it, what it has +cost me to be such an incarnated impostor. My +journeys to Aptaura, etc., were not much dictated by +love of astronomy, nor even for the sake of seeing +the ‘Little Queen of the Night,’ about which there +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</span>was not much to learn from those wise men, or from +their instruments, but chiefly to get away from +people and talk English to myself, lest I should +forget it entirely by the time you came.”</p> + +<p>“Was the real Melanitis older or younger than +you when your change came.”</p> + +<p>“Older by some years, Clarence, but not very +many.”</p> + +<p>“God help me,” said Radcliffe; “I hoped that it +had been otherwise. I had hoped I might have had +you a few years longer.”</p> + +<p>“You will have me as long as God wills, my +dearest. We cannot tell beforehand any of these +things; we have a work to do, and we shall be immortal +till it is done.”</p> + +<p>“And afterwards,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Yes, afterwards, in the Mansions of the Blest. +You were very fond of that expression; it is curious +that you pitched upon the favourite phrase of Venus—‘Antillie—intânie.’”</p> + +<p>That evening the Professor and Carysfort had +a long conversation over the things which the lovers +had been discussing, though in a different form.</p> + +<p>“I perfectly believe all I have heard, Carysfort,” +he said; “I do not trouble over a magical key, if it +perfectly fits a magical lock.”</p> + +<p>“Then you go in for stark miracles and supernaturalism, +Carmichael,” said the engineer.</p> + +<p>“No, my friend, I, in this case, go in for unknown +law, unknown factors, unknown powers. Whether +they are miraculous or not, requires me to know +vastly more about them than I am likely to, on this +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</span>side of the border. It is much more important to +know whether a fact is true, than to know whether it +is supernatural. I know <i>this</i> is true, for it clears up +everything that has puzzled us from the first; on just +the same principle, I accept the resurrection of +Christ, because I cannot account for what happened +afterwards except on such a ground.”</p> + +<p>In the meantime, the King’s last wish that a search +should be made for poor Tom had been carried out. +He was searched for all over the city and the district, +but no trace of him could anywhere be discovered. +Meanwhile the agitation in Atalanta continued to +increase, and at last a party of loyalists, more ardent +than discreet, landed on the island from an airship, +and proclaimed the Queen from the terraces of the +Temple.</p> + +<p>They had found no one there, but Mexitli was not +satisfied. She blamed them for going without a +sufficient force, but she promised that, as soon as the +King’s embalming had been completed, and that of +the other illustrious dead, the Temple should be +thoroughly overhauled and taken possession of in +her name.</p> + +<p>Abercromby ventured to ask the Queen as to what +ceremonies would be performed at her coronation. +She did not quite understand him, and accordingly +he and Radcliffe gave her an account of the coronation +of Queen Victoria and the ceremonies in Westminster +Abbey. Her answer was that that lady was +only a queen of one small country, and doubtless had +many enemies who needed to be convinced that she +was a true monarch; but that when a sovereign +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</span>governed an entire world, it only led to gossip and +cavilling to have any ceremonies at all.</p> + +<p>“I put a star in my coronet,” she said, “and simply +issue my orders, and that is all that is needed. Everybody +understands; to disobey is to die. Medon and +Parmenton have just found this out.”</p> + +<p>Two days later, Abercromby said to Radcliffe: +“Where in the world are Cleito and Arniphon? I +have missed them entirely. Have you a guess on +the subject?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps I have,” said Radcliffe. “Cleophon is +installed in the one post, and Andron, when he comes +from Melandria, is to have the other appointment. +But it beats me entirely where the others are.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe happened to mention this to the Professor, +who said shortly, “They are going to the earth with +us in order to tell our terrestrial people what has +happened to Mrs. Radcliffe.”</p> + +<p>“Are you joking, or is this really serious, Professor?”</p> + +<p>“Really serious for them, and an abominable nuisance +for us.”</p> + +<p>“Have you to take them in the Asteroid?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; I suppose it will be like the Indians whom +Columbus took back with him to Spain, an advantage +to prove that we are not impostors.”</p> + +<p>“But who the deuce contrived it?” asked Abercromby, +“and what does it mean?”</p> + +<p>“Well, they were determined to tell their story on +Venus, and Mexitli thought it would make less commotion +if they told it on the earth.”</p> + +<p>“Where are they now?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</span></p> + +<p>“In gaol, poor beggars,” said Carysfort, “stewing +in their own juice.”</p> + +<p>Abercromby burst out into a roar of laughter. +“Well done, Mexitli! Catch a woman asleep +indeed! I’m precious glad for Radcliffe’s sake and +Lilian’s. Now their coast will be clear. Is not the +Queen a duck?”</p> + +<p>“She is a beast,” retorted Carmichael. “Why +should she cast her rascals on us?”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"> + CHAPTER XXVI + <br> + THE FAREWELL OF AMALONA + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>The hour arrived which every heart in Atalanta +city had been awaiting with expectant sorrow—the +hour when King Malchon and many hundreds of +his people were to be carried to the Land of the +Dead, beyond the Vale of Meloria, and there laid to +rest under the shadows cast by a great amphitheatre +of hills.</p> + +<p>Every house had brought forth its embalmed and +elaborately preserved relic of mortality, and these +were laid upon litters six abreast, each borne by four +bearers in the open promenade between the Lake and +the Avenue of Ascent. Each group was escorted by +the members of the several houses to which the dead +respectively belonged, while, in the intervals between +each, bands of minstrels played melodies of plaintive +pathos, or sang elegies commemorating the good +deeds of the departed.</p> + +<p>Down the palace avenue moved the procession of +the royal mourners. All walked on foot, the Queen +and Mayana in their robes of violet—the Atalantan +mourning hue—with all ornaments and coronets laid +aside.</p> + +<p>Melanitis and Clarence walked together, for, in the +eyes of the people, they were regarded as betrothed. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</span>Cleophon and Minya came next, while Abercromby, +who had just donned the costume of Atalanta, +walked sometimes with Cleophon, sometimes with the +Professor and the engineer. The latter were of +course in English clothes, feeling rather awkward +and uncomfortable, while Abercromby said he felt +like a dog running about between two planets.</p> + +<p>The procession itself comprised a large part of the +population of Atalanta. There were consequently +not many spectators, for none who sympathised in +their hearts with the priestly faction would have +dared to show themselves.</p> + +<p>Every few hundred yards they stopped and pronounced +words in honour of the dead.</p> + +<p>A winding road had been constructed leading to +the Pass of Amalona—the Bridge of the Tear, as +it was called. This was five miles from the eastern +end of the great city, the road turning from the +shoulder of the Lake just where one of its two rivers +flowed into it.</p> + +<p>The ascent of Amalona was severely trying; the +sun of Venus looked down upon them.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe sank in a dead faint, but the Queen and +Mayana revived him by a few drops of a pale blue +liquid, the best known remedy for solar attacks. He +then plodded on with grim earnestness. Melanitis +watched him in keen anxiety. Several times the +terrestrials were allowed to halt and take rest.</p> + +<p>At last the head of the Pass was gained, the hills +receded into an amphitheatre, covered as far as the +eye could reach with monuments of blue, pink, and +purple stone. All were of one shape, an oval recess, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</span>in which the embalmed body was carefully laid, +beneath an overarching canopy of metal and glass, +which permitted the face to be seen.</p> + +<p>At the head of the Pass the royal party halted +beside the effigy of Malchon. All the niches had +been prepared beforehand, and nothing more was +necessary than to place the embalmed bodies in the +recesses made ready for them. On a vast pile of +rock, about a quarter of a mile away, lay gigantic +mounds (as they appeared) ranged in pyramidal +form.</p> + +<p>At a signal from the Queen, Mayana came forward, +and, pointing in the direction of these distant +objects, said—</p> + +<p>“What is to be done with the dead who are not +honoured but dishonoured?”</p> + +<p>“Let them be consumed out of sight,” answered +Mexitli.</p> + +<p>Mayana raised the green metal tube in her hand, +and pointed it in the direction of the heaped-up +plateau. Several flashes followed, and instantly +sheets of flame burst from the mounds, spreading +sunwards in a canopy of fire. The cremating process, +under such a sun in the full radiance of his +light, required but a few minutes. The flames fell, +the smoke drifted away, the holocaust was completed.</p> + +<p>This weird and awful spectacle was followed by +another of solemn impressiveness. The embalmed +body of the King was slowly carried down into the +peaceful shadow, and the remains laid in the appointed +place. Tears filled the eyes of the Queen +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</span>and Mayana; the Queen leaned heavily on Radcliffe’s +arm, and then she said—</p> + +<p>“From the place where we stand, a voice of +average power would reach to most parts of the +amphitheatre. You may address a word of consolation +to us, if you are so minded.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe was very pale, but he stepped forward, +and facing the assembly of the living and the vaster +assembly of the dead, he began—</p> + +<p>“Dwellers in the flowery land, we are here to-day +to honour the memory of a King who loved his +people, and who fell a martyr to his duty, even as +his ancestor King Keraunion did in the days of old. +His last words were these: ‘Make the Prince King.’ +Will you obey the dying message of your monarch? +You will perceive of whom he was speaking. Not +of a competitor to our Queen’s throne, not of any +ordinary mortal, but of the Divine Exile whom we, +of Atalanta, served so ill in the days of the long ago. +By the permission and help of the royal house, by +the earnest wish of the martyr monarch himself, the +Princess Melanitis and I are resolved to do what in +us lies to publish to the Atalantan people the full +contents of that message of peace which the Prince +came to proclaim to the twin-worlds of Atalanta and +of Karamandra. Lo! the way to the Mansions of +the Blest is now obscure and uncertain, but the +message which the Prince gave is clear and full of +light. It shall be placed within the reach of all in +the Queen’s empire, which is this world, who are +ready to hear it; and then the Bridge of the Tear +will become a portal and a pathway to a home in the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</span>Mansions of the Blest, where death can never make +an inroad, and where, as the God of Heaven has +promised—all tears shall be wiped from off all +faces.”</p> + +<p>“Father most beloved! King most untiring for +the people’s good! I bid you farewell,” said Mexitli, +adding, “This is the most hopeful day that ever a sad +heart beheld on the Bridge of the Tear.”</p> + +<p>Mayana advanced with the heart-shaped instrument—the +antilla; she struck a few tuneful notes, +and then the whole assembled throng commenced +the indescribably touching and awe-inspiring chant—</p> + + +<h3 id="THE_FAREWELL_OF_AMALONA"> + THE FAREWELL OF AMALONA +</h3> + + +<h3 id="I"> + I +</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Why have we come from the city bright?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why have we toiled ’neath the torrid light?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why have we climbed the irksome hill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaving the bower and the cool sweet rill?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This is the last that our love can do</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the hearts that we honour as loyal and true.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + +<h3 id="II"> + II +</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What are our hopes on this tearful day?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Trembling and weak, for a sad heart’s stay.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How can they rise from this death-strewn vale?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or snatch from the skies an enlightening tale?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet poor as they are, like the shadows that fly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We will cleave to them, cling to them, till we die!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + +<h3 id="III"> + III +</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What is the grief that rules our heart?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis the cry of the world that will bid us depart.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fain would we linger and fain would we stay,</div> +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</span> <div class="verse indent0">’Tis duty, not pleasure that calls us away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon we must enter life’s tumult again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let the smile on the face hide the grief and the pain.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + +<h3 id="IV"> + IV +</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Why do we gaze on the future unknown?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or look to the past for the joys that have flown?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One is all drear with <i>you</i> gone from our side,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One is all sad with Time’s onsweeping tide.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Only the Present lies full in our power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Guarding each brief opportunity’s hour.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + +<h3 id="V"> + V +</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Can it be true that in days gone by</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Prince came down from His throne on high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Amongst us the banner of love unfurled,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And laboured in vain for our new-born world?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That we gave Him scant welcome and bade Him depart?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That this is the problem of each aching heart?</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + +<h3 id="VI"> + VI +</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Why have the years and the centuries sped</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O’er the world of the living, the vale of the dead?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Vainly we turn to the silent skies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To seek a response to our sympathies.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whether sun shall illumine, or rain mist fall,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What answer comes down to each questioning call?</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + +<h3 id="VII"> + VII +</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All through the darkness that broods from afar</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Our frail human love shines, a twinkling star;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Often and often ’tis quenched in night,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever it struggles towards hope and light;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Age after age it sends forth its sad cry,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Give me my sure immortality.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</span></p> + + +<h3 id="VIII"> + VIII +</h3> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ye honoured dead, farewell! farewell! We greet you</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In trembling hope that we shall one day meet you!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>As the last notes died away the whole multitude +bowed with their faces to the ground; then, rising, +they lifted up their hands, and the cry, “Farewell! +farewell!” rang out in its long echoes to the furthest +recesses of the hills.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"> + CHAPTER XXVII + <br> + THE SACRED MANUSCRIPT AND THE PRICE + PAID FOR IT + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>Both the Professor and the engineer, although +they were hardy men—the latter especially—were +completely knocked up by the physical ordeal +through which they had passed. They regretted +that they had not adopted the native dress, for that +would have helped them not a little. In fact, they +had a very narrow escape of a serious illness. Several +of the Atalantans themselves were stricken. Radcliffe +and Melanitis had each to nurse the other. +Abercromby went about much as usual, owing to his +being so brimful of dash and energy. He was +followed by rather amused smiles from many, who +were quite strangers to such un-Atalantan activities.</p> + +<p>One day he broke in, somewhat unceremoniously, +upon the Queen and the Princess Mayana, who were +sitting, or rather reclining, propped up upon their +couches, talking over state affairs at considerable +intervals and pauses.</p> + +<p>“I want your royal leave to land on the priest’s +island,” he said, “and to explore the Temple and its +treasures. Radcliffe is most anxious to know if any +documents of a religious character are hidden away +there.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</span></p> + +<p>“What does he expect to find?” asked Mayana.</p> + +<p>Abercromby felt some difficulty in stating the +case; then he said, “He thinks it possible that the +late King’s information which he gave to him may +have been based upon an actual writing of those +who were disciples of Christ or even of Christ +Himself.”</p> + +<p>“This is incredible,” answered the Queen. “I am +aware my father thought that so it might be, but +I think he was grossly deceived by those who are +now proved to have been traitors and rebels.”</p> + +<p>“Lydon paid a visit to our house and repeated a +story to that effect,” replied Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“Well, do you believe he spoke the truth?” answered +the Queen. “If he did, it was probably on +the only occasion in his life.”</p> + +<p>Mayana laughed. “It was a mere bait held out +to kidnap you.”</p> + +<p>“My own opinion entirely,” replied the Queen. +“Now as to your wish, I am ready to grant it, but I +would urge you to be wise. Whatever you discover +you must bring to me that I may see it first, as is +but just, and you must take great care that you go +with a force to protect you. There has been no sign +of life upon the island, but some survivors of the +rebels may be in lurking.”</p> + +<p>“Smoke has been seen rising from the Temple,” +put in Minola, who was reading on a low seat by the +Queen’s side in close attendance upon her.</p> + +<p>“All the more reason to put it out at once,” said +Abercromby.</p> + +<p>“Well, you may try,” said the Queen, smiling, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</span>“but be very cautious for your own sake as well as +for ours. Radcliffe and Melanitis may go too, but +you must take several of the palace guards, well +armed. Cleophon will see to this.”</p> + +<p>“I pray of you to allow <i>me</i> to go,” put in Minola.</p> + +<p>“If you wish to, dear,” replied the Queen; “but be +careful all of you. It will be one of the queerest +enterprises you ever sought to carry out.”</p> + +<p>The Professor and Carysfort were almost equally +interested in the adventure, and they obtained permission +to take part in it.</p> + +<p>The next day the whole party left the palace after +the noontide meal. They were carried in palanquins +down the Avenue of Ascent to the Lake side, where +they found six guards told off to accompany them +under the command of Cleophon. The guards carried +their swords, but Melanitis and Minola had each +the tube of green metal. They had to proceed a +short distance to the landing-stage, where a sort of +pier projected out several hundreds of yards into the +Lake. At the end of this embanked causeway a large +punt-shaped boat was in readiness sufficient to +embark the entire party.</p> + +<p>In the sky, just over the island, hovered two airships +sent by the Queen, whose pilots were ordered +to keep close in touch with them, so as to be able to +intervene in case of any emergency.</p> + +<p>They were more than an hour reaching the island, +though the rowers were experts at the oar. The +island was about a mile in circumference, planted +with groves of noble trees of pale pink foliage for +the most part, here and there variegated with patches +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</span>of light green. In the centre rose the Temple—massive, +square-shaped, with its four minaret towers +at the corners, and a shrine of rich decorative art +and brilliant colouring in the centre.