Neuroomia/Chapter 2
CHAPTER II.
CAPTAIN PERIWINKLE REACHES A NEW CONTINENT.
I felt despondent and annoyed for some little time. However, I consoled myself with the idea that there was no use reflecting, so I took up my knife and "billy" (we had abandoned the guns, etc., some time previously), and having filled and lit my pipe, began to descend. I soon managed to reach the river, but the difficulty now was how to get across, for it was very wide and deep, and far too rapid to swim; so I wandered up and down the bank in the hope of finding trees on the opposite sides whose branches met above the water. In this, however, I was disappointed; the nearest branches I could see were from ten to fifteen feet apart. I now scarcely knew what to do, so I sat down to consider the situation and examine the trees more closely. It was not long, however, before I heard a chattering noise behind me, and on looking round was surprised to see a whole host of monkeys coming down towards the water, near where I sat. Like all the animals and birds we had hitherto seen in this new land, they did not take the least notice of me. They stood on the bank and chattered for some time, and I could plainly see that they were on the same errand as myself, and intended to cross the river by the branches. After looking intently at a large tree leaning over the water, one of the strongest monkeys nimbly climbed it, going out on one of the horizontal branches as far as he deemed safe, then, hitching his tail round it, let his body hang down. A second followed, hitched his tail round the body of the first, and hung down. Others followed, and repeated the hitching process till a living string was formed that reached nearly to the surface of the water; then, by some muscular movements known to themselves, they began to sway to and fro like the pendulum of a clock, going a little farther each time, till the monkey at the end managed to get hold of a branch on the opposite side. He then climbed along it for some distance, and the suspension bridge was complete. The mothers and young ones now began to cross over in an orderly manner. One very large monkey appeared to be chief, and thinking it probable that he would be the last to cross over, I went up to him and patted him on the head, but he did not take the slightest notice. Then, just as he was about to make a start, I caught hold of him by the tail, and followed.
Compared to the bridge of the Penguin, it was, of course, very unsteady. However, I managed to get across, narrowly escaping an accident, through a mischievous-looking monkey biting me on the foot. The first monkey to take hold now let go, and the line hung down as before, but from the tree on the opposite side. The one nearest the water climbed up the line to the branch; the others followed, and very soon the whole were across. I watched them till they were lost to view in the depths of the forest, then began the ascent of the range. This proved a very wearying task, for the range was steep, and I had to make many halts. Eventually, however, I succeeded in scaling one of the highest peaks. Here my feelings almost overcame me. There stretched far and wide in front an extensive, and, to all appearances, a populous country. There was no mistaking the fact now. Here was a new continent and a new civilization, the one all but unknown to the rest of humanity, the other independent in its origin. As far as the eye could reach, there stretched, in the direction of the Pole, a long, winding, open sea, with numberless coves and headlands, and dotted here and there with the most beautiful islands I had ever beheld. The cities, towns and villages stood on the many-elevated promontories and peninsulas, while on either side were large tracts of undulating country, covered with plantations, green pastures, and orchards, and bordered on the east and west by the dim lines of lofty mountain ranges, the highest peaks of which were capped with snow. I could trace the courses of dark, winding lines running from the mountains to the sea, and indicating the channels of rivers and streams. On one of the headlands, a little to the right, and partly on the island opposite, stood what appeared to be the largest city; at least, its edifices were greater, and towers higher, than those of the other cities within view.
To it I bent my steps, and in due time found myself in the settled country I had seen from above. The magnificent harbour was filled with ships, some stationary, others travelling at a high rate of speed; yet no signs of steam were visible. I threaded my way through lanes of very large trees, of a kind I had never seen before. They were equal in size to, and slightly resembled, our pines, but were covered with flowers, large and beautiful as our red roses. The houses (many of which appeared to be one mass of foliage and blossom), when I could get a glimpse of them, appeared to be much larger, and of a more permanent character, than those I had been accustomed to see even in Europe. There were many animals quietly grazing in open tracts and meadows. Some resembled the sheep, others the camel, and others the deer; but it was in vain I looked for any of those I had been accustomed to see in other parts of the world. I now came out on a wider avenue, and saw for the first time smoke issuing from several of the houses; for, notwithstanding the high civilization of this people, they still burned wood. Hitherto, I had seen none of the inhabitants, and this puzzled me; but I afterwards learned these were the hours set apart for rest.
