CHAPTER VI.
IT WOULD OCCUPY MORE SPACE than I can afford, should I give the old gentleman’s story in his own words; therefore I will attempt an outline, which must be far inferior to his story, for I cannot write it in the same impressive style with which he delivered it.
Mr. Brown was a native of Liverpool, England, and was captain of a packet-ship that traded between that port and the East Indies. He had made several successful voyages, and was about making his last trip before retiring from the business, having amassed sufficient wealth to support himself and wife through life, leaving quite a balance for his little daughter. His wife, at her own request, was to go with him, and being a high-born lady, Mr. Brown had provided every article of luxury for the voyage, that it might be as pleasant as possible. After a prosperous voyage they arrived at their point of destination, and having discharged his cargo, took in another which consisted entirely of old wines and valuable silks, and with a fair breeze was soon on his return home, everything seeming to warrant that the conclusion of their voyage would be as happy as the commencement. But one day, after a storm that had lasted for two days without ceasing, and the sailors wearied with their arduous exertions had retired to their bunks, the waves were still rising and falling in long heavy swells, the remains. of the late storm, Captain Brown, being anxious, could not sleep, but walked the deck, keeping watch while his crew slept. Looking towards the horizon, he saw an immense water-spout coming with great rapidity towards the vessel. It was of great size, being nearly six times the bulk of the vessel, the largest he had ever seen. Perceiving the danger, he sprang to the helm, for the helmsman, overcome with fatigue, had fallen asleep at his post; but it was too late; the water-spout was just upon them. Determined to perish in company with his beloved wife and child, he rushed into the cabin, drawing the covering of the hatchway closely over him.
“We are lost!” cried he, as he clasped his wife and child to his bosom. He could distinctly hear the rushing, gurgling sound, as the mighty body of water drew nigh the ship. The water-spout was so large that it did not break upon and swamp the ship as he expected, but sucked it upwards with the force of its current, and he could distinctly feel the whirling of the ship, as it went around and around, following the winding course of the powerful stream. Suddenly the sickening motion ceased, and the vessel seemed to be falling through the air, then, with a crashing shock, it struck with such force that it threw him from the spot to which he had been clinging, to the other end of the cabin, his wife and child falling upon him. Then all was still. Stunned by the suddenness of his fall, he lay for a&moment motionless, then rising, his wife and child were at his feet, the one fainting or dead, the other struggling as though in death’s last agonies. Upon his wife’s brow were several drops of blood, but he was rejoiced when upon placing his hand to his forehead, he discovered that it came from a deep wound caused by his fall. Obtaining some cologne water that had been placed in a chest near by, he sprinkled it upon the face of his wife. To his joy she revived, and soon arising, turned her attention to his daughter, who was more frightened than hurt. The vessel, after striking, remained perfectly motionless. After some trouble, he succeeded in forcing the cabin door open, and went upon deck. To his great wonderment, no water was to be seen! The vessel had fallen bow foremost upon a high mountain. The bow, which contained the forecastle, in which the crew had been sleeping when the accident occurred, had been shattered into fragments, while the stern had fallen upon the top of a great mass of long reeds, which were woven together in such a manner that it completely broke the fall, thus saving the inmates of the cabin from otherwise unavoidable destruction. The fallen masts and rigging encumbered the deck, lying in the utmost confusion. Anxious concerning the fate of his crew, he hastened towards the forecastle, but so shivered was the forepart of the vessel, that no definite idea could be farmed of its whereabouts, and his worst fears were realized. The crew must have all been precipitated over the ledge of the rock, upon which that part of the vessel had fallen. Making these discoveries, he returned to the cabin, and after packing up their valuables, so that they might be able to obtain them again, they descended the mountain and arrived safe at the city, where he was taken by the gatekeeper to the king, who gave him his protection, and after having him instructed in the language, appointed him his prime minister. The cargo of the ship he disposed of to such great advantage that he became the wealthiest man in the kingdom. Having told the king his adventures, he for the first time discovered that he was in another world.
“But,” said he in conclusion, “I have kept you too long, and, if you are inclined, will show you some parts of the city by moonlight, or if you wish a longer walk, I will take you to the mountain where lie the, remains of my vessel, and also where are the graves of my unfortunate shipmates.”
We left the house, the old gentleman looking up to the earth, which was shining with mellowed light over our heads.
“I love,” said he, “to gaze upon the moon, for I think that perhaps some of my friends may be looking upon it at the same time.”
“It is not the moon,” said I; “that is our own dear earth.”
“Our earth!” cried he, all amazement, and he reverently took off his cap, and gazed upon it; “how know you that it is?”
“You forget,” I answered, “that you have not heard my story, which far exceeds yours in ;he marvellous. I will relate it as we proceed, but to assure you that it is the earth, look through this telescope. You perceive that there is no man in it.”
So saying, I gave him the small telescope that the old man of the rock had given me, and which was of great power. Taking it from me he applied it to his eye, and gazed long at our beautiful planet.
Removing the instrument from his eye, he attempted to place it in my hand, but trembling with emotion, he let it fall, and it was dashed to fragments upon the iron pavement. Intensely grieved, it was for some time before I could comfort him for the loss, but after telling him that we should feel no sorrow at its loss, as it only inflamed us with a desire to return to earth, which he knew was impracticable, he seemed to be comforted, and we pursued our walk, at the same time relating to him my adventures, which appeared greatly to interest him. The streets of the city were deserted. No night-watch was to be seen, for thieving and riots were crimes unknown in Kailoo. We roamed through the city until we arrived at the eastern gate. The gate was closed. Awakening the sleeping official, who, upon perceiving my companion, appeared much confused,
“No matter, my friend,” said the old gentleman; “I will not report you, only be more careful in future.”