</p> + +<p>Minola, as the Queen’s personal representative, was +bidden to land first; the others followed. The guards +ranged up on the pebbly shore. The rowers were +directed to remain by the boat, which was firmly +secured to a metallic pillar fixed in the ground.</p> + +<p>They saw no trace of life; all seemed perfectly +still. The heat was great, but not overpowering, as +a light mist somewhat draped the face of the sun.</p> + +<p>Melanitis counselled that before approaching the +Temple they should explore the wood. She and +Clarence entered the shady grove and went across +the island by a well-defined beaten track till they +reached the opposite shore, from whence a fine view +could be obtained of the Keraunian hills. He told +her of how he had first seen through the mist the +outlines of the Temple and the towers of the city, and +how the anxious consultation had been held which +had led to the signalling by the rockets. She remarked +that, under the actual circumstances, it was +the best thing they could have done, for, had they +come direct to the city, certain and swift death would +have awaited them.</p> + +<p>“Where are all the others?” said she, turning +round. “They will think we have accidentally run +away.”</p> + +<p>“No; we have run away by design, not by accident,” +replied Clarence. “We can tell the truth, as +they are not here to listen.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, that is nice. I see you are the same +naughty boy that you were on the earth.”</p> + +<p>Clarence had no time to rebut the accusation, for a +sudden cry was heard, and Abercromby was seen +running towards them, white as a ghost.</p> + +<p>“What is the matter?” said Radcliffe, alarmed.</p> + +<p>“I have just roused up some inmates of old Lydon’s +menagerie. There is a cave of huge serpents hard +by here, and they have made me run for my life.”</p> + +<p>Melanitis drew her green tube and held it in +readiness. A minute later voices were heard, and +Carysfort and the Professor came in sight. They +stopped aghast, for a sinuous and silvery form, with +huge convolutions, detached itself from a large tree +and confronted them, uttering piercing hissings that +more resembled sobbing cries. Melanitis and Minola, +who had hastened to rejoin her, discharged the +lightning fluid full in the face of the monster, which +collapsed in a heap upon the ground.</p> + +<p>“This is the first serpent we have seen in Venus,” +said the Professor. “I wonder if it be poisonous.”</p> + +<p>“They are very rare,” replied Minola, “only dwelling +in the wildest parts of the continent to the north +and the east of the city. This has been brought +here for a purpose.”</p> + +<p>“Something ghastly, I expect,” said the Professor.</p> + +<p>“I think so,” answered Minola.</p> + +<p>Cleophon and the guards now came up. They +had seen two other similar reptiles, but of smaller +size, and their weapons and numbers had soon scared +them into the thicket.</p> + +<p>Under these circumstances they decided to leave +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</span>the woods and to ascend the steps of the Temple. +This they did, and found the gilded door which gave +entrance to the great courtyard. No sooner had +they entered than they stopped in astonished surprise.</p> + +<p>A priest of the Sun, in his gaudy robes, was +standing in front of the altar, from whence the smoke +of a recent sacrifice was ascending. His tall, gaunt +form exhibited no sign of fear. Slowly his gaze +travelled round the whole group, but the result was +only a flush of deepening hatred upon his face.</p> + +<p>“In the Queen’s name, I bid you surrender and +throw yourself upon the royal clemency,” said Radcliffe, +stepping forward.</p> + +<p>“Be careful, Clarence, be careful,” said Melanitis +appealingly.</p> + +<p>Another step she was by his side, her arm outstretched +with levelled weapon towards the foe, who +broke into a taunting laugh.</p> + +<p>“Asti shall yet be avenged on you and yours,” he +cried. “You have slain the high priest by entrapping +him, and after a pretended trial, which you dared +not hold in the light of day, you have murdered +him in cold blood, because he accidentally slew the +incapable monarch who was the slave of his own +children.”</p> + +<p>“This is Talmon, he who put my father to the +torture,” cried Minola. “Your day has come, as it +came just now to your chief.”</p> + +<p>She pointed her green tube.</p> + +<p>“A moment,” interposed Cleophon, arresting Minola’s +hand. “Do you admit or deny the charge, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</span>fellow? Was it through you that the brave Marcon +perished?”</p> + +<p>Not a word did the priest say. The sudden accusation +of Minola paralysed him.</p> + +<p>In an instant the deed was done.</p> + +<p>All opposition seemed to have ended with the fate +of Asti’s solitary worshipper. The party, entering +the inner shrine, found it quite empty and deserted. +There was a circular aperture in the roof to let the +sacrificial fumes ascend, and a huge silver-coloured +altar beneath.</p> + +<p>“Have animal sacrifices ever been offered here?” +asked Carmichael.</p> + +<p>“They have,” said Minola.</p> + +<p>“Anything worse?”</p> + +<p>“God knows; there was nothing that Lydon might +not do,” she answered.</p> + +<p>Melanitis had been examining some mural paintings +upon the northern wall, when she all at once +stopped and stood perfectly rigid.</p> + +<p>“Come here, all of you,” she said in both English +and Atalantan.</p> + +<p>They hastened towards her. “Put your ear to the +wall, Clarence; do you not hear somebody calling?”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe did so. “Good heavens! it is an English +voice,” he cried. “It is saying, ‘Help me! help me! +for Christ’s sake!’”</p> + +<p>“So it is,” Abercromby almost shouted, “and I +know whose it is, by George! It’s Tom, as I’m a +living man!”</p> + +<p>Carmichael began to shout, “Tom! Tom! steady, +Tom; we are coming to save you!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</span></p> + +<p>“Buck up, old man! Where are you?” sang out +Abercromby.</p> + +<p>Melanitis pointed out to them that their best chance +was to go outside the shrine of the Temple and +search for some underground passage.</p> + +<p>“My lady,” said Minola, “I must best know the +secret ways of these reptiles. I have been dragged +here and almost done to death.”</p> + +<p>“We put ourselves in your hands, dear,” said +Melanitis.</p> + +<p>Minola struck one of the panels of the walls after +taking a careful note of it. The panel flew back +and disclosed a winding stairway.</p> + +<p>“Be very careful, my lords, all of you,” said Minola. +“Follow me—I will descend first.”</p> + +<p>The brave girl went in front, the others followed. +About twenty steps revealed a dark passage with a +glimmering of light at the end. Entering this they +heard the cries much plainer.</p> + +<p>“Christ save me! Let me see a face of man before +I die.”</p> + +<p>Carmichael dashed forward; he turned a corner, +the passage opened into a little room, with a slit for +window and for ventilation, and a stone floor.</p> + +<p>On the floor, his hands and feet closely fettered, +his face emaciated from hunger and thirst, lay a +prisoner. It was Jackson.</p> + +<p>The moment he saw them he made a violent effort +to rise, but it proved hopeless; his head and limbs fell +back. But a smile was upon his honest though +tortured face as he turned towards his master.</p> + +<p>“Well, Tom, old fellow, what have these devils +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</span>been doing to you? We never imagined you were +here. The last of them has been killed; you will be +free in a few minutes.”</p> + +<p>“Aye, I shall be free, sir, but not as you think,” +said Tom. “I’m going home, I am. The priests—they +tried to make me give my Saviour up and +worship their pagan idols instead—told them I’d die +first. Then they played all their conjuring tricks on +me, and they have done it by now.”</p> + +<p>Melanitis knelt down by his side and laid his poor +head upon her arm. “We hope to save you yet, +Tom; but if not, you know the way home, don’t you, +my poor fellow?”</p> + +<p>“Ay, if I had to walk it! I’d be a sight of years +over it, and miss the harbour lights at the last, but +Christ will just send a chariot to fetch me. He has +done it all. It’s not my love to Him, it’s His love to +me—that’s what they used to tell me over at the +Methodist chapel I had got to lean on. But,” he +went on with a puzzled look, “how <i>do</i> you come to +speak English, Miss Melanitis?”</p> + +<p>“I have learned it, Tom, a good long time.”</p> + +<p>“Then you must have heard me a-cussin’ and a-swearin’ +pretty often, miss—and at your people, too. +I have been a bad dog, miss, and in two worlds; but +I have asked the Lord to forgive me, and I know He +will, because He says so. ‘Whosoever’ is a big word, +and it takes in me, you, and anybody else, miss.”</p> + +<p>Melanitis drew from her pocket a tiny phial and +placed it to his lips. In a moment his vital powers +flickered up.</p> + +<p>“I’d be singing you all the Glory Song if I was +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</span>strong enough,” he said. “I heard Torrey and +Alexander do it when I was in Birmingham. It was +my old mother who converted me though. She +lived at Elton, and when I drove over Mr. Radcliffe +to a meetin’ at the Rectory, I went to have a cup of +tea at the cottage. ‘Tom,’ she used to say, ‘I’m soon +going, my boy, but I’ll be there to meet you; promise +me that you will be coming. You won’t disappoint +me, Tom?’ Now I’m going to her, Miss Melanitis, +and I wishes Mr. Radcliffe and you all the blessin’ +the Lord can give you.”</p> + +<p>Minola kneeled down and gently placed another +Atalantan cordial to his lips. But this time there +was no hopeful result.</p> + +<p>“He is dying,” said Radcliffe. “You are a martyr, +Tom, and you are going to be crowned.”</p> + +<p>“It’s Christ and my old mother I want to see, sir. +I’m not good enough for crowns.”</p> + +<p>He stretched out his lacerated hands to Carmichael. +“Good-bye, best master I ever had except Jesus. +You must all come—I want to see you all up yonder. +They told me—Methodist chapel—not my love to +Him—but—but, His love to me, that will carry all the +way. Mother! mother! your happy son!” And he +yielded up his last breath like a child going to sleep.</p> + +<p>Professor Carmichael, the tears trickling down his +cheeks, rose up and said to Cleophon, “Will you +intercede for me to Queen Mexitli, that the dead +body of this my friend and comrade may be embalmed +and lie beneath the Pass of Amalona?”</p> + +<p>“It shall be honoured as though it were one of our +own illustrious dead,” said Cleophon. “Mayana, my +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</span>wife, will have more than enough influence to procure +this.”</p> + +<p>The guards were summoned, and the dead body +was placed upon a hastily improvised litter and +carried down the Temple steps to the boat. Just as +they reached it, a piece of paper dropped from the +pocket of poor Tom’s waistcoat.