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10
A Voyage to Other Worlds.

the hospital) asking him to come and see me.

In about a couple of hours after my note was sent, the garçon announced Dr. Posela. He entered, and, to my astonishment, I beheld again my deformed little friend of Mont St. Gabriel. He was now somewhat better dressed, but, though the day was warm, was wrapped up in a cloak. There was the same soft, strange expression on his face—a peaceful repose—and yet a je ne sais quoi of mystery and solemnity about him. He was surprised as well as I was.

"I am glad to meet you," he said, "and yet sorry to see you thus. You suffer, I fear. Oh! frail humanity. What man has to go through in his earth-life I I wish I could make you well at once, but what you say in the report of your case you have enclosed in your letter shows me it is just a case where I can do least. A broken limb! Only nature can cure that. But I can relieve your pain."

He then questioned me on my symptoms, and, on leaving me, gave me a potion which marvellously relieved my nervous depression.

****

Day by day news became more anxious in the political world. The war had broken out. The march à Berlin had commenced, and the