The fellow mumbled some reply which my friend cut short, and we proceeded on our way towards the mountain. After a tedious walk up its steep sides, we arrived at the spot where the vessel had fallen. There, indeed, was the remains of the once noble ship; the timbers, fast decaying, had fallen asunder, and almost buried beneath the thick layer of green moss that covered them. After examining them, my friend—whom I shall henceforth call by his Kailooite name, Colorondo—took me by the hand and silently conducted me into a small enclosure, where were several groves, covered with long grass and blooming flowers. The headstones were made of iron. The inscriptions were deeply graven, both in English and Kailooite, by a Kailooite artist, under the immediate inspection of Colorondo. With doffed caps we silently stood over the sacred spot, and my friend’s lips moved in silent prayer, as a tear for the memory of his beloved companions stole over his manly cheek. Walking cautiously, as though fearful of disturbing the sleepers, we left the spot and hastened on our way towards the city. As we descended the steep acclivity the sun rose, and we had a fine view of the surrounding country. We arrived at the gates just as the keeper was unclosing them, and hurried on our way towards Colorondo’s dwelling. The streets were now thronged with citizens, who were hastening to and fro, pursuing their daily avocations. Arriving at the house, the family had not yet retired, I heard music, and entering the parlor, found Miss Fameta performing upon the Æolian instrument. Her father being weary with his long walk, said he would leave his daughter to amuse me, and hinting that it wanted four or five hours of bed-time, but that he had state business to perform the day after to-morrow, Kailoo time, he must to bed, and calling Mrs. Brown, who was feeding a real canary bird, the offspring of some that had been on the vessel, she obeyed her lord, as a good wife should, and I was left alone with the young lady. When at home, I had been considered by the few girls that I was acquainted with, as a very bashful fellow, and had frequently been called “green;”but at this trying moment, my courage did not desert me, and I made my first speech with the utmost boldness.
“Miss Brown,” said I, “or Miss Colorondo, if you prefer the latter—”
She interrupted me.
“What is your first name, Mr. Joi?”
For the first time in my life I was ashamed of my first name. Gulliver. How verdant it sounded; but summing up my courage, I boldly said:
“Gulliver!”
“Now, then,” said she. “Gulliver”—how pretty the name sounded when pronounced by her sweet voice—“Gulliver, I wish you to call me by my English name, Martha, when alone, or in the company of my parents; but when any of our neighbors are within hearing, it perhaps would be better to call me Miss Fameta Colorondo.”
How delighted I was at her frankness. I could almost have called her dear Martha; but fortunately I did not. “Are you fond of flowers?”said she, as she placed her pretty hand upon mine. Of course I was; who would not be when asked by such an angel. I followed her out of the parlor into the garden, and was soon walking through the various paths which were bordered with flowers of the most brilliant colors, but which did not make a modest rose bush in full bloom appear the less beautiful to me. I plucked a rose and presented it to her. Our conversation now turned upon the affairs of earth, and, at her request, I gave a full account of my adventures. We had been thus engaged but a few moments, it seemed to me, when the confounded sun dropped behind the hills—the earth being hid by a large cloud gave no light, and we found our way back to the house as well as we were able. Supper was ready, and we adjourned to the table. After supper, having promised Colorondo that I would accompany him to the king’s audience on the next (Kailooitish) day, I immediately bade the ladies good night, and retired to my chamber. I was awakened in the morning by the bright rays of the sun streaming into my window, and rising, hastened down to the parlor, where I found my friend awaiting my arrival. We instantly departed for-the palace. The streets were thronged with people, all rushing towards the same place; and perceiving that we would not arrive in time, my companion called a carriage, and we rattled off at a great rate. We arrived at the door of the audience-chamber full five congrets before the time for opening.
The two large doors were swung open, and we stood in presence of the king. The audience room was wide and very long; on either side of the room stood a file of carlets—the same kind of personages as Cracko, Colorondo’s servant, whom I have before described. They were clothed in beautiful crimson uniforms, each holding in his hand a long spear, with a broad, glittering head. The throne was situated at the farther end of the room. It was composed entirely of gold, and was the only particle of that precious metal found on the continent. It was elaborately carved, five generations of Kailooites having been employed in making it. The centre of the hall was filled with courtiers who were anxious to pay their homage to the king. When we entered the apartment, they made way, that we might approach. My Companion bended his knees before the king; then rising from his humble posture, conducted ne to the foot of the throne, saying:
“A stranger, your majesty.”
The king welcomed me, and placed me on a seat by his side; then turning to Colorondo, whispered in his ear, upon which Colorondo prepared himself for the business of the court. Petitions were presented, read, and commented upon. After answering these, Colorondo read a paper, which, he said, was of considerable importance, and demanded immediate attention. The writer of the paper set forth that the carlets, or servants of the good citizens of Kailoo, were in the habit of holding nightly meetings, where they concerted measures whereby they might be able to free themselves from their lawful masters; that the writer thereof had been present at one of these meetings, disguised as a carlet, and he sincerely thought that a bold attempt would soon be made by them to free themselves. He would respectfully suggest, that they might be disqualified for holding arms, as they might turn them upon their own masters, instead of protecting them. He would farther suggest, that a body of carlet-holding citizens might be organized from such citizens as would be will be willing to serve, to protect themselves and neighbors from the assaults of the carlets; and, for such services they should be paid a moderate salary out of the public treasury. He hopes that these few suggestions will meet with your majesty’s approbation. After discussing the merits of the paper with his prime minister, the king said that the suggestions certainly deserved attention, and that he would give immediate orders that they should be carried out to the very letter.