reluctantly have to refer to myself frequently in this and subsequent chapters (narrative is the word used in the original MS.), some dd sneaking, prejudiced and envious people of the Robinson type might be inclined to accuse me of egotism i.e., if this diary should ever be found. All I have to say in defence against their malice is, that I am endeavouring to follow the noble example set by the gifted and honourable people of this continent, by speaking of things just as I found them, and relating events and incidents exactly as they occurred.
We now saw a great city in the distance, which I learned from my friend was Tehana, our destination. It appeared to consist of domes and palaces, but what rivetted my attention most was what appeared to be a cloud of ever-changing rainbows above the centre of the city. I thought it the most beautiful phenomenon I had ever beheld, and felt intensely interested; indeed, for a time I saw nothing else. I looked towards Ilaclatella, but he offered no explanation; so I tried to solve the mystery myself, and examined it through my glass, but all I could see was the ever-varying lovely colours intermingled with water and spray. I had noticed this patch of red, purple and crimson long