</p> + +<p>Radcliffe snatched up the paper, and at once cried +out, “I must return to the Temple; there <i>are</i> documents +after all.”</p> + +<p>He handed the scrap (which was crumpled and +very hard to decipher) to Carmichael, who read out +these words: “If any of you come to find me, remove +green flagstone under altar. Lydon has hidden +papers there—the devil will do you some mischief +there, be careful, go armed—Tom.”</p> + +<p>Carmichael read this again very carefully, and +explained it to the Atalantans as well as he could. +All agreed that they must undertake the search in +united force, except that the rowers must be left to +guard Tom’s remains in the boat, lest any further +outrage should be attempted.</p> + +<p>Melanitis suggested that they should proceed at +once to forcibly remove the altar, which work did not +detain them as long to accomplish as they had expected.</p> + +<p>The lifting up of the great stone, however, required +the labours of nearly the whole party. Below +was a cavernous recess. Minola lighted a small lamp, +and held in her other hand her deadly weapon. +There were about a dozen rough steps to the bottom, +but they were protected by a small handrail.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</span></p> + +<p>Clarence, despite the warnings of Melanitis, went +down first. No sooner had he reached the floor than +they all uttered a cry, which was at once followed by +a fierce roar and the sound of a desperate scuffle. +Pinning him against the damp wall was a beast of +large size, standing upright, tearing at his shoulders +with its claws.</p> + +<p>Minola dared not fire at such close quarters with +the lightning fluid; it would have meant almost +certain death to Radcliffe as well. Melanitis had +one of the Asteroid pistols, and this she discharged. +The bullet wounded the animal severely, but did not +actually kill it. It rolled upon the floor, dragging +Radcliffe down with it in its fall. All that she could +do was to wait while the combatants wrestled, until +the beast was uppermost, and could present a target. +With a desperate effort Radcliffe succeeded, by +grasping its neck, in beating the creature back from +his face, and then Melanitis got in her second shot +with the other undischarged barrel. This struck the +creature in the head; it bounded back and fell +lifeless.</p> + +<p>The Professor and the engineer held their companion +in their arms and assisted him to rise. His +dress was torn almost to tatters, and he had been +lacerated in both shoulders by the creature’s talons. +He could only, with great pain and difficulty, make +them understand that he had seen a small metallic +case in a recess by the wall, in the attempt to reach +which the beast had leaped upon him.</p> + +<p>It was a sad party that made their way to the boat +with the dead body of poor Jackson and the wounded +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</span>form of Radcliffe. Minola carefully examined the +wounds, and gave assurance that they were not dangerous; +but they were troublesome, and would disable +him for a little time.</p> + +<p>Melanitis tended him with the most loving care. +They were all glad to find themselves safe in the +shelter and amid the comforts of the palace.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"> + CHAPTER XXVIII + <br> + THE MESSAGE FROM THE OBSERVATORY + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>The Queen listened with deep interest to the +account which the party gave her of their sad +adventures in the island. She acceded at once to +the Professor’s wishes with regard to the burial of +his faithful servant. Five days later the embalmed +body of Tom was conveyed to the amphitheatre +below the Pass of Amalona, and was laid there to +rest amid the grief and regret of all the members of +the palace. The Queen had a monument in the +English style erected over him, and words of esteem +and affection were inscribed in both languages.</p> + +<p>The English part of the inscription ran thus:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">To the Memory of Thomas Jackson,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Faithful servant to the great</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Terrestrial Expedition of the</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Twentieth Christian Century.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<blockquote><p class="right"><span style="margin-left: 1.0em;"> +He suffered martyrdom in the heathen temple for refusing +to offer sacrifice on the altar of the Sun God.</span></p> +</blockquote> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4">“To him that overcometh</div> + <div class="verse indent6">A crown of life shall be;</div> + <div class="verse indent4">He with the King of Glory</div> + <div class="verse indent6">Shall reign eternally.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>The verse was repeated in Atalantan poetry, +written by the Queen herself.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</span></p> + +<p>Abercromby asked that the Temple might be +destroyed, while Radcliffe wished it to be converted +into the first building for definite Christian worship +in Atalanta.</p> + +<p>Mayana urged, however, that, as a standing monument +of rebellion and of treason, it ought to be +burned to the ground. The four towers were +spared for their artistic beauty. On the site of +the Temple itself it was decided to erect a palace +for the Queen and her colleague, while Mexitli gave +Radcliffe permission to have a building erected in +the upper part of the city for Christian worship and +teaching as soon as matters were ripe for so decisive +a step.</p> + +<p>One day, shortly after his recovery, Minola was +standing on the upper parapet of the terrace, looking +fixedly at the blackened ruins of the Temple. Radcliffe +asked her where Marcon had been laid to rest; +he had looked for his monument, but had not +found it.</p> + +<p>“My father has suffered the last outrage which +can wound the heart of an Atalantan,” she replied. +“After they had put him to death, Lydon had his +body cremated upon his idolatrous altar. I wish I +could know for certain whether he was actually dead +when they cremated him.</p> + +<p>“When I was left desolate the Queen took me +into her service, and I have had my home with her +ever since. My father was a steadfast loyalist, and +disdained the overtures that were made to him to +win the pretended independence they offered, and +that was why he suffered what he did. But I have +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</span>repaid.” Then she said abruptly, “Would your +religion approve my killing Lydon?”</p> + +<p>“Your slaying a man who was in the condition of +a wild beast, loose among people practically defenceless, +was quite blameless. He would have killed +Melanitis had you not killed him. Your slaying of +Talmon is less excusable, for I am of opinion that +the Queen ought to have tried him in the usual way, +and he would certainly have been condemned for +high treason.”</p> + +<p>“The Queen said as much to me. I love the new +religion, or, as some call it, the old one, very much, +and read your manuscripts as fast as they appear; +but I have read far enough to understand that Christ +was not only a Saviour but a Master—at least in your +world, and I suppose it ought to be so in this. I +wonder whether He could so change me as to make +it possible for me to cease to hate those men? Perhaps +Marcon himself, in the Mansions of the Blest, +would wish me to do so.”</p> + +<p>The conversation was ended by the appearance of +Mayana, who took Radcliffe aside, as she had something +of importance to communicate.</p> + +<p>“The box has been opened which nearly cost you +your life to obtain, and the Queen and I have carefully +perused its contents. It contains an ancient scroll +(not very legible, I must confess) which simply repeats, +in almost identical words, the narrative which King +Malchon, who had learned it by heart, evidently +related to you. It closes with the parting message +of the Prince to our people, while on the other side +are some extracts, written by His disciples, two of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</span>whose names are given—Calchon and Ixtilon—quoting +certain sayings of their Master. These sayings are +almost a transcript of those which are found in the +book given to your own world, so that we have +a strong proof of the authenticity both of them and +of yours. He evidently gave to your world certain +maxims of truth about God and duty which He had +before given to us; and, indeed, if His teaching was +divine, as I believe it was, there was no need for +originality or change.”</p> + +<p>Radcliffe went to the Queen’s apartment, where he +found Melanitis turning the sentences into English +as the Queen dictated them to her.</p> + +<p>“A very few days’ labour will suffice to translate +the whole manuscript,” said the Queen. “Let your +companions take a translation of it to their own +world, and let our own version be circulated all over +our empire. I will have the Prince’s last appeal to be +engraved on a tablet and set up in a public place, +say, on the promenade by the Lake shore, where that +hateful procession was paraded.”</p> + +<p>It was several days after this that Carmichael and +the engineer received an urgent summons to attend +upon the Queen in her cabinet room. The time +was gone by when such an announcement aroused +fear and alarm. They had not a more sincere friend +in Atalanta except Melanitis, if indeed she were an +exception, for, try as they would, they could hardly +conceal a certain feeling of uncanny repulsion when +in her presence.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless it was with great curiosity that they +obeyed a more than usually categorical citation.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</span></p> + +<p>When they got in, a select conclave was assembled. +Around the canopied throne sat Radcliffe and Melanitis, +Abercromby, Cleophon, and Mayana and her +younger sister, while Minola was on her usual seat, +close beneath the throne, bending over a map of the +heavens, which she was intently studying.</p> + +<p>“I give you greeting, my friends,” said Mexitli, +a little ceremoniously. “A messenger has arrived +from the Observatory on Aptaura, informing us, in +reply to our recent enquiry, that your world will be +in correct alignment with ours on the twentieth day +of the month Cayamarca—that is, fifty-five days from +now. We notify this to you, as it would be well for +you to start on your great journey home five days +before that date.”</p> + +<p>There was deep silence. Melanitis took Radcliffe’s +hand in hers. Abercromby fixed his eyes on the +ground a trifle awkwardly. Then Carmichael said—</p> + +<p>“Have we permission from your Majesty to +depart?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly, after you have agreed to certain conditions +which we have been carefully considering. Do +you still wish to leave us?”