It is 1960, Anno Domini. The Earth, notwithstanding many dire predictions of charlatans and religious fanatics, and in spite of numerous cataclysms, conflagrations and political upheavals, was rotating serenely on its axis.

The Diana Young Ladies’ Seminary, situated upon the picturesque hills of Cornwall on the Hudson, is a few miles north of the West Point Military Academy. The seminary buildings, having formerly been the palatial homestead of a multi-millionaire, about half a century previously had been bequeathed to the State of New York, with ample endowments for its maintenance and development. It had long since become one of the finest institutions of learning of its kind, not only of America, but of the whole civilized world.

The donor of this magnificent seat of knowledge [12]for young ladies was a man of “polarity,” of positive and negative action and reaction. He was in fact a typical incarnation and embodiment of a dualism, immortalized by the fertile fancy of Robert Louis Stevenson, in his story of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” While on the one hand he had an apparently irresistible and monomaniacal cunning in robbing his fellow men by monopolizing all the necessities of life, crushing with hellish unscrupulousness all competition in every channel of industry, and strewing his wake with industrial wrecks,—on the other hand he busied himself with the erection of hospitals and churches, and in endowing colleges with a princely liberality, commensurate to his other nature.

Emerson, the philosopher, says “The whole universe is so, and so every one of its parts,” that “an inevitable dualism bisects nature,” each thing being a half and suggesting its complement. As the mammoth Californian redwood tree, which with its towering height looks overpoweringly stupendous when compared with the tiny otaheite orange or dwarf Japanese plant, so was the difference in power of acquisitiveness and possibilities of dispensation [13]between this colossus compared with ordinary mortals.

The real motive of his charity could not be divined; whether it was because, pricked by a guilty conscience, he used this means as a palliative for his sins, or whether he was entirely oblivious of wrong-doing and was prompted only by a frank desire for doing good, was never determined. But at any rate after his death it was found that he had donated his palaces, with munificent endowment funds, to establish this educational institution for females. Moreover, it is not my intention to write a biography of this dual monster of money-maniac and philanthropist, for his deeds are written on the graves and sorrowing hearts of his victims, as well as in the grateful remembrance and esteem of his beneficiaries.

Besides, we are told that God works good even through the agency of the devil, and if he really had been a satellite of Satan, the great usefulness and wide influence for good of the Seminary demonstrated the veracity of the above statement.

The Diana Seminary had proven its right to its high place in the public esteem. Its fame [14]had reached every corner of the earth. Young women, not only from America but from every clime and nation, flocked thither seeking to perfect themselves in such branches of education as are the necessary requirements of the fair sex to fit them to reign supreme in any capacity, from teaching in a country school to presiding on regal thrones and guiding the destinies of Nations.

The Diana Seminary had become particularly famous for the especial branches of a curriculum which rendered the young ladies magnificently lovely in form, chic in habilaments, brilliant and vivacious in conversation, serene and dignified in carriage, sweet and optimistic in nature, pure in sentiments, and in addition conferred upon them all the necessary qualifications of accomplished housewives, virtues all of which are inherent in American women and susceptible of highest development.

The graduates of this Seminary were always eagerly sought in marriage, not only by the deserving young men living near the college, but also by the nobility and even the royalty of Europe. The demands of the latter class were indeed so great as to alarm the fond parents [15]across the ocean for the future happiness of their daughters, and they were thus compelled to send their beloved ones to this Institution in order to acquire that polish which their American sisters had proven so desirable.

Amongst the many English maidens who were there matriculated was beautiful Aurora Cunningham, the only daughter of the Secretary of Foreign affairs of Great Britain.

It is unnecessary to dwell upon the beauty and charms of Aurora. It is true that she could not be compared with the Goddesses of ancient Greece, nor did she resemble the bewitching sylvan nymphs depicted by the brush and pen of masters of art. She was a mortal; suffice it to say, that she was a graceful girl of exquisitely moulded form, of medium height, with luxuriant golden tresses, which, shimmering in the sunlight, justified her baptismal name. Her large, dreamy blue eyes mirrored the purity of her soul, and the dimples on her cheeks were so deep and alluring that all who looked upon them felt their compelling charm.

She was, in a word, a typical English maiden. Highly accomplished, and though dainty in demeanor, nevertheless she was not one of [16]those frail, ailing butterflies who exist and thrive only in artificial atmosphere. Having been reared with greatest care, by means of a complete course of calisthenics and out-of-door sports, with all her refined mien she was a hardy and healthy specimen of feminine beauty as well as a leader in all the strenuous pastimes of the Diana Seminary.

She was called the “sunshine” of the Seminary, and none other merited the appellation so well. Consequently she was idolized by the rest of the students and was much sought after by the gallant young men in the vicinity. After the manner of girl students who are given to violent friendships, Aurora was devoted to her room-mate in the person of a charming American girl named Margaret MacDonald, the daughter of a Western Senator.

Margaret was entirely the opposite of Aurora,—her very antithesis. She was somewhat taller, with sparkling black eyes and raven hair, of imposing dignity and carriage, but withal the equal of Aurora in the matter of natural gifts and accomplishments. She had, moreover, a captivating frivolity and aggressiveness which almost bordered on masculinity. [17]

Perhaps it was this complete diversity of temperament and of type that engendered an intense affinity between the girls. For although diametrically differing even in their exposition of ideas, they were drawn to each other with a mysterious sympathy which attracted the attention of outsiders and furnished ample excuse for comment. Directly after their first meeting they had become inseparable companions and confidants.

As the time passed this strange attachment grew so marked and its manifestations so alarmingly flagrant that they themselves became aware of its dangerous consequences. They realized that if they gave free license to indiscreet emotional demonstrations in the class room or in public, not only would their actions not be tolerated by the College faculty and cause their expulsion from the Seminary, but they would also be subjected to unendurable ostracism by the rest of the students. But still worse was the confronting fact that they would undoubtedly become the topic of unpleasant notoriety through the publicity given by the sensational press. They had therefore the good judgment to pledge themselves to [18]control their emotions in the presence of the class, and to exercise wide-awake circumspection in their behavior in public and towards the opposite sex.

It is needless to say that by the happy faculty of diplomacy, inherent in them, they succeeded with consummate delicacy and skill in maintaining their natural poise and normal attitude throughout the seminary course.

Like the magnetic pole the Diana Seminary had become the center of attraction for the adjacent youths, especially the Academy boys, who on all gala occasions were welcome guests at the Seminary.

The experiment of co-education had long since been proven a failure. By the well known law of electricity, that bodies similarly electrified repel each other, and bodies oppositely electrified attract, it seems that the constant familiarity and co-mingling of the two sexes in co-educational institutions at the romantic age of puberty had a somewhat similar effect and breeded contempt, blunting that keen fondness for each other which seems natural, and so was not surprising that in such institutions both sexes, when leaving college, separated [19]more like enemies than friends and lovers.

The isolation of the sexes naturally created an intensity of affection and a desire for association, and when the two periodically came in contact caused that rapturous thrill of hearts and nascent unification of souls. This undoubtedly was the plausible explanation, at least one of the reasons, why the Seminary girls were always in demand and were participants of so many happy unions.

The only exception to the rule were Aurora and Margaret who, although in every way agreeable to the aspirants for their hearts and hands, refrained from making an alliance throughout their college course. It was piteously amusing, however, to see those gallant swains from the Academy heading for the Seminary whenever opportunity presented. Their hearts were filled with intense ardor and their lips and pubescent moustaches were pregnant with the microbes of Eros,—in a high state of fermentation—blurting out with tense anxiety the momentous query, “Wilt thou be mine?” to Aurora or Margaret, only to return vanquished by the cold decisive negative. [20]

There was no cause for ennui at the Diana Seminary. Notwithstanding the serious course of study, there was ample jollity. The tedium of their leisure hours was beguiled with all kinds of recreations according to the seasons of the year.

There were the various Seminary teams in basket ball, fencing, golfing, calisthenics and amateur theatricals. The girls also indulged in excursions to the exhibitions of the Academy boys, on their gala days of mimic warfare in the campus, as well as to their contests on the diamond or gridiron at foot ball. This latter sport having reached in those days the top notch of perfection, it furnished the fair spectators thrills of excitement when the contestants in their improved steel helmets and cuirass, with pronged leggings and spiked shoes looked like veritable knights of the chivalric ages. It [21]gave an additional source of lingering pleasure and admiration at such contests when half a dozen ambulances were required to cart away the gladiators in hors du combat.

Besides all the above recreations, the Seminary girls had also their various secret organizations which furnished ample work for winter months. One of the most notable of these fraternities was called the D. N. A., signifying “Daughters of the New Alliance.”

A brief description of the sacred rites of this unique fraternity, on an interesting initiation, may not here be amiss. It took place during the incumbency of the two principal organizers and charter members—Aurora and Margaret,—the latter occupying at the time the most exalted position of Reverend High Priestess and the former that of Supreme Guide. The initiation in question was remarkable for the singular coincidence that the applicants for membership were discovered to be of half a dozen nationalities—French, German, Scotch, Irish, Italian and Hebrew,—and this unusual circumstance lent the occasion widespread sensation among the other members and made the session most memorable. [22]

A peep in the temple revealed a bewildering spectacle, an “Adamless Eden” of loveliness as it were. Margaret MacDonald, enveloped in gorgeously embroidered Grecian robes, enthroned on an elevated dais, a golden sceptre in hand, and a brilliant diadem on her shapely head, presented an imposing figure as High Priestess, while Aurora in a tight fitting cuirass of variegated spangles, holding a trident, performed her official duties. Other functionaries attired in chaste Grecian costumes occupied their respective positions.