My curiosity, however, was soon to be satisfied, for, on hearing a slight rumbling noise, I turned round, and saw a six-wheeled vehicle approaching, yet no horses or any other animals drawing it. A man sat in front, and at intervals turned a wheel by means of a small rod he held in his hand. What the motive power was I could not make out. It contained two men,—yes, men! mortals like myself,—and two women, and I felt glad it was so. They were of the same colour as myself, and I could see at a glance that they belonged to the same race. What impressed me most, however, was their fine appearance. I heard them talk, and was taken aback, for they spoke a language I knew not. But what mortified me most of all were the ladies, who took a few significant glances at my apparel, and then seemed immensely amused, whereupon I turned my back towards them till they had passed. Up to the present I had always thought that my “claw-hammer” coat (though perhaps a little the worse for wear) and “pocket-felt” had a decidedly respectable appearance; but I now, however, began to be doubtful about the matter, and went on my way feeling very dejected. The men in the conveyance, however, were not dressed like myself, but wore embroidered cloaks on their shoulders, while the ladies wore neat, dark, plain, closely fitting dresses, not unlike those worn by many of our women.
I now began to approach the outskirts of the city, and saw many things that were new to me, The road I followed brought me to the principal street near the end farthest removed from the bay. It was wide, and ran in a straight line up a gentle incline in the direction of the water. The buildings on either side were of the most beautiful, and appeared to me to be of the most costly, character. I kept on towards the harbour, and my spirits began to rise at the grandeur of the city before me. On one side of the street were lofty buildings, supported by pillars of polished stone resembling granite and agate; on the other, the buildings were equally impressive, but had not a business-like appearance, having neat flower gardens and shrubberies in front. (I afterwards found this to apply to all the streets in the city.) Indeed, as far as I could see, the one side consisted of an almost unbroken row of bright columns; the other of gardens, with flowers and creeping plants of every hue in bloom. These latter were attached to the back portions of buildings forming the business side of another street. I met many people, not hurrying and bustling on their way, but moving in an orderly and apparently leisurely manner.
Among them, indeed, were a few whose countenances were sad, but the vast majority seemed kind and cheerful, while that haggard and careworn look that clouded the brows of so many of the people in the cities of the other continents I had visited was wholly absent. I noticed that I was attracting attention. However, I kept on my course, looking about me to the right and to the left at all that was to be seen.
The street was laid down with planks of what appeared to be very tough wood, placed closely together, and there was not a particle of dust.
There were numerous vehicles of nearly every size and shape, travelling at various rates of speed, but, like the first I had seen, were not drawn by animals. I did not go far, however, when one of the vehicles going in the same direction as myself, drew up close to me. It contained three men, one of whom pointed to a vacant seat. I thought of our own “slippery” cabbies, and for a moment had my misgivings, but a glance at the occupants soon convinced me of their genuineness, and I stepped in without any hesitation; besides, I was anxious to conceal as much of the “claw-hammer” as possible from the ladies. The man sitting foremost pulled a small handle, and off we went. My companions were extremely agreeable, and at first we tried to exchange ideas, but soon gave up the attempt as fruitless—at least, as far as words were concerned. After travelling some distance the vehicle stopped in front of a massive building, though only two storeys high, that commanded a magnificent view of the sea. It was certainly one of the finest structures I had yet seen in the city. We alighted, and I followed my guides into a spacious apartment, where there was a young lady evidently in attendance. After exchanging a few words with her, they led into another room, where a sumptuous meal was laid on a very large table. This pleased me not a little, for I was hungry, not having tasted food for some time. We sat down, and though the victuals were new to me, I did ample justice to the repast. There were many vacant seats, and other guests arrived at intervals, till nearly the whole were occupied.
