If I have spoken at too great length I pray you pardon me. Could you speak the planetary language, which, in your present but partly freed state, you do not remember, we would not be obliged to tax the patience of our comrades. As it is I find myself at a disadvantage and must beg De L'Ester's forbearance.
De L'Ester—Make no apologies, I am at your and Gentola̤'s service. As we shall await the return of the family, I suggest that you shall relate to us whatever you may know concerning this gigantic race.
Inidora—With pleasure. Long previous to, and during the life of our father, Genessano Allis Immo, this region was a portion of the Province of Ondû, of which, as these friends are aware, my father was rûha̤ (governor). Later it became, and at this time is, the southernmost region of the Province of Esvenēmo. While yet it was a portion of the Province of Ondû, our father resolved to visit it, and in such ways as might appear best, add to the well being of its inhabitants, of whom little was known. Calling together a number of learned persons, artisans and laborers, he prepared for the journey. With the eager curiosity of a boy I begged for and received from my ever indulgent parents permission to accompany the expedition, which, in an uneventful manner, soon arrived at our destination. We found the country well watered and fertile, and its inhabitants, the Kenēto Soûvanallo, a gentle, hospitable and industrious race, owning great herds of animals, and cultivating some land, but not to the extent or so well as they do now. They occupied rather rudely constructed wooden houses, which imperfectly protected them from inclement weather, and their clothing was as rude as their dwellings. As it was for the purpose of teaching Souvanallos better modes of living that our father had come to them, he had brought cloths and stores of various materials which he thought might become useful. Artisans and laborers soon throughout the country erected stone dwellings and constructed furniture suited to the simple needs of the people. The women were taught to design and make garments of a better fashion than they wore, and to prepare food according to more highly civilized ideas. More thorough communication was established between the singularly isolated race and the different provincial governments, and for the elevation of the people schools were more perfectly organized, in which religious instruction, an understanding of the laws, industrial arts and educational branches should be taught. Without exception the people were found eager and fairly apt in receiving instruction, and while witnessing the result of his expenditure of time and means our dear father felt himself highly gratified and more than repaid. When, after the lapse of more than half a year he turned his face homeward, he experienced profound satisfaction in the assurance that he had sowed good seed in a prolific soil.
Once, previous to our passing into our spirit world, Genessano and I, impelled by both interest and curiosity, visited this region. Great was our surprise and pleasure to learn of the rapid progress made by this race. Truly our father had sowed his seed in a prolific soil. Up to the time of his coming among them they rarely had come in contact with their highly civilized neighbors, only, indeed, when their necessities obliged them to barter their wool and pelts for such commodities as their simple tastes and wants required. After the lapse of but a few years we found them occupying comfortable, and in many instances, well appointed homes, their newly acquired liking for the luxuries of their neighbors having accelerated their progress in many directions. Previous to the visit of our father only rude vehicles drawn by animals were used for draught and other purposes; now we found well made roadways, modern carriages and well tilled fields, yielding grains, vegetables and fruits in abundance. Clothing of a finer texture had replaced the former coarse and badly fashioned garments, and the people were earnestly striving for education, and the niceties of polite conduct generally were observed.
Through various sources we have learned that still they are a wholly pastoral people. Nowhere throughout their country is there a city, town or village. There are depots where Air transports deliver and receive freight and travellers, but about these depots there are only the necessary officials and assistants. As an illustration of the average condition of this race this family has been selected. There are others of larger means and finer culture, others still of smaller means who are refined and well informed. Of all it may be said that they are good citizens, and the good citizen must be a man of many virtues.
De L'Ester—The family are returning, and in a very hilarious mood. Across the meadow a party of three men and two women also come this way. Giantess waves them a welcome and calls, "Sistû, ēmanos, sistû," and they quicken their steps. Gentola̤, have you ever seen an antelope? Yes? Well, Giant carries in his arms a very similar creature. Its large, beautiful eyes are full of alarm, and it bleats and struggles to escape, but Giant is not a sensitive person, and its bleatings and struggles do not appeal to him, for while Giantess and the visitors exchange greetings, he coolly cuts its throat and dexterously removes its skin.
The ladies have retired to the house, leaving the gentlemen to the society of Giant, who proceeds to dress the slain rimoh, meanwhile exchanging with them views upon the topics of the day, which indicates that though they live somewhat apart from the world they are interested and informed as to its movements. Poor rimoh is in readiness for the attention of the cook, and Giant, escorted by his friends, bears him to the waiting Hildian, who smilingly approves of the appearance of his remains, which she quickly dismembers and places in a large cooking vessel, adds a quantity of vegetables, seasoning and water, covers the vessel closely and suspends it over the fire. Now, with quite an air, she prepares a pudding. We will hope that the family and guests may possess good digestive power, for what with sweets, spices, fruits and other ingredients, it promises to be a rich and savory compound. Giant fills the brazier with glowing coals, on which Giantess deposits the capacious vessel containing the pudding, and having gotten this important feature of the feast off her mind, she busily arranges the table and supervises a beverage which Giant is brewing, the guests looking on with evident interest and approval. There are juices of fruits, honey and spices, over which he pours boiling water, closing the lid of the great jug to prevent the escape of the spice-laden steam. The combined odors of the stew, the pudding and the fragrant beverage are so alluring that Fenēta̤, who, on our entrance prudently retired to his lair, cautiously crawls out but keeps close to his mistress, regarding us with evident distrust and aversion.
Gentola̤, you were wondering if these people use bread. In this high heaped platter of small, nice-looking loaves is a reply to your query. Giantess is preparing a batter of meal and milk, which she pours into the stew, stirs it about and removes it from the fire. With a large fork she lifts the meat on to a huge platter and ladles the gravy over it. Into another platter she ladles the vegetables and bears to the table the steaming viands. The pudding being done to a turn is placed in the centre of the feast, flanked by bowls of honey and confections of fruits, and now Giantess politely and very cordially says: "Emēntos, rimoh ouman dû rana̤ dos lito, passen tento ēvossû." In your language, Gentola̤, the sense of the invitation would be: "Friends, rimoh and we wish you to partake of our hospitality." Giant sits at one end, Giantess at the other end of the table. The guest of honor is the white-haired, white-bearded giant at Giantess's left side, the remaining guests occupying the side of the table on her right. The children, who have quietly entered, sit on the opposite side. All being seated, Giant fills the drinking cups and Giantess serves the meal, which evidently meets with flattering appreciation. Fenēta̤ has not been neglected, and, as he carefully finishes the remains of a bountiful supply of stew, he regards us apprehensively, and retreats under the table.
Leaving these kindly disposed, gentle humans to the enjoyment of the good things, they regard as having been specially provided for them by Andûmana̤, the Creator of all things, we will bid them adieu.
Gentola̤, George and Inez will bear you to your Earth home and we will attend to a duty demanding our presence elsewhere. But our loving thoughts will keep us in touch with you until we shall meet again.