In the proscenium the applicants, attired in their respective national costumes, followed the assistant guide to the gate of the temple when, on pressing a button, an extremely melodious chant surged through the atmosphere. This called the attention of the Supreme Guide to the fact that there were applicants for membership. The Supreme Guide in the same manner then made the announcement to the high priestess, and the latter commanded them to be admitted to the temple. At the clanking of the cymbals and the sounding of the fanfares as if by magic the gate was ajar, revealing to the eyes of the new disciples a dazzling scene of harmoniously [23]blended loveliness. They filed in and arranged themselves in the shape of a crescent at the lower end of the temple.

In the centre of the room, on an alabaster table, they could discern a glass receptacle in which, squirming and wriggling, were a quantity of angle worms; on another similar table close by they could see a golden cage, wherein half a dozen tiny rodents were playing tag. In one corner a fierce, pugnacious billy-goat was butting with vicious vigor against one of the Grecian columns of the temple.

When the sound of the fanfares subsided the High Priestess, rising suddenly and striking three times on the marble floor with her magic sceptre, commanded silence, and in a sweet voice spoke thus:

“Supreme Guide of the order of D. N. A. what bringest thou to this sanctuary?”

The guide answered in pathetic tones: “Thou High Priestess of the order of D. N. A., I bring thee greeting. I bring thee also jewels rare, for thy shrine; gems, not still life or crystals petrified, but forms divine, animate with heaving breasts, with radiant brows, and sparkling eyes that volumes speak, that even Cupid, [24]dazed, would soon forget his ancient Psyche fair, and yet unable be whom amongst these for himself to take.”

“Have they signified their willingness to be tested for courage and fortitude?”

“They have.”

“Are they ready to travel through the tortuous path of the inquisition?”

“They are.”

“Then prithee, take them to the ante-chamber that their eyes may be blindfolded and the robes of chastity may be thrown over them. Then bring them thither through the tortuous path of the inquisition to my presence.”

Accordingly they were taken to the ante-room and while being prepared for the journey they were given plain intimation that they were to make a repast of the angle worms and fondly handle the young rodents, while direct hints of riding the bellicose goat were thrown out, as though this were the least of the test to which they were to be subjected.

Preparation for their return to the Temple being completed, their readiness was again communicated as before and to the solemn but inspiring Andante of Faust they began to wind [25]through a path of serpentine evolutions. On their journey many strange and threatening voices came to their ears, some cursing their undertaking and advising them to return before too late, some whispering that they were about to step into an abyss or to encounter dire disaster. But by the guidance and occasional prod by the trident of timid and erratic disciples they proceeded onward with cautious steps. When almost at the end of their journey, however, there was a sharp cry from one of the applicants which caused the procession to halt.

Lady Rosa Redmont Davitt, the daughter of an Irish noble,—a comely girl, with laughing eyes, full of wit and humor and with a strong combative instinct, withal very popular at the seminary—gave vent to her distress in a piquant but pleasing accent:

“Ouch! Your Riverence,” said she, “It is not that I moind to ride the wild billy goat, or am afraid to swallow the serpints, but divil a bit I can shtand this pinching of my goide, your Riverince; my back is almost bhlack and bhlue.”

“It is well that thou hast spoken,” said the [26]Priestess; “it was because of thy untractable erratic steps and non-susceptibility to the promptings of thy guide that thou hast suffered, for according to the ratio of the loyalty and sensitiveness to her touch, thy sufferings will come to an end. Follow thou, then, fair maid, with keen perception to the subtle touch of thy guide. Supreme Guide of the order of D. N. A. let the procession proceed.”

The march having been resumed and finished, they stood thus blindfolded before the High Priestess in order to be tested for courage and fortitude. Each applicant was led by the guide before her, who, for fortitude, administered the angle worm, and for courage trailed the mouse over their limbs. It is perhaps unnecessary to mention that macaroni was substituted for the angle worm and that an artificial mouse served as a lively rodent.

When these sacred and solemn rites were performed the applicants were taken through numerous evolutions of a march to the centre of the room, in front of a table, whereon rested in the folds of American and British colors the Constitution and By-laws of the Order. There the oath of Allegiance was administered and [27]at a thunderous outburst of music, the bandages were cut asunder and the applicants found themselves in the glow of a diffused light. Standing in the middle of the room, surrounded by rows of graceful girls arrayed in immaculate Grecian costumes, were all the other members of the Order. While the High Priestess, majestically waving her sceptred arm, proclaimed them tried and true members of D. N. A.

The ceremonies were concluded by the singing of the National Anthems. [28]

Margaret was reclining on a divan in her luxurious study, perusing a letter. The room was redolent with the perfume of June roses, and the warm rays of the afternoon sun, filtering through the stained glass windows—now and then obscured by the swaying leaves and branches of the trees—were flitting across her lovely form as if playing hide and seek.

Suddenly the door burst open and Aurora, somewhat flushed, holding in her hand a note, entered the room, exclaiming excitedly:

“Horrible! Margie, horrible! I do not know what to do! It will be extremely h’embawassing aw, don’t you know.”

“What is it Aurora, is that Jewsky after you again?”1 asked Margaret with a rougish smile, glancing toward her chum. [29]

“I do not think he is a ’Ebrew, my dear, his signature aw, is some foreign sounding name. Carlos Do-Do-Do-Don Seville.”

“Well, I don’t care what he is. The dodo is an extinct bird you know. He looks like a Jewsky anyway. The idea, pray what has he to say?” questioned Margaret, contracting her eyebrows to a frown.

“He writes that he will grace aw, our moonlight reception with ’is presence. Horrid, Margie, horrid! I hate him!”

“Fiddlesticks! Rats!” retorted Margaret. “It is up to us then. If he bobs up tomorrow night at the show, there will be something doing. That Dago is positively the limit. He is perfectly horrid. If I see him ogling me once that night, I’ll ‘cut the chains of my tongue loose’ at him, the wretch!”

“Aw, really, how brave you are Margie!” replied Aurora, looking admiringly at her classmate. “You will not desert me? By the way,” went on Aurora, gradually recovering her composure, “I just met Norma Southworth coming from the modiste with her graduation gown. It was such a bonnie gown, aw, so lurid and so sweet, don’t you know.” [30]

“I bet you hers won’t cut any ice with my togs, when they arrive tomorrow. Aurora, you and I will make a jim-dandy pair on graduation day. I am curious, however, to get a glimpse of her dream of a gown, but before we start, my dear, let us once more go over the details of tomorrow night’s event.”

“It makes me somewhat nervous to think about it. I wish truly it was all h’over, Margie.”

“So do I, Aurora. I am afraid we’ll make a beastly flunk at the show, aren’t you?”

“Bah Jove, it will be awfully dweddful, Margie, to make a failure, after so many months of preparation. I hope we will come h’out all right,” said Aurora with thoughtful anxiety.

After they finished their examination of the program, both started out to inspect Norma’s gown, intending from thence to go to the final rehearsal. While crossing the Grand Court of the Seminary they spied Professor Cielo Allenson coming toward them on his motor-cycle.

“There comes the dear ‘Old Guard’” said Aurora. “Isn’t ’e a dear, aw, isn’t ’e sweet?”

“To be sure Aurora, I am head over heels [31]in love with his lilacs; aren’t they elegant?” was the ready rejoinder of Margaret.

“Eh, what! aw, really, ’ow often must I caution you not to use such h’expressions,” said Aurora, reproachfully. “’E may ’ear you, Margie, ’e may ’ear you.”

“There, ring off, sweet child, you better pick up your ‘h’s’ and get a gait on, or else we’ll be late for practice,” laughed Margaret.

“Oh, how do you do?” piped both girls.

The professor, slackening his pace, greeted them courteously: “I presume you ladies are well prepared for the ordeal of tomorrow night?”

“Quite so, Professor; we are looking forward with extreme pleasure to meeting our gallant adversaries under your charge,” answered Margaret.

“H’in fact, we are now going to our final rehearsal,” added Aurora.

“Well, I wish you success, ladies; I must be off myself, to give the boys at the Academy my last instructions; so goodby.”

“Good afternoon, Professor; goodby.”

---

The June graduation day of 1960 at the [32]Seminary was not far distant, falling on the second week of the month. The recitations had been discontinued and the only sessions that were held by the professors were chiefly for purposes of review.

The students meanwhile beguiled their time by indulging in frequent class receptions, which were given by the various grades and societies, each vieing with others to excel all previous functions in originality, splendor and novelty. That to be given by the senior class, to which Aurora and Margaret belonged, was near at hand. Long before the date agreed upon, the senior class had agreed to make it an out-of-door affair eclipsing all previous efforts in brilliancy of conception and prodigality of arrangements.

