Neuroomia

Front matter

NEUROOMIA:

A NEW CONTINENT.

BY

Chapter I

CHAPTER I.

A VOYAGE TO THE SOUTHERN SEAS.

We left Hobart on the 30th November, 1889, in our loved ship, the Penguin, bound for the Southern Seas, with which, by the way, we were well acquainted, having been successfully whaling for several years in those parts; so that each of us had already accumulated a small fortune. On this occasion it was our intention to penetrate farther to the south than we had formerly done, and, if possible, to make fresh discoveries. We felt quite satisfied that land existed to the far south and in the vicinity of the Pole, for on previous voyages we had seen the tops of great volcanoes at various places along the horizon.

The wind for the most part was favourable, and we continued on our voyage for some weeks in a southerly direction.

The great fields of ice were evidently breaking up, for icebergs were floating about everywhere.

We had now to be very careful of our vessel, and proceed with the greatest caution. We sighted volcanoes in the distance, but, owing to the icebergs, were unable to make much headway, being sometimes almost stationary for weeks at a time. Nevertheless, we were in the highest spirits, and the scene was cheerful; the sun remained constantly above the horizon, and marine animals and seabirds were seen in every direction. Myriads of seals seemed tireless in their activity, and the cries of seabirds, great and small, in many instances not unmusical, broke the silence of those otherwise tranquil regions. Albatrosses, penguins, and sea-gulls of endless variety were in the greatest abundance, and animals and birds appeared so intensely happy that it was evident they had not always been accustomed to such congenial surroundings.

Nor was the whole without its effect upon us, for although the summer was already far advanced, we could get no farther to the south, and yet we had no desire to return north without accomplishing anything; so we waited on somewhat undecided, knowing that our best course was to leave early, as we neither wished nor intended to pass a winter in those parts.

Once, indeed, it appeared as if we could reach the land with our vessel; the ice broke up rapidly, channels were numerous, and we were making good progress, when all at once it became intensely cold, and winter set in with a suddenness that astounded us, who were accustomed to the changes of those latitudes.

Our ship, which was now within half a mile of the land, became enclosed on all sides and underneath with compact ice.

The sun made his appearance only at long intervals, and it was plain that the long polar night was approaching. The time he remained above the horizon became less, till before very long we did not see him at all. It was night now, but not dark, like the nights in other parts of the world; indeed, it seemed an everlasting twilight.

We made several trips on the ice to the land, the surface of which we found to be very much broken, mountains and hills being numerous. Some were active volcanoes, others frozen over, but others again were quite free from ice, and covered with a hardy kind of vegetation. We attributed this latter phenomenon to subterranean heat. On climbing several of the hills, we noticed that just above the horizon the sky was always of a red colour, which, however, kept constantly changing. Sometimes it would appear of a bright red, then portions of it would become obscured by dark patches these in turn to give way to a paler red or crimson. Of course we did not know, but we conjectured that beyond where we were standing there was probably more land and more sea.

The winter was long, dreary, and monotonous; still, the prospect of being able to explore the land and neighbouring seas during the next summer kept us in good cheer. We had plenty of provisions, and felt quite satisfied that we could weather the remainder of this desolate season; yet at times we could not help feeling uneasy, for the nearest volcano, which was only about three-quarters of a mile distant from our ship, became continually more and more active, the thundering louder and more frequent, and the flames ascended higher into the heavens. We did not feel at all safe, and began to seriously consider the idea of leaving the ship and forming a camp on the land, at a greater distance away from the cause of our trouble.

We felt confident the ice was becoming thinner, and had already dissolved beneath the vessel. So it was arranged to hold a council of the whole crew, in order to discuss the unpleasant situation. We had not, however, proceeded far with the matter, when we were interrupted by a loud crash, and the Penguin was swung completely round, as if she had been a mere bubble. We all lost our feet, but the first mate fared badly. He happened to be sitting carelessly on the bulwark, chewing tobacco, and ridiculing the idea of even temporarily leaving the vessel, when he was suddenly tossed high into the air, spun round a few times, turned upside down, and then disappeared, but not before he had invoked a few blessing's on the volcano in his usual rhetorical style. Meanwhile the Penguin rose and sank, heaved and travelled, varying the motion occasionally by spinning round. The thundering and crashing increased, and steam issued from the water in several places.

We now began to travel rapidly in one direction towards the south, and it soon became clear that we were in a current of hot water, which carried the Penguin along smoothly and quickly in a south-easterly direction. The current was only a few chains wide, yet we were quite helpless to do anything, and on we must go, the sky in front becoming redder as we advanced. Whither we were going I knew not. However, I noticed with regret that some of the crew were missing. The few that were left became, like myself, hardened and indifferent; still, the rate at which we were travelling had something to do with raising our spirits, and we cheered one another. How long and how far we were borne in this manner I cannot say, for the current was tortuous and the rate of speed unequal. After a time, however, the stream became weaker and the vessel began to move more slowly, with compact ice on either side.

