Page:Neuroomia.djvu/115

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I ENJOY A PROLONGED HOLIDAY.
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ported by enormous pillars, ornamental work and beauty of design being everywhere conspicuous. The extensive lawns were covered with people, who either conversed in groups, or walked through the grounds, whilst vast numbers kept constantly passing in and out of the building. We passed through the multitude, and entered a large room, from which a view could be obtained of several others equally grand. I had never seen anything like them in the world before. The palaces of India faded into insignificance when compared to this. The effect produced upon me was such that I thought the whole more like a dream of some enchanted land than sober reality. We stopped near the centre, where a small group of men were conversing, and Yeyema presented me to Onneyubla, Yuengai or President of Neuroomia for the time being.

On behalf of the people he welcomed me to their territory, then made inquiries about the Penguin and the remainder of the crew. I told him where they were, and he suggested that they also should be brought to Atazatlan. There was nothing very striking in the appearance of this great personage, who was a small man, rather past middle age; yet when he spoke, his voice was con-