It was to be a “Soirée Artistique!” a Tableau Vivant Extravaganza! followed by a moonlight dance and reception. Their guests of honor were to be no less than embryo generals from the West Point Military Academy! Truly it was a magnificent conception and it was chiefly due to the indefatigable efforts of Aurora and Margaret that it culminated in a stupendous success with the night of the open air Fête. [33]

The spacious, velvety lawn was profusely and fittingly decorated. From column to column festoons of June roses and evergreens crossed and entwined in bewildering array. The colossal statue of Diana with her hounds—the patron Saint of the Seminary—and the alternate gold and silver peristyles leading to the wondrously designed parterre, were enveloped in a mass of phosphorescent glow from the radium globules.

The statuettes and fountains were bejewelled by innumerable actinium bulbs. Ensconced in the branches of the trees and bushes the electrical nightingales gave forth their continuous warbles of subdued sweetness, while from poles especially erected for the occasion electric globes in kaleidoscopic hues diffused the ambient atmosphere with their spirituelle glow. The moon, like an overseer, hung high in the canopy of space, casting its silvery light over the radiant scene.

The graceful figures of the maidens in their fantastic winged costumes of Celestial Amazons, and the grotesque forms of the boys, attired in Indian outfits, glittering with beads and feathers—“chaperoned” by the venerable [34]Professor Cielo Allenson—each tribe in turn illustrating their weird national customs, in war or peace, in mirth or sorrow, filled the select spectators with throes of thrilling excitement. What hitherto had seemed only ordinary, mundane surroundings was changed into a realistic happy-hunting-ground or savage fairyland, a vision of alternate celestial or barbaric splendor, the grandeur of which is beyond the power of human ability to describe.

The secret of unparalleled excellence of the disguises of the boys was due to the fact that at the end of the Freshmen year at the Military Academy, when they were preparing for the celebration of their academic year, the Sophomores had kidnapped the whole Freshmen Class, and by a pre-arranged plan, experts having been hired, had tatooed them all over their faces as Indians on the warpath, thus leaving a lasting souvenir of class antagonism! Being disfigured for life, they had made the best of their misfortune by appearing in the role of Indian warriors, delighted that for once this misfortune had proven an advantage.

There was nothing to mar this auspicious occasion except that, near its close, a trivial wordy [35]demonstration took place between Professor Cielo Allenson and an intruder named Carlos Don Seville.

Still, even the most pleasant and successful events have their aftermath and this affair left several of them. When Aurora and Margaret entered their rooms heaped with triumphant compliments for their consummate skill in planning this grand farewell fête they were sad, sad through an impulsive intuition.

Hardly had they crossed the threshold of their room when they fell into each other’s arms, sobbing bitterly from the bottom of their hearts. Each instinctively knew why the other wept. The final class reception had a deep significance to them, as it meant that graduation day was near at hand. In the natural course of events each would now go her way to a distant home. It meant separation!

Separation! It was impossible for them calmly to accept the full significance of that word in their infatuation for each other. Some time elapsed before either gained sufficient composure to speak. Each attempt resulted in a collapse and a paroxysm of hysterical weeping. [36]

Margaret, as if dazed with the frenzy of that strange passion, clung to Aurora, exclaiming hysterically: “How can it be, Aurora? It cannot be. It cannot be! Better death than separation!”

By the gentle, soothing words of Aurora, however, they gradually recovered their composure, but were not fully pacified until that very night they made a solemn compact, bound by an inviolable oath, not to make any alliance with any suitor whatever and to remain united to each other in souls until death should them part.

It was that night also that in the height of their fatuous ardor of love Aurora wrote an impromptu poem of fealty, entitled “Wilt Thou Remember Thy Vow?” It revealed the intensity of their emotions, their utter subjugation and mutual abandonment of will and desire each to the other and its dire revenge in the end, if their solemn vow was betrayed.

Like the poem, the music which was composed by Margaret, was also an inspiration. It interpreted the poem in a sad, sublimely pathetic strain, yet at times in bold and threatening torrents of color and passion. The very [37]spirit of the words and the oath, that would be their guiding star throughout their lives, surged through it. In all respects it was a masterpiece of symphonic creation. [38]

The senior class of the Diana Seminary were assembled in the auditorium, listening in a trance of respectful attention to Professor Cielo Allenson. He had just begun his review of the historical events of the 20th Century, now and then giving his individual comments upon the subjects presented.

The evening following the moonlight fête, a little after sunset when the western sky, stained with a luminous golden hue, had spread on verdant hills and valleys its radiance of languorous serenity, two motor cyclists were speeding along on a secluded path that led into the main highway, from the Diana Seminary to the West Point Military Academy. The one in advance was wheeling in a leisurely way, while the one behind exerted greater speed, as if in pursuit of the other. He was gaining rapidly so that in a very few minutes the foremost was overtaken, as they both reached a wooden bridge, spanning a small body of water.

Both came suddenly to a stop and dismounted. They were Professor Cielo Allenson and Carlos Don Seville. Don Seville, stung by [64]the rebuke which the Professor had administered to him the night previous at the Seminary, had decided to take the cowardly course of waylaying the instructor, in this lonely path, in order to avenge himself for the righteous verbal punishment the latter had given him.

Carlos Don Seville was a degenerate scion of a once noble Spanish family, who had settled in the United States and, like many such offspring, was engaged in sowing his wild oats. Financially dependent on a small income, he was always at his wit’s end in order to secure money with which to continue his reckless profligacy. Being inherently foolish and improvident, he always had the illusion that some day “something would turn up,” and encouraged by this belief he had recourse to gambling and speculation. As soon as he received his dwindled allowance, he made himself a willing prey of card sharps and get-rich-quick brigands.

Lately, however, he had conceived the idea of marrying an heiress, and for that purpose he was hovering about Diana Seminary, annoying the young ladies by his unsolicited attentions, or by brazen audacity intruding unceremoniously [65]upon their receptions. His snobbish mendacity reached its climax when at the night of the moonlight soirée he accosted Aurora and Margaret at the intermission of the dance, while they were sauntering arm-in-arm along the parterre to a trysting nook.

Notwithstanding Margaret’s bold declaration of the previous day, that she wanted to give the “Jewsky” a piece of her mind, the feminine temerity and reserve had taken possession of her. The minute they saw him advance they took to their heels, and scampered back with appealing gestures toward Professor Allenson who, divining at once the situation, came gallantly to their rescue, giving Don Seville a scathing reprimand and commanding him to depart, “unless he desired,” announced the Professor, “to be skinned alive by the war dogs of the Military Academy.”

Don Seville, frightened and abashed, beat an inglorious retreat and disappeared.

Professor Cielo Allenson, better known at the Military Academy as the “Old Guard,” was a venerable man past seventy. He had a highly intellectual countenance and his silvery white hair and patriarchal beard gave him [66]a noble dignity which commanded respect. His strenuous virility and inexhaustible energy was ever a lesson and a rebuke to the many indolent youths who came in contact with him. He was a philosopher of the first rank and an intense lover of nature. Imbued with the deeper knowledge of the subtle workings of natural phenomena, “he could not draw a line,” he would say, “between the manifestations of human, animal and vegetable kingdoms.”

“Halt you d——d old cur! I demand no apology, but satisfaction,” snarled Don Seville abruptly, his face livid with anger.

For a second the Professor was taken aback. But in that very second, through his intuitive and resourceful mind flashed the fact that he was “cornered.” He was not a man easily frightened, for as a Major of Volunteers during the Panama and Columbian trouble, and while in his teens, he had led on his handful of men up the hills against the ramparts of the enemy.

But a problem which required instantaneous solution was now presented to him by Carlos Don Seville. It was a problem which neither diplomacy, moral persuasion nor flight of oratory [67]could solve. He realized in that very second that the only way out of this difficulty was to take the coward at his word. It was to be a fistic encounter to the finish.

“Apology, I have none to offer you sir, and am ready to give you such satisfaction as you desire,” replied the old man with a dignified firmness.

A remarkable change had taken place in the person of Cielo Allenson. That venerable and spirituelle individual had been transformed in a twinkling of an eye, into a grim and determined looking animal, and like an expert gladiator of the fistic arena, he took the attitude of self-defense.

The “ring” constituted the platform of the wooden bridge, the side rails of which served as the partial ropes. There were no seconds to goad their favorites into action, no referee to decide the doubtful or unlawful blows, no gong to mark the rounds, nor time-keeper to count the defeated out of action. In the languorous glow of the twilight their shadows, reflected in black silhouettes in the placid waters below, were the only silent witnesses of this remarkable encounter. [68]

The contest was constant and in the vernacular of pugilism, superbly game, fast and furious! After the acceptance of the challenge there was no parley between them, but by a sudden rush, Don Seville with his right hand landed a hammering blow on the Professor’s skull, which the latter parried with his left with dexterous agility and thus saved a crisis, for if left unchecked the blow would have reached his “solar plexus.” In rapid succession the fight continued, Don Seville taking the aggressive and the Professor acting more in self-defense. However, as often as opportunity presented, the latter put in a few well aimed jabs, here and there, on the vital points of Don Seville’s anatomy. At the same time it was apparent that Don Seville was getting the best of the contest. The venerable Professor unused to long continued strain of the kind, began to experience difficulty in breathing, and this did not escape Don Seville’s observation. Shortly, however, a remarkable change was visible; the Professor seemed to grow stronger with each onslaught he made. He had gained his so-called “second wind” thereby recouping his adroitness and elasticity. [69]

With the consummate skill of a scientific boxer, several times he feigned signs of weakness, by giving false openings, of which his infuriated antagonist attempted to avail himself, thinking the Professor to be on the verge of collapse, only to receive in return several well directed right and left swings on the jaw. These staggered Don Seville to his knees, but he was allowed to rise to his feet by the generous tolerance of the Professor, and the consciousness of this humility caused him to wage the attack with reckless fury. With vulgar oaths he began to resort to foul tactics, trying to hit the defender beyond the limits of decent pugilism.