</p> + +<p>“We have a duty to perform to our brothers whom +we have left behind,” said Carmichael.</p> + +<p>“Very good; so shall it be. Now these are the +conditions: You must give us in writing an exact +account of your secret; you must either promise to +reveal it to none of your race, or, if you prefer it, you +must plainly tell them that it will be certain death +for any Karamandran to come to our world as you +did, or in any other way. If you yourselves choose +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</span>to return to us you may do so, but even this on condition +only that you thenceforward live amongst us +and return no more. This you may do if you desire +it, and you shall resume the privileges of nobility +which my father gave you.</p> + +<p>“These conditions may seem hard, but I have to +think for the good of my people. I have asked +Clarence to tell me plainly all about his world, +promising beforehand that nothing he revealed shall +be used to your own injury. Melanitis is now able to +confirm all he says, and Abercromby also, and they +have told me the whole truth in the minutest particulars. +Knowing it, I have decided to cut off for ever all +personal communication until God shall otherwise ordain. +But I grant you leave to take with you in the +Asteroid products of our world of every sort, that +your people may benefit by our music, our poetry, +our arts, and even our fruits and flowers. In return, +you will leave with us all the contents of the Asteroid +which are not indispensable for your safety, and you +may freely replace them by anything of Atalanta you +may wish to bear away.</p> + +<p>“Fifty days from now you will set out from the +palace, and we will journey with you to Aptaura, from +whence you will wing your final flight.”</p> + +<p>“We agree to all these conditions fully and faithfully,” +answered the Professor and the engineer.</p> + +<p>“As to Cleito and Arniphon, it is essential for the +happiness of our beloved sister, that, as they have +refused to promise silence as to her secret of identity, +they must pay the penalty. They have chosen to be +more loyal to the late King than he was to himself, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</span>and therefore I had decided, with great reluctance, +that they must die, though by a painless death of +sleep. But Melanitis made a powerful appeal to me, +and it seemed more just to take advantage of a position +so unique, and to let them go back with you to +the earth. They will be good and faithful servants +to you, and, furthermore, will absolutely prove to +your brother scientists the truth of your history. It +will enable me to spare their lives, and yet to help +and to benefit <i>you</i>. Of course, I do not force them +upon you, but the only alternative must be what +I have said.”</p> + +<p>“We accept, of course,” said Carmichael. “But +there is one question I would ask of your majesty—Will +you permit us to make a strong endeavour to +induce our brother Abercromby to reconsider his +decision?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly, make all the effort you can; but I +think if two planets have a tussle over him, I know +which will be the victor,” said the Queen, smiling.</p> + +<p>“You will stay with us, won’t you?” said Minya +pleadingly.</p> + +<p>“I shall have a bad quarter of an hour with the +Professor,” replied Abercromby.</p> + +<p>Now that the end was in sight, every one worked +with indefatigable industry. The Professor and the +engineer were inflexibly resolved to go; it was no use +denying that they did not, and never probably +would, feel they could make a home in Atalanta. It +was not the world for them, nor did the voice of +duty call them to put up with it. But they took an +immediate resolve to leave behind them a legacy of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</span>useful knowledge to the Atalantans; everything—books, +instruments, tools, seeds, down to the piano and +the chessboard, were made over to the palace and its +occupants. Carmichael took the trouble to write a +number of short essays on various social and political +subjects, while Carysfort explained a great many +mechanical and industrial arts.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile a religious revolution was beginning to +spread over the empire. The New Testament was +rapidly finding its way into the homes of the people, +though here and there opposition and even hostility +were manifested.</p> + +<p>The movement was, of course, purely elastic and +invertebrate as yet; the time for the setting up of +institutions and stated worship had not yet come, +and the Professor told Radcliffe that then his troubles +would begin. He had better enjoy the literary, poetic, +and romantic epoch as long as he could.</p> + +<p>The Queen and Mayana did not take an openly +active part, but all their influence was thrown into +the scale. The only point in which Mexitli was disinclined +to show sympathy was the haranguing of the +people in open-air assemblies; this was an absolute +anomaly in the country, except in days of sedition and +revolution.</p> + +<p>At last, after several attempts which had not been +very successful, Radcliffe yielded to the Queen’s +earnestly expressed wishes, all the more readily +because she did not enforce them by arbitrary power. +Melanitis, moreover, came to the rescue by a very +ingenious suggestion. Poetry was constantly sung and +recited in the public promenades: why should not the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</span>flower of English hymns he turned into Atalantan +verse and adapted, sometimes to the music of one +world, sometimes to that of another?</p> + +<p>This proved a notable success; in every district the +idea was acclaimed with enthusiasm. The Queen +was so delighted that she promised to take a personal +share in the composition of both music and verse.</p> + +<p>Thus, to cite but one instance, an ancient hymn to +the Sun God was modelled in a new setting:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Look not to me, but turn to Him who set</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My throne above your far extending sky;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He, my Creator, never will forget</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To listen to His humblest creature’s cry.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Unseen, He rules the Mansions of the Blest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Sun of worlds more glorious and more great,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From whence the Prince came down to give you rest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And soon will make you heirs of His estate.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Let not the viceroy intercept the King,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor yet the creature vaunt an arrogant claim;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Look to the throne from whence all mercies spring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And seek them in the banished Exile’s Name.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>“I tell you what it is, Radcliffe,” said the Professor; +“thanks to a marvellous conjuncture of events, you +are walking on roses just now in your missionary +crusade, but the thorns will come, and will have to +come. I don’t know much about these matters, but +you are running ahead too fast. I shall not be here +to see it, but allow me as a friend, who has a different +mission to fulfil, just to observe that if Christ is ever +to be King of Atalanta in any sense intelligible at +present to me, He will have to be an Atalantan +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</span>Christ. Let these queer people, who are more after +your taste than mine, go their own way and walk in +their own customs; let the Queen be the despot she +really is, despite all her smiles; let her rulers and +workers rule and work for the bodies of their +subjects, and do you be satisfied, and your remarkable +consort also, with looking after their souls. +Don’t touch anything else, stick to doctrines for the +present. You had better give them a poetic version +of the Athanasian Creed than ask them to substitute +crimson for sky-blue, and so on. Don’t think +me blasphemous, you will find there is sense in +what I say, though I am not an interplanetary +parson.”</p> + +<p>Carmichael also made one effort, and only one, to +induce Abercromby to return with him.</p> + +<p>“Radcliffe can do without you, for he has got +Melanitis. Melanitis can even more easily do without +you, for she has got <i>him</i>. I don’t think you are +quite cut out for a missionary, for I believe you +would ask the last surviving sun worshipper in +Venus why the deuce he wasn’t a Christian. Mexitli +doesn’t want you to give her a helping hand in +politics, and, if I were you, I would not offer it. +Now, Abercromby, just use your imagination for +a minute. Can’t you see yourself looking up at +the sky and wishing you could get a peep at the old +Asteroid? It will be too late then, Abercromby.”</p> + +<p>“But, Professor, I’m beastly sorry, as Gilbert Rice +said to me when I had to go down, but really—there, +it is no use making a fuss. It had better come out. +I’ve been and gone and done it.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</span></p> + +<p>“What am I to understand by this?”</p> + +<p>“Why, I have popped the question to Mayana’s +dear little sister Minya, you know—we are awfully +sweet. We shall be up to the level of Melanitis and +Clarence if we only try. We mean to. So now I will +retort your accusation as to my unclassical language, +and ask, ‘Where the deuce do <i>you</i> come in, +Professor?’”</p> + +<p>“Good-night, Abercromby, I’m off to bed,” said +Carmichael.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>There were two subjects that greatly interested +both the Professor and the Atalantan court. One +was the exploration of the eastern side of the +continent, the other the far more daring problem of +interplanetary communication.</p> + +<p>Carmichael and Carysfort went in the Asteroid on +their own account on a journey of about 350 miles +from the vale of Meloria to the eastern coast-line. +So fully were the terrestrials now trusted that they +were left to travel by themselves, with the understanding +that they would return to Atalanta in a +fortnight’s time. Neither Radcliffe nor Abercromby +accompanied them, the latter saying that they would +have plenty of opportunities for exploring all the +habitable parts of Venus.</p> + +<p>“That is nonsense,” replied the Professor. “You +cannot even wait till my back is turned for beginning +your love-making with Minya. Clarence, I +admit, has some arrearages to make up.”</p> + +<p>Cleito and Arniphon accompanied Carmichael +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</span>and the engineer, for they were now counted as +terrestrials.