第16章 Chapter VI.(3)

"It is that way all over my kingdom," said the king; "in an hour I can inspect it all.""But how is it done?" asked Thorndyke, forgetting himself in wonder.

"Through a telescopic invention, aided by electricity and the clearness of our atmosphere," replied the king. "It would take too long to go into the details. The views, however, are reflected to this point from various observatories throughout the land. Such a system would be impossible in any other country on account of the clouds and atmospheric changes; but here we control everything.""I noticed," returned the Englishman, "that green fields lie beside ripening ones and those in which the grain is being harvested.""We have no change of seasons," answered the king. "Change of seasons may be according to nature, but it is in the province of man's intellect to improve on nature. But I must leave you now; Ishall summon you again when I have the leisure to continue our conversation.""Well, what do you think of it?" asked Johnston, as the king disappeared behind a curtain in the direction of the audience chamber.

"I give it up; I only know that the old fellow's daughter, the Princess Bernardino is the most beautiful, the most bewitching creature that ever breathed. Did you notice her eyes and form?

Great heavens! was there ever such a vision of human loveliness?

Her grace, her voice, her glances drove me wild with delight.""You are dead gone," grumbled the American despondently; "we'll never get away from here in the world. I can see that.""I gave up all hope in that direction some time ago," said Thorndyke; "and why should we care? We were awfully bored with life before we came; for my part I'd as soon end mine up here as anywhere else. Besides, didn't his majesty say that they live longer under his system than we do?""I don't take stock in all he says," growled the American; "he talks like a Chicago real estate agent who wants to sell a lot.

Why doesn't he chop off our heads and be done with it?"Thorndyke burst into a jovial laugh. "You are coming round all right; that is the first joke you have got off since we came here; his royal Nibs may need a court-jester and give you a job.""There goes that blamed sunlight again," exclaimed Johnston, grasping his companion's arm, "don't you see it changing?""Yes, and this time it is white, like old Sol's natural smile;but isn't it clear? It seems to me that I could see to the end of the earth in that light. I want to know how he does it.""How who does it?"

"Why, the king, of course, it is his work--some sort of invention; but we must keep civil tongues in our heads when we are dealing with a man who can color the very light of the sun."They were walking back toward the great rotunda, and, as they entered the conservatory, the crowds of men and women stared at them curiously. They had paused to inspect the statue of a massive stone dragon when a young officer in glittering uniform approached and addressed Johnston.

"Follow me," he said simply; "it is the king's command."The American started and looked at Thorndyke apprehensively.

"Go," said the latter; "don't hesitate an instant."Poor Johnston had turned white. He held out his hand to Thorndyke, "Shake," he said in a whisper, not intended for the ears of the officer, "I don't believe that we shall meet again. I felt that we were to be parted ever since that medical examination."Thorndyke's face had altered; an angry flush came in his face and his eyes flashed, but with an effort he controlled himself.

"Tut, tut, don't be silly. I shall wait for you round here; if there is any foul play I shall make some one suffer for it. You can depend on me to the end; we are hand in hand in this adventure, old man."