Don Seville’s endurance had now come to its end. His youth, dissipated by debauchery, was undermined of its stability, and in spite of the wide disparity of ages the old man had Don Seville absolutely in his power. It was time, he thought, to terminate these proceedings, so distasteful and undignified to him, but the only way he saw was, to lay aside the tactics of self defense, and adopt those of a punitive retaliation.

With keen alertness he watched for an opportunity [70]and when Don Seville, almost crazed with anger, rushed on him for a clinch, entirely oblivious of the intention of the Professor, the latter gave a sudden shift to his position by swinging his body away from his antagonist Don Seville blindly followed him in his determination of a desperate onslaught. It was then that the venerable Allenson shot out a driving “right upper cut” to the jaw.

This was the finale! Don Seville staggered to the rails and toppling over fell with a splash into the limpid waters below.

The Professor promptly jumped down the embankment and pulled out his still unconscious adversary. If abandoned in that condition the young man might have drowned in the shallow waters. The Professor began to do all in his power to restore him to consciousness; just at that time a farmhand on horseback appeared on the scene, and by his aid the Academy ambulance was summoned and Don Seville was taken to the military hospital. [71]

A subdued applause greeted the Professor the next day when he entered the lecture room to conclude his review of events of the 20th Century. Many floral bouquets were tossed to him by his fair admirers, who were augmented from the other classes, on account of the full detail of his encounter with Don Seville having been spread throughout the Seminary.

The Professor, despite some discoloration on his benign visage, flushed crimson like a bashful child and bowed his acknowledgements, as he began his discourse thus:

There was still one great event before the closing of the academic year of the Diana Seminary Seniors, in which the class had taken extraordinary interest. It was the first time in the history of the Seminary that students were to take part in aquatic sports against male contestants. The day for the great handicap regatta—a four-oared affair—between the Senior class of the Seminary and the Sophomore class of the West Point Military Academy followed directly after graduation,—the class grade being the handicap allowed to the Seminary girls.

Aurora and Margaret, after their avowal and covenant, were again in normal condition, cheerful as of yore, and as they were the most available pair for the aquatic contest, from the beginning they had been chosen unanimously [89]as the exponents of the class of 1960, and they went into the execution of the sport with vim and enthusiasm.

As the event was a unique one, it had become the most lively topic of conversation among the people, and long before it took place had caused widespread interest in the country. Having been advertised and exploited extensively in the daily press, it is needless to say that an unusually large concourse of visitors had arrived by land and water to witness the classic and unusual contest.

The course of the race was laid near Poughkeepsie and was in the shape of a heart, that is, starting at a given point, side by side, they raced about half a mile abreast, then one crew turning to port and the other to starboard, diverging in a parabolic circle, passed each other in the center within a short distance of the starting point, and making counter-circles started on the home run, again abreast. (See diagram, page 90.)

The personnel of the Seminary crew consisted of the following young ladies: Aurora Cunningham, coxswain; Margaret MacDonald, [90]stroke; Horatia Seymour, number one; Eunice Ward, number two; and Norma Southworth at the bow.

When the preliminary signal to make ready was given, both the crews rowed gracefully to the starting ground and began to manoeuvre. At the sharp report of the signal gun, the two shells shot past the line almost abreast, amidst deafening acclamation from the spectators on the shore and the shrill tooting and whistling [91]of the sailing craft of every description that had formed almost a compact circle around the course.

The calm and pleasant weather had allowed the waters of the Hudson to run as smooth as a looking-glass, except for the turbulence caused by the ever restless pleasure boats thronged with sightseers, each endeavoring to get a better vantage point of the impending struggle. As the contest progressed, the interest of the watchers began to increase. Thousands of field and marine glasses and lorgnettes were leveled at the racers as they sped along the course.

The teams had now reached the point of divergence, and had begun to recede from each other at every stroke on their parabolic circuit, the boys turning to port and the girls to starboard. But alas! Hardly had the Seminary shell advanced half a dozen strokes when, by some unexpected and inexplicable accident, Margaret’s feet slipped off the foot guard and, in an instant, she was thrown into the waters of the Hudson, the shell meanwhile gliding swiftly by.

Instantly the air was filled by a deafening [92]cry of dismay from the throats of thousands of eager spectators, coupled with piercing whistles of the steamboats. What a moment of anguish for the Diana Seminary girls! What a shocking sense of humiliation for the fair contestants! To think that in an event so crucial for their honor and standing, such an unforeseen disaster should overwhelm them!

But fate was with them. It was decreed that such a catastrophe should happen in order to heighten the grandeur of their ultimate victory. While the spectators were still paralyzed with the awful situation before them, there was activity and heroism among the Diana mermaids in the shell. The instant Aurora with her alert eyes saw Margaret’s mishap, she realized at once the situation and before the shell had glided past, she leaned over and caught Margaret by the hair. By the same impulsive and almost animal agility, Margaret grasped Aurora’s arm and in another moment, with less loss of time than would seem possible, she was again in the shell. In a twinkling of an eye the breathless girl had resumed her place at the oar as if nothing had happened.

Aware of the loss of distance by this untoward [93]accident, which was, in fact, more than four boats’ length, but undismayed and as if invigorated by her impromptu bath, in order to recover lost ground Margaret set the pace at a higher speed and forged ahead with might and main. When the throngs on land and water realized what had happened the din of exultation and cheering was beyond description and this did not abate until the race was finished. Overwrought by the sight of this heroic exploit of the girls, men and women had become madly hysterical. When the shells crossed each other at the half-mile stake it was seen that the Seminary girls had recovered considerable ground, leaving a margin of less than two boats’ length. Encouraged by the splendid showing made, and goaded to endeavor by the rapturous applause of the populace, Margaret and the rest of the crew seemed to gain new strength. And when Aurora with the megaphone gave the order of thirty-six strokes a minute, they set the pace with marvelous vigor and precision, causing consternation among their masculine antagonists.

On the completion of the second parabola of their circuit and when coming on to the [94]line for the homestretch, it was noticeable that the Seminary shell was only a trifle behind.

The crucial moment had come.

They were now almost abreast on the homestretch. The intensity of the exciting scene had for a moment cast a profound silence upon the spectators. Every one was straining his eyes and neck to see the momentous finish, only to break again into a bedlam of rapturous shouting when the girls were seen to be in the lead. It was indeed a sight never to be forgotten, when the Seminary shell shot past the finish line a full boat’s length ahead, and the girls were acclaimed by the populace as victors.

The intensity of the joy of the throng, and the plight of their utter abandon, can be conjectured when it was discovered afterwards that eight hundred and ninety-one ladies’ and two thousand three hundred and seventy-nine gentlemen’s head-gear were picked up in the Hudson. The next day and through the week following, divers reaped a good harvest by bringing up from the river’s bed one thousand three hundred and ninety-four field, marine and opera glasses, and two hundred and seventy-five lorgnettes, besides innumerable parasols [95]and canes which the people in their abandon had thrown about.

This episode was the crowning glory of the Seminary and the beginning of a new epoch in the history of this institution. [96]

Like a nebular comet in a far away constellation, so mysterious in its orbit and composition, was Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, who suddenly made his appearance in the suburbs of the cosmopolitan city of B—— on Long Island. He occupied the spacious mansion of a wealthy merchant, who had abandoned it for a more comfortable lodge in the Adirondacks. Surrounded by somewhat neglected clumps of pines and shrubberies, the establishment was entirely isolated from the highway and most suitable for a man like the Hindoo doctor, who seemed always to desire seclusion.

In order to form an idea of his singular personality, a brief description will perhaps enlighten the reader. He was tall, lank, of swarthy complexion, endowed with a cyranesque proboscis and a moustache which protruded [97]like the tusks of a walrus. His eyebrows resembled the moustache in miniature. His big greenish-yellow eyes, with spacious white borders and cat-like pupils, were able to bring to bear an intensely hypnotic gaze, which had an irresistible and subjective power. As he was invariably attired in the picturesque costume of his country, and from the fine texture of the silken turban and embroidered robes, could easily be conjectured that he belonged to a high caste and noble Hindoo family. He had a peculiar walk, continually swerving from side to side as he moved, wriggling and swinging his indispensable jessamine cane, which from its serpentine convolutions looked as if it had been hardened while in convulsions.

The people of the neighborhood, although amused by his strange antics, entertained great respect for him. To some, especially to young people, he seemed a monstrosity. They had already nick-named him the “Crazy Doctor.” Vague rumors circulated among the gossip-loving residents that he was a political refugee, who, finding his life in danger in India, had fled from his native land. But no one doubted [98]his ability as a physician and surgeon, for in a short time he had founded a reputation that commanded respect.