</p> + +<p>The other matter, that of interplanetary signalling, +greatly exercised the minds of all the learned in the +empire. Andron, the ex-governor of Melandria, who +was in constant touch with the recluses on Aptaura, +begged that the Queen would allow the travellers to +earth to spend a few days in the island. Leave was +granted, and it was settled that on the first day of +the month Cayamarca the start from the city should +be made.</p> + +<p>The travellers returned from their eastward explorations. +They had found the scenery very rich and +beautiful, and they had stayed at several country +houses in the first hundred miles of the journey. +The coast scenery had been very grand, though they +once encountered a severe storm.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"> + CHAPTER XXIX + <br> + THE FEAST OF FAREWELL + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>On the first day of the new Atalantan month a +great banquet was held in the hall of the +palace which was long remembered in Atalanta and +called the Feast of Farewell. All the notables of +both the court and the city were present by the +Queen’s invitation.</p> + +<p>The Queen and the princess-elect, Mayana, sat +each upon their throned and canopied couches at the +head of the hall, with Melanitis and Radcliffe on +the right hand and Abercromby and Minya on the +left. Below them the Professor and the engineer +occupied the seats reserved for distinguished guests.</p> + +<p>Ranged around the hall were the guards and +attendants who waited upon the guests, led by +Cleophon, who was resplendent in the dress and +accoutrements of his new position.</p> + +<p>The little tables in front of each, richly inlaid with +precious metals and carved with quaint design, were +laden with the choicest delicacies of Atalanta and +with slender goblets of tinted liquids. Festoons of +flowers in every hue sparkled and glistened upon the +walls. Panels were slid to and fro to admit streams +of radiant sunlight to gild various parts of the banquet-room.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</span></p> + +<p>From other parts, usually those that were left in +shadow, there came siren strains of the most bewitching +music, now rising, now falling, now ascending +to a volume of sound, now dying away in a +distant harmony. When any speaker rose to speak +there was an instant hush. Poetry and song were +frequently introduced; on that occasion terrestrial +melodies were loudly in demand, particularly those +of the more romantic type. Abercromby and Radcliffe +had brought some such in the Asteroid for the +benefit of the former, as the latter could not play, +and had not much capacity as a songster. One was +the Invitation Song, and another a religious ballad, +“I will give you rest.” Melanitis had turned both of +these into Atalantan verse, and they were both sung +to a number of instruments, and produced a deep +impression upon the audience.</p> + +<p>“Love launched a fairy boat” was a song beyond +the power of Radcliffe and Melanitis to sing—the +memories were too heart-searching for them; but the +music was played, and, from the very fact that it was +so different from the weird and Oriental-like compositions +of Atalanta, it excited the more surprise +and interest. The national airs of the different +European countries were performed, but these, for +the most part, were less popular.</p> + +<p>After all this had lasted awhile the Queen rose +from her throne and addressed the vast assembly.</p> + +<p>“Friends and notables of the Flowery Land, it +has been customary from time to time, especially +before setting out for our southern progresses, for +the princes of Atalanta to gather the chiefs of their +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</span>people together. Never within the memory of the +oldest here present have we had an occasion parallel +to this, either by reason of the shadows of the +past or the extraordinary circumstances of the +present.”</p> + +<p>The Queen then detailed the late insurrection, +paid a warm tribute to the loyalty which had saved +her throne, extolled the goodness and the benevolence +of the late King, and asserted her own desire +to follow in his steps and to try to do for her people +what he had done.</p> + +<p>Then she said: “My sister Melanitis has long +desired to be relieved of the highest cares of state, +and, by her own act of free choice, has besought me +to associate her cousin rather than herself in the +direct and central rule of our empire. She will, +therefore, occupy the less onerous post of ruler of +our island of Melandria, by whose people she has +for a long time been greatly beloved. Her betrothal +to him whom we once called the stranger from +Karamandra, but who is now, for the great services +which he has rendered to us, enrolled in the highest +circle of our nobility, has been recently announced to +you, and ere they take up their residence in the +island their union by marriage will have been +formally ratified by us. It will take place after this +assembly has been dispersed, in the presence of the +usual chosen witnesses.”</p> + +<p>Neither Radcliffe nor Melanitis had been told that +matters were quite so imminent, and they exchanged +glances. Abercromby managed to slip a piece of +paper into Radcliffe’s hand. “Thought I would get +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</span>all your business over at once, old chap. I fixed it +up before the meeting. Don’t turn this into poetry, +please!”</p> + +<p>“Most earnestly do I desire that the blessing of +Heaven may rest upon them,” said the Queen, “and +upon their efforts to do my people good. I wish all +to know that I publicly sanction these efforts, and +that I allow the Christian philosophy to be taught in +Atalanta both by speech and writing, with this one +exception, that I shall not allow, for some time to +come, the holding of assemblies in the promenades +and open fields, but only in buildings appointed for +the purpose, and, of course, in private dwellings. +But this prohibition does not apply to the island +unless my sister enforces it there by her own act. +The Prince Consort of Melandria (for so will his +title be henceforward expressed) will, I am sure, +yield an implicit obedience to the one restriction +I think good to place upon him.</p> + +<p>“The Festival of the Sun is for ever abolished. +It may be that in the future some pageant in a +Christian form may be sanctioned, but neither I nor +he are at all desirous of doing this. I am imposing +no faith upon Atalanta, whether old or new. I +am in substantial agreement with the Christian +religion in most parts wherein it supplements ours, +and the Princess Mayana holds the same attitude as +myself.</p> + +<p>“I think it will be for the good of the people that +the new spiritual movement should win its way. +Further, you all know that my friend Abercromby +has asked my cousin Minya to be his wife. At this +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</span>also we shall greatly rejoice, and for his services, +which have been likewise great, he too shall be +counted amongst the highest in the land. As for +the three other members of the expedition, the two +men who were its actual leaders, being eminent men +of science amongst their people, are soon to leave us +and to return to their own world, but I will send +greeting through them to the ruler of their particular +country, the island of Britain, telling him how much +I regret that his people are, for the most part, so +evil that I cannot permit any direct intercourse +between them and my own subjects.</p> + +<p>“The servant of the expedition, one Jackson by +name, has been cruelly martyred by the priests in the +Temple, to my very deep regret, for he was a good +man and fought nobly for us in the hour of the great +rebellion. He lies beneath the bridge of Amalona, +honoured amongst the illustrious dead. He it was +who, by his wisdom and sagacity, guided Prince +Claretson of Melandria to the place where the sacred +manuscript, which will no doubt be added to the +terrestrial Bible, was discovered, in the securing of +which my sister and the prince had a terrible struggle +with a wild beast.</p> + +<p>“I have no more to add, notables and friends. +For the first time I greet you as your mother and +Queen, and my chief regret this day is, that we are so +soon to lose two whom we should have been glad to +see always with us.”</p> + +<p>The banquet was prolonged to a very late hour. +Music and song, poetry and recitation, were constantly +recurring. There was a short patriotic ode, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</span>entitled “The Saluting of the Banner,” which was +always sung on state occasions—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Wave the banner high,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Loyal hearts reply,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The throne of Atalanta shall endure;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Aided from above,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rooted in our love,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What is more triumphantly secure?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In its shelter we rejoice,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sing with grateful voice</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To those whose love protects us every day;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wide the scarlet banner flings</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Its all-protecting wings,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O’er the happy land that owns its peaceful sway.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>Before the guests dispersed, little Minya, who +had perhaps the sweetest voice in the court circle, +sang one of the most touching of the half-romantic, +half-religious lyrics of Atalanta, called “Waiting for +the Light.”</p> + +<p>All the company rose to their feet when the first +plaintive notes were struck.</p> + +<p>It was a song specially hated by the idolatrous +party, but dear to the hearts of others, and now very +welcome to the Royalists, both for religious and +political reasons:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> + <div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Waiting for the light on the distant hills,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whence we bade farewell to the Traveller unknown,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He who came to tend us and heal us of our ills,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere He took His journey, friendless and alone.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Did we understand Him in His lowly guise?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Did our glad hearts open to the wisdom that He taught?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rather did we wonder in a dull surprise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could it be divinity these gracious marvels wrought?