To a degree you now may comprehend the paradoxical situation, and I trust that what I have related, may serve to explain other incongruities which from time to time may attract your attention.
De L'Ester—George, with an excited air, is returning from the excavation. What so perturbs you, mon ami?
George—Hasten, friends, hasten. A professor is about to hold an autopsy over the remains of the ancient amphibian, and I fancy it will be an edifying occasion.
De L'Ester—We immediately will accompany you. You with Inez and our friends will lead the way. Gentola̤, allow me to aid you. Direct your gaze southward, and toward the right. Yes, quite a large assemblage which will afford you an opportunity of seeing some of the eminent personages of Ento, scientists, writers and others.
We need not approach nearer. Gentola̤, attend closely to what the very modest and intellectual appearing Professor may say. I shall translate it word for word.
Professor—I have been requested to express an opinion as to what order of life this fossilized structure may represent. Also as to the probable date of its existence. Speaking with exactitude, this creature was, like its diminutive descendants of the present, at home on the land, or in the waters of Ento's lakes and rivers of temperate and warmer climes. I need only allude to a fact that is well understood that all this order of life, of which in ancient times there was a greater variety than now exists, belongs to the Acrocustēno ingo-lavion (amphibious flesh-eaters). Of the probable date of the creature's existence I hesitate to speak. In these days many men and women of learning and research find themselves in a state of unrest and indecision. On one hand science demonstrates what appears to be facts. On the other hand these apparent facts are opposed by the declarations of our Holy writings. To state the matter briefly through ancient records we learn that nearly two hundred centuries have elapsed since the Creation of our beloved Ento. Our Holy writings declare the same, and also make mention of and describe huge forms of life similar to, if not exactly like this as having been of the first created creatures who long previous to the establishment of our Holy religion had become extinct.
How shall I proceed? Step by step scientific research has led us backward, and now we face the indisputable fact that in this fossilized structure, and the formations about it is positive evidence that the creation of Ento dates incalculably further back than two hundred centuries.
Friends, how shall we reconcile the positive statements of our Holy writings, with this equally positive statement in stone? May the gods be merciful, for, alas, I see no way out of the dilemma, and I refuse to further incur the wrath of Andûmana̤'s messengers.
Bruno—This person is in a fair way to get himself into trouble. As we read the thoughts of the assemblage we learn that were some of them as outspoken as this professor he would not find himself alone in his skepticism. As it is a craven fear of their gods and the priesthood seals their lips, and as the professor with a troubled face turns away, they regard him with an air of disapproval.