His cadaverous look, his strange hypnotic eye and mysteriously eccentric movements, enhanced a hundredfold his reputation rather than damaged it. Every one considered him a man of great learning, a wizard in the science of healing and stood aghast exclaiming wonderingly, “Whence cometh this mighty healing power?”

When Dr. Ben Raaba made his advent in B—— he was accompanied by a robust, well-formed and intelligent-looking Levantine Jew servant, Esau by name. This person minded his own business, and proved himself to be a very discreet servant, never divulging his master’s secrets to any outsider. A few months after taking up their residence, however, the place resembled a private menagerie. Scores of cats, dogs, of high and low degree, pigs and goats of every size made their appearance.

Dr. Hyder, notwithstanding various opinions of others, was in reality a mysterious and remarkable man; despite his thorough British education and extensive travels in foreign [99]lands, was a believer in the tenets of a Hindoo sect called the Saktian Yogis, a believer of Mahadeva, whose spouse of a dual nature—spiritual and material principles in one—has three qualities: first, Dominion and Desire; second, Rectitude and Wisdom, with power to control senses; and third, Violence and Passion.

The Doctor, moreover, was conversant with all the Hindoo mysticism and sciences, astronomy and magic. He was capable of restraining respiration, besides being a natural born hypnotist of great power. Modern practical medicine and surgery were also among the Doctor’s accomplishments, as he had a seven year course in the National University of Medicine of London.

His appearances in public began to diminish gradually after the various animals were received there, as he was engrossed in his laboratory, engaged in some experiment in vivisection! Indeed, in the dead of night, weird and uncanny sounds often emanated from the inner recesses of his laboratory. Sometimes a piteous mew, or the piercing caterwaul of felines, or the whining of dogs. At other [100]times, the plaintive beating of a goat, the squeaking of a goose or the squeal of a pig broke the silence of the night, while at intervals, now and then, several owls on the roof gave vent to their weird hootings.

This state of affairs naturally gave an awful aspect to the place, and kept the inquisitive villagers at a distance, while the mischievous youngsters gave the place no trouble from trespassing. The only incident which reached the public was told by a precocious youth who, with grim determination, strived to unravel the mysteries of the place, on a cloudy night had crawled into the garden, climbed a tree, and hidden himself until later on, when the full moon appeared above the horizon and cast its hazy light through the clouds. Then an uncanny sight was unfurled before his eyes; there, sitting under the shadow of a weeping willow tree, the Hindoo Doctor, apparently, was in the act of hypnotizing a goat, with weird gestures and incantations. Unnerved by this strange sight, the intruder, losing his grip and footing, fell to the ground. The hooting of an owl and a fiendish howl from the Doctor gave the youth a further impetus [101]to scamper for life, over shrubberies and picket fence, out of the domain of the Hindoo vampire!

Upon the youth’s recital of his experience, the feeling of mystery and fear increased among the unsophisticated people of the neighborhood and they kept shy of the place. But the climax of their apprehension was reached when, shortly after, the following curious sign adorned the main gate to the house:

DR. HYDER BEN RAABA
VIVISECTIONIST AND RE-INCARNATOR

What was the meaning of these significant words on his shingle, “Vivisectionist and Re-incarnator?” What was the mission of this mysterious man? To what line of surgical science did this assortment of animals contribute, whose piteous wails ever and anon emanated from his laboratory? Up to that time a chain of wonderful discoveries and marvelous achievements had been attained by profound savants in surgical and pathological subjects: [102]The creation of life germ cells: The trepanning of skulls and the re-arrangement of the brains: The grafting of skin, nose and ear: The infusion of new blood: The pre-natal determination of sexes: The separation of mind from the body, by subjecting persons in a cataleptic state by hypnotism: And last but not least, the hibernation for an indefinite period of living bodies by suspended animation.

These amazing triumphs, each more startling than the other, were the records of past achievements.

Could there be anything more astounding?

Even so, Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, who was conversant with all the above mentioned exploits of experimenters, had conceived one of the boldest and extraordinarily audacious of surgical feats, the successful demonstration of which would startle the world and make men stand aghast with wonder. In fact, by the display of his professional sign, it was a foregone conclusion that he had succeeded in his experiments.

By the aid of science, occultism and wonderful magic, he had transformed the sexes! [103]

It was the day of departure of Aurora Cunningham for London, England. Margaret had accompanied her in an automobile to the city of B—— to see her off. Their parting had an unusual sadness as they stood on the deck of the Dynamoship “Columbia”—a four-day ocean greyhound. They seemed to be paralyzed at the barrenness of the future, looking into each other’s eyes as if trying to challenge sincerity to their oath of allegiance.

It was extremely touching indeed, when they were compelled by the officers of the ship to take their final leave, and as the Columbia began to recede gradually from its moorings, her prow compassed to the British Isles, Aurora’s lithe figure could be seen at the stern of the boat, throwing kisses and waving her handkerchief toward Margaret, until the distance [104]grew wider and farther and the figure fainter and at last was lost to view.

Left alone on the shore, Margaret did her utmost to control her emotions of parting from her beloved friend. With suppressed feelings she mounted her automobile reluctantly, and bade the chauffeur proceed to New York City, from whence, after a short repose, she intended to take the train for her home in Wyoming.

She had hardly gone a mile or two out of the city of B—— when her emotions had swelled beyond her capacity of control and she became delirious in her seat in the auto. Some pedestrians by the way, noticing that something unusual had happened to the fair occupant, called the attention of the chauffeur to his charge. He brought the machine to a standstill and the necessity of enlisting the services of a doctor was at once apparent.

One of the bystanders suggested that the nearest available doctor was the Hindoo surgeon, Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba, about a furlong farther down the road, and thither the patient was wheeled with all possible haste, and within a few minutes she was in the Doctor’s reception room. [105]

After a cursory examination Ben Raaba appeared somewhat puzzled. “She is in a state of coma,” he said, rubbing his forehead with his bony fingers, “but I do not yet see any physical cause to induce that condition. It seems to me,” he added, “that every function of the organs are in a perfectly normal state.”

His face brightened at once, however, with a smile of victory. A happy thought had come to his fertile mind. He had thought of the singular methods practised by the diagnostician Avicene of Balk—the father of occult Diagnosis—and the words of the Cashmerian poet came to his memory, who nearly ten centuries previously had said: “The pulse of the loving, beats higher, agitated only at the name of the beloved.”

Taking thereupon her pulse into his hand, he began to question the chauffeur, where she had gone, with whom, what was the other young lady’s name, etc. He knew that, although she was in a state of coma, her senses of hearing and of understanding were performing their regular functions. At the mention of the name of Aurora Cunningham there [106]was a remarkable change in Margaret; her pulse began to beat double quick!

After repeating the experiment, and satisfying himself that the cause was a matter pertaining the heart, in fact the girl’s infatuation for her departed friend, and that there was nothing in the Materia Medica as an antidote, that the only restorative remedy that could be found was in hypnotic occultism, he leaned over the prostrate figure before him and whispered some words into her ear.

The correctness of his diagnosis became plainly evident. The patient, with perfect tranquility, opened her eyes, and with a complacent smile looked into the face of her restorer. After a few more magnetic passes and words of encouragement from the Wizard, she had completely recovered herself, to the amazement of the anxious group of persons who had gathered there, curious to know the fate of the fair occupant of the automobile. Within half an hour she again entered her auto and proceeded on her way to the city.

The new and remarkable personality of Hyder Ben Raaba, however, left an ineradicable impression upon her mind, so much as at [107]times to divert her thoughts from dwelling upon Aurora and concentrate upon the strange visage of Hyder Ben Raaba. After a repose of a few days in New York, having made all the preparations for the intended journey, she left the metropolis and arrived in due time at her paternal home in Wyoming.

Hardly a month had elapsed after her return when there was another crisis in her life. Her father was taken suddenly ill and died, and she was left an heiress to a large fortune consisting principally of lands, mines and cattle. Being without any relatives to guide her, Margaret was compelled to settle matters for herself, and daily she was confronted by hundreds of annoying details. These consisted of many entangling affairs of her lamented father, who had left her sole legatee, prospective aspirants who sought her hand in marriage, her solemn and binding oath to Aurora, and, strange as it may seem, the grotesquely hideous face of Ben Raaba began to flit before her mind’s eye, perplexing and haunting her incessantly.

One evening when she was thus absorbed in deep meditation, the postman brought her a letter. It was mailed from B——. Excitedly [108]she tore open the envelope and from it fell the professional card of Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba. The same weird and ominous words were printed under his name: “The Vivisectionist and Re-incarnator”! On the other side were scribbled a few lines, making inquiry about the state of her health.

The card, ah! the strange and significant words, vivisection and re-incarnation began to assume a deep meaning. She placed the card tremblingly upon the table and fell into a profound study. Her quivering frame, the rise and fall of her heaving breast and the change of color of her face alternatively from pallor to a feverish flush, indicated that there was a revolution going on within her immaculate bosom.

At last she seemed to come to some determination; tremblingly she grasped a pen and wrote a letter to Ben Raaba, the contents of which never became known to any but herself and the Hindoo doctor. Within a fortnight she received an answer which seemed to satisfy her.