On the way out I met the young lady again, and, taking a sovereign from my pocket, placed it on the table. She took it up, examined it closely, looked smilingly towards me, and returned it. One of my new friends who saw this appeared interested, so I showed him some more coins, bank notes, and a blank P.N. It now began to dawn upon me that I had not the proper currency for this country. Nor was I wrong, for my friend showed me some of his coins. They were of different sizes, but all of the one metal, which was of a dark colour, very hard and heavy. On returning them to him, he put them, with a number of others, into a small bag, which he presented to me. I then wished, him to accept some of my sovereigns, but could only induce him to take one, and I could see that he did this only by way of courtesy. The young lady also declined to take one of my new coins; so I consigned the bag to my pocket, reflecting that they might be useful in purchasing a suit of clothes similar to those worn by my companions. We now went up a staircase to a large and magnificently furnished room. My friend who presented me with the bag, then showed me a very comfortable-looking bedroom close by, which he gave me to understand would be mine.
My ambition now was to acquire a knowledge of the language, and I felt sure my new friend would be willing to teach me; so I held up a few articles, which he named, then, pointing to himself, he uttered the word “Folbrizzio”, which I understood to be his name. I immediately patted my chest, and exclaimed, “Captain Periwinkle”. So we were now introduced, and on the best of terms. We repaired to the balcony, and I sat down to contemplate the beauty of the scene before me—the bay with its many islands—when some dark objects moving in the air above the distant horizon attracted my attention. They were evidently coming towards us. Nearer and nearer they came. What could they be? The only conclusion I could come to was that they must be huge birds. I thought of our emus and cassowaries, but they were insignificant compared to these, and reflected what enormous birds must inhabit this region. I pointed them out to my friends, but they appeared little interested, and did not attempt to offer any explanation, doubtless knowing that my curiosity would soon be satisfied. There were three in all, and the first, which was a considerable distance ahead, had more the appearance of a fish than a bird. Yes, a fish! And a sword-fish, too, for there was no mistaking the long spike that extended from his snout, and I fancied also that I could see the fins and tail moving rapidly. The second, however, must be a bird, for I could see the huge wings flapping in a majestic manner. As for the third, I could as yet make nothing of it, for it appeared to be divided into two parts. The first, however, made me feel very uncomfortable, for he was coming straight towards myself, his sword pointing to my chest. What was to be done? I looked about for a harpoon, but of course there was none, and indeed no other weapon that I could defend myself with. I felt savage, and would have liked to have killed him, for I did not wish to beat a retreat. Another moment, however, and I would be pinned against the wall; so I instantly left my seat and slipped inside the door, putting the stout wall between us. I now felt a great relief, and waited for the crash, speculating at the same time how far his sword would penetrate the building.
To my surprise, however, I heard him fall, and very lightly, too, on the balcony. I was out in an instant, and standing before me was neither shark nor sword-fish, but a hale, hearty man, in the act of taking off his head-gear. The huge bird soon lit beside him. After a flutter or two the enormous wings dropped, and, indeed, the bird itself appeared to be falling to pieces, when a man stepped out of the wreck. The third dark object was now sailing towards us. It was very much like a balloon, and I could see two persons seated in the car beneath. They did not, however, come to the balcony, but dropped in an open space in the garden below. The pair turned out to be a young man and a very handsome young lady, and I confess I felt somewhat interested in them, having been informed they were lovers. However, I soon lost sight of them, for they passed into the house. I now learnt from my friends that the new arrivals were from other cities of Neuroomia, which they gave me to understand was the name of their continent. They further explained that this was a very quick and easy method of travelling, and pointed out that the gear of the first was made sharp at the end so as to offer the least possible resistance to the atmosphere.
The new-comers were known to my friends, to whom they gave some letters and papers. Folbrizzio mentioned their names to me, and told them how I came to Neuroomia. They remained with us for some time, probably a period equal to a few of our days, and then departed in the manner they came. I watched them till they were out of sight, then turned into my room, reflecting that I had indeed dropped into a land of wonders.