“Yes,” said Mr. Bruce, “one could easily imagine from the beauty of the city, the stateliness and courtesy of the people, and the delights of the feast, that we have dropped into something supernatural.”
The music changed to a livelier measure, and the maidens tripped more lightly to and fro as the feast progressed. Roast kid with wine sauce, composed the third course, and when this was removed, the finger bowls were again passed among the guests. Then, after more iced wine and honey, a delicate kind of fish was served, after which came fowl, followed by sliced fruits covered with shaved ice, and accompanied by a new and delicious wine. The feast ended, the King arose, and leading the way with Enola at his side, passed into the large court, where they witnessed a magnificent entertainment.
CHAPTER VII.
THE LAW OF THE LAND OF ON.
Four weeks of constant enjoyment passed. The greatest kindness had been shown the explorers by both king and subjects. The most sumptuous repasts were set before them; the most beautiful robes were presented to them, and the most glorious entertainments gotten up for their delight. Their attendants anticipated their least desires and the King himself personally supervised the festivities. Great hunts had been projected and carried out; excursions through the beautiful country had been made on the backs of white elephants; points of interest in the city had been visited; moonlight rambles through the beautiful groves had been taken, and there seemed no prospect of diminution of enjoyment.
They were living under the laws of three thousand years ago. Little had been learned of their history or religion, for they had not become sufficiently acquainted with the language to have these things imparted to them. With Mr. Bruce’s help, however, they had learned that these people were closely affiliated with the ancient Egyptians. Onrai had promised to give the party some of the laws that night.
During the four weeks which had passed so pleasantly, the adventurers had studied closely the people and their country. The rays of the sun were intensely hot during the day, but owing to the thickness of the onyx walls of the temple and the system by which air was forced over blocks of ice, the apartments were delightfully pleasant and cool. The streets during the day were deserted, but as evening came on the people would leave their homes and promenade the principal thoroughfares and squares, enjoying the cool and refreshing breezes which sprung up from the south as the day declined. The people themselves were the most remarkable feature of this strange country. The women stood fully six feet and six inches high and the men seven feet.
Another very noticeable thing was the total absence of aged people. In all their excursions they had not met a man or woman who looked to be past middle life. Had they discovered a fountain of youth, which, when bathed in, gave them a long lease on life with health and beauty? No cripples or infirm people were seen, all being robust and healthy. All resembled each other. It could be seen that their dispositions varied to some extent but not radically, since all seemed inspired by the same motives. They were easy in their movements and very graceful.
After four weeks of studying these people and their lives, our friends considered them the happiest mortals they had ever known, for they did not seem to have a care or trouble in the world.
That evening Onrai took the evening meal with them as usual and after this was over, and they had repaired to the large court, Enola said:
“Onrai, you promised to tell us of your laws to-night and we are waiting patiently to learn the government of such a happy people.”