Within two months she had managed hastily to dispose of all her personal property and [109]real estate without any reserve, and then she disappeared from her Western home and surroundings and was lost forever to her former friends. [110]

It was near the end of September. The seaside resorts on Long Island were deserted by the gay health-seekers from the adjacent cities, and the inhabitants of the villages along the South Shore, from Rockaway to Montauk, had dwindled to their normal number of rural residents except the city of B—— which, on account of its shipping interests, still retained a lively activity.

The day was dismal and damp, foreboding a rainy spell. There were scarcely any people on the streets and at dusk, when the Montauk express stopped at the station of B——, there were only a few passengers to alight.

One of them was a young woman attired in black, with a thick veil of similar hue drawn over her face. She looked furtively up and down the platform with painful anxiety, and [111]espying an automobile a few rods below the station, walked toward it hesitatingly, at the same time pulling from her wrist-bag a crimson handkerchief. The chauffeur on the machine seemed to understand the meaning of the signal, for at once jumping down he advanced to meet the stranger.

After several words were exchanged in subdued tones, he escorted the veiled lady to the vehicle and in a few minutes they were speeding down the road toward the Hindoo doctor’s sanitarium. The woman, of course, was Margaret MacDonald and the chauffeur none other than the Levantine Jew, Esau, the Doctor’s discreet servant. When they arrived at Ben Raaba’s domicile it was almost pitch dark, and not a soul could be seen in the vicinity. At the ringing of the door-bell, Ben Raaba himself appeared and sedately welcomed Margaret, conducting her into the reception room.

Shortly after, when Esau had withdrawn, they were sitting tête-à-tête at a table, perusing some mysterious documents to which at last, Margaret, taking a pen, subscribed her signature.

The documents were nothing else than the [112]legal contract, which Margaret had signed, offering herself a willing subject to undergo a mental and physical metamorphosis, and absolving Ben Raaba from any responsibility if the experiment should prove unsuccessful or fatal!

After a fortnight of dietary preparation, Margaret was taken into the Laboratory of the Wizard and immediately hypnotized by him into a state of cataleptic coma.

An awful sensation crept over one upon looking around about this den called the Laboratory. Glittering saws and scalpels were hung in rows on the walls; lances, beakers and retorts were scattered on the tables and on the floor, and a hundred and one other apparatus and bottles could be seen upon the shelves.

A big cat-owl perched on a pedestal in one corner, and a black tom-cat with intense green eyes, prowling about the room, gave to the scene a cabalistic and weird aspect. Here among these uncanny surroundings Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba isolated and busied himself with continuous vigilance for many months in order to achieve an undertaking that seemed miraculous and impossible.

---

[113]

Through the lapse of so many long and tedious months Dr. Hyder Ben Raaba had come to the completion of his assiduous labors,—labors which had almost exhausted his consummate skill in hypnotism, surgery and magic.

After a final but scrupulously careful examination of the patient, assuring himself that every muscle, nerve, gland and artery were in their proper places, he paused a moment before the prostrate body. It was a solemn and tragic moment. Signs of intense anxiety were visible upon his otherwise imperturbable visage, betraying the fact that he was in a crucial predicament.

What, if on awakening the patient, he found her a maniac irrevocably bereft of reason? What, if his re-incarnated subject should prove to be a hideous Frankenstein or a monstrosity devoid of finer senses? What, if she should prove to be a man with effeminate mind and manners?

Such and a thousand other similar fears and misgivings were flashing in that moment through his mind, but at last, confident of his ultimate success, and undaunted with apprehensions, he assumed a determined countenance [114]and commenced to undo the hypnotic spell, in order to restore his subject to life and energy.

With eyes dilated, eyebrows knit, and arms stretched—holding in one hand a magic wand—this future Mephisto uttered some mysterious words in sepulchral intonations, snapped his fingers three times, and presto!

The spell was broken!

The full magical effect of his audacious undertaking was evident, for scarcely had the last syllable of those mysterious and incomprehensible words left his shriveled lips, when a sudden tremor shook the frame of Margaret and, with a subdued groan, indicative more of a sensation of bliss than of pain, she opened her eyes.

A triumphant smile pervaded her countenance, as if awakening from an Utopian dream. Dr. Ben Raaba, meanwhile perceiving the crowning success of his work, and standing beside her, began to exclaim with rapturous joy, “Metempsychosis! Metempsychosis!”

The patient at once became conscious that her bodily transformation was complete, for it did not take her long to realize it as HE stood there, a beautiful specimen of manhood! [115]

This miraculous transformation brought to light another remarkable mental discovery. It was discovered by the Doctor that all the accomplishments, knowledge and mental attributes possessed by Margaret, prior to her re-incarnation, had been intensified a hundredfold in their entity into those of aggressive, daring and strenuous masculinity.

Margaret, assuming forthwith a masculine name, remained a few months under the care and tutelage of Ben Raaba, in order to acquire further important knowledge in hypnotism, diplomacy, etc., that would be of invaluable service in his future career, and it was not until September, almost one year after the advent of the patient, that he reluctantly bade good-bye to Hyder Ben Raaba, and was again lost in the vortex of humanity. [116]

Hardly had Margaret reached her home in Wyoming, when Aurora likewise was welcomed by her people in England. Her father, whose brilliant career upward from the ranks of the common people had astonished the diplomats of the world, meanwhile had been raised to the highest rank of peerage.

Being a born leader of such inexhaustible sagacity and acumen, his promotion from one important position to another was not only inevitable but necessary, and hardly a month had elapsed since Aurora’s return to London, before he was gazetted as Lord Cunningham, Viceroy to India.

The situation at that time in India was quite a delicate one, on account of the Thibetan boundary question with Russia. The latter had raised her periodical spasm of aggression, in [117]order to attain certain political ends at home, and the departure of Lord Cunningham was therefore hastened.

It was near the end of November when Lord Cunningham, his wife and beautiful daughter were regally received in Bombay. Distinguished looking in his six feet two inches of height, with a leonine countenance, The Lord at once captivated the Indian rajahs, princes, and also commanded the respect of the populace. His courteous manners, forceful and firm proclamations and actual philanthropic undertakings coupled with his propaganda of dispensing equal justice to all, aroused at once the enthusiasm, patriotism and loyalty of every class, and quieted the racial differences and political disquietude among the people.

The Russian government, seeing this solid phalanx of unity and change of sentiment of the Indian people, beat a hasty retreat under the subterfuge of quelling an alleged disturbance on the borders of Manchuria.

In order to give himself an opportunity for a general introduction, Lord Cunningham decided to hold a reception and dance. It was planned to follow the style of entertaining then [118]in vogue, a combination of literary and musical talent to be followed by a reception. Among the many who had consented to contribute to the evening’s entertainment, and occupying the place of honor, was the celebrated savant Abou Shimshek, the Astronomer of Ispahan, who had just returned from an adventurous expedition to the Himalayas to investigate Nature’s wonders.

Lord Cunningham being aware of the presence of the celebrated prodigies, the Dusky Quartette, who were on their itinerary to Bombay, had sought and engaged their services for the occasion. An American violin virtuoso, Spencer Hamilton, who had created a furore in Simla a week previously at a fashionable society recital and was acclaimed as an unequaled maestro of his instrument, had also promised to appear during the entertainment and render a few selections on the violin.

On the night of the Soirée a great multitude of natives as well as eminent European personages were present, in all the picturesque splendor of the habilaments of their respective countries. There were Maharajahs, dazzling with diamonds, accompanied by their retinue blazing [119]with silver and gold embroidered costumes, Ascetic Brahmins and sombre looking Fakirs from the seats of learning of Hyderabad, mysterious emissaries from the sacred city of Delhi, learned Sheiks with flowing patriarchal beards from Arabia and Egypt, Magicians from all over Persia, besides all fashionable folk from military posts throughout the East Indian Empire.

Dashing and handsome officers vied with each other in their endeavor to do homage to the beautiful Aurora, who was enthroned next to her mother. After a prelude on the dulciphone, Abou Shimshek, amidst the huzzah and clamor of the assemblage, with great dignity came forward, and with uplifted arms, invoking the spirits of Hafiz and Firdozy to endow him with eloquence, began the account of his thrilling adventure as follows: [120]

“Up, on the Kinchinginga’s lofty summit, where earth and heavens meet, where myriads of crystalline, icy temples in their immaculate and prismatic garbs here and there, and manywhere abound, temples, in whose solid glacial niches saints perpetually hold communion with Mahatma’s Son.

“I said, I was upon the Kinchinginga’s. Aye, for no other purpose than on a mission sublime, to climb nearer to heaven in search of the Creator’s secrets profound and reveal them to the human race. Day after day, thus, dauntless and resolute, I scaled craggy precipices. Through mammoth caverns of desolate solitude I wended my way up to reach the goal of my ambition, lured there by my faith.

“Night after night, thus, I gazed and [121]scanned heaven’s canopy, studded with twinkling jewels. But alas! it seemed, farther and more remote grew the space between me and the blue heaven, with no mortal kind to cheer my solitude, except the wails of hungry jackals and the wild groans of the Bengal tiger fierce, with myriads of phantom spirits, darting here and there, in weird, fantastic forms; I could not tell whether they were the creatures of some world unseen, or the ghosts of Gothama and his saints keeping vigil over the faithful. But at last, so dire and awful did grow my solitude that, overcome by fright and fatigue, I retreated into a glacial cave beneath a lofty peak.