We were now apparently approaching strange regions, for the scene in front was one not to be forgotten. The sky problem was solved. A great chain of active volcanoes stretched east and west as far as the eye could reach, belching bolts of fire, flames, and clouds of ashes high up into the air, while streams of molten lava poured down their sides. The mountains, sea, and sky had a peculiar lurid glare, and we could see a long distance. The noise at first was deafening, but we got accustomed to it. The flames from a thousand peaks ascended to an enormous height, swaying to and fro with the frequent gusts of wind, and at the same time raining showers of cinders, stones, and ashes into the water at the foot of the range. The current carried us across a cinder-covered channel of open water, which stretched along the base of the mountains into a long, narrow, winding inlet that appeared to run towards the interior. In some places the stream was rapid, and we were hurled and tossed on at a great rate of speed. The farther we travelled inland, we noticed that the volcanoes became fewer, and this gave us some degree of consolation; but, on the other hand, we began to wonder where this stream might lead to, when we saw a sight in front, which, hardened as we were, filled us with terror.

A small circular lake, surrounded by high hills, with a great whirlpool in the centre, was only a little distance ahead. Pieces of wood and other things carried down by the current were being swiftly hurled round and round the lake—all, however, making their way to the vortex, and disappearing for ever. What was to be done? A few minutes more, and we should be in the lake. In a moment I hitched a large iron hook to the end of a rope, and threw it ashore among the brambles and rocks. Fortunately it caught, and we were safe. Then, going on land, we made the rope fast; still the Penguin was in the current, whereas, if we could only manage to get her to the opposite side, she would be beyond its influence. This, however, we managed after some delay, by means of ropes and hooks; then, finding a broader channel of still water leading away from the current, we steered the vessel into it. The wind at times was favourable, and we got a considerable distance away from the volcanoes. The inlet now, however, began to turn in a northerly direction, so we commenced to search for a suitable place to leave the ship, with a view to explore the country on foot. Having found a broad, lagoon-like sheet of water nearly enclosed by the land, we made the Penguin secure, and began to make arrangements for a trip into the interior. It was agreed that one of the crew and myself should go inland to examine the territory, while the remaining three were to stay with the vessel and await our return.

From what we had already seen, we felt sure the climate would become more temperate as we advanced, and in this we were not disappointed.

My mate was Septimus Robinson, the most daring and hardy of all the crew. He was about thirty years of age, tall, muscular, well built, and what is known as a silent man; indeed, I felt that with him I should be able to overcome all difficulties.

The sun was always shining, water was plentiful, and having armed ourselves with guns and ammunition, and taking as much provisions as we could conveniently carry, we set out on our journey. Concerning provisions, however, we did not from the first feel the slightest apprehension, for birds of a kind I had never seen before were plentiful, and so tame that we could easily pick them off the trees with the hand. They had in all probability never seen a human being before.

The country was very rugged and broken, so we travelled along the passes, whenever we could find them; but frequently we had to clamber over the mountain ranges the best way we could. We crossed range after range, running nearly parallel to one another, and gradually going higher and higher, the chain presenting its steep acclivities to us. From this we knew that the slope on the opposite side would probably be more gradual, if we could only manage to get there. We could not measure time by day and night, for it was always day. So we walked till we became exhausted, then ate, slept, ate again, and went on. We found the appearance of the country changed as we proceeded: vegetation was becoming more dense and varied, the trees taller, and small animals more numerous. The undergrowth and vines now began to give us trouble, and on one occasion it took us a considerable time to reach the top of a lofty range.

On arriving there, we had the mortification to see immediately in front a still higher and steeper one, with a long, dark, longitudinal valley, through which a torrent roared intervening. Turning my head somewhat impatiently from the scene to the plump face of Septimus, I was surprised to notice the concerned look there; however, it was only for a moment, and I soon dispelled the idea, if indeed I ever entertained it, of Septimus Robinson being afraid. We decided to rest here for a time, and commenced to prepare our meal, Septimus in the meantime remarking, in a casual manner, that our supply of tea and sugar was getting low. The meal being over, we lit our pipes and had a smoke, then slept, as was our custom, on our backs in the shade of a tree, with the hat drawn over the eyes, and legs crossed. How long I slept I cannot say; probably longer than usual, for I was very tired. But judge my astonishment, on waking, to find Septimus missing. I looked carefully about, in the hope that he might be still in the neighbourhood, and even shouted out to him. However, it soon became evident that Septimus Adolphus Robinson had "sneaked" and had also "sneaked" the tea and sugar and whatever remained of the provisions we had taken from the ship.

Chapter II

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 com 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.

Chapter III

CHAPTER III.

ITS HIGH CIVILIZATION AND PEOPLE.