</div> +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</span> </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We were always waiting further proof to see,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Closing our proud minds to the proofs already given;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now we stand all friendless in our agony,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Waiting for a light that can only come from Heaven.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ages now have sped since the sad and shameful day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When we drove Him from us with a cold good-bye,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O’er Keraunea’s hills He took His weary way,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Leaving us to mourn and to wander till we die!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Waiting, we are turning questioning eyes to Heaven,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As we stand bewildered in the maze of life.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shall the hour relieve us when the clouds are riven,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And a heavenly message end our mental strife?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We may <i>seem</i> contented in the Flowery Land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Neath the skies all sunlit—never draped in night—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet an aching heart tries in vain to understand</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why the ages leave us waiting for the light!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p>The echoes died away amid a wailing chant which, +from every part of the hall, rose, swelled, and faded. +In deep silence each guest defiled past the canopied +throne, inclined with a deep reverence to the Queen +and the princesses, and then left the hall.</p> + +<p>“I could not have stood much more of that,” said +the engineer. “Never in my life have I had such an +experience as this evening. I wonder whether these +queer people can be screwed up to put their feelings +into real future practice?”</p> + +<p>“The dons would have felt rather funny if this +had been a Gaudy,” remarked the Professor. “Radcliffe +will have all his work well cut out. I should +like to take a peep in here, say, ten years hence.”</p> + +<p>“Now, my prince, there is one more job in hand +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</span>to-night before we retire to rest,” said Abercromby. +“Step this way and get married, please.”</p> + +<p>“Martin Luther wanted one of his friends to attend +that he might be sure that he was married after all,” +answered Radcliffe. “Which is it with me? I never +felt so bewildered in all my life. Anyway, I have +got Melanitis.”</p> + +<p>“That is the chief thing, my noble prince. The +clear air of bracing Melandria will set you right on +all side topics. Come along, there is the Queen +calling to you. She will be wanting to know what +the dickens you are keeping them all waiting for.”</p> + +<p>The ceremony was of the simplest kind. They +knelt before Mexitli, and she joined their hands +together. When they rose up Abercromby said, “<i>My</i> +state ceremony will be a little more complicated, +but then <i>I</i> shall be doing it for the first time. You +<i>have</i> paid all the necessary fees, so now you can +skiddadle; there is neither bellringer, clerk, nor parson, +except your own august self. Farewell for the +present, and be better children than you were at +Barmouth.”</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>The next morning all was astir in the palace. For +the last time the Asteroid lay fixed in position +upon the terrace square. At the morning meal +a feeling of sadness hung over the party, which +not even the gay sallies of Abercromby could fully +dispel. The Professor and the engineer made short +speeches full of good sense and kindly expression. +They then took a farewell of the Princess Mayana, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</span>who was compelled, from reasons of state business, +to remain behind. All the others were to journey +with their friends as far as they could.</p> + +<p>At ten o’clock by terrestrial time the engines were +set going, and the Asteroid winged its aerial flight +from Atalanta city. Nearly the whole population had +gathered in the streets and promenades, and cheer +after cheer of greeting was sent up. In order to +please her departing guests, the Queen ordered that +a somewhat different route to Melandria should be +taken. This time they sped across in a due westerly +direction, not veering southwards till they had got to +a distance of about fifty miles from the city. Villas +and country houses continued to approach and to +recede beneath them, and at last, after crossing a line +of hills, the waters of the great western ocean came in +sight.</p> + +<p>The northern end of Melandria could just be +observed on the distant horizon, and on a spur of +ground that projected some way into the sea they +caught sight of a tall building with a graceful tower, +several hundred feet in height. At first the Professor +and engineer thought it was a lighthouse.</p> + +<p>“Nay,” replied Mexitli, “this is a signalling station +from whence, by flashes of light, messages are conveyed +to and from the Observatory on Aptaura. +Most usually, these messages consist of a statement +of supplies sent to, or received by, the astronomers, +but sometimes news of scientific interest is conveyed. +If you all had but only come by way of the southern +pole we should have heard of you at once, and then +perhaps——”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</span></p> + +<p>“We might not have got into so much mischief,” +supplied the Professor.</p> + +<p>The Queen laughed. “I see your conscience is still +sensitive, Carmichael.”</p> + +<p>“What are they signalling to us?” cried Minya. +“Why I do believe——” she finished the sentence +with an exclamation.</p> + +<p>“I can read the code,” said Melanitis. “Look! it +runs: ‘Why not signal from Aptaura to Karamandra?’”</p> + +<p>“A nice suggestion,” said the Queen. “Who has +made it, I wonder? Some one who wanted me to +receive it in a roundabout way.”</p> + +<p>They held on, above the waves which were +agitated by a grand swell and current, and soon the +heights of the twilight island rose before them, +and, an hour later, they had reached the Peak, as it +was called, and were in the house of Andron.</p> + +<p>“Andron, this is rather hard upon you,” said +Melanitis in a kindly tone. “I won’t tell you you are +relieved of your post, for who want to be relieved +when they love their work? I will tell you instead, +that you are to be promoted to another and a higher +post at the palace itself.”</p> + +<p>“I feel deeply grateful for all the kind recognition +which any services of mine rendered to my country +have already received,” said Andron; “and the chief +thing that gives me pleasure now is to have the +honour of inviting you and the prince to remain +under my roof till the day when you are formally +installed in my place.”</p> + +<p>The party were soon partaking of hospitality upon +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</span>the lawn of the house, with its fine view over the +southern sea, and the splendid crescent-shaped esplanade +of houses that lined the bay.</p> + +<p>Conversation took, as before, a scientific turn, and +the ex-governor of Melandria was directly asked by +the Professor to state his views as to the possibility +of interplanetary signalling. He told him what a +stir had been made upon the earth by the mere +rumour of a message from Mars, as the supposed +outbreak of recent light on that planet had been +called.</p> + +<p>“We know little about Mars,” answered Andron, +“much less than you probably do, which may well be, +seeing that we are more than sixty millions of miles +from it. I see no reason to think that remote and +snowbound planet has, at least now, any inhabitants. +But it has always struck me that communication +might some day be established between Atalanta +and your world, which is sometimes only twenty-four +millions of miles apart, only our planet is so +awkwardly situated as regards yours that, when we +are nearest to you, you can only see us as a thin +extended crescent. But, as you before told me, our +giant Aptaura can be discerned in your telescopic +vision as a tiny sparkling point, due, of course, to +the sun’s rays impinging upon its top. I have always +thought that a signal might be conveyed to you from +us, and if so, as you have learned our language, an +alphabet could be constructed.”</p> + +<p>“Did <i>you</i> convey a suggestion to me from Aptaura +this very morning, Andron?” said the Queen, smiling.</p> + +<p>“Yes, he did,” replied Ayacatil; “he was afraid +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</span>that if he ventured it too directly you would veto +him at once.”</p> + +<p>“Have you really any suggestions to make?” said +the Queen.</p> + +<p>“As the sun’s rays strike the peak of Aptaura +with almost overwhelming power,” answered Andron, +“I cannot see why they might not be focussed in a +powerful reflector, and a beam shot skywards in the +direction of Karamandra. If they can only see our +signal, much will be gained. They might afterwards +transmit one of their own from a Karamandran +mountain peak, and, though their hills are much +smaller, yet their world, appearing as a full circle to +us, could more easily be observed by us.”</p> + +<p>“But there is something more than this matter +which we have been considering,” said Ayacatil. “If, +which God forbid, any accident should happen to +your machine in space, the whole fruit of your researches +would be lost. I advise that your manuscripts +be sealed up in a fire-proof cylinder which, in +a last extremity, could be thrown out, and it would +of necessity fall into the attraction of your world.”</p> + +<p>“Admirable!” said Mexitli.</p> + +<p>“We have prepared such a contrivance,” answered +Andron, “and it will give us much pleasure to present +you with it.”</p> + +<p>The cylinder was duly inspected, and all agreed +that it should be sealed up when they reached +Aptaura.</p> + +<p>The next two days Clarence and Frank spent +largely in the society of the friends they were so +soon to lose.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</span></p> + +<p>The Queen and Melanitis spent most of their +time together, and it was noted by many how +serenely happy the princess looked.</p> + +<p>And then came the day when the whole party +stood upon the mighty mountain peak of Venus. +They were facing the cold hemisphere of the south. +The green-red star, the “little queen of the night,” +shone upon them. Towards it, in a few minutes, the +prow of the Asteroid would be turned.</p> + +<p>Mexitli held out both her hands to Carmichael +and to Carysfort.