“I laid my head on a chilled stalagmite, the frozen floor to my back, and my face and belly against what I thought to be the dome of my cavern. But, by the sacred wart that grew on Gehangire’s nose, what reality! What a wonderful sight! A new world, revolving through space—entirely different from ours as it had living souls and vegetation in a far more advanced stage of development than ours,—was revealed to my astonished eyes!

“The greatest efforts of men are brought to [122]naught with the elements controlled by Allah’s command, or are so small in scale and scope as to be beyond compare with His wondrous works. Through the greatest telescope that man’s ingenuity and skill can produce, astronomers cannot agree whether the canals of Mars are single or double.

“Pshaw! Away with those numberless imposters who have deluded mankind with their consummate lies! Some even claim to have traversed the inter-etherial space by flying machines, whose construction was revealed to them in a “sealed package” or found in boxes, buried in tombs and mummies of days gone by! The marvelous medium through which I saw this celestial panorama was nothing strange; the cavern into which I so unconsciously was led was an observatory by nature made!

“Its dome was a mammoth telescope, composed of lenses of great magnitude, various in size and shape. Lenses made of purest water, distilled by the thundering clouds and filtered through heaven’s ether. Lenses congealed by the zephyrs that gently blow from Mount Everest’s snow-capped brow; lenses, annealed [123]and polished through centuries by the fiery orb that governs our earth, from its moorings in wondrous space. Here, to my eye, was a telescope most complete. It brought that strange planet so near as to make me inhale its very atmosphere, touch its soil and waters with my outstretched arms. And which, with your kind tolerance, I will briefly relate.

“The first element on this marvelous world, which my attention did attract, was the wonderful hues of its firmament. There were no “inter-luminous rays” of “rosy radiance” nor “amber isles” floating over “golden seas” of sunsets, or similar trash, that our poets here below have sung for ages gone, over and over again. But instead, wonderfully colored panels of exquisite designs, the whole changing as if by a dissolving slide, at every atmospheric vibration, into still more beautiful patterns, a veritable Kaleidoscope!

“On consulting my astronomical calculations I found that this strange phenomenon was caused by the peculiar inclination, and ascension of this planet toward the sun! As I was scanning this sublime panorama, with rapturous admiration, my attention was diverted to [124]an expanse of water. Its constantly foaming and sparkling nature induced me to examine it more closely and, to my great surprise, upon analysis I found it to be similar to delicious cream soda, with cakes of ice floating on it, and the whole impregnated with phosphates—on account of the immense guano deposits left by extinct birds, along its shores!

“But my surprise was still increased when, turning my eyes toward land, I beheld numerous geysers and fountains, spouting up streams and sprays of waters of various hues. I tasted them one by one and, to my delight, I found some of them to be composed of seltzero-caffein, some of bromo-cocain, some others containing an infusion of Cerebrine. But one of the most peculiar fountains which I discovered was one that had a zig-zag motion and luminous color.

“On partaking of a sip of it, I suddenly experienced a strange sensation going through my body, exhilarating and rejuvenating my whole system, eradicating all the dandruff from my scalp, purifying my blood and dispelling at once that “tired feeling.” I gave to this fountain the name “Electrolinaris” on account [125]of the large percentage of “the electric fluid” it contained!

“The vegetation that grew on this marvelous planet, although analogous to our terrestrial trees and herbs—having roots, trunks and branches—was entirely of different order. These forms were a combination of vegetable and animal kingdoms, because of their construction and sensitiveness. I noticed, for example, trees whose leaves changed color several times a day, some others which emitted extraordinary sounds, while still others shrank and expanded instantaneously.

“But their fruits were still more curious. Of course to satisfy my natural curiosity, I picked and tasted many of them. They were nothing but our manufactured confections. Still how delicious they were! Here was a tree the folds of whose musical leaves shielded delicious chocolates, there another tree whose branches dropped ripe and luscious glace bon-bons of various flavors, while sugar-coated violets and jasmines abounded promiscuously on perfuming bushes.

“During my inspection I came across a palm-like plant full of innumerable shining [126]objects which, on closer scrutiny, to my amazement I found to be miniature incandescent radium lights of great brilliancy.

“As I proceeded with my investigations I saw another plant whose branches were studded with brilliant scintillating globules. I hastened to examine them and they were neither more nor less than veritable crystals of diamonds. Now it is well known that the diamond consists of pure carbon in crystalized form. This plant had simply the power of absorbing pure carbon by its roots, and passing through its wonderfully peculiar fibres exuded and condensed them on its branches like gum-drops, where they were hardened by the action of its equally strange atmosphere. I have on my person—as you will observe—a few specimens which I picked at random.

“And now in reference to animals. Perhaps you will expect me to describe to you strange megalotheruses of immense proportions, or gigantic mammalian quadrupeds, mammoth flying dragons, serpents and birds, but herein I must disappoint you. The truth is, although I searched diligently for such paleozoic monsters, I came in contact with none. Surprised [127]as I was myself, it explained itself on my discovering an amphitheatre-like enclosure wherein were stored, in great numbers, the lifeless skeletons of unimaginable beasts which had existed on this planet in centuries past. And as on our earth the large animals are gradually becoming extinct on account of the advance of civilization, with the exception of the Tammany Tiger, the American Eagle and the British Lion, I came to the conclusion that on this new sphere likewise, because of its far advanced stage of civilization, they were already extinct.

“I could not, however, suppress my laughter on seeing in this collection of monstrous wild beasts, two specimens of two-legged mammalians or human beings. I speedily came to the conclusion that they were either some of those blatant fools, who had ventured on journeys to remote planets in their flying machines, or some of our ultra-civilized English and American pioneers, gone on missions of “grab” and “benevolent assimilation!”

“Anon, I come to the most interesting stage of my adventure, that of seeing the most intelligent animals of this new planet, which it [128]seemed had full control over it, so that there remained no doubt in my mind of their being the human race of this strange world. Consequently, I watched them closely, and verily I found them to be far more advanced in civilization and bodily construction than we, mankind. They were so constructed that they had all the advantages which we are obliged to supply ourselves by artificial means and devices. As I describe them, you will, to a certain degree, form an idea of how they looked.

“They had only one eye on the top of their heads, a large globular organ, however, having like the dragon fly a multiform lens. This eye was shielded by an umbrella-shaped substance of a hard bony nature. Thus protected they could see all round about them at the same time, or whichever side they wanted, without inconveniencing themselves by craning their necks.

“I thought it would have been a great blessing if we mortals here possessed such optics. Think of the advantage while going about in a crowded thoroughfare of a great city, to see where you are stepping, to read the various newspaper bulletins, to watch the clock on the [129]spire, to recognize your friends in the surging throng and besides all these to be able to dodge adroitly the numerous trolley cars and automobiles at the same time!

“In place of the eyes, there were two large circles, covered by a delicate membrane of great sensitiveness, which instead of sight was used for speech, because they did not speak with their mouths and in audible sounds, but with these two curious circles they carried on a conversation in “silent eloquence,” instantaneously transmitting their thoughts to each other, a veritable telepathic medium, as it were!

“Their noses and mouths were likewise equally strange and entirely different from ours in construction, although to all appearances they had the same form and occupied similar places. For instance, they could extend their nostrils at pleasure, shut air-tight or open at will, so that at the mere suspicion of a bad odor they could instantly elongate their proboscis to some point at which pure air and perfume abounded.

“The mouth was so constructed that they could expand and contract it like a chameleon’s, [130]but about three or four yards, and in such inconceivable velocity that its rapidity of action was beyond calculation. Its usefulness was manifold, because they not only took nutrition by it, but it was also a very formidable weapon of attack and defense.

“They wore absolutely no clothing, consequently were annoyed by no tailor-made suits, no bloomers, no furbelows, but nature itself had provided with all that was desirable. Their skins were covered from the neck to the shoulder with white swansdown, and from the shoulders to the waist with a fine silky fur, resembling in color and texture the best quality of seal-skins, while from the waist sprouted all around the loveliest crop of hanging ostrich feathers. There was no difference in male and female attire. As women nowadays are speaking of equal rights, and are adopting masculine tendencies, I believe we are on the right line of advancement to reach the same destination.

“Their manner of locomotion was another surprise to me as I watched them darting deftly here and there. Upon examination of their lower extremities, I found it to be simply locomotion [131]by electricity. Under their feet were several wheels of natural formation and whichever direction they wanted to go, they set the locomotive current to any degree of celerity. Think of it! Each person having his own automatic rapid transit!

“As I became intensely interested in those strange beings, I felt curious to know and study their social manners and discover whether they experienced any emotions, sorrows or mirth. Consequently I changed my observations to these particulars. In searching through the gardens and flowery bowers that abounded in a certain locality, it was not necessary for me to wait very long. My eyes rested upon a comical spectacle, which left no doubt in my mind that it was a case of amorous depredation. It was simply, as I judged, an act of stealing kisses. Oh, the rascal! Here was a maiden sweet and fair, overcome perhaps by fatigue, lying on the velvety grass of cobalt blue, her head resting on a natural eiderdown-topped toadstool, and there, a precocious youth, perched on a branch of a tree above, his elastic mouth in close contact to that of the maiden, busily gathering, like the hummingbird, the [132]nectars of osculatory bliss, while his globular eye kept watch round about for any unceremonious or hostile intruder!

