Page:Neuroomia.djvu/236

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NEUROOMIA: A NEW CONTINENT.

more or less addicted to, before commencing a journey.

We drove to a point on the metal lines, and got into an enormous conveyance. The lines were laid much the same as on our own railways. They were, however, much heavier, and farther apart, while there was only one carriage, which appeared large enough to contain half the population of a good-sized town. It began to move at the appointed time, and we soon found ourselves whirling towards the interior at a rate of speed that seemed to me to baffle calculation. The road was by no means even, nor was there any occasion for it to be so, for the conveyance went up steep inclines, and descended their opposite sides, without the least difficulty.

On arriving at the city, we were met by the Governor, Unaloplo, and two of Yeyema's brothers. The former extended us a ready welcome in a quiet, unostentatious manner. Notwithstanding the high position Yeyema held among the rulers of the continent, and his unquestioned popularity, yet at none of the centres we visited was there any demonstration on the part of the people. Still, there was a genuine ring about the simplicity of the receptions that contrasted strongly with the empty