</p> + +<p>“Farewell,” she said; “we met in hostility, we part +in friendship. My best wishes for you, for your +nation, for the teeming millions of the human races; +may they learn to appreciate more and more what +their Divine Prince and Saviour has done for them. +We are infinitely the better for your sojourning +amongst us. You broke our laws at the first only +through ignorance, as I now gladly admit, and your +conduct since has been irreproachable.”</p> + +<p>“May your Majesty enjoy a long and glorious +reign,” said the Professor. “May all that the Prince +of Melandria and Abercromby carry out here be +a blessing both to them and to you. Perhaps it was +our fault that we have not enjoyed ourselves from +the first as we might have done. Once more I thank +you for your kindness. To my dying day I shall +never forget Atalanta.”</p> + +<p>“Good-bye, Queen,” said Carysfort. “A plain +Englishman always has ten times more to say than +he knows how to express in words.”</p> + +<p>“I understand,” replied Mexitli.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</span></p> + +<p>“Tell the Vice-Chancellor,” said Frank, “I think +I could pass if I went back to Cambridge now. I +know Atalantan if I don’t know much more Greek.”</p> + +<p>“Good-bye,” said Radcliffe; “when you happen +to run over to Oxford, just give my love to old +Prebendary Seaton. I fear I did not visit in his +parish quite as much as I should; tell him that I +have a large parish now.”</p> + +<p>“Good-bye all,” said Melanitis. “My prayers will +go with you. When we meet again there will be no +parting.” Then she put her hand into Radcliffe’s.</p> + +<p>“Good-bye,” said Minya. “Tell the English +ladies the names of the four English songs which +we like best.”</p> + +<p>“Good-bye, Professor and Engineer,” said Abercromby. +“I ... there, it’s not a bit of use, I’m +stuck.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t attempt it, man,” said Carmichael as he +entered the Asteroid. “Come along, Carysfort, it’s +really time we were off. Here is the MS. cylinder. +We won’t forget <i>that</i>. Start the engines.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXX"> + <i>POSTSCRIPT</i> + <br> + CHAPTER XXX + <br> + THE MYSTERY THAT WAS UNSOLVED + </h2> +</div> + + +<p>I think that it only remains for us—Maurice +Sheldon, Fellow of Trinity, and Gilbert Rice, +Tutor and Lecturer of the same—to say briefly +how we came in possession of the most amazing +narrative ever written by man.</p> + +<p>We have put it together and carefully compiled it +from the manuscripts of our friends—Professor Carmichael, +Mr. Frank Abercromby, Mr. John Herbert +Carysfort, and the Rev. Clarence Radcliffe, of St. +Boniface College, Oxford, and curate of St. Dunstane, +then and for some time under Prebendary Seaton.</p> + +<p>Mr. Rice and myself, after an unusually hard term +of work, took a reading party to Bude, in North +Cornwall. They and we had a very enjoyable time +in a comfortable farmhouse on the cliffs, a mile out +of Bude, in a quiet country district called Upper +Lynstone. After the junior members of our party +had dispersed, I suggested that a walking tour would +make a capital wind-up to a very happy vacation.</p> + +<p>We struck camp, therefore, went down the coast to +Boscastle and Tintagel, where we explored the +wonderfully interesting neighbourhood, and then we +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</span>trained from Camelford to Wadebridge. We were +to make Newquay our objective point, and we +started at about two o’clock from our hotel at +Wadebridge, having had our luggage sent on to the +Headland Hotel at Newquay.</p> + +<p>The afternoon was far from propitious, and when +we got out upon St. Breock’s downs, a mile distant +from Wadebridge, we thought a heavy thunderstorm +was coming on, and we sheltered for a time at a toll-house +placed at a fork of the roads. We decided, +after all, to push on, and, when we had reached a +most desolate stretch of moorland, we were appalled +by a sudden blaze of light from a murky mass of +clouds, which was instantly followed, not by a peal +of thunder, but by a resounding concussion, which +made the very road heave under our feet, and nearly +overturned us both into a ditch.</p> + +<p>When we recovered our senses, we saw that a huge +aerolite had fallen upon the moor close by, only a +hundred yards from the road. It had split in two, +and the fragments lay rent asunder and sending up +vapour and steam. But our attention was instantly +riveted by a conical cylinder of greyish-coloured +metal still partly attached to the smaller of the two +fragments.</p> + +<p>The thing was so evidently of artificial make, and +had so plainly fallen, in connection with the aerolite, +from the sky, that we were hardly able to control +ourselves for excitement and agitation. Perhaps I +was the more impulsive of the two, for I made +several foolish attempts to secure the strange object, +but only burned the skin of my hands in doing so.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</span></p> + +<p>Several occupants of farms lying within a mile +of the shock came running up in due course. We +explained what had happened, and prevailed, by the +persuasive argument of a coin, on one of the sturdiest +of them, to procure a vehicle from the nearest available +place, which, unfortunately for us, was as far +off as St. Columb Major. However, before assistance +arrived, the cylinder had cooled sufficiently to enable +us to hoist it into the vehicle and to drive away with +it to the little roadside hotel at St. Columb, where +we sat up all night. With a hammer and chisel +we managed to break the thing open, and a roll +of manuscripts tumbled out.</p> + +<p>We felt like men on the brink of a great discovery, +and so truly we were; for the manuscripts were +nothing more nor less than the astounding narratives +which we have here pieced together and present to +the public.</p> + +<p>The letters which our friends had despatched from +Newbiggin, in Northumberland, had been published +in the Press, and had caused a sensational flutter at +the time. But few had given full credence to the +story, and some had even set it down as a hoax. At +the same time, the utter disappearance of four persons +well known at Cambridge and at Oxford was a thing +in itself that needed accounting for. Whatever explanation +was then given, it remains to be seen what +attitude the public in general, and the scientific +public in particular, will now adopt when they read +and study the foregoing narrative. Whether men +are convinced or no, it is our duty to clear up all +mysteries which so very personally affect our friends, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</span>and this we have now done by letting them speak for +themselves.</p> + +<p>There is no hope whatever that we shall ever see +them again, and there are only two theories to be +entertained of the fate of Professor Carmichael and +the engineer and of the two peculiar persons who +had the misfortune to be compelled to be their +fellow-travellers.</p> + +<p>One is, that they came to grief in space. If that +be so, there can, I fear, be little doubt how it happened. +They could not have fallen into the sun, as +they once so much dreaded, because if so the cylinder +would have perished with them. Rather do we +believe they were struck in the void of space (probably +not far from the earth) by a meteorite, which +wrecked the machine by the shock of direct collision.</p> + +<p>The two bodies would then be fused together into +one burning mass, and would fall upon the earth +by virtue of the terrestrial attraction. The only +explanation we can give as to how the cylinder +could have escaped is, that, in the last moment +of agony and suspense, Carmichael must have thrown +it out into space; then, after the collision, it would +naturally fall upon the huge meteorite as the nearest +attracting body and be carried along with it.</p> + +<p>One other theory presents itself: that the catastrophe +happened nearer to Venus, that the Asteroid +was not fatally damaged, that the cylinder was cast +adrift, and that the travellers, after an awful struggle +with death, returned to Venus, and are now living in +it as their adopted country.</p> + +<p>One very curious circumstance has been noted +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</span>from an Italian Observatory. Professor Rossini and +his two assistants were attentively watching Venus +early on the morning of a day of exceptionally fine +weather in August. They noticed tiny sparklets +of light emitted from the summit of the high mountain +on the southern horn of the crescent. These +lights continued flashing for nearly a quarter of an +hour, and it is at least a remarkable coincidence +that the number of flashes, which were carefully +counted by Professor Rossini, exactly correspond to +the letters in the names of Carmichael and Carysfort.</p> + +<p>Can we dare to deduce any theory of hope from +this? The planet has been kept under close observation, +but nothing has been noted since.</p> + +<p class="right">(Signed) <span class="smcap">Maurice Sheldon.</span></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap"><span style="margin-right: 2.25em;">Gilbert Rice.</span></span></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center f08">BRIGHTON</p> +<p class="center f08">H. AND C. TREACHER</p> +<p class="center f08">PRINTERS</p> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"></div><div class="transnote"> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="Transcribers_note"> + Transcriber’s note: + </h2> + + + +<blockquote> +<p>Obvious errors in punctuation have been silently corrected in this +version, but minor inconsistencies and archaic forms have been retained +as printed. Typos in proper names have been silently corrected. +The footnote has been slightly moved to better fit the ebook format.</p> + +<p>New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.</p> + +<p>The following alterations have been made:</p> + +<p><a href='#cor_052'>On page 052:</a> umanity <i>to</i> humanity<br> +“I will go about in a bath-chair if it is to benefit humanity,” said +Abercromby.</p> + +<p><a href='#cor_088'>On page 088:</a> eludicate <i>to</i> elucidate<br> +The Professor admitted that this was quite possible, but it did not +elucidate the amazing problem of how English could be known in Venus.</p> + + +<p><a href='#cor_165'>On page 165:</a> eyerywhere <i>to</i> everywhere<br> +And as for you, strangers, go forth and spread everywhere the things +which God has done for your world,</p> + +<p><a href='#cor_174'>On page 174:</a> hought <i>to</i> I thought<br> +“Pardon the liberty I am taking, but I thought you would like to know +how we are all doing.</p> +</blockquote> +</div> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 79051 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/79051-h/images/cover.jpg b/79051-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..346fdd8 --- /dev/null +++ b/79051-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6c72794 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This book, 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. 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