“In vain I tried to imitate. Ah! I still feel the thrill. In fact, I would not object to have a mouth so formed, even in this vain world of ours. I believe there are flowers here also, ever in bloom, like the fairy maiden above.

“In reference to the pleasures and enjoyments of these marvelous beings, I was somewhat nonplussed to find that there were no theatres or places of amusement. The fact was that in every respect they were very, very practical.

“When they wanted to laugh, they simply went to certain valleys in their locality where, on inhaling its atmosphere, they became almost hysterical in their ecstasy of joy, giggling, ha-haing and continuing in such hilarious laughter without stop until they were thoroughly satisfied.

“I became curious to know the nature of this atmospheric element which produced such merriment, and on careful analysis found the air to be strongly impregnated with pure nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” an inferior [133]quality of which was formerly used by our dentists.

“Likewise, when they felt a desire to cry, they went to another neighborhood, where certain bushes abounded, bearing on their drooping branches a profusion of “Job’s Tears,” the sight of which so affected the visitors that they were at once transformed into veritable Niobes—all tears. They wept, sighed and wailed until their longing had subsided.

“Their solution of the habitation problem was, I think, that which wise men on this earth have been trying to solve from the beginning of creation. This Utopian planet contained no dwellings built by mankind, consequently there were no taxes, no new land theories, no internal revenue or protection embargoes. The planet itself produced everything without the aid of its people and they enjoyed the fruit of the soil equally.

“Whenever these creatures desired to rest, they retired to certain localities, where millions of velvety couches grew like toadstools, on which they reclined, while the vegetation around, with its narcotic perfumes, lulled them quietly to sleep. [134]

“The duration of their day, which was a continual twilight of variegated designs, was according to my chronometer fifty hours long, and they divided it into two equal parts, twenty-five hours of which they slept in balmy dreamlands, while the other twenty-five they indulged in all kinds of recreations and no work at all! Ah! as the working hours of our laboring classes are decreasing day by day by the glorious medium of Unionism, I am happy to predict that we are on the right path of some day reaching that millennium of doing nothing, so that we shall at last have twelve hours of sleep, and twelve hours of recreation!

“When I saw all these wonderful things, I confess, I forgot my mission sublime, and determined then and there to transport myself to that celestial sphere. Consequently I approached one of them and appealed for admission to that land of rest and perpetual bliss. Scarcely had I spoken, when I felt the atmosphere about me become suffocating; there was thunder and lightning and a sepulchral voice was heard to say:

“‘No earthly domination here.’

“This dread injunction rendered me insensible [135]and when consciousness returned I found myself at the foot of the Kinchinginga’s, amidst the ruins of that wonderful telescope by nature made!” [136]

Thunderous applause of appreciation greeted Abou Shimshek, at the conclusion of his interesting recital, and bowing right and left his acknowledgements, with beaming countenance he retired to his seat

An intermezzo of mellifluent music in the interim was followed by the celebrated “Dusky Quartette.” This aggregation consisted of the following members: Madam Celeste D’oumbalooloo, a south African soprano of heavenly sweetness, and a beauty of “hippopotamic gracefulness;” Miss Guza Mulomba, the Kaffir prodigy, with a contralto voice of tremulous colorature; Signor Bombasto Reales, of Kabaloogan, a Filipino tenor of high pitch and clearness, and the basso, Signor Dido Abazuza, a Maori celebrity of thunderous profundity.

[137]

Indeed, under the felicitous protection of British and American sovereignty, these colonies had made such rapid advancement toward civilization, that they had produced an abundance of men and women of extraordinary talent and capacity in art and music, so as to eclipse their confreres of Hungarian and Polish origin, in days gone by.

The portfolio of their operatic creations was a revelation. Especially did an operetta, called “Phantasie Senegambienne” arouse the enthusiasm of the audience to such a high pitch of spirituelle tension that at the conclusion—regardless of the (color line)—there was a simultaneous rush of both sexes to where the singers stood. A scene of indescribable osculatory battle raged, the sound of the contact of those luscious thick lips of the Dusky Quartette echoing and reverberating to the utmost recesses of the spacious hall. It took quite a long time before this charming labial fusillade of musical appreciation subsided.

After another soothing interlude, giving the assemblage a chance to recover their composure, a clamorous applause brought forth the American violinist, to make his first debut in [138]Bombay. As he stepped forward, Spencer Hamilton instantly made a deep impression upon the audience. His masterful technique and wonderful skill of execution, when he rendered a new composition of his own, called “The Niagara,” aroused anew the enthusiasm of the throng and, under pressure of vociferous acclamation, he was obliged to render another selection.

With the appearance of this splendid young specimen of manhood upon the platform there was created in the bosom of Aurora a strange psychological condition. Although surrounded with many gallant officers and youths of noble lineage, she was perceptibly affected by the sight of this handsome young American musician. At a glance at the violinist there sprang in her heart afresh the memories of her college days in America.

A sudden sense of sadness swept over her, and her infatuation for her chum Margaret, and the recollection of their solemn vows, flashed vividly through her perplexed brain, evoking several deep sighs from the depths of her constant heart. Notwithstanding the cringing advances of many officers of position [139]and wealth, as well as scions of nobles, she had fallen desperately in love with the stranger at first sight. He seemed to her as an ideal, her affinity, but alas! she remembered her vow! Aurora was in a very disturbed frame of mind when Spencer Hamilton came forward for the encore.

Spencer Hamilton, the violin virtuoso had, in the meantime, another mission to perform in connection with his appearance as a musical artist. He was no other than Margaret MacDonald herself, metamorphosed by Hyder Ben Raaba into the virile, manly fellow who had assumed the name of Spencer Hamilton and, as a violinist, had come to lay siege to the heart of Aurora.

With his furtive glances now and then he was reading the soul of Aurora, now full of perplexing emotions. He could hardly control his own emotions and began to render as an encore a tune which he expected would create a tumult in the breast of Aurora Cunningham.

Putting forth all his energy so as to make it his best effort in execution, he played to one alone.

At first Aurora thought that the tune had [140]some vague resemblance to a musical production which she had heard before, but could not tell when and where. As it proceeded it gradually dawned upon her that, somehow there was a connection between the thought of Margaret and the music. She became more and more agitated and was quite certain now that this soul-stirring melody was the creation of her dear, beloved friend and confidant, Margaret MacDonald. Then she realized that the words were her own.

“Oh, the oath!” she gasped, her brain in a delirium of intoxication. Realizing fully that the melody was nothing else than the very composition of Margaret, and that she had written the words at the Diana Seminary on the very eventful night of the moonlight reception, she was unable to conceive how it had become a public property. Was Margaret after all a capricious traitor, a recalcitrant, who had forsaken her solemn vow and desecrated their covenant?

These and other thoughts drove Aurora to the verge of collapse, and as Spencer Hamilton concluded the piece with a finale of deep pathos that reached the pinnacle of tragic intensity, [141]there was commotion around where Aurora was enthroned, for she had lost consciousness.

Thinking that the intense interest and excitement of the occasion had caused her faintness, she was gently removed to her apartment and the program of the evening’s festivities was completed with a brilliant reception and dance. Hamilton himself, however, was so affected that he left the reception at once and returned to his hotel and there tried to regain strength for the ordeal that he was planning to carry out next day.

The following morning, at the proper time for calling in India, he left his hostelry and directed his steps toward the Viceregal palace on the pretense of making inquiry concerning the health of Aurora, but ostensibly to reveal the mysterious metempsychosis of himself and to reassert his undying love for her.

Having arrived at the gate he learned that Aurora had been restored to her normal state of health and spirits. He consequently sent in his card and a few minutes later was summoned to the drawing-room of the palace where, after a second’s waiting, Aurora Cunningham [142]appeared on the threshold, somewhat flushed and agitated.

Hamilton, on seeing Aurora, came forward and, extending his hand, inquired most anxiously for her health, and intimated that it would give him extreme pleasure to explain certain circumstances which would lead to the gratification of her own unspoken desires.

“I know,” he said, “that the encore at last night’s musicale affected you very powerfully. I could intuitively read from your perturbed countenance that you had become aware of the authorship of the same. Aurora, Aurora, I am Margaret MacDonald! I am your confidant at the Diana Seminary, whom you loved, and am now metamorphosed into a man by the miraculous powers of the vivisectionist and re-incarnator—Hyder Ben Raaba. I have come to claim you as my own. Aurora, I love you!”

Aurora, bewildered at this remarkable and dramatic declaration and revelation, too spellbound to speak even a word, uttered a piercing shriek and fell into the open arms of Spencer Hamilton. At the sound of this cry of distress, which echoed throughout the palace, footsteps were heard approaching from every [143]direction. Soldiers, foot-guards, servants, and the Viceroy Cunningham himself with his guests, rushed into the drawing-room and beheld this highly surprising tableau of romantic love.

Explanations of very delicate and discreet nature were promptly given to the Viceroy by the two lovers, and consent to their